Laparoscopic Retrograde Nephrectomy as a Troubleshooting Technique to Prevent Open Conversion: The Technique Description With a Review of 40 Cases.

Introduction Laparoscopic nephrectomies are safe, with low complication rates in skilled hands. However, traditional approaches may be unsuitable for conditions such as post-renal abscesses, long-standing urinomas, non-functioning kidneys post-pyeloplasty, pyelolithotomies, post-partial nephrectomy recurrences, tuberculous kidneys, pyelonephritis, and redo-renal surgeries. This study describes a modified retrograde nephrectomy technique and its outcomes in 40 cases. Methods We reviewed 40 cases where the retrograde nephrectomy technique was used. Surgeons opted for this method based on intraoperative findings and initial difficulties in accessing the lower pole area. Results Traditional dissection was challenging due to adhesions in the lower pole. The retrograde technique, starting from the renal hilum, allowed early ligation of renal arteries and veins, reducing bleeding risks and facilitating safer caudal dissection. Conclusions The retrograde nephrectomy technique offers a safer and more efficient alternative for complex nephrectomies. Early vascular control minimizes hemorrhage risk, making it a valuable method in challenging renal surgeries.

Rapid detection of viral, bacterial, fungal, and oomycete pathogens on tomato with microneedles, LAMP on a microfluidic chip, and smartphone device.

Rapid detection of plant diseases before they escalate can improve disease control. Our team has developed rapid nucleic acid extraction methods with microneedles (MN) and combined these with LAMP assays for pathogen detection in the field. In this work, we developed LAMP assays for early blight (Alternaria linariae, A. alternata, and A. solani) and bacterial spot of tomato (Xanthomonas perforans) and validated these LAMP assays and two previously developed LAMP assays for tomato spotted wilt virus and late blight. Tomato plants were inoculated and disease severity was measured. Extractions were performed using MN and LAMP assays were run in tubes (with hydroxynaphthol blue) on a heat block or on a newly designed microfluidic slide chip on a heat block or a slide heater. Fluorescence on the microfluidic chip slides was visualized using EvaGreen and photographed on a smartphone. Plants inoculated with X. perforans or tomato spotted wilt virus tested positive prior to visible disease symptoms, while P. infestans and A. linariae were detected at the time of visual disease symptoms. LAMP assays were more sensitive than PCR and the limit of detection was 1 pg of DNA for both A. linariae and X. perforans. The LAMP assay designed for early blight detected all three species of Alternaria that infect tomato and is thus an Alternaria spp. assay. This study demonstrates the utility of rapid MN extraction followed by LAMP on a microfluidic chip for rapid diagnosis of four important tomato pathogens.

Comparing Functional Efficacy of Transforaminal vs Interlaminar Epidural Steroid Injection for Lumbar Disc Disease!! Do We Really Need Transforaminal Epidural Route Injections?

This study compared the functional efficacy of therapeutic transforaminal versus interlaminar epidural steroid injection. Adult patients were selected and randomized using an online research randomizer website and assigned into two groups and were given epidural injection either via transforaminal route or interlaminar route. The outcome was measured based on the Modified Japanese Orthopedic Association back index score (mJOA), Oswestry disability index (ODI), and visual analog scale (VAS) over a follow-up on 1st, 3rd, and 6th month postinjection period. It was found that there was no significant difference seen in m JOA, ODI, and VAS score at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months between transforaminal and interlaminar epidural steroid injection. Pain management in the epidural route was comparable to the interlaminar route. Even though the transforaminal epidural route has the advantage of being a selective nerve route block, it has similar results as the interlaminar route at 6 months follow-up.

Low-rate smartphone videoscopy for microsecond luminescence lifetime imaging with machine learning.

