Ag enhanced CuS nanoflower catalyst coupling dielectric barrier discharge plasma for disinfection performance and mechanism

In this study,the hydrothermal method was employed to grow submicron CuS on carbon cloth(CC),and the photoreduction method was used to grow Ag nanoparticles on the CuS submicron flowers,thus forming the Ag/CuS/CC catalytic electrode.The application of Ag/CuS/CC electrode-coupled dielectric barrier discharge(DBD)plasma in the disinfection of pathogenic bacteria in water was studied.The Ag/CuS/CC electrode exhibits strong antibacterial activity,and under an external voltage of 30 V,the degradation efficiency of Bacillus subtilis reaches 99.99%within 15 min without regeneration.After five cycles,the inactivation rate of Bacillus subtilis reached 99.99%within 25 min.The practical applicability of the Ag/CuS/CC-coupled DBD system for treating actual wastewater was evaluated,and the changes in biological toxicity were investigated.The results indicate that the prepared Ag/CuS/CC coupled DBD has great potential for safe disinfection of pathogenic bacteria in water through integrated processes.

The impact of minimally invasive surgeries for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia on male sexual function： a systematic review

A systematic review of randomized controlled trials and cohort studies was conducted to evaluate data for the effects of minimally invasive procedures for treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia （BPH） on male sexual function. The studies searched were trials that enrolled men with symptomatic BPH who were treated with laser surgeries, transurethral microwave therapy （TUMT）, transurethral needle ablation of the prostate （TUNA）, transurethral ethanol ablation of the prostate （TEAP） and high-intensity frequency ultrasound （HIFU）, in comparison with traditional transurethral resection of the prostate （TURP） or sham operations. A total of 72 studies were identified, of which 33 met the inclusion criteria. Of the 33 studies, 21 were concerned with laser surgeries, six with TUMT, four with TUNA and two with TEAP containing information regarding male sexual function. No study is available regarding the effect of HIFU for BPH on male sexual function. Our analysis shows that minimally invasive surgeries for BPH have comparable effects to those of TURP on male erectile function. Collectively, less than 15.4% or 15.2% of patients will have either decrease or increase, respectively, of erectile function after laser procedures, TUMT and TUNA. As observed with TURP, a high incidence of ejaculatory dysfunction （EjD） is common after treatment of BPH with holmium, potassium-titanyl-phosphate and thulium laser therapies （〉 33.6%）. TUMT, TUNA and neodymium：yttrium aluminum garnet visual laser ablation or interstitial laser coagulation for BPH has less incidence of EjD, but these procedures are considered less effective for BPH treatment when compared with TURP.

Endocrine disruptors and estrogenic effects on male reproductive axis

Endocrine disruptors （e.g., polychlorinated biphenyls [PCBs], dichlorodiphenyl-trichloroethane [DDT], dioxin, and some pesticides） are estrogen-like and anti-androgenic chemicals in the environment. They mimic natural hormones, inhibit the action of hormones, or alter the normal regulatory function of the endocrine system and have potential hazardous effects on male reproductive axis causing infertility. Although testicular and prostate cancers, abnormal sexual development, undescended testis, chronic inflammation, Sertoli-cell-only pattern, hypospadias, altered pituitary and thyroid gland functions are also observed, the available data are insufficient to deduce worldwide conclusions. The development of intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection （ICSI） is beyond doubt the most important recent breakthrough in the treatment of male infertility, but it does not necessarily treat the cause and may inadvertently pass on adverse genetic consequences. Many well-controlled clinical studies and basic scientific discoveries in the physiology, biochemistry, and molecular and cellular biology of the male reproductive system have helped in the identification of greater numbers of men with male factor problems. Newer tools for the detection of Y-chromosome deletions have further strengthened the hypothesis that the decline in male reproductive health and fertility may be related to the presence of certain toxic chemicals in the environment. Thus the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of male factor infertility remain a real challenge. Clinicians should always attempt to identify the etiology of a possible testicular toxicity, assess the degree of risk to the patient being evaluated for infertility, and initiate a plan to control and prevent exposure to others once an association between occupation/toxicant and infertility has been established.

