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Purpose The AMS800™ device, by far the most frequently implanted artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) worldwide, is considered to be the 'gold-standard' when male incontinence surgical treatment is contemplated. Despite 40 years of experience, it is still a specialized procedure with a number of challenges. Here, we present the recommendations issued from the AUS Consensus Group, regarding indications, management, and follow-up AMS800™ implantation or revision. Materials and Methods Under ICS auspices, an expert panel met on July 10, 2015 in Chicago, IL, USA in an attempt to reach a consensus on diverse issues related to the AMS800™ device. Participants were selected by the two co-chairs on the basis of their practice in a University hospital and their experience: number of implanted AUSs according to AMS (American Medical System Holdings Inc., Minnetonka, MN) records and/or major published articles. Topics listed were the result of a pre-meeting email brainstorming by all participants. The co-chairs distributed topics randomly to all participants, who then had to propose a statement on each topic for approval by the conference after a short evidence-based presentation, when possible. Results A total of 25 urologists were invited to participate, 19 able to attend the conference. The present recommendations, based on the most recent and relevant data available in literature as well as expert opinions, successively address multiple specific and problematic issues associated with the AMS800™ trough a eight-chapter structure: pre-operative assessment, pre operative challenges, implantation technique, post-operative care, trouble-shooting, outcomes, special populations, and the future of AUSs. Conclusion These guidelines undoubtedly constitute a reference document, which will help urologists to carefully select patients and apply the most adapted management to implantation, follow-up and trouble-shooting of the AMS800™. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:S8-S24, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The AMS800™ device is considered to be the 'gold-standard' when male incontinence surgical treatment is contemplated. Despite 40 years of experience, it is still a specialized procedure with a number of challenges. Here, we present the recommendations issued from the AUS Consensus Group, regarding indications, management and follow-up AMS800™ implantation or revision. Materials and Methods Under ICS auspices, an expert panel met on July 10, 2015 in Chicago, IL, USA in an attempt to reach a consensus on diverse issues related to the AMS800™ device. Participants were selected by the two co-chairs on the basis of their practice in a University hospital and their experience: number of implanted AUSs according to AMS (American Medical System Holdings Inc., Minnetonka, MN) records and/or major published articles. Topics listed were the result of a pre-meeting email brainstorming by all participants. The co-chairs distributed topics randomly to all participants, who then had to propose a statement on each topic for approval by the conference after a short evidence-based presentation, when possible. Results The present recommendations, based on the most recent and relevant data available in literature as well as expert opinions, successively address multiple specific and problematic issues associated with the AMS800™ trough a 6-chapter structure: pre-operative assessment, pre operative challenges, implantation technique, post-operative care, trouble-shooting, and special populations. Conclusion These guidelines undoubtedly constitute a reference document, which will help urologists to carefully select patients and apply the most adapted management to implantation, follow-up and trouble-shooting of the AMS800™. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:437-443, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess the association between overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) and the metabolic syndrome (MetS)., Patients and Methods: A population-based study was conducted to compare OAB patients with age-, sex- and ethnicity-matched control subjects regarding the prevalence of the parameters of the MetS, with respect to obesity, hyperlipidemia, hypertension and diabetes mellitus. The characteristics of the OAB population were assessed. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) were calculated by logistic regression., Results: 110 024 OAB patients and 220 455 controls. were identified. OAB was associated with a higher prevalence of MetS (35.4% vs. 27.5%, p < 0.001). The fully adjusted OR for MetS in patients with OAB compared to controls was 1.44; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.42-1.46; p < 0.001. Among metabolic parameters, obesity was found to be the strongest factor associated with OAB (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.53-1.58, p < 0.001), and higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterole levels (>50) had a protective effect on the risk of OAB (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.73-0.76, p < 0.001)., Conclusions: Data from this cohort suggest that OAB is positively associated with MetS. Clinicians approaching patients with OAB should be aware of this association. A multimodal treatment focusing on the MetS may be considered in these patients., (© 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Introduction: The Butterfly Prostatic Retraction device is a novel transurethral implant designed to dilate the prostatic urethra and treat lower urinary tract symptoms. We assessed its safety, efficacy and impact on urinary flow, ejaculation, and quality of life., Materials and Methods: We included 64 men, treated for benign prostate hyperplasia for at least 1 year. All patients had Qmax≤ 13 mL/s and IPSS >12. Insertion of the device was performed via cystoscopy. Follow-up visits were performed at 2 weeks, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months and included uroflowmetry, IPSS, QoL, and sexual function questionnaires. Cystoscopy was performed on 3 and 12 months., Results: Patients age was 50-83 years. 28 patients completed a 1-year follow-up with an intact device. Mean Qmax improved by 2 mL/s (25%), IPSS median drop was 10 points (40%), and QoL score was 1.5 points (38%). Sexually active patients reported antegrade ejaculation. On cystoscopy, gradual coverage of the devices with urethral mucosa was observed. In 1 patient, the device was repositioned. In 19 patients, the device was removed. 12 patients returned to alpha-blocker therapy and 7 patients underwent TURP. One patient developed a bulbar urethral stricture., Conclusions: We demonstrated feasibility and good tolerability of the Butterfly device., (The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.)

