Urinary Diseases Research Articles

Clinical analysis of heterotopic ossification of bladder

Objective To improve the understanding of heterotopic ossification (HO) of bladder. Methods The pathogenic mechanism, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment measures of the disease were reviewed and discussed with relevant literatures by analyzing the clinical data of a patient with bladder ossification. Results This patient was preoperatively diagnosed as bladder tumor, and a operation of transurethral resection of bladder tumor was performed. A nodular mass of bone-like, superior to the right ureteral orifice was found on the right lateral wall of the bladder during operation, with 3.5 cm in diameter. The pedicle of the tumor was thin, and the base was rough. Surrounding mucosa of the neoplasm was normal and no bleeding. We had to remove the tumor gradually by using a gravel pliers in that it was too hard. Postoperative pathology report revealed the main tumor as benign bladder neoplasm, which trabecular bone formation was founded in the fibrosis tissue. This patient was not treated with intravesical instillation. She was followed up for 2 years, no gross hematuria and dysuria, the general physical condition was good. Conclusions HO of bladder is rare. HO originates from osteoprogenitor stem cells lying dormant within the affected soft tissues. With the proper stimulus, the stem cells differentiate into osteoblasts and begin the process of osteoid formation, eventually leading to mature heterotopic bone formation. The diagnosis of this disease is difficult, and must be distinguished from osteosarcoma and carcinosarcoma. The determined diagnosis depends on cystoscopy and histopathological examination. The main treatment regimen is surgical resection, and the indication is similar to bladder tumor. Key words: Urinary Bladder Diseases; Osteogenesis

하고초 추출물의 streptozotocin 유발 당뇨 랫트 사구체 손상 개선 효과

Prunella vulgaris, well-known traditional medicinal plant, is used for the cure of abscess, scrofula, hypertension and urinary diseases. Diabetic nephropathy is the most common cause of end-stage renal disease. The pathological characteristics of diabetic nephropathy are glomerular and tubular basement membrane thickening. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Prunella vulgaris, on diabetic glomerular injury in streptozotocin –induced diabetes rats. Diabetes mellitus was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ; 45 mg/kg) and confirmed by random glucose level higher than ≤ 300 mg/dL. The experimental rats were divided into five groups: control group (Male SD rats), STZ group (Male SD rats injected STZ), Aminoguanidine group (Male SD rats injected STZ + AG 100 mg/kg/day), Low dose group (Male SD rats injected STZ + APV 100 mg/kg/day), High dose group (Male SD rats injected STZ + APV 300 mg/kg/day). AG or APVs were administered once a day for 8 weeks. Body weight and food/water intake were measured every four weeks. At the end of study, the kidneys were collected and cut into pieces for immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. Our study showed that body weight and water/food intake were no significant differences between untreated STZ-induced diabetic rat and APV treated-STZ rat. However, phosphorylation of receptor-regulated Smads (Smad3) was significantly decreased in APV treated-STZ rat as compared with the diabetic group. In addition, APV was improved nephrin level in kidney tissue. Therefore, we suggest that APV has a protective effect against STZ-induced diabetic glomerular injury.

Regional monitoring of the urinary tract infections etiological spectrum pathogens in the child population in Chernivtsi region: dynamic changes, age, gender, administrative and territorial characteristics