Common approach to managing lower urinary tract symptoms and erectile dysfunction

The present paper serves as a review of the associations between lower urinary tract symptoms （LUTS） and erectile dysfunction （ED）, with a focus on common and combined pathways for treatment. LUTS and ED are common conditions seen in general urologic practice. Research has started to establish epidemiologic and pathophysiologic links between the two conditions and a strong association confirmed across multiple studies. Men seeking care for one condition should always be interviewed for complaints of the other condition. Proposed common pathways include α-1 adrenergic receptor imbalance, Rho-kinase overactivity, endothelial cell dysfunction and atherosclerosis-induced ischemia. Medical therapy has replaced surgery as the first-line treatment for LUTS in most patients, with the incorporation of α-adrenergic receptor antagonists （α-ARAs） and 5-α-reductase inhibitors （5-ARIs） into everyday practice. Treatment with α-ARAs contributes to some improvement in ED, whereas use of 5-ARIs results in worsened sexual function in some patients. Phosphodiesterase-5 （PDE-5） inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment of ED with a simple oral regimen, and new insights demonstrate a benefit of combined use of PDE-5 inhibitors and α-ARAs. The mechanisms of action of these medications support these observed benefits, and they are being studied in the basic science and clinical settings. In addition, novel mechanisms for therapy have been proposed based on clinical and research observations. The minimally invasive and surgical treatments for LUTS are known to have adverse effects on ejaculatory function, while their effects on erectile function are still debated. Much remains to be investigated, but it is clear that the associations between LUTS and ED lay the foundation for future therapies and possible preventative strategies.

Penile rehabilitation with a vacuum erectile device in an animal model is related to an antihypoxic mechanism： blood gas evidence

Our previous study showed that vacuum erectile device （VED） therapy has improved erectile function in rats with bilateral cavernous nerve crush （BCNC） injuries. This study was designed to explore the mechanism of VED in penile rehabilitation by analyzing cavernous oxygen saturation （SO2） and to examine the effect of VED therapy on preventing penile shrinkage after BCNC. Thirty adult Sprague- Dawley rats were randomly assigned into three groups： group 1, sham surgery; group 2, BCNC; and group 3, BCNC＋VED. Penile length and diameter were measured on a weekly basis. After 4 weeks of therapy, the penile blood was extracted by three methods for blood gas analysis （BGA）： method 1, cavernous blood was aspirated at the flaccid state; method 2, cavernous blood was aspirated at the traction state; and method 3, cavernous blood was aspirated immediately after applying VED. SO2 values were tested by the blood gas analyzer. The results showed that VED therapy is effective in preventing penile shrinkage induced by BCNC （Penile shortening： BCNC group 1.9±1.1 mm; VED group 0.3±1.0 mm; P〈0.01. Penile diameter reduction： BCNC group 0.28±0.14 mm; VED group 0.04±0.14 mm; P〈0.01）. The mean SO2±s.d. values were increased by VED application （88.25%±4.94%） compared to the flaccid （76.53%±4.16%） or traction groups （78.93%±2.56%） （P〈0.05）. The calculated blood constructs in the corpus cavernosum right after VED application were 62% arterial and 38% venous blood. These findings suggest that VED therapy can effectively preserve penile size in rats with BCNC injury. The beneficial effect of VED therapy is related to antihypoxia by increasing cavernous blood SO2.

真空勃起装置在前列腺癌根治术后阴茎康复治疗中的应用

真空勃起装置(VED)是利用负压吸引血流进入阴茎海绵体,从而促使阴茎勃起的一种装置。使用它可以进行阴茎康复治疗或者可以合用弹力环来维持勃起状态来满足性交需求。由于磷酸二酯酶5型抑制剂(PDE5i)在治疗难治性ED中的局限性,VED重新崛起并逐渐成为治疗前列腺癌根治手术后勃起功能障碍(ED)的一线治疗手段。目前,前列腺癌根治手术后早期应用VED和PDE5I的联合治疗以及VED和海绵体注射治疗(ICI)的联合治疗引起广泛的关注。因此,我们在这里回顾了VED在阴茎康复治疗中的角色,潜在的机制以及联合治疗的效果。

