Endogenous testosterone may have a beneficial effect on lower urinary tract function and that a high frequency of nocturia may induce testosterone deficiency.

The purpose of this study is to develop novel nanoparticles based on polyion complex formation between low molecular weight water-soluble chitosan (LMWSC) and all-trans retinoic acid (atRA). LMWSC nanoparticles encapsulating atRA based on polyion complex were prepared by mixing of atRA into LMWSC aqueous solution using ultrasonication. In FTIR spectra, the carbonyl group of atRA at 1690 cm -1 disappeared or decreased when ion complexes were formed between LMWSC and atRA. In 1 H NMR spectra, specific peaks of atRA disappeared when atRA-encapsulated LMWSC (RAC) nanoparticles were reconstituted into D 2 O while specific peaks both of atRA and LMWSC appeared in D 2 O/DMSO (1/3, v/v) mixture. XRD patterns also showed that the crystal peaks of atRA were disappeared by encapsulation into LMWSC nanoparticles. LMWSC nanoparticles encapsulating atRA have spherical shapes with particle size below 200 nm. The mechanism of encapsulation of atRA into LMWSC nanoparticles was thought to be an ion complex formation between LMWSC and atRA. LMWSC nanoparticles showed high atRA loading efficiency over 90% (w/w). AtRA was continuously released from nanoparticles over 10 days. In in vitro cell cytotoxicity test, free atRA showed higher cytotoxic effect against CT 26 colon carcinoma cell line on 1 day. However, RAC nanoparticles showed similar cytotoxicity against CT 26 cells on 2 day. These results suggest the potential for the introduction of LMWSC nanoparticles into various biomedical fields such as drug delivery.

PurposeThis study was designed to determine whether men who engaged in recreational bicycle riding are more likely to be affected by lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and sexual dysfunction than are man who exercised by amateur marathon running with less perineal impact.Materials and MethodsA total of 22 healthy male amateur bicyclists and 17 healthy male amateur marathoners were enrolled in the study. We evaluated questionnaires including the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), uroflowmetric values, postvoid residual (PVR) urine volume, and transrectal ultrasound of the prostate in all subjects. We also compared the prevalence of urination disorders (UD) and erectile dysfunction (ED).ResultsThere were no significant differences between the two groups in age, body mass index, comorbidities, or exercise habits (p>0.05). Mean total and subscale scores of the IPSS and IIEF and the prevalence of UD (8/22 vs. 4/17, p=0.494) and ED (11/22 vs. 10/17, p=0.748) were not significantly different between the two groups. Also, there were no significant differences between the two groups in uroflowmetric parameters such as peak urinary flow rates, voided urine volume, PVR urine volume, prostate volume, or serum PSA level.ConclusionsBicycle riding seems to have no measurable hazardous effect on voiding function or sexual function in men who cycled recreationally.

A 75-year-old female visited our hospital with bilateral adrenal masses that were detected incidentally during lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the evaluation of radiating flank pain. Consecutive computed tomography and MRI revealed bilateral adrenal masses with no evidence of lymph node enlargement or local invasion; 2[(18)F]fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography showed an intense FDG accumulation in both adrenal glands without abnormal FDG uptake in extra-adrenal regions. The laboratory test results were within normal ranges. We performed a bilateral adrenalectomy. The pathologic diagnosis of both adrenal masses was consistent with adrenocortical carcinoma. The patient recovered well with no complications.

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In this study, we prepared using low molecular weight water-soluble chitosan nanoparticle loaded paclitaxel (LMWSC-NPT) and investigated the potential as a drug carrier which is able to accumulate in the tumor site. In the experiment of receptor-mediated endocytosis, LMWSC-NPT was treated with sodium azid (NaN3) as an inhibitor of endocytosis process. As results, the antitumor activity of LMWSC-NPT treated with sodium azid didn’t show but LMWSC-NPT was shown the high antitumor activity. Therefore, LMWSC-NPs modified with hydrophobic group will be useful anticancer agent carrier via receptor-mediated endocytosis.

In membrane covered stent, occlusion and fracture from membrane degradation by gastric acid sometimes occurred. Therefore, we investigated the physical properties of membrane covered stent according to its ingredient and concentration in gastric acid environment. Membrane covered stents consisted of silicone and polyurethane with 15%, 18%, 20% concentrations were used. After incubating stents in a condition of pH 1.2, we checked any changes at every 3 weeks for 18 weeks. The changes of membrane surface, radial expansion and recovery force of stent were investigated. Coating thickness increased proportionally to an increase in ingredient concentration. Surface was evenly coated with silicone compared to the case with polyurethane and its homogeneity was excellent in a high concentration. Degradation was much severe in the case of polyurethane. The radial force of silicone was higher than polyurethane, and the decrease of radial and recovery force was higher in the case of polyurethane. In conclusion, high concentration of silicone membrane was more stable than polyurethane in acid environment of in vitro study.

We report a case of huge retroperitoneal hemorrhage with active contrast extravasation due to right adrenal artery injury without visceral organ injury. A 67-year-old woman was involved in an out car traffic accident. She sustained multiple traumatic injuries and right adrenal artery injury without visceral organ injury. Abdominal computed tomography scan showed huge retroperitoneal hemorrhage with active contrast extravasation. But, there is no evidence of renal injury. Renal angiography confirmed contrast media extravasation from right adrenal artery. Selective embolization of adrenal artery was attempted but, adrenal arterial lumen was spontaneously obstructed due to arterial spasm. To our knowledge, isolated adrenal artery injury occurring huge retroperitoneal hemorrhage have not been described previously. Awareness of this possible cause of retroperitoneal hemorrhage may assist in immediate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.