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Objective: We aimed to describe the outcomes and patient satisfaction (PS) rates of transurethral polyacrylamide hydrogel (PAHG) (Bulkamid®) injection for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in a Turkish cohort. Materials and Methods: Twenty-two patients who underwent injection primarily or secondarily between December 2019 and March 2023 due to SUI or stress-predominant mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) were retrospectively evaluated. All patients underwent an invasive urodynamic study (UDS) before the procedure. The primary outcome was treatment success (TS), defined as no pad use, negative International Continence Society (ICS) uniform cough stress test (CST), and no SUI on International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form question 6. The secondary outcome was PS. Results: The median age was 61.5 (41-84) years. Six patients had stress-predominant MUI and 15 had SUI. PAHG injection was the primary and secondary treatment in 17 and 4 patients, respectively. ICS uniform CST was positive in all patients. In 8 patients, intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) was detected during UDS. One patient developed transient urinary retention after surgery. At a median follow-up of 17 (1-38) months, the overall TS rate was 85.7%. Success rates in primary vs. secondary setting and pure SUI vs. MUI were 88.2% vs. 75% and 80% vs. 100%, respectively. The overall PS rate was 90%. Satisfaction rates in the primary vs. secondary setting and pure SUI vs. MUI were 93.6% vs. 75% and 85.7% vs. 100%, respectively. TS and PS rates were 100% in all patients with ISD. Conclusion: PAHG injection proved to be a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment for pure stress and stress-predominant MUI in both primary and secondary settings.

Abstract Background There is no standard treatment recommended at category 1 level in international guidelines for subsequent therapy after cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor (CDK4/6) based therapy. We aimed to evaluate which subsequent treatment oncologists prefer in patients with disease progression under CDKi. In addition, we aimed to show the effectiveness of systemic treatments after CDKi and whether there is a survival difference between hormonal treatments (monotherapy vs. mTOR-based). Methods A total of 609 patients from 53 centers were included in the study. Progression-free-survivals (PFS) of subsequent treatments (chemotherapy (CT, n:434) or endocrine therapy (ET, n:175)) after CDKi were calculated. Patients were evaluated in three groups as those who received CDKi in first-line (group A, n:202), second-line (group B, n: 153) and ≥ 3rd-line (group C, n: 254). PFS was compared according to the use of ET and CT. In addition, ET was compared as monotherapy versus everolimus-based combination therapy. Results The median duration of CDKi in the ET arms of Group A, B, and C was 17.0, 11.0, and 8.5 months in respectively; it was 9.0, 7.0, and 5.0 months in the CT arm. Median PFS after CDKi was 9.5 (5.0–14.0) months in the ET arm of group A, and 5.3 (3.9–6.8) months in the CT arm (p = 0.073). It was 6.7 (5.8–7.7) months in the ET arm of group B, and 5.7 (4.6–6.7) months in the CT arm (p = 0.311). It was 5.3 (2.5–8.0) months in the ET arm of group C and 4.0 (3.5–4.6) months in the CT arm (p = 0.434). Patients who received ET after CDKi were compared as those who received everolimus-based combination therapy versus those who received monotherapy ET: the median PFS in group A, B, and C was 11.0 vs. 5.9 (p = 0.047), 6.7 vs. 5.0 (p = 0.164), 6.7 vs. 3.9 (p = 0.763) months. Conclusion Physicians preferred CT rather than ET in patients with early progression under CDKi. It has been shown that subsequent ET after CDKi can be as effective as CT. It was also observed that better PFS could be achieved with the subsequent everolimus-based treatments after first-line CDKi compared to monotherapy ET.