Microbiological monitoring of the uropathogens is an effective «tool» for urinary tract infectious and inflammatory diseases treatment quality improvement. The aim of the article is to determine the range of the urinary tract infectious-inflammatory diseases etiological spectrum groups of pathogens in the child population in Chernivtsi region. Materials and methods. The etiologic spectrum of uropathogens identified in the urine samples of 657 patients who were provided with a specialized medical care in the Nephrology Department of the «Municipal Children’s Clinical Hospital», Chernivtsi (2014–2015) was analyzed in order to dynamically control the possible changes of the «urinary tract infections» (UTI) regional etiological structure and antibiotic resistance of pathogens; identification of age and gender differences of urine microbial diversity in the child population in Chernivtsi region (2014–2015) compared with the monitoring data for the 2009–2013 period. Results. A significant difference has been found in the etiological structure of the urine microbial diversity in children with infectious and inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract (Gram-positive cocci – p < 0.05; Enterobacteria – p < 0.01; resident microflora – p < 0.01) in comparison with uropathogens extracted in children with urinary tract noninfectious diseases. Administrative and territorial differences have been registered in etiological structure of the urine microbial diversity in children living in the urban areas (p < 0.01) from their peers living in the rural areas. Conclusions. The regional monitoring data showed changes of the urine resident microflora (p < 0.01) without significant changes of etiological spectrum of the UTI pathogens in examined children (0–18 years old) with urinary tract infectious and inflammatory diseases during 2009–2015 in Chernivtsi region. At the same time it as a matter of concern a significant increase in the proportion of «negative results» (no growth) in the urine bacteriological analysis (p < 0.01), which might indirectly indicate the «uncontrolled» use of antibiotics among children in the region.

SICKNESS RATE OF ADULT POPULATION IN CONDITIONS OF DISPENSARY OBSERVATION

Aim. To analyze the organization of dispensary observation on the basis of detected tendencies and structure of noninfectious diseases sickness rate over the period from 2012 to 2016. Materials and methods. A comparative analysis of chronic diseases sickness rate among dispensary patients and registered adult population was conducted; statistical processing of data was performed using Microsoft Excel 2010 “Analysis package”. To predict the changes in indices, a polynominal trend line for the future 5 years with approximation reliability value ( R 2) not less than 0.85 was developed. Reliability of difference between relative indices was proved by Student’s test ( p < 0.05). Results. It was established that general sickness rate for all diseases and separate classes indicated prognostic growth up to 2012, even with negative tendencies for indices in 2012-2016. General sickness rate structure in the dispensary group somewhat changed during the studied period: positions 1 and 2 are held by circulatory and endocrine system diseases, position 3 (by the year 2016) - by eye and supplementary organs diseases, moving aside digestive diseases, respiratory diseases, urinary diseases. General noninfectious chronic diseases sickness rate, as a whole, and by most separate classes of diseases is higher among the registered population. Annual fluctuations of sickness rate by the analogous classes of diseases in the dispensary group and in the registered population are not identical. Conclusions. In conditions of the existing order of dispensary observation, it is necessary to study thoroughly its organization, so as to explain the above phenomenon.

Anti-ulcer and anti-Helicobacter pylori potentials of the ethyl acetate fraction of Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii (Solanaceae) in rodent

Ethnopharmacological relevancePhysalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii (Solanaceae) has been widely used in Chinese folk medicine due to its wide distribution throughout the country, for the treatment of a wide range of diseases including heat and cold, sore throat, fever, fungal infection, inflammation, toothache, rheumatism, burn, analgesic, ulcer and urinary diseases. However, the effect of P. alkekengi var. franchetii on ulcer and Helicobacter pylori infection has not been reported to date. Aim of the studyThis study was designed to investigate the anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, anti-Helicobacter pylori and analgesic properties of ethyl acetate fraction of the crude aqueous methanolic extract from the aerial parts of the plant P. alkekengi L. var. franchetii in rodents. Materials and methodsAcute toxicity of the crude extract of P. alkekengi L. var. franchetii (PAF) was evaluated in rats. The petroleum ether fraction (PEF), butanol fraction (BF), ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) and aqueous fraction (AF) of crude aqueous methanolic extract from PAF were screened for anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer potential at doses of 100, 250 and 500mg/kg (p.o.), using carrageenin-induced hind paw edema and ethanol-induced gastric lesions test in rats. In vitro anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of EAF was assayed subsequently. In addition, three doses of EAF were evaluated for analgesic activity using hot plate and writhing tests, respectively. Finally, we performed a phytochemical analysis of EAF. ResultsFour fractions of crude extract from PAF significantly reduced the paw volume in carrageenin-induced hind paw edema model at different doses (100, 250 and 500mg/kg, p.o.). The fraction EAF at a dose of 500mg/kg exhibited the highest (75.92%) (0.150 ± 0.045***, ***p < 0.001) anti-inflammatory potential, which is similar to indomethacin (***P < 0.001)（0.120 ± 0.014***, 80.74% inhibition of inflammation） at 5mg/kg. Pretreatment with EAF (500mg/kg, p.o.) significantly reduced the intensity of gastric mucosal damage and showed higher gastroprotective activity (90.6%) when compared to the standard drug famotidine (84.6%). In addition, EAF fraction also showed a moderate (P < 0.05) anti-Helicobacter pylori activity with a minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) of 500μg/ml. Furthermore, pain sensation was effectively inhibited at 500mg/kg, p.o. of EAF as manifested by an increase (p < 0.001) of latency time in hot plate from 30 to 90min and a decrease (p < 0.001) in count of writhing induced by acetic acid. By HPLC, we determined some steroid, terpenoid and flavonoids (four compounds): kaempferol, quercetin, Blumenol A and physalindicanols A, which were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction and identified using 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectra analysis. ConclusionThis study demonstrated the anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, anti-Helicobacter pylori and analgesic properties of EAF of the crude extract from PAF thus justifying its traditional usage.

