Search

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses topics including theological and ethical dimensions of the concepts of creation and climate change; considerations of Christian ideas of dominion; and the relationship between Christian and non-Christian epistemologies.

The article focuses on the concept of World Christianity and its development within the academic field; other topics include the historical origins of World Christianity, its interdisciplinary approach, and specific themes within its study such as migration and theology.

The article offers information on the development of the field of 'World Christianity' through the annual conference of the Yale–Edinburgh Group on World Christianity and the History of Mission. Topics include the origins of World Christianity with a postcolonial posture, emphasizing indigenous initiative and multicultural manifestations.

An editorial is presented on rise of the Chinese communist revolution. Topics include considering Confucianism or Daoism speaking of the place of ‘primal religions' in shaping the consciousness of another faith; printing of Buddhist and Confucian texts codifying doctrines and ritual practices; and Africans teaching to read the own languages for facilitating the spread of Christianity.

Introduction: Herein we evaluate the incidence of incisional lumbodorsal hernia (ILDH) after retroperitoneal robotic partial nephrectomy (RRPN) and associated patient-specific and tumor-specific risk factors. Furthermore, we aim to evaluate the role of routine lumbodorsal fascial closure for the prevention of ILDH. Methodology: This is a retrospective review of our robotic partial nephrectomy database of all RRPNs performed at Washington University School of Medicine from 2000 to 2020. Postoperative imaging was reviewed for evidence of ILDH. A clinically significant hernia was defined as the protrusion of visceral organ(s) through the lumbodorsal fascia. Patient and tumor characteristics, and fascial closure techniques were analyzed to determine predictors of ILDH. Results: In total, 150 patients underwent RRPN between 2007 and 2020 with an average follow-up of 4.9 (1–37) months. Twelve (8%) ILDHs were identified. Ten (6.7%) patients had herniated retroperitoneal fat whereas 2 (1.3%) patients had herniated colon. All were asymptomatic and managed conservatively. On matched cohort comparison, patients with ILDH had larger tumors than patients without an incisional hernia (3.9 cm vs 2.8 cm, p = 0.029). In general, patient factors were no different between patients with and without ILDH. However, coronary artery disease (CAD) was more prevalent in patients with ILDH (33.3% vs 10.9%, p = 0.028). Patients with ILDH were more likely to have a port site extended for specimen extraction (66.7% vs 38.2%, p = 0.069). Lumbodorsal fascial closure and type of suture material were not associated with prevention of ILDH (p = 0.545, p = 0.637). Conclusion: The radiographic incidence of lumbar incisional hernias after RRPN without routine fascial closure of the extraction incision was 8%. All were asymptomatic and did not require surgical repair. Larger tumor size and CAD were associated with ILDH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: With increased demands on surgeon productivity and outcomes, residency robotics training increasingly relies on simulations. The objective of this study is to assess the validity and effectiveness of an ex vivo porcine training model as a useful tool to improve surgical skill and confidence with robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) among urology residents. Methods: A 2.5 cm circular area of ex vivo porcine kidneys was marked as the area of the tumor. Tumor excision and renorrhaphy was performed by trainees using a da Vinci Si robot. All residents ranging from postgraduate year (PGY) 2 to 5 participated in four training sessions during the 2017 to 2018 academic year. Each session was videorecorded and scored using the global evaluative assessment of robotic skills (GEARS) by faculty members. Results: Twelve residents completed the program. Initial mean GEARS score was 16.7 and improved by +1.4 with each subsequent session (p = 0.008). Initial mean excision, renorrhaphy, and total times were 8.2, 13.9, and 22.1 minutes, which improved by 1.6, 2.0, and 3.6 minutes, respectively (all p < 0.001). Residents' confidence at performing RAPN and robotic surgery increased after completing the courses (p = 0.012 and p < 