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OBJECTIVES: In addition to its antimicrobial effects, inhibitory effects of minocycline have been demonstrated, including against inflammation, apoptosis, proteolysis, angiogenesis, and tumor metastasis. In this study, we aimed to determine the beneficial effects of minocycline on lung histology and its antioxidant activity in a murine model of pulmonary fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight Swiss albino mice were randomly allocated into four groups of seven animals per group. Group I (control group) received intraperitoneal injection of saline. Group II (methotrexate group) received methotrexate orally 3 mg/kg for 28 days. Group III (minocycline group) received methotrexate orally 3 mg/kg and 15 mg/kg of intraperitoneally injected minocycline for 28 days. Group IV (minocycline group) received 15 mg/kg of intraperitoneally injected minocycline for 28 days. Twenty-eight days later, the animals were euthanized. Thereafter, lung tissue samples were harvested. Histological findings of airways were evaluated by light microscopy. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), the product of reactive oxygen in lung tissue, and catalase, an antioxidant enzyme, were also determined. RESULTS: In the light microscopic examination, the lung tissues of the control group showed normal histological features. In the methotrexate group, the degree of lung damage (grade 3 fibrosis) was higher than the control and other groups (p: 0.001). In the minocycline-treated group, improvement in lung tissue was noted (median fibrosis score: 3 (MTX group) vs 1 (MTX plus minocycline group); p: 0.001). Only the minocycline group showed normal histological features. Although minocycline reduced the MDA levels in lung tissue, an increase in catalase activity was detected (p: 0.018 and p: 0.014, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The administration of minocycline may be effective in MTX-induced lung fibrosis in mice. However, further studies with high-dose and long-term treatments are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objective: Wound dehiscence is associated with high morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to analyze the risk factors and comorbidities in the patients undergoing radical cystectomy with early postoperative wound dehiscence., Methods: In all, 539 patients with bladder cancer who underwent radical cystectomy and urinary diversion at a single center between January 2008 and January 2022 were included in the study. The data related to the demographics, medical history, and perioperative clinical features were reviewed. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for wound dehiscence., Results: The mean age of the patients was 64.2 years (22-91). The mean body mass index was 26.4 kg/m2 (18.7-35.4). Wound dehiscence was observed in 43 (7.9%) of 539 patients. The patients with wound dehiscence had significantly higher mean BMI (27.8 vs. 26.3, p=0.006), ASA scores (p=0.002), history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (30.2 vs. 14.3%, p=0.006), diabetes mellitus (44.2 vs. 17.9%, p=0.003), previous abdominal surgery (18.6 vs. 7.7%, p=0.014), and postoperative ileus (58.1 vs. 16.9%, p=0.006). In the multivariable regression model, diabetes mellitus (odds ratio [OR] 4.9, 95%CI 2.3-10.1; p<0.001), postoperative ileus (OR 8.1, 95%CI 4.1-16.5; p<0.001), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 2.6, 95%CI 1.2-5.7; p=0.013) were independent predictors of abdominal wound dehiscence following radical cystectomy., Conclusion: Diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and postoperative ileus were strongly associated with abdominal wound dehiscence following radical cystectomy. Both potential preventive and therapeutic interventions may decrease the risk of wound dehiscence.

