Objective To compare ureteroscopic hthotomy (URL)and minimally invasive percuta-neous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL) for the management of upper-ureteral calculi ≥ 1.5 cm. Methods Fifty-eight patients with upper-ureteral calculi ≥ 1.5 cm were selected in randomized for URL group (35patients)or MPCNL group (23 patients). Ultrasonography and intravenous X-ray were performed for all pa-tients before surgery. Results In the URL group, 13 cases (37.1%)were rendered stone-free, 8 stones mi-grated upward to the pelvis of kidney. In these cases,a double- J stent was inserted, and ESWL was per-formed,7 cases had ureteral distortion, 3 cases had ureteral stricture, 4 cases had bad field of vision, MPCNL or open operation was performed in these eases. The mean operative time was 38 minutes (range 25-48 min-utes). In the MPCNL group,21 eases (91.3%)were rendered stone-free. In the other 2 patients,ESWL was performed because the stone fragments migrated upward to the pelvis of kidney. The mean operative time was 34 minutes (range 20-58 minutes). Conclusion Compared with URL,MPCNL is a safe and effective procedure for treating upper-ureteral calculi ≥ 1.5 cm.

Objective:To investigate the inhibitory effect of the water-soluble preparation of curcumin on tumor angiogenesis induced by alginate-encapsulated colon carcinoma C26 cell line in mice. Methods: The water-soluble preparation of curcumin was made by forming inclusion compound of curcumin with hydroxypropyl-?-cyclodextrin (C-HP-?-CD). Subcutaneous imbedding of alginate-encapsulated colon carcinoma C26 cells was used to create tumor bearing model in BALB/c mice. Then the mouse models were intraperitoneally injected with C-HP-?-CD, TNF-70 (as positive control), or HP-?-CD(as negative control). The angiogenesis in the alginate beads was observed under light microscope, floresencent microscope, and transmission electron microscope. The fluorescein isothiacyanate-dextran (FITC-Dextran) tracing technique was used to observe the inhibitory effect of the inclusion compound of curcumin on angiogenesis induced by colon carcinoma C26 cells in alginate beads.Results: The C-HP-?-CD and the mouse model of subcutaneous alginate-encapsulated colon carcinoma C26 cells were successfully created. Transmission electron microscope showed angiogenesis in alginate-encapsulated colon carcinoma C26 cells; claval endothelial cells were seen in some lumens. Optical microscope and the fluorescence microscope showed that the angiogenesis density of the positive group and curcumin groups were obviously lower than those of the negative control group; no obvious difference at vessel morphosis was found among the 3 alginate-encapsulated groups. FITC-Dextran tracing technology found that the fluorescent intensity of the negative control group was significantly higher than those of the positive control group and the curcumin group (P