0.001, respectively). Overall, residents rated that this program has greatly contributed to their skill (4/5) and confidence (4.1/5) in robotic surgery. Conclusions: An ex vivo porcine simulation model for RAPN and robotic surgery provides measurable improvement in GEARS score and reduction in procedural time, although significant differences for all PGY levels need to be confirmed with larger study participation. Adoption of this simulation in a urology residency curriculum may improve residents' skill and confidence in robotic surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: For patients with clinically localized renal masses, positive surgical margins (PSMs) after robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) have been associated with a higher risk of disease recurrence, although some studies have challenged this conclusion. Owing to inconsistent reports and a lack of long-term robotic data, the clinical impact of PSM after RPN remains uncertain. We evaluate long-term (>6 years) survival outcomes after RPN in patients with clinically localized disease with respect to surgical margin status. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent RPN for clinically localized renal masses from June 2007 to December 2012 at Washington University School of Medicine. Disease recurrence and overall survival (OS) were stratified on the presence or absence of PSM. The cohort was analyzed to identify patient- and tumor-specific characteristics associated with PSM. Results: We identified 374 RPNs performed from 2007 to 2012 with a mean follow-up time of 77.7 months (SD 32.2 months). PSM was identified in 12 (3.2%) patients. Patients with PSM were at 14-fold increased risk for recurrence with no difference in OS (p < 0.001, p = 0.130, respectively). Patients with PSM had higher incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (25% vs 6.4%) and greater blood loss (425 mL vs 203 mL). Conclusion: With an extended follow-up period of 77 months after RPN, we found that PSM substantially increased the risk of recurrence without impacting OS. Our finding that PSM may occur more frequently in older patients with COPD must be confirmed in larger studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Supracostal access for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) has a known increased risk for thoracic complications (TCs). In this study, we perform a radiological review of preoperative and postoperative abdominal CT scans to assess the relationship of the upper pole of the kidney with surrounding landmarks to determine radiographic predictors of TCs. Methods: We performed a retrospective matched cohort comparison of patients who underwent supracostal PNL with and without TCs from 2012 to 2019. An experienced genitourinary (GU) radiologist reviewed pre- and postoperative CT scans to measure the craniocaudal distance between the upper renal pole and the most superior calix to the upper edge of the tip of the 12th rib, the costophrenic angle, and the posterior insertion of the diaphragm. Results: We identified 19 patients who developed TCs after undergoing PNL and compared their CT scans with 24 control patients without TCs. On a preoperative abdominal CT scan, the relationship of the upper edge of the renal parenchyma or upper pole calix with the superior edge of the tip of the 12th rib or costophrenic angle was not found to be predictive of TCs. On receiver operating characteristic analysis, diaphragmatic insertion of ≤2.5 cm below the upper edge of the renal parenchyma on sagittal and transverse views was predictive of TCs (p = 0.046). On postoperative CT scan, the percutaneous nephrostomy tract traversed the posterior insertion of the diaphragm in 80% of patients who had TCs compared with 20% of patients who had no TCs. Conclusions: The decreased distance between the posterior insertion of the diaphragm (medial and lateral arcuate ligaments) and the superior edge of the renal upper pole on preoperative CT scan was associated with TCs from supracostal puncture during PNL. Critical preoperative recognition of this anatomic relationship can help preoperative planning and patient counseling and may prevent or reduce TCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction to articles in the issue is presented on topics including the case of the British Chinese Christian Community, the official Seventh-day Adventist bulletin of Brazil, "Revista Adventista," and Nigerian Christian perceptions of COVID-19.