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of bony pelvic parameters measured by computerized tomography (CT) for use in the estimation of the likely technical difficulties that may be encountered when performing open radical prostatectomy (RP) for localized prostate cancer., Material and Methods: One hundred patients, undergoing open RP for localized prostate cancer, were evaluated between October 2016 to November 2018. All operations were performed by the same experienced surgeon. Pelvic parameters were measured using spiral CT images. Data were retrospectively collected from medical, operative, radiology, and pathology records and analyzed. Positive surgical margin (PSM), presence of vesicourethral anastomosis stricture (VUAS) and urine leakage, operative time, urethral catheterization time, and estimated blood loss were used as indicators of operative difficulty. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the significance of these variables., Results: There was no significant correlation between the pelvic parameters of the patients and the presence of PSM, VUAS, and urine leakage. Only PSA levels and pathological tumor stage were higher in patients with PSM (p = 0.002 and p = 0.001). On univariate and multivariate analyses, none of the individual pelvic parameters assessed showed a significant relationship with the operation time, estimated blood loss, and urethral catheterization time. In univariate analysis, there was a significant relationship between PSA levels and pathological tumor stage and operation time (p = 0.048 and p = 0.001, respectively)., Conclusion: Bony pelvic parameters may not be a significant factor in influencing the perioperative outcomes of open RP. Higher PSA levels and pathological tumor stage may lead to surgical margin positivity and longer operative time., Competing Interests: All authors have no conflict of interest to declare., (© 2022 Asian Pacific Prostate Society. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Objective:  The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic disrupted all routine health care services and resulted in a significant reconfiguration of urologic cancer services and care pathways across the globe. This study aimed to retrospectively determine the pandemic's impact on the urologic oncological surgery outcomes at a high-volume referral center., Materials and Methods: We compared the number and histopathological outcomes of urologic oncological procedures in a referral center coded during the pandemic and data of the period before the pandemic as control. Data were extracted from patient files and hospital records. The pathological examination included a complete histopathological staging according to TNM stage., Results: A total of 683 patients were included in the study, 424 (62%) of which were operated in the pre-pandemic period. There was a 39% decline in urologic oncological surgical activity in the pandemic, mostly in renal and prostate cancer. The mean tumor size was larger in renal cancer patients who underwent surgery during the pandemic (5.6 cm vs 4.5 cm, p=0.002). During the pandemic, more lymph node involvement was seen after radical cystectomy and prostatectomy (50% vs 27.8%, p=0.024 and 12.5% vs 4.5%, p=0.026, respectively). No differences in terms of main pathologic features were observed in patients undergoing radical orchiectomy., Conclusion: COVID-19 appeared to adversely effect oncologic outcomes in patiens undergone surgery for prostate and bladder cancer. Tumor development induced by a delay in diagnosis may cause severe consequences for patients. Reprioritizion of non-deferrable urologic oncological seems crucial., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2022, Kalemci et al.)

Aim: The presence of intraductal carcinoma of the prostate (IDC-P) in radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens correlates with adverse prognostic factors such as worse biochemical recurrence-free survival, higher grade and stage disease. This study aimed to investigate the effect of IDC-P in radical prostatectomy specimens on short-term oncological outcomes., Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent RP at our clinic for prostate cancer between May 2016 and November 2019 were included in the study. They were divided into two groups based on the presence of IDC-P in RP specimens. Their clinical, pathological, and oncologic data were evaluated retrospectively., Results: A total of 98 patients underwent RP with a mean age of 65.5 years (50-83) and a mean follow-up time of 31.2 months (6-52). Seventy and 28 patients were evaluated in the group without IDC-P and group with IDC-P, respectively. Surgical margin positivity (p=0.307) and lymph node metastasis (p=0.017) rates were higher in the group with IDC-P. Although there were no statistical differences between the groups, at follow-up biochemical recurrence rate (p=0.052) was higher, and mean time to biochemical recurrence rates were lower (p=0.057) in the group with IDC-P. The group with IDC-P was associated with a 3-fold increase in prostate cancer-specific mortality to the group without IDC-P (p=0.037)., Conclusions: Patients with IDC-P at RP specimens have more advanced disease, shorter biochemical recurrence-free, and cancerspecific survival than those without IDC-P. Defining the presence of IDC-P in RP specimens is critical in choosing the appropriate treatment strategy and predicting the prognosis.

Competing Interests: The authors report no conflict of interest.

Objective: Postchemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (PC-RPLND) plays an important role in the management of advanced germ cell testicular tumors. Bilateral template lymph node dissection is considered a standard treatment in postchemotherapy residual masses; however, modified unilateral templates have gained acceptance in patients with unilateral residual disease. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate the perioperative and oncological outcomes of the patients with advanced testicular cancer who underwent unilateral modified template PC-RPLND in our center., Methods: This is a retrospective study in which patients who underwent PC-RPLND in a referred center between 2004 and 2021 were investigated. All patients had three or four cycles of chemotherapy and retroperitoneal residual masses. Data were retrospectively collected from medical, operative, radiology, and pathology records and analyzed., Results: A total of 57 patients underwent PC-RPLND. The mean age was 32.7±8.1 years (19-50). According to the disease stage at presentation, there were 39 patients with stage 2 and 18 patients with stage 3. The average tumor size after chemotherapy was 57.6±2.7 mm (25-117). The overall complication rate was 35% (20/57 patients). No grade 4 and 5 complications were observed. Pathologic review demonstrated the presence of teratoma in 28 (49.1%) patients, fibrosis and/or necrosis in 15 (26.3%) patients, and viable germ cell tumor in 14 (24.5%) patients. The mean follow-up was 69.4 months (8-201). During follow-up after surgery, 14 (24.5%) deaths occurred due to advanced disease., Conclusion: PC-RPLND is a major component of the management of advanced testicular germ cell cancer. Our study demonstrated that modified unilateral template is an effective and safe procedure in the postchemotherapy setting for selected patients.