In this prospective study, we evaluated postpartum voiding dysfunction stratified by mode of delivery - vaginal delivery versus elective caesarean delivery (CD). We recruited nulliparous women carrying singleton gestation at term admitted to delivery room or elective CD. Pre-labour voiding function was assessed by recording the post-voiding residual volume (PVRV) using a bladder scan. PVRV evaluation was repeated at least 12 hours following delivery and before discharge. PVRVs were considered abnormal if ≥150 mL. PVRVs were compared between vaginal and CD. Overall, 54 women were included. Of them, 34 (63%) delivered vaginally and 20 (37%) had an elective CD. Postpartum mean PVRVs were significantly higher compared to pre-labour PVRVs (215 vs. 133 mL, p <.001). Abnormal postpartum PVRV was significantly higher in vaginal delivery compared to CD (73.5% vs. 45%, p <.05). In conclusion, delivery adversely affects voiding function. Vaginal delivery is associated with more severe voiding dysfunction compared to elective CD.Impact Statement What is already known on this subject? Delivery is associated with voiding dysfunction. While most studies on postpartum voiding dysfunction were related to vaginal delivery, little is known on the effect of mode of delivery (vaginal versus caesarean delivery (CD)) on voiding dysfunction. What the results of this study add? In this study, we found that postpartum post-voiding residual volume is significantly higher than the pre-labour PVRV in women delivered vaginally. In addition, postpartum PVRV was significantly higher in women delivered vaginally compared to elective CD. What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? This study implicates that women with vaginal delivery are more prone to voiding dysfunction compared to elective CD. However, larger observational studies are warranted to confirm these results and evaluate whether this difference still exists beyond the post-partum period.

Introduction: Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a chronic, debilitating syndrome involving bladder pain and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), with a substantial effect on patients' quality of life. IC/BPS poses a diagnostic challenge, and its available treatment options remain only moderately effective. Bladder-wall biopsies from IC/BPS patients commonly uncover mastocytosis. While mast-cells are suspected as pivotal in disease pathogenesis, the clinical significance of their presence remains unclear. Clinical guidelines differ on whether or not bladder biopsies should be a part of routine IC/BPS workup., Aims: To determine whether detrusor mastocytosis can serve as a prognostic marker for treatment response and improvement duration., Methods: We retrospectively collected patient data for IC/BPS patients who underwent bladder hydrodistension under anesthesia. We used statistical modelling to determine the effect of mastocystosis and other possible predictive factors - age, comorbidity, Hunner lesions - on the presence and duration of symptom improvement., Results: A total of 35 patients (89% female, median age 63.5 [IQR 48.8-73.6] years) underwent hydrodistension, of whom 28 (89% female, median age 63.0 [44.8-73.1] years) had bladder biopsies; 11 (39%) of them had mastocystosis. Within a median follow-up of 8.8 [1.7-24.2] months, 11 (100%) of the patients with mastocytosis and 9 (53%) of the patients without it, experienced symptomatic improvement (p=0.007). Improvement duration was 8 months longer (p=0.006) in those with mastocystosis. Univariate logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (OR). Mastocytosis (p=0.004) and Charlson Comorbidity score were the only variables with a statistically significant OR. Univariate survival models were fitted, and improvement duration was estimated to be longer in patients with mastocystosis (p=0.01). A multivariate Cox regression model found no variable to be statistically significant, though mastocystosis was borderline significant (p=0.055)., Conclusions: Mastocystosis defines a discernible phenotype of IC/BPS, which exhibits higher rates and longer duration of hydrodistention treatment response., Discussion: Notwithstanding limitations of sample size and retrospective study design, we were able to demonstrate that mastocystosis can serve as a prognostic factor for symptom improvement after hydrodistension in IC/BPS patients. Prospective studies are required to validate this finding and to investigate the mechanisms involved.