Time-resolved techniques have been widely used in time-gated and luminescence lifetime imaging. However, traditional time-resolved systems require expensive lab equipment such as high-speed excitation sources and detectors or complicated mechanical choppers to achieve high repetition rates. Here, we present a cost-effective and miniaturized smartphone lifetime imaging system integrated with a pulsed ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diode (LED) for 2D luminescence lifetime imaging using a videoscopy-based virtual chopper (V-chopper) mechanism combined with machine learning. The V-chopper method generates a series of time-delayed images between excitation pulses and smartphone gating so that the luminescence lifetime can be measured at each pixel using a relatively low acquisition frame rate (e.g. 30 frames per second [fps]) without the need for excitation synchronization. Europium (Eu) complex dyes with different luminescent lifetimes ranging from microseconds to seconds were used to demonstrate and evaluate the principle of V-chopper on a 3D-printed smartphone microscopy platform. A convolutional neural network (CNN) model was developed to automatically distinguish the gated images in different decay cycles with an accuracy of >99.5%. The current smartphone V-chopper system can detect lifetime down to ∼75 µs utilizing the default phase shift between the smartphone video rate and excitation pulses and in principle can detect much shorter lifetimes by accurately programming the time delay. This V-chopper methodology has eliminated the need for the expensive and complicated instruments used in traditional time-resolved detection and can greatly expand the applications of time-resolved lifetime technologies.

A Novel Technique of Renorrhaphy in Difficult Partial Nephrectomies by Single-Layered Parenchymal Imbrication.

Background In partial nephrectomies, achieving the trifecta outcome of negative tumor margins, no surgical complications, and minimal decline in renal function depends on various factors, with the complexity of the tumor described by the nephrometry score being chief among them. These factors often motivate surgeons toward a minimally invasive route even if the preferred route is an open approach. We describe an innovative renorrhaphy technique that overcomes the commonly encountered difficulty in reconstructing the renal parenchyma after resecting a complex tumor with a single-layered parenchymal imbrication (SLPI) technique. Methodology We conducted a retrospective review of case records of the patients who had undergone partial nephrectomies in our center from March 2017 to March 2021. The patients who underwent the SLPI technique were chosen, and data were extracted. Data collected included patients' preoperative imaging findings; intraoperative parameters such as ischemia time, blood loss, and number of renal arteries; and postoperative factors such as margin positivity rate, urine leak, secondary bleeding, follow-up imaging, and recurrence rates. Results A total of 28 patients were included in our study. The estimated blood loss was 234 mL (standard deviation [SD] = 55 mL), warm ischemia time was 31 minutes (SD 4 minutes), a hospital stay of 3 days (SD 2 days), two minor complications, two intraoperative complications, and one margin positivity. There were no major complications or recurrences. Conclusions The novel technique of SLPI renorrhaphy can help deal with complex renal masses and is an easily reproducible technique both in open and minimally invasive approaches.

The Impact of En-bloc Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumour on Clinical, Pathological and Oncological Outcomes: A Cohort Study.

Background En-bloc transurethral resection of bladder tissue (ETURBT) has recently been proposed as a good alternative technique to trans-urethral resection of bladder tissue (TURBT) in terms of outcomes for bladder carcinoma. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the technique in terms of clinical, pathological and oncological outcomes. Methodology In this prospective study, data was collected from patients who underwent ETURBT for bladder space-occupying lesions between June 2021 and June 2022. Demographic characteristics, tumour characteristics, and postoperative outcomes were recorded. Results A total of 52 patients were studied with the majority being male and a mean age of 50.87 years. Smoking was recorded in 22 (38.5%) patients and 8 (15.4%) were on antiplatelet therapy. The majority fell in the American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) class I (59.6%). Most of the tumours were solitary (90.4%), primary (82.8%), papillary architecture (73.1%), and between 1-3 cm in size. The lateral wall was the most common position, and detrusor muscle was seen in 98.1% of the specimens. T1 stage (57.7%) and low grade (67.3%) were the common characteristics noted. 76.9% of the ETURBT was conducted using monopolar cautery. Recurrence was noted in 3 (5.8%) and bladder perforation in 1 patient (1.9%). Cautery artifact was seen in six patients (11.5%) and obturator jerk in nine patients (17.3%). Conclusion Our study suggests that ETURBT is a technique with a good success rate for bladder tumours less than 3 cm in size. The benefits include high chances of detrusor sampling while minimising crush artefacts and cautery damage. Specimen retrieval was challenging when the bladder tumour was solid and over 2 cm.

Supine Versus Prone Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): A Single Surgeon's Experience.

