Advancement in preoperative desensitization therapy for ABO incompatible kidney transplantation recipients.

ABO incompatibility has long been considered an absolute contraindication for kidney transplantation. However, with the increasing number of patients with ESRD in recent years, ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation (ABOi-KT) has expanded the types of donors by crossing the blood group barrier through preoperative desensitization therapy. At present, the desensitization protocols consist of removal of preexisting ABO blood group antibody titers and prevention of ABO blood group antibody return. Studies have suggested similar patient and graft survival among ABOi-KT and ABOc-KT recipients. In this review, we will summarize the effective desensitization regimens of ABOi-KT, aiming to explore effective ways to improve the success rate and the long-term survival rate of ABOi-KT recipients.

Progress of research on human parvovirus B19 infection after renal transplantation.

Long-term immunosuppressant use in renal transplant recipients leads to dampened immune function and high susceptibility to opportunistic pathogens. Recently, the incidence of human parvovirus B19 (HPV-B19) infection after renal transplantation has increased, which may lead to pure red cell aplasia (PRCA), affect graft function, and lead to renal injury. After renal transplantation, the clinical manifestations of HPV-B19 infection are atypical, challenging the diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, we aimed to provide a comprehensive review of the existing literature to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of HPV-B19 infection after renal transplantation. To this end, we have described various aspects of HPV-B19 infection after renal transplantation ranging from the etiology, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment, to its prevention post renal transplant.

Comprehensive Evaluation on Soil Properties and Artemisia ordosica Growth under Combined Application of Fly Ash and Polyacrylamide in North China.

A field experiment was conducted to investigate the combined application effects of fly ash (FA) (0, 5%, 10%, and 15% (w/w) soil) and polyacrylamide (PAM) (0, 0.006% and 0.012% (w/w) soil) on the edge of Hobq Desert in Inner Mongolia, China from May 2016 to October 2018. Seven different ratios of FA and PAM were selected as evaluation objects, a total of 14 soil property indices and 9 Artemisia ordosica growth indices were selected as evaluation indicators, and the entropy weight method was employed to evaluate the soil physicochemical properties and vegetation growth performances under FA and PAM amendments. The results showed that the F15P1 (15% FA + 0.006% PAM) and F5P1 (5% FA + 0.006% PAM) were the effective treatments for soil improvement and Artemisia ordosica growth respectively. Considering the soil properties and Artemisia ordosica growth in 2016-2018 synthetically, the highest score was observed in the F5P1, followed by the F5P2 (5% FA + 0.012% PAM) and F10P1 (10% FA + 0.006% PAM) treatments. The optimal amounts for FA and PAM should be recommended as 5% and 0.006%, respectively.

The effect of π-Conjugation on the self-assembly of micelles and controlled cargo release.

Here we presented a novel micelle self-assembled from amphiphiles with π-conjugated moieties (OEG-DPH). The π-conjugated structural integrity of the micelles enabled stable encapsulation of Nile Red (NR, model drug). The self-assembly behaviour of the amphiphiles and the release profile of NR loaded micelles were investigated. Spherical core-shell structured NR loaded micelles with low CMC of 57 µg/mL and the efficient intracellular delivery process was monitored. This research provided a way to fabricate stable polymeric micelles and develop a practical nanocarrier for therapeutics delivery.