Guidelines for the management of pyeloplasty failure remain elusive given the rarity of this condition and the difficulty of integrating and analyzing reported outcomes given the varying definition of failures. In this article, we aim to review the existing literature on risk factors that may influence the surgical outcomes of reconstructive pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Furthermore, we discuss management options and review success outcomes of treatment options for patients with pyeloplasty failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An editorial is presented on an outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic will constituting a point of reference for many endeavours, issues, and social institutions including religion. Topics include celebrating the major landmarks of the faith such as Crucifixion, Resurrection, Ascension, and Pentecost; and culminating in social gatherings in the holidays associating with the Crucifixion and the Resurrection in particular.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a rapid increase in the use of digital technology by Christian communities worldwide. This paper offers a cross-continental analysis of how churches in Asia (Hong Kong and Singapore) and Europe (the United Kingdom and Sweden) understand and choose to implement (or resist) online services or Mass. Undoubtedly, there are practical reasons behind differences which can be observed, such as the technological readiness found amongst church leadership and laity, and past experiences of public health crises, such as the 2002–2004 SARS outbreak. However, accompanying these developments are debates around the theological implications of digitising church ministries, and the general concern that the digital church is somehow not 'church' or, even, not 'Christian'. Different contextual perspectives help us to understand that the digital church offers a new dimension of the church embodied and, therefore, one that has the potential to live out the missio Dei within and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the discussion on the aspects of Christianity's religious and political contestation in Chinese contexts. Topics include examining debates between Christians and Buddhists over dogma and praxis; discussing the history of the Hunan Bible Institute tracing to the religious conflict between two camps of Protestants such as fundamentalists and modernists; and important resources for the critical and constructive growth of Christianity.

Studies on mission and migration have often focused on the propagation of Christianity from a home context to a foreign context. This is true of studies of Christian mission by Catholics and Protestants, but also true in the growing discussion of "reverse mission" whereby diasporic African and Korean missionaries evangelize the "heathen" lands of Europe and North America. This article proposes the alternative term "return mission" in which Christians from the diaspora return to evangelize the lands of their ancestral origins. It uses the case study of Jonathan Chao (Zhao Tian'en 趙天恩), a return missionary who traveled in and out of China from 1978 until near his death in 2004 and is considered an instrumental figure in the revival of Calvinism in China. This article suggests that "return mission" provides a new means to understand the subjects of mission and migration, and raises new challenges to questions about paternalism and independency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the incidence of pulmonary metastases (PM) and the utility of the surveillance chest radiography (CXR) in detecting PM after curative treatment to better define surveillance recommendations for T1a and T1b renal cell carcinoma.Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of a multi-institutional database was performed to include patients with renal masses treated with partial nephrectomy or radical nephrectomy. Patients were excluded for ≥T2 disease, benign pathology, and metastases. The primary outcome was the incidence of asymptomatic pulmonary lesion concerning for PM detected by CXR within 3 years.Results: Five hundred sixty-eight patients met criteria of which 384 had T1a and 184 had T1b at a mean follow-up of 45 and 43 months, respectively. Patients averaged 2.96 and 2.99 CXRs for T1a and T1b with 46.8% having surveillance beyond 3 years. Indeterminate lesions were found in 5.7% (22) of T1a and 5.4% (10) in T1b of which 0.01% (2) and 1.1% (2) were confirmed PM by chest computed tomography and biopsy. Three-year CXR surveillance period detected asymptomatic PM in zero and two patients for T1a and T1b, respectively. High risk pathological features were not present in patients with PM. There was no difference in the incidence PM for patients undergoing partial nephrectomy (3/290) or radical nephrectomy (1/278) (P = .62).Conclusion: Our review suggests that post-treatment pulmonary surveillance should be reserved for T1b and may not be required for T1a given the low yield and false positives of CXR leading to unnecessary radiation and potential biopsies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction to the journal is presented in which the editor discusses various articles published within the issue on topics like Moravian missionaries in North America, Asian migrants in Great Britain, and Christianity.

An editorial is presented on diversity from the multiplicity of cultural, religious and socio-political concerns of the majority world. Topics discussed include rural Palestinian Christians to engage in a political discourse which competes with the dominant colonial and Zionist constructions of Western Christians and missionaries; and contribution of Chinese Christians in the search for the modern Chinese nation-state.