Aims: To assess the prevalence of catheter-associated meatal pressure injury in acute hospitalized males, to determine risk factors for its formation and to propose a grading system for meatal pressure injury severity., Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we screened all adult males concurrently hospitalized at a tertiary medical center for indwelling urethral catheters and for meatal pressure injury. We proposed a system to grade meatal pressure injury severity and used logistic-regression modeling to calculate odds ratios (ORs) of possible risk factors., Results: A number of 168/751 (22.4%) hospitalized males with indwelling urethral catheters were included. Median age was 70.5 (inter-quartile range [IQR]: 57.0-80.3) years, median time from catheterization 5.5 (IQR: 2-11) days. A total of 61 (36%) had meatal pressure injury, as early as the first day after catheterization. Grade III injuries (<2 cm ulcer) developed in 22 (13%) patients, earliest noted on the second catheter day, and grade IV injuries (≥2 cm) in 7 (4%) patients, as early as 5 days post catheterization. In a multivariable analysis, catheter fixation (OR: 0.26 [95% CI: 0.10-0.70]; P = .008) was associated with reduced risk of meatal pressure injury, while catheter presence over 14 days (OR: 1.46 [95% CI: 1.01-1.08]; P = .005) and other skin ulcers (OR: 2.45 [95% CI: 1.05-5.71]; P = .038) were associated with a higher risk of meatal pressure injury., Conclusions: Meatal pressure injury is a common complication of indwelling catheters in hospitalized males, beginning days after catheterization. Meatal pressure injury was associated with prolonged catheter presence, other pressure injuries, and lack of catheter fixation. Prospective studies are needed to establish evidence-based guidelines., (© 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Aim: To assess the impact of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) on the safety and efficacy of intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA injections in patients with overactive bladder and neurogenic detrusor overactivity., Methods: We reviewed the medical records of patients who had received onabotulinumtoxinA between 2009 and 2014. Safety analysis was based on the appearance of urinary tract infections (UTIs), hematuria, and need for hospitalization because of related adverse event(s) in the month after injection. Patients who underwent urodynamic study before and 3 months after the first onabotulinumtoxinA treatment were included in efficacy analysis. Changes in maximal cystometric capacity (MCC), bladder compliance (BC), maximal detrusor pressure at maximal involuntary detrusor contraction (Pdetmax), and detrusor leak point pressure (DLPP) were assessed., Results: Totally, 183 patients underwent 457 injection sessions. ASB was found in 38.8% (185) of urine cultures taken before injections. After treatment, 49 patients (with or without ASB) developed UTI. Urosepsis did not occur. The odds ratio of UTI in patients with ASB was 16.48. The efficacy cohort, consisting of 83 patients, showed that ASB had no significant effect on any of the efficacy parameters (MCC-risk ratio [RR]: 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.72-1.21; BC-RR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.62-1.24; Pdetmax-RR: 0.9, 95% CI: 0.69-1.21; DLPP-RR: 1.69, 95% CI: 0.72-3.97)., Conclusions: ASB is common among patients who are candidates for intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA treatment. ASB increases the risk of UTI, but does not heighten the risk of urosepsis, hospitalization, or therapy failure. This study should lead to the reconsideration of current recommendations., (© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Introduction: A position paper presents the standpoint of the Israeli Urological Association on clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) for all physicians and nurses. The position paper is based on international guidelines and professional literature and is adapted to medical activities in Israel. CIC is indicated for the treatment of temporary/permanent disability in the emptying of the bladder, which is expressed by large post-voided urine/urine retention and related complications. There are a few contra-indications for CIC (low bladder volume or compliance, pressure sores/external infection of the urethra, anatomical, functional or cognitive disorder that does not allow to perform CIC, recurrent macrohematuria or urethrorrhagia, urethral pain that does not allow frequent catheterization, patient unwillingness to perform CIC by himself or by another person). There are alternatives to performing CIC permanent urethral or suprapubic catheter, urinary tract diversion, sphincterotomy. Before starting to perform CIC, the patient should be verified as being able to perform CIC and adhere to a predetermined schedule. It is recommended to perform the CIC at regular intervals during the day. During training and early stages of the CIC, it is recommended to catheter every 4-6 hours to assess bladder volume at these time intervals (urinary volume per