Background: Since breast cancer is less common in men than in women, data on the use of new therapeutic agents, including cyclin-dependent kinase 4–6 (CDK 4–6) inhibitors, are limited in patients with metastatic hormone receptor positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) male breast cancer. Therefore; we aimed to investigate the treatment responses of metastatic HR+, HER2-male breast cancer patients treated with CDK 4–6 inhibitors in a multicenter real-life cohort. Methods: Male patients with a diagnosis of HR+ and HER2-metastatic breast cancer, treated with any CDK 4–6 inhibitor, were included in the study. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were recorded. We aimed to determine progression-free survival (PFS) time, response rates and drug related side effects. Results: A total 25 patients from 14 institutions were recruited. The mean age at diagnosis was 57 years. Median follow-up was 19.53 (95% CI: 14.04–25.02) months. The overall response rate was 60%. While the median PFS was 20.6 months in the whole cohort, it wasn't reached in those using CDK 4–6 inhibitors in first line and 10 months in the subsequent lines (p:0.009). No new adverse events were encountered. Conclusion: In our study, we found that CDK 4–6 inhibitors are effective and safe options in men with HR+ and HER2-metastatic breast cancer as in women. Our results support the use of CDK 4–6 inhibitor-based combinations in the first-line treatment of HR+ and HER2-metastatic male breast cancer.

Abstract Background Cancer patients are in the high-risk group of getting COVID-19 infection and experiencing a severe course. Anxiety of cancer patients about how they pass this pandemic process and how changes in the health system would influence their treatment has increased together with the COVID-19 pandemic. Influence of COVID-19 on psychology of cancer patients is also a subject needed to be investigated as well as its course and prognosis. Thus, it is aimed to measure fear levels of cancer patients by a validated scale. Patients accepting to fill in the validated Fear of COVID-19 (FCV-19S) scale were included in our study. Higher scores obtained from the scale means high level of COVID-19 fear was experienced. Results A total of 66.8% of 486 patients expressed that they are very afraid of coronavirus, and 66.3% expressed that they fear from losing their lives due to coronavirus. The level of fear in the patient group having adjuvant therapy has been found statistically to be significantly higher compared with groups having neoadjuvant and metastatic/palliative therapy (p: 0.004). Conclusions Because the increase of level of fear may lead to vital outcomes such as weakening of immune system, disturbance of treatment compliance, and worsening of prognosis, a psychological approach to cancer patients is compulsory in order to prevent fear of COVID-19 infection.

Abstract Background To investigate if remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) can offer any renoprotective value by counteracting the deleterious effect of partial nephrectomy (PN) under warm ischemia on renal function. Methods Four groups, each with 5 Wistar albino rats, were constructed; RIPC + PN, PN, RIPC and sham. Right nephrectomy was performed to constitute a solitary kidney model. RIPC denoted sequential clamping/declamping of the femoral artery/vein complex. PN was performed under warm-ischemia following RIPC. Blood samples were collected on multiple occasions until euthanasia on day 7. Immunoassays were conducted to measure the serum and tissues levels of kidney injury markers. Kidneys were examined histologically and morphometric analyzes were performed using digital scanning. Results IL-33 levels did not differ significantly between the groups. Serum levels of KIM-1, NGAL, and aldose reductase in RIPC + PN, PN and RIPC groups were significantly lower than that of sham group. Tissue biomarker levels were similar across groups. The observed trend in mean necrosis area of PN group was higher than that of RIPC + PN group (p > 0.05). The transitional zone between necrosis and healthy tissue showed a trend towards increasing width in the rats subjected to RIPC before PN vs. those who underwent PN without RIPC (p > 0.05). Conclusion RIPC failed to counteract the renal functional consequences of PN under warm ischemia in a solitary kidney animal model. The supportive but marginal histological findings in favor of RIPC’s renoprotective potential were not supplemented with the changes in serum and tissue biomarker levels.