Combination therapy for erectile dysfunction： an update review

The introduction of oral phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors （PDE51s） in the late 1990s and early 2000s revolutionized the field of sexual medicine and PDE51s are currently first-line monotherapy for erectile dysfunction （ED）. However, a significant proportion of patients with complex ED will be therapeutic non-responders to PDE51 monotherapy. Combination therapy has recently been adopted for more refractory cases of ED, but a critical evaluation of current combination therapies is lacking. A thorough PubMed and Cochrane Library search was conducted focusing on the effectiveness of combination therapies for ED in therapeutic non-responders to PDE51 therapy. Journal articles spanning the time period between January 1990 and December 2010 were reviewed. Criteria included all pertinent review articles, randomized controlled trials, cohort studies and retrospective analyses. References from retrieved articles were also manually scanned for additional relevant publications. Published combination therapies include PDE51 plus vacuum erectile device （VED）, intraurethral medication, intracavernosal injection （ICI）, androgen supplement, a-blocker or miscellaneous combinations. Based on this review, some of these combination treatments appeared to be quite effective in preliminary testing. Caution must be advised, however, as the majority of combination therapy articles in the last decade have numerous limitations including study biases and small subject size. Regardless of limitations, present combination therapy research provides a solid foundation for future studies in complex ED management.

Mobilisation of endothelial progenitor cells： one of the possible mechanisms involved in the chronic administration of melatonin preventing erectile dysfunction in diabetic rats

Diabetes-induced oxidative stress plays a critical role in the mobilisation of endothelial progenitor cells （EPCs） from the bone marrow to the circulation. This study was designed to explore the effects of chronic melatonin administration on the promotion of the mobilisation of EPCs and on the preservation of erectile function in type I diabetic rats. Melatonin was administered to streptozotocin-induced type I diabetic rats. EPCs levels were determined using flow cytometry. Oxidative stress in the bone marrow was indicated by the levels of superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde. Erectile function was evaluated by measuring the intracavernous pressure during an electrostimulation of the cavernous nerve. The density of the endothelium and the proportions of smooth muscle and collagen in the corpus cavernosum were determined by immunohistochemistry. The administration of melatonin increased the superoxide dismutase level and decreased the malondialdehyde level in the bone marrow. This effect was accompanied by an increased level of circulating EPCs in the diabetic rats. The intracavernous pressure to mean arterial pressure ratio of the rats in the treatment group was significantly greater, compared with diabetic control rats. The histological analysis demonstrated an increase in the endothelial density of the corpus cavernosum after the administration of melatonin. However, melatonin treatment did not change the proportions of smooth muscle and collagen in the corpus cavernosum of diabetic rats. Chronic administration of melatonin has a beneficial effect on preventing erectile dysfunction （ED） in type I diabetic rats. Promoting the mobilisation of EPCs is one of the possible mechanisms involved in the improvement of ED.

Initial experience with robot-assisted varicocelectomy

Aim： To determine if robot-assisted varicocelectomy can be safely and effectively performed when compared to microscopic inguinal varicocelectomy. Methods： Eight patients aged 29.1 ± 12.5 years underwent microscopic subinguinal varicocelectomies： seven patients with left-sided repair, and one patient with bilateral repair. Eight patients aged 22.0 ±8.0 years underwent robot-assisted varicocelectomies： seven patients with left-sided repair and one patient with bilateral repair. Results： The average operative time for microscopic inguinal varicocelectomy was 73.9 ±12.2 min, whereas the robot-assisted technique took 71.1± 21.1 min. There were no difficulties in identifying and isolating vessels and the vas deferens with robot-assisted subinguinal varicocelectomy. Hand tremor was eliminated using the robotic procedure. Patients who underwent either microscopic or robot-assisted varicocelectomies were able to resume daily activities on the day of surgery and full activities within 2 weeks. There were no complications or recurrences of varicocele. Conclusion： From our experience, compared to microscopic surgery, robot-assisted varicocelectomy can be safely and effectively performed, with the added benefit of eliminating hand tremor.

An efficient dynamic uniform Cartesian grid system for inundation modeling

A dynamic uniform Cartesian grid system was developed in order to reduce the computational time in inundation simulation using a Godunov-type finite volume scheme. The reduction is achieved by excluding redundant dry cells, which cannot be effectively avoided with a conventional Cartesian uniform grid system, as the wet area is unknown before computation. The new grid system expands dynamically with wetting, through addition of new cells according to moving wet-dry fronts. The new grid system is straightforward in implementation. Its application in a field-scale flood simulation shows that the new grid system is able to produce the same results as the conventional grid, but the computational efficiency is fairly improved.