catheterization). It is recommended to record drinking volumes, voiding volumes, and catheterization volumes for adjusting and timing the CIC. In order to determine the right number of catheterizations, several factors should be taken into account, such as the patient's ability to void, bladder capacity, and various urodynamic variables. In some cases additional therapy might be administered to reduce bladder pressure. If a patient cannot perform CIC on his own, a caregiver or a family member may be instructed to perform the procedure. The Committee described the methods and techniques to perform CIC and described possible complications (although rare) such as urinary tract infections (UTI), urethral and/or bladder damage, and the difference between a condition of asymptomatic bacteriuria and UTI. The Committee recommends that preventive antibiotic treatment should not be given to CIC patients. Antibiotic treatment should be given only in the case of UTI. The Committee recommends active participation of medical, nursing, social workers, family members and direct caregivers to improve the quality of life of CIC patients. Long-term follow-up is needed to diagnose and prevent complications of CIC/underlying disease leading to CIC. Different follow-up tests should be performed based on underlying disease, complications or changes in patient symptoms. The Committee described different types of catheters and recommends that the use of single-use catheters is preferable. Pre-shielding should be used before using the catheters without external coating.

Aims: Lumbar to sacral rerouting surgery can potentially allow voiding via a skin-central nervous system-bladder reflex pathway. Here, we assessed if this surgery was effective in treating neurogenic bladder dysfunction/sphincter in felines., Methods: Eight cats underwent spinal cord transection (SCT) at thoracic level 10/11. Unilateral L7 to S1 ventral root anastomosis was performed 1 month later in six cats. Two cats served as transection-only controls. Electrical and manual stimulation of L6-S1 dermatomes, and urodynamics were performed at 3, 5, 7, and 9/10 months post transection. At 9/10 months, cats were also evaluated by direct electrophysiological testing of anastomosed roots with urodynamics, then tissue collection and examination of the root anastomosis site and lumbosacral cord ventral horns for cells retrogradely labeled from tracer dye injected 2 weeks earlier into the bladder wall., Results: At 9/10 months, four of six rerouted cats exhibited increased detrusor pressure provoked by cutaneous stimulation, one cat bilaterally. Two cats presented with a voiding stream after ipsilateral cutaneous stimulation at 7 and 9 months. All six rerouted animals showed regrowth of axons from the L7 ventral horn to the bladder, although some aberrant axonal regrowth was also observed., Conclusion: L7 to S1 ventral root rerouting below the level of SCT showed successful axonal regrowth to the bladder from the L7 spinal cord segment in all rerouted animals, and induced increased detrusor pressure response to cutaneous stimulation in a subset. This feasibility study paves the way for future animal studies for bladder reinnervation., (© 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: Urinary bladder injury is a rare complication during cesarean delivery. Little is known on maternal outcome following this injury., Objective: To evaluate short and long-term maternal outcome following bladder injury during cesarean delivery., Study Design: A retrospective case series of all pregnancies complicated by full-thickness bladder injury during cesarean delivery in a single university affiliated tertiary medical center (August 2007-June 2016). Data on demographics, labor and surgery parameters, postpartum sequelae, and cystography were collected and reviewed by study personnel. Short-term maternal outcome included catheterization period, cystography results (if performed), any febrile illness and/or need for second operation prior to maternal discharge. Long term maternal outcome was obtained by searching our urology departmental and ambulatory database for follow up for all women. Univariate analysis was used to compare maternal outcome following first or repeat cesarean delivery., Results: Of 17,326 cesarean deliveries performed during study period, 81 (0.47%) were complicated by bladder injury. Of them, 8 cases (9.9%) occurred during primary cesarean delivery (overall risk in primary cesarean 0.07%). Of the other 73 cases that followed repeated cesarean, adhesions were documented in 55 (75.3%) of them. Six cases (8.2%) had placenta accreta. Bladder injury occurred at peritoneal entry in 55 (67.9%) cases, and involved the bladder dome in 49 (60.5%) of them. Injury was diagnosed during cesarean delivery in all but 3 women, in whom abdominal pain and bloating prompted evaluation on first to third postoperative day. All 3 underwent re-laparotomy with bladder closure without further adverse sequelae. Cystography was performed in 35 patients on median postoperative day 8 (6-11 days). Eleven patients had abnormal findings as follows: 5 