Background There are limited data in the literature that describe the management of Peyronie's disease (PD) with severe compound curvature, which often requires additional straightening procedures after plaque excision and grafting (PEG) to achieve functional penile straightening (<20 degrees). Aim This study highlights the clinical distinction and our experience with men with PD and severe compound curvature treated with PEG and supplemental tunica albuginea plication (TAP). Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of patients with PD and acute angulation who underwent PEG (group 1) and patients with compound curvature who underwent PEG with TAP (group 2) between 2007 and 2016. Outcomes Primary post-operative outcomes of interest include change in penile curvature, change in measured stretched penile length, and subjective report on penile sensation and sexually induced penile rigidity. Results 240 Men with PD were included in the study, of which 79 (33%) patients in group 1 underwent PEG and 161 (67%) in group 2 underwent PEG and TAP. There was no difference in associated PD co-morbidities including age, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hypogonadism, diabetes, or tobacco use. After artificial induction of erection with intracorporal trimix injection, the average primary curvature was 73 (range, 20–120) degrees for group 1 compared to 79 (range, 35–140) degrees for group 2 ( P = .01). Group 2 had an average secondary curvature of 36 (20–80 degrees). After completion of PEG, men in group 2 had an average residual curvature of 30 (range, 20–50) degrees which required 1–6 TAPs to achieve functional straightness (<20 degrees). At an average follow-up of 61 months, there was no difference for group 1 and group 2, respectively, for recurrent curvature (11.4% vs 12.4%, P = .33), change in penile length (+0.57 vs +0.36 cm, P = .27) or decreased penile sensation (6% vs 13%, P = .12). In all, 81% of group 1 and 79% of group 2 were able to engage in penetrative sex after penile straightening with or without pharmacotherapy ( P = .73). Clinical Translation Our review shows promising surgical outcomes for the use of PEG and supplemental TAP for this subtype of complex PD. Strengths and Limitations This article reports the largest experience with treatment of PD with compound curvature to date. Limitations of this study include the retrospective nature of the analysis as well as the lack of a validated objective measurement of erectile function after penile straightening. Conclusion Our study found no baseline difference in underlying co-morbidities in men with severe compound curvature compared with men with acute severe angulated curvature. Men with severe compound curvature represent a severe and under-recognized population of men with PD who can be surgically corrected with PEG and supplemental TAP(s) when needed without an increased risk of loss of penile length, recurrent curvature, decreased penile sensation, or erectile dysfunction when compared to men treated with PEG alone. Chow AK, Sidelsky SA, Levine LA. Surgical Outcomes of Plaque Excision and Grafting and Supplemental Tunica Albuginea Plication for Treatment of Peyronie ' s Disease With Severe Compound Curvature. J Sex Med 2018;15:1021–1029. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the Urological resident's attitude and experience with surgical simulation in residency education using a multi-institutional, multi-modality model.Materials and Methods: Residents from 6 area urology training programs rotated through simulation stations in 4 consecutive sessions from 2014 to 2017. Workshops included GreenLight photovaporization of the prostate, ureteroscopic stone extraction, laparoscopic peg transfer, 3-dimensional laparoscopy rope pass, transobturator sling placement, intravesical injection, high definition video system trainer, vasectomy, and Urolift. Faculty members provided teaching assistance, objective scoring, and verbal feedback. Participants completed a nonvalidated questionnaire evaluating utility of the workshop and soliciting suggestions for improvement.Results: Sixty-three of 75 participants (84%) (postgraduate years 1-6) completed the exit questionnaire. Median rating of exercise usefulness on a scale of 1-10 ranged from 7.5 to 9. On a scale of 0-10, cumulative median scores of the course remained high over 4 years: time limit per station (9; interquartile range [IQR] 2), faculty instruction (9, IQR 2), ease of use (9, IQR 2), face validity (8, IQR 3), and overall course (9, IQR 2). On multivariate analysis, there was no difference in rating of domains between postgraduate years. Sixty-seven percent (42/63) believe that simulation training should be a requirement of Urology residency. Ninety-seven percent (63/65) viewed the laboratory as beneficial to their education.Conclusion: This workshop model is a valuable training experience for residents. Most participants believe that surgical simulation is beneficial and should be a requirement for Urology residency. High ratings of usefulness for each exercise demonstrated excellent face validity provided by the course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the safety and efficacy of en bloc stapling of the renal hilum (EBSH) during laparoscopic nephrectomy (LNx) in a large double-institution cohort with an extended follow-up period.Methods: We performed a retrospective review of patients undergoing LNx with EBSH between 2008 and 2014 at 2 academic medical centers. Data analyzed included tumor size, tumor pathology, operative time, estimated blood loss, and perioperative or postoperative complications. Evaluation of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) formation was assessed by postoperative imaging studies, physical examination, or new-onset diastolic hypertension.Results: A total of 428 patients (mean age: 63 years) underwent LNx, of which there were a total of 433 renal units with EBSH (226 left renal units, 207 right renal units). Mean operative time was 169 minutes (range: 51-489 minutes). Mean estimated blood loss was 155 mL (range: 5 mL-2000 mL). Mean tumor size was 5.6 cm (range: 0.9-14.5 cm). EBSH was performed on 69 patients with chronic infectious and inflammatory benign conditions. Three hundred (70%) patients received post-procedural imaging. No patients developed clinical or radiographic evidence of AVF at a mean follow-up of 51 months.Conclusion: EBSH during LNx is efficient, effective, and safe. This large series lends further support that EBSH during LNx may not be associated with any significant risk of AVF formation at extended follow-up. We advocate that this technique is a safe alternative to ligating the renal artery and vein during LNx. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay explores the developments of eschatology in world Christianity to show how Christian thought and practice have interacted with various contexts to produce unique understandings of time and history. While a number of geographical contexts will be discussed, this essay argues that there are shared theological themes which transcend geography due to the important role temporality offers to such discussions, in terms of the future, the present and the past. Such developments have involved the reinterpretation of pre-existing traditional and modern idioms, and the engagement with various contextual factors. Moreover, this shows how eschatology should be understood as having a strong corporate dimension. As such, this essay suggests that eschatology must be understood as a Christian doctrine about the communion of saints, who were, who are, and who are to come. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An essay is presented which explores a selection of professor Wang Weifan's writings based on the two phrases "the Lord of the cosmos" as well as "the Lord of history."It examines the role of Wang's Christology into his theological method and his formulations revealing a unique understanding of the cosmic Christ and discusses Bishop Ding Guangxun's Christology in China.