Objective:: Urinary retention after non-urological surgery is a common morbidity, yet its​ etiology and treatment approaches are still a matter of debate. The primary aims of this study are to evaluate the management of urinary retention after non-urological surgeries, determine the predictors of prognosis, and report follow-up data. Methods:: Patients who were referred to the urology clinic at a single center due to postoperative urinary retention between December 2014 and November 2021 were included. Demographical, clinical, and surgical parameters were recorded. In all patients, a urethral catheter was kept in-situ for at least 5 days after urinary retention. In case of persistent urinary retention after catheter removal, clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) was recommended. Results of the patients who spontaneously regained micturition after conservative treatment and those with persistent urinary retention were compared. Results:: Among 95 patients, the median age was 65 (24–90) years. In 75 patients (78.9%), spontaneous micturition returned with conservative management (Group 1). Twenty patients (21.1%) required CIC due to persistent urinary retention (Group 2). The percentages of males in Group 1 and 2 were 81.3% and 50% respectively (p

Bladder pain syndrome is an important chronic pain syndrome which seriously reduces the patients’ quality of life. It is a diagnosis of exclusion. It is defined as a clinical diagnosis composed of chronic (>6 months) pain/pressure/discomfort that is primarly perceived from the bladder and/or pelvis, and accompanied by urgency and/or frequency of urination. Throughout this paper, the definition, characteristic features, diagnostic tests and attempts, interpretation of the findings and the different treatment algorithms suggested by different organizations will be discussed.

Oral pharmacotherapy constitutes second-line treatment for overactive bladder (OAB) after lifestyle modifications, bladder retraining, and pelvic floor muscle exercises. Antimuscarinics have an established role in the treatment of OAB. However, antimuscarinics are known to have low persistence rates in clinical practice. Mirabegron is an oral β3-adrenoreceptor agonist which has emerged as an alternative to antimuscarinics for managing OAB. Overall, mirabegron has similar clinical efficacy to antimuscarinics and is superior to placebo. Mirabegron has been generally well tolerated in both interventional and non-interventional studies. Persistence has been shown to be higher with mirabegron than with antimuscarinics in real-world studies. Increased blood pressure is associated with mirabegron and therefore its use is contraindicated in patients with severe uncontrolled hypertension. However, a low rate of treatment cessation due to cardiovascular issues has been noted in clinical trials. Mirabegron’s utility in the elderly patient population has been well supported with promising efficacy and safety outcomes. New data from a prospective placebo-controlled randomized trial in older OAB patients is expected to be published soon. Mirabegron does not interfere with detrusor contractions during the emptying phase of the micturition cycle and hence lacks any significant effect on post-void residual volume. Mirabegron can be combined with antimuscarinics to synergize clinical effectiveness. Overall, mirabegron represents a well-tolerated and effective medical treatment option for OAB. Mirabegron could be used as an alternative to antimuscarinics, especially in patients who do not improve with antimuscarinics and/or experience bothersome side effects for whom anticholinergic load may be a relevant consideration.

BackgroundHealthcare professionals (HCPs) on the front lines against COVID-19 may face increased workload and stress. Understanding HCPs' risk for burnout is critical to supporting HCPs and maintaining the quality of healthcare during the pandemic.MethodsTo assess exposure, perceptions, workload, and possible burnout of HCPs during the COVID-19 pandemic we conducted a cross-sectional survey. The main outcomes and measures were HCPs' self-assessment of burnout, indicated by a single item measure of emotional exhaustion, and other experiences and attitudes associated with working during the COVID-19 pandemic.FindingsA total of 2,707 HCPs from 60 countries participated in this study. Fifty-one percent of HCPs reported burnout. Burnout was associated with work impacting household activities (RR = 1·57, 95% CI = 1·39-1·78, PInterpretationBurnout is present at higher than previously reported rates among HCPs working during the COVID-19 pandemic and is related to high workload, job stress, and time pressure, and limited organizational support. Current and future burnout among HCPs could be mitigated by actions from healthcare institutions and other governmental and non-governmental stakeholders aimed at potentially modifiable factors, including providing additional training, organizational support, and support for family, PPE, and mental health resources.

