Training ultrasound-guided percutaneous nephrostomy technique with porcine model

PURPOSE

There is increasing interest in the use of ultrasound for endoscopic and percutaneous procedures. Access can be achieved without radiation exposure under ultrasound guidance. Our aim was to develop a porcine-based training model for ultrasound-guided percutaneous renal access that could also be personalized to a specific patient.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Severance Hospital approved the study protocol. An anesthetized pig was placed in the dorsal lithotomy position. For the nephrostomy puncture, a Chiba biopsy needle with an echo tip was used under ultrasound guidance. Eight residents and three consultants in urology participated. Puncture time was defined as the nephrostomy time to confirm the flow of irrigation via the needle. After training, satisfaction survey results for clinical usability and procedural difficulty were evaluated.

RESULTS

The 5-point Likert scale satisfaction survey for clinical usability and procedural difficulty found mean results of 4.64 and 4.09 points, respectively. There were no differences between residents and consultants for either variable. For all participants combined, there was a significant difference for nephrostomy time between the first and second trials (278.8±70.6 s vs. 244.5±47.0 s; p=0.007). The between-trial difference was greater for residents (291.5±71.2 s vs. 259.1±41.9 s; p=0.039). The difference for the consultant was not significant (245.0±69.4 s vs. 205.7±42.5 s; p=0.250).

CONCLUSIONS

We developed a porcine-based ultrasound-guided nephrostomy puncture training model. Satisfaction survey results indicated high clinical usability and procedural difficulty. For nephrostomy time, the model was more effective for urology residents than for consultants.

Korean Society of Endourology and Robotics (KSER) recommendation on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of urolithiasis

This article provides evidence-based recommendations and expert opinions to aid urologists in making optimal decisions regarding managing urolithiasis in various clinical scenarios. The most frequently asked questions by urologists in their clinical practice have been collected and answered in the form of FAQs; based on the latest evidence and expert opinions. The natural history of urolithiasis is divided into active treatment and silent phases, with the active treatment stage divided into typical and special situations and peri-treatment management. The authors address 28 key questions, offering practical guidance for the proper diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of urolithiasis in clinical practice. This article is expected to be served as a valuable resource for urologists.

Optimal sequencing of the first- and second-line target therapies in metastatic renal cell carcinoma: based on nationally representative data analysis from the Korean National Health Insurance System

BACKGROUND

The authors intend to compare the effects of each targeted therapy (TT) in the treatment of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) using big data based on the Korean National Health Insurance System (NHIS) and determine the optimal treatment sequence.

METHODS

Data on the medical use of patients with kidney cancer were obtained from the NHIS database from January 1, 2002, to December 31, 2020. Patient variables included age, sex, income level, place of residence, prescribing department, and duration from diagnosis to the prescription date. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS) for each drug and sequencing. We performed propensity score matching (PSM) according to age, sex, and Charlson Comorbidity Index based on the primary TTs.

RESULTS

After 1:1 PSM, the sunitinib (SUN) (n = 1,214) and pazopanib (PAZ) (n = 1,214) groups showed a well-matched distribution across the entire cohort. In the primary treatment group, PAZ had lower OS than SUN (HR, 1.167; p = 0.0015). In the secondary treatment group, axitinib (AXI) had more favorable OS than cabozantinib (CAB) (HR, 0.735; p = 0.0118), and everolimus had more adverse outcomes than CAB (HR, 1.544; p < 0.0001). In the first to second TT sequencing, SUN-AXI had the highest OS; however, there was no statistically significant difference when compared with PAZ-AXI, which was the second highest (HR, 0.876; p = 0.3312). The 5-year survival rate was calculated in the following order: SUN-AXI (51.44%), PAZ-AXI (47.12%), SUN-CAB (43.59%), and PAZ-CAB (34.28%). When the four sequencing methods were compared, only SUN-AXI versus PAZ-CAB (p = 0.003) and PAZ-AXI versus PAZ-CAB (p = 0.017) were statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

In a population-based RWD analysis of Korean patients with mRCC, SUN-AXI sequencing was shown to be the most effective among the first to second TT sequencing methods in treatment, with a relative survival advantage over other sequencing combinations. To further support the results of this study, risk-stratified analysis is needed.

Cytoreductive prostatectomy may improve oncological outcomes in patients with oligometastatic prostate cancer: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis

The oncologic outcomes of cytoreductive prostatectomy (CRP) in oligometastatic prostate cancer (OmPCa) are still controversial. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the oncologic outcome of CRP in OmPCa. OVID-Medline, OVID-Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched to identify eligible studies published before January 2023. A total of 11 studies (929 patients), 1 randomized controlled trial (RCT) and 10 non-RCT studies, were included in the final analysis. RCT and non-RCT were further analyzed separately. End points were progression-free-survival (PFS), time to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPCa), cancer-specific-survival (CSS) and overall-survival (OS). It was analyzed using hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). In PFS, in RCT, HR=0.43 (CIs=0.27-0.69) was shown statistically significant, but in non-RCTs, HR=0.50 (CIs=0.20-1.25), there was no statistical difference. And, in time to CRPCa was statistically significant in the CRP group in all analyses (RCT; HR=0.44; CIs=0.29-0.67) (non-RCTs; HR=0.64; CIs=0.47-0.88). Next, CSS was not statistically different between the two groups (HR=0.63; CIs=0.37-1.05). Finally, OS showed better results in the CRP group in all analyses (RCT; HR=0.44; CIs=0.26-0.76) (non-RCTs; HR=0.59; CIs=0.37-0.93). Patients who received CRP in OmPCa showed better oncologic outcomes compared to controls. Notably, time to CRPC and OS showed significantly improved compared with control. We recommend that experienced urologists who are capable of managing complications consider CRP as a strategy to achieve good oncological outcomes in OmPCa. However, since most of the included studies are non-RCT studies, caution should be exercised in interpreting the results.

Impact of Preoperative Ureteral Stenting in Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery for Urolithiasis

Background and Objectives: Ureteral stent insertion passively dilates the ureter. Therefore, it is sometimes used preoperatively before flexible ureterorenoscopy to make the ureter more accessible and facilitate urolithiasis passage, especially when ureteroscopic access has failed or when the ureter is expected to be tight. However, it may cause stent-related discomfort and complications. This study aimed to assess the effect of ureteral stenting prior to retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). Materials and Methods: Data from patients who underwent unilateral RIRS for renal stone with the use of a ureteral access sheath from January 2016 to May 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Patient characteristics, including age, sex, BMI, presence of hydronephrosis, and treated side, were recorded. Stone characteristics in terms of maximal stone length, modified Seoul National University Renal Stone Complexity score, and stone composition were evaluated. Surgical outcomes, including operative time, complication rate, and stone-free rate, were compared between two groups divided by whether preoperative stenting was performed. Results: Of the 260 patients enrolled in this study, 106 patients had no preoperative stenting (stentless group), and 154 patients had stenting (stenting group). Patient characteristics except for the presence of hydronephrosis and stone composition were not statistically different between the two groups. In surgical outcomes, the stone-free rate was not statistically different between the two groups (p = 0.901); however, the operation time for the stenting group was longer than that of the stentless group (44.8 ± 24.2 vs. 36.1 ± 17.6 min; p = 0.001). There were no differences in the complication rate between the two groups (p = 0.523). Conclusions: Among surgical outcomes for RIRS with a ureteral access sheath, preoperative ureteral stenting does not provide a significant advantage over non-stenting with respect to the stone-free rate and complication rate.

Silodosin versus Tamsulosin for Medical Expulsive Therapy of Ureteral Stones: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background and Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was performed to compare the therapeutic effects and safety profiles of silodosin and tamsulosin for medical expulsive therapy (MET) of ureteral stones. Materials and Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to identify articles published before July 2022 that described randomized controlled trials comparing silodosin and tamsulosin for MET of ureteral stones. Endpoints were stone expulsion rate, stone expulsion time, and total complication rate. Results: In total, 14 studies were included in our analysis. The size of ureteral stones was <1 cm. Compared with tamsulosin, silodosin resulted in a significantly higher stone expulsion rate (p < 0.01, odds ratio (OR) = 2.42, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.91 to 3.06, I2 = 0%) and significantly shorter stone expulsion time (p < 0.01, mean difference = −3.04, 95% CI = −4.46 to −1.63, I2 = 89%). The total complication rate did not significantly differ between silodosin and tamsulosin (p = 0.33, OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 0.87 to 1.52, I2 = 7%). Conclusions: Compared with tamsulosin, silodosin resulted in significantly better expulsion of ureteral stones <1 cm. The total complication rate did not significantly differ between silodosin and tamsulosin. Thus, silodosin may be superior to tamsulosin for MET of ureter stones <1 cm.