Artificial Urine for Teaching Urinalysis Concepts and Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Infection in the Medical Microbiology Laboratory.

Dipstick urinalysis is an informative, quick, cost-effective and non-invasive diagnostic tool that is useful in clinical practice for the diagnosis of urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney diseases, and diabetes. We used dipstick urinalysis as a hands-on microbiology laboratory exercise to reinforce student learning about UTIs with a particular focus on cystitis, which is a common bacterial infection. To avoid exposure to potentially contaminated human urine samples, we prepared artificial urine using easily acquired and affordable ingredients, which allowed less-experienced students to perform urinalysis without the risk of exposure to pathogenic organisms and ensured reliable availability of the urine samples. This practical class taught medical students how to use urinalysis data in conjunction with medical history to diagnose diseases from urine samples and to determine a treatment plan for clinical scenarios.

Extraction and isolation of new compounds from traditional herbal medicine; Clerodendrum phlomidis Linn.

Clerodendrum phlomidis L., (Lamiaceae), is a shrub, generally found in south-east Asia. This genus has great ethno-medicinal importance in various indigenous systems of medicine like Indian, Chinese, Thai, Korean, Siddha, Unani and Japanese for the treatment of numerous diseases like syphilis, typhoid, cancer, jaundice, hypertension, constipation, gonorrhea, piles, urinary diseases, nervous disorders, inflammation and measles. Isolation of three new compounds from methanolic extracts of roots of plant namely 3′-stigmast-5-enyl-4′-octadecanyl protocatechuic acid (2), n-tetratriacont-24-enoic acid (3), n-tetradecanyl- glucopyranosyl–(2′→1″) glucopyranoside (5) along with known β-sitosteryl n-octadec-9′,12′-dienoate (1), n-octadec-9-enoyl- β-D-arabinopyranoside (4) and α-D-glucopyranosyl-(6→1′)-α-D-glucopyranosyl-(6′→1″)-α-D-glucopyranoside (6) have been done on the basis of spectral data analysis and chemical means.

Misdiagnosis of a cloacal exstrophy variant as urorectal septum malformation in a fetus by ultrasound: A case report

Cloacal exstrophy variants are comprised of a wide range of characteristics, of which there are four primary features, including omphalocele, bladder exstrophy, an imperforate anus and spina bifida. The existing literature regarding the differential diagnosis from alternative urinary diseases prenatally are limited. If the bladder is present, defects in the ventral wall may not be visualized with prenatal ultrasound in certain conditions, including oligohydramnios, and differential diagnosis from urorectal septum malformation sequence is a challenge. In order to improve the diagnosis of cloacal exstrophy variants, the present study investigated the misdiagnosis of a cloacal exstrophy variant as a urorectal septum malformation in a fetus by ultrasound and analyzed the reasoning of diagnosis in detail.