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is one of the greatest advances in the field of urology and has been considered the gold standard in the treatment of renal calculi of more than 2 cm in size. While both the supine and prone positions offer their unique advantages, it is still being debated which position offers the most in terms of surgical outcomes. We have evaluated the two approaches in terms of operative time, success rate, stone clearance rate, safety, and complications. METHODS: This prospective cohort study was done in the urology department of a tertiary care center in South India between January 2018 and October 2020. A total of 166 patients, with 83 in supine and 83 in prone positions, were included in the study. RESULTS: Both groups were matched in terms of age, body mass index, stone size and location, co-morbidities, medications taken, presence of diverticular stone, history of surgery, and baseline creatinine level. Mean operative time and pain scores were noted to be less in supine position as compared to prone. Ease of puncture was superior in supine position. Stone residue was noted to be higher in supine PCNL as well. CONCLUSION: Supine PCNLs are preferred in high-risk patients while the prone position is preferred in bilateral PCNLs, complex anatomy, or larger stone burden.

Abaxial leaf surface-mounted multimodal wearable sensor for continuous plant physiology monitoring.

Wearable plant sensors hold tremendous potential for smart agriculture. We report a lower leaf surface-attached multimodal wearable sensor for continuous monitoring of plant physiology by tracking both biochemical and biophysical signals of the plant and its microenvironment. Sensors for detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs), temperature, and humidity are integrated into a single platform. The abaxial leaf attachment position is selected on the basis of the stomata density to improve the sensor signal strength. This versatile platform enables various stress monitoring applications, ranging from tracking plant water loss to early detection of plant pathogens. A machine learning model was also developed to analyze multichannel sensor data for quantitative detection of tomato spotted wilt virus as early as 4 days after inoculation. The model also evaluates different sensor combinations for early disease detection and predicts that minimally three sensors are required including the VOC sensors.

Antiviral Peptides in Antimicrobial Surface Coatings-From Current Techniques to Potential Applications.

The transmission of pathogens through contact with contaminated surfaces is an important route for the spread of infections. The recent outbreak of COVID-19 highlights the necessity to attenuate surface-mediated transmission. Currently, the disinfection and sanitization of surfaces are commonly performed in this regard. However, there are some disadvantages associated with these practices, including the development of antibiotic resistance, viral mutation, etc.; hence, a better strategy is necessary. In recent years, peptides have been studied to be utilized as a potential alternative. They are part of the host immune defense and have many potential in vivo applications in drug delivery, diagnostics, immunomodulation, etc. Additionally, the ability of peptides to interact with different molecules and membrane surfaces of microorganisms has made it possible to exploit them in ex vivo applications such as antimicrobial (antibacterial and antiviral) coatings. Although antibacterial peptide coatings have been studied extensively and proven to be effective, antiviral coatings are a more recent development. Therefore, this study aims to highlight antiviral coating strategies and the current practices and application of antiviral coating materials in personal protective equipment, healthcare devices, and textiles and surfaces in public settings. Here, we have presented a review on potential techniques to incorporate peptides in current surface coating strategies that will serve as a guide for developing cost-effective, sustainable and coherent antiviral surface coatings. We further our discussion to highlight some challenges of using peptides as a surface coating material and to examine future perspectives.

Influence of tumor size in the progression of venous tumor thrombus in renal cell carcinoma: A 7-year single-center experience.

Objective: The objective of the study is to describe the perioperative outcomes, disease-specific, and overall survival status in patients diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma with inferior vena cava (IVC) tumor thrombus. Patients and Methods: We did a retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent radical nephrectomy along with IVC thrombectomy from the year 2013 to 2020. Mayo's classification was used to stratify the level of IVC thrombus. Demographic, perioperative, histopathology data, complications, and survival status were analyzed. Results: Total number of patients included in the study was 39, (Male: Female = 84.6%: 15.4%). Median age of patients was 58 (interquartile range [IQR] 50-63) years. Median size of renal tumor (in cms) was 9.5 (IQR 7.5-12), 8 (IQR 7-11.5), 8.5 (IQR 7-11.75), and 11 (IQR 9.5-11) (P = 0.998) in level 1,2,3, and 4 tumors, respectively. Clear cell variant was seen in 32 patients (82%) with R0 resection in 17 patients. Twelve patients (30.7%) had systemic metastasis on presentation. The overall mean survival time was 66.4 months with 95% confidence interval (CI) (52.4-80.5 months). Mean recurrence-free survival is 76 months with (63-90) CI of 95%. Mean survival in patients who presented with metastasis is 47 months with 95% CI (52.4-80.5). Perioperative mortality rate was 5.12% in this study. Conclusion: The tumor size does not have an influence on the progression of tumor thrombus into IVC. Significant difference in survival was observed between different levels of thrombus with high mortality in level four tumors.

