Objective To study the value of renal CT scan in evaluating split renal function.Methods 147 patients undergone CT scan from June 2009 to June 2011 were involved in this study.There were 73 cases of obstructive hydronephrosis and 74 cases of renal tumors.66 patients were males and 81 were females with a mean age of 53 years ( range 17 - 87 years).GFR detected by single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) was used as the reference of split renal function.The kidneys were divided into 3 groups according to the GFR:normal renal function (113 cases,GFR ≥ 34 ml/min),mildly impaired renal function (66 cases,GFR:20 -34 ml/min) and severely impaired renal function (41 cases,GFR ＜20 ml/min).One-way ANOVA and linear regression analysis were used to analyze the relationship between the results of CT scan and split renal functions. Results There were significant differences in the cortical thickness among the normal renal function,mildly impaired renal function and severely impaired renal function groups.The cortical thicknesses were (0.62 ±0.11) cm,(0.45 ±0.10) cm and (0.26 ±0.07) cm,respectively (P ＜ 0.01 ).The renal cortical thickness was strongly correlated with GFR (r =0.806,P ＜0.01 ).There were significant differences in the enhancement during the cortical phase among the 3 groups,which were (162.1 ±25.3) HU,(121.6 ±21.0) HU and (63.5 ±20.0) HU,respectively (P＜0.01).The enhancement during the cortical phase was strongly correlated with the GFR (r =0.851,P ＜ 0.01 ).The enhancement during the parenchymal phase and excretory phase was moderately correlated with the GFR ( r =0.467 and r =0.451,P ＜ 0.01 ). Conclusions The renal cortical tbickness and the enhancement during the cortical phase detected by CT scan might be useful for the clinical evaluation of split renal function.

OBJECTIVES To study the functional significance of ncRAN, a newly identified long noncoding RNA, expression in bladder cancer growth, invasion, and survival. METHODS Expression of ncRAN isoforms was analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in 40 clinical specimens and four bladder cancer cell lines, respectively. The expression of ncRAN in the clinical specimens was correlated to clinical stage or grade to assess for potential relationship. ncRAN-long form or ncRAN-short form was stably overexpressed in human bladder cancer cell line, RT4(superficial) exhibiting low endogenous expression of ncRAN, respectively. The influence of ncRAN on cancer cell survival was evaluated by silencing with short hairpin RNA in 5637 cells (invasive). Functional assays were performed to study the resulting changes in cell proliferation, motility, invasion, and survival. RESULTS Expression of ncRAN was significantly higher in bladder cancers compared with normal tissues (P < .01) and in invasive tumor compared with superficial ones (P < .01). Consistently, ncRAN expressed significantly higher in invasive bladder tumor cell lines (5637, T24, J82) than that in superficial tumor cell line (RT4). Overexpression of ncRAN in RT4 cells significantly enhanced cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Silencing of ncRAN improved chemotherapy sensitivity in 5637 cells. CONCLUSIONS Our clinical and experimental data suggest that ncRAN may play an important role in the pathogenesis of human bladder cancer, and may help in designing effective therapy targeting the ncRAN pathway to control bladder cancer growth and invasion. UROLOGY 77: 510.e1-510.e5, 2011. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc.

OBJECTIVES To present our institutional experience in the patients with ACTH-independent Cushing's syndrome treated for bilateral adrenal masses during the past 8 years. Bilateral adrenal masses are rare in patients with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-independent Cushing's syndrome. METHODS A retrospective review of 11 patients with ACTH-independent Cushing's syndrome of bilateral adrenal masses was performed. Bilateral adrenalectomy or bilateral/unilateral partial adrenalectomy was made for these patients. The steroid replacement was discontinued after 6-12 months postoperatively, and the follow-up information was obtained to evaluate the disease outcome. RESULTS Combining ultrasonography and computed tomography scan with biochemical tests, 6 cases of bilateral adrenal adenomas and 5 cases of ACTH-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (AIMAH) were diagnosed. The median follow-up time was 13 months (range, 9-22). For all patients, both systolic (181 +/- 17 vs 145 +/- 11 mm Hg; P < .001) and diastolic blood pressure levels (118 +/- 13 vs 88 +/- 11 mm Hg; P < .001) were significantly reduced postoperatively. The body mass index significantly decreased (28.0 +/- 2.4 vs 24.6 +/- 1.3 kg/m(2); P < .001). After bilateral adrenalectomy, glucocorticoid therapy was enough to maintain the balance of water and electrolytes metabolism, and the follow-up outcome showed no disorder of serum electrolytes metabolism. CONCLUSIONS Although a feasible method is still needed for determining the lateralization of cortisol secretion of bilateral adrenal masses, ultrasonography and computed tomography scan are useful for the diagnosis and differentiated diagnosis of AIMAH. Rational surgical treatment is important for bilateral adrenal masses, while glucocorticoid therapies could be effective alternation for steroid replacement. UROLOGY 77: 417-421, 2011. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of solifenacin in patients with overactive bladder (OAB). Methods A multicenter clinical trial was conduced. 216 patients with OAB were enrolled. All the patients received solifenacin(5 mg once daily). With 5 weeks'treatment, all the patients recorded the diary and the adverse events as well. The symptoms of urgency, frequency, nocturia, urine volume, incontinence were evaluated. The results of the efficacy and safety were analyzed by using SPSS 13. 0. Results After 5 week treatments, all the index obviously improved(P<0.05). 187 cases (86.7%)were cured and 43 cases recovered normal voiding, 29 cases improved obviously. 11cases(5.0 %)reported adverse effect as dry mouth, dry eye. Conclusion Solifenacin could be the safe and effective drug in the treatment of OAB patients.