Qingdao University

TUESDAY, April 8, 2025 -- Blue laser vaporization alleviates lower urinary tract symptoms while preserving sexual function in patients undergoing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) surgery, according to a study published online March 4 in The Aging Male . Zun-Jie Hu, from The Affiliated Taian City Central Hospital of Qingdao University in China, and colleagues assessed the impact of 450-nm blue laser vaporization on sexual function in 67 patients (median age, 65 years) undergoing BPH surgery and followed for three months. The researchers found that blue laser vaporization significantly improved International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life, and International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire for Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (ICIQ-MLUTS) scores. Blue laser vaporization was also significantly associated with a reduction in postvoid residual volume. There were no significant changes seen in the International Index of Erectile Function 5 score, Male Sexual Health Questionnaire for Ejaculatory Dysfunction score, or ICIQ-MLUTS sex score, demonstrating preservation of sexual function after surgery. "To determine the longevity of these effects, additional clinical data and extended follow-up periods are necessary," the authors write. "The findings present an effective surgical approach for safeguarding sexual function in BPH patients." Abstract/Full Text Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.

FRIDAY, Jan. 10, 2025 -- Epilepsy is associated with poor brain health, with a consistent deleterious effect seen on cognitive and motor function and mental health, according to a study published online Dec. 31 in the Journal of Translational Medicine . Dan-Dan Zhang, from Qingdao Municipal Hospital at Qingdao University in China, and colleagues examined the relationship of epilepsy with brain function, other common brain disorders, and their underlying mechanisms using data from 426,527 participants in the U.K. Biobank, 3,251 of whom were diagnosed with epilepsy at baseline. The researchers found that epilepsy had consistent deleterious effects on cognitive and motor function and mental health. During the 17-year follow-up period, the population with epilepsy had a significantly elevated risk for neurological diseases and psychiatric disorders , according to the longitudinal analysis. Several brain regions associated with epilepsy were identified, including the pallidum, hippocampus, and precentral regions. Mediating effects were seen for peripheral markers and proteins (e.g., GGT, HDL, ACE2, and GDF15), suggesting the involvement of liver function and lipid metabolism in the development of brain disorders in individuals with epilepsy. "Our study emphasized the importance of early intervention in the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy for brain health, and provided new insights to improve the quality of survival of patients with epilepsy," the authors write. Abstract/Full Text Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.