Objective To compare the efficacy,economic burden,psychological impact,and quality of life between surgical and medical castration following radical prostatectomy(RP)in patients with very high-risk prostate cancer(VHR PCa).Methods Clinical data of 167 patients with VHR PCa who underwent RP in the Department of Urology,the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University during Jul.2019 and Mar.2024 were retrospectively collected.Patients were divided into two groups:the surgical castration group(n=44)and medical castration group(n=123).The effects of different castration methods on the biochemical recurrence(BCR)were analyzed with Cox proportional hazards models.The survival curves of BCR-free and progress to castration-resistant prostate cancer(CRPC)were plotted with the Kaplan-Meier method.The differences in functional assessment of cancer therapy-prostate(FACT-P)and hospital anxiety and depression scale(HADS)between the two groups were evaluated with linear regression model.Results The total costs were significantly lower in the surgical castration group than in the medical castration group[(47 422.0±3 998.3)yuan vs.(59 017.2±8 014.1)yuan,P＜0.001].One month postoperatively,the surgical castration group had significantly lower prostate-specific antigen(PSA)level[0.028(0.010,0.159)ng/mL vs.0.100(0.029,0.895)ng/mL,P=0.002].However,no significant differences were observed in the PSA level between the two groups at 3,6,and 12 months postoperatively,or in PSA nadir and time to nadir(P＞0.05).Cox regression analysis suggested a potentially higher risk of BCR in the medical castration group(HR=2.23),but the difference was not statistically significant(P=0.112).The 1-and 3-year BCR-free survival rates were higher in the surgical castration group(90.9％vs.85.4％;86.4％vs.70.7％,respectively),whereas 1-and 3-year progression-free survival rates were comparable between the two groups(97.7％vs.97.6％;95.5％vs.91.9％),with no significant differences(P＞0.05).No significant differences were found in FACT-P[(57.3±10.2)vs.(57.3±7.6)]or HADS[(12.6±5.1)vs.(11.3±4.8)]scores between the two groups(P＞0.05).Conclusion In VHR PCa patients,surgical castration performed following RP is not inferior to drug castration in terms of PSA control,and potential delay of BCR.It had a lower cost and does not significantly increase the psychological burden.As an underutilized strategy,surgical castration can become an optional option for individualized treatment.

Objective To compare the efficacy,economic burden,psychological impact,and quality of life between surgical and medical castration following radical prostatectomy(RP)in patients with very high-risk prostate cancer(VHR PCa).Methods Clinical data of 167 patients with VHR PCa who underwent RP in the Department of Urology,the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University during Jul.2019 and Mar.2024 were retrospectively collected.Patients were divided into two groups:the surgical castration group(n=44)and medical castration group(n=123).The effects of different castration methods on the biochemical recurrence(BCR)were analyzed with Cox proportional hazards models.The survival curves of BCR-free and progress to castration-resistant prostate cancer(CRPC)were plotted with the Kaplan-Meier method.The differences in functional assessment of cancer therapy-prostate(FACT-P)and hospital anxiety and depression scale(HADS)between the two groups were evaluated with linear regression model.Results The total costs were significantly lower in the surgical castration group than in the medical castration group[(47 422.0±3 998.3)yuan vs.(59 017.2±8 014.1)yuan,P＜0.001].One month postoperatively,the surgical castration group had significantly lower prostate-specific antigen(PSA)level[0.028(0.010,0.159)ng/mL vs.0.100(0.029,0.895)ng/mL,P=0.002].However,no significant differences were observed in the PSA level between the two groups at 3,6,and 12 months postoperatively,or in PSA nadir and time to nadir(P＞0.05).Cox regression analysis suggested a potentially higher risk of BCR in the medical castration group(HR=2.23),but the difference was not statistically significant(P=0.112).The 1-and 3-year BCR-free survival rates were higher in the surgical castration group(90.9％vs.85.4％;86.4％vs.70.7％,respectively),whereas 1-and 3-year progression-free survival rates were comparable between the two groups(97.7％vs.97.6％;95.5％vs.91.9％),with no significant differences(P＞0.05).No significant differences were found in FACT-P[(57.3±10.2)vs.(57.3±7.6)]or HADS[(12.6±5.1)vs.(11.3±4.8)]scores between the two groups(P＞0.05).Conclusion In VHR PCa patients,surgical castration performed following RP is not inferior to drug castration in terms of PSA control,and potential delay of BCR.It had a lower cost and does not significantly increase the psychological burden.As an underutilized strategy,surgical castration can become an optional option for individualized treatment.

