A scoping review on chordee correction in boys with ventral congenital penile curvature and hypospadias.

Introduction: Congenital penile curvature (PC), often concomitant with hypospadias, poses challenges in urology. Surgical correction techniques, including plication and corporotomy, lack standardized guidelines. This study aims to address the paucity of high-level evidence by comprehensively reviewing the outcomes of PC correction procedures in patients with and without hypospadias. This will inform clinical decision-making and provide insights for future research and meta-analyses. Methods: We conducted this scoping review in accordance with the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. An extensive literature search was performed and comparative studies published in English up to June 2023 were included. The studies were divided into three categories: PC without hypospadias, PC with hypospadias, and studies comparing two or more materials for covering the ventral corporotomy. Data extraction comprised author details, patient characteristics, study design, interventions, outcomes, and complications. Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Results: Forty-two studies were included in the review, which collectively comprised 3180 patients. Thirteen comparative studies reported the outcomes of surgery for congenital PC without hypospadias, 22 studies compared different techniques of PC correction in patients with hypospadias and 7 studies compared the type of materials for coverage following ventral corporotomy. In cases of PC without hypospadias, the most commonly reported surgery was the Nesbit's plication. For PC with hypospadias correction, the results of ventral corporotomy were superior to that of dorsal plication in most of the studies. The two-stage repair had better results when compared to the one-stage repair for patients with perineo-scrotal hypospadias. In studies comparing materials for coverage of ventral corporotomy, the tunica vaginalis flap or graft was utilized most commonly. The majority of the studies reported a success rate ranging from 85% to 100%. The methodological quality was high in all but four studies. Conclusion: Plication procedures are generally preferred for PC without hypospadias, but they result in penile shortening. For those with hypospadias, corporotomy is associated with superior outcomes than plication, especially for those with severe curvature and redo procedures. For ventral corporotomy coverage, the tunica vaginalis flap or graft is the most commonly reported tissue in the literature.

Temporal Trends in Semen Quality, Hormone Levels, and Substance Use Among Infertile Men in Pre- and Post-Cannabis Legalization Eras in Canada.

Background: The Cannabis Act (Bill C-45) was enacted in 2018, to legalize and regulate the use, production, and sale of nonmedical cannabis in Canada. While public health and safety implications of cannabis legalization have yet to be elucidated, the wide availability of cannabis necessitates health care providers to be knowledgeable about therapeutic potential and side effects of use. This study aimed to examine the temporal trends over two decades and the impact of the Cannabis Act in Canada, implemented in October 2018, on substance use, semen parameters, and testosterone levels of infertile men. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study from a prospectively maintained database of a single infertility clinic. Demographic, fertility, and substance use history were correlated with semen and hormone assessments. Temporal trends in cannabis use and semen quality between 2001 and 2021 were investigated and compared between pre-cannabis legalization eras (PRCL) and post-cannabis legalization eras (POCL). Results: Our cohort included 11,630 patients (9411 PRCL and 2230 POCL). Cannabis use increased by 8.4% per year (p<0.001), while alcohol and tobacco consumption declined (0.8% and 1.5% per year, p<0.05 and p=0.004, respectively). Similar trends were noticed in the POCL, with higher rates of cannabis use (22.4% vs. 12.9%, p<0.001) and decreased tobacco and alcohol intake (15.2% vs. 17.7%, p=0.005 and 50.5% vs. 55.2%, p<0.001, respectively) compared to the PRCL group. Semen concentration was lower in the POCL group (24.8±44.8 vs. 28.7±48.3 million/mL, p=0.03). Testosterone did not differ between the cohorts. Comparison between cannabis users (n=1715) and nonusers (n=9924) demonstrated a slight increase in sperm motility (25.9%±15.3% vs. 23.9%±15.0%, p=0.002) and decreased sperm concentration among users (27.6±53.5 vs. 23.9±15.0 million/mL, p=0.03). Conclusion: A nearly 10% rise in cannabis use in the POCL era was observed among men being investigated for infertility. Our data suggest cannabis use may be associated with an increase in testosterone, slightly improved sperm motility, and decreased sperm concentration.

