Cold hypersensitivity in the hands and feet is associated with erectile dysfunction in young Taiwanese men.

Cold hypersensitivity in the hands and feet (CHHF) is a protective or predisposing factor for many diseases; however, the relationship between CHHF and erectile dysfunction (ED) remains unclear. We aimed to investigate associations between CHHF and ED among young men of Southeast Asian origin. In this cross-sectional study, sexually active Taiwanese men aged 20-40 years were enrolled via an online questionnaire comprising general demographic information, comorbidities, subjective thermal sensations of their hands and feet in the past 6 months, and their erectile function using the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5). Participants who reported cold sensation of hands and feet were classified to have CHHF; those with IIEF-5 score ≤ 21 were considered to have ED. Total 54.2% and 27.9% of participants had ED and CHHF, respectively. Men with CHHF were significantly younger, had lower body mass index and IIEF-5 scores (p < 0.001), and a lower prevalence of diabetes mellitus (p = 0.033) along with higher prevalence of ED, psychiatric disorders, and insomnia (p < 0.001). After adjusting for predisposing factors of ED, CHHF (odds ratio 1.410, 95% confidence interval 1.159-1.714; p = 0.001) remained an independent predictor of ED. Thus, CHHF is independently associated with ED, affecting more than a quarter of young Taiwanese men. Autonomic dysregulation and subclinical endothelial dysfunction may be common pathophysiologies of CHHF and ED.

Long-term complications and outcomes of augmentation cystoplasty in children with neurogenic bladder.

Augmentation cystoplasty (AC) is an effective surgical procedure for patients with neurogenic bladder whenever conservative treatments have failed. The present study aimed to determine the risks of metabolic complications, malignancy, long-term outcomes and histopathologic changes of native bladder and the augmented intestine after AC in children with neurogenic bladder. Pediatric patients < 18 years who underwent AC between 2000 and 2020 were enrolled. Early postoperative complications, long-term outcomes and histopathologic changes in mucosal biopsies of native bladder and the augmented intestine after AC were reviewed. Twenty-two patients with a mean age of 7.6 ± 4.4 years were included. The ileum was used in 19 patients and the sigmoid colon in 3 patients. The length of hospital stay was 14.8 ± 6.8 days. Post-operatively, the urinary continence rate improved from 22.7 to 81.8% (p < 0.001). Hydronephrosis resolved in 17 of 19 patients. Vesicoureteral reflux resolved in 16 (64.0%) of the refluxing ureter units and was downgraded in 7 (28.0%). Grades of hydronephrosis and reflux significantly improved following AC (p < 0.001). The estimated glomerular filtration rate also significantly increased (p = 0.012). Formation of urinary tract stones was the most frequent late complication (in 8 patients, 36.4%). Life-threatening spontaneous bladder perforation occurred in 1 patient. After a mean follow-up of 13.4 ± 5.9 years, there were no cases of mortality, new-onset symptomatic metabolic acidosis, or changes in serum electrolytes. Of the 17 patients who were followed for > 10 years, no cases of malignancy or metaplastic changes were identified in the native bladder or augmented bowel epithelium. AC is a safe and effective procedure with low surgical and metabolic complication rates. In addition, AC provides a satisfactory continence rate and long-term protection of renal function, increases functional capacity, and regresses reflux and hydronephrosis. Individualized surveillance is recommended for the early identification of urolithiasis and metabolic disturbances.

Impact of type D personality and depressive symptoms on premature ejaculation in young adult males.