High-power Magnetotherapy: A New Weapon in Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence (UI) is one of the most common urinary system diseases that mostly affects women but also men. We evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of functional magnetic stimulation (FMS) as potential UI treatment with improvements in the pelvic floor musculature, urodynamic tests and quality of life. A total of 20 UI patients (10 females and 10 men, mean age 64, 14 years), including 10 with stress UI, four with urgency UI and six with mixed UI, were treated with FMS (20 min/session) twice a week for 3 weeks. The patients' impressions, records in urinary diaries, and scores of three life stress questionnaires (overactive bladder symptom questionnaire [OAB-q], urogenital distress inventory questionnaire-short form [UDI-6], incontinence impact questionnaire-short form [IIQ-7]) were performed pre- and post-treatment. Significant reductions (P < 0.01) of micturition number and nocturia after magnetic treatment were evidenced. The urodynamic tests recorded a significant increase in cystometric capacity (147 ± 51.3%), in maximum urethral closure pressure (110 ± 34%), in urethral functional length (99.8 ± 51.8%), and in pressure transmission ratio (147 ± 51.3%) values compared with the baseline values. These preliminary findings suggest that FMS with Magneto STYM (twice weekly for 3 weeks) improves the UI and may be an effective treatment for this urogenital disease.

Reflectometric Analysis for Identification of Various Pathological Conditions Associated with Lichen Planus

Reflectometric technique for analyzing urine strips represents a simple, fast and inexpensive method, with no risk and discomfort for the patient. In the present paper, the authors conducted a retrospective study on the possible association between lichen planus (LP) and a number of pathological conditions that produce changes of urine metabolites. A retrospective study was made on 77 patients with LP (49 cases of cutaneous LP - CLP, 28 cases of oral LP - OLP) who were diagnosed and treated in the dermatology department of Victor Babes Hospital for Infectious and Tropical Diseases. The quantification of certain urine metabolites in the spontaneous urine through reflectometric technique may reveal liver diseases (urobilinogen, bilirubin), kidney diseases (erythrocytes, proteins, albumin, creatinine, albumin/creatinine ratio, urine specific gravity, pH), metabolic disorders (glucose, ketones, pH, ascorbic acid) and urinary diseases (leucocyturia, nitrites, proteins, erythrocytes). The evaluation of the patients included clinical examination and laboratory and imaging tests. Among the investigated patients with LP we found: 16 cases of hepatic dysfunction (20.8%), 7 cases of renal dysfunction (9.1%), 11 cases of metabolic disorders (14.3%) and 14 cases of urinary tract infections (18.2%). No differences were found between patients with cutaneous and oral LP. The linear regression analysis revealed: positive association between concentrations of urobilinogen and bilirubin (r = 0.174, p = 0.044), negative association between albumin and creatinine (r = -0.316, p = 0.007), positive association between glucose and ketones (r = 0.266, p = 0.098) and positive association between leucocyturia and urine nitrite levels (r = 0.202, p = 0.050). Based on clinical and laboratory data, 85.7% of results obtained from urine biochemistry were confirmed. This analysis did not find any difference between patients with cutaneous and oral LP. By determining a full panel of urine metabolites through reflectometric analysis we were able to identify the main pathological changes in patients with LP.