Guideline of guidelines: follow-up after orchidectomy for clinical stage 1 testicular cancer.

Several medical organisations have developed evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis, management, and follow-up of testicular cancer. This article aimed to review, compare, and summarise the most updated international guidelines and surveillance protocols for clinical stage 1 (CS1) testicular cancer. We reviewed a total of 46 articles on proposed follow-up strategies for testicular cancer, and six clinical practice guidelines including four guidelines published by urological scientific associations and two guidelines published by medical oncology associations. Most of these guidelines have been developed by panels of experts with different backgrounds in clinical training, and geographic practise patterns, which explains the considerable variability between published schedules, and recommended follow-up intensity. We present you with a comprehensive review of the most important clinical practice guidelines and propose unifying recommendations based on the most up to date evidence to help standardise follow-up schedules based on patterns and risk of disease relapse.

Dorsal shortening vs. ventral lengthening for congenital ventral curvature in patients with/without severe hypospadias A meta-analysis of comparative studies.

INTRODUCTION: Herein, we compared surgical outcome of dorsal shortening (DS) vs. ventral lengthening (VL) for correcting congenital ventral curvatures. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed in September 2021 using the PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, CENTRAL, ProQuest, and Clinicaltrials.gov databases. Comparative studies were identified and evaluated according to Cochrane Collaboration recommendations. Assessed outcomes included success and complication rates, which were extrapolated for the respective odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses were performed according to congenital curvature, with or without severe hypospadias or recurrent curvatures (PROSPERO: CRD42021276193). RESULTS: Based on pooled effect estimates from 12 studies with 430 (DS 253, VL 177) cases of ventral curvature repair, VL rendered a better success rate for curvature correction (OR 4.20, 95% CI 2.11, 8.33) than DS, with comparable composite surgical complication rates (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.27, 2.18). Subgroup analysis showed that the success rate remained significantly better for VL among patients with associated severe hypospadias (OR 3.59, 95% CI 1.25, 10.26) and recurrent penile curvatures (OR 5.70, 95% CI 1.69, 19.21) but not among those with congenital curvature without hypospadias or those with mild hypospadias (OR 2.99, 95% CI 0.32, 27.57). CONCLUSIONS: For congenital curvature associated with severe hypospadias and recurrent curvatures, VL renders a modestly better success rate; however, careful selection of patients is key for best outcome.

Thulium fibre laser vs holmium: yttrium-aluminium-garnet laser lithotripsy for urolithiasis: meta-analysis of clinical studies.

OBJECTIVE: To compare and assess the clinical outcomes between thulium fibre laser (TFL) and holmium: yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Ho:YAG) laser endoscopic lithotripsy of urolithiasis through a meta-analysis of comparative clinical studies. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed in May 2022, grey literature search in July 2022. Comparative clinical studies were evaluated according to Cochrane recommendations. Assessed outcomes include the stone-free rate (SFR), complication rate, operative time (OT), laser utilisation time (LUT), ablation rate (stone volume/laser time), ablation efficiency (energy use/stone volume), total energy usage, degree of retropulsion, and hospital stay. Risk ratios (RRs) and standardised mean differences (SMDs) were extrapolated. Subgroup analyses, heterogeneity, publication bias, and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) assessment were performed. International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) registration: CRD42022300788. RESULTS: A total of 15 studies with 1698 cases were included in this review. The outcome of SFR showed no significant between-group difference (RR 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.99-1.20). However, subgroup analysis of TFL vs Ho:YAG with no pulse modulation showed a SFR favouring TFL (RR 1.11, 95% CI 1.01-1.23). The composite postoperative complication rate was comparable between the two intervention groups (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.66-1.43). OT, LUT and ablation rate were significantly better for TFL than Ho:YAG (SMD -1.19, 95% CI -1.85 to -0.52; SMD -1.67, 95% CI -2.62 to -0.72; SMD 0.59, 95% CI 0.15-1.03; respectively). The degree of retropulsion was significantly lower for TFL than Ho:YAG without pulse modulation (SMD -1.23, 95% CI -1.74 to -0.71). Ablation efficiency, total energy usage, and hospital stay were all comparable. Based on GRADE criteria, the evidence certainty was determined to be very low. CONCLUSION: Overall, there was no between-group difference for the SFR. However, compared to Ho:YAG with no pulse modulation, TFL rendered a better SFR. Shorter OT and LUT, a lesser degree of retropulsion, and a better ablation rate were noted in favour of the TFL. There was no overall between-group difference for composite postoperative complication rate, ablation efficiency, total energy usage, and hospital stay. Currently, the available clinical evidence was assessed to be of very low certainty.

