Background: This study focuses on the development of a hydrogel wound patch incorporating natural extracts, designed to function as a sun patch. By maintaining a moist environment and delivering bioactive compounds, the patch promotes wound healing while also providing cooling and ultraviolet (UV) protection. This dual-purpose approach enhances skin recovery and shields damaged areas from external stressors. The study aims to optimize the formulation and evaluate its efficacy for both therapeutic and cosmetic applications. Methods: Hydrogel solutions prepared using acrylamide, glycerol, and carboxymethyl cellulose were enriched with extracts from Saururus chinensis, Styrax japonicus, and Centella asiatica. The enriched solutions were processed into patches and tested for their adhesion, cooling effects, and UV protective abilities. Additionally, the wound healing efficacy was evaluated in a mouse model. Results: The hydrogel patches demonstrated comparable adhesion properties, effective skin cooling, and high UV protection rates similar to those of commercially available products. In the mouse model, the patches significantly improved wound closure and tissue regeneration in the experimental group as compared to the control group. Conclusion The study confirms that hydrogel sun patches enriched with natural extracts have the ability to effectively promote wound healing and offer substantial UV protection and cooling benefits, demonstrating their potential medical and cosmetic applications.

Objective: We aimed to describe the [ 18 F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET/CT findings in Korean men with advanced metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Materials and Methods: The results of paired FDG and PSMA PET/CT examinations performed in 42 consecutive men with prostate cancer for treatment planning after failure of anti-androgen therapy and chemotherapy were studied. Tumor lesions with FDG or PSMA uptake intensity higher than that of the liver on visual review were considered positive and noted per patient and tumor site (prostate bed, lymph node, bone, and visceral organ). The presence of unequivocally discordant FDG and PSMA uptake patterns in tumor lesions was assessed. Patients were grouped according to the total tumor volume as seen on each PET/CT scan, and the clinical findings between the patient groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: On patient-based analysis, the image findings were PSMA+/FDG- in 2 patients, PSMA-/FDG+ in one, and PSMA+/FDG+ in 39 patients. On site-based analysis, the discordance (PSMA+/FDG- or PSMA-/FDG+) rate was 9.5% (4/42) for prostate/bed, 11.9% (5/42) for lymph nodes, 9.5% (4/42) for bones, and 11.9% (5/42) for visceral organs. FDG uptake was higher than PSMA uptake in at least one tumor site in 54.8% (23/42) of patients. Patients with greater total tumor volume on FDG PET/CT than that on PSMA PET/CT (“FDG-dominant pattern”) accounted for 28.6% (12/42), and they had significantly shorter time from diagnosis (median 25 months vs. 62 months, P = 0.049), and higher aspartate aminotransferase (median 28.5 vs. 22.5, P = 0.027) and lactate dehydrogenase (median 341.5 vs. 224.5, P = 0.010) levels. Conclusion Most patients with advanced mCRPC had tumors with positive findings on both FDG and PSMA PET/CT. However, the uptake patterns varied; 54.8% of the patients had tumor(s) with FDG uptake greater than PSMA uptake, and FDGdominant pattern was noted in 28.6% of the patients.

Purpose: We compared the surgical outcomes of radical nephrectomy (RN) and partial nephrectomy (PN) in adult patients with clinical T2 stage (cT2) renal cell carcinoma (RCC) by utilizing data from the Korean Renal Cell Carcinoma (KORCC) database. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed adult patients with cT2 RCC from 8 tertiary hospitals who were registered in the KORCC between 2003 and 2023. Patients with a solitary kidney or bilateral tumors were excluded. The patient cohort was divided into RN and PN arms, and propensity score matching (PSM) was conducted with a 1:3 ratio. Perioperative and survival outcomes were compared between arms. Results: After PSM, the PN and RN arms included 44 and 132 patients, respectively. No significant differences were observed in baseline characteristics, apart from laterality, following PSM. Regarding perioperative outcomes, complications of Clavien-Dindo classification grade III or higher (11.4%, p<0.001) and urological complications (9.1%, p=0.045) were more common in the PN arm than in the RN arm. Postoperative renal function was superior in the PN arm, whereas the incidence of de novo chronic kidney disease (CKD) at 6 months was higher among the recipients of RN (37.6%, p<0.001). Pathological examination indicated a higher pathological T stage in the RN arm. Overall, cancer-specific, and recurrence-free survival rates did not differ significantly between arms. Based on Cox regression analysis, the use of PN was not a significant predictor of recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio, 0.675; p=0.474). Conclusions In cT2 RCC, PN was associated with a lower incidence of de novo CKD than RN. No significant differences in survival outcomes were noted. PN may represent a viable alternative to RN for certain patients with cT2 RCC. Further research is warranted to explore the management of advanced RCC.