Comparison of Surgical Outcomes between Single-Use and Reusable Flexible Ureteroscopes for Renal Stone Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background and Objectives: Disposable flexible ureteroscopes have been widely used because of their cost-effectiveness and higher sterility potential compared with reusable flexible ureteroscopes. This study aimed to compare the surgical outcomes and complication rates in patients who undergo reusable or disposable flexible ureteroscopic stone surgeries (fURS) for urinary stone disease. Materials and Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted under the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. This systematic review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022331291). Clinical trials comparing reusable and disposable fURS for stone disease were found from PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and the Web of Science up to March 2022. Participants were patients with upper urinary tract stones; the interventions were reusable or disposable fURS. Outcomes, including stone-free rate, operation time, length of hospital stay, and complication rate, were compared for analysis. Results: Overall, 111 studies were identified, but after removing duplicate studies, 75 studies remained. Thirty-two of these studies were excluded. Of the 43 screened studies, 11 met the eligibility criteria. There was no difference in the stone-free rate (SFR) between disposable and reusable fURS (p = 0.14; OR = 1.36; 95% CI, 0.9 to 2.04). For operation time, no difference was identified between reusable and disposable fURS groups (p = 0.12; MD = -5.31; 95% CI, -12.08 to 1.46). For hospital stay, there was also no difference between the two groups (p = 0.61; MD = -0.03; 95% CI, -0.17 to 0.10). There was no significant difference in complication rate between the two groups (p = 0.85; OR = 0.95; 95% CI, 0.56 to 1.61). Conclusions: There were no differences in the SFR, operation time, length of hospital stay, and complication rate between reusable and disposable fURS. Disposable fURS may be a comparable alternative to reusable fURS.

Effects of intravesical BCG maintenance therapy duration on recurrence rate in high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC): Systematic review and network meta-analysis according to EAU COVID-19 recommendations

Purpose

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the European Association of Urology (EAU) recommended that courses of intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) therapy lasting more than 1 year could be safely terminated for patients with high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Thus, we conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis according to EAU’s COVID-19 recommendations.

Materials and methods

A systematic review was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines. We conducted a network meta-analysis of recurrence rate in patients with NMIBC receiving induction therapy (M0) and those receiving maintenance therapy lasting 1 year (M1) and more than 1 year (M2).

Results

Nineteen studies of 3,957 patients were included for the network meta-analysis. In a node-split forest plot using Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) modeling, there were no differences between the M1 and M2 groups in recurrence rate [odds ratio (OR) 0.95 (0.73–1.2)]. However, recurrence rate in the M0 group was higher than that in the M1 [OR 1.9 (1.5–2.5)] and M2 [OR 2.0 (1.7–2.4)] groups. P-score tests using frequentist inference to rank the treatments in the network demonstrated that the therapy used in the M2 group (P-score 0.8701) was superior to that used in the M1 (P-score 0.6299) and M0 groups (P-score 0). In rank-probability tests using MCMC modeling, the M2 group showed the highest rank, followed by the M1 and M0 groups.

Conclusion

In the network meta-analysis, there were no differences between those receiving BCG maintenance therapies in terms of recurrence rate. In the rank tests, therapy lasting more than 1-year appears to be most effective. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 1-year maintenance therapy can be used, but after the COVID-19 pandemic, therapy lasting more than 1-year could be beneficial.

Efficacy of Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment in Erectile Dysfunction following Radical Prostatectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a well-known complication of radical prostatectomy (RP). Oral 5-phosphodiesterase inhibitors are currently the most widely used penile rehabilitation treatment for ED following RP, but they are less effective than for those with general ED. Low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave treatment (LI-ESWT), causing a biological change that induces neovascularization, has recently been used as a treatment for ED. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the efficiency of LI-ESWT in ED following RP. PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched up until December 2021. The endpoint was the change in IIEF scores after LI-ESWT. Five papers (460 patients) were included in the final analysis. In IIEF scores performed 3–4 months after LI-ESWT, the group receiving LI-ESWT showed statistically significantly better results than the control (WMD = −2.04; 95% CI, −3.72 to −0.35; p = 0.02). However, there were a total of two studies that measured the results after 9–12 months. There was no statistical difference between the two groups (WMD = −5.37; 95% CI, −12.42 to 1.69; p = 0.14). The results of this analysis indicate that LI-ESWT showed a statistically significant effect on early recovery in penile rehabilitation of ED following RP. However, the level of evidence was low. Therefore, careful interpretation of the results is required.

Effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on overall survival of patients with T2-4aN0M0 bladder cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis according to EAU COVID-19 recommendation

Purpose

In the context of the COVID-19 outbreak, the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines Rapid Reaction Group provided recommendations to manage muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) based on priority levels: neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) should be avoided for patients with T2-3N0M0 MIBC. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy of NAC compared with radical cystectomy (RC) alone in improving the overall survival (OS) of patients with T2-4aN0M0 MIBC.

Materials and methods

A systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. The PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. The primary outcome was OS of patients with T2-4aN0M0 MIBC, and the secondary outcome was OS of patients with only T2N0M0 MIBC.

Results

Eight studies were included in this meta-analysis. Overall, the quality of all studies was relatively high, and little publication bias was demonstrated. The OS was significantly better in the NAC with RC group than in RC alone (HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.68–0.92; p = 0.002). A subgroup analysis was performed on only patients with T2N0M0 MIBC, and five studies were included. There was no difference in the OS between the NAC with RC and the RC alone groups (HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.69–1.01 p = 0.06).

Conclusions

As recommended by the EAU guidelines Rapid Reaction Group, patients with T2N0M0 MIBC should strongly consider omitting NAC until the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether to omit NAC in T3-4aN0M0 MIBC needs further discussion, and studies targeting only T2-3N0M0 MIBC are expected to proceed further.

Antibiotic prophylaxis for percutaneous nephrolithotomy: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction

A single dose of preventive antibiotics is known to be sufficient to reduce the rate of infection-related complications in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). However, some studies reported that the extended dose showed lower complications for high-risk groups. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing single- and extended-dose antibiotic prophylaxis for PCNL.

Materials and methods

Relevant studies that compared single- and extended-dose antibiotic prophylactic therapies were identified. Articles were selected from PubMed, EMBASE, KoreaMed, and Google Scholar up to September 2021. Fever and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) were compared by meta-analysis. A subgroup analysis was performed according to the degree of risk to the patient.

Results

A total of 10 articles were included in this study. There were no significant differences between single dose and extended dose in the rate of fever [p = 0.93, OR = 0.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.44–2.13, I² = 64%]. Extended dose showed lower rate of SIRS compared to single dose (p = 0.0005, OR = 1.81, 95% CI 1.30–2.53, I² = 53%); in the subgroup analysis, extended dose also showed lower rates of SIRS compared to single dose in high-risk patients (p <0.0001, OR = 3.53, 95% CI 1.91–6.54, I² = 36%).

Conclusions

The results of our meta-analysis showed that single-dose antibiotic prophylaxis can be effective for PCNL, but extended-dose antibiotics can be required in high-risk patients to reduce post-PCNL infection-related complications.

Comparison of Oncologic Outcomes of Dose-Dense Methotrexate, Vinblastine, Doxorubicin, and Cisplatin (ddMVAC) with Gemcitabine and Cisplatin (GC) as Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Simple Summary

Currently, platinum-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is becoming a standard treatment for use in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer. However, comparisons of oncologic outcomes for the two most commonly used NAC regimens, ddMVAC (dose-dense methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin, and cisplatin) and GC (gemcitabine and cisplatin), are controversial. We sought to compare the oncologic outcomes of these two regimens via a systematic review and meta-analysis of all the available studies published to date. Through this, we aimed to provide evidence on the optimal NAC regimen for use in muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

Abstract

Platinum-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is widely used for treating muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). A systematic review was performed following PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched up to December 2020. We conducted a meta-analysis to compare the oncologic outcomes of ddMVAC (dose-dense methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin, and cisplatin) and GC (gemcitabine and cisplatin), which are the most widely used NAC regimens. Endpoints included pathologic complete response (pCR), pathologic downstaging (pDS), overall survival (OS), and cancer-specific survival (CSS). Five studies, with a total of 1206 patients, were included for meta-analysis. pCR was observed in 35.2% of the ddMVAC arm and in 25.1% of the GC arm, and pCR was significantly higher in ddMVAC than in GC (odds ratio (OR), 1.45; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.11–1.89; p = 0.006). There was no significant difference in pDS (OR, 1.37; CI, 0.84–2.21; p = 0.20). OS was significantly higher in ddMVAC than in GC (hazard ratio, 2.16; CI, 1.42–3.29; p = 0.0004). Only one study reported CSS outcomes. The results of this analysis indicate that ddMVAC is superior to GC in terms of pCR and OS, suggesting that ddMVAC is more effective than GC in NAC for MIBC. However, this should be interpreted with caution because of the inherent limitations of retrospective studies.