Purpose: We aimed to examine the expression levels of the genes encoding adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) 1, APC-2, Dickkopf related protein (DKK)-1, DKK-3, secreted frizzled-related protein (SFRP)-2, SFRP-4, and SFRP-5, which play roles in the Wnt signaling pathway, in lung adenocarcinoma and adjacent normal lung tissues and to evaluate their relationships with clinicopathologic factors., Materials and Methods: The expression levels of genes in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples of tumor tissue and adjacent intact lung tissue from 57 patients who underwent surgery for lung adenocarcinoma between 2011 and 2018 were determined by real-time PCR analysis., Results: The expression levels of the DKK-1 in tumor tissue, especially in stage I-II tumor tissue, were significantly suppressed compared to those in normal tissue (p < 0.025). Whereas DKK-1 expression was suppressed in the tumor tissue of patients with early-stage lung adenocarcinoma, expression of the SFRP-5 in these patients was significantly higher in tumor tissue than in normal tissue (p < 0.039)., Conclusion: In our study, opposing regulation was found between the SFRP-5 and DKK-1, which are known to be extracellular antagonists of the Wnt signaling pathway. The SFRP-5 was found to have an oncogenic role in adenocarcinoma development. Studies of the opposing regulation between these genes in early-stage lung adenocarcinoma may shed light on the mechanisms associated with the development of carcinogenesis. The relationships or interactions of these genes may serve as potential therapeutic targets., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Background:  Renal vein aneurysms (RVAs) are considered rare clinical entities. RVAs can be secondary to thrombosis, venous hypertension, or renal arteriovenous fistula (RAVF). RVAs secondary to RAVF are rare. Patients with RVA may present with hypertension, abdominal pain, hematuria, or may even be asymptomatic. However, there may be life-threatening emergencies including aneurysm rupture, thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism. The treatment of RVAs includes reconstruction of the renal vein, nephrectomy, and endovascular treatment. Purpose:  In this technical note, we report the endovascular treatment of a giant RVA that developed secondary to an acquired RAVF by the placement of multiple vascular plugs. Conclusion:  Endovascular occlusion of the RAVF with vascular plugs is effective to prevent a life-threatening rupture of RVA. Clinical follow-up is crucial to detect leakage or migration of the vascular plugs.

Aim: We aimed to compare the functional results of two different vesicourethral anastomosis (VUA) techniques used in open retropubic radical prostatectomy., Methods: A total of 476 patients including the first group with four-focus VUA at 12-, 3-, 6-, and 9-o'clock positions (n = 288) and the second group with six-focus VUA at 12-, 2-, 4-, 6-, 8-, and 10-o'clock (n = 188) were included in the study. Perioperative data, erectile function, and continence status over a 12-month period were compared., Results: Demographic and perioperative data were similar between two groups. The number of patients with VUA stricture in the first group was significantly higher those in the second group (5.1% vs 3.2%, P = .017). The mean time to stricture development was also shorter in the first group (48.9 vs 74.3 days, P = .002). The number of continent patients at the 6th and 12th months were higher in the second group (79.3% vs 62.8%, P < .001; 92.4% vs 81.3%, P = .032, respectively). There was no significant difference between two groups in terms of the number of potent patients (P = .194 for 6 months and P = .351 for 12 months)., Conclusions: Better continence results can be provided with the six-focus VUA technique compared with the four-focus technique. The number of anastomotic sutures in VUA may affect functional results and can be a determinative factor for surgeons who focus on functional results as well as oncological results., (© 2021 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Introduction and Aim: Ureteroenteric anastomosis stricture (UEAS) is one of the complications of urinary diversion and may lead to serious consequences. In this study, we evaluated our UEAS revision technique outcomes performed with a low lombotomy incision in the lateral decubitus position., Materials and Methods: Eleven patients who underwent surgical repair due to isolated right UEAS between January 2010 and June 2019 were included in the study. Anastomosis stricture was confirmed by ultrasonography, computed tomography or magnetic resonance urography techniques. Ultrasonography was used to detect hydronephrosis, which is a finding secondary to stricture. However, opaque urography imaging methods were used to confirm the definitive diagnosis of the stricture. Demographic and clinical data, preoperative and postoperative 3rd month serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and dynamic renal scintigraphy data of patients were evaluated., Results: The mean operation time was 49.7 ± 9.3 minutes. No perioperative complications were observed. While the overall stricture rate was 11.4%, the isolated right-sided stricture rate was 5.7%. Preoperative and postoperative serum creatinine values were similar. Preoperative eGFR value was 58.8 ± 12.9 mL/min/1.73 m 2 and postoperative value was 53.5 ± 11.5 mL/min/1.73 m 2 . T½ level decreased in postoperative period (22.3 ± 8.2 min vs 15.1 ± 4.3 min)., Conclusions: Open revision of the UEAS with retroperitoneal approach provides lower morbidity rates and shorter hospitalisation time compared to other methods. The retroperitoneal approach is the main advantage of this technique and prevents morbidity caused by other techniques performed intraperitoneally and owing to it is an open technique, it can be easily applied in isolated right-sided UEAS., (© 2021 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus. As of today, no specific treatment has been found COVID-19. İntravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is a widely used therapy to prevent life-threatening infections in patients with primary and secondary immune deficiencies and autoimmune/inflammatory conditions. IVIG administration could be beneficial in the treatment of patients with severe COVID-19. In this respect, this presentation aimed to report a case of COVID-19 treated with IVIG., (Copyright © 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Objective: In this study, we aimed to make a comprehensive comparison of the first hundred robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and open retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP) cases of a single surgeon in a high-volume center., Methods: Preoperative, perioperative and postoperative data were collected retrospectively. Perioperative, oncological data and functional results in the first year were compared between the two groups. There were 204 RARPs between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2019, and 755 RRPs between April 1, 2007 and December 31, 2019., Results: While the operation time was in favor of the open group (117 vs 188 min, p<0.001), the estimated blood loss (328 vs 150 ml, p<0.001), blood transfusion rate (12 vs 2, p=0.021), and re-operation rate (6 vs 0, p=0.001) were in favor of the robotic group. Mean length of hospital stay (5.4 vs 3.1, p<0.001), urine leak rate (11 vs 2, p=0.033), complication rate (37 vs 16, p=0.018), and the 12th month continence rate (67 vs 85, p=0.002) were better in the robotic group., Conclusions: RARP may provide better perioperative outcomes and lower complication rates after the surgeon factor is eliminated in the early period. Since our case group includes the initial 100 patients, studies with larger patient groups with longer follow-up are needed to adapt these early results to general outcomes., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (Copyright: © Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences.)

