23 research outputs found
Block Auction:A General Blockchain Protocol for Privacy-Preserving and Verifiable Periodic Double Auctions
BlockVerify: Privacy-Preserving Zero-Knowledge Credentials Verification Framework on Ethereum
We present a general purpose, privacy-preserving framework for verifying user attributes. The framework is designed for users (e.g., a job candidate) to allow a challenger (e.g., a prospective employer) to verify whether the user meets a particular requirement (e.g., does the candidate hold a valid driving license?), without leaking any other information about the user. Importantly, the user is an active part of the challenge-verification process, which ensures that challenges cannot be made without the user's full knowledge and participation. The framework is decentralized and requires a public blockchain. A smart contract is used to manage the challenge-verification process, and zero-knowledge proofs are used to verify challenges in a privacy-preserving manner. We implement a simplified version of the framework using smart contracts deployed on the Ethereum blockchain, and we simulate some simple use cases. All simulation code is available open-source (https://github.com/lifeisbeer/BlockVerify)
Laparoscopic pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction of the lower moiety in a completely duplicated collecting system: a case report
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>There are only a few reports on laparoscopic pyeloplasty in kidney abnormalities and only one case for laparoscopic pyeloplasty in a duplicated system. Increasing experience in laparoscopic techniques allows proper treatment of such anomalies. However, its feasibility in difficult cases with altered kidney anatomy such as that of duplicated renal pelvis still needs to be addressed.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We present a case of a 22-year-old white Caucasian female patient with ureteropelvic junction obstruction of the lower ureter of a completely duplicated system that was managed with laparoscopic pyeloplasty. Crossing vessels were identified and transposed. The procedure was carried out successfully and the patient's symptoms subsided. Follow-up studies demonstrated complete resolution of the obstruction.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Since laparoscopic pyeloplasty is still an evolving procedure, its feasibility in complex cases of kidney anatomic abnormalities is herein further justified.</p
The Role of Natural Products in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Current Knowledge of Basic In Vitro and In Vivo Research
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder affecting a vast variety of the population. The onset of RA as well as the development of systematic immunization is affected by both genetic and environmental risk factors. This review aims to point out the role of natural products in the management of RA, focusing on the reports of basic research (in vitro and animal studies) emphasizing the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties considered in the field of RA. A systematic screening of the relevant literature was carried out on PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus with the following criteria: publication date, 2015–2020; language, English; study design, in vitro or animal models; and the investigation of one or several natural products in the context of RA, including, when available, the molecular mechanisms implicated. A total of 211 papers were initially obtained and screened. In vitro and animal studies referring to 20 natural products and 15 pure compounds were ultimately included in this review. The outcomes of this work provide an overview of the methods employed in basic research over the past five years, with emphasis on the limitations presented, while demonstrating the potential benefits of utilizing natural products in the management of RA as supported by in vitro and animal studies
Natural products from mediterranean diet : from anti-hyperlipidemic agents to dietary epigenetic modulators
Unraveling Natural Products’ Role in Osteoarthritis Management—An Overview
The natural process of aging gradually causes changes in living organisms, leading to the deterioration of organs, tissues, and cells. In the case of osteoarthritis (OA), the degradation of cartilage is a result of both mechanical stress and biochemical factors. Natural products have already been evaluated for their potential role in the prevention and treatment of OA, providing a safe and effective adjunctive therapeutic approach. This review aimed to assess the therapeutic potential of natural products and their derivatives in osteoarthritis via a systematic search of literature after 2008, including in vitro, in vivo, ex vivo, and animal models, along with clinical trials and meta-analysis. Overall, 170 papers were obtained and screened. Here, we presented findings referring to the preventative and therapeutic potential of 17 natural products and 14 naturally occurring compounds, underlining, when available, the mechanisms implicated. The nature of OA calls to initially focus on the management of symptoms, and, in that context, several naturally occurring compounds have been utilized. Underlying a global need for more sustainable natural sources for treatment, the evidence supporting their chondroprotective potential is still building up. However, arriving at that kind of solution requires more clinical research, targeting the implications of long-term treatment, adverse effects, and epigenetic implications
Downregulated KLK13 expression in bladder cancer highlights tumor aggressiveness and unfavorable patients’ prognosis
Ureterointestinal strictures following Bricker ileal conduit: management via a percutaneous approach
Objective Urinary diversion after radical cystectomy is commonly
performed via an ileal conduit using the Bricker method. However, 4-8%
of these cases are complicated with stricture formation at the
ureterointestinal junction. Thus, this could eventually lead to
hydronephrosis and kidney loss in neglected patients. Few data exist
concerning the outcomes of patients with ureterointestinal junction
strictures managed via a percutaneous approach and balloon dilatation of
the stricture. The potential of managing these strictures, using a stent
replacement strategy, was evaluated.
Patients and methods A total of 14 patients (10 male, 4 female; age
range 24-72 years) were enrolled in the study. Mean follow-up time was
30.9 months. Invasive bladder cancer was diagnosed in 11, neurogenic
bladder in 2 and shrunk bladder after external beam radiation for
prostate cancer in 1 patient. They were all managed by radical
cystectomy followed by Bricker ileal conduit. In 6 cases,
ureterointestinal strictures bilaterally were discovered, whereas
unilateral (left-sided) strictures were noted to the remaining 8
patients. All strictures were managed via a percutaneous approach and
balloon dilatation. A double J stent was placed at the end of the
procedure and was regularly replaced after an interval of 3-6 months.
Results A percutaneous nephrostomy was successfully placed in all
patients. Double J stent insertion was possible in 18 of a total of 20
(90%) obstructed ureters. No major complications were observed in any
of the cases while adequate renal function was preserved in all
patients. Quality of life is not reported to be significantly
compromised in any patient. Double J ureteral stent replacement is
performed every 3-6 months in a retrograde fashion. One patient died in
the follow-up period due to disease progression.
Conclusion Placement of a double J stent via a percutaneous approach
seems to have offered a viable option in the management of
ureterointestinal strictures in this patient population. In addition,
periodical retrograde replacement of the stent probably does not
constitute a factor compromising quality of life. However, further
studies are required to justify these primary clinical data