Comparison of oncologic outcomes between partial nephrectomy and radical nephrectomy in patients who were upstaged from cT1 renal tumor to pT3a renal cell carcinoma: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Aim

Owing to the limited ability of current imaging modalities, several clinical T1 renal cell carcinomas (cT1 RCCa) can be pathologically upstaged to T3a (pT3a) after surgery. There have been some controversies regarding the oncological safety of partial nephrectomy (PNx) compared with radical nephrectomy (RNx) in these patients. We compared oncological outcomes of PNx and RNx in patients with upstaged pT3a RCCa.

Methods

A systematic review was performed following the PRISMA guideline. PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase were searched. Oncological outcomes [recurrence-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS)] between PNx and RNx were compared. The GRADE approach was used to rate the certainty of evidence.

Results

A total of 7406 patients in 12 articles related to upstaged pT3a RCCa were included. In adjusted analysis, no difference was observed in RFS [hazard ratios (HR) 0.87; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 0.57-0.95; p = 0.88] and CSS (HR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.59-1.04; p = 0.09) for PNx and RNx. Meanwhile, PNx was significantly associated with favorable OS compared with RNx (HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.57-0.95; p = 0.02).

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis shows that patients treated with PNx have better or at least similar oncological outcomes compared with RNx in patients with upstaged pT3a RCCa from cT1. In particular, patients who had undergone PNx show a significantly improved OS. If PNx is available, we recommend performing PNx for all cT1 RCCa, even in patients with upstaging potential. However, due to the low level of evidence, large-scale randomized trials are required.

Comparison of Oncologic Outcomes Between Two Alternative Sequences with Abiraterone Acetate and Enzalutamide in Patients with Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Sequential treatment of androgen receptor axis targeted agents (ARAT), abiraterone acetate (ABI) and enzalutamide (ENZA), in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) demonstrated some positive effects, but cross-resistances between ABI and ENZA that reduce activity have been suggested. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to compare oncologic outcomes between the treatment sequences of ABI-ENZA and ENZA-ABI in patients with mCRPC. The primary endpoint was a combined progression-free survival (PFS), and the secondary endpoint was overall survival (OS). A total of five trials on 553 patients were included in this study. Each of the included studies was retrospective. In two studies including both chemo-naïve and post-chemotherapy mCRPC patients, for ABI-ENZA compared with ENZA-ABI, pooled hazard ratios (HRs) for PFS and OS were 0.37 (p < 0.0001; 95% confidence intervals (CIs), 0.23–0.60) and 0.64 (p = 0.10; 95% CIs, 0.37–1.10), respectively. In three studies with chemo-naïve mCRPC patients only, for ABI-ENZA compared with ENZA-ABI, pooled HRs for PFS and OS were 0.57 (p = 0.02; 95% CIs, 0.35–0.92) and 0.86 (p = 0.39; 95% CIs, 0.61–1.21), respectively. The current meta-analysis revealed that ABI-ENZA had a significantly more favorable oncological outcome, but the level of evidence was low. Therefore, large-scale randomized trials may be needed.

P5989Effect of neprilysin inhibitor for ischemic mitral regurgitation after myocardial injury

Background

After myocardial infarction (MI), mitral valve (MV) tethering and fibrosis stimulate functional mitral regurgitation (MR), resulting in high morbidity of heart failure and cardiac mortality. However, pharmacological treatment has not been proven effective in reducing ischemic MR. MV change post-MI is associated with an excessive endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by transforming growth factor (TGF)-β overexpression and also with left ventricular (LV) remodeling. In a recent clinical study using echocardiography, angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) reduced functional MR to a greater extent than did valsartan, but the mechanism was not revealed.

Purpose

This study tested the hypothesis that treatment of neprilysin inhibitor attenuates functional MR after MI by facilitating LV reverse remodeling and suppressing EMT which mitigates inadequate leaflet adaptation.

Methods

In male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=31), functional MR was induced by occluding the left circumflex coronary artery. Two weeks after MI, MR and LV dilatation were confirmed by echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Rats were randomly assigned to LCZ696 treatment (ARNI, 60 mg/kg/d, n=10), valsartan treatment (30mg/kg/d, n=10), or corn oil only (MR control group; n=11). After 6 weeks, LV volumes, functions and MR extent were quantified by using echocardiography, cardiac MRI and pressure-volume loop analysis. Also, excised mitral leaflets and LV were analyzed by histopathology and primary cultured valvular endothelial cells (VECs) were evaluated focusing on molecular changes.

Results

LCZ696 significantly attenuated post-MI LV dilatation after 6 weeks when compared with the control group (LV end-diastolic volume (EDV), 461.3±41.3 uL versus 525.1±78.2 uL; p<0.05), while valsartan did not (LV EDV, 471.2±26.8 uL; p>0.05 to control). There were no significant differences in the change of arterial pressure and ejection fraction between the treatment groups, however, dP/dt was greater in the LCZ696 group than in the MR control group (8203±286 mmHg/s for LCZ696 versus 6936±555 mmHg/s for MR control; p=0.01). MR extent and LA volume were significantly decreased in the LCZ696 group compared with the valsartan group. Pathological analysis showed that fibrosis was more prominent in the MR control than in the LCZ696 group. LCZ696 strongly reduced leaflet thickness, TGF-β, and downstream phosphorylated extracellular-signal-regulated kinase and EMT (25.4±11.8% vs. 53.4±12.6% α-smooth muscle actin-positive VECs; p<0.05). Leaflet area increased comparably (5%) in the LCZ696 group compared with the valsartan group.

Conclusions

Neprilysin inhibitor has positive effects on LV reverse remodeling and also directly modulates profibrotic changes of MV leaflets post-MI without eliminating adaptive growth. Understanding the mechanisms could provide new opportunities to ARNI reducing ischemic MR.

Acknowledgement/Funding

This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Education (NRF-2014R1A6A3A04056205). It was also

Comparison of stone-free rates following shock wave lithotripsy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy, and retrograde intrarenal surgery for treatment of renal stones: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To perform a systematic review and network meta-analysis comparing stone-free rates following retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS), extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL), and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) treatments of renal stones.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Clinical trials comparing RIRS, SWL, and PCNL for treatment of renal stones were identified from electronic databases. Stone-free rates for the procedures were compared by qualitative and quantitative syntheses (meta-analyses). Outcome variables are shown as risk ratios (ORs) with 95% credible intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

A total of 35 studies were included in this network meta-analysis of success and stone-free rates following three different treatments of renal stones. Six studies compared PCNL versus SWL, ten studies compared PCNL versus RIRS, fourteen studies compared RIRS versus SWL, and five studies compared PCNL, SWL, and RIRS. The quality scores within subscales were relatively low-risk. Network meta-analyses indicated that stone-free rates of RIRS (OR 0.38; 95% CI 0.22-0.64) and SWL (OR 0.12; 95% CI 0.067-0.19) were lower than that of PCNL. In addition, stone-free rate of SWL was lower than that of RIRS (OR 0.31; 95% CI 0.20-0.47). Stone free rate of PCNL was also superior to RIRS in subgroup analyses including ≥ 2 cm stone (OR 4.680; 95% CI 2.873-8.106), lower pole stone (OR 1.984; 95% CI 1.043-2.849), and randomized studies (OR 2.219; 95% CI 1.348-4.009). In rank-probability test, PCNL was ranked as No. 1 and SWL was ranked as No. 3.

CONCLUSIONS

PCNL showed the highest success and stone-free rate in the surgical treatment of renal stones. In contrast, SWL had the lowest success and stone-free rate.