Background: Premature ejaculation (PE) is one of the most common male sexual dysfunctions with prominent psychological consequences. Type D personality (TDP) is also associated with multiple psychological disorders, such as depression and anxiety. However, the correlation between PE and TDP remains unknown. Aim: The study sought to investigate the relationships between depressive symptoms, TDP, and PE. Methods: Adult males in Taiwan who were 20 to 40 years of age and who had sexual intercourse in the past 6 months were recruited to complete online questionnaires composed of general demographics, the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT), 5-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), Type D Scale-14, and Depression and Somatic Symptom Scale (DSSS). Chi-square test and independent Student's t test were used to compare the parameters between the TDP and non-TDP groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to evaluate factors related to PE. Outcomes: Outcomes were the prevalence of PE and TDP in young Taiwanese men, the associations between depressive symptoms and PE and TDP, and the predictive factors of PE. Results: In total, 2558 men with a mean age of 31.3 ± 5.3 years were included in the present study. Among them, 315 (12.3%) and 767 (30.1%) participants were classified as having PE and moderate-to-severe erectile dysfunction (ED), respectively. In total, 1249 (48.8%) participants met the criteria for TDP. The PEDT, IIEF-5, and DSSS, including the total scores and depression and somatic subscales, were significantly higher in men with TDP (all P < .001). PE prevalence was significantly greater in men with TDP than in those without TDP (16.2% vs 8.6%; P < .001). Most parameters, including age, moderate-to-severe ED, the Type D Scale-14 subscales, and the DSSS somatic and depressive subscales, were significantly associated with PE in the univariate analysis. Only the depressive subscale of the DSSS and moderate-to-severe ED (IIEF-5 ≤16) were the independent predictors of PE in the multivariate analysis. Clinical Implications: The results suggest that it is important to consider the psychological effects of PE in young men, and the study has provided a biopsychosocial aspect to manage patients with PE. Strengths and Limitations: This is the first study to evaluate the association between PE, TDP, and depression in a large population of young adult males. However, the cross-sectional design may have limited the investigation of causality, and selection bias may be present. Conclusion: Men with TDP tended to have higher PEDT scores and a prevalence of PE and ED. Moderate-to-severe ED and depressive symptoms are the independent predictive factors of PE.

Influence of preoperative body mass index on prognosis for patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma treated with radical nephroureterectomy.

PURPOSE: The impact of body mass index (BMI) on patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) undergoing radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) is controversial. Increasing evidence suggests an age-dependent relationship between obesity and outcomes for some solid organ tumors. Herein, we aimed to assess the prognostic value of preoperative BMI in UTUC patients treated with RNU in Taiwan. METHODS: This was a retrospective single-center study of 468 UTUC patients undergoing RNU during January 2010-December 2017, with preoperative BMI classification and subgroup analysis based on ages of < or ≥ 70 years. All UTUC patients underwent RNU and bladder cuff excision. Overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival, and disease-free survival (DFS) were analyzed. Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney U test, Kaplan-Meier method, and Cox regression model were used for data analysis. RESULTS: The median follow-up duration was 36 months. Patients with higher versus lower BMI (cutoff: 25 kg/m2) showed no differences in OS; older patients had poor OS (hazard ratio [HR] 1.74; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.24-2.40; p < 0.001). Older age was an independent predictor of poor OS in multivariate Cox regression analysis (p = 0.001). Younger patients with higher BMI (p = 0.02) had better DFS than older patients with no BMI-related survival differences. Higher BMI was an independent predictor of favorable DFS in younger patients in multivariate Cox regression analysis (HR, 0.53; 95% CI 0.28-0.99; p = 0.043). CONCLUSION: Younger UTUC patients with higher BMI were independently associated with a favorable DFS.

Characterization of uropathogenic Escherichia coli phylogroups associated with antimicrobial resistance, virulence factor distribution, and virulence-related phenotypes.

In this study, we compared the characteristics of different uropathogenic Escherichia coli phylogroups. A total of 844 E. coli isolated from urine were enrolled and the antimicrobial susceptibility of E. coli to 22 antibiotics was determined by disk diffusion test. The distribution of phylogroups and 20 virulence factor genes was determined by PCR. Phenotypes associated with bacterial virulence, including motility, biofilm formation, and the production of curli and siderophore, were examined. Phylogroup B2 was dominant in our isolates (64.8%), followed by phylogroups D (8.6%), B1 (7.8%), F (6.0%), C (4.5%), A (3.1%), untypable (2.8%), E (1.8%), and clade I (0.5%). The prevalence of multidrug-resistant strains was highest in phylogroup C (86.8%), followed by E (80.0%), F (75.0%), and D (71.2%). Moreover, 23.5% of the phylogroup F E. coli were extensively drug-resistant. Phylogroup B2 E. coli had an average of the highest virulence factor genes (10.1 genes/isolate). Compared to phylogroup B2 E. coli, phylogroups F and clade I E. coli had higher motility while phylogroup C E. coli had lower motility. >60% of phylogroups A and C E. coli showed very low curli production. In contrast, 14%, 10%, and 7%, of E. coli in phylogroups F, B2, and E, produced a very high amount of curli, respectively. Surprisingly, phylogroup A E. coli showed the highest virulence to larvae, followed by phylogroups B2 and C. In summary, we first characterized and revealed that the antimicrobial resistance, virulence gene distribution, motility, and curli production, were associated with in E. coli phylogroups.