Role of Lactate Dehydrogenase in Identifying Relapse for Patients With Stage I Testicular Cancer on Surveillance.

PURPOSE: Tumor markers alpha-fetoprotein, human chorionic gonadotropin, and lactate dehydrogenase assume a key role in the management of testicular germ cell tumors. While alpha-fetoprotein and human chorionic gonadotropin have modest sensitivity and specificity for germ cell tumors, lactate dehydrogenase has weak sensitivity and specificity. We explored the utility of lactate dehydrogenase in identifying relapse among stage I seminomatous and nonseminomatous germ cell tumors on surveillance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with a history of stage I testicular germ cell tumors were identified from a prospectively maintained database at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre from December 1980 to May 2021 and surveyed according to established institutional algorithm guidelines. The utility of lactate dehydrogenase elevation to independently detect germ cell tumor relapse was examined. RESULTS: Among 1,014 seminoma and 676 nonseminomatous germ cell tumor patients, 176 and 176 patients relapsed with a median time to relapse of 13.6 and 8.9 months, respectively. Imaging alone was the most common mode of relapse detection in 144 and 74 of seminoma and nonseminomatous germ cell tumor patients, respectively. Lactate dehydrogenase was elevated in 49 cases of seminoma and 38 cases of nonseminomatous germ cell tumors at relapse, but was never the sole relapse indicator. Among 350 seminoma and 311 nonseminomatous germ cell tumor patients who never relapsed, 210 and 233, respectively, had at least 1 elevated lactate dehydrogenase value. CONCLUSIONS: Lactate dehydrogenase alone did not independently contribute to early relapse detection in stage I seminoma or nonseminomatous germ cell tumor. Elevated lactate dehydrogenase values were documented in a high proportion of nonrelapsing seminoma and nonseminomatous germ cell tumor cases.

Salvage lymph node dissection for prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography (PET)-identified oligometastatic disease.

INTRODUCTION: The availability of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) imaging, particularly in the setting of rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) after definitive treatment, has led to oligometastatic prostate cancer being increasingly identified. Despite the enthusiasm surrounding treating oligometastatic disease, it has been relatively understudied. We sought to review our salvage lymphadenectomy experience in the PSMA PET/CT era. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients undergoing lymphadenectomy following curative-intent primary therapy with rising PSA who had undergone a PSMA PET/CT identifying oligometastatic disease (defined as ≤5 PSMA-avid lesions) between January 2016 and April 2020. The primary endpoint was complete response, defined as achieving a PSA <0.2 ng/ml without concomitant androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were included. Primary curative therapy included radical prostatectomy (86.4%) and brachytherapy (13.6%). Median PSA at salvage surgery was 1.72 ng/ml. Pelvic lymph node dissection was the most performed procedure (72.7%). Median node yield was 10.5, with a median of 1.5 positive nodes on pathology. Eight patients (36.4%) achieved PSA <0.2, with six (27.3%) remaining with PSA <0.2 after a median followup of 23.1 months. Nine (40.9%) had an initial PSA decline, but nadired ≥0.2, and in five (22.7%) the PSA rose immediately after surgery. Overall, ADT was started in seven patients (31.8%) at a median of 10.1 months post-salvage surgery. CONCLUSIONS: In our series of salvage dissection for PSMA-PET-detected nodal oligometastases, approximately a third achieved PSA <0.2; yet, it was only durable in 27%. Prospective trials of salvage nodal radiation are ongoing, however, more prospective trials of salvage node dissection are needed.