The effects of long-term administration of tadalafil on STZ-induced diabetic rats with erectile dysfunction via a local antioxidative mechanism

Type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitors （PDE51s） are well known being effective via the nitric oxide and cyclic guanosine monophosphate （NO-cGMP） pathway and are widely used in the treatment of diabetic erectile dysfunction （ED）. However, it is unclear whether other pathways may be involved in the treatment of diabetic ED with PDE51s. The purpose of this study was to clarify the role of antioxidants in diabetic ED treatment through the long-term administration of PDE51s. Three groups of Sprague-Dawley rats were utilized： Group N, the normal control; Group D, streptozotocin （STZ）-induced diabetic rats as a control; and Group D＋T, STZ-induced diabetic rats who received oral administration of tadalafil for 8 weeks. Erectile function was assessed by intracavernous pressure （ICP） and mean arterial pressure （MAP） during electrical stimulation of the cavernous nerve before euthanasia. The levels of malondialdehyde （MDA）, superoxide dismutase （SOD） and mitochondrial membrane potential （MMP） of cavernous tissue were assessed by biochemical analysis. The morphology of mitochondria was observed by electron microscopy. The ICP/MAP ratio was higher in Group D＋T than in Group D （P〈O.05）. The levels of MDA decreased and the activities of SOD increased in Group D＋T in comparison with Group D （P〈O.05）. The mitochondrial membrane potential level of cavernous tissue in diabetic rats was partially recovered by tadalafil treatment for 8 weeks. The morphology changes of mitochondria were also remarkably ameliorated in Group D＋T. Collectively, the long-term administration of tadalafil in diabetic rats partially reduced oxidative stress lesions of the penis via a local antioxidative stress pathway. Long-term dosages of tadalafil given once daily beginning soon after the onset of diabetes may aid in preventing rats from developing diabetic ED.

Prospective and long-term evaluation of erect penile length obtained with inflatable penile prosthesis to that induced by intracavernosal injection

We compared erect penile length after inflatable penile prosthesis （IPP） implantation with that induced by intracavemosal injection （ICI） before surgery. A total of 11 patients with full erections induced by ICI of 0.25 mL of Trimix （papaverine, phentolamine and prostaglandin E 1） at the time of penile color duplex Doppler ultrasonograpby were enrolled in this study. The patients subsequently underwent IPP implantation as the ultimate treatment for their erectile dysfunction （ED）. Erect penile length consequent to IPP implantation was measured at 6 weeks, 6 months and at I year after surgery. The Sexual Health Inventory for Men （SHIM） was administered before, and at 6 months and 1 year after IPP implantation. Erect penile length （mean ± s.c.） as induced by ICI was 13.2 ± 0.4 cm, whereas the lengths attained with IPP were 12.4 ± 0.3, 12.5 ± 0.3 and 12.5 ± 0.4 cm at the sixth week, sixth month and 1-year follow-ups, respectively. There were 0.83 ± 0.25, 0.75 ± 0.20 and 0.74 ± 0.15 cm decreases in erect penile length at 6 weeks, 6 months and 1 year, respectively, after IPP implantation when compared with that after ICI （P 〈 0.05）. The SHIM scores for patients reporting shorter penises were the same as those for patients without complaints at the 6-month and 1-year follow-ups （P 〉 0.05）. To our knowledge, this is the first study to objectively show a significant decrease in erect penile length after IPP implantation when compared with that after ICI. However, this decrease did not affect the effectiveness of IPP in treating ED.