Purpose: We aimed to investigate the histopathological correlation of the suspected prostate malignancy detected in multiparametric prostate magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI)., Materials and Methods: The data of 93 patients underwent radical prostatectomy and had preoperative mpMRI were examined. Age and pre-operative Prostate-Specific Antigen value were retrospectively collected from patient files. The pathology specimens were examined again and post-operative ISUP grade group, other pathological findings (seminal vesicle invasion, lymph node involvement and extraprostatic extension), pre-operative mpMRI were re-examined and PIRADS score, extracapsular extension, seminal vesicle invasion, neurovascular bundle invasion, lymph node involvement and ADC values were recorded., Results: 151 (92,07%) of 164 lesions detected in mpMRI were histopathologically correlated. 80% of patients with seminal vesicle invasion (P < 0.001), 28.8% of patients with extracapsular extension (P < 0.052) and 42.9% of patients with lymph node involvement (P = .001) in mpMRI were histopathologically correlated. A significant relationship was found between PIRADS scores and ISUP grade groups (P < 0.001). There was a negative correlation between ADC values and ISUP grade groups (P < 0.001)., Conclusion: Our study showed that the lesions detected by mpMRI showed a high histopathological correlation.

Introduction: Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are acute onset syndromes affecting the lungs, which develop for several reasons and are characterized by hypoxemia and diffuse lung infiltration. The activity of thymoquinone (TQ) is known in acute lung injury. It is considered that it could be effective in ALI/ARDS treatment by ensuring possible COX-2 inhibition., Aim: By this study was to show the protective activity of TQ in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced acute lung injury.Material and methods: A total of 28 BALB/c male mice were randomized to 4 groups of 7 as the Control group, TQ group (3 mg/kg), LPS group (5 mg/kg) and TQ treatment group. TQ was administered intraperitoneally 1 hour before the intratracheal administration of LPS (5 mg/kg). The mice were sacrificed 6 hours after the LPS administration and the lungs were extracted for histopathological examination. All experimental procedures complied with the requirements of the Animal Care and Ethics Committee of Dokuz Eylul University., Results: When all the study groups were compared, significant differences were found between the groups in terms of the degrees of neutrophil migration ( p = 0.042), intra-alveolar hemorrhage ( p = 0.004) and alveolar destruction ( p < 0.0006). A significant recovery was observed in the lung histopathological changes (neutrophil migration, intra-alveolar hemorrhage and alveolar destruction) in the TQ treatment group., Conclusions: The results of this study showed that TQ may have a protective effect against LPS-induced acute lung injury. The possible mechanism could be considered to be cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibition., Competing Interests: Authors report no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2020 Polish Society of Cardiothoracic Surgeons (Polskie Towarzystwo KardioTorakochirurgów) and the editors of the Polish Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (Kardiochirurgia i Torakochirurgia Polska).)