Supply the demand: Assessment of the feasibility of local nonurologists in relieving the burden of chronic indwelling catheters in a low-income country.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the high prevalence rates of urinary retention in sub-Saharan Africa, regional deficiencies in urological care have culminated in inadequate medical management and a backlog of urology cases. Our study examined the efficacy and safety of a surgical camp enlisting local non-urologists performing simple open prostatectomy on the rate of chronic catheter usage secondary to urinary retention. METHODS: We reported on a prospective case series of patients with chronic indwelling catheters who underwent open simple prostatectomy during a one-week urology camp in the Machinga District of Malawi. All operations were performed by a locally trained general surgeon and a clinical officer. RESULTS: Twenty-three (47.9%) of 48 male patients with urinary retention assessed for eligibility for open simple prostatectomy were deemed eligible and underwent the procedure. Of the patients who underwent an open simple prostatectomy, histopathological findings demonstrated benign prostatic hyperplasia in 19 patients (82.6%), while six patients (26.1%) had coincidental malignancy. At postoperative followup, the entire cohort was catheter-free and reported regular sexual activity and the ability to return to work, while 87.0% noted improvements in social integration and 34.8% cited higher self-esteem. Two patients required treatment for infection and one patient experienced fascial dehiscence. Two months following prostatectomy, all patients were catheter-free and able to void independently. CONCLUSIONS: Local surgical practitioners without formal urology training can successfully perform open simple prostatectomy to relieve patients of chronic indwelling catheters and assist in addressing the disease burden in a low-resource setting.

A scoping review of the clinical efficacy and safety of the novel thulium fiber laser: The rising star of laser lithotripsy.

INTRODUCTION: The holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Ho:YAG) laser is the gold standard for intracorporeal lithotripsy. Preclinical reports suggest the thulium laser fibre (TFL) may possess advantages over the Ho:YAG laser, including improved lithotripsy efficacy, enhanced safety, and lower costs. Although the TFL is well-characterized in-vitro, there are no reviews examining TFL lithotripsy in a clinical setting. METHODS: A review of the literature was conducted using a systematic search of MEDLINE, PubMed, and Embase, yielding a total of 130 manuscripts published up to May 2020. Two independent reviewers selected studies for screening, eligibility, and inclusion into the scoping review. Following the title, abstract, and full-text review, 14 articles were analyzed. RESULTS: Within these articles, there were 13 prospective cohort studies and one case series. The average sample size was 100 participants. Study followup durations ranged from four weeks to three months. TFL had comparable stone-free rates to Ho:YAG lasers and improved operating time. TFL was subjectively favorable in terms of stone retropulsion, stone fragmentation, endoscopic maneuverability, and endoscopic visibility. TFL appeared clinically safe and did not result in any major complications. Many studies were underpowered and non-peer-reviewed, demonstrating the need for additional research in this field. CONCLUSIONS: The TFL has the potential to catalyze a paradigm shift in laser lithotripsy. While the objective of this scoping review was to describe the contemporary landscape of the literature, it is important to consider that inferences posed by the studies described herein must be tempered by the low quality of available evidence.

