Biomedical subjects

Xin Ma

Publications and source records attributed to Xin Ma.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2026

Isolation and Characterization of Botulinum Neurotoxin-Producing Clostridium caccae from Meat and Soil - China, 1990-2025.

WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT THIS TOPIC?: Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT)-producing clostridia are categorized into six physiologically and phylogenetically distinct groups (Groups I-VI). Increasing genomic evidence indicates that bont genes are distributed across multiple clostridial lineages, highlighting the taxonomic complexity of BoNT-producing clostridia. Clostridium caccae (C. caccae), first described in 2020 from human stool, was originally described as a strain lacking the bont gene; however, its association with BoNT production has not been previously recognized. WHAT IS ADDED BY THIS REPORT?: Six isolates originally identified as Group II C. botulinum in China were assigned to C. caccae based on the average nucleotide identity (ANI) analysis. In addition, 140 publicly available genomes of C. caccae were analyzed. Among the 146 C. caccae strains, 63% carried bont genes (subtypes B4, E9, E12, and F6), with geographical distribution patterns differing by subtype. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE?: A subset of Group II C. botulinum strains should be considered as C. caccae, indicating that this species represents a previously under-recognized reservoir of multiple BoNT subtypes. To our knowledge, this is the first study to link BoNT-producing C. caccae to both soil contamination and human botulism, highlighting that BoNT-producing C. caccae may be an under-recognized contributor to the risk of botulism.

Botulinum neurotoxin↗

PubMed2026

Factors Associated With Accelerated Fracture Healing in Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury and Extremity Comminuted Fractures: A Retrospective Case-Control Study.

OBJECTIVE: Although traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been clinically associated with accelerated bone healing, the factors that determine which patients experience this phenomenon remain poorly defined, and previous findings are conflicting. This study aimed to investigate the clinical factors associated with accelerated fracture healing in patients with TBI combined with comminuted fractures of the limbs, so as to provide an evidence-based foundation for elucidating the clinical phenomenon of TBI-promoted fracture healing. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study design was employed. Patients between January 2020 and April 2024 with concurrent diagnoses of TBI and comminuted fractures were included. Based on radiographic findings and RUST/mRUST scores, patients were divided into an accelerated healing group (AHG) and a normal/delayed healing group (NDHG). Clinical data including demographics (age, sex, BMI), TBI characteristics (injury site, GCS score), admission laboratory indices (blood count, coagulation function, inflammatory markers), and fracture site/local soft tissue conditions, as well as functional outcomes assessed by the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) questionnaire at final follow-up were collected. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to identify independent factors influencing accelerated fracture healing. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to evaluate their predictive value. RESULTS: A total of 119 patients were included, with 69 in the AHG and 50 in the NDHG. Significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of age, BMI, GCS score, and platelet count (p < 0.05). Univariate analysis showed that age, BMI, GCS score, red blood cell count, and platelet count were associated with accelerated fracture healing (p < 0.20). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that younger age (OR = 0.875, 95% CI: 0.821-0.934) and lower GCS score (indicating more severe TBI; OR = 0.490, 95% CI: 0.339-0.707) were independent predictors of accelerated fracture healing. ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) for age and GCS score in predicting accelerated healing were 0.893 and 0.851, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with TBI combined with comminuted fractures, younger age and greater TBI severity (lower GCS score) are independent predictors of accelerated fracture healing. These findings assist clinicians in the early identification of patients with high healing potential to optimize treatment strategies, facilitate the early identification of high-risk patients, and provide clinical clues for further exploration of the molecular mechanisms underlying neurohumoral regulation of bone regeneration.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Efficient and precise programmable DNA knock-in without double-strand breaks.