Stable Co(II)-based coordination polymer as fluorescence sensor for the discriminative sensing of biomarker methylmalonic acid.

Three novel Co-based coordination polymers including {[Co(L)(µ3-O)1/3]2}n (1), {[Co(L)(bimb)]}n (2) and {[Co(L)(bimmb)1/2]}n (3) (H2L = 2,6-di(4-carboxylphenyl)-4-(4-(triazol-1-ylphenyl))pyridine), bimb = 1,4-bis(lmidazol) butane, bimmb = 1,4-bis(imidazole-1-ylmethyl)benzene) were successfully prepared under solvothermal conditions and characterized. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses revealed that 1 possesses a 3D architecture composed of a trinuclear cluster [Co3N3(CO2)6(µ3-O)], 2 exhibits a 2D new topological framework with the point symbol (84·122)(8)2, whereas 3 shows a unique six-fold interpenetrated 3D framework with a (63·82·10)2(63)2(8) topology. Impressively, all of them can function as a highly selective and sensitive fluorescent sensor for the biomarker methylmalonic acid (MMA) via fluorescence quenching. The low detection limit, reusability and high anti-interference performance together make 1-3 become promising sensors for the practical detection of MMA. Furthermore, the successful application of MMA detection in urine sample was demonstrated, which may be a potential candidate for the further development of clinical diagnostic tools.

Lower urinary tract symptoms as an independent predictor of aortic regurgitation in women with cardiac symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Very few studies have focused on the correlation between structural heart disease and lower urinary tract symptoms. In this study, we applied echocardiography to explore the correlation between lower urinary tract symptoms and structural heart disease. METHODS: In this single-center, prospective, cross-sectional study, we enrolled adult women undergoing echocardiography for suspected cardiac abnormalities causing cardiac symptoms between February 1, 2021, and March 31, 2021. All participants completed a questionnaire regarding demographic information and lower urinary tract symptoms, which were assessed according to the International Prostate Symptom Score. RESULTS: A total of 165 women aged 69.96 ± 10.20 years were enrolled. The prevalence of moderate-to-severe aortic regurgitation in patients with moderate-to-severe lower urinary tract symptoms was significantly higher than that in patients with mild lower urinary tract symptoms (33.3% vs 13.6%, p = 0.008). The prevalence of other echocardiographic abnormalities was not associated with severity of lower urinary tract symptoms. Multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed that moderate-to-severe lower urinary tract symptoms predicted moderate-to-severe aortic regurgitation ( p = 0.007; odds ratio: 3.560; 95% confidence interval: 1.409-8.993). Furthermore, the International Prostate Symptom Score storage subscore ( p = 0.001; odds ratio: 1.285; 95% confidence interval: 1.111-1.486), except the voiding subscore, was an independent predictor of moderate-to-severe aortic regurgitation. CONCLUSION: Moderate-to-severe lower urinary tract symptoms, especially storage symptoms, are an independent predictor of the co-existence of moderate-to-severe aortic regurgitation in women with cardiac symptoms. Early cardiological referral of patients with moderate-to-severe lower urinary tract symptoms and cardiac symptoms may improve their general health.

Efficacy of Intravesical Botulinum Toxin A Injection in the Treatment of Refractory Overactive Bladder in Children.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of intravesical botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) injections for the treatment of pediatric overactive bladder (OAB) by exploring the differential treatment outcomes in children with different OAB etiologies and those who received additional intrasphincteric BoNT-A injections. We performed a retrospective review of all pediatric patients who received intravesical BoNT-A injections between January 2002 and December 2021. All patients underwent a urodynamic study at baseline and three months after BoNT-A administration. A Global Response Assessment (GRA) score of ≥2 at three months after BoNT-A injection was defined as successful treatment. Fifteen pediatric patients (median age, 11 years), including six boys and nine girls, were enrolled in the study. A statistically significant decrease in detrusor pressure from baseline to three months postoperatively was observed. Thirteen (86.7%) patients reported successful results (GRA ≥ 2). The cause of OAB and additional intrasphincteric BoNT-A injections did not affect the improvement in urodynamic parameters and treatment success. The study demonstrated that intravesical BoNT-A injection is effective and safe for the treatment of neurogenic and non-neurogenic OAB in children refractory to conventional therapies. Additionally, intrasphincteric BoNT-A injections do not provide additional benefits in the treatment of pediatric OAB.