Supply the demand: Assessment of the feasibility of local non-urologists in relieving the burden of chronic indwelling catheters in a low-income country.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the high prevalence rates of urinary retention in sub-Saharan Africa, regional deficiencies in urological care have culminated in inadequate medical management, and a backlog of urology cases. Our study examined the efficacy and safety of a surgical camp enlisting local non-urologists performing simple open prostatectomy on the rate of chronic catheter usage secondary to urinary retention. METHODS: We reported on a prospective case series of patients with chronic indwelling catheters who underwent open simple prostatectomy during a one-week urology camp in the Machinga District of Malawi. All operations were performed by a locally trained general surgeon and a clinical officer. RESULTS: Twenty-three (47.9%) of 48 male patients with urinary retention assessed for eligibility for open simple prostatectomy were deemed eligible and underwent the procedure. Of the patients who underwent an open simple prostatectomy, histopathological findings demonstrated benign prostatic hyperplasia in 19 patients (82.6%), while six patients (26.1%) had coincidental malignancy. At postoperative followup, the entire cohort was catheter-free and reported regular sexual activity and the ability to return to work, while 87.0% noted improvements in social integration and 34.8% cited higher self-esteem. Two patients required treatment for infection and one patient experienced fascial dehiscence. Two months following prostatectomy, all patients were catheter-free and able to void independently. CONCLUSIONS: Local surgical practitioners without formal urology training can successfully perform open simple prostatectomy to relieve patients of chronic indwelling catheters and assist in addressing the disease burden in a low-resource setting.

On convergence and asymptotic behaviour of semigroups of operators.

The classical and modern theorems on convergence, approximation and asymptotic stability of semigroups of operators are presented, and their applications to recent biological models are discussed. This article is part of the theme issue 'Semigroup applications everywhere'.

The association of Neurofibromatosis Type 1 and lower urinary tract dysfunction in the paediatric population - A critical review of literature.

INTRODUCTION: Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant, multisystem, neurocutaneous disorder. This condition has been associated with lower urinary tract dysfunction due to either direct genitourinary organ involvement or spinal cord compression. Based on current literature, there are no reviews examining the relationship between NF1 and lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) in the paediatric population. METHODS: A critical review of the literature was conducted using a systematic search of MEDLINE, PubMed and Embase yielding a total of 1285 manuscripts published up to 2019. Two independent reviewers selected studies for screening, eligibility and inclusion into the review. Following title, abstract and full-text review, 46 articles were analyzed. RESULTS: Within these 46 articles, 79 cases were presented. The mean patient age at the time of presentation was 6.97 ± 9.19 years. The most common urologic presentations were irritative lower urinary tract symptoms (30%) and a newly discovered abdominopelvic mass (21%). Diagnostic investigations commonly demonstrated a retrovesical mass with direct invasion of the bladder in 58 cases (73%) and other genitourinary organ involvement in 39 cases (39%). Throughout the total case volume, LUTD was present in 49%. Pathology of malignancy was most commonly malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour and rhabdomyosarcoma (20% and 14%, respectively). When indicated, surgical management of the lower urinary tract included both radical and partial cystectomy. Conservative management of urinary retention included clean intermittent catheterization (56%), suprapubic catheterization (22%), vesicostomy creation (11%) and mitrofanoff creation (11%). CONCLUSION: A complete urologic evaluation including clinical, radiologic, and possibly pathologic investigation is warranted and should be performed for both diagnosis and appropriate management of LUTD in patients with NF1.

Student Perspectives on the Impact of an Undergraduate Work-Integrated Learning Program on Admission and Transition to Medical School.

Work-integrated learning (WIL) is a form of education that integrates academic and workplace study. Such programs provide students the opportunity to concurrently develop cognitive and non-cognitive competencies. The purpose of this study is to explore which experiences and skills learned in a WIL placement are useful in applying to medical school and transitioning into the first year of a Doctor of Medicine program. All individuals who worked in the Rapid Response Radiotherapy Program (RRRP; WIL placement) since 2004 and had completed at least 1 year of medical school were invited to participate. Semi-formal interviews were conducted and transcribed. A thematic analysis was completed to identify recurring concepts, and quotes were selected to represent them. Of 39 eligible individuals, 14 agreed to participate (36%). Students identified the volume of work, achieving a work-life balance, and time management as challenges in first-year medical school. Five themes emerged regarding the impact of the RRRP on applying and transitioning to medical school: time management skills, mentorship opportunities, research experience, clinical experience, and career choice. WIL placements present a unique opportunity for undergraduate students interested in pursuing medicine to acquire skills and experiences that will help them succeed in applying and transitioning to medical school.