Diagnostic value of DNA aneuploidy for urothelial carcinoma.

e16007 Background: The incidence and mortality of urologic cancer are increasing in China and worldwide. Early diagnosis is the key to improve survival. DNA-Image-Cytometry (DNA-ICM) is to assist in the early microscopical diagnosis and grading of various types of tumors, measuring the DNA-contents of their cells. This study investigates the role of DNA aneuploidy in improving diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for urothelial carcinoma. Methods: 274 voided urine samples (204 cases from patients with urothelial carcinomas and 70 cases from patients with benign urinary system diseases) were analyzed with DNA-ICM and liquid-based cytology (LBC) .Fresh urine samples were collected in the morning of the analysis. Sedimented cell-preparations were obtained through centrifugation (cytospins) for DNA-ICM. The sensitivity and specificity of DNA ICM and LBC were calculated by comparing with the pathology in cells with moderate and severe dysplasia. Results: Sensitivity of DNA-ICM was 70.3% which was much higher than that of liquid-based cytology (27.2%)(P &lt; 0.01). Specificity of DNA-ICM was 100% while specificity of LBC was 98.6%. The sensitivity of DNA-ICM in upper urinary tract urothelial cell carcinoma(UTCUs) were 68.75%, lower than 75.00% in bladder urothelial cell carcinomas, there was no significant differences between them(P &gt; 0.01). Conclusions: DNA single cell cytometry represents a highly relevant tool in the objective identification of urothelial carcinoma with a sufficient sensitivity and specificity. Enhancing its extended use as an adjuvant strategy for the early screening of the urothelial carcinoma during routine analyses is benefical. DNA-ICM is an effective screening method for urothelial cancer. Its use to monitor the treatment should be further validated in larger series.

Prevalence and complications of hypouricemia in a general population: A large-scale cross-sectional study in Japan.

BackgroundsHypouricemia was reported as a risk factor for exercise-induced acute renal injury (EIAKI) and urinary stones. However, the prevalence of kidney diseases among hypouricemic subjects has not been evaluated. This study was conducted to clarify the prevalence of hypouricemia and the association of hypouricemia with kidney diseases by using a large-scale Japanese population data.MethodsThis study is a retrospective cross-sectional study at the Center for Preventive Medicine, St. Luke’s International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan, and Sanin Rousai Hospital, Yonago, Japan. We analyzed the medical records of 90,143 Japanese subjects at the center in St. Luke’s International Hospital, Tokyo, and 4,837 subjects in Sanin Rousai Hospital, Yonago, who underwent annual regular health check-up between January 2004 and June 2010. We defined hypouricemia as serum uric acid level of ≤2.0 mg/dL. We checked the medical history of all the study subjects and compared the rates of complications including urinary stones and kidney diseases among those with or without hypouricemia.ResultsThe prevalence of hypouricemia was 0.19% in St. Luke’s International Hospital, Tokyo, and 0.58% in Sanin Rousai Hospital, Yonago. The prevalence of hypouricemia in women was larger than that in men both in Tokyo (0.31% vs 0.068%, p<0.001) and in Yonago (1.237% vs 0.318%, p<0.001). Among 172 hypouricemic subjects (30 men), the rates of previous urinary stones and kidney diseases (including nephritis/nephrosis) were 1.2% (3.3% men, 0.7% women) and 2.3% (10% men, 0.7% women), respectively. Hypouricemic men had a 9-fold higher rate of previously having kidney diseases compared to non-hypouricemic men (p<0.001). However, the rates of other diseases including urinary stones were not significantly different between the two groups.ConclusionsHypouricemia was associated with a history of kidney disease especially in men.

Orphan medicinal products in Europe and United States to cover needs of patients with rare diseases: an increased common effort is to be foreseen