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various reports within the issue on topics including the migration of Russian Orthodox Christians, the history of the Basel Evangelical Missionary Society in the Gold Coast, and Afrikaner missionaries.

The article introduces various issues covered in the issue, including traditional Chinese temples and ancestral halls, the socio-political events shaping Taiwan, and exposition of Chao's Christology as portrayed in his most well-known work.

An introduction is presented which discusses articles within the issue on topics including the eschatology in protestant christian missions by author Andrew Walls, contextual theology by author Alexander Chow and the Chinese religious group called Church of Almighty God by author Emily Dunn.

Christianity in mainland China has often been characterized as a religion for the mar-ginalized of society. However, since the 1990s, there has been a growing phenomenon within the country's burgeoning urban metropolises with an increasing number of urban intellectuals converting to Protestantism. This article explores the theology of several representatives of these urban intellectual Christians who make use of the teachings of John Calvin and his followers. This article will show that there is a strong theological interest in engaging in the public sphere around subjects like the rule of law, constitutionalism and a civil society. Although the representatives cited in this article have been described as 'Chinese New Calvinists' or 'Christian public intellectu-als', it is proposed here that a more appropriate understanding of this growing and significant group is as Chinese public theologians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Christian teachings on 'sin' have met a number of barriers in their historical encounters with the East Asian context. However, since the end of World War II, indigenous Christianities in China, Japan and South Korea have experienced growing interests in this hated doctrine. 'Sin' has become a valuable category to address the existential concerns found in those societies. This has developed in an East Asian discourse about intellectual foundations and, in certain instances, has resulted in a revival of Christian belief. This paper will discuss the development of this rediscovery and connect it to a re-evaluation of millennia-old understandings of the existence of evil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the relationship and the impacts over the Christianity religion due to Covid-19 pandemic. It discusses that Methodist congregation in Singapore, has proactively helped senior members overcome technological barriers by calling them individually to help them access the church's online services; and mentions that Church medical facilities have been on run to provide supportive networks, medical treatment, and prayers for healing.