Rapid Extraction of Plant Nucleic Acids by Microneedle Patch for In-Field Detection of Plant Pathogens.

Plant diseases pose a significant threat to global food security. Molecular diagnosis currently plays a crucial role in mitigating the negative impacts of plant diseases by accurately identifying the disease-causing pathogens and revealing their genotypes. However, current molecular assays are constrained to the laboratory because of the cumbersome protocols involved in plant nucleic acid extraction. To streamline this, we have developed a polymeric microneedle (MN) patch-based nucleic acid extraction method, which can be applied to various plant tissues and easily performed in field settings without using bulky laboratory equipment. The MN patch instantly isolates both host and pathogen's DNA and RNA from plant leaves by two simple steps: press and rinse with a buffer solution or nuclease-free water. The MN-extracted DNA and RNA are purification-free and directly applicable to downstream molecular assays such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), and reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP). Here, we describe the fabrication procedures of the MN patch and demonstrate the application of the MN method by extracting Phytophthora infestans DNA and tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) RNA from infected tomato leaves. After MN extraction, we directly utilize the MN-extracted nucleic acid samples to run PCR, RT-PCR, LAMP, or RT-LAMP reactions to amplify various biomarker genes, such as the ribulose-bisphosphate carboxylase (rbcL) gene of host tomato DNA, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of P. infestans DNA, and nucleocapsid (N) gene of TSWV RNA. Furthermore, this simple and rapid nucleic acid method can be integrated with portable nucleic acid amplification platforms such as smartphone-based microscopy devices to achieve "sample-to-answer" detection of plant pathogens directly in the field.

Clinico-Radiological and Functional Outcome of Difficult Talipes Equinovarus Deformity Corrected With an Ilizarov Fixator.

Relapsed, resistant, and untreated congenital talipes equinovarus poses significant challenges in view of functional outcome following conventional serial casting and soft tissue release procedures. The Ilizarov ring fixator here offers significant possibilities as an extended conservative treatment modality. The aim of the present study was to critically evaluate effectiveness of the Ilizarov ring fixator with regard to radiological, clinical, and functional outcomes, in the difficult clubfeet. The study was carried out on patients presenting with relapsed, resistant, or untreated congenital talipes equinovarus deformity, who underwent deformity correction using the Ilizarov ring fixator application. All patients were reviewed at 6 monthly intervals for over 3 years following fixator removal with an objective clinical, radiological, and functional assessment. Twenty-three patients with 30 clubfeet were enrolled in our study. The mean age was 8.3 ± 3.6 (range 4-17) years. The postoperative clinical, radiological, and functional scores showed statistically significant improvement among all patients when compared with the preoperative data. All 30 feet developed varying complications during treatment with pin track infections being the most common. However, they were managed while continuing the distraction correction process. The Ilizarov ring fixator is an effective and reliable solution for difficult and challenging clubfeet. However, one must be aware of a strict adherence to a bracing protocol to avoid recurrence of deformities. A regular periodical functional and clinical follow up must be ensured among these children for a favorable outcome.

The impact of prehistoric human dispersals on the presence of tobacco-related oral cancer in Northeast India.