BackgroundIn the European Union (EU) and United States (US), specific regulations have been released to provide incentives to develop and sell orphan medicinal products.We analysed the status of orphan drugs designated that not yet received a marketing authorisation or already marketed for patients affected by rare diseases in the EU and US up to December 2015. For each drug, the following data were extracted: designation date, active substance(s), orphan condition and indication, trade name, approved therapeutic indication, approved ages, genetic nature of disease and if affects children.ResultsIn the EU, 1264 Orphan Drug Designations have been granted and 133 medicinal products were approved covering a total of 179 indications and 122 rare conditions. Among these, 79 were approved under Regulation (EC)141/2000 (65 still listed in the Orphan Medicinal Products Register and 14 lost the orphan designation but still authorised) and 23 were approved centrally by the European Agency before the Orphan Regulation entered into force. On the other hand, in the US 3082 designations and 415 orphan products, covering a total of 521 indications and 300 rare conditions, were granted. As a result, the mean of designations per year is 79 in the EU and 93.4 in the US, while the mean of approved indications per year is 8.5 in the EU and 15.8 in the US.No orphan product is marketed in the EU for bone and connective tissue, ophthalmic, poisoning/overdose, renal, urinary and reproductive rare diseases. Among the marketed medicinal products, only 46.6% in the EU and 35.2% in the US are approved for children.If all the existing market approvals were merged, 362 additional therapeutic indications in the EU and 72 in the US would be covered.ConclusionsOur data show that notwithstanding the incentives issued, the number of medicines for rare diseases is still limited, and this is more evident in certain therapeutic areas. However, by merging all the existing approvals, patients would benefit of substantial advantages in both geographic areas. Efforts and cooperation between EU and US seem the only way to speed up the development and marketing of drugs for rare diseases.

Prunella vulgaris attenuates diabetic renal injury by suppressing high glucose‐induced mesangial fibrosis and inflammation

Prunella vulgaris, well‐known traditional medicinal plant, is used for the cure of abscess, scrofula, hypertension and urinary diseases. The present study was designed to investigate the beneficial effects of aqueous extract of Prunellae vulgaris (APV) on high glucose (HG)‐promoted human mesangial cell and STZ‐induced diabetic rats. Pretreatment of APV (1‐50 μg/ml) attenuated 25 mM HG‐induced inflammatory marker such as intracellular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) in mesangial cells. Additionally, APV suppressed transforming growth factor α1 (TGF‐α1) and Smad‐2/4 expression, whereas increased Smad‐7 expression level. Activation of p38 has been implicated in TGF‐α1‐stimulated collagen mRNA expression, whereas ERK has been associated with fibronectin accumulation. APV not only inhibits the Smad pathway, but also elicits inhibitory effects on ERK signaling. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and collagen IV, fibrosis biomarkers, were significantly decreased by APV. Moreover, APV inhibited activation and translocation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) in HG‐stimulated mesangial cells. Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into five groups: control, STZ, STZ were fed on APV (100 or 300 mg/kg/day) and STZ with aminoguanidine (AG) (100 mg/kg/day) for 8 weeks respectively. The renal tissue in the APV group exhibited clear signs of inflammation compared with the control group. Additionally, APV increased nephrin expression in STZ‐induced diabetic kidney. Glomerulus TGF‐α1 expression in immunohistochemical staining was significantly decreased by APV. These findings suggest that APV have protective effect against diabetic nephropathy including inflammation and fibrosis through disturbing TGF‐α/Smad signaling.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korea government (MSIP) (2008‐0062484).

The preliminary ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Uşak (Turkey)

This study was made to reveal the plants used as traditional folk medicine in Usak in 2013. The specimens of the plants used as folk remedies have been collected and the information about the local names, the part(s) used, the ailments treated, the therapeutic effect, the preparation, the methods of administration, and the duration of treatment were recorded. The plant specimens are kept in the Herbarium of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Marmara University. As a result of identification of the plant specimens, 38 species, used as a traditional folk medicine in Usak, have been determined. According to the majority of the plants which have similar usages, the plants were mostly used for gastrointestinal system diseases, respiratory system diseases and urinary system diseases.

Clinical analysis of 108 cases with chronic kidney disease at stage 2 to 5 in children