Relationships between students' grade-level, epistemic beliefs, metacognition, and science achievement were investigated separately for low and high-achieving schools. A total of 587 students in low achieving schools and 600 students in high achieving schools from fifth, sixth, and eighth grades constituted the study sample. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses identified two factors for both epistemic beliefs and metacognition measures. Results of the structural equation modelling showed that path coefficients from grade-level to quick/fixed learning, regulation of cognition, and knowledge of cognition were all negative and significant in both low and high achieving schools' models. In addition, path coefficients from certain/simple knowledge to regulation of cognition and knowledge of cognition were all positive and significant in both models. Moreover, quick/fixed learning and knowledge of cognition were significant contributors to students' science achievement, regardless of students' school type. However, several school-type differences regarding path coefficients of epistemic beliefs factors with other variables were observed. Interestingly, the effect size of the science achievement model was greater in low achieving schools compared to the same model in high achieving schools. Implications of these findings about how to improve students' epistemic beliefs, metacognition, and science achievement both in low and high achieving schools are discussed.

Bu çalışmada çok başarılı ve az başarılı okullarda okuyan öğrenciler; fene karşı olan tutumları, epistemolojik inançları, üst-bilişsel becerileri, fen öğretimiyle ilgili görüşleri ve sosyo-ekonomik statüleri açısından karşılaştırılmışlardır. Ayrıca kız ve erkek öğrenciler, hem çok başarılı hem de az başarılı okullarda bu değişkenler açısından karşılaştırılmıştır. Çalışmanın sonuçları, çok başarılı okullarda okuyan öğrencilerin bu değişkenlerin hepsinde az başarılı okullarda okuyan akranlarına göre daha yüksek puan elde ettiğini göstermiştir. Ayrıca çok başarılı okullarda kız öğrenciler erkek öğrencilerden daha olumlu epistemolojik inanç ve fen öğretimiyle ilgili görüş belirtmiş ve yüksek fen başarısı elde etmiştir. Diğer taraftan az başarılı okullarda kız öğrencilerin erkek öğrencilere göre daha olumlu üst-bilişsel becerilerinin olduğu bulunmuştur. Bu sonuçlar çerçevesinde fen eğitimiyle ilgili gerekli tavsiyeler yapılmıştır.

PURPOSEWith the increased recognition of the capabilities of prostate multiparametric (mp) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), attempts are being made to incorporate MRI into routine prostate biopsies. In this study, we aimed to analyze the diagnostic yield via cognitive fusion, transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided, and in-bore MRI-guided biopsies in biopsy-naive patients with positive findings for prostate cancer screening.METHODSCharts of 140 patients, who underwent transrectal prostate biopsy after the adaptation of mp-MRI into our routine clinical practice, were reviewed retrospectively. Patients with previous negative biopsies (n=24) and digital rectal examination findings suspicious for ≥cT3 prostate cancer (n=16) were excluded. T2-weighted imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging, and dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging were included in mp-MRI. Cognitive fusion biopsies were performed after a review of mp-MRI data, whereas TRUS-guided biopsies were performed blinded to MRI information. In-bore biopsies were conducted by means of real-time targeting under MRI guidance. RESULTSBetween January 2012 and February 2014, a total of 100 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria underwent TRUS-guided (n=37), cognitive fusion (n=49), and in-bore (n=14) biopsies. Mean age, serum prostate specific antigen level, and prostate size did not differ significantly among the study groups. In TRUS-guided biopsy group, 51.3% were diagnosed with prostate cancer, while the same ratio was 55.1% and 71.4% in cognitive fusion and in-bore biopsy groups, respectively (P = 0.429). Clinically significant prostate cancer detection rate was 69.1%, 70.3%, and 90% in TRUS-guided, cognitive fusion, and in-bore biopsy groups, respectively (P = 0.31). According to histopathologic variables in the prostatectomy specimen, significant prostate cancer was detected in 85.7%, 93.3%, and 100% of patients in TRUS-guided, cognitive fusion, and in-bore biopsy groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONIn the first set of transrectal prostate biopsies, mp-MRI guidance did not increase the diagnostic yield significantly.

