Evidence-based bioethics: delineating the connections between science, practice, and values in medicine.

<p><b>A.</b> Secretion of FABP5 from adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) after adipocyte differentiation at Day 0, Day 4 and Day 8 (n = 4 in each). Values were normalized to total protein concentration of the cell lysate. *P < 0.05 vs. Day 0. <b>B.</b> Flowchart of microarray analysis in ADSC treated with 1 μM recombinant FABP5 for 24 h. <b>C.</b> Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis. Significantly (Z-score > 0, P < 0.05) upregulated and downregulated GO terms of three GO categories, including cellular component, molecular function and biological process, were picked up and listed by a sort of lower P-value in each category. The abscissa of the bar plot was the number of annotated genes within the GO category. <b>D.</b> Cascade of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network using a transcription factor binding site search data.</p

BK Virus-Associated Nephropathy after Renal Transplantation

Recent advances in immunosuppressive therapy have reduced the incidence of acute rejection and improved renal transplantation outcomes. Meanwhile, nephropathy caused by BK virus has become an important cause of acute or chronic graft dysfunction. The usual progression of infection begins with BK viruria and progresses to BK viremia, leading to BK virus associated nephropathy. To detect early signs of BK virus proliferation before the development of nephropathy, several screening tests are used including urinary cytology and urinary and plasma PCR. A definitive diagnosis of BK virus associated nephropathy can be achieved only histologically, typically by detecting tubulointerstitial inflammation associated with basophilic intranuclear inclusions in tubular and/or Bowman’s epithelial cells, in addition to immunostaining with anti-Simian virus 40 large T-antigen. Several pathological classifications have been proposed to categorize the severity of the disease to allow treatment strategies to be determined and treatment success to be predicted. Since no specific drugs that directly suppress the proliferation of BKV are available, the main therapeutic approach is the reduction of immunosuppressive drugs. The diagnosis of subsequent acute rejection, the definition of remission, the protocol of resuming immunosuppression, and long-term follow-up remain controversial

The Renal Tumor Morphological Characteristics that Affect Surgical Planning for Laparoscopic or Open Partial Nephrectomy

The purpose of this study is to investigate the morphological characteristics of renal tumors which affect the surgeons’ decision-making for the selection of open or laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. We included 147 patients who underwent partial nephrectomy for renal masses with elective indications in this study. Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) and open partial nephrectomy (OPN) were performed in 72 and 75 patients, respectively. Preoperative trans-sectional images were used to assess tumor characteristics such as tumor size, endophyticity, distance from the sinus, distance from the kidney equator, hilar designation, inside designation, and R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score. Univariate logistic regression analyses demonstrated that tumor size, endophyticity, distance from the sinus, hilar designation, inside designation, and R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score were associated with decision of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. Among these factors, multiple regression analyses showed that endophyticity (odds ratio = 0.92, p = 0.007) and distance from the sinus (odds ratio = 1.201, p < 0.001) had statistically significant associations with the type of operation performed. ROC analyses demonstrated cut-off values of 16 mm for endophyticity (sensitivity 69%, specificity 77%) and of 4 mm for distance from the sinus (sensitivity 79%, specificity 65%) for predicting the selection of laparoscopic surgery. In conclusion, this study revealed that endophyticity and distance from the sinus were important for the surgical planning of partial nephrectomy

Two-year follow up of silodosin on lower urinary tract functions and symptoms in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia based on prostate size: a prospective investigation using urodynamics

Background: The aim of this research was to investigate intermediate-term effects of silodosin on lower urinary tract functions and symptoms in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) according to prostate size, using urodynamics. Methods: A total of 70 untreated outpatients with a prostate volume 40 ml) in the intermediate term