Objective: 177 Lutetium [Lu] Ludotadipep is a novel prostate-specific membrane antigen targeting therapeutic agent with an albumin motif added to increase uptake in the tumors. We assessed the biodistribution and dosimetry of [ 177 Lu]Ludotadipep in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Materials and Methods: Data from 25 patients (median age, 73 years; range, 60–90) with mCRPC from a phase I study with activity escalation design of single administration of [ 177 Lu]Ludotadipep (1.85, 2.78, 3.70, 4.63, and 5.55 GBq) were assessed. Activity in the salivary glands, lungs, liver, kidneys, and spleen was estimated from whole-body scan and abdominal SPECT/CT images acquired at 2, 24, 48, 72, and 168 h after administration of [ 177 Lu]Ludotadipep. Red marrow activity was calculated from blood samples obtained at 3, 10, 30, 60, and 180 min, and at 24, 48, and 72 h after administration. Organand tumor-based absorbed dose calculations were performed using IDAC-Dose 2.1. Results: Absorbed dose coefficient (mean ± standard deviation) of normal organs was 1.17 ± 0.81 Gy/GBq for salivary glands, 0.05 ± 0.02 Gy/GBq for lungs, 0.14 ± 0.06 Gy/GBq for liver, 0.77 ± 0.28 Gy/GBq for kidneys, 0.12 ± 0.06 Gy/GBq for spleen, and 0.07 ± 0.02 Gy/GBq for red marrow. The absorbed dose coefficient of the tumors was 10.43 ± 7.77 Gy/GBq. Conclusion [ 177 Lu]Ludotadipep is expected to be safe at the dose of 3.7 GBq times 6 cycles planned for a phase II clinical trial with kidneys and bone marrow being the critical organs, and shows a high tumor absorbed dose.

Purpose: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of repeated injections of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes on the erectile dysfunction (ED) of bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI) rat model and to identify potential target genes of these injections. Materials and Methods: MSC-derived exosomes were isolated using an aqueous two-phase system. Rats were randomly assigned into four groups: Normal, BCNI, exosome once, and exosome-repeat groups. After four weeks, we measured the intracavernosal pressure (ICP)/mean arterial pressure (MAP) ratio to evaluate erectile function and examined cavernous nerve tissues for histological and molecular analyses. RNA sequencing in penile tissues was used to determine differentially expressed genes and was verified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used for in vitro studies to analyze biological roles. Results: The ICP/MAP ratios in the exosome-once and exosome-repeat groups were significantly increased compared to those in the BCNI group. Interestingly, the ICP/MAP ratio showed a greater increase in the exosome-repeat group, which also showed significantly increased smooth muscle/collagen ratio, α-smooth muscle actin and neuronal nitric oxide synthase expression, and cyclic guanosine monophosphate level compared to the BCNI and exosome-once groups. Three genes were significantly differentially expressed in the exosome group, among which Ras homolog family member B promoted cell proliferation and angiogenesis of HUVECs. Conclusions Repeated injections of MSC-derived exosomes can be effective in the treatment of rat models with ED induced by cavernous nerve injury.

Purpose: The primary goal of this study is to evaluate the effect of the non-invasive radiofrequency hyperthermia (RFHT) device on chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) rat model and investigate the underlying mechanism. Materials and Methods: In this study, Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly distributed into three groups: (1) normal control group, (2) CP/CPPS group, and (3) RFHT group. CP/CPPS rat models were induced by 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone for 4 weeks and RFHT was administered for 5 weeks after model establishment. During RFHT administration, core body temperatures were continuously monitored with a rectal probe. After administering RFHT, we assessed pain index for all groups and collected prostate tissues for Western blot analysis, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry. We also collected adjacent organs to the prostate including urinary bladder, testes, and rectum for safety assessment via H&E staining along with a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling assay. Results: After administering RFHT, pain in rats was significantly alleviated compared to the CP/CPPS group. RFHT reduced high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) expression and improved inflammation by downregulating subsequent proinflammatory cytokines through inhibition of the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. In prostate-adjacent organs, no significant histological alteration or inflammatory infiltration was detected. The area of cell death also did not increase significantly after RFHT. Conclusions In conclusion, RFHT demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the HMGB1-TLR4-NF-κB pathway in CP/CPPS rat models. This suggests that RFHT could serve as a safe and promising therapeutic strategy for CP/CPPS.

Purpose: We evaluated the feasibility, safety, and learning curve of extraperitoneal single-port robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (SP-RARP) and introduced innovative surgical techniques to maintain the instrument positions during the procedures. Materials and Methods: A cohort of 100 patients underwent extraperitoneal SP-RARP at our institution from December 2021 to April 2023. The procedures were performed by an experienced urology surgeon utilizing two surgical techniques for dissecting the posterior aspect of the prostate—“changing instrument roles” and “using camera inversion”—to prevent positional shifts between the camera and instruments. Results: The mean operation time for SP-RARP was 93.58 minutes, and the mean console time was 65.16 minutes. The mean estimated blood loss during the procedures was 109.30 mL. No cases necessitated conversion to multi-port robot, laparoscopy, or open surgery, and there were no major complications during the hospital stay or in the short-term follow-up. Early outcomes of post-radical prostatectomy indicated a biochemical recurrence rate of 4.0% over a mean follow-up duration of 6.40 months, with continence and potency recovery rates of 92.3% and 55.8%, respectively. Analysis of the learning curve showed no significant differences in operation time, console time, and positive surgical margin rates between the initial and latter 50 cases. Conclusions Extraperitoneal SP-RARP is a feasible and safe option for the treatment of localized prostate cancer in skilled hands.Continued accrual of cases is essential for future comparisons of SP-RARP with multiport approaches.