Surgical resection either in the form of radical nephrectomy or in the form of partial nephrectomy represents the mainstay options in the treatment of kidney cancer. In most instances, resecting the tumor bearing kidney or the tumor itself provides durable cancer specific survival rates. However, recurrences may rarely develop in the renal fossa or remnant kidney. Despite its rarity, locally recurrent RCC is a challenging condition in terms of the possible management options and relatively poor prognosis. If technically feasible, wide surgical excision and ensuring negative surgical margins are the most effective treatment options. Repeat surgeries (completion nephrectomy, excision of locally recurrent tumor, or repeat partial nephrectomy) may often be complicated, and perioperative morbidity is a major concern. Open approach has been extensively applied in this context and 5-year cancer specific survival rates have been reported to be around 50%. The roles of minimally invasive surgical options (laparoscopic and robotic approach) and nonsurgical alternatives (cryoablation, radiofrequency ablation) have yet to be described. In selected patients, surgical resection may have to be complemented with (neo)adjuvant radiotherapy or medical treatment.

Objective. We aimed to compare the results of our initial robot-assisted nephron-sparing surgeries (RANSS) performed with or without hilar clamping. Material and Method. Charts of the initial RANSSs (n=44), which were performed by a single surgeon, were retrospectively reviewed. R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry system, modified Clavien classification, and M.D.R.D. equation were used to record tumoral complexity, complications, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), respectively. Outcomes of the clamped (group 1, n=14) versus off-clamp (group 2, n=30) RANSSs were compared. Results. The difference between the two groups was insignificant regarding mean patient age, mean tumor size, and mean R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score. Mean operative time, mean estimated blood loss amount, and mean length of hospitalization were similar between groups. A total of 4 patients in each group suffered 11 Clavien grade ≥2 complications early postoperatively. Open conversion rates were similar. The difference between the 2 groups in terms of the mean postoperative change in eGFR was insignificant. We did not encounter any local recurrence after a mean follow-up of 18.9 months. Conclusions. Creating warm-ischemic conditions during RANSS should not be a liberal decision, even in the initial phases of the learning curve for a highly experienced open surgeon.

Herein, we will review the available literature about robot-assisted radical prostatectomy in patients who have undergone prostate surgery or radiotherapy. Current data about this topic consists of small case series with limited follow-up. Despite being technically demanding, robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) can be considered feasible in either setting. Prostate surgery or prostatic irradiation should not be considered as a contraindication for robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. Nevertheless, patient counseling about the possible complications and the need for reintervention is of extreme importance in this patient population. Early oncologic and functional results of RARP performed in case of radiorecurrent prostate cancer look promising. Regarding postprostate surgery RARP, some series have reported comparable results, while some have demonstrated more inferior outcomes than those of naive cases. In order to assess the exact functional and oncologic outcome of RARP in patients with previous prostate surgery and radiotherapy, studies enrolling higher number of patients and providing longer follow-up data are needed.

The effective treatment of castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) has proven to be very challenging. Until recently, docetaxel was the only therapeutic demonstrated to extend overall patient survival. Yet recently, a considerable number of new therapeutics have been approved to treat CRPC patients. These remarkable advances now give new tools for the therapeutic management of late-stage prostate cancer. In this review, we will examine mechanistic and clinical data of several newly approved therapeutics including the chemotherapeutic cabazitaxel, antiandrogen enzalutamide, endocrine disruptor abiraterone acetate, immunotherapy sipuleucel-T, and bone-targeting radiopharmaceutical alpharadin. In addition, we will examine other promising therapeutics that are currently in Phase III trials.

