Merging Two Models of One-Dimensional Convolutional Neural Networks to Improve the Differential Diagnosis between Acute Asthma and Bronchitis in Preschool Children.

(1) Background: Acute asthma and bronchitis are common infectious diseases in children that affect lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs), especially in preschool children (below six years). These diseases can be caused by viral or bacterial infections and are considered one of the main reasons for the increase in the number of deaths among children due to the rapid spread of infection, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). People sometimes confuse acute bronchitis and asthma because there are many overlapping symptoms, such as coughing, runny nose, chills, wheezing, and shortness of breath; therefore, many junior doctors face difficulty differentiating between cases of children in the emergency departments. This study aims to find a solution to improve the differential diagnosis between acute asthma and bronchitis, reducing time, effort, and money. The dataset was generated with 512 prospective cases in Iraq by a consultant pediatrician at Fallujah Teaching Hospital for Women and Children; each case contains 12 clinical features. The data collection period for this study lasted four months, from March 2022 to June 2022. (2) Methods: A novel method is proposed for merging two one-dimensional convolutional neural networks (2-1D-CNNs) and comparing the results with merging one-dimensional neural networks with long short-term memory (1D-CNNs + LSTM). (3) Results: The merged results (2-1D-CNNs) show an accuracy of 99.72% with AUC 1.0, then we merged 1D-CNNs with LSTM models to obtain the accuracy of 99.44% with AUC 99.96%. (4) Conclusions: The merging of 2-1D-CNNs is better because the hyperparameters of both models will be combined; therefore, high accuracy results will be obtained. The 1D-CNNs is the best artificial neural network technique for textual data, especially in healthcare; this study will help enhance junior and practitioner doctors' capabilities by the rapid detection and differentiation between acute bronchitis and asthma without referring to the consultant pediatrician in the hospitals.

The Daily Resistive Index measurement useful tool in the estimation of the optimal time interval between two Shock Wave Lithotripsy sessions.

OBJECTIVE: : To monitor the impact of Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL) on the renal resisive index (RI) and to investigate the potential of the RI measurement for the estimation of the optimal duration between 2 SWL sessions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty patients with single pelvis renalis stone were included. Participitants were grouped according to their age as group 1 (<40 years, mean age 36.2+/-3.9 years) and group 2 (>/=40 years, mean age 55.4+/-6.5 years). RI measurement was performed in of all patients prior to SWL. After SWL, RI was monitored daily until RI returned to their pre-SWL values. RESULTS: The mean stone size was 2 8.97+/-3.62 in group 1 and 10.08+/-4.67 mm in group 2 (p=0.077). Following SWL, the RI value of both goups increased and the higher RI value was measured at the 24th hour as compared with their pre-SWL values (p<0.001). In day 2 RI of the groups declined, but the differences were still statistically different from their pre-SWL RI values (p<0.001). However, on the third day, RI of group 1 was close to their pre-SWL level (p=0.143). But, in group 2, RI value returned to their pre-SWL limits on day 4 (p=0.229). CONCLUSIONS: RI measurement gives important data regarding SWL related acute renal trauma and should be used as an US marker for recovery after SWL.

Intrarenal Surgery vs Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in the Management of Lower Pole Stones Greater than 2 cm.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of RIRS and PNL in lower pole stones ≥ 2 cm. Materials and and Methods: A total of 109 patients who underwent PNL or RIRS for solitary lower pole stone between April 2009 and December 2012, were retrospectively analyzed. Lower pole stone was diagnosed with CT scan. Stone size was assessed as the longest axis of the stone. All patients were informed about the advantages, disadvantages and probable complications of both PNL and RIRS before the selection of the procedure. Patients decided the surgery type by themselves without being under any influences and written informed consent was obtained from all patients prior to the surgery. Patients were divided into two groups according to the patients' preference of surgery type. Group 1 consisted of 77 patients who underwent PNL and Group 2 consisted of 32 patients treated with RIRS. Stone free statuses, postoperative complications, operative time and hospitalization time were compared in both groups. RESULTS: There was no statistical significance between the two groups in mean age, stone size, stone laterality, mean follow-up periods and mean operative times. In PNL group, stone-free rate was 96.1% at first session and 100% after the additional procedure. In Group 2, stone-free rate was 90.6% at the first procedure and 100% after the additional procedure. The final stone-free rates and operative times were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: RIRS should be an effective treatment alternative to PNL in lower pole stones larger than 2 cm, especially in selected patients.