Should patients with erectile dysfunction be evaluated for cardiovascular disease？

The landmark Massachusetts Male Ageing Study shed new light on the prevalence of erectile dysfunction （ED） and drew attention to ED as a disease of ageing. Over the years, ED has been linked to the development of cardiovascular disease （CVD） in some patients. There is clear evidence that ED and CVD share and have a similar risk factor profile. CVD is one of the most recognizable causes of mortality and early detection coupled with prevention of mortality from CVD has been the prime interest of many researchers. Consequently, there has been a multidisciplinary curiosity regarding the proposal to use ED as a marker for future CVD. I n fact, there have been several proposals to use ED as a screening tool for future CVD. We performed a comprehensive Search of two main databases--PubMed and Cochrane Library using a combination of keywords such as acute myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease （CAD） and ED. Journal articles from January 2000 to June 2011 were reviewed. We included all articles discussing the relationship between ED and CVD in the English language. All the relevant randomized controlled trials, cohort and retrospective studies, and review articles were included in our overall analysis in an attempt to answer the question whether all patients with ED should be clinically evaluated for CVD. The results showed a link between ED and the development of future CVD in some patients, but ED was not shown to be an independent risk predictor that is any better than the traditional Framingham risk factors. Screening for CVD may, however, be rewarding in younger patients with severe ED and in patients with concurrent CVD risk factors.

Coexistence of meningioma and other intracranial benign tumors in non-neurofibromatosis type 2 patients:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND The coexistence of meningioma and other intracranial primary benign tumors is rare,especially in non-neurofibromatosis type 2,and there is limited guidance for the management of such patients.Here,we report a series of 5 patients with concomitant meningioma and other intracranial benign tumors,including subependymoma and pituitary adenoma.CASE SUMMARY Five non-neurofibromatosis type 2 patients with simultaneous occurrence of meningioma and other intracranial benign tumors were retrospectively reviewed.The patients had no history of previous irradiation.The clinical features,pre-and postoperative imaging,surgical procedure and pathological findings were extracted from electronic medical records.There were 4 female patients(80%)and 1 male patient(20%).The mean age was 42.8 years(range:29-52 years).The coexisting tumors included subependymoma in 1 case(20%)and pituitary adenoma in 4 cases(80%).The most common clinical symptom was headache(3/5,60%).Four patients(80%)underwent craniotomy.One patient(20%)underwent transsphenoidal surgery followed by transcranial operation.All tumor diagnoses were confirmed by histopathological examination.The mean follow-up was 38.8 mo(range:23-96 mo),and all 5 patients were in a stable condition at the last follow-up.CONCLUSION The simultaneous occurrence of meningioma and other intracranial benign tumors is a rare clinical event.Histological examination is necessary for the accurate diagnosis.Neurosurgeons should select the appropriate surgical strategy according to the clinical features of each patient,which may provide a more favorable prognosis for individual patients.

Combination therapy for male erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence

Urinary incontinence （UI） and erectile dysfunction （ED） are both very prevalent conditions. Insertion of an artificial urinary sphincter （AUS） and penile prosthesis （PP） is an effective and proven method of treatment for both conditions. With advancing age, as well as with increasing populations of patients radically treated for prostate cancer, the occurrence of both conditions found in the same patient is increasing. The purpose of this article was to analyze the available evidence for simultaneous surgical management of male ED and UI using prosthetic devices. The existing literature pertaining to dual implantation of AUS and PP was reviewed. The concomitant insertion of the PP with the male perineal sling was also considered. Concurrent ED and UI are increasingly seen in the post radical prostatectomy population, who are often younger and less willing to suffer with these conditions. Insertion of an AUS and PP, either simultaneously or as a two-stage procedure, appears to be a safe, efficacious and long-lasting method of treatment. The improvements in design of both the AUS and PP as well as the development of the single transverse scrotal incision have made simultaneous insertion of these prostheses possible. Dual implantation of the PP and male sling looks promising in a selected population. In conclusion, the insertion of the AUS and PP for the treatment of concurrent UI and ED is safe and effective. Simultaneous insertion of these prostheses in the same patient offers potential advantages in operative and recovery time and is associated with high patient satisfaction. Combination therapy should therefore be included in the arsenal of treatment of these conditions.

