Recently, the creation of new heterogeneous catalysts using the unique electronic/geometric structures of small metal nanoclusters (NCs) has received considerable attention. However, to achieve this, it is extremely important to establish methods to remove the ligands from ligand‐protected metal NCs while preventing the aggregation of metal NCs. In this study, the ligand‐desorption process during calcination was followed for metal‐oxide‐supported 2‐phenylethanethiolate‐protected gold (Au) 25‐atom metal NCs using five experimental techniques. The results clearly demonstrate that the ligand‐desorption process consists of ligand dissociation on the surface of the metal NCs, adsorption of the generated compounds on the support and desorption of the compounds from the support, and the temperatures at which these processes occurred were elucidated. Based on the obtained knowledge, we established a method to form a metal‐oxide layer on the surface of Au NCs while preventing their aggregation, thereby succeeding in creating a water‐splitting photocatalyst with high activity and stability.

Aims The purpose of this study was to find the rate of urinary retention in clinical practice after treatment with onabotulinumtoxinA (BTN/A) for refractory overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms and determine factors that predict this outcome. Methods This is a retrospective study of BTN/A for treatment of non-neurogenic, refractory OAB symptoms. Patients were analyzed with respect to their first and second BTN/A injections. The primary outcome measure was postoperative urinary retention. Statistical significance was assessed with multivariate logistic regression. Results Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, the study population was 160. Mean age was 64 ± 13.2 years and 24% of the patients were men. The rate of urinary retention was 35% (n = 56). For the first BTN/A treatment, multivariate analysis revealed that preoperative PVR (post-void residual volume) (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.13–1.43, P < 0.001) and preoperative bladder capacity (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01–1.08, P = 0.005) were associated with postoperative urinary retention. In patients with a preoperative PVR of ≥100 ml, 94% (n = 17) went into urinary retention. For those who underwent a second BTN/A treatment, preoperative PVR, BTN/A units injected and retention after the first BTN/A were associated with an increased rate of postoperative retention. Conclusions Increased preoperative PVR was associated with urinary retention. The retention rate is higher than that reported in recent clinical trials. The inclusion of patients with a preoperative PVR ≥100 ml and a lower threshold to initiate clean intermittent catheterization contributed to this high rate of retention.

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Objective Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is an established adjunctive surgical intervention for treating Parkinson’s disease (PD) motor symptoms. Both surgical targets, the globus pallidus interna (GPi) and subthalamic nucleus (STN), appear equally beneficial when treating motor symptoms but effects on nonmotor symptoms are not clear. Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are a common PD complaint. Given prior data in STN-DBS, we aimed to further explore potential benefits in LUTS in both targets. Methods We performed a prospective, non-blinded clinical trial evaluating LUTS in PD patients in both targets pre and post DBS using validated urologic surveys. Participants were already slated for DBS and target selection predetermined before study entry. LUTS was evaluated using: the American Urological Association (AUA-SI), Quality of Life score (QOL), Overactive bladder 8 questionnaire (OAB-q), and sexual health inventory for men (SHIM). Results Of 33 participants, 20 underwent STN DBS and 13 had GPi DBS. Patients demonstrated moderate baseline LUTS. The urologic QOL score significantly improved post DBS (3.24±1.77vs 2.52±1.30; p=0.03). Analyzed by target, only the STN showed significant change in QOL (vs. 2.25±1.33; p=0.04). There were no other significant differences in urologic scores post DBS noted in either target. Conclusion In PD patients with moderate LUTS, there were notable improvements in QOL for LUTS post DBS in the total sample and STN target. There may be differences in DBS effects on LUTS between targets but this will require further larger, blinded studies.

Introduction and hypothesis Although the current literature discusses mesh complications including pain, as well as suggesting different techniques for removing mesh, there is little literature regarding pain outcomes after surgical removal or revision. The purpose of this study is to determine if surgical removal or revision of vaginal mesh improves patient’s subjective complaints of pelvic pain associated with original placement of mesh. Methods After obtaining approval from the Vanderbilt University Medical Center Institutional Review Board, a retrospective review of female patients with pain secondary to previous mesh placement who underwent excision or revision of vaginal mesh from January 2000 to August 2012 was performed. Patient age, relevant medical history including menopause status, previous hysterectomy, smoking status, and presence of diabetes, fibromyalgia, interstitial cystitis, and chronic pelvic pain, was obtained. Patients’ postoperative pain complaints were assessed. Results Of the 481 patients who underwent surgery for mesh revision, removal or urethrolysis, 233 patients met our inclusion criteria. One hundred and sixty-nine patients (73 %) reported that their pain improved, 19 (8 %) reported that their pain worsened, and 45 (19 %) reported that their pain remained unchanged after surgery. Prior history of chronic pelvic pain was associated with increased risk of failure of the procedure to relieve pain (OR 0.28, 95 % CI 0.12–0.64, p=0.003). Conclusions Excision or revision of vaginal mesh appears to be effective in improving patients’ pain symptoms most of the time. Patients with a history of chronic pelvic pain are at an increased risk of no improvement or of worsening pain.

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Objectives To evaluate the technical and patient characteristics associated with the development of mesh perforation and exposure in patients after midurethral sling surgeries. Methods After a retrospective review of referred patients, the risk of mesh perforation of the urinary tract over exposure in the vagina was analyzed with multivariate logistic regression, adjusting for the possible predictors of age, body mass index, smoking status at the time of mesh placement, presence of diabetes, type of sling placed, type of surgeon and trocar injury at the time of mesh placement. Results A total of 77 women were identified, 27 with mesh perforation and 50 with mesh exposure. The patients’ average body mass index was 29.2, and 13% were diabetic. Nine (33%) patients in the perforation group and two (4%) patients in the exposure group had evidence of trocar injury to the bladder or urethra at the time of mesh placement (P < 0.001). After multivariate logistic regression analysis, trocar injury (odds ratio 25.90, 95% confidence interval 2.84–236.58, P = 0.004) and diabetes (odds ratio 9.90, 95% confidence interval 1.1.25–78.64, P = 0.03) were associated with an increased risk of mesh perforation. Increased body mass index (odds ratio 0.88, 95% confidence interval 0.77–0.99, P = 0.05) was associated with a decreased risk of mesh perforation. Finally, postoperative hematomas and blood transfusions occurred more commonly in the mesh perforation group (15% vs 0%, P = 0.01). Conclusions Trocar injury, diabetes and bleeding complications at the time of surgery are associated with higher risk of mesh perforation in patients undergoing midurethral sling placement.