Intrarenal Surgery vs Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in the Management of Lower Pole Stones Greater than 2 cm

Purpose To compare the efficacy of RIRS and PNL in lower pole stones ≥2 cm. Materials and and Methods: A total of 109 patients who underwent PNL or RIRS for solitary lower pole stone between April 2009 and December 2012, were retrospectively analyzed. Lower pole stone was diagnosed with CT scan. Stone size was assessed as the longest axis of the stone. All patients were informed about the advantages, disadvantages and probable complications of both PNL and RIRS before the selection of the procedure. Patients decided the surgery type by themselves without being under any influences and written informed consent was obtained from all patients prior to the surgery. Patients were divided into two groups according to the patients’ preference of surgery type. Group 1 consisted of 77 patients who underwent PNL and Group 2 consisted of 32 patients treated with RIRS. Stone free statuses, postoperative complications, operative time and hospitalization time were compared in both groups. Results There was no statistical significance between the two groups in mean age, stone size, stone laterality, mean follow-up periods and mean operative times. In PNL group, stone-free rate was 96.1% at first session and 100% after the additional procedure. In Group 2, stone-free rate was 90.6% at the first procedure and 100% after the additional procedure. The final stone-free rates and operative times were similar in both groups. Conclusions RIRS should be an effective treatment alternative to PNL in lower pole stones larger than 2 cm, especially in selected patients. .

The measurement of the prostatic resistive index is a reliable ultrasonographic tool to stratify symptoms of patients with benign prosthatic hyperplasia.

AIMS: To evaluate the correlation between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and the resistive index (RI) of the transitional (TZ) and peripheral zone (PZ) of the prostate and to assess the impact of alpha blocker (AB) treatment on RI changes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: TZ-RI and PZ-RI values of 60 patients with LUTS were calculated by using transrectal ultrasound (TRUS). Correlations between the severity of LUTS and RI values were established. Then, AB was given to moderately and severe symptomatic patients with LUTS. One month after AB usage, TRUS was applied to assess the impact of AB on the TZ-RI, PZ-RI and the international prostate symptom score (IPSS). RESULTS: Participants were divided into 3 groups as mild (n=14), moderate (n=25) and severe symptomatic (n=21) patients. Mean TZ-RI and PZ-RI were statistically different between the three groups (p<0.01). TZ-RI and PZ-RI were correlated with the severity of LUTS (r=0.757, p<0.01 and r=0.699, p<0.01 respectively). A decrease in symptom severity and RI values in moderate and severe symptomatic groups were significant after AB treatment. CONCLUSIONS: TZ-RI and PZ-RI values can reflect the severity of LUTS and the AB treatment decreases the TZ-RI and the PZ-RI. Measuring the RI of the prostate by TRUS can be a useful tool to stratify LUTS's severity.

The incidence of postoperative ileus in patients who underwent robotic assisted radical prostatectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Our aim was to examine the incidence and risk factors of postoperative ileus among patients who underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 239 patients who underwent RARP transperitoneally between February 2009 and December 2011. Patients switched to open surgery were excluded. We defined postoperative ileus as intolerance of a solid diet continued until the third postoperative day and beyond. By Clavien classification, we evaluated the perioperative complications that cause or contribute to postoperative ileus. Similarly, we analyzed the impact of anesthesia risk score on the incidence of postoperative ileus. RESULTS: The study included 228 patients. The mean period to tolerate solid food was 1.24 days. Only 6 patients experienced postoperative ileus, all of whom were treated with a conservative approach. The two groups differed significantly in the duration of abdominal drainage, hospital stay, modified Clavien classification, and the presence of comorbidity diabetes mellitus (P <0.5 for all factors). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that diabetes mellitus was an independent risk factor for postoperative ileus. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that diabetes mellitus is an independent risk factor for postoperative ileus in patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

Is there a correlation between intravaginal ejaculatory latency time and enuresis? An exploratory study.

INTRODUCTION: Premature ejaculation (PE) is the most common male sexual dysfunction. Monosymptomatic enuresis (ME) is nocturnal bed wetting, without any daytime symptoms. Recent clinical studies report an association between lifelong PE and ME. The purpose of this study was to compare the intravaginal ejaculatory time (IELT) between lifelong PE in men with and without ME. The goal was to determine if there is an association between the severity of ME and of IELT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 137 men with lifelong PE were included in this study. Subjects were asked if they had childhood ME. The characteristics and mean IELTs of patients with and without ME were compared using the student's t-test, and the correlation between severity of ME and IELT was assessed with trend test. RESULTS: Of the 137 lifelong PE patients, 57 reported ME. There was a strong negative correlation in patients with ME between the severity of enuresis and IELT, with IELT being shorter in patients with severe ME. CONCLUSIONS: A strong correlation between IELT and the severity of ME suggests a common underlying mechanism. Further studies are required to confirm these findings and elucidate the exact pathophysiology.