urinary leakage, 4 bladder wall irregularity and two urinary reflux. Two of the 11 patients (18%) required additional interventions: One patient required bilateral nephrostomy and re-laparotomy for bladder closure followed by additional surgery to repair consequent vesico-vaginal fistula. The second patient required left nephrostomy and ureteral re-implantation. Both women had combined ureteral and bladder injury. For the rest of the cohort, no febrile illness or other short- or long-term adverse events were reported. There were no clinically significant differences in adverse maternal outcomes between women with repeat cesarean delivery compared to primary cesarean delivery., Conclusion: Bladder injury is a rare complication of cesarean delivery. In our case series, unless there is combined ureteral and bladder injury, prognosis was favorable without any long-term sequelae., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: In spinal cord injury, onset of detrusor overactivity (DO) is detrimental for quality of life (incontinence) and renal risk. Prevention has only been achieved with complex sophisticated electrical neuromodulation techniques., Purpose: To assess the efficacy of early fesoterodine fumarate (FF) administration in preventing bladder overactivity in a spinal cord transected (SCT) rat model., Methods: 33 Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated to 6 groups-Group 1: 3 normal controls; Group 2: 6 SCT controls; Group 3: 6 SCT rats + FF 0.18 mg/kg/d; Group 4: 6 SCT rats + FF 0.12 mg/kg/d; Group 5: 6 SCT rats + FF 0.18 mg/kg/d + 72-h wash-out period; Group 6: 6 SCT rats + FF 0.12 mg/kg/d + 72-h wash-out period. SCT was performed at T10. FF was continuously administered. Cystometry was undertaken 6 weeks after SCT in awake rats recording intermicturition pressure (IMP), baseline pressure, threshold pressure (Pthres) and maximum pressure (Pmax). Normal controls and SCT controls were initially compared using the Mann-Whitney U tests in order to confirm the SCT effect on cystometric parameters. The comparisons in cystometric and metabolic cage parameters between SCT controls and treated rats were done using post-hoc Dunn's tests for Kruskal-Wallis analysis. Statistical testing was conducted at the two-tailed α-level of 0.05., Results: Pressure parameters were significantly higher in SCT control group compared to normal controls. Six weeks after SCT, IMP was significantly lower in low dose treated group than in SCT controls. Pmax was significantly lower in 3 treated groups compared to SCT controls. Pthres was significantly lower in full time treated groups than in SCT controls., Conclusion: Early administration of FF modulates bladder overactivity in a SCT rat model. Whereas short-term prevention has been demonstrated, the long-term should be further analyzed. Clinical application of these results should confirm this finding through randomized research protocols., Competing Interests: Dr. Corcos reports other from Astellas, other from Pfizer, other from Allergan, during the conduct of the study. The Work Under Consideration for Publication: Astellas – adboard member; Pfizer – adboard member; Allergan – adboard member. Dr. Campeau reports other from Pfizer, during the conduct of the study. The Work Under Consideration for Publication: Pfizer - Consultant, Investigator initiated trial. This does not alter our adherence to PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials.

Purpose: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common in middle-aged men and could be consequences of multiple etiologies responsible for bladder outlet obstruction (BOO), detrusor underactivity (DUA) and/or overactive bladder. When LUTS are suggestive of BOO secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia, a surgical treatment can sometimes be consider. Even if multichannel urodynamic study (UDS) is currently the gold standard to properly assess LUTS, its use in non-neurogenic men is still a matter of controversy. Here, we aim to explore the evidence supporting or not the use of systematic multichannel UDS before considering an invasive treatment in men LUTS., Methods: The debate was presented with a "pro and con" structure. The "pro" side supported the systematic use of a multichannel UDS before considering a surgical treatment in men LUTS. The "con" side successively refuted the "pro" side arguments., Results: The "pro" side mainly based their argumentation on the poor correlation of LUTS and office-based tests with BOO or DUA. Furthermore, since a multichannel UDS could allow selecting men that will most benefit of a surgical procedure, they hypothesized that such an approach could reduce the overall morbidity rate and cost associated with. The "con" side considered that, in most cases, medical history and symptoms were reliable enough to consider surgery. Finally, they underlined the UDS limitations and the frequent lack of alternative to surgery in this context., Conclusions: Randomized clinical trials are being conducted to compare these two approaches. Their results would help the urological community to override this debate.