BACKGROUND: Northeast (NE) India is a subject of debate for predicting its involvement in prehistoric anatomically modern human (AMH) dispersal. The unique lifestyle and genetic characteristics of native ethnic groups in this region are believed to be responsible for their susceptibility to tobacco-related oral cancer (TrOC). The present study assessed mitochondrial macro-haplogroup (mHG) diversity and TrOC susceptibility autosomal loci to evaluate the impact of prehistoric AMH dispersal on the present day's high TrOC prevalence in major NE Indian ethnics. METHODS: We considered 175 unrelated individuals from 35 ethnic groups and previously published 374 sequences for sequencing-based assessment of mtDNA-based marker by subsequent analyses like haplogroup diversity, phylogenetic, genetic structure by AMOVA, and MDS, descriptive statistics of demographic parameters, and migration analysis. Besides, we selected prolonged tobacco-chewing 124 case-control individuals from similar ethnic backgrounds for genotyping 115 autosomal loci in Sequenom iPLEX MassARRAY™ platform and mined 1000genome data (n = 398) for consequent global admixture and ancestry-specific allele frequencies-based analyses. RESULTS: Our mtDNA-based findings suggested that NE populations were distinct from other Indian populations, owing to the first wave of migration from ancient southern China (∼54kya) and two successive spatial expansion events at âˆ¼45kya and âˆ¼43kya. Consequently, it probably acted as another source for prehistoric AMH dispersal in N/NE Asia. Besides, the second wave of back-migration from SE Asia (∼40kya) probably replaced the mitochondrial footprints of survivors from the first migrants and introduced the TrOC susceptibility traits in this region. Afterward, the autosomal marker-based observations on the transition of the disease-associated admixture component 'K6' from SE Asia reconfirmed these results. Moreover, we also observed that the mitochondrial mHG 'R' is significantly associated with the risk of TrOC (OR > 9.5) in NE India. Furthermore, the possible onset of the phenotypic expression of those traits was predicted at âˆ¼4kya, thus, contributing to present-day's TrOC prevalence. CONCLUSIONS: This study reflects its uniqueness by revealing an updated AMH dispersal route for the peopling in and out of NE India, which probably introduced the disease-causing traits in the ancestral NE Indian population. Those traits were then imprinted in their genome to get transferred through their respective generations, forming the present-day's TrOC-prevalent NE Indian population.

A Hemostatic Technique in Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy and Its Impact on Renal Function.

Purpose Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) has become popular in recent years for small renal masses. We describe a technique of suturing renal defects during RAPN that is reliable and quick, does not necessitate the need for hemostatic agents, and reduces perioperative complications. Materials and methods A total of 24 patients who underwent RAPN were included in the study period between 2013 and 2018 and data were analyzed. Perioperative and postoperative outcomes were measured and compared. Results The median tumor size was 4 cm. Median warm ischemia time was 41 minutes (IQR: 38-45 minutes) and estimated blood loss was 150 mL (IQR: 120-200 mL). There were no major intraoperative complications or conversions to open surgery. No urine leaks or postoperative bleedings were observed. Conclusion Our technique is safe and effective. It negates the use of hemostatic agents, decreases perioperative complications, and negates that determination of long-term renal function is not associated with prolonged warm ischemia time alone. Hence, we propose that our technique is safe in partial nephrectomy when the pelvic calyceal system and renal vessels are opened in multiple locations.

A Prospective Study on the Efficacy of Cognitive Targeted Transrectal Ultrasound Prostate Biopsy in Diagnosing Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer.

PURPOSE: We present our study, done to identify the diagnostic yield of cognitive targeted biopsy using mpMRI data, to diagnose clinically significant prostate cancers, in a cohort of biopsy and treatment naive men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective, single institutional study, done from September 2018 to March 2020 in 75 biopsy naive men. The patients with 3, 4 and 5 PIRADS scores underwent mpMRI cognitive target biopsy (mpMRI CTB) followed by standard biopsy (SB) in the same setting by two different urologists. Diagnostic yield of biopsy cores, complications, and stage migration of Gleason's grades was analyzed. RESULTS: Out of 75 patients, 34.6% had abnormal digital rectal examination (DRE), and the median serum PSA was 10.6 (4.5-20) ng/mL. Total MRI suspicious lesions were 163. Out of 1263 SB cores, 371 cores were positive for cancer (29.35%), and out of 326 mpMRI CTB cores, 120 were positive for cancer (36.8%) (P<0.0001). Histopathological examination (HPE) revealed 88%, 92%, and 100% clinically significant cancers in PIRADS 3, 4 and 5 lesions. SB and mpMRI CTB in combination have better cancer detection yield than either of the modality when used alone (P-<0.0001). Clavien-Dindo grade 1 and grade 4a complication were seen in 47 (62.6%) and three (4%) patients. CONCLUSION: In biopsy-naive men with suspected prostate cancer and equivocal DRE, the addition of pre-biopsy mpMRI detects greater numbers of people with clinically significant prostate cancer when compared with SB alone. Combining SB with mpMRI CTB has a superior diagnosing ability when compared with either of the biopsy modalities when used alone.