Objective By comparison with the surgical resection,to evaluate the relapse-free survival(RFS),overall survival(OS),and clinical safety of transcatheter hepatic arterial chemoembolization(TACE)combined with microwave ablation(MWA)in the treatment of early primary hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Methods From January 2013 to January 2018 at authors'hospital,51 HCC patients received TACE combined with MWA(TACE+MWA group)and 58 HCC patients received surgical resection(RES group).The HCC lesions were single tumor with diameter ≤7 cm or multiple tumors with stage Ⅰ a-Ⅱ a meeting the"up-to-7"criteria.The postoperative RFS,OS,and clinical safety were compared between the two groups.Results The one-,3-and 5-year RFS in the TACE+MWA group were 84.3％,37.3％and 13.7％respectively,which in the RES group were 67.2％,27.6％and 13.8％respectively.The difference in the one-year RFS between the two groups was statistically significant(P=0.039),and the differences in the 3-and 5-year RFS between the two groups were not statistically significant(P=0.281 and P=0.992,respectively).The one-,3-and 5-year survival rates in the TACE+MWA group were 98％,62.7％and 45.1％respectively,which in the RES group were 94.8％,75.9％and 44.8％respectively,and the differences between the two groups were not statistically significant(P=0.704,P=0.137 and P=0.977 respectively).No treatment-related death occurred in both groups.In the TACE+MWA group,the main complications included transient embolism syndrome,abdominal pain during ablation procedure,and mild to moderate transient elevation of transaminase after treatment.In the RES group,the main postoperative complications included fever,pleural effusion,abdominal effusion,and intraoperative bleeding;and in one patient the postoperative liver function impairment worsened to Child grade C.The average cost of hospitalization in the TACE+MWA group was(39 834.98±6 717.38)Chinese yuan,which in the RES group was(49 042.59±11 810.69)Chinese yuan,the difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P=0.017).The hospitalization length in the TACE+MWA group was 23 days(19-28 days),which in the RES group was 21 days(17-25 days),and the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant(P=0.196).Conclusion For the treatment of early HCC,TACE combined with MWA has reliable curative effect,and also has the advantages of being safe and economical.Therefore,this therapy can be used as a preferred option of non-surgical treatment for single tumor with ≤7 cm diameter or multiple tumors with stage Ⅰ a-Ⅱa meeting"up-to-7"criteria.(J Intervent Radiol,2024,33:488-494)

Objectives:Fenofibric acid is extracted from the widely used hypolipemic fenofibrate,nowadays being approved for marketing around numerous nations and regions,nonetheless not in China.Present trial evaluated the efficacy and safety in the Chinese hypertriglyceridemia population. Methods:This is a multi-center,randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled phase Ⅲ clinical trial.Patients from 3 different cohorts,including severe hypertriglyceridemia(HTG),moderate HTG and mixed-dyslipidemia(MD),were randomized at 1:1 ratio to receive fenofibric acid 135 mg or placebo daily for 12 weeks.The primary endpoint was the percentage change of triglyceridemia(TG)from baseline at week 12.Secondary endpoints were the percentage changes of other blood lipid indexes.At the same time,the incidence of medical adverse events was observed. Results:Among the three cohorts of patients with severe HTG(n=52),moderate HTG(n=23)and MD(n=52),the TG levels in the fenofibric acid-treated group decreased by(49.12±29.19)%,(49.95±25.19)%and(49.79±19.28)%,respectively from baseline to 12 weeks,while the corresponding placebo groups decreased by(18.88±40.69)%,(8.11±29.86)%and increased by(10.42±73.04)%,respectively from baseline to 12 weeks.The differences between treatment and placebo groups were statistically significant(P<0.017 for severe HTG cohort,P<0.05 for moderate and MD cohort).The high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)in the fenofibric acid-treated group increased by(25.51±21.45)%,(24.55±24.73)%,and(23.60±27.38)%,and the placebo group increased by(1.91±20.42)%,(2.40±9.32)%and(7.13±19.12)%,respectively,the differences between the two groups were statistically significant(all P<0.05).In the fenofibric acid group,adverse events with incidence>5%included upper respiratory tract infection(10.9%),abdominal pain(6.3%),and increased serum creatinine levels(6.3%),rates of adverse events were similar between the two groups(P>0.05). Conclusions:Fenofibric acid can significantly reduce triglycerides and elevate HDL-C levels safely in Chinese patients with severe to moderate HTG without statin or MD patients on top of statin therapy.