Background: Hypertrophic scarring represents an aberrant response to wounds in certain individuals, manifesting with symptoms such as itching, tenderness, pain, and pigmentation. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a silicone-based gel on the healing of hypertrophic scars, particularly those originating from deep tissue wounds. Methods: A rat model of wound healing and scarring was established, and 12 rats were randomly assigned to three groups: Dermatix Ultra group, SFG-100 silicone-gel group, and non-treated group. Rats in the treated groups (Dermatix Ultra and SFG-100 silicone-gel) received twice-daily applications for 8 weeks. Histologic analysis, including biopsy, was conducted to evaluate the scar elevation index, epidermis thickness, and the number of granulation veins. Results: Overall, both the Dermatix Ultra and SFG-100 silicone-gel groups exhibited improvements in hypertrophic scar healing, accompanied by a significant reduction in skin pigmentation. Histopathologically, scars in both treated groups displayed a notable decrease in scar elevation index, epithelial thickness, and collagen disorganization compared to the non-treated group. However, no significant difference was observed between the Dermatix Ultra and SFG-100 silicone-gel groups. Conclusion The results suggest that SFG-100 silicone-gel is an effective therapeutic agent for hypertrophic scars. Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying its efficacy and to optimize its application for clinical use.

Objective: We aimed to describe the [ 18 F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET/CT findings in Korean men with advanced metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Materials and Methods: The results of paired FDG and PSMA PET/CT examinations performed in 42 consecutive men with prostate cancer for treatment planning after failure of anti-androgen therapy and chemotherapy were studied. Tumor lesions with FDG or PSMA uptake intensity higher than that of the liver on visual review were considered positive and noted per patient and tumor site (prostate bed, lymph node, bone, and visceral organ). The presence of unequivocally discordant FDG and PSMA uptake patterns in tumor lesions was assessed. Patients were grouped according to the total tumor volume as seen on each PET/CT scan, and the clinical findings between the patient groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: On patient-based analysis, the image findings were PSMA+/FDG- in 2 patients, PSMA-/FDG+ in one, and PSMA+/FDG+ in 39 patients. On site-based analysis, the discordance (PSMA+/FDG- or PSMA-/FDG+) rate was 9.5% (4/42) for prostate/bed, 11.9% (5/42) for lymph nodes, 9.5% (4/42) for bones, and 11.9% (5/42) for visceral organs. FDG uptake was higher than PSMA uptake in at least one tumor site in 54.8% (23/42) of patients. Patients with greater total tumor volume on FDG PET/CT than that on PSMA PET/CT (“FDG-dominant pattern”) accounted for 28.6% (12/42), and they had significantly shorter time from diagnosis (median 25 months vs. 62 months, P = 0.049), and higher aspartate aminotransferase (median 28.5 vs. 22.5, P = 0.027) and lactate dehydrogenase (median 341.5 vs. 224.5, P = 0.010) levels. Conclusion Most patients with advanced mCRPC had tumors with positive findings on both FDG and PSMA PET/CT. However, the uptake patterns varied; 54.8% of the patients had tumor(s) with FDG uptake greater than PSMA uptake, and FDGdominant pattern was noted in 28.6% of the patients.

Purpose: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of repeated injections of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes on the erectile dysfunction (ED) of bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI) rat model and to identify potential target genes of these injections. Materials and Methods: MSC-derived exosomes were isolated using an aqueous two-phase system. Rats were randomly assigned into four groups: Normal, BCNI, exosome once, and exosome-repeat groups. After four weeks, we measured the intracavernosal pressure (ICP)/mean arterial pressure (MAP) ratio to evaluate erectile function and examined cavernous nerve tissues for histological and molecular analyses. RNA sequencing in penile tissues was used to determine differentially expressed genes and was verified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used for in vitro studies to analyze biological roles. Results: The ICP/MAP ratios in the exosome-once and exosome-repeat groups were significantly increased compared to those in the BCNI group. Interestingly, the ICP/MAP ratio showed a greater increase in the exosome-repeat group, which also showed significantly increased smooth muscle/collagen ratio, α-smooth muscle actin and neuronal nitric oxide synthase expression, and cyclic guanosine monophosphate level compared to the BCNI and exosome-once groups. Three genes were significantly differentially expressed in the exosome group, among which Ras homolog family member B promoted cell proliferation and angiogenesis of HUVECs. Conclusions Repeated injections of MSC-derived exosomes can be effective in the treatment of rat models with ED induced by cavernous nerve injury.