Objective To analyze the pathogenesis, initially diagnosed symptoms and clinical manifestations of children with chronic kidney disease(CKD) at stage 2 to 5. Methods The data of 108 children who were hospitalized in Children′s Hospital Affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics from September 2007 to April 2016 with CKD stage 2 to 5 were retrospectively analyzed.The etiologies, clinical manifestations and examinations were summarized, and the clinical manifestations were compared between the congenital hereditary urinary diseases group and the acquired urinary diseases group. Results (1) In the 108 cases collected, 66 cases were male, 42 cases were female, aged from 3 months to 15 years and 1 month old.Twenty-four cases were diagnosed at stage 2, 26 cases at stage 3, 35 cases at stage 4, and 23 cases at stage 5.(2)Twenty-eight kinds of illness were involved in the cause of CKD.Among them, 57 cases(52.8%) had congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract, 5 cases(4.6%) had hereditary kidney diseases, 41 cases(38.0%) had other primary or secondary kidney diseases, and in 5 cases(4.6%) the causes of disease were unknown.(3) For the initially diagnosed symptoms, 29 cases(26.9%) were due to complaints associated with kidney disease, 36 cases(33.3%) were of other outside kidney symptoms, and 43 cases(39.8%) were of negative symptoms.The results of urinary ultrasound were abnormal in 79 cases(73.1%) and 87 cases(80.6%) showed abnormality in urinary analysis.There were 105 cases (97.2%) with abnormal manifestations either in urinary tract ultrasound or in urinary analysis.(4)The ages on diagnosis as CKD in children with congenital hereditary urinary diseases(5.89 years old) were younger than that of children with acquired urinary diseases(9.20 years old), and the difference was significant(Z=-3.434, P=0.001). The frequency of cases with short stature or lower-weight in group of congenital hereditary urinary diseases[66.1%(41/62 cases), 64.5%(40/62 cases)] were significantly higher than those of the acquired urinary diseases group[43.9%(18/41cases), 43.9%(18/41 cases)], and the differences were statistically significant(χ2=4.983, 4.263, P=0.026, 0.039). Conclusions The causes of CKD are complicated, and the congenital anomalies of kidney and urinary tract are the major causes of CKD at stage 2 to 5 in the cases.The initially diagnosed symptoms of CKD are insidious and atypical.The children with congenital hereditary urinary diseases tend to have more serious growth retardation.Urinary analysis and ultrasound may have an important significance for early diagnosis of CKD in children. Key words: Chronic kidney disease; Child; Etiology; Clinical manifestation

Prunella vulgaris Attenuates Diabetic Renal Injury by Suppressing Glomerular Fibrosis and Inflammation.

Diabetic nephropathy is both the most common complication and the leading cause of mortality associated with diabetes. Prunella vulgaris, a well-known traditional medicinal plant, is used for the cure of abscess, scrofula, hypertension and urinary diseases. This study confirmed whether an aqueous extract of Prunella vulgaris (APV) suppresses renal inflammation and fibrosis. In human mesangial cell (HMC), pretreatment of APV attenuated 25[Formula: see text]mM HG-induced suppressed TGF-[Formula: see text] and Smad-2/4 expression; it increased the expression level of Smad-7. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and collagen IV, fibrosis biomarkers, were significantly decreased by APV. APV suppressed inflammatory factors such as intracellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). APV inhibited activation and translocation of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-[Formula: see text]B) in HG-stimulated HMCs. Moreover, APV significantly improved HG-induced ROS in a dose-dependent manner. In diabetic rat models, APV significantly decreased blood glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and ameliorated plasma creatinine (PCr). APV reduced the PAS positivity staining intensity and basement membrane thickening in glomeruli of diabetic rats. Fibrosis related proteins such as collagen IV and TGF-[Formula: see text]1 were also inhibited by APV. These results suggest that APV has a significant protective effect against diabetic renal dysfunction including inflammation and fibrosis through disruption of the TGF-[Formula: see text]/Smad signaling. Therefore, APV may be useful in potential therapies that target glomerulonephritis and glomerulosclerosis, which lead to diabetic nephropathy.