Programmable gene knock-in holds substantial promise for treating genetic diseases and advancing cell therapies. However, achieving precise and efficient kilobase-scale DNA fragment integration remains challenging1,2. Here we report CRISPR kilobase-scale nickase-targeting (KNIT) editing for efficient, precise and programmable kilobase-scale DNA insertion without double-strand DNA cleavage, which is enabled through the coupling of a Cas9 nickase with a DNA donor recruiting system. KNIT editing facilitates programmable integration of DNA fragments from 0.7 kb to more than 10 kb and is effective across genomic loci and cell types. It achieves up to 89% efficiency and markedly reduces unintended insertion-deletion mutation (indels) rates, translocations and off-target editing. The system supports repeated insertion editing and multiloci gene knock-in with minimal translocations. Its enhanced version, KNIT editor 2, further improves efficiency via a single transfection. Moreover, in mutant cells with a pathological mutation, KNIT editing restores normal gene expression by inserting a therapeutic gene into a safe harbour locus or its native locus. Notably, KNIT editing enables non-viral and programmable chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T cell) engineering without double-strand breaks and with clinically relevant efficiencies. Moreover, the engineered CAR-T cells exhibit effective antitumour activity in vitro and in mouse models. Therefore, by achieving programmable and site-specific kilobase-scale DNA insertions without double-strand breaks while reducing unintended outcomes, KNIT editing provides a versatile platform for advancing personalized medicine.

Animals↗

PubMed2024

Validating the splicing effect of rare variants in the SLC26A4 gene using minigene assay.

BACKGROUND: The SLC26A4 gene is the second most common cause of hereditary hearing loss in human. The aim of this study was to utilize the minigene assay in order to identify pathogenic variants of SLC26A4 associated with enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA) and hearing loss (HL) in two patients. METHODS: The patients were subjected to multiplex PCR amplification and next-generation sequencing of common deafness genes (including GJB2, SLC26A4, and MT-RNR1), then bioinformatics analysis was performed on the sequencing data to identify candidate pathogenic variants. Minigene experiments were conducted to determine the potential impact of the variants on splicing. RESULTS: Genetic testing revealed that the first patient carried compound heterozygous variants c.[1149 + 1G > A]; [919-2 A > G] in the SLC26A4 gene, while the second patient carried compound heterozygous variants c.[2089 + 3 A > T]; [919-2 A > G] in the same gene. Minigene experiments demonstrated that both c.1149 + 1G > A and c.2089 + 3 A > T affected mRNA splicing. According to the ACMG guidelines and the recommendations of the ClinGen Hearing Loss Expert Panel for ACMG variant interpretation, these variants were classified as "likely pathogenic". CONCLUSIONS: This study identified the molecular etiology of hearing loss in two patients with EVA and elucidated the impact of rare variants on splicing, thus contributing to the mutational spectrum of pathogenic variants in the SLC26A4 gene.

Humans↗

PubMed2006

Indanylacetic acid derivatives carrying aryl-pyridyl and aryl-pyrimidinyl tail groups--new classes of PPAR gamma/delta and PPAR alpha/gamma/delta agonists.

Modulation of PPAR activities represents an attractive approach for the treatment of diabetes with associated cardiovascular complications. The indanylacetic acid structural motif has proven useful in the generation of potent and tunable PPAR ligands. Modification of the substituents on the linker and the heterocycle tail group allowed for the modulation of the selectivity at the different receptor subtypes. Compound 33 was evaluated in vivo, where it displayed the desired reduction of glucose levels and increase in HDL levels in various animal models.

Acetates↗

PubMed2006

Comparison of pulsed and continuous addition of H2 gas via membranes for stimulating PCE biodegradation in soil columns.

