The LESSV procedure performed with the reusable X-Cone is as safe and efficient as MLV. After LESSV, the parameters measuring postoperative patient satisfaction are significantly improved. Given its reusable components, including prebent laparoscopic instruments, the X-Cone platform is a cost-effective alternative to disposable or homemade single ports.
K+-channels fulfill several important functions in the mammalian kidney such as volume regulation, recirculation and secretion of K+ ions, and maintaining the resting potential. In this study we used immunocytochemical methods, in situ hybridization, and nephron segment-specific RT-PCR to obtain a detailed picture of the cellular localization of two tandem pore domain potassium (K2P) channels, THIK-1 (K2P13.1, KCNK13) and THIK-2 (K2P12.1, KCNK12). Monospecific antibodies against C-terminal domains of rat THIK-1 and THIK-2 proteins (GST-fusion proteins) were raised in rabbits, freed from cross-reactivity, and affinity purified. All antibodies were validated by Western blot analysis, competitive ELISA, and preabsorption experiments. The expression of THIK channels in specific nephron segments was confirmed by double staining with marker proteins. Results indicate that in rat and mouse THIK-1 and THIK-2 were expressed in the proximal tubule (PT), thick ascending limb (TAL), connecting tubule (CNT), and cortical collecting duct (CCD). In human kidney THIK-1 and THIK-2 were localized in PT, TAL and CCD. Immunostaining of rat tissue revealed an intracellular expression of THIK-1 and THIK-2 throughout the identified nephron segments. However in mouse kidney THIK-2 was identified in basolateral membranes. Overall, the glomerulus, thin limbs and medullary collecting ducts were devoid of THIK-1 and THIK-2 signal. In summary, THIK-1 and THIK-2 are abundantly expressed in the proximal and distal nephron of the mammalian kidney.
Objectives: Current evidence of sequence-targeted therapy (TT) for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) beyond fourth-line is sparse. The aim of this study was to describe the efficacy and toxicity of fifth-line TT in patients with mRCC. Methods: Out of 406 patients treated in first-line, 25 patients (6.16%) with more than 4 lines of TT were retrospectively reviewed at a German academic high-volume cancer center. Response was assessed by the use of standard Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.0, and toxicity was graded according to the Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazard models were applied to explore predictors of PFS and OS in univariable and multivariable analyses. Results: Disease control rate for fifth-line treatment was 20%. Median OS from the beginning of first-line therapy was 50.2 months (IQR (interquartile range) 38.9-76.7). Median OS from the time of initiation of fifth-line therapy was 6.2 months (IQR 3.1-23.8). Median PFS for fifth-line TT was 4.1 months (IQR 1.81-9.07) and did not correlate to treatment response in first-line TT. Conclusions: Highly selected patients might benefit from fifth-line treatment independently from treatment response in first-line TT.
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