Effect of relative humidity on inactivation of foodborne pathogens using chlorine dioxide gas and its residues on tomatoes

The effect of relative humidity (RH) on the antimicrobial efficacy of chlorine dioxide (ClO₂ ) gas against foodborne pathogens on tomatoes was evaluated. Also, levels of ClO₂ residues on tomatoes after exposure to ClO₂ gas under different RH conditions were measured to determine the quantity of solubilized ClO₂ gas on tomato surfaces. Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes were inoculated on tomatoes and exposed to ClO₂ gas (5, 10, 20 and 30 ppmv) under different RH conditions (50, 70 and 90%). As ClO₂ gas concentration and treatment time increased, significant differences (P < 0·05) were observed between inactivation levels under different RH conditions. Exposure to 30 ppmv of ClO₂ gas (50% RH) for 20 min resulted in 1·22-1·52 log reductions of the three foodborne pathogens. Levels of the three foodborne pathogens were reduced to below the detection limit (0·48 log CFU per cm² ) within 15 min when exposed to 30 ppmv of ClO₂ gas at 70% RH and within 10 min at 90% RH. At a given ClO₂ gas concentration, ClO₂ residues on tomatoes significantly (P < 0·05) increased with increasing RH, and there were close correlations between log reductions of pathogens and ClO₂ residues on tomatoes.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study reported on the correlation between the amount of ClO₂ residues on produce surfaces and the level of inactivation of pathogens after ClO₂ gas treatment. Variations in RH have great effect on the solubilization of ClO₂ gas on tomato surfaces considering that ClO₂ residues on tomatoes increased with increasing RH. Also, the amount of ClO₂ residues on tomatoes is positively correlated with the level of inactivation of pathogens. The results of this study provide insights for predicting inactivation patterns of foodborne pathogens by ClO₂ gas for practical application by the fresh produce industry.

Stone heterogeneity index on single-energy noncontrast computed tomography can be a positive predictor of urinary stone composition

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between stone composition and single-energy noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) parameters, including stone heterogeneity index (SHI) and mean stone density (MSD), in patients with urinary calculi. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 255 patients who underwent operations or procedures for urinary stones or had spontaneous stone passage between December 2014 and October 2015. Among these, 214 patients with urinary calculi who underwent NCCT and stone composition analyses were included in the study. Maximal stone length (MSL), mean stone density (MSD), and stone heterogeneity index (SHI) were determined on pretreatment NCCT. The mean MSD (454.68±177.80 HU) and SHI (115.82±96.31 HU) of uric acid stones were lower than those of all other types. Based on post hoc tests, MSD was lower for uric acid stones than for the other types (vs. CaOx: P<0.001; vs. infection stones: P<0.001). SHI was lower for uric acid stones than for the other types (vs. CaOx: P<0.001; vs. infection stones: P<0.001) Receiver operating characteristic curves of uric acid stones for MSD and SHI demonstrated that SHI (cut-off value: 140.4 HU) was superior to MSD (cut-off value: 572.3 HU) in predicting uric acid stones (P<0.001).

Predictive factors and treatment outcomes of Steinstrasse following shock wave lithotripsy for ureteral calculi: A Bayesian regression model analysis

Purpose

This study aims to assess the predictive factors and treatment outcomes of Steinstrasse formation following shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) for ureter stone.

Materials and Methods

The medical records of 1,418 ureter stone patients who underwent one-session SWL from November 2005 to May 2013 at our medical institute were retrospectively reviewed. Finally, 551 patients met inclusion criteria. Maximal length and location of stone, stone attenuation (Hounsfield units), and skin-to-stone distance (SSD) were determined on pretreatment non-contrast computed tomography.

Results

Of 551 patients, 12 patients (2.2% of total cohort) developed Steinstrasse after one-session SWL. The Steinstrasse incidence was significantly associated with stone size, stone attenuation value, and SSD. Prophylactic ureter stenting was not a statistically significant predictor of Steinstrasse formation. After propensity-score matching, Steinstrasse group showed a significant shorter SSD compare to non-Steinstrasse group. Multivariate logistic regression and Bayesian analysis revealed that stone size, stone attenuation and SSD were significant predictor of Steinstrasse formation following SWL for ureter stone. The Steinstrasse resolved spontaneously in six patients and remaining six patients were treated by additional SWL. None of patients with Steinstrasse required ureteral stenting, percutaneous drainage, or consequent surgical intervention.

Conclusions

Steinstrasse formation following SWL for ureter stone was rare event but nonnegligible. Large stone size, high stone attenuation and short SSD were significant predictors of Steinstrasse formation following SWL for ureter stone. Majority of patients with Steinstrasse formation could be treated conservatively in this clinical scenario.

Digital Videoscopic Retrograde Intrarenal Surgeries for Renal Stones: Time-to-Maximal Stone Length Ratio Analysis

PURPOSE

To investigate 100 consecutive cases of videoscopic retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) by a single surgeon and to evaluate factors associated with stone-free status and the learning curve thereof.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analyzed the results of videoscopic RIRS in 100 patients who underwent primary treatment for renal stones from January 2015 to August 2016. Videoscopic RIRS were performed with URF-V and URF-V2 flexible video uteroscopes (Olympus) or a Flex-Xc flexible ureterorenoscope (KARL STORZ). Non-contrast computed tomography was taken at 3 months postoperatively to confirm the absence of stones. The stone characteristics included the location, maximal stone length (MSL), stone heterogeneity index (SHI), and mean stone density (MSD). Fragmentation efficacy was calculated as operative time (min) divided by removed MSL (mm), and was evaluated in the sequential order of operations.

RESULTS

The mean age of the total patient was 60.0±14.0 years. The mean MSL was 13.1±6.2 mm. The average MSD was 734.2±327.6 Hounsfield unit (HU) and the SHI was 241.0±120.0 HU. The mean operation time was 65.1±45.7 min considering each renal unit. The stone-free rate at 3 months post-surgery was 87%. The estimated cut-off of the time-to-MSL ratio below 5 min/mm was 50. Multivariate analyses indicated a lower MSD [odds ratio (OR): 0.998; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.996-0.999; p=0.047) and the last 50 cases (OR: 5.408, 95% CI: 1.337-30.426; p=0.030) as independent predictors of stone-free status after videoscopic RIRS.

CONCLUSION

Low MSDs and the last 50 cases were significant predictors of stone-free rate in videoscopic RIRS.

Tertiary Referral Hospital Experiences of Men Presenting With Painless Postcoital Gross Hematuria and a Suggestion for the Management Algorithm

OBJECTIVE

To review the tertiary referral hospital experiences of men presenting with painless postcoital gross hematuria (PCGH) and suggest a management algorithm.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed clinical data from 19 male patients who first visited a clinic because of PCGH between 2009 and 2016. The patients were evaluated according to our tentative management algorithm for painless PCGH. First, a general workup for painless gross hematuria (GH) was performed. If the cause of the PCGH was not identified, a vascular workup of the pelvic vasculatures for PCGH was performed, including transrectal and penile ultrasonography with Doppler study. Pelvic angiography and subsequent angioembolization were recommended at the physician's discretion.

RESULTS

The median age of the patients was 47 (range: 30-67) years. The tentative management algorithm led to no abnormal findings in 7 patients and identified urologic malignancies in 2 patients. Urethrocystoscopy revealed urethral hemangioma in 3 patients. Doppler ultrasonography revealed pelvic varicosities in 3 patients, complicated cyst of Cowper glands in 1 patient, and pelvic arteriovenous malformation in 3 patients. Pelvic angiography was recommended for the 3 patients with pelvic arteriovenous malformation, and 2 of those patients were successfully treated by angioembolization.

CONCLUSION

The clinical approach to painless PCGH should be different from that of painless GH. Both the general and the vascular workup for the pelvic vasculatures for painless GH are mandatory for the evaluation of patients with painless PCGH.

Silencing Histone Deacetylase 7 Alleviates Transforming Growth Factor-β1-Induced Profibrotic Responses in Fibroblasts Derived from Peyronie's Plaque

Purpose

Epigenetic modifications, such as histone acetylation/deacetylation and DNA methylation, play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory disorders and fibrotic diseases. The aim of this study was to study the differential gene expression of histone deacetylases (HDACs) in fibroblasts isolated from plaque tissue of Peyronie's disease (PD) or normal tunica albuginea (TA) and to examine the anti-fibrotic effect of small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated silencing of HDAC7 in fibroblasts derived from human PD plaque.

Materials and Methods

For differential gene expression study, we performed reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for HDAC isoforms (1–11) in fibroblasts isolated from PD plaque or normal TA. Fibroblasts isolated from PD plaque were pretreated with HDAC7 siRNA (100 pmol) and then stimulated with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1, 10 ng/mL). Protein was extracted from treated fibroblasts for Western blotting. We also performed immunocytochemistry to detect the expression of extracellular matrix proteins and to examine the effect of HDAC2 siRNA on the TGF-β1-induced nuclear translocation of Smad2/3 and myofibroblastic differentiation.