We aimed to correlate the predisposing demographic and clinical factors for erectile dysfunction (ED) in young men and treatment response in these men with data from older men. The patients were divided into two groups: <40 years (group I, n = 58) and ≥40 years (group II, n = 73). ED was evaluated with the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) questionnaire, and Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI) questionnaire was used to evaluate mood status. The number of patients with morning rigidity and normal libido was higher in group I (70.7% vs. 16.4%, p = .039 and 72% vs. 37%, p = .047). The increase in scores other than IIEF-Orgasmic Function and Sexual Desire domain scores after treatment was higher in the first group (p = .029, p = .035 and p < .001 respectively). In multivariate analysis, the factors predicting the low IIEF-Erectile Function domain score in young men were testosterone level and BDI score (p = .026 and p = .034). Although psychogenic factors contribute significantly to the aetiology of ED, hormone profile is more preserved in young men than in older men., (© 2019 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.)

Background/aim: Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-KP) infections encountered in urology patients differentiate from infections caused by other factors, both in respect to prophylaxis and treatment stage, and require a special approach. We aimed to analyse the predisposing factors and the antibiotherapies for CR-KP infection outbreak in a tertiary urology clinic., Materials and Methods: There were 75 patients in the CR-KP positive group (Group I) and 146 patients in the CR-KP negative group (Group II). Analysis of the predisposing factors for CR-KP infection and comparison of the reinfection rate and the antibiotherapies in the 2 groups were the endpoints., Results: In the first group, age, comorbidity, previous antibiotic use, and nephrostomy tube rates were higher (P = 0.015, P = 0.001, P = 0.004, and P < 0.001, respectively). In the second group, open urological surgery rate, and the proportion of patients presenting with flank pain, lower urinary tract symptoms, and haematuria were higher (P = 0.029, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P = 0.007). In the first group, the proportion of patients treated with transurethral bladder tumour resection was higher, whereas, percutaneous nephrolithotomy was higher in the second group (P = 0.045 for both). While hospitalization and Foley catheterization duration were longer in the first group (P < 0.001 for both), double J stent and nephrostomy duration were longer in the second group (P < 0.001 and P = 0.005). Mean leukocyte count at admission was higher in the first group (P < 0.001)., Conclusion: Advanced age, comorbidities, previous antibiotic use, and prolonged Foley catheterization duration are predisposing factors for this infection in the urology department. Two-week administration of combination antibiotic regimens containing carbapenem were effective for the treatment of this infection., Competing Interests: None declared, (This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.)