Column experiments were performed to investigate a technology for remediating aquifers contaminated with chlorinated solvents. The technology involves installation of hollow-fiber membranes in the subsurface to supply hydrogen gas (H2) to groundwater to support biological reductive dechlorination in situ. Three laboratory-scale columns [control (N2 only), continuous H2, and pulsed H2] were packed with aquifer material from a trichloroethene (TCE)-contaminated wetland in Minnesota and supplied with perchloroethene (PCE)-contaminated synthetic groundwater. The main goals of the research were: (1) evaluate the long-term performance of the H2 supply system and (2) compare the effects of pulsed (4 h on, 20 h off) versus continuous H2 supply (lumen partial pressure approximately 1.2 atm) on PCE dechlorination and production of by-products (i.e. methane and acetate). The silicone-coated fiberglass membranes employed in these experiments were robust, delivering H2 steadily over the entire 349-day experiment. Methane production decreased when H2 was added in a pulsed manner. Nevertheless, the percentage of added H2 used to support methanogenesis was similar in both H2-fed columns (92-93%). For much of the experiment, PCE dechlorination (observed end product = dichloroethene) in the continuous and pulsed H2 columns was comparable, and enhanced in comparison to the natural attenuation observed in the control column. Dechlorination began to decline in the pulsed H2 column after 210 days, however, while dechlorination in the continuous H2 column was sustained. Acetate was detected only in the continuous H2 column, at concentrations of up to 36 microM. The results of this research suggest that in situ stimulation of PCE dechlorination by direct H2 addition requires the continuous application of H2 at high partial pressures, favoring the production of bioavailable organic matter such as acetate to provide a carbon source, electron donor, or both for dechlorinators. Unfortunately, this strategy has proven to be inefficient, with the bulk of the added H2 used to support methanogenesis.

Biodegradation, Environmental↗

PubMed2006

Diagnostic associations between pleural and pulmonary tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate diagnostic differences and associations between pleural tuberculosis (PLTB), and pulmonary tuberculosis alone (PTB), as well as, pleural and pulmonary co-infection (PLPTB) and PTB. METHODS: Data from a 6-year, population-based study in Houston, Texas, were analyzed by logistic regression modeling. Study personnel interviewed 2226 tuberculosis cases for TB risk assessment and reviewed medical records. Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from available culture-positive patients underwent genotyping. RESULTS: Among the categories analyzed [PTB, n=2070; PLTB, n=95; and PLPTB, n=61], mortality within 180 days of TB presentation was highest for PLPTB patients (HR=1.8, P=0.045), followed by PTB (HR=1.0, referent), and PLTB (HR=0.97, P=0.9), after adjustment for age and HIV. Multivariate analysis identified history of liver disease, MTB culture negativity, having symptoms for <60 days, chest pain, and age>64 years as independent risk factors for PLTB. Symptoms for <60 days and HIV seropositivity predicted PLPTB. Patients with PLTB were significantly less likely to be genotypically clustered than patients presenting with PTB and patients diagnosed with PLPTB were significantly more likely to be identified has part of a cluster than pulmonary TB patients. CONCLUSIONS: PLTB presented as a more acute infection with additional symptoms and fewer symptomatic days, while PLPTB presented as a more severe disease with higher mortality compared with PTB. Given the different manifestations seen in this study, the biological mechanisms by which the pleural space is involved for PLTB and PLPTB may be substantially different.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Retrospective comparison of retroperitoneal laparoscopic versus open dismembered pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the clinical value of retroperitoneal laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction compared with open surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical data of 56 patients who underwent retroperitoneal laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty were retrospectively compared with those of 40 patients who underwent open dismembered pyeloplasty through a retroperitoneal flank approach. The Student t test, Pearson chi-square test and Mann-Whitney rank sum test were applied for statistical analysis as appropriate. RESULTS: Patient demographic data were similar between the 2 groups. In the laparoscopic group operative time (80 vs 120 minutes), estimated blood loss (10 vs 150 ml), recovery of intestinal function (1 vs 2 days), analgesic requirements (diclofenac sodium suppository) (75 vs 150 mg), incision length (3.5 vs 21 cm) and postoperative hospital stay (7 vs 9 days) were better than in the open group (p <0.001 for all). No intraoperative complications occurred in either group. The incidence of postoperative complications (2 of 56, 3.6% vs 3 of 40, 7.5%, p = 0.729) and success rates (55 of 56, 98.2% vs 39 of 40, 97.5%, p = 0.058) were equivalent in the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Retroperitoneal laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty is a minimally invasive, safe and effective therapy for ureteropelvic junction obstruction with low morbidity, shorter convalescence and excellent outcomes, and can be accomplished reasonably quickly in experienced hands.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Prostate androgen-regulated gene: a novel potential target for androgen-independent prostate cancer therapy.