Results

The mRNA expression of HDAC2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, and 11 was higher in fibroblasts isolated from PD plaque than in fibroblasts isolated from normal TA tissue. Knockdown of HDAC7 in PD fibroblasts inhibited TGF-β1-induced nuclear shuttle of Smad2 and Smad3, transdifferentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, and abrogated TGF-β1-induced production of extracellular matrix protein.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that specific inhibition of HDAC7 with RNA interference may represent a promising epigenetic therapy for PD.

Systematic review and meta-analysis to compare success rates of retrograde intrarenal surgery versus percutaneous nephrolithotomy for renal stones >2 cm: An update

BACKGROUND

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing stone-free rates between retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), using updated, more reliable evidence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Randomized controlled trials comparing RIRS and PCNL for >2 cm stones were identified from electronic databases. Stone-free rates for the procedures were compared by qualitative and quantitative syntheses (meta-analyses). Outcome variables are shown as risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Eleven articles were included in this study. Most recently published studies exhibited relatively low quality during quality assessment. For the meta-analysis comparing success (stone-free) rates between PCNL and RIRS, the forest plot using the random-effects model showed an RR of 1.11 (95% CI 1.02-1.21, P < .014) favoring PCNL. After determining the among-study heterogeneity, subgroup analysis was performed of 9 studies with less heterogeneity: the stone-free rate of PCNL was superior to that of RIRS using a fixed-effect model (RR 1.07, 95% CI 1.01-1.14, P < .019) for these studies.

CONCLUSIONS

RIRS can be a safe and effective procedure for selected patients with large renal stones. However, in this meta-analysis, the postoperative stone-free rate of PCNL was higher than that of RIRS in patients with >2 cm renal stones.

Near-Normalized Gene Expression Profiles in Bladder With Detrusor Overactivity in Rats With Bladder Outlet Obstruction After Deobstruction

PURPOSE

The pathophysiological role of detrusor overactivity (DO) in the bladder, which is commonly observed in various bladder diseases, is not well understood. DO appears in bladder outlet obstruction (BOO), and may continue even after subsequent deobstruction. DO therefore provides an excellent opportunity to observe molecular biological changes.

METHODS

In this study, to understand the molecular effects of persistent DO after BOO induction and deobstruction, we performed awake cystometry on female Sprague-Dawley rats divided into 4 groups: a sham group, a BOO group, a deobstructed group with DO after BOO (DDO), and a deobstructed group without DO after BOO (non-DDO). Total RNA was extracted from the bladder samples, and gene expression profiles were compared between the sham and model groups.

RESULTS

DO was observed in 5 of the 6 rats (83%) in the BOO group, and in 6 of the 13 rats (46%) in the deobstructed group. The non-DDO group showed a significantly greater residual volume than the DDO group. Through a clustering analysis of gene expression profiles, we identified 7,532 common upregulated and downregulated genes, the expression of which changed by more than 2 fold. In the BOO group, 898 upregulated and 2,911 downregulated genes were identified. The non-DDO group showed 3,472 upregulated and 4,025 downregulated genes, whereas in the DDO group, only 145 and 72 genes were upregulated and downregulated, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Abnormal function and gene expression profiles in bladders after BOO were normalized in the BOO rats with DO after deobstruction, whereas in those without DO, abnormal function persisted and the gene expression profile became more abnormal. DO may play a protective role against the stress to the bladder induced by BOO and deobstruction as a form of adaptive neuroplasticity.

Impact of Pretreatment Hydronephrosis on the Success Rate of Shock Wave Lithotripsy in Patients with Ureteral Stone

PURPOSE

To evaluate predictors of the success rate for one session of shock wave lithotripsy (SWL), focusing on the relationships between pretreatment hydronephrosis grade and one-session SWL success rates.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The medical records of 1824 consecutive patients who underwent an initial session of SWL for treatment of urinary stones between 2005 and 2013 were reviewed. After exclusion, 700 patients with a single, 4-20 mm diameter radiopaque calculus were included in the study.

RESULTS

The mean maximal stone length (MSL) and skin-to-stone distance were 9.2±3.9 and 110.8±18.9 mm, respectively. The average values for mean stone density (MSD) and stone heterogeneity index (SHI) were 707.0±272.1 and 244.9±110.1, respectively. One-session success rates were 68.4, 75.0, 75.1, 54.0, and 10.5% in patients with hydronephrosis grade 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Patients were classified into success or failure groups based on SWL outcome. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that MSL [odds ratio (OR) 0.888, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.841-0.934, p<0.001], MSD (OR 0.996, 95% CI: 0.995-0.997, p<0.001), SHI (OR 1.007, 95% CI: 1.005-1.010, p<0.001), and pretreatment hydronephrosis grade (OR 0.601, 95% CI: 0.368-0.988, p=0.043) were significantly associated with one-session success.

CONCLUSION

Pretreatment grades 3 or 4 hydronephrosis were associated with failure of SWL in patients with a single ureteral stone. In the presence of severe hydronephrosis, especially hydronephrosis grade 4; physicians should proceed cautiously in choosing and offering SWL as the primary treatment for ureteral stone.

Intraoperative and postoperative feasibility and safety of total tubeless, tubeless, small-bore tube, and standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of 16 randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is performed to treat relatively large renal stones. Recent publications indicate that tubeless and total tubeless (stentless) PCNL is safe in selected patients. We performed a systematic review and network meta-analysis to evaluate the feasibility and safety of different PCNL procedures, including total tubeless, tubeless with stent, small-bore tube, and large-bore tube PCNLs.

METHODS

PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and EMBASE™ databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials published before December 30, 2013. One researcher examined all titles and abstracts found by the searches. Two investigators independently evaluated the full-text articles to determine whether those met the inclusion criteria. Qualities of included studies were rated with Cochrane's risk-of-bias assessment tool.

RESULTS

Sixteen studies were included in the final syntheses including pairwise and network meta-analyses. Operation time, pain scores, and transfusion rates were not significantly different between PCNL procedures. Network meta-analyses demonstrated that for hemoglobin changes, total tubeless PCNL may be superior to standard PCNL (mean difference [MD] 0.65, 95% CI 0.14-1.13) and tubeless PCNLs with stent (MD -1.14, 95% CI -1.65--0.62), and small-bore PCNL may be superior to tubeless PCNL with stent (MD 1.30, 95% CI 0.27-2.26). Network meta-analyses also showed that for length of hospital stay, total tubeless (MD 1.33, 95% CI 0.23-2.43) and tubeless PCNLs with stent (MD 0.99, 95% CI 0.19-1.79) may be superior to standard PCNL. In rank probability tests, small-bore tube and total tubeless PCNLs were superior for operation time, pain scores, and hemoglobin changes.

CONCLUSIONS

For hemoglobin changes, total tubeless and small-bore PCNLs may be superior to other methods. For hospital stay, total tubeless and tubeless PCNLs with stent may be superior to other procedures.

Intraoperative and postoperative feasibility and safety of total tubeless, tubeless, small-bore tube, and standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of 16 randomized controlled trials

Background

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is performed to treat relatively large renal stones. Recent publications indicate that tubeless and total tubeless (stentless) PCNL is safe in selected patients. We performed a systematic review and network meta-analysis to evaluate the feasibility and safety of different PCNL procedures, including total tubeless, tubeless with stent, small-bore tube, and large-bore tube PCNLs.

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and EMBASE™ databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials published before December 30, 2013. One researcher examined all titles and abstracts found by the searches. Two investigators independently evaluated the full-text articles to determine whether those met the inclusion criteria. Qualities of included studies were rated with Cochrane’s risk-of-bias assessment tool.

Results

Sixteen studies were included in the final syntheses including pairwise and network meta-analyses. Operation time, pain scores, and transfusion rates were not significantly different between PCNL procedures. Network meta-analyses demonstrated that for hemoglobin changes, total tubeless PCNL may be superior to standard PCNL (mean difference [MD] 0.65, 95% CI 0.14–1.13) and tubeless PCNLs with stent (MD -1.14, 95% CI -1.65–-0.62), and small-bore PCNL may be superior to tubeless PCNL with stent (MD 1.30, 95% CI 0.27–2.26). Network meta-analyses also showed that for length of hospital stay, total tubeless (MD 1.33, 95% CI 0.23–2.43) and tubeless PCNLs with stent (MD 0.99, 95% CI 0.19–1.79) may be superior to standard PCNL. In rank probability tests, small-bore tube and total tubeless PCNLs were superior for operation time, pain scores, and hemoglobin changes.