A 62-year-old man with history of uncontrolled diabetes and heroin abuse presented with lower urinary tract symptoms and innumerable uniformly sized intravesical spherical objects on computed tomography. Although foreign body insertion was initially suspected, the patient denied any such history. Removal of the objects during cystoscopy revealed the objects to be Candida tropicalis bezoars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Christianity has become the religion of choice for a growing number of diasporic Chinese. This qualitative study examines the conversion narratives of first-generation Chinese converts to evangelical Protestant Christianity, exploring in particular the spiritual experiences that encouraged or confirmed their resolve to become Christians. Utilizing the method of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), twenty English-speaking participants were interviewed, mostly immigrants to the United States or the United Kingdom from China, including Hong Kong, or from Taiwan. The converts to Christianity in this study were in search of an intellectually plausible faith, and an overarching framework of meaning, purpose, and fullness for their lives, and were motivated as well by longings for community and belonging. Participants reported being profoundly "touched"—inexplicably moved—by the love extended to them by other Chinese Christians, and being transformed in wide-ranging and durable ways as a result. In their view, such love was qualitatively different from, and superior to, the more transactional relational dynamics with which they had been familiar. They inferred that it was "otherworldly," and necessarily emanated from a real and unconditionally benevolent divine source. The study thus illuminates the spiritual dynamics that persist in Chinese Christian conversions, even in a secular age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paul Zimskind's presentation on "cystoscopic placement of silicone ureteral tube" in 1967 inspired Robert Gibbons, which led to the modifications and development of a single pigtail ureteral stent (1974) for clinical use.[1],[2] A few years later Roy Finney incorporated a pigtail to the distal end to prevent proximal migration to create a "Double-J stent" (1978).[3] Since then, for the past four decades there has been no clinically significant changes until today in the ureteral stent design. The aforementioned stent has potential to eliminate stent encrustation and the dreaded problem of retained stent. Although the mechanisms of stent symptoms are not fully understood, in the context of pyeloplasty the aforementioned 3-week stent with omission of the distal segment may ameliorate bladder symptoms. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the technique of robot-assisted single-port transvesical enucleation of the prostate (STEP) for the surgical treatment of severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) caused by benign prostatic enlargement. The procedure involves using the Da Vinci Single Port (SP) system to perform the enucleation of the prostate through a single skin incision. The article provides a step-by-step guide to the surgical technique and presents preliminary data from a single-center experience, showing positive outcomes such as shorter hospital stays and less use of opioids compared to the standard multiport approach. The authors acknowledge the limitations of the study, including the small sample size and short follow-up period, but suggest that STEP may be a safe and effective alternative for the management of large prostate glands. [Extracted from the article]