Background: There are limited number of studies comparing the results of Holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy (LL) and pneumatic lithotripsy (PL) for pediatric ureteral stones., Objectives: To perform a comparative analysis of LL and PL in the management of ureteral stones in children and adults., Study Design: Ninety-eight children (56 boys and 42 girls) and 623 adults (360 men and 263 women), who were treated for ureteral stones at our clinic between 2017 and 2019, were the subjects of this study. Patients were grouped according to their age as group 1 (n:98, pediatric [<18 age]) and group 2 (n:623, adult [≥18 age]). The patients were then grouped according to lithotripter type as laser (n:580) and pneumatic (n:141). The effects of lithotripter type, stone size and location, and operative times on success and complication rates were investigated., Results: In both groups, mean operation time was in favor of PL (14.6 vs 22.8 min, p = 0.042 and 26.4 vs 36.3 min, p = 0.013, respectively). In both groups, overall stone-free rates (SFR) were in favor of LL (86.8% vs 66.7%, p < 0.001, and 83% vs 73.9%, p = 0.005, respectively), but there was no significant difference in overall SFRs between adults and children (78.4% vs 76.7, p = 0.390). Retreatment rates were higher in the pneumatic group in both children and adults (p = 0.026 and p = 0.041, respectively). While there was no significant difference in the overall complication rates between adults and children (53.5% vs 40.6%, p = 0.816), the rate of complications with LL was lower in adults (37.7% vs 69.4%, p < 0.001) (TABLE)., Discussion: This paper is the first to report a comparative analysis of factors affecting URS success in adults and children. SFRs were higher in all ureteral locations for LL. LL, lower ureteral location, and <6 mm ureteral stone were determined as the predictors of success for both pediatric and adult patients. The presence of multiple surgeons with different levels of experience is the main limitation of this study., Conclusion: Both LL and PL are safe in children and adults with similar clinically insignificant complication rates. However, in the short term, LL provides better SFRs in both children and adults, especially in the upper ureteral stones. Surgeons should decide the energy technique to be used in URS according to the characteristics of the stone rather than the patient's age group., (Copyright © 2019 Journal of Pediatric Urology Company. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Aims: In children with Down syndrome (DS) which causes cognitive impairment and intellectual disability (ID), dysfunctional voiding is proposed to be more common than in the normal population. In this study, we aimed to compare the voiding symptoms of DS children with a control group by validated questionnaires., Methods: Thirty-seven DS children without any previous urological complaints and 59 non-DS healthy children as control group was included in the study. Overactive bladder symptoms and dysfunctional voiding were evaluated with validated Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OAB-V8) and Dysfunctional Voiding Symptom Score (DVSS) questionnaire, respectively. Data were arranged, descriptive and comparative statistical analysis were performed., Results: Demographic data of the two groups were similar except age of completing toilet training being higher in DS group. Total OAB-V8 and DVSS scores were significantly higher in the DS group. The mean scores of questions regarding voiding frequency, urgency and urgency incontinence in OAB-V8 were significantly higher in the DS group. The mean daytime incontinence, urgency, urgency incontinence, and quality of life scores in the DVSS were also significantly higher in the DS group., Conclusions: DS children have more frequent dysfunctional voiding than the normal population. ID of these children may prevent the expression of these symptoms. Awareness and early detection of these symptoms are crucial to prevent devastating complications such as renal failure. Therefore, validated questionnaires are simple, useful, and noninvasive methods., (© 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Aim: We aimed to identify the improving effects of umbilical cord tissue-derived (UCTD) MSCs on the symptoms of COPD in our phase 1.2 clinical study., Material Methods: Our study consisted of five patients with COPD. Respiratory function tests, SGRQ symptom, activity and impact scores and 6-minute walk test (6MWT) were examined before UCTD MSC treatment. All the patients were administered a total of 4 doses of UCTD MSCs by intravenous infusion at two-week intervals. All the tests were repeated three months after the treatment for evaluation of the response to MSCs treatment., Results: The mean age of five male patients was 56. The mean pretreatment FEV1/FVC ratios were 66.9 %. Pretreatment mean SGRQ symptom, activity and impact scores of the patients were 78.2, 83.8 and 58.02 respectively. The mean walking distance of the patients was 307 meters before MSCs treatment. The mean FEV1/FVC value of raised to 69.58 % after the treatment. The mean SGRQ symptom, activity and impact scores were noted as 39.8, 60.98 and 45.18 respectively. The mean walking distance of the patients raised to 362 meters after the treatment., Conclusions: Our results showed that four doses of MSC treatment considerably alleviated the severity of symptoms of COPD (Tab. 2, Fig. 7, Ref. 25).

Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Objective: There is no clear consensus on which patients and how many of microscopic testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) procedures will be successful. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the sperm retrieval rates and factors affecting these rates in men who underwent repeat mTESEs., Material and Methods: A total of 346 patients who underwent mTESE for sperm retrieval were included in the study. Patients were divided into groups according to the number of mTESE operations. Patients' karyotype, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone levels, varicocele presence, and testis volumes were recorded from patient files. The sperm retrieval rates were compared between groups, and predicting factors for successful sperm retrieval were evaluated., Results: Microscopic TESE was applied for the first time in 244 patients, 1-2 times in 73 patients, and 3-4 times in 29 patients. There was a significant difference between groups in preoperative FSH values and postoperative testicular histopathology (p=0.004 and p<0.001). The sperm retrieval rate in the group of patients who had not undergone previous TESE was higher than the group of patients that had undergone TESE for 1-2 times and 3-4 times (p=0.028). In addition, testicular volume, histology, karyotype, and Y-chromosome microdeletion were predicting factors for successful sperm retrieval (p=0.011, p=0.039, p=0.002, and p<0.001, respectively)., Conclusion: Our results confirm the necessity for repeat mTESE operations to be performed by experienced surgeons in reference centers to optimize the chance of reduced sperm retrieval rates with recurrent biopsies.