Heart failure is the leading cause of death worldwide. Compound Danshen Dripping Pill (CDDP) or CDDP combined with simvastatin has been widely used to treat patients with myocardial infarction and other cardiovascular diseases in China. However, the effect of CDDP on hypercholesterolemia/atherosclerosis-induced heart failure is unknown. We constructed a new model of heart failure induced by hypercholesterolemia/atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E (ApoE) and LDL receptor (LDLR) dual deficient (ApoE^-/-LDLR^-/-) mice and investigated the effect of CDDP or CDDP plus a low dose of simvastatin on the heart failure. CDDP or CDDP plus a low dose of simvastatin inhibited heart injury by multiple actions including anti-myocardial dysfunction and anti-fibrosis. Mechanistically, both Wnt and lysine-specific demethylase 4A (KDM4A) pathways were significantly activated in mice with heart injury. Conversely, CDDP or CDDP plus a low dose of simvastatin inhibited Wnt pathway by markedly up-regulating expression of Wnt inhibitors. While the anti-inflammation and anti-oxidative stress by CDDP were achieved by inhibiting KDM4A expression and activity. In addition, CDDP attenuated simvastatin-induced myolysis in skeletal muscle. Taken together, our study suggests that CDDP or CDDP plus a low dose of simvastatin can be an effective therapy to reduce hypercholesterolemia/atherosclerosis-induced heart failure.

【Objective】 To reduce the incidence of postoperative intestinal obstruction, we tried to improve surgical techniques by closing the cavity formed during radical cystectomy + ileal passage (Bricker) via laparoscopy to prevent the formation of abdominal hernia. 【Methods】 During Oct.2018 and Feb.2022, 41 patients were involved (conventional group). After standard laparoscopic radical cystectomy + pelvic lymphadenectomy, the ileum channel was established. The right medial retroperitoneum was sutured to cover the mesothelium and end of the ileum channel under open operation or endoscope. The space between the ureter and mesothelium of the ileum channel was sealed, and the end of the ileum channel and both ureters were externalized. During Feb.2022 and Dec.2022, 15 patients were involved (modified group). The right inner and outer lateral peritoneums below the ileal conduit were sutured to "bottom out" the gap between the ileal conduit and the right abdominal wall in addition to standard procedures. The recovery of intestinal function and incidence of bowel obstruction were compared between the two groups. 【Results】 In the conventional group, the intestinal function recovered within 2 to 6 days after surgery, with a median ventilation time of 3 days. Intestinal obstruction occurred in 3 patients, 2 of whom improved after conservative treatment while 1 underwent surgical exploration after ineffective conservative therapy. There were no significant differences in the time of discharge and ventilation between the two groups, but no intestinal obstruction occurred in the modified group. 【Conclusion】 Peritoneal externalization at the end of ileal passage can reduce the incidence of intra-abdominal hernia and postoperative intestinal obstruction, which is worthy of clinical application.

Neurogenic bladder caused by herpes zoster is not common.An 86 years old male patient with 6 months of dysuria and urinary retention caused by herpes zoster underwent sacral neuromodulation (SNM) operation. The symptoms of dysuria and fecal incontinence were improved significantly after operation.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of transurethral columnar balloon dilation of prostate (TUCBDP) in treatment of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH).Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on 25 cases of BPH treated by TUCBDP in the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from June 2016 to July 2018. The median age was 80(57-94) years, and the median volume of prostate was 75 (30-176) ml. The median preoperative maximum urine flow rate (Q max) was 6 (2-9) ml/s, the median quality of life score (QOL)was 4(3-5) points. The median preoperative international prostate symptom score (IPSS) and residual urine volume (RUV) was 25(18-34) and 85 (30-510) ml respectively.The median preoperative international index of erectile function questionnaire-5 (IIEF-5) score was 11(5-21)points and the median preoperative premature ejaculation diagnostic tool (PEDT) score was 10(6-17)points.The standard procedure of TUCBDP includes injecting 5ml of normal saline into the inner capsule, touching the inner capsule at the apex of prostate, fixing the catheter and then injecting water into the outer capsule to make the pressure reach 2.5 kPa. When the pressure of the outer capsule was maintained at 3 kPa for 5 minutes, the prostate was split. The peroperative IPSS, QOL, Q max and RUV was compared. The IIEF-5 and PEDT score before and after surgery were compared in patients with normal sexual activity to evaluate whether there were reverse ejaculation and semen reduction. Results:One case of BPH failed to rupture and the other two cases was split at 6 o’clock. The three cases were converted to plasma resection. The rest 22 cases were operated successfully with the median operation time of 17(11-23)min, the hemoglobin loss of 19(15-22)g/L. The continuous bladder flushing time was 1(1-2)d, the indwelling catheter time was 10(7-11)d and the hospital stay time was 11(7-12)d. Twenty of 25 cases were followed-up for 12 months. IPSS was 8 (4-14) points, Q max was 17(9-25)ml/s, and RUV was 10 (0-150) ml; there were significant differences between the peroperative and postoperative (all P<0.001). The median QOL was 1(1-2) point, decreased than peroperative( P<0.05). No adverse ejaculation and semen reduction were found in the post-operative patients with normal sexual life. The post-operative IIEF-5 and PEDT score was 16 (7-24) points and 8 (6-14) points respectively, which was not significantly different while compared with pre-operative IIEF-5 and PEDT score. Conclusions:TUCBDP was proved to be effective and safe for treating high-risk BPH patients with the advantages of short operation time, less bleeding, significant improvement of residual urine and dysuria.