Piscine lactococcosis is a significant threat to cultured and wild fish populations worldwide. The disease typically presents as a per-acute to acute hemorrhagic septicemia causing high morbidity and mortality, recalcitrant to antimicrobial treatment or management interventions. Historically, the disease was attributed to the gram-positive pathogen Lactococcus garvieae. However, recent work has revealed three distinct lactococcosis-causing bacteria (LCB)--L. garvieae, L. petauri, and L. formosensis--which are phenotypically and genetically similar, leading to widespread misidentification. An update on our understanding of lactococcosis and improved methods for identification are urgently needed. To this end, we used representative isolates from each of the three LCB species to compare currently available and recently developed molecular and phenotypic typing assays, including whole-genome sequencing (WGS), end-point and quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization timeofflight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), API 20 Strep and Biolog systems, fatty acid methyl ester analysis (FAME), and Sensititre antimicrobial profiling. Apart from WGS, sequencing of the gyrB gene was the only method capable of consistent and accurate identification to the species and strain level. A qPCR assay based on a putative glycosyltransferase gene was also able to distinguish L. petauri from L. garvieae/formosensis. Biochemical tests and MALDI-TOF MS showed some speciesspecific patterns in sugar and fatty acid metabolism or protein profiles but should be complemented by additional analyses. The LCB demonstrated overlap in host and geographic range, but there were relevant differences in host specificity, regional prevalence, and antimicrobial susceptibility impacting disease treatment and prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 32-year-old man with vague abdominal pain was found to have enlarged para-aortic and mediastinal lymph nodes on computed tomography. He was diagnosed with retroperitoneal mixed germ cell tumor as confirmed on percutaneous biopsy. At the time of diagnosis, lactic dehydrogenase, human beta-chorionic gonadotropin, and alpha-fetoprotein were elevated. He completed four cycles of platinum-based chemotherapy with excellent response and no clinical disease progression. Three years later, he presented to the Urology clinic with a right testicular mass. His tumor markers remained negative. He was taken for a right radical orchiectomy with the pathology resulting in pure seminoma (pT1Nx). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe the steps and technique of a robotic pyelolithotomy for complete removal of a left staghorn stone after a previous open pyelolithotomy.Methods: The patient is placed in a left modified flank position with 4 laparoscopic ports placed: 12mm port for camera paramedian to the left of the midline, 8mm robotic port left lower quadrant at the level of the umbilicus, 8mm robotic port midclavicular line 2 finger breaths below the costal margin, 12mm Airseal assistant port paramedian infraumbilical. The white line of Toldt was incised and the colon was mobilized medially. Anterior Gerota's fascia was opened and tacked to the lateral abdominal wall exposing renal pelvis and parenchyma. An intraoperative ultrasound confirmed the underlying stone. A V-shaped Gil-Vernet pyelolithotomy incision was made and Prograsp forceps were used to manipulate the stone out of the renal pelvis. The collecting system was inspected and irrigated using the robotic lens. The pyelotomy was closed with 4-0 Monocryl suture on a TF needle in 2 lengths of suture, superiorly and inferiorly. Gerota's fascia was closed over the renal pelvis and the kidney was re-retroperitonealized by tacking the colon to the white line of Toldt. The specimen was retrieved through a mini-Pfannenstiel incision via a specimen bag. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 1 and seen in clinic 5 weeks later for stent removal.Conclusions: Robotic pyelolithotomy is a minimally invasive alternative that can be offered to patients with complete staghorn stones even after major open stone surgery. However case selection for this approach relies on the stone burden primarily in a dilated renal pelvis with limited calyceal projections. It is imperative to review preoperative imaging to understand the calyceal anatomy and the rotation required to free the stone from the collecting system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To describe the surgical techniques and to analyse the outcomes of single-port robot-assisted simple prostatectomy (SP RASP) procedure for the surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Methods: Three databases (PubMed®, Web of Science™, and Scopus®) were queried to identify studies reporting on the technical aspects and outcomes of SP RASP. Different combinations of keywords were used, according to a free-text protocol, to identify retrospective and prospective studies, both comparative and non-comparative, systematic reviews (SR) and meta-analysis (MA) describing surgical techniques for SP RASP and the associated surgical and functional outcomes. Results: The transvesical approach represents the most common approach for SP RASP. A decrease in terms of estimated blood loss was observed when SP RASP was compared to open simple prostatectomy (OSP) and multi-port (MP) RASP. Furthermore, this technique allowed for a shorter length of hospital stay (LoS) and a lower post-operative complication rate, compared to OSP. Post-operative subjective and objective functional outcomes are satisfying and comparable to OSP and MP RASP. Conclusion: SP RASP represents a safe and feasible approach for the surgical management of BPH. It provides comparable surgical and functional outcomes to MP RASP, enabling for minimal invasiveness, enhanced recovery, and potential for improving patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 65-year-old woman presented with recurrent urinary tract infections. A computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis shows a dilated and malrotated right renal pelvis consistent with a ureteropelvic junction obstruction as well as multiple renal arteries arising from the aorta. A computed tomography angiography revealed 5 separate renal arteries originating from the aorta with a single renal artery crossing over and obstructing the right renal pelvis. On Lasix renogram, the affected kidney contributes 45% of total renal function. The patient remained asymptomatic (absent of hematuria, flank pain, infection) and opted for active surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]