Background: Studies in the past have shown that children with spinal dysraphism have highly prevalent latex allergy. These children have a spectrum of congenital spinal anomalies, caused by defects in neural tube closure, with an incidence of 1 in 1000 births. Proposed risk factors for latex allergy include multiple surgeries since birth, including an insertion of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, elevated IgE titers, repeat multiple catheterizations, and atopy. In the 1990 s, studies published in the United States and Europe showed a latex allergy prevalence of over 70% in these patients. On the other hand, studies published years later in other countries showed a declining prevalence of no more than 17%., Objective: Our goal was to prospectively assess the prevalence of latex allergy in children with spinal dysraphism in our non-latex free environment center compared with a control group., Study Design: The study group included 58 children with spinal dysraphism attending our center between 2010 and 2013. Findings were compared to 65 children referred for evaluation of allergic diseases. The parents completed questionnaires assessing personal and familial history of allergic diseases. All children were tested for blood latex IgE-specific antibodies (IMMULITE 2000)., Results: The mean age was 120.9 (67.6) months in the study group and 129.5 (68.5) months in the control group (p = 0.27). The corresponding median number of surgical procedures was 2 (range 0-10) and 0 (range 0-4), and mean duration of clean intermittent catheterization was 52 (72.2) months in the study group. Positive IgE antibodies and clinical allergic reactions were low with very similar prevalence in both groups (Figure)., Discussion: Our results show considerable lower latex allergy and sensitization than studies published in the United States and Europe in the past, despite the fact that our center utilizes minimal avoidance measures for latex allergy. Study limitations include the relatively small number of patients in our single-center study. Moreover, our control group could not include normal volunteering healthy children due to institutional review board refusal., Conclusions: Children with spinal dysraphism in our center have a low prevalence of latex allergy. Possible explanations include low latex protein content gloves and catheters used worldwide, including our center, lower number of surgeries, or a disease associated propensity for latex sensitization with a geographically variable genetic association. More studies are needed to validate our conclusion that using minimal avoidance measures, without maintaining a strict latex free environment, seems sufficient to prevent clinical latex allergy, at least in the Mediterranean region., (Copyright © 2015 Journal of Pediatric Urology Company. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Unlabelled: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a unique central nervous system (CNS) inflammatory disease with a broad spectrum of clinical presentations, which are time- and disease progression-related. It usually affects young adults, with a female predominance of 3:1. Men are more likely to develop symptoms at a slightly older age with a more progressive disease course. Diagnosis relies on a combination of clinical, radiological, and laboratory investigations, with a central role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Although the exact etiology is still obscure, the leading hypothesis behind MS relapses is acute inflammatory attacks on CNS myelin and axons. This complex process involves B and T cells together with macrophages and microglia. Genetic and environmental factors are thought to be major contributors to the disease's evolution. MS therapies consist of long-term (immunomodulatory) management, focusing on disease modification, and short-term symptomatic control. Symptomatic treatment includes pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods to protect function and restore quality of life (QoL). The introduction and development of disease-modifying medications provide opportunities to change the face of this disease, enhancing QoL over the long-term. Interferon (INF) and Glatiramer acetate (GLAT) represent first line medications with limited effect and relatively fair safety profile. Newer medications with improved efficacy along with a more hazardous side effect profile are now considered second line therapy., Conclusions: The present review summarizes current knowledge of this frequent disease. Urologists must acquire a deeper understanding for better integration of practice recommendations., (© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Purpose of Review: In bladder cancer and neuro-bladder, reconstruction of the bladder requires bowel segment grafting for augmentation cystoplasty or neo-bladder creation. However, even if currently considered as the gold standard, it is associated with potentially severe short- and long-term adverse effects. Thus, bladder tissue engineering is a promising approach to bladder reconstruction., Recent Findings: In the last few years, progress has been made