Prostate Health Index Density Outperforms Prostate-specific Antigen Density in the Diagnosis of Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer in Equivocal Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Prostate: A Multicenter Evaluation.

PURPOSE: We compare Prostate Health Index, Prostate Health Index density, and PSA density in predicting clinically significant prostate cancer in MRI-guided prostate biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a multicenter evaluation of prospectively maintained prostate biopsy databases at 10 urology centers. Men with Prostate Health Index and MRI-guided targeted and systematic prostate biopsy performed and without prior prostate cancer diagnosis were included. The additional value of PSA density, Prostate Health Index, and Prostate Health Index density to MRI PI-RADS (Prostate Imaging Reporting & Data System) score was evaluated with multivariable analyses, area under the curve, and decision curve analyses. The proportion of unnecessary biopsies that can be avoided are estimated for clinically significant prostate cancer (International Society of Urological Pathology group ≥2 prostate cancer). RESULTS: A total of 1,215 men were analyzed. Prostate cancer and clinically significant prostate cancer were diagnosed in 51% (617/1,215) and 35% (422/1,215) of men, respectively. Clinically significant prostate cancer was diagnosed in 4.4% (3/68), 15% (72/470), 39% (176/446), and 74% (171/231) of highest PI-RADS score of 2, 3, 4, and 5 lesions, respectively. In multivariable analyses, independent predictors for clinically significant prostate cancer detection included Prostate Health Index (OR 1.04), prostate volume (OR 0.97), and PI-RADS score 4 (OR 2.81) and 5 (OR 8.34). Area under the curve for clinically significant prostate cancer of PI-RADS + Prostate Health Index density (0.85) was superior to PI-RADS + PSA density (0.81), Prostate Health Index density (0.81), Prostate Health Index (0.78), PI-RADS (0.76), PSA density (0.72), and PSA (0.60) in the whole cohort, and the superiority of Prostate Health Index density was also observed in PI-RADS 3 lesions. Decision curve analysis showed Prostate Health Index density achieving the best net clinical benefit in PI-RADS 3 or 4 cases. Among PI-RADS 3 lesions, using cutoffs of PSA density 0.15, Prostate Health Index 38.0, and Prostate Health Index density 0.83 could reduce 58%, 67%, and 72% of unnecessary biopsies, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Prostate Health Index density outperformed Prostate Health Index or PSA density in clinically significant prostate cancer detection in men with multiparametric MRI performed, and further reduced unnecessary biopsies in PI-RADS 3 lesions.

Factors influencing satisfaction with male circumcision in Taiwan.

We aimed to investigate patient satisfaction with male circumcision in Taiwan. An online, questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study involving 376 circumcised men 20 to 40 years of age in Taiwan was conducted. Circumcision-related satisfaction was defined as a visual analogue scale score ≥ 6 (range, 1-10). Pearson's chi-square test was performed to compare differences between satisfied and unsatisfied participants. Factors predictive of participant satisfaction were analysed using multivariate logistic regression. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Among 376 circumcised men, 249 (66.2%) reported satisfaction with circumcision. Satisfied participants had higher levels of education, underwent circumcision for phimosis or balanitis, underwent circumcision during adulthood, reported a larger penile size, and had fewer long-term complaints. Furthermore, 89.4% had various long-term complaints, including skin colour mismatch, changes in masturbation methods, hypertrophic scarring, excessive shortening of the prepuce, and redundant prepuce. Multivariate analysis revealed that adult circumcision and the absence of long-term conditions were predictive of satisfaction. Two-thirds of participants were satisfied with their circumcision outcome, especially those who underwent circumcision for phimosis or balanitis during adulthood. Proper preoperative patient selection and postoperative symptom prevention would improve patient satisfaction.

Current Surgical Treatment for Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction in Patients with Chronic Spinal Cord Injury.

This study aimed to present a comprehensive literature review of the efforts of a spinal cord injury workgroup in Taiwan regarding urologic surgery for neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) in patients with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). Surgical procedures should be viewed as a final option for managing patients with SCI who have persistent symptoms and complications that cannot be resolved by other means. Surgeries can be grouped according to their purpose: reducing bladder pressures, reducing urethra resistance, increasing urethra resistance, and urinary diversion. The choice of surgery depends on the type of LUTD based on urodynamic tests. Additionally, cognitive function, hand motility, comorbidities, efficacy of surgery, and related complications should be considered.