Objective To explore the potential value of applying three-dimensional visualization technology in the robot-assisted laparoscopic nephron sparing partial nephrectomy.Methods From January to December 2018,98 patients with renal carcinoma undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic nephron sparing surgery were retrospectively analyzed.Forty-one patients in the experimental group accomplished kidney CT examination and three-dimensional reconstruction before surgery,and fifty-seven patients in the control group only completed kidney CT examination.There were 20 males and 21 females in the experimental group with the age of (51.39 ± 14.80) years and body mass index (BMI) of (23.54 ± 3.08) kg/m2.The median tumor diameter was 3.40 cm (range 1.90-8.30 cm) and the mean R.E.N.A.L.score was (5.83 ± 1.51) in the experimental group including 11 cases of transperitoneal,17 cases of retroperitoneal and 13 cases of combined transperitoneal and retroperitoneal access.There were 35 males and 22 females in the control group with the age of (52.84 ± 12.28) years and BMI of (24.01 ±3.30)kg/m2.The median tumor diameter was 3.35 cm (range 1.40-7.0 cm) and the mean R.E.N.A.L.score was (6.17 ± 1.77) in the control group including 15 cases of transperitoneal,31 cases of retroperitoneal and 11 cases of combined transperitoneal and retroperitoneal access.There was no statistical difference between two groups in term of age,gender,BMI score,R.E.N.A.L.score,tumor size,tumor location and operative approach.Results Ninety-eight cases of operation were successfully completed without causing vascular and ureteral injury.The warm ischemia time in the experimental group was significantly shorter than that of the control group [median 15.0 (7.0-26.0) min vs.20.0 (10.0-28.0) min,P--0.02],while no statistical difference was observed in term of operation time [median 130.0 (65.0-340.0) min vs.139.0 (67.0-250.0) min,P =0.22].There was no significant difference between the two groups in the decrease of hemoglobin within 24 hours after operation [median 20.0 (4.0-39.0) g/L vs.15.5 (2.0-40.0) g/L,P =0.56] and the average length of hospital stay after operation [median 6.0(4.0-14.0) d vs.6.0(5.0-14.0) d,P =0.86].The trend of creatinine declining was not statistically significant between the two groups at both 24 hours [median:2.0 (-10.0-28.0) μmol/L vs.7.5 (-17.0-51.0) μ mol/L,P =0.24] and 6 months after operation [median:2.0 (-12.0-57.0) μ mol/L vs.4.5 (-3.0-24.0) μmol/L,P =0.39].Conclusions Preoperative three-dimensional reconstruction is helpful to shorten the warm ischemia time,but it did not show short-term and long-term protection for renal function.

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of deep fungal infection by detecting the serum galactomannan ( GM) and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid ( BALF) GM, serum G test and fungal culture of BALF in patients with suspected invasive fungal infection ( IFI) in lungs.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed of the results of serum /BALF GM test ,serum G test and BALF culture from 148 patients with suspected pulmonary IFI .The indexes involved sensitivity , specificity , positive predictive value , negative predictive value , as well as diagnostic capacity for deep fungal infection with separated or combined tests .Results Among the 148 cases, 48 cases were clinically diagnosed with IFI and the rest were excluded.Among the 48 IFI cases, 3 cases were positive in serum GM test , 25 cases were positive in BALF GM test , 31 cases were positive in G test and 30 cases were positive in fungal culture .The combined detection showed a sensitivity of 91.6%,specificity of 70.0%, positive predictive value of 59.5% and negative predictive value of 94.6%.Conclusion The combination of GM/G tests and fungal culture can significantly improve the clinical diagnostic efficiency of pulmonary IFI .