with the development of new biomaterials for bladder tissue replacement and in deciphering the role of stem cells as well as their contribution to bladder scaffold integration and tissue regeneration., Summary: This review of recently published articles allows us to forecast the characteristics of efficient and safe bladder biomaterials. However, several factors, such as native bladder traits, the specific involvement of urine, and bladder tissue replacement indications, have to be assessed with caution before including bladder tissue engineering in clinical trials. Many authors agree that these challenging techniques could deliver significant benefits with clinical application, reducing morbidity and global long-term costs., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Extremity injuries, which accounts for 20% of all battlefield injuries, result in 7-9% of deaths during military activity. Silicone tourniquets were used, by the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) soldiers, for upper extremity and calf injuries, while thigh injuries were treated by an improvised "Russian" tourniquet (IRT). This is the first study, performed in the IDF, comparing the IRT with Combat Application Tourniquets (CAT) and Special Operations Force Tactical Tourniquets (SOFTT). 23 operators from the Israeli Naval Unit (Shayetet 13) were divided into two groups according to their medical training (11 operators trained as first-responders; 12 operators as medics). Repetitive applications of the three tourniquets over the thigh and upper arm, and self-application of the CAT and SOFTT over the dominant extremity were performed using dry and wet tourniquets (828 individual placements) with efficacy recorded. Cessation of distal arterial flow (palpation; Doppler ultrasound) confirmed success, while failure was considered in the advent of arterial flow or tourniquet instability. Satisfaction questionnaires were filled by the operators., Results: CAT and SOFTT were found to be superior to the IRT, in occluding arterial blood flow to the extremities (22%, 23% and 38%, respectively, failure rate). The application was quicker for the CAT and SOFTT as compared to the IRT (18, 26, 52 seconds, respectively). Wet tourniquets neither prolonged application nor did they increase failure rates. Similarly, medics didn't have any advantage over non-medic operators. No findings indicated superiority of CAT and SOFTT over one another, despite operators' preference of CAT., Conclusions: CAT and SOFTT offer an effective alternative to the IRT in stopping blood flow to extremities. No difference was observed between medics and non-medic operators. Thus, the CAT was elected as the preferred tourniquet by our unit and it is being used by all the operators.

Background: Manual therapies for chronic neck pain are imprecise, inconsistent, and brief due to therapist fatigue. A previous study showed that computerized mobilization of the cervical spine in the sagittal plane is a safe and potentially effective treatment of chronic neck pain., Objective: To investigate the safety and efficacy of computerized mobilization of the cervical spine in a three-dimensional space for the treatment of chronic neck pain., Design: Pilot, open trial., Setting: Physical therapy outpatient department., Participants: Nine patients with chronic neck pain., Interventions: A computerized cradle capable of three-dimensional neck mobilizations was used. Treatment sessions lasted 20 minutes, biweekly, for six weeks., Main Outcome Measures: Visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, cervical range of motion (CROM), neck disability index (NDI), joint position error (JPE), and muscle algometry., Results: Comparing baseline at week one with week six (end of treatment), the VAS scores dropped by 2.9 points (P < 0.01). The six directions of movement studied by the CROM showed a combined increase of 11% (P = 0.01). The NDI decreased significantly from 16 to 10 (P = 0.03), and the JPE decreased significantly from 3.7° to 1.9° (P = 0.047). There was no change in the pressure pain threshold in any muscle tested. There were no significant adverse effects., Conclusions: These preliminary results demonstrate that this novel, computerized, three-dimensional cervical mobilization device is probably safe. The data also suggest that this method is effective in alleviating neck pain and associated headache, and in increasing the CROM, although the sample size was small in this open trial., (Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: The combination of microcephaly, pyramidal signs, abnormal corpus callosum, and intellectual disability presents a diagnostic challenge. We describe an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by microcephaly, pyramidal signs, thin corpus callosum, and intellectual disability., Methods: We previously mapped the locus for this disorder to 8q23.2-q24.12; the candidate region included 22 genes. We performed Sanger sequencing of 10 candidate genes; to ensure other genes in the candidate region do not harbor mutations, we sequenced the exome of one affected individual., Results: We identified