Conclusions

For hemoglobin changes, total tubeless and small-bore PCNLs may be superior to other methods. For hospital stay, total tubeless and tubeless PCNLs with stent may be superior to other procedures.

Ureteral stenting can be a negative predictor for successful outcome following shock wave lithotripsy in patients with ureteral stones

Purpose

To evaluate ureteral stenting as a negative predictive factor influencing ureteral stone clearance and to estimate the probability of one-session success in shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) patients with a ureteral stone.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 1,651 patients who underwent their first SWL. Among these patients, 680 had a ureteral stone measuring 4–20 mm and were thus eligible for our study. The 57 patients who underwent ureteral stenting during SWL were identified. Maximal stone length (MSL), mean stone density (MSD), skin-to-stone distance (SSD), and stone heterogeneity index (SHI) were determined by pre-SWL noncontrast computed tomography.

Results

After propensity score matching, 399 patients were extracted from the total patient cohort. There were no significant differences between stenting and stentless groups after matching, except for a higher one-session success rate in the stentless group (78.6% vs. 49.1%, p=0.026). In multivariate analysis, shorter MSL, lower MSD, higher SHI, and absence of a stent were positive predictors for one-session success in patients who underwent SWL. Using cutoff values of MSL and MSD obtained from receiver operator curve analysis, in patients with a lower MSD (≤784 HU), the success rate was lower in those with a stent (61.1%) than in those without (83.5%) (p=0.001). However, in patients with a higher MSL (>10 mm), the success rate was lower in those with a stent (23.6%) than in those without (52.2%) (p=0.002).

Conclusions

Ureteral stenting during SWL was a negative predictor of one-session success in patients with a ureteral stone.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Functional Outcomes and Complications Following the Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate and Monopolar Transurethral Resection of the Prostate

Purpose

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate (MTURP) and photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) in order to provide the most up-to-date and reliable recommendations possible.

Materials and Methods

Relevant RCTs were identified from electronic databases for meta-analysis of the surgical outcomes and complications of MTURP and PVP. Meta-analytical comparisons were made using qualitative and quantitative syntheses. The outcome variables are presented as odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

In total, 11 articles were included in this comparative analysis of PVP versus MTURP. Most of the recently published studies exhibited low risk in terms of quality assessment. MTURP was superior to PVP regarding operative time; however, with regard to catheterization and hospitalization time, the mean differences were -1.39 (95% CI=-1.83~-0.95, p<0.001) and -2.21 (95% CI=-2.73~-1.69, p<0.001), respectively, in favor of PVP. PVP was superior to MTURP with regard to transfusion rate and clot retention, but no statistically significant differences were found with regard to acute urinary retention and urinary tract infection. The long-term complications of bladder neck contracture and urethral stricture showed no statistically significant differences between PVP and MTURP. Long-term functional outcomes, including the International Prostate Symptom Score and maximum flow rate, likewise did not display statistically significant differences between PVP and MTURP.

Conclusions

Based on our findings, we believe that PVP should be considered as an alternative surgical procedure for treating male lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Comparison of High, Intermediate, and Low Frequency Shock Wave Lithotripsy for Urinary Tract Stone Disease: Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

To perform a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to determine the optimal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) frequency range for treating urinary stones, i.e., high-frequency (100-120 waves/minute), intermediate-frequency (80-90 waves/minute), and low-frequency (60-70 waves/minute) lithotripsy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Relevant RCTs were identified from electronic databases for meta-analysis of SWL success and complication rates. Using pairwise and network meta-analyses, comparisons were made by qualitative and quantitative syntheses. Outcome variables are provided as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Thirteen articles were included in the qualitative and quantitative synthesis using pairwise and network meta-analyses. On pairwise meta-analyses, comparable inter-study heterogeneity was observed for the success rate. On network meta-analyses, the success rates of low- (OR 2.2; 95% CI 1.5-2.6) and intermediate-frequency SWL (OR 2.5; 95% CI 1.3-4.6) were higher than high-frequency SWL. Forest plots from the network meta-analysis showed no significant differences in the success rate between low-frequency SWL versus intermediate-frequency SWL (OR 0.87; 95% CI 0.51-1.7). There were no differences in complication rate across different SWL frequency ranges. By rank-probability testing, intermediate-frequency SWL was ranked highest for success rate, followed by low-frequency and high-frequency SWL. Low-frequency SWL was also ranked highest for low complication rate, with high- and intermediate-frequency SWL ranked lower.

CONCLUSIONS

Intermediate- and low-frequency SWL have better treatment outcomes than high-frequency SWL when considering both efficacy and complication.

Simple Modification of the Bladder Outlet Obstruction Index for Better Prediction of Endoscopically-Proven Prostatic Obstruction: A Preliminary Study

Purpose

The bladder outlet obstruction index (BOOI), also known as the Abrams-Griffiths (AG) number, is the most widely used index for predicting BOO. However, the obstructed prostatic urethra determined by the BOOI is often inconsistent with endoscopically-proven obstruction. We assessed abdominal straining pattern as a novel parameter for improving the prediction of BOO.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the pressure-flow studies (PFS) and cystourethroscopy in 176 BPH/LUTS patients who were unresponsive to medical therapy. During PFS, some groups of patients tried to urinate with abdominal straining, which can increases intravesical pressure and underestimate BOOI theoretically. Accordingly, the modified BOOI was defined as (P_detQ_max+ΔP_abd)-2Q_max.

Results

Ultimately, 130 patients were eligible for the analysis. In PFS, ΔP_abd (P_abdQ_max-initial P_abd) was 11.81±13.04 cmH₂O, and it was 0–9 cmH₂O in 75 (57.7%), 10–19 cmH₂O in 23 (17.7%) and ≥20 cmH₂O in 32 (24.6%) patients. An endoscopically obstructed prostatic urethra in 92 patients was correctly determined in 47 patients (51.1%) by the original BOOI versus 72 patients (78.3%) based on the modified BOOI. Meanwhile, an “unobstructed” urethra according to the original BOOI was present in 11 patients (12.0%), whereas according to the modified BOOI, only 2 (2.1%) would be labeled as “unobstructed”. In receiver operating characteristic curves, the area under the curve was 0.906 using the modified BOOI number versus 0.849 in the original BOOI (p<0.05).

Conclusions

The change in abdominal pressure was correlated with endoscopically-proven obstruction. Our simple modification of the BOOI on the basis of this finding better predicted bladder outlet obstruction and, therefore, should be considered when evaluating BOO in patients with LUTS/BPH.

A network meta-analysis of therapeutic outcomes after new image technology-assisted transurethral resection for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer: 5-aminolaevulinic acid fluorescence vs hexylaminolevulinate fluorescence vs narrow band imaging

Background

This study included a network meta-analysis of evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the therapeutic outcome of transurethral resection (TUR) in patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer assisted by photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) employing 5-aminolaevulinic acid (5-ALA) or hexylaminolevulinate (HAL) or by narrow band imaging (NBI).

Methods

Relevant RCTs were identified from electronic databases. The proceedings of relevant congresses were also searched. Fifteen articles based on RCTs were included in the analysis, and the comparisons were made by qualitative and quantitative syntheses using pairwise and network meta-analyses.

Results

Seven of 15 RCTs were at moderate risk of bias for all quality criteria and two studies were classified as having a high risk of bias. The recurrence rate of cancers resected with 5-ALA-based PDD was lower than of those resected using HAL-based PDD (odds ratio (OR) = 0.48, 95 % confidence interval (CI) [0.26–0.95]) but was not significantly different than those resected with NBI (OR = 0.53, 95 % CI [0.26–1.09]). The recurrence rate of cancers resected using HAL-based PDD versus NBI did not significantly differ (OR = 1.11, 95 % CI [0.55–2.1]). All cancers resected using 5-ALA-based PDD, HAL-based PDD, or NBI recurred at a lower rate than those resected using white light cystoscopy (WLC). No difference in progression rate was observed between cancers resected by all methods investigated.

Conclusions

The recurrence rate of some bladder cancers can be decreased by the implementation of either PDD- and NBI-assisted TUR; in real settings, clinicians should consider replacing WLC as the standard imaging technology to guide TUR.

The beneficial effect of alpha-blockers for ureteral stent-related discomfort: systematic review and network meta-analysis for alfuzosin versus tamsulosin versus placebo

Background

This study was carried out a network meta-analysis of evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate stent-related discomfort in patients with alfuzosin or tamsulosin versus placebo.