Use of corticosteroids for pain control in cancer patients with bone metastases: a comprehensive literature review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Despite a limited understanding of the exact mechanism, corticosteroids are commonly employed for pain control in patients with bone metastases. The aim of this review was to evaluate the efficacy of corticosteroid-mediated pain control in patients with bone metastases associated with solid cancers. RECENT FINDINGS: A literature search was conducted using OVID MEDLINE and Embase databases (from 1946 up to July 19, 2016). Studies involving patients with bone metastases receiving corticosteroids as the primary means of pain control were included. Screening and data extraction were conducted by paired reviewers, with consensus established by discussion, or a third adjudicator. A total of 12 studies were included. Rates of pain relief achieved with corticosteroid use varied from 30 to 70%, but generally reflected moderate pain control. Corticosteroid use significantly reduced the incidence of pain flare alongside radiotherapy, reportedly by almost half of baseline pain severity. Adverse events were not documented consistently across studies, though grade two to three hyperglycemia was noted in approximately 2% of patients by some studies. SUMMARY: Recent evidence suggests that short-term corticosteroid use may provide moderate pain and pain flare control with radiotherapy for patients with bone metastases. The risk of developing adverse effects should be carefully considered prior to therapy initiation on a case-by-case basis.

Clinical presentations of below knee bone metastases: a case series.

Bone metastases are a common complication of advanced malignancy; however, presentation of below-the-knee metastases, particularly affecting the fibula and tibia, are infrequently observed in both the clinical setting and the literature, and present a therapeutic challenge to patients and physicians alike. Due to the weight-bearing capacity of bones below-the-knee, the disruption of the structural and functional integrity of these bones can reduce mobility and thus quality of life. Treatment options for these patients include surgery, radiotherapy, and/or chemotherapy. Candidates for surgery typically have affected weightbearing bones. For patients not suitable for surgery, radiotherapy is prescribed for pain relief and bone remineralization. Herein, we report four cases in which two female and two male patients developed painful below knee metastases. Orthopedic surgery was consulted for all cases. Two patients underwent surgical fixation followed by radiotherapy, while the other two received palliative radiotherapy alone.

Time to the MRCA of a sample in a Wright-Fisher model with variable population size.

Determining the expected distribution of the time to the most recent common ancestor of a sample of individuals may deliver important information about the genetic markers and evolution of the population. In this paper, we introduce a new recursive algorithm to calculate the distribution of the time to the most recent common ancestor of the sample from a population evolved by any conditional multinomial sampling model. The most important advantage of our method is that it can be applied to a sample of any size drawn from a population regardless of its size growth pattern. We also present a very efficient method to implement and store the genealogy tree of the population evolved by the Galton-Watson process. In the final section we present results applied to a simulated population with a single bottleneck event and to real populations of known size histories.

Asymptotic behavior of a Moran model with mutations, drift and recombination among multiple loci.

In this paper, we extend the theoretical treatment of the Moran model of genetic drift with recombination and mutation, which was previously introduced by us for the case of two loci, to the case of n loci. Recombination, when considered in the Wright-Fisher model, makes it considerably less tractable. In the works of Griffiths, Hudson and Kaplan and their colleagues important properties were established using the coalescent approach. Other more recent approaches form a body of work to which we would like to contribute. The specific framework used in our paper allows finding close-form relationships, which however are limited to a set of distributions, which jointly characterize allelic states at a number of loci at the same or different chromosome(s) but which do not jointly characterize allelic states at a single locus on two or more chromosomes. However, the system is sufficiently rich to allow computing, albeit in general numerically, all possible multipoint linkage disequilibria under recombination, mutation and drift. We explore the algorithms enabling construction of the transition probability matrices of the Markov chain describing the process. We find that asymptotically the effects of recombination become indistinguishable, at least as characterized by the set of distributions we consider, from the effects of mutation and drift. Mathematically, the results are based on the foundations of the theory of semi-groups of operators. This approach allows generalization to any Markov-type mutation model. Based on these fundamental results, we explore the rates of convergence to the limit distribution, using Dobrushin's coefficient and spectral gap.