Integrated microneedle-smartphone nucleic acid amplification platform for in-field diagnosis of plant diseases.

We demonstrate an integrated microneedle (MN)-smartphone nucleic acid amplification platform for "sample-to-answer" diagnosis of multiplexed plant pathogens within 30 min. This portable system consists of a polymeric MN patch for rapid nucleic acid extraction within a minute and a 3D-printed smartphone imaging device for loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) reaction and detection. We expanded the extraction of the MN technology for DNA targets as in the previous study (ACS Nano, 2019, 13, 6540-6549) to more fragile RNA biomarkers, evaluated the storability of the extracted nucleic acid samples on MN surfaces, and developed a smartphone-based LAMP amplification and fluorescent reader device that can quantify four LAMP reactions on the same chip. In addition, we have found that the MN patch containing as few as a single needle tip successfully extracted enough RNA for RT-PCR or RT-LAMP analysis. Moreover, MN-extracted RNA samples remained stable on MN surfaces for up to three days. The MN-smartphone platform has been used to detect both Phytophthora infestans DNA and tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) RNA down to 1 pg, comparable to the results from a benchtop thermal cycler. Finally, multiplexed detection of P. infestans and TSWV through a single extraction from infected tomato leaves and amplification on the smartphone without benchtop equipment was demonstrated.

Day-case robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery: Feasibility and safety.

OBJECTIVE: The delivery of surgical services has undergone a shift in the past decade with increasing numbers of surgeries being performed in the daycare setting. Implementing a minimally invasive surgical approach with a robot with an enhanced recovery protocol permits robot-assisted laparoscopic surgeries (RALS) to be performed as a day-case (DC) procedure. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and safety of DC surgery according to our experience. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this prospective observational study, 43 patients underwent DC RALS performed by a single surgeon over 18 months [simple nephrectomy (n=7), radical nephrectomy (n=15), radical nephrectomy with para-aortic lymphadenectomy (n=5), and adrenalectomy (n=5)]. In addition, reconstructive urological procedures that included pyeloplasty (n=9), ureteroureterostomy (n=1), and bladder diverticulectomy with ureteric re-implantation (n=1) were performed as DC surgeries during this study period. RALS was performed in the standard way with an enhanced recovery pathway of care for DC. We collected data regarding the demographic information, medical comorbidities, preoperative outcomes, intraoperative outcomes, complications, length of stay, and readmission rates. The data were analyzed and evaluated. RESULTS: All the patients (100%) were successfully discharged on the same day with no major complications (Clavien-Dindo grade>I). The readmission rates were 0%. CONCLUSION: DC RALS are safe and feasible with an enhanced recovery protocol. With adequate protocols in place, these surgeries might prove to be better than the available minimally invasive techniques and can become the standard of care in the future.