Background: We aimed at exploring biological functions of differentially expressed miRNAs during carcinogenesis, to identify miRNAs dysegulations involved in DNA repair mechanisms, and to evaluate potential of miRNAs as prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers for early lung adenocarcinomas (LAC)., Methods: We obtained 21 LAC and paired adjacent normal formalin-fixed, paraffinembedded lung tissues from patients who underwent curative resection for stage I LAC. We compared expression levels of eight miRNAs involved in the DNA repair mechanism between LAC and adjacent tissues., Results: Expressions of Hsa-miR-9-5p, hsa-miR-24-3p, hsa-miR-125a-3p, hsa-miR- 125b-5p, hsa-miR-155-5p, and hsa-let-7a-5p were significantly up-regulated in stage I LAC tissues compared with those in the adjacent tissues. In addition, expressions of hsa-mir-9-5p, hsa-mir-24-3p, hsa-mir-125a-3p, hsa-mir-125b-5p, and hsa-mir-155-5p were significantly up-regulated in stage Ia LAC tissues, whereas expressions of hsa-mir- 125a-3p and hsa-mir-125b-5p were significantly up-regulated in stage Ib LAC tissues. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed that AUROC of hsa-mir-125b- 5p was 0.875 (P < 0.001)., Conclusion: Expression of hsa-mir-125b-5p could be used to distinguish LAC from adjacent tissues. Our result suggests that hsa-mir125b-5p can be a prognostic and diagnostic biomarker for LAC., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Introduction: The mechanism of oxaliplatin (OXA) induced pulmonary toxicity is not fully understood., Aim of the Study: The present study was designed to investigate the pulmonary toxicity of OXA that has been reported in previous studies. Study design: animal experiments., Material and Methods: A total of 40 female Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups. In group 1, 5% glucose was injected intra-peritoneally; then the rats were sacrificed on day 14. OXA was administered in groups 2, 3, 4, and 5; then the animals were sacrificed on day 7 in group 2, day 14 in group 3, day 28 in group 4 and day 48 in group 5. The groups were further categorized as short-term administration and long-term administration groups. Furthermore, tissue glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity was measured in all rats., Results: The mean GPX activities were 0.66 U/mg in the sham group, 0.74 U/mg in the short-term groups, and 0.74 U/mg in the long-term groups. We found that long-term OXA administration causes pulmonary toxicity resulting in increased intra-alveolar/interstitial macrophages and interstitial pneumonia. Similarly, we found reduced and permanent tissue GPX activity in rats that received OXA in higher doses and for a long term., Conclusions: Long-term OXA therapy causes toxic changes in the lung tissue., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright: © 2019 Termedia Sp. z o. o.)

Introduction: Methotrexate is a cytotoxic agent used in leukemia, and several other cancer types and at lower doses in auto-inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and psoriasis. Macrolide antibiotics are effective against gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. They have anti-inflammatory activities as well. Clarithromycin is a macrolide with anti-inflammatory activity through blockage of the p38 MAPK signal cascade, which is involved in methotrexate-induced pulmonary toxicity., Aim: In this study, the efficacy of clarithromycin in protecting against pulmonary fibrosis was investigated in the rat model for methotrexate-induced pulmonary fibrosis., Material and Methods: A total of 30 female rats were divided into three groups. Group I was administered intraperitoneal and intragastric saline; group II was administered oral 3 mg/kg methotrexate; and group III was administered oral 3 mg/kg methotrexate + intraperitoneal 200 mg/kg clarithromycin for 28 days. Histopathological analyses of the lung tissues were performed under light microscopy., Results: Normal histopathological changes were observed in the control group. Pulmonary fibrosis was significantly higher in the methotrexate group than in the other groups ( p < 0.005)., Conclusions: Clarithromycin was shown to be effective in protecting against methotrexate-induced pulmonary fibrosis; further studies should be performed to determine the dosage and safety., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflict of interest.

INTRODUCTION    Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the most important lung disease leading to disability and even death. Recent studies have shown that the platelet indices are associated with several cardiovascular diseases; however, there is little data on COPD. OBJECTIVES    We aimed to explore the relationship between platelet indices, together with the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), white blood cell count to mean platelet volume ratio (WMR), and red cell distribution width (RDW) and the severity of COPD. PATIENTS AND METHODS    This retrospective study was based on data collected from a total of 153 COPD patients admitted to our outpatient clinic between March 2014 and March 2015. All of the participants underwent pulmonary function tests; FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC were measured. The study population was divided into four according to the severity of COPD as group A (mild), group B (mild to moderate), group C (moderate to severe), and group D (severe).  RESULTS    A significant increase was found in platelet distribution width (PDW), MPV, plateletcrit, PLR, and RDW while WMR decreased as the COPD severity increases. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, we found that PDW and RDW were independently associated with the presence of severe COPD. ROC curve analysis showed that a PDW>14.85 was associated with severe COPD with 85% sensitivity and 86% specificity while RDW>14.45 was associated with severe COPD with 90% sensitivity and 87% specificity. CONCLUSIONS    The PDW and the RDW are independently associated with disease severity, which may indicate hypoxemia, underlying inflammation, and oxidative stress in COPD.