Methods

Relevant RCTs were identified from electronic databases. The proceedings of appropriate meetings were also searched. Seven articles on the basis of RCTs were included in our meta-analysis. Using pairwise and network meta-analyses, comparisons were made by qualitative and quantitative syntheses. Evaluation was performed with the Ureteric Stent Symptoms Questionnaire to assess the urinary symptom score (USS) and body pain score (BPS).

Results

One of the seven RCTs was at moderate risk of bias for all quality criteria; two studies had a high risk of bias. In the network meta-analysis, both alfuzosin (mean difference [MD];−4.85, 95 % confidence interval [CI];−8.53–−1.33) and tamsulosin (MD;−8.84, 95 % CI;−13.08–−4.31) showed lower scores compared with placebo; however, the difference in USS for alfuzosin versus tamsulosin was not significant (MD; 3.99, 95 % CI;−1.23–9.04). Alfuzosin (MD;−5.71, 95 % CI;−11.32–−0.52) and tamsulosin (MD;−7.77, 95 % CI;−13.68–−2.14) showed lower scores for BPS compared with placebo; however, the MD between alfuzosin and tamsulosin was not significant (MD; 2.12, 95 % CI;−4.62–8.72). In the rank-probability test, tamsulosin ranked highest for USS and BPS, and alfuzosin was second.

Conclusion

The alpha-blockers significantly decreased USS and BPS in comparison with placebo. Tamsulosin might be more effective than alfuzosin.

Clinical significance of peripheral zone thickness in men with lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hyperplasia

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical impact of prostate peripheral zone thickness (PZT), based on presumed circle area ratio (PCAR) theory, on urinary symptoms in men with lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH) as a novel prostate parameter.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Medical records were obtained from a prospective database of first-visit men with LUTS/BPH. Age, international prostate symptom score (IPSS), overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax ), and post-void residual urine volume (PVR) were assessed. Total prostate volume (TPV), transition zone volume (TZV), transition zone index (TZI), and PZT were measured by transrectal ultrasonography. Reliability analysis was also performed.

RESULTS

In all, 1009 patients were enrolled for the analysis. The mean (sd) PZT was 11.10 (2.50) mm, and patients were classified into three groups PZT thickness groups; PZT <9.5 mm, ≥9.5 to <13 mm, and ≥13 mm. As the PZT became smaller, all urinary symptom scores including IPSS, quality of life (QoL), and OABSS significantly increased. Uroflowmetry variables, such as Qmax and PVR, also showed significant differences. PZT showed a high intra-class correlation coefficient (0.896). Multivariate analysis revealed that the PZT was independently associated with IPSS (P < 0.001), QoL (P = 0.003), OABSS (P = 0.001), and PVR (P = 0.001), but PZT influence on Qmax was only of borderline significance (P = 0.055).

CONCLUSION

PZT is a novel, easy-to-measure prostate parameter that is significantly associated with urinary symptoms. Our present findings suggest that clinical usefulness of PZT should be further validated for managing men with LUTS/BPH.

Impact of colic pain as a significant factor for predicting the stone free rate of one-session shock wave lithotripsy for treating ureter stones: a Bayesian logistic regression model analysis

Purpose

This study was conducted to evaluate colic pain as a prognostic pretreatment factor that can influence ureter stone clearance and to estimate the probability of stone-free status in shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) patients with a ureter stone.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 1,418 patients who underwent their first SWL between 2005 and 2013. Among these patients, 551 had a ureter stone measuring 4–20 mm and were thus eligible for our analyses. The colic pain as the chief complaint was defined as either subjective flank pain during history taking and physical examination. Propensity-scores for established for colic pain was calculated for each patient using multivariate logistic regression based upon the following covariates: age, maximal stone length (MSL), and mean stone density (MSD). Each factor was evaluated as predictor for stone-free status by Bayesian and non-Bayesian logistic regression model.

Results

After propensity-score matching, 217 patients were extracted in each group from the total patient cohort. There were no statistical differences in variables used in propensity- score matching. One-session success and stone-free rate were also higher in the painful group (73.7% and 71.0%, respectively) than in the painless group (63.6% and 60.4%, respectively). In multivariate non-Bayesian and Bayesian logistic regression models, a painful stone, shorter MSL, and lower MSD were significant factors for one-session stone-free status in patients who underwent SWL.

Conclusions

Colic pain in patients with ureter calculi was one of the significant predicting factors including MSL and MSD for one-session stone-free status of SWL.

Is periurethral calcification associated with urinary flow rate and symptom severity in men with lower urinary tract symptoms-benign prostatic hyperplasia? A retrospective review

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association of periurethral calcification (PUC) with urine flow rate and symptom severity in men with lower urinary tract symptoms-benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS-BPH).

METHODS

The records of 1199 LUTS-BPH patients were obtained from a prospectively maintained database of men on their first visit from April 2010 to April 2013. Patients with incomplete data or comorbidities affecting voiding function were excluded. The degree of PUC was scored by evaluating the ratio of the calcified urethra to the entire prostatic urethra on the midsagittal plane of a transrectal ultrasonogram. The relationships between prostate-related parameters, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and uroflowmetric parameters were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 1030 patients were eligible for final analysis. There were 654 patients (63.5%) with no PUC, 233 (22.6%) with mild PUC, and 143 (13.9%) with moderate to severe PUC. The total IPSS was 16.21 ± 7.29, 17.74 ± 7.77, and 17.75 ± 7.60 in no, mild, and moderate to severe PUC groups, respectively (P = .007), whereas peak urinary flow rate (Qmax) was 15.05 ± 7.59, 13.62 ± 6.68, and 12.20 ± 6.39 mL/s, respectively (P <.001). In an age-adjusted partial correlation test, PUC significantly associated with total IPSS, the storage symptom score, and Qmax (P <.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that PUC independently associated with Qmax (P = .012), total IPSS (P = .042), and the storage symptom score (P = .018) but not with postvoid residue, the voiding symptom score, or the postmicturition symptom score.

CONCLUSION

PUC is independently associated with Qmax and urinary symptoms indirectly advocating for the recent idea that periurethral fibrosis and stiffness could cause LUTS-BPH in men.

Association of body composition with bone mineral density in northern Chinese men by different criteria for obesity

With impressive economic development, obesity has emerged as a critical public health issue in China. Recently it was reported that obesity has taken an adverse effect on osteoporosis. Because there is different body mass index (BMI) for obesity globally, studies based on BMI levels on association of obesity with osteoporosis were quite few. Therefore, we discussed the relationship of body composition with skeletal BMD according to WHO BMI and BMI on Working Group on Obesity in China (WGOC).

METHODS

A total of 502 adult men aged 20-89 were enrolled as healthy subjects for osteoporosis study at Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University between September 2008 and August 2010. According to WHO BMI, all subjects were divided into three groups: normal weight (18.5 ≤ BMI < 25 kg/m(2), n = 202), overweight (25 ≤ BMI < 30 kg/m(2), n = 242), and obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m(2), n = 58). According to WGOC BMI, normal weight (18.5 ≤ BMI < 24 kg/m(2), n = 137), overweight (24 ≤ BMI < 28 kg/m(2), n = 225), and obesity (BMI ≥ 28 kg/m(2), n = 140). Total body and regional BMD, lean mass (LM), lean body mass index (LBMI), fat mass (FM), percent body fat (%BF) and fat mass index (FMI) were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Age-partial Pearson correlation analyses between body composition-related parameters and BMD. Multiple regression analyses were performed to explore the associations of BMD with LM, LBMI, FM, %BF and FMI.

RESULTS

Fat mass (FM), %BF, FMI, LM and LBMI were positively correlated with BMD at almost sites (P < 0.001) in all subjects. However, the relationship was not different among groups. LM, LBMI, FM and FMI were positively correlated with BMD (P < 0.01) in normal weight. LM and LBMI appeared significantly positive with BMD in overweight and obesity according to WHO and WGOC criteria. %BF and FMI were negative significance with BMD at total body and some regional BMD according to WHO criteria in overweight (P < 0.05). In two obese groups, %BF appeared negatively significant with BMD (P < 0.05) according to WGOC criteria, and %BF and FMI appeared negatively significant with BMD (P < 0.05) according to WHO criteria. In regression of independent variables as FM and LM, LM showed statistically positively significant relations with BMD at almost sites (P < 0.05) in all groups. FM appeared positively significant with BMD in normal groups and overweight group according to WGOC criteria. In regression of independent variables as %BF and FMI, %BF and FMI appeared statistically negatively significant relations with BMD in overweight and obesity, but %BF and FMI were inconsistent in same site.