two homozygous missense changes, p.Thr186Arg and p.Pro416His in TAF2, which encodes a multisubunit cofactor for TFIID-dependent RNA polymerase II-mediated transcription, in all affected individuals., Conclusions: We propose that the disorder is caused by the more conserved mutation p.Thr186Arg, with the second sequence change identified, p.Pro416His, possibly further negatively affecting the function of the protein. However, it is unclear which of the two changes, or maybe both, represents the causative mutation. A single missense mutation in TAF2 in a family with microcephaly and intellectual disability was described in a large-scale study reporting on the identification of 50 novel genes. We suggest that a mutation in TAF2 can cause this syndrome., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: •To evaluate the natural history of patients presenting with positive urinary cytology in the absence of clinically identifiable disease., Patients and Methods: •A surgical database was queried to identify 48 patients with positive urinary cytology of undetermined source. •All patients underwent a thorough urological evaluation consisting of random bladder biopsies, lateral montanal prostate biopsies, bilateral retrograde pyelography and selective urine cytology sampling from each ureter. •Time from presentation to definitive diagnosis was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method., Results: •In total, 27 patients (56%) had a history of bladder cancer and 21 (44%) were evaluated for irritative voiding symptoms or haematuria. •At a median follow-up of 31 months, the source of the positive cytology was identified in 32 patients (67%): in 29 (61%) as bladder cancer, in two patients (4%) as upper tract tumour and in one patient (2%) as transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate; 29/32 (91%) had high-grade disease and the predominant clinical stage (53%) was carcinoma in situ. •The median (interquartile range) interval from presentation to diagnosis was 19 (8-22) months, and was significantly shorter in naive patients than in those with a previous history of bladder cancer (13 vs 27 months, P < 0.05). •Disease-free survival with an intact bladder at 4 years was 74% (95% CI, 63-85)., Conclusions: •Unconfirmed positive urine cytology often predates the development of high-grade urothelial carcinoma. •The bladder is most commonly involved. •The time to diagnosis is generally protracted, although the long0term outcome appears to be favourable., (© 2011 THE AUTHORS. BJU INTERNATIONAL © 2011 BJU INTERNATIONAL.)

Background Context: Special Forces training is even more demanding than that of elite athletes. The training includes grueling physical activity and periods of sleep deprivation. The soldiers routinely carry heavy loads up to 40% of their body weight on their backs while running and marching for distances up to 90 km., Purpose: Our purpose was to find out if Special Forces recruits are able to complete the preparatory Navy Seals training program without sustaining magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signs of overuse or irreversible injury to their backs., Study Design/setting: Prospective cohort study. We performed MRI scans before and after 14 weeks of Navy Seals preparatory training course., Patient Sample: Ten soldiers underwent MRI of their lumbar sacral spines and right knees before and after the completion of Navy Seals preparatory training., Outcome Measures: Physiologic measures. Lumbar sacral spine and knee MRI tests were performed before and after the training to identify changes in the spinal discs, facet joints, pars interarticularis, vertebral bodies, knee articular cartilage, ligaments, knee menisci, and the presence or absence of soft tissue and/or bone edema., Methods: We investigated the difference in spine and knee pathology before and after a 14-week Navy Seals preparatory training course by using MRI criteria. The recruits participating in the study were monitored for acute and overuse injuries every 3 to 4 weeks., Results: Before the training, seven out of ten spine MRI scans were normal. Two showed small L5-S1 disc bulges, one of them with concomitant Scheuermann's disease. Another soldier's MRI showed L1-L4 mild Scheuermann's disease. Follow-up MRI showed no spinal changes. Before the training, one knee had a small lateral femoral condyle cartilage lesion. Nine of ten knees had prepatellar swelling, five had increased joint fluid, and two bone edema. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging showed improvement in the prepatellar swelling in eight soldiers, no change in one soldier, and increased knee effusion and a new medial femoral condyle bone edema in another. The lateral femoral condyle lesion remained unchanged., Conclusions: According to MRI criteria, the soldiers in this study completed the 14-week training, which involved loading of their spines far beyond the levels recommended by the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health without sustaining irreversible damage to their spines or knees. Although the subjects' knees showed signs of overuse injury, their backs did not.