Introduction: The concomitant occurrence of disease of Mycobacterium tuberculosis or nontuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM) and lung cancer has been reported in previous studies. We aimed to determine characteristics of the patients with lung cancer diagnosed with M. tuberculosis or NTM concomitantly., Materials and Methods: From 2010 to 2015, the patients diagnosed with lung cancer and M. tuberculosis or NTM concomitantly were enrolled in the study. Patient data were collected retrospectively., Result: Concomitant M. tuberculosis or NTM and lung cancer were diagnosed in 17 cases (1.2% of total lung cancer cases, 0.9% of total tuberculosis cases). M. tuberculosis was isolated from 11 (64.8%) patients and NTM disease was from 6 (35.2%) patients. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common histological type. Tumoral stage was often advanced as stage III- IV (76.5%). Bronchial lavage smear positivity foracid-fast bacilli was found only in 4 (23.5%) patients. Tuberculosis treatment therapy was started only in 4 (23.5%) patients who had bronchial lavage smear positivity for acid-fast bacilli. So tuberculosis treatment was delayed for other 13 (76.5%) patients with bronchial lavage smear negative for acid-fast bacilli. Seven out of 17 (41.1%) patients died., Conclusions: Physicians should consider concomitant M. tuberculosis or NTM when managing lung cancer. Tuberculosis patients may be mis diagnosed as lung cancer or vice versa.

Backgroud: This research studies if Hounsfield density of urinary stone can be predicted without computerized tomography (CT) caused by because increased radiation exposure in follow-up of patients., Methods: The records of patients with renal or ureteral stone were analyzed retrospectively for the time period between November 2013 and April 2014. The inclusion criteria defined were: no multiple stones; stone size ≥3 mm; presence of renal and ureteral stones; absence of staghorn stone. All CT images were assessed in abdominal windows by a single radiologist. Hounsfield Unit (HU) value of CT was used to interpret the density of the stone. The density of the stone was measured in the longest axis of the stone center (core) and the edges (periphery) of each stone. Biochemical analysis of spot urine calcium (Ca) and uric acid (UA) was done at the time of diagnosis. Correlation and linear regression analysis was performed., Results: Forty patients were included the study and median age of patients is 22 (IQR 21-28). Since the unit was a military hospital, most patients admitted to hospital were young male conscripts with low median age. It has been found that spot urine uric acid and uric acid/Ca ratio is associated with stone density as HU (P=0.004, P<0.001). Although predictive value appeared low, linear regression model statistically predicted stone density as HU (P<0.001 R2=0.32). Stone size has proved to be positively correlated with stone density (P<0.001)., Conclusions: Despite the predictive value of urine analysis model is low, it may be considered to predict HU attenuation of stone. Spot urine analysis of calcium and uric acid may be helpful for both diagnosis and follow-up. We believe that controlled studies with larger patient populations will provide further insights into this issue.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the associations of miRNA with COPD patients., Objectives: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by progressive and largely irreversible airflow limitation. COPD is one of the most common causes of death globally and it is still a serious public health problem worldwide. Pathogenesis of COPD is multifactorial including genetics and environmental factors., Material and Methods: Sixty patients who were diagnosed with COPD according to GOLD guidance and 40 controls were involved in the study. This study was separated into four groups according to GOLD guidance. miR&#95;16, miR&#95;17, miR&#95;29c, miR&#95;92, miR&#95;125, miR&#95;126, miR&#95;146, miR&#95;155, miR&#95;181, mir&#95;122 expressions from the total miRNAs obtained were worked on by using real time-PCR method. The p-values are calculated based on a Student's t-test of the replicate 2^ (- Delta Ct) values for each gene in the control group., Results: The miRNAs expressions in normal and COPD patients were found differentially. The miR-29c (p = 0.043) and -126 (p = 0.012) were found significantly different compared to control group. When their expressions are evaluated according to stage, miR-92 expression showed down regulation stage II and no change was observed in other miRNAs. miR-29c and miR-126 expressions showed significant differences in stage III and only miR-126 expression showed significant difference in stage IV., Conclusions: These results show that miRNA evaluations may give information about the diagnosis, staging and prognosis of the disease. In this study, we demonstrated that miR-29c and -126 are essential for the development of COPD.