Is Robotic Superior to Laparoscopic Approach for Radical Nephroureterectomy with Bladder Cuff Excision in Treating Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma?

Background: Laparoscopic nephroureterectomy (LNU) has become popular in treating upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) and an emerging trend was observed in robotic approaches. Therefore, we compared robot-assisted radical nephroureterectomy (RANU) and LNU for the treatment of UTUC. Materials and Methods: This observational and retrospective case-series study included UTUC patients who underwent LNU or RANU. A pure laparoscopic approach was adopted in the LNU treatment group, and bladder cuff excision (BCE) was performed mostly with the open approach. Either the da Vinci Si or Xi surgical system was used for RANU. Extravesical BCE was performed, and bladder defects were closed intracorporeally. Perioperative and oncologic outcomes were compared between the LNU and RANU groups. Results: A total of 231 patients who underwent RANU (n = 87) or LNU (n = 144) were included. No significant differences were noted between the groups in terms of demographics, tumor characteristics, operative time, catheter time, or complications. Compared with LNU, RANU had a lower intraoperative blood loss (30 vs. 150 mL, p < 0.001) and shorter postoperative hospital stay (8 vs. 9 days, p = 0.009). The 5-year overall survival, cancer-specific survival, and bladder recurrence-free survival were comparable between the groups. Conclusion: Compared with LNU, RANU had similar perioperative and oncologic outcomes but was superior in terms of intraoperative blood loss and postoperative length of hospital stay. However, considering the potential biases owing to the heterogeneity of our cases, the interpretation of the results must be very cautious.

Exosomal miR-23b from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells alleviates oxidative stress and pyroptosis after intracerebral hemorrhage.

Our previous studies showed that miR-23b was downregulated in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). This indicates that miR-23b may be closely related to the patho-physiological mechanism of ICH, but this hypothesis lacks direct evidence. In this study, we established rat models of ICH by injecting collagenase VII into the right basal ganglia and treating them with an injection of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC)-derived exosomal miR-23b via the tail vein. We found that edema in the rat brain was markedly reduced and rat behaviors were improved after BMSC exosomal miR-23b injection compared with those in the ICH groups. Additionally, exosomal miR-23b was transported to the microglia/macrophages, thereby reducing oxidative stress and pyroptosis after ICH. We also used hemin to mimic ICH conditions in vitro. We found that phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) was the downstream target gene of miR-23b, and exosomal miR-23b exhibited antioxidant effects by regulating the PTEN/Nrf2 pathway. Moreover, miR-23b reduced PTEN binding to NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) and NLRP3 inflammasome activation, thereby decreasing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis level. These findings suggest that BMSC-derived exosomal miR-23b exhibits antioxidant effects through inhibiting PTEN and alleviating NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis, thereby promoting neurologic function recovery in rats with ICH.

Combining prostate health index and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging may better predict extraprostatic extension after radical prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: In patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer (PCa), preoperative prediction of extraprostatic extension (EPE) can facilitate patient selection for nerve-sparing procedures. Since both multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) and prostate health index (PHI) have shown promise for the diagnosis and prognostication of PCa, we investigated whether a combination of mpMRI and PHI evaluations can improve the prediction of EPE after RP. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with PCa and treated with RP were prospectively enrolled between February 2017 and July 2019. Preoperative blood samples were analyzed for PHI (defined as [p2PSA/fPSA] × âˆštPSA), and mpMRI examinations were performed and interpreted by a single experienced uroradiologist retrospectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to determine the performance of mpMRI, PHI, and their combination in predicting EPE after RP. RESULTS: A total of 163 patients were included for analysis. The pathological T stage was T3a or more in 59.5%. Overall staging accuracy of mpMRI for EPE was 72.4% (sensitivity and specificity: 73.2% and 71.2%, respectively). The area under the ROC of the combination of mpMRI and PHI in predicting EPE (0.785) was higher than those of mpMRI alone (0.717; p = 0.0007) and PHI alone (0.722; p = 0.0236). mpMRI showed false-negative non-EPE results in 26 patients (16%), and a PHI threshold of >40 could avoid undiagnosed EPE before RP in 21 of these 26 patients. CONCLUSION: The combination of PHI and mpMRI may better predict the EPE preoperatively, facilitating preoperative counseling and tailoring the need for nerve-sparing RP.