CONCLUSIONS

Lean mass (LM) and LBMI could help to determinant of BMD, and %BF and FMI were adverse to BMD in overweight and obesity. Comparing with two criteria, we found the differences in fat-related parameters and BMD according to WHO criteria were more obvious than that according to WGOC criteria. We also found that %BF and FMI were useful to research the relationship between osteoporosis and obesity at the same time.

Meta-Analysis of the Relationship between CXCR4 Expression and Metastasis in Prostate Cancer

PURPOSE

Experimental studies have suggested that the stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF-1)/CXCR4 axis is associated with tumor aggressiveness and metastasis in several malignancies. We performed a meta-analysis to elucidate the relationship between CXCR4 expression and the clinicopathological features of prostate cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data were collected from studies comparing Gleason score, T stage, and the presence of metastasis with CXCR4 levels in human prostate cancer samples. The studies were pooled, and the odds ratio (OR) of CXCR4 expression for clinical and pathological variables was calculated.

RESULTS

Five articles were eligible for the current meta-analysis. We found no relationship between CXCR4 expression and Gleason score (<7 vs. ≥7). The forest plot using the fixed-effects model indicated an OR of 1.585 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.793~3.171; p=0.193). Further, CXCR4 expression was not associated with the T stage (<T3 vs. ≥T3), and the relevant meta-analysis showed OR=1.803 (95% CI: 0.756~4.297, p=0.183). However, increased CXCR4 expression was strongly associated with metastatic disease with a fixed-effects pooled OR of 7.459 (95% CI: 2.665~20.878, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis showed that the higher CXCR4 protein expression in prostate cancer specimens is significantly associated with the presence of metastatic disease. This supports previous experimental data supporting the role played by the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis in metastasis.

Investigation of thermal and electrical stabilities of a GdBCO coil using grease as an insulation material for practical superconducting applications

This paper presents the effects of thermal grease on the electrical and thermal characteristics of GdBCO pancake coils, observed through charge-discharge, sudden discharge, over-current, and thermal quench testing. In charge-discharge and sudden discharge tests, a coil using thermal grease as an insulation material demonstrated faster charging/discharging rates compared to a coil without turn-to-turn insulation. In the case of over-current tests, the coil using thermal grease exhibited the highest electrical stability. Furthermore, thermal quench testing showed the coil employing thermal grease to possess superior thermal characteristics, with rapid cooling and low temperature rise. Overall, the use of thermal grease as an insulation material may be a potential solution to the problems observed with the existing insulation materials, possessing fast charging/discharging rates with superior thermal and electrical stabilities.

Correlation of prostatic urethral angle with the severity of urinary symptom and peak flow rate in men with small prostate volume

Purpose

To evaluate the effects of prostatic anatomical factors on male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and the peak flow rate (Qmax) in patients with small prostate volume (PV).

Materials and Methods

Records were obtained from a prospectively maintained database of first-visit men with LUTS. Patients whose total PV (TPV) was greater than 30 mL were excluded; 444 patients were enrolled in the study. The TPV, transitional zone volume (TZV), transitional zone index (TZI), intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP), and prostatic urethral angle (PUA) were measured by transrectal ultrasonography. LUTS were evaluated using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) questionnaires. Uroflowmetric measurements were also made.

Results

PUA (r = 0.269, P<0.001), TZV (r = 0.160, P<0.001), and TZI (r = 0.109, P = 0.022) significantly correlated with the IPSS. Qmax (r = −0.334, P<0.001) and OABSS (r = 0.211, P<0.001) correlated only with PUA. In a multivariate regression analysis, PUA and age were independently associated with IPSS, OABSS, and Qmax. For IPSS of 20 or greater, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of PUA was 0.667 and the cut-off value was 43.7°. When Qmax was 10 mL/s or less, the AUC of PUA was 0.664 and the cut-off value was 43.5°.

Conclusions

PUA has a significant association with symptom severity and Qmax among prostatic anatomical factors analyzed in men with LUTS and small PV. PUA should be considered as an important clinical factor in male LUTS management. Furthermore, the impact of PUA on response to medical treatment and disease progression needs to be investigated.

Impact of surgical varicocele repair on pregnancy rate in subfertile men with clinical varicocele and impaired semen quality: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Purpose

To elucidate the impact of surgical varicocele repair on the pregnancy rate through new meta-analyses of randomized clinical trials that compared surgical varicocele repair and observation.

Materials and Methods

The PubMed and Embase online databases were searched for studies released before December 2012. References were manually reviewed, and two researchers independently extracted the data. To assess the quality of the studies, the Cochrane risk of bias as a quality assessment tool for randomized controlled trials was applied.

Results

Seven randomized clinical trials were included in our meta-analyses, all of which compared pregnancy outcomes between surgical varicocele repair and control. There were differences in enrollment criteria among the studies. Four studies included patients with clinical varicocele, but three studies enrolled patients with subclinical varicocele. Meanwhile, four trials enrolled patients with impaired semen quality only, but the other three trials did not. In a meta-analysis of all seven trials, a forest plot using the random-effects model showed an odds ratio (OR) of 1.90 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77 to 4.66; p=0.1621). However, for subanalysis of three studies that included patients with clinical varicocele and abnormal semen parameters, the fixed-effects pooled OR was significant (OR, 4.15; 95% CI, 2.31 to 7.45; p<0.001), favoring varicocelectomy.

Conclusions

Varicocelectomy for male subfertility is proven effective in men with clinical varicocele and impaired semen quality. Therefore, surgical repair should be offered as the first-line treatment of clinical varicocele in subfertile men.

Evaluation of patient outcome after discontinuation of alfuzosin treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia: a multicentre, prospective study

AIMS

The aim of this study was to assess patient outcome after discontinuation of alfuzosin treatment in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

METHODS

This study included 200 BPH patients. Alpha-blockers were discontinued after 12 weeks of treatment when the International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS) was reduced to < 8 points, peak urine flow rate (Q(max)) was increased to ≥ 15 ml/s, the postvoiding residual (PVR) urine volume was ≤ 100 ml and the patient agreed to discontinue treatment. Urinary symptoms of the patients were assessed at 4, 8, 12 and 24 weeks after discontinuation of medication, and surveys were performed asking whether patients wanted to restart administration of medication.

RESULTS

Of 200 enrolled patients, 142 (71.00%) received 12 weeks of treatment with 10 mg of alfuzosin. The medication was discontinued in 58 of 142 patients (40.85%) because urinary symptoms had improved. Among these patients, follow-up observations were performed for 49 patients up to 24 weeks after treatment discontinued. Of these 49 patients, 28 (57.14%) showed correct urination without a need to restart treatment up to 24 weeks after the medication was discontinued. The discontinuation group demonstrated improved voiding symptoms, including Q(max) and PVR, relative to the re-administration group at baseline. Furthermore, the discontinuation group showed a smaller prostate volume than the re-administration group (p = 0.045).

CONCLUSION

When patients with BPH displayed symptomatic improvement upon treatment with alpha-blockers, the improvements were maintained in a select subpopulation of patients without the need to re-administer the alpha-blockers.

Assessments of the quality of randomized controlled trials published in International Journal of Urology from 1994 to 2011

OBJECTIVES

Randomized controlled trials are one of the most reliable resources for assessing the effectiveness and safety of medical treatments. Low quality randomized controlled trials carry a large bias that can ultimately impair the reliability of their conclusions. The present study aimed to evaluate the quality of randomized controlled trials published in International Journal of Urology by using multiple quality assessment tools.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials articles published in International Journal of Urology were found using the PubMed MEDLINE database, and qualitative analysis was carried out with three distinct assessment tools: the Jadad scale, the van Tulder scale and the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool. The quality of randomized controlled trials was analyzed by publication year, type of subjects, intervention, presence of funding and whether an institutional review board reviewed the study.

RESULTS

A total of 68 randomized controlled trial articles were published among a total of 1399 original articles in International Journal of Urology. Among these randomized controlled trials, 10 (2.70%) were from 1994 to 1999, 23 (4.10%) were from 2000 to 2005 and 35 (4.00%) were from 2006 to 2011 (P = 0.494). On the assessment with the Jadad and van Tulder scale, the numbers and percentage of high quality randomized controlled trials increased over time. The studies that had institutional review board reviews, funding resources or that were carried out in multiple institutions had an increased percentage of high quality articles.

CONCLUSIONS

The numbers and percentage of high-quality randomized controlled trials published in International Journal of Urology have increased over time. Furthermore, randomized controlled trials with funding resources, institutional review board reviews or carried out in multiple institutions have been found to be of higher quality compared with others not presenting these features.