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Dietary oxalate is plant-derived and may be a component of vegetables, nuts, fruits, and grains. In normal individuals, approximately half of urinary oxalate is derived from the diet and half from endogenous synthesis. The amount of oxalate excreted in urine plays an important role in calcium oxalate stone formation. Large epidemiological cohort studies have demonstrated that urinary oxalate excretion is a continuous variable when indexed to stone risk. Thus, individuals with oxalate excretions >25 mg/day may benefit from a reduction of urinary oxalate output. The 24-h urine assessment may miss periods of transient surges in urinary oxalate excretion, which may promote stone growth and is a limitation of this analysis. In this review we describe the impact of dietary oxalate and its contribution to stone growth. To limit calcium oxalate stone growth, we advocate that patients maintain appropriate hydration, avoid oxalate-rich foods, and consume an adequate amount of calcium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this review article is to present the current literature on medical expulsive therapy (MET) and help guide practitioners in the appropriate use of MET for treatment of stone disease. Kidney stones can be treated with multiple modalities including medical therapy, ureteroscopy, shock wave lithotripsy (SWL), percutaneous nephrostolithotomy, open/laparoscopic stone removal, and/or combinations of these modalities. The choice of intervention depends on patient factors, anatomical considerations, surgeon preference, and stone location and characteristics. MET is an excellent treatment modality in the appropriately selected patient. The AUA/EAU guidelines suggest MET as a reasonable treatment choice in select patients. A review of the data suggests the use of alpha antagonist and calcium channel blockers can improve stone expulsion rates. Most data suggests alpha antagonists as superior to calcium channel blockers. There are numerous available alpha antagonists, all of which have supporting data for their use in MET. Evidence suggests that MET can decrease colic events, narcotic use, and hospital visits. MET may also reduce medical costs and prevent unnecessary surgeries and the associated risks. Further, there is a role for alpha antagonists and calcium channel blockers in improving stone passage and decreasing pain in those subjects treated with other modalities (i.e. SWL and ureteroscopy). Despite this evidence, MET remains underutilized as a treatment modality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses technical predictors to prevent post-prostatectomy incontinence. Technical considerations during robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP) are reported. It explains that the anatomical integrity of the urethral sphincter complex and the supporting system affect the optimal postoperative recovery of urinary continence. Factors that correlate with higher rates of urinary incontinence (UI) and delayed time to recovery of continence are mentioned.

Kidney stone disease is increasing in prevalence, and the most common stone composition is calcium oxalate. Dietary oxalate intake and endogenous production of oxalate are important in the pathophysiology of calcium oxalate stone disease. The impact of dietary oxalate intake on urinary oxalate excretion and kidney stone disease risk has been assessed through large cohort studies as well as smaller studies with dietary control. Net gastrointestinal oxalate absorption influences urinary oxalate excretion. Oxalate-degrading bacteria in the gut microbiome, especially Oxalobacter formigenes, may mitigate stone risk through reducing net oxalate absorption. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is the main dietary precursor for endogenous production of oxalate with several other compounds playing a lesser role. Renal handling of oxalate and, potentially, renal synthesis of oxalate may contribute to stone formation. In this review, we discuss dietary oxalate and precursors of oxalate, their pertinent physiology in humans, and what is known about their role in kidney stone disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information about the risk of tardive dyskinesia associated with aripiprazole, specifically in the context of long-term treatment and as an antidepressant augmentation strategy. It mentions that when used for antidepressant augmentation, tardive dyskinesia with aripiprazole is likely to be rare, generally mild, and typically manageable.

Purpose: Multiple factors are thought to give rise to common, recurrent kidney stone disease, but for monogenic stone disorders a firm diagnosis is possible through genetic testing. The autosomal recessive primary hyperoxalurias (PH) are rare forms of monogenic kidney stone disease. All 3 types of PH are caused by inborn errors of glyoxylate metabolism in the liver, leading to hepatic oxalate overproduction and excessive renal urinary oxalate excretion. These conditions are characterized by kidney stones, nephrocalcinosis, progressive chronic kidney disease, and kidney failure. Systemic oxalosis, the extra-renal deposition of oxalate resulting in severe morbidity and mortality, occurs in chronic kidney disease when oxalate clearance by the kidneys declines. Novel small interfering RNA-based therapeutics targeting the liver to reduce urinary oxalate excretion have been approved, introducing precision medicine to treat primary hyperoxaluria type 1. The goal of this narrative review is to address the benefits and practicalities of genetic testing for suspected monogenic kidney stone disease and the critical roles of a multidisciplinary team., Materials and Methods: We collated our procedures, education, training, and workflows to help other clinicians integrate genetic assessment into their diagnostic routines., Results: In our experience, increased access to genetic testing facilitates early detection of PH and other monogenic causes of kidney stone disease so that individualized care can be instituted promptly., Conclusions: Alongside biochemical assessments, more widespread genetic testing may ensure more timely diagnoses so that patients with suspected monogenic kidney stone disease gain access to an expanded range of services and enrollment in clinical trials and registries.