ABSTRACT
Flexible triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have attracted much attention because of its environmentally friendly, practical, and cost-producing advantages. In flexible TENGs, it is important to study the flexible electrodes in order to fabricate the fully flexible devices. Here, we compared electrical characteristics of the sponge porous polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based flexible TENGs with two types of flexible electrodes, copper and carbon nanotube (CNT)-PDMS electrodes. The output voltage and maximum power density of sponge PDMS-based flexible TENGs with copper and CNTPDMS electrodes were compared. The voltage and power density of sponge PDMS-based flexible TENGs with CNT-PDMS electrodes were improved compare to those with copper electrodes. The output voltage and the maximum power density of sponge PDMS-based flexible TENGs with copper and CNT-PDMS electrodes increased 4 times and 7 times, respectively. It is attributed to higher electrical conductivity and stably flow electricity of CNT than those of copper.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the long-term outcomes from the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure, we investigated the data from a minimum 13-year follow-up and predictive risk factors affecting efficacy for treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS: A total of 206 (mean age, 59.2 ± 8.8 years) women who underwent the TVT procedure for SUI were selected and followed up for at least 13 years (mean, 162.4 months; range, 156-174) after TVT procedure. We analyzed the long-term results and the predictive parameters for success rates and patients' satisfaction. RESULTS: At 13 years after surgery, the overall cure rate was 82.5%, with a satisfaction rate of 67.5%. Univariable analysis demonstrated an association of symptom grade of SUI with cure rates, while the presence of frequency, urgency, and urge incontinence showed an association with patients' satisfaction. However, in multivariable logistic regression model, none of those variables were identified as an independent risk factor related to the cure and satisfaction rate. Twenty one patients (10.2%) had postoperative complications at 1-year follow-up after surgery. However, at 13 years follow-up after surgery, only three patients (1.5%) had postoperative complications, including mesh exposure in one patient and de novo urgency in two patients. CONCLUSION: Our long-term data, which illustrate the absence of long-term adverse events secondary to TVT procedure and the high success rate both in subjective and objective goals regardless of any independent predictive factors, suggest the TVT procedure as a recommendable method for the management of female SUI.
Subject(s)
Suburethral Slings , Urinary Incontinence, Stress/surgery , Adult , Aged , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Intraoperative Complications/etiology , Middle Aged , Patient Satisfaction , Postoperative Complications/etiology , Risk Factors , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Tumor size and multiplicity are known to be important prognostic factors in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). However, evaluation of accurate tumor size is subjective and difficult. Furthermore, there are limitations to the objectification of tumor volume in the case of multiple lesions. In this study, we investigated the relation between resection weight after transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) and the prognosis of NMIBC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of 406 patients diagnosed with pTa or pT1 bladder tumors after TURBT between September 1999 and May 2010. The patient's age, sex, underlying diseases, cancer stage, grade, multiplicity, tumor size, lymphovascular invasion, and resection weight were analyzed in relation to cancer progression and recurrence. The resection weight was weighted after formaldehyde fixation. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 76.9 months (range, 12 to 167 months) in 406 patients diagnosed as having NMIBC. Mean resection weight was 4.5 g (range, 0.1 to 35.0 g). The cancer recurred in 99 patients (24.4%), and disease progression was noted in 30 patients (7.4%). Resection weight was categorized as greater than or less than 2 g by use of receiver operator characteristic curves. Cancer grade (p=0.022) and multiplicity (p=0.043) were significantly related to cancer recurrence in the analysis with Cox's multivariate proportional hazard model. Cancer grade (p=0.001) and resection weight (p=0.018) were related to disease progression. CONCLUSIONS: Resection weight after TURBT was significantly related to progression of NMIBC. Resection weight was an independent factor of progression. Further management should be considered if the resection weight exceeds 2 g.