Bilateral single-session retrograde intrarenal surgery for the treatment of bilateral renal stones.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bilateral single-session retrograde intrarenal surgery in the treatment of bilateral renal stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From December 2008 to February 2012, 42 patients who had undergone bilateral single-session retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) and laser lithotripsy were included in the study. The procedures were performed in the lithotomy position on an endoscopy table under general anesthesia, beginning on the side in which the stone size was smaller. Plain abdominal radiography, intravenous urograms (IVU), renal ultrasonography (USG) and / or non-contrast tomography (CT) scans were conducted for all patients. The success rate was defined as patients who were stone-free or only had residual fragment less than 4 mm. RESULTS: A total of 42 patients (28 male, 14 female) with a mean age 39.2 ± 14.2 were included in the present study. The mean stone size was 24.09 ± 6.37 mm with a mean operative time of 51.08 ± 15.22 minutes. The stone-free rates (SFR) were 92.8% and 97.6% after the first and second procedures, respectively. The average hospital stay was 1.37 ± 0.72 days. In two patients (4.7%), minor complications (Clavien I or II) were observed, whereas no major complications (Clavien III-V) or blood transfusions were noted in the studied group. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral single-session RIRS and laser lithotripsy can be performed safely and effectively with a high success rate and low complication rate in patients with bilateral renal stones.

Bilateral Single-Session Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery for the Treatment of Bilateral Renal Stones

Purpose The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bilateral single-session retrograde intrarenal surgery in the treatment of bilateral renal stones. Materials and Methods: From December 2008 to February 2012, 42 patients who had undergone bilateral single-session retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) and laser lithotripsy were included in the study. The procedures were performed in the lithotomy position on an endoscopy table under general anesthesia, beginning on the side in which the stone size was smaller. Plain abdominal radiography, intravenous urograms (IVU), renal ultrasonography (USG) and / or non-contrast tomography (CT) scans were conducted for all patients. The success rate was defined as patients who were stone-free or only had residual fragment less than 4 mm. Results A total of 42 patients (28 male, 14 female) with a mean age 39.2 ± 14.2 were included in the present study. The mean stone size was 24.09 ± 6.37 mm with a mean operative time of 51.08 ± 15.22 minutes. The stone-free rates (SFR) were 92.8% and 97.6% after the first and second procedures, respectively. The average hospital stay was 1.37 ± 0.72 days. In two patients (4.7%), minor complications (Clavien I or II) were observed, whereas no major complications (Clavien III-V) or blood transfusions were noted in the studied group. Conclusions Bilateral single-session RIRS and laser lithotripsy can be performed safely and effectively with a high success rate and low complication rate in patients with bilateral renal stones. .

Effect of morphine on lower urinary tract discomfort after transurethral resection of prostate under general anesthesia: a randomised clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Lower urinary tract (LUT) discomfort is a common complaint after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), and it may lead to agitation and restlessnes. We have evaluated the efficacy of morphine for preventing TURP-related LUT discomfort symptoms. METHODS: This was a prospective randomised study including 60 patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists class I and II) who were scheduled to undergo TURP. The patients were divided into two equally sized groups (group M: morphine, group C: control). A standartized anesthesia method was used. Group M patients received morphine 0.04 mg/kg intravenous (iv) in 100 ml of normal saline followed by an infusion of morphine for 24 h (0.01 mg/kg/h); group C patients received 100 ml normal saline 20 min before the expected extubation time, followed by a normal saline infusion which looked identical to that of the morphine infusion. The incidences and severity of LUT discomfort, postoperative pain, sedation level, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and respiratory depression were recorded at 0, 1, 2, 6, 12 and 24 h postoperatively. RESULTS: The incidence of LUT discomfort was lower in group M patients at all time points during the study (p < 0.05) except for 2 h postoperatively, and the severity of LUT discomfort was also lower this group at 0, 12 and 24 h postoperatively (p = 0.001, p = 0.04 and p = 0.02, respectively). Pain (numeric rating scale) scores were lower in group M patients at 0 (p = 0.003) and 6 h (p < 0.001). The need for rescue analgesic was lower in group M patients (19 patients in group C, 10 patients in group M; p = 0.04). The incidence of PONV was higher in group M patients (p = 0.03). The incidence of pruritus, respiratory depression and over-sedation were similar among the groups. CONCLUSION: Based on these results, we conclude that morphine effectively reduces LUT discomfort after TURP at a cost of postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Emergency ureteroscopic removal of ureteral calculi after first colic attack: is there any advantage?