基于油凝胶的天然赋色唇膏的制备及性能研究

研究乳化剂质量分数影响蜂蜡油凝胶唇膏理化性质的规律。选择玉米油为溶剂,蜂蜡为凝胶剂,不同质量分数单硬脂酸甘油酯(GMS)作乳化剂,β-胡萝卜素为代表性功能因子,制备负载天然色素的油凝胶,并探究油凝胶的晶体形态、流变学、质构、热力学特性与色素的包埋率及稳定性的关系,分析其作为唇膏的应用性能。研究发现随着GMS质量分数增加,油凝胶的储能模量(G′)与损耗模量(G″)更高,且具有更高的屈服应力。油凝胶以β′晶型为主,含4%GMS的油凝胶晶面间距、晶粒尺寸最大,结晶度最大。添加4%GMS的油凝胶触变恢复率为17.36%,对β-胡萝卜素具有最高的包埋率(65.51%),及最高稳定性(12 h光照后的保留率为82.20%),GMS质量分数为4%的唇膏综合性能较好。本研究结果具有广泛适用性,对天然唇膏产品的开发具有指导意义。

3an erectile function be predicted after prostate cancer Ireatment？

Prostate cancer （PCa） is the most common solid-organ cancer in American males and the second most common cause of cancer-related death in men. With the advent of prostate-specific antigen screening, death from PCa continues to decline. However, recent evidence suggests that there is now a trend towards increasing incidence.1 Current screening strategies result in increased incidence of low-risk PCa and importantly, the diagnosis of PCa is becoming more common in younger patients.2 The majority of early-stage PCa patients have a high likelihood of disease free survival after treatment.

Simultaneous penile prosthesis and male sling/artificia urinary sphincter

Erectile dysfunction （ED） and stress urinary incontinence （SUI） from urethral sphincteric deficiency is not an uncommon problem. The commonest etiology is intervention for localized prostate cancer and/or radical cystoprostatectomy for muscle invasive bladder cancer. Despite advances in surgical technology with robotic assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy and nerve sparing techniques, the rates of ED and SUI remain relatively unchanged. They both impact greatly on quality of life domains and have been associated with poor performance outcomes. Both the artificial urinary sphincter and penile prosthesis are gold standard treatments with proven efficacy, satisfaction and durability for end-stage SUI and ED respectively. Simultaneous prosthesis implantation for concurrent conditions has been well described, mostly in small retrospective series. The uptake of combination surgery has been slow due in part to technical demands of the surgery and to an extent, a heightened anxiety over potential complications. This paper aims to discuss the technical aspect of concurrent surgery for both disease entity and the current published outcomes of the various surgical techniques with this approach.

Size-refinement enhanced flexibility and electrochemical performance of MXene electrodes for flexible waterproof supercapacitors

Increasing mechanical flexibility without sacrificing electrochemical performance of the electrode material is highly desired in the design of flexible electrochemical energy storage devices.In metal-related materials science,decreasing the grain size introduces more grain boundaries;this stops dislocations and crack propagation under deformation,and results in increased strength and toughness.However,such a size refinement effect has not been considered in the mechanical properties,particle stacking,wetting,and electrochemical performances of flexible supercapacitor electrodes.In this paper,MXene was used as an electrode material to study the size refinement effect of flexible supercapacitors.Size refinement improved the strength and toughness of the MXene electrodes,and this resulted in increased flexibility.Finite elemental analysis provided a theoretical understanding of size refinement-increased flexibility.Moreover,the size refinement also improved the specific surface area,electric conductance,ion transportation,and water wetting properties of the electrode,and the size refinement provided highly increased energy density and power density of the MXene supercapacitors.A highly flexible,water-proof supercapacitor was fabricated using size-refined MXene.The current study provides a new viewpoint for designing tough and flexible energy storage electrodes.The size refinement effect may also be applicable for metal ion batteries and electronic and photo devices composed of MXene and other nanoparticles.

Men＇s health is evolving

The Asian Journal of Andrology （AJA） is growing at a fast pace and becoming one of the leading journals in the field of andrology thanks to the leadership of Prof. Yi-Fei Wang, Editor-in-Chief of AJA, and the hard work of the AJA editorial staff. It was the spring of 2006 in Chicago when Ms. Dan-Qing Ren, Scientific Editor of the AJA, first approached us at the 31 st American Society of Andrology （ASA） Annual Meeting regarding publishing a special issue on men＇s health. We were honored by the invitation to be guest editors for this special issue. We discussed potential topics with many of the contributors while Ms. Qin-Zhu Zheng, Editorial Director of the AJA worked out the details and met with us at the 32nd ASA Annual Meeting in Tampa, Florida. We are very pleased to present this issue of superior articles with contributions by internationally recognized authorities.