Granulocytic sarcoma is an extramedullary tumor which is composed of myeloblasts and immature myeloid cells. It usually occurs in association with acute myeloid leukemia and most commonly involves skin, soft tissue, lymph nodes, bone, and periosteum. We report a case of isolated ureteral granulocytic sarcoma without hematologic manifestations. Our patient presented with bloody urine and left-sided lumbar pain. Preoperative clinical and radiologic features raised the suspicion of an upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma, and he was scheduled for nephroureterectomy. However, perioperative pathologic feedback and the unusual endoscopic appearance of the tumor altered our surgical strategy towards segmental ureterectomy and ureteroneocystostomy. Eventual pathologic diagnosis was granulocytic sarcoma of the ureter. Postoperative workup failed to demonstrate any sign of an accompanying hematologic disorder. He started receiving the chemotherapy protocol of acute myeloblastic leukemia. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of nonleukemic ureteral granulocytic sarcoma which came to attention due to urologic complaints.

Pheochromocytomas can be a part of familial neoplastic syndromes, in which case they tend to be multiple and involve both adrenal glands. Therefore, sparing adrenocortical function represents a major concern while dealing with these hereditary lesions. Herein, we describe the clinical characteristics and the management strategy of a patient with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease who had multiple, bilateral pheochromocytomas as well as bilateral renal masses, pancreatic masses, and a paracaval mass. Only a portion of the left adrenal gland has remained in situ after two consecutive open surgeries and a percutaneous radiofrequency ablation which have been performed to treat the various components of this syndrome. No adrenal or extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma recurrences have been detected during a follow-up period of more than 2 years. Pancreatic and adrenal functions were normal throughout the postoperative period and never necessitated any replacement therapy. Adrenal cortex-sparing surgery is a valid option for VHL disease patients who present with synchronous bilateral adrenal pheochromocytomas.

Abstract Background Recent studies uncovered pervasive transcription and translation of thousands of noncanonical open reading frames (nORFs) outside of annotated genes. The contribution of nORFs to cellular phenotypes is difficult to infer using conventional approaches because nORFs tend to be short, of recent de novo origins, and lowly expressed. Here we develop a dedicated coexpression analysis framework that accounts for low expression to investigate the transcriptional regulation, evolution, and potential cellular roles of nORFs in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Results Our results reveal that nORFs tend to be preferentially coexpressed with genes involved in cellular transport or homeostasis but rarely with genes involved in RNA processing. Mechanistically, we discover that young de novo nORFs located downstream of conserved genes tend to leverage their neighbors’ promoters through transcription readthrough, resulting in high coexpression and high expression levels. Transcriptional piggybacking also influences the coexpression profiles of young de novo nORFs located upstream of genes, but to a lesser extent and without detectable impact on expression levels. Transcriptional piggybacking influences, but does not determine, the transcription profiles of de novo nORFs emerging nearby genes. About 40% of nORFs are not strongly coexpressed with any gene but are transcriptionally regulated nonetheless and tend to form entirely new transcription modules. We offer a web browser interface ( https://carvunislab.csb.pitt.edu/shiny/coexpression/ ) to efficiently query, visualize, and download our coexpression inferences. Conclusions Our results suggest that nORF transcription is highly regulated. Our coexpression dataset serves as an unprecedented resource for unraveling how nORFs integrate into cellular networks, contribute to cellular phenotypes, and evolve.

Aim:: To present the body of evidence behind the International Continence Society (ICS) educational module on “Practice of uroflowmetry in adults” which consists of a PowerPoint® presentation. Methods:: This evidence review has been prepared by a working group instituted by the ICS Urodynamics Committee. The method used included systematic literature review, consensus formation by the members of the Working Group, and review by members of the ICS Urodynamics Committee core panel. Results:: A total of 104 articles were included in this systematic review. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Evidence analysis was conducted along the following themes: physiology of voiding, pathophysiology of lower urinary tract dysfunction, technique of uroflowmetry, quality check of the uroflowmetry test, interpretation and reporting of uroflowmetry findings. Conclusions:: Uroflowmetry is the most commonly utilized diagnostic test in the evaluation of adults presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms. The practice of uroflowmetry exhibits variations which might lead to inconclusive or inaccurate assessments. The ICS educational module on the Practice of Uroflowmetry in Adults provides up-to-date and evidence-based guidance in an effort to establish standards in the technique, interpretation, and reporting of uroflowmetry.