Nocturia independently predicts left ventricular hypertrophy and left atrial enlargement among patients with cardiac symptoms.

Nocturia can be caused by urological disorders and systemic diseases, including heart diseases. We aimed to investigate the relationship between nocturia and structural abnormalities on echocardiography. Adult patients who underwent echocardiography for cardiac symptoms or heart murmur or had a history of structural heart disease were included. The voiding times during sleep hours were collected prospectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the predictive value of bothersome nocturia (nocturia ≥ 2) on echocardiographic abnormalities. Of 299 patients, 182 (60.9%) reported bothersome nocturia. In patients aged ≥ 65 years, hypertension and left atrial enlargement (LAE) were associated with higher occurrences of bothersome nocturia. On multivariate analysis, bothersome nocturia was a predictive factor of LAE (odds ratio [OR] 2.453, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.363-4.416, p = 0.003). Moreover, bothersome nocturia could predict both LAE and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) (OR 2.285, 95% CI 1.151-4.536, p = 0.018; OR 2.056, 95% CI 1.025-4.124, p = 0.043) in the elderly. Older age, hypertension, and LAE were risk factors for bothersome nocturia. Moreover, bothersome nocturia was predictive of LAE and LVH in the elderly. Patients with bothersome nocturia without other significant lower urinary tract symptoms should be referred to cardiologists.

The comparison of different BCG strains in the intravesical treatment of non-muscle invasive urothelial carcinoma of urinary bladder-A real-world practice.

BACKGROUND: Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) has been well recognized as the first-line intravesical therapy for high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Oncotice, the Tice strain of BCG, serves as a viable alternative to the Connaught strain owing to the worldwide shortage of the latter. We retrospectively compared these two strains in terms of efficacy and adverse effects (AE) in patients who underwent at least one maintenance course after induction. METHODS: In this single-institution, retrospective study, patients diagnosed with NMIBC who were administered either Connaught or Tice intravesical therapy were enrolled. Recurrence was defined as the reappearance of urothelial carcinoma. Progression was defined as stage/grade advance, metastasis, or cancer-related death. The primary outcomes were recurrence-free survival (RFS) and progression-free survival (PFS), and the secondary outcome was AE. RESULTS: A total of 76 and 84 patients receiving Tice and Connaught, respectively were enrolled. The median follow-up periods for the Tice and Connaught groups were 32.0 months (range, 7-69 months) and 81.5 months (range, 9-154 months), respectively. Kaplan-Meier method showed no intergroup difference with regard to 3-year RFS and PFS. On Cox multivariate regression analysis, Tice was a significant predictor for inferior PFS (HR = 5.30; 95% CI, 1.11-25.29; p = 0.036). The AE incidence was 38.3% in the Connaught group and 25.0% in the Tice group (p = 0.079). CONCLUSION: Tice and Connaught were comparable in terms of RFS, PFS, and AE for patients with NMIBC accepting BCG induction and at least one maintenance course in our real-world practice. However, Tice was a predictor of inferior PFS on multivariate analysis.

Free interactive counselling program in a mobile communication application for improving health education on indwelling ureteric stents after ureterorenoscopic lithotripsy: An observational study.

Objective: This study examines the potential benefit of an interactive counselling program via a mobile application (app), which can instantly provide patients with the necessary information and correct response regarding their condition. Methods: We designed a free 'Ureteric Stent Interactive Program' for patients receiving ureterorenoscopic lithotripsy and provided the program to interested patients. Patient data were collected from medical records and depending on whether patients used our program, they were divided into two groups: 'program-user' and 'non-user'. The differences between the groups were analysed using Fisher's exact tests. Results: Of the 70 patients, 50 elected to use the program. The program-user group was significantly younger (<60 years: 74% vs 15%, P<0.001) and had higher education levels (40% vs 5%, P = 0.004). All 50 patients in the program-user group reported being satisfied (32%) or very satisfied (68%) with the program. Patients over 60 years were significantly more satisfied with program (35.5% vs 6.3%, P = 0.04). Conclusions: Younger patients with high education levels were more likely to use the app and improve their health knowledge. Using the program resulted in high satisfaction, especially among older patients. This study demonstrates the benefits of interactive application for educating patients regarding their health.