AIM: To investigate the involvement of the prostate androgen-regulated (PAR) gene in the androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathway and the malignant phenotype of androgen-independent prostate cancer (PCa) cells. METHODS: The difference in PAR expression between LNCaP and PC3 cells was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Androgen and anti-androgen effects on PAR expression were evaluated by RT-PCR in LNCaP, PC3 cells and PC3 cells stably transfected with vector containing wild-type AR. To determine the importance of PAR in the malignant proliferation of androgen-independent PCa cells, we used small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection to knock down the expression of the gene in PC3 cells. The changes in the malignant phenotype of PCa cells after transfection were analyzed by cell count, colony formation in soft agar and flow cytometry. RESULTS: PAR expression was 3-fold higher in PC3 cells than that in LNCaP cells. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) regulated PAR mRNA expression in LNCaP cells and the effect was inhibited by the AR antagonist, flutamide. By contrast, DHT did not affect PAR expression in PC3 cells. The reintroduction of AR into PC3 cells by stable transfection restored the androgen effect on PAR upregulation. After the knockdown of the PAR gene by siRNA, PC3 cells exhibited a reversal of the malignant phenotype. CONCLUSION: Because of the possibility that PAR is downstream from the AR, and because of its contribution to malignant proliferation in androgen-independent PCa cells, the gene could be a potential therapeutic target for androgen-independent PCa with AR signaling pathway alteration.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed2006

Comparison of a new ESAT-6/CFP-10 peptide-based gamma interferon assay and a tuberculin skin test for tuberculosis screening in a moderate-risk population.

Screening for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) with Mantoux tuberculin skin test (TST) has many limitations, including false-positive results due to exposure to Mycobacterium other than tuberculosis (TB) and BCG vaccination. A total of 474 adult inmates in a county jail were screened for LTBI using TST and a new ESAT-6/CFP-10 peptide-based whole-blood gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) assay. LTBI prevalence was 9.0 and 5.4% as determined by TST and IFN-gamma assay, respectively. Overall, agreement between test results was 90% (kappa = 0.25). Positive TST results were significantly associated with increased age (odds ratio [OR], 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01 to 1.08), African-American ethnicity (OR, 4.97; 95% CI, 1.58 to 15.68), foreign birth (OR, 20.20; 95% CI, 4.21 to 97.02) and prior incarceration (OR, 6.19; 95% CI, 1.48 to 25.95). Positive IFN-gamma assay results were significantly associated with African-American ethnicity (OR, 5.58; 95% CI, 1.16 to 26.74). Factors associated with statistically significant discordance between TST and IFN-gamma assay results were African-American ethnicity (OR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.11 to 0.77), foreign birth (OR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.07-0.80), and prior incarceration (OR, 0.06; 95% CI, 0.01-0.50). Among subjects born in the United States, African-American ethnicity was the only variable significantly associated with positive test results for both TST (OR, 4.26; 95% CI, 1.38 to 13.16) and IFN-gamma assay (OR, 5.74; 95% CI, 1.19 to 27.75) and remained associated with statistically significant discordance between TST and IFN-gamma assay results. The reactivity of the new IFN-gamma assay is unaffected by prior BCG vaccination or serial TSTs but may be diminished in African-Americans. Future longitudinal studies are needed to assess the sensitivity and specificity of this new assay in detecting LTBI.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

rpoB Gene mutations and molecular characterization of rifampin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from Shandong Province, China.

Sixty rifampin (RIF)-resistant and 75 RIF-susceptible Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from Shandong Province, China, were analyzed for rpoB gene mutations and genotyped. Mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit (MIRU) genotype 223325173533 was overrepresented among RIF-resistant isolates. MIRU combined with IS6110 restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis as the second-line genotyping method may reflect epidemiologic links more reliably than each method alone.

Antibiotics, Antitubercular↗

PubMed2006

How to begin a new topic in mathematics: does it matter to students' performance in mathematics?