Molecular profiling and bioactive potential of an endophytic fungus Aspergillus sulphureus isolated from Sida acuta: a medicinal plant

Context: Sida acuta Burm.f. (Malvaceae) extracts are reported to have applications against malaria, diuretic, antipyretic, nervous and urinary diseases. No fungal endophytes of S. acuta are reported. Objective: Isolation, identification and evaluation of antibacterial, antioxidant, anticancer and haemolytic potential of fungal endophytes from the ethnomedcinal plant S. acuta. Materials and methods: Sida acuta stem segments were placed on PDA medium to isolate endophytic fungi. The fungus was identified by genomic DNA analysis and phylogenetic tree was constructed using ITS sequences (GenBank) to confirm species. The antibacterial efficacy of Aspergillus sulphureus MME12 ethyl acetate extract was tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria. DPPH free radical scavenging activity, anticancer and DNA fragmentation against EAC cells, and direct haemolytic activity (100–500 μg/mL) using human erythrocytes were determined. Results and discussion: The ethyl acetate extract of A. sulphureus (Fresen.) Wehmer (Trichocomaceae) demonstrated significant antibacterial potential against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi compared to streptomycin. MIC against test pathogens was in the range of 15.6–62.5 μg/mL. The antioxidant results revealed significant RSA from 12.43% to 62.02% (IC50 = 350.4 μg/mL, p ≤ 0.05). MME12 offered considerable inhibition of EAC proliferation (23% to 84%, IC50 = 216.7 μg/mL, p ≤ 0.05) supported by DNA fragmentation studies. The extract also offered insignificant haemolysis (5.6%) compared to Triton X-100. Conclusions: A single endophytic fungus, A. sulphureus MME12 was isolated and identified using molecular profiling. The above-mentioned findings support the pharmacological application of A. sulphureus MME12 extract and demand for purification of the active principle(s).

Analysis and Antibiotic Vulnerability Testing For Urinary Region Diseases Using Surface Improved Raman Spectroscopy Tools

Analysis and Antibiotic Vulnerability Testing For Urinary Region Diseases Using Surface Improved Raman Spectroscopy Tools

Zdravstveno stanje električara zaposlenih na radnim mestima sa povećanim rizikom po zdravlje

Introduction. Electricians are exposed to a large number of different harmful noxae and the Risk Assessment Act has identified work places with an increased risk for the health of employees. Objective is to perceive the health condition of electricians who work at workplaces with an increased health risk. Methods. This research was retrospectively-prospective and it was done as a cross-section study. The retrospective part of the research is based on a clinical examination of workers who work at workplaces with an increased health risk, and data from the medical records of these workers and relevant reports on periodic examinations were used for retrospective analysis. Statistical data analysis was performed in the SPSS software package. Results. In this study, 52 electricians were examined and a survey of the respondents by gender and age structure was given, and the results show that all 52 respondents are male (100%) and that the largest number of respondents, more than half of them, belongs to the age group between 40 and 59 - 28 (53.85%), and only 1 (1.92%) is over 60 years. All respondents work at workplaces with an increased health risk, and the ICD 10 health status analysis shows the following: the most frequent are cardiovascular diseases (30.77%) and risk factors responsible for the development of cardiovascular diseases (26.92%), eye diseases, primarily refractory anomalies (28.85%), ear diseases and mastoid disorders, primarily hearing damage (25%) and diseases of the locomotor system (21.15%). Discussion. Relative to gender, only the male working population is present, which is understandable given the conditions and requirements of the jobs, and relative to age the majority of respondents belong to the age group between 40 and 59 years. Based on the health condition, a review of the obtained results was given according to the appropriate classification of the disease, i.e. according to ICD 10, and it was shown that cardiovascular diseases, diseases and conditions that pose risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases, ophthalmic diseases, urinary and mastoid disorders and diseases of the locomotor system are present. An important reason for the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, in addition to stress, are negative living habits: smoking, daily consumption of alcoholic beverages, inadequate nutrition and overweight. Locomotor system diseases are also common in this population, which is due to degenerative changes and processes in the bones that are associated with the aging process, but the significant impact of severe physical work in poor climatic conditions can not be neglected. Conclusion. Based on the analysis of the health condition, a high percentage of cardiovascular diseases, ear diseases, refractive anomalies and diseases of the locomotor system have been identified.