OBJECTIVE: To comparatively evaluate the efficacy of ureteroscopic stone treatment immediately after the first colic attack and in an electively planned manner. METHODS: A total of 145 patients underwent semirigid ureteroscopic removal of obstructive ureteral calculi using 2 different approaches (group 1, 69 patients, and group 2, 76 patients). The 69 patients in group 1 were treated with appropriate medical therapy for a period of ≥7 days for colic pain and subsequently underwent either semirigid ureteroscopy or pneumatic lithotripsy in a planned manner. The 76 patients in group 2 underwent semirigid ureteroscopy after the first colic attack. The stone-free status, auxiliary procedures, and complications were evaluated between the 2 groups using the Mann-Whitney U test; for qualitative data, Fisher's exact test was used. RESULTS: Of the 145 patients who underwent semirigid ureteroscopy, the mean stone size was 11.80±3.95 mm and 8.32±2.08 mm in the 2 groups. No patient experienced a major complication during or after the procedure. The stone-free rate was 87% and 90.7% in groups 1 and 2, respectively. The mean readmission rate to the emergency department for the management of a colic attack was 3.03±2.84 in group 1; no patient in group 2 required readmission. CONCLUSION: Ureteroscopic stone removal immediately after the first colic attack in the cases of obstructive ureteral stones proved to be safe and effective. It has the main advantage of offering both immediate stone fragmentation and the relief of acute onset colic pain causing extreme discomfort.

Emergent stenting after uncomplicated ureteroscopy: evaluation of 23 patients.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the causes of emergent stent placement during the postoperative early period after uncomplicated ureteroscopy in 23 patients. METHODS: Of 276 uncomplicated ureteroscopy procedures performed for the management of ureteral calculi, double-J stent placement was necessary on an emergent basis in 23 patients because of intolerable colic pain and extreme patient discomfort. All stents were inserted within 24 hours after the procedure. RESULTS: Of the 23 patients requiring emergent stent placement, 14 were men and 9 were women. The stones had been located in the lower ureter in 11, mid-ureter in 6, and upper ureter in 6 patients. All patients had undergone an uncomplicated procedure with no complication evident either during or immediately after ureteroscopic stone management. The intraoperative findings for the 23 patients revealed extensive edema formation, unrecognized small stones embedded in the edematous ureteral wall, unpassed small fragments gathered at the orifice, obstructing blood clots, and kinking of the ureter. A retrospective evaluation of the operative CD recordings and radiographic findings clearly showed that a longer operative time, repeated access, management of a large stone, impacted calculi with ureteral wall edema, a mildly narrowed ureteral segment, ignored caliceal small calculi, and a recent history of urinary tract infection contributed to the need for postoperative intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Ureteral catheterization, at least in the form of overnight stent placement, might prevent the formation of transient ureteral obstruction, with resultant postoperative patient discomfort and colic pain evident in selected cases.

The evaluation of saphenofemoral insufficiency in primary adult varicocele.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible relationship between varicocele and saphenofemoral insufficiency in patients diagnosed with primary varicocele. A total of 70 patients with the primary diagnosis of varicocele were included into the study. A total of 30 age-matched healthy adults were also included in the study as a control group. Varicocele was diagnosed by palpation and observation of each spermatic cord in standing position before and during a valsalva maneuver. Additionally, scrotal Doppler and lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasonography were performed. Patients who were with spermatic varicose vein larger than 3.0 mm were included in the study group as a varicocele patient. At the lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasonography, a retrograde flow lasting longer than 0.5 seconds during normal breathing or at the valsalva maneuver was considered to be meaningful for saphenofemoral junction insufficiency. Thirty-six (51.35%) patients had insufficiency in saphenofemoral junction in the study group (6 [8.5%] bilateral, 30 [42.85%] unilateral) whereas 8 (26.6%) had insufficiency in the control group (2 [6.6%] bilateral, 6 [20%] unilateral insufficiency). The patients with primary varicocele had a statistically significant (P = .02) higher rate of venous insufficiency in their saphenofemoral junctions when compared with the control group. In the present study, the rate of saphenofemoral insufficiency has been found to be statistically higher in patients with primary varicocele compared with healthy men. Depending on the common presence of valvular insufficiency, we believe that the presence of varicocele should be investigated in the young population suffering from saphenofemoral junction insufficiency.

Clinical course of pediatric urolithiasis: follow-up data in a long-term basis