The authors use Canadian data from the Third International Mathematics and Science Study to examine six instructional methods that mathematics teachers use to introduce new topics in mathematics on performance of eighth-grade students in six mathematical areas (mathematics as a whole, algebra, data analysis, fraction, geometry, and measurement). Results of multilevel analysis with students nested within schools show that the instructional methods of having the teacher explain the rules and definitions and looking at the textbook while the teacher talks about it had little instructional effects on student performance in any mathematical area. In contrast, the instructional method in which teachers try to solve an example related to the new topic was effective in promoting student performance across all mathematical areas.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

[Immunohistochemical discrimination of aggressivity between the cholesteatoma from different positions].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the cholesteatoma from different positions have different biological characteristics. METHODS: The expression of the Ki-67 and collagen IV in 19 specimens of cholesteatoma were stained immunohistochemically using the SP method, according to the origin of the specimens, include 7 cases from the epitympanum, 8 cases from tympanic sinus and 4 cases from the out acoustic canal. According to the severity of the inflammation in the perimatrix, the inflammation group included 7 cases, the non-inflammation group included 8 cases. RESULTS: The average count was the same between the cholesteatoma from epitympanum and tympanic sinus. And the count of the cholesteatoma in the middle ear was also the same to the cholesteatoma from the out acoustic canal. But even from the same sample, the cholesteatoma from the positions with severe inflammation in the perimatrix count much higher, and the difference was statistically significant. Collagen IV had been found to localized in the basic membrane. In some specimens the staining of the collagen IV was not continuous. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that it was the severity of inflammation in the perimatrix influenced the differences, but not the origins of the cholesteatoma.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

[Experimental study on repairing rabbit femoral condyles defect by small intestinal submucosa and HA-TCP compositions at different ratios].

OBJECTIVE: To study an optimal ratio of small intestinal submucosa (SIS) and (hydroxyapatite-tricalcium phosphate, HA-TCP, SIS/HA-TCP) compositions according to the effect of SIS/HA-TCP compositions with different ratios on repairing rabbit femoral condyle defect. METHODS: Thirty-six rabbits were made into bone defect models of 6 mm in diameter and 10 mm in depth in both sides of femoral condyles. Three different ratios of SIS/HA-TCP compositions (w/w: 1, 0. 5, 0. 25) were implanted into rabbit femoral condyle defect. After 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks of operation, the repair effect was observed grossly. The histological evaluations were performed by histological scoring system and computer imaging analysis system. RESULTS: The amount of new bone formation in SIS/HA-TCP(0. 5) group was more than that in SIS/HA-TCP(1) and SIS/HA-TCP(0. 25) groups. Histological observation: In SIS/HA-TCP (1) group, few new bone formation was seen and bone defect was repaired in the 12th week. In SIS/HA-TCP (0.5) group, immature woven bone was found in the defect in the 2nd week; more immature woven bone appeared and formed trabeculae in the 4th week; the regenerated bone was vigorously growing into the interspaces of the implanted materials in the 8th week; the implanted materials was basically replaced by bony structure and the lamellar bone appeared in the 12th week. The results of SIS/HA-TCP (0. 25) group were similar to that of SIS/HA-TCP(0. 5) group. The histological scoring was higher in SIS/HA-TCP (0.5) and SIS/HA-TCP (0.25) groups than that in SIS/HA-TCP (1) group (P<0.05) in the 2nd, 4th, 8th, and 12th weeks. The scoring was higher in SIS/HA-TCP (0.5) group than that in SIS/HA-TCP (0.25) group in the 2nd and 12th weeks (P< 0.05). In new bone formation and the degradation of HA-TCP, SIS/HA-TCP (0.5) and SIS/HA-TCPC (0.25) groups were superior to SIS/HA-TCP (1) group (P<0.05), SIS/HA-TCP (0.5) group was superior to SIS/HA-TCP (0.25) group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: SIS/ HA-TCP (0.5) has better effects of repairing bone defect and it can be used as a reference ratio in constructing bone scaffolds.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Substituted indanylacetic acids as PPAR-alpha-gamma activators.