In situ Management of Large Upper Ureteric Calculus by Mini-Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in the Era of Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study is to demonstrate the ease and success of in situ management of large upper ureteric stones with mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). METHODS: This was a prospective observational study conducted in the Department of Urology between January 2018 and June 2019. All patients underwent standard prone mini PCNL with 15Fr amplatz with 80 cases of fluoroscopic and 12 cases of ultrasound guided access. In three cases of tortuous ureters, wire was passed via retrograde catheter and retrieved via amplatz to straighten the ureter. Calculi fragmented with laser. RESULTS: A total of 77 patients were included in this study, 62 unilateral and 15 bilateral cases (92 renal units). The mean age was 45.4±13.7 years (range 17-71), male to female ratio was 61:16, the disease laterality (left: right) was 28:34. The mean stone size was 17.6±1.4 mm. Mean operative time was 22.4±1.5 min. 88% patients were discharged as day care. Complication rate was 6.5%, three patients had transient fever and two patients had distal migration of small fragments and they were extracted at the time of DJ stent removal by rigid ureteroscopy (100%). CONCLUSION: We conclude that it is easy and effective to deal with large upper ureteric calculus when it is in a fixed position. In situ management of large upper ureteric calculus by mini-PCNL can be done safely and effectively as it is a fast procedure, prevents unnecessary manoeuvres, less complication rates and has good stone clearance rates.

Bladder Neck Resection Combined with Ten Point Intralesional Mitomycin C Injection in Management of Refractory Bladder Neck Contracture in Post TURP Status: A Single-Center, 2-Year Experience.

PURPOSE: Bladder neck contracture is an annoying problem for patients as well as urologists. Recurrence still remains a common problem associated with significant morbidity. This study evaluated the efficacy and side effects of mitomycin C (MMC) which has anti-fibroblast as well as anti-collagen properties in the deterrence of bladder neck contracture (BNC) recurrence after transurethral bladder neck resection (TUBNR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients between March 2017 and April 2018 with extremely persistent BNCs who underwent multiple failed endoscopic procedures (≥3 times) were evaluated by using International Prostate Symptom Score (IPPS), uroflowmetry, quality of life (QOL) and post void residual urine (PVR) preoperatively. All patients underwent transurethral bladder neck resection (TUBNR) followed by ten-point intraoperative MMC injection, not exceeding a total dose of 2 mg (0.2 mg/mL), which was given circumferentially at the resected site, using Williams cystoscopic needle. Patients were reviewed at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years postoperatively. RESULTS: The procedure was done on a day care basis. The recurrence period prior to our treatment was 3.2 ± 1.3 months. The follow-up was for 24 months. Overall 80% (8 of 10) of patients demonstrated resolution of BNCs as well as sufficient flow rate which was evaluated by uroflowmetry, PVR, IPPS and QoL postoperatively. One patient had detrusor underactivity. Relapse was seen in two patients. None of the patients experienced any significant adverse effects related to MMC. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative ten-site injection of MMC after TUBNR can be regarded as a safe and efficient technique with no serious adverse event.

Advances in point-of-care nucleic acid extraction technologies for rapid diagnosis of human and plant diseases.

Global health and food security constantly face the challenge of emerging human and plant diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other pathogens. Disease outbreaks such as SARS, MERS, Swine Flu, Ebola, and COVID-19 (on-going) have caused suffering, death, and economic losses worldwide. To prevent the spread of disease and protect human populations, rapid point-of-care (POC) molecular diagnosis of human and plant diseases play an increasingly crucial role. Nucleic acid-based molecular diagnosis reveals valuable information at the genomic level about the identity of the disease-causing pathogens and their pathogenesis, which help researchers, healthcare professionals, and patients to detect the presence of pathogens, track the spread of disease, and guide treatment more efficiently. A typical nucleic acid-based diagnostic test consists of three major steps: nucleic acid extraction, amplification, and amplicon detection. Among these steps, nucleic acid extraction is the first step of sample preparation, which remains one of the main challenges when converting laboratory molecular assays into POC tests. Sample preparation from human and plant specimens is a time-consuming and multi-step process, which requires well-equipped laboratories and skilled lab personnel. To perform rapid molecular diagnosis in resource-limited settings, simpler and instrument-free nucleic acid extraction techniques are required to improve the speed of field detection with minimal human intervention. This review summarizes the recent advances in POC nucleic acid extraction technologies. In particular, this review focuses on novel devices or methods that have demonstrated applicability and robustness for the isolation of high-quality nucleic acid from complex raw samples, such as human blood, saliva, sputum, nasal swabs, urine, and plant tissues. The integration of these rapid nucleic acid preparation methods with miniaturized assay and sensor technologies would pave the road for the "sample-in-result-out" diagnosis of human and plant diseases, especially in remote or resource-limited settings.