Percutaneous intrarenal cyst marsupialization and simultaneous nephrolithotomy in selected patients: killing two birds with one stone?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of percutaneous intrarenal cyst marsupialization and simultaneous nephrolithotomy in the management of a renal cyst with ipsilateral calculi in selected patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between July 2010 and August 2013, 16 patients (11 men and 5 women; mean age, 51 years) with a solitary posterior or parapelvic renal cyst and ipsilateral calculi underwent percutaneous intrarenal cyst marsupialization and simultaneous nephrolithotomy in our center. Mean cyst size was 6.3 cm (range, 4.2-11.8 cm). Mean stone surface area was 5.8 cm(2) (range, 1.8-12.1 cm(2)). By preoperative computed tomography planning and interoperative ultrasound guidance, the optimal puncture route was selected carefully to marsupialize the cyst and approach the target calyx. The cyst was marsupialized into the collecting system at the dilation process. Subsequently, percutaneous nephrolithotomy was performed in a standard fashion. RESULTS: The mean operative time was 68 minutes (range, 47-93 minutes), and the mean hospital stay was 4 days (range, 3-7 days). A nephrostomy tube and a double-J stent were placed for a prolonged period to ensure the channel remained opened. Nearly complete cyst regression and calculi clearance confirmed by postoperative imaging was achieved in all patients. No intraoperative or postoperative complications in Clavien grading score ≥ 2 were noted during a mean follow-up of 21 months (range, 8-25 months). CONCLUSION: In selected patients with a posterior or parapelvic renal cyst and ipsilateral calculi, the percutaneous technique is a safe and effective option through intermediate follow-up.

Development and validation of an animal model of prostate inflammation-induced chronic pelvic pain: evaluating from inflammation of the prostate to pain behavioral modifications.

BACKGROUND: Chronic prostatitis/Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is the most common type of prostatitis. Due to the lack of a suitable animal model partly, the pathogenesis for this condition is obscure. In the current study we developed and validated an animal model for nonbacterial prostatitis and prostate inflammation-induced chronic pelvic pain in rats with the use of intraprostatic injection of λ-carrageenan. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 250-350 g were used for the experiments. After intraprostatic injection of 3% λ-carrageenan, at different time points(after 24 h, 7 d, 14 d and 30 d of injection), radiant heat and von Frey filaments were applied to the scrotum of rats to measure the heat and mechanical thresholds respectively. Then the prostate was removed for histology, and cyclooxygenase (COX) 2 protein expression was determined by Western-blot. Evans blue(50 mg/kg) was also injected intravenously to assess for plasma protein extravasation at different time points after injection of λ-carrageenan. RESULTS: Compared to control group, inflamed animals showed a significant reduction in mechanical threshold (mechanical allodynia) at 24 h and 7d(p = 0.022,0.046, respectively), and a significant reduction in heat threshold (thermal hyperalgesia) at 24 h, 7d and 14 d(p = 0.014, 0.018, 0.002, respectively) in the scrotal skin. Significant increase of inflammatory cell accumulation, COX2 expression and Evans blue extravasation were observed at 24 h, 7d and 14 d after injection. CONCLUSIONS: Intraprostatic λ-carrageenan injection induced neurogenic prostatitis and prostate inflammation pain, which lasted at least 2 weeks. The current model is expected to be a valuable preclinical tool to study the neurobiological mechanisms of male chronic pelvic pain.

Botulinum toxin-A injections for idiopathic overactive bladder: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To review the current evidence on the efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin-A in the management of idiopathic overactive bladder (OAB). METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Central Search Library was performed. All randomized controlled trials comparing botulinum toxin-A with placebo, different doses and injection techniques, in patients with idiopathic OAB was included. The analyzed outcomes were quantification of symptoms, urodynamic outcomes, quality of life and adverse events. RESULT: A total of 1,020 participants from 12 randomized controlled trials were included. Botulinum toxin-A was associated with less urinary frequency, less incontinence episodes, improvement in quality of life, higher post-void residual-related catheterization and higher urinary tract infection. Doses of 100-300 U were not consistently differentiated from each other in voiding diary, quality of life and urge urinary incontinence. No statistically significant difference was seen between bladder body and bladder base, bladder body and bladder body plus trigone in urinary retention and urinary tract infection. CONCLUSION: Botulinum toxin-A is associated with significant improvement in OAB symptoms in patients with idiopathic OAB. However, there is a higher incidence of postoperative urinary retention and urinary infection compared to placebo. Low-dose botulinum toxin-A seems to be the optimum dose that appropriately balances the benefits with adverse events. Trigone inclusion seems as safe and effective as trigone-sparing injection.