Type D Personality Independently Predicts Erectile Dysfunction in Taiwanese Young Men.

BACKGROUND: Studies have demonstrated that erectile dysfunction has a well-established bidirectional relationship with depression and have indicated an independent association of type D personality (TDP) with depression. Nevertheless, the relationship of erectile dysfunction with TDP has not been sufficiently examined. AIM: To examine the associations among depression symptoms, TDP, and erectile dysfunction. METHODS: The cross-sectional study recruited 1740 sexually active Taiwanese men (age: 20-40 years) with erectile dysfunction. Participants completed an online questionnaire collecting general demographic information and containing the International Index of Erectile Function-5, Type D Scale-14, and Depression and Somatic Symptom Scale. Pearson's chi squared or Student's t'test was conducted for comparisons between participants with vs without TDP. We conducted multivariate and univariate logistic regression analysis to investigate the predictors of moderate/severe erectile dysfunction. OUTCOMES: The prevalence of TDP and moderate/severe erectile dysfunction, the associations between TDP and the severities of depression symptoms and erectile dysfunction, and independent risk factors for moderate/severe erectile dysfunction. RESULTS: A total of 360 (15.9%) and 941 (54.08%) men had moderate/severe erectile dysfunction and TDP, respectively. Men with TDP reported significantly higher total and subscale scores in the International Index of Erectile Function-5 and the Depression and Somatic Symptom Scale; this group also exhibited higher prevalence of moderate or severe erectile dysfunction. According to the univariate analysis, all variables significantly predicted moderate or severe erectile dysfunction except for age and body mass index. A multivariate analysis revealed TDP status and depression symptoms to be independent predictors of moderate or severe erectile dysfunction. With regard to subscales of the Type D Scale-14, we discovered that social inhibition had a greater influence on moderate or severe erectile dysfunction than had negative affectivity. A mediation analysis indicated that the relationship between TDP and erectile dysfunction was mediated by depressive symptoms. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Research has suggested that compared with the general population, individuals with TDP are less willing to seek medical consultation, have lower medication adherence, and have heightened risk of depression; urologists should strive to identify patients with TDP. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: This study is the first to investigate the association of TDP with erectile dysfunction in a large population of young men by using validated instruments. Conclusions on causality cannot be drawn due to the study's cross-sectional nature. CONCLUSION: This research revealed relationships among TDP, depression symptoms, and erectile dysfunction in Taiwanese young men. Fan Y-H, Liou Y-J, Cheng W-M. Type D Personality Independently Predicts Erectile Dysfunction in Taiwanese Young Men. J Sex Med 2022;19:1397-1403.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improve Cognitive Impairment and Reduce Aß Deposition via Promoting AQP4 Polarity and Relieving Neuroinflammation in Rats With Chronic Hypertension-Induced Cerebral Small-Vessel Disease.

Cerebral small-vessel disease (CSVD) is the main cause of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI), and the accumulation of amyloid ß-protein (Aß) may be significantly involved in CSVD-induced VCI. The imbalance between Aß production and clearance is believed to be an important pathological mechanism of Aß deposition in Alzheimer disease. In this study, we aimed to disclose the roles of aquaporin 4 (AQP4) and neuroinflammation in CSVD, which were the key factors for Aß clearance and production, respectively, and the effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on Aß deposition and these two factors. The stroke-prone renovascular hypertensive (RHRSP) rats were grouped and received MSC and MSC + AS1517499 (an inhibitor of pSTAT6). The latter was used to explore the underlying mechanism. The cognitive function, white matter lesions, Aß expression, expression, and polarity of AQP4, neuroinflammation and the STAT6 pathway were investigated. Compared with sham-operated rats, RHRSP rats showed spatial cognitive impairment, white matter lesions and Aß deposition. Moreover, AQP4 polarity disorder and neuroinflammatory activation were found, which were linked to Aß deposition. Treatment with MSCs markedly improved cognitive tasks and reduced Aß deposition but failed to reduce white-matter lesions. Furthermore, MSCs not only promoted AQP4 polarity but also alleviated neuroinflammation probably through the STAT6 pathway. The present study demonstrated that Aß deposition, AQP4 polarity disorder and neuroinflammation might be involved in CSVD and the regulatory effects of MSCs on them suggested potential therapeutic value for CSVD.