A series of oxazole-substituted indanylacetic acids were prepared which show a spectrum of activity as ligands for PPAR nuclear receptor subtypes.

Acetates↗

PubMed2005

[Sagittal mobility study on the first tarsometatarsal joint in hallux valgus patients and its clinical values].

OBJECTIVE: To study sagittal mobility about the FTJ (first tarsometatarsal joint) and its relationship with the pathophysiology and treatment of hallux valgus patients. METHODS: According to Lee's method, FTJ sagittal mobility of 300 normal feet and 200 hallux valgus was measured, and its correlative factors were statistically analysed. RESULTS: FTJ sagittal mobility of 300 normal feet was 8.4 degrees +/- 2.3 degrees , and that of 200 hallux valgus was 11.7 degrees +/- 3.2 degrees , the difference was significant. The normal range of FTJ sagittal mobility was less than 13 degrees . The sagittal overmotion of FTJ had relation to the anatomical configuration of FTJ (P < 0.05), intercuneiform splitting (P < 0.01), transferred pain under the second metatarsal head (P < 0.01), and FTJ osteoarthritis (P < 0.01) had no relation to HVA (hallux valgus angle), IMA (intermetatarsal angle), second metatarsus medial diaphyseal cortex hypertrophy (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Lee's method is convenient and accurate. Both HVA and IMA can not represent the sagittal mobility measurement of FTJ, which should be routinely evaluated, especially for hallux valgus patients with type I FTJ. Lapidus procedure should be considered for patients with larger FTJ in combination with transferred pain under the second metatarsal head, intercuneiform splitting, FTJ osteoarthritis.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery for renal tumors: report of 32 cases.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility and clinical efficacy of retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery for renal tumors. METHODS: Between June 2002 and February 2004, 11 cases of renal benign tumor and 21 cases of renal malignant tumor underwent enucleation of the tumor and wedge resection of the tumor through retroperitoneal laparoscopy, respectively. Tumor resection and hemostasis were mainly achieved by harmonic scalpel. Follow-up studies were performed with an evaluation using renal spiral computed tomography. RESULTS: All procedures were technically successful. The mean operating time was 70 minutes for enucleation and 96 minutes for wedge resection. The mean estimated blood loss was 35 mL for enucleation and 65.5 mL for wedge resection. The mean hospital stay after surgery was 6.5 days. No intraoperative complications occurred. The pathologic examination confirmed renal cell carcinoma in 21 patients and angiomyolipoma in 11. The pathologic stage was pT1a in the 21 patients with renal cell carcinoma. All resected tumor specimens had negative surgical margins for cancer. No local recurrence or trocar site metastasis was observed during a mean follow-up period of 13 months. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery represents a feasible option for patients with localized renal tumors. This procedure could offer precise and complete tumor excision while minimizing morbidity, improving cosmesis, and shortening convalescence.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Retroperitoneal laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty: experience with 50 cases.

OBJECTIVES: To report our techniques and experience with retroperitoneal laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction. METHODS: From May 2000 to September 2004, 50 patients with UPJ obstruction underwent laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty. A three-port, balloon-dissecting, retroperitoneal approach was used. All anastomoses were completed with free-hand intracorporeal suture techniques. Follow-up studies were performed with intravenous urography and renal ultrasonography. RESULTS: All operations were completed laparoscopically, and no open conversions were required. The mean operating time was 81.6 minutes (range 55 to 180). The mean blood loss was 12 mL (range 5 to 50), and the mean postoperative hospitalization stay was 7.6 days (range 6 to 12). No intraoperative complications occurred. Aberrant artery vessel and primary stricture as the cause of UPJ obstruction was noted in 6 and 44 patients, respectively. Anastomotic leakage occurred in 2 patients, 1 of whom later underwent open surgery for recurrent UPJ obstruction. Radiographic assessment by intravenous urography showed good results in 49 patients at a mean follow-up of 22 months. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience with retroperitoneal laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty has demonstrated that this technique is an effective treatment for UPJ obstruction and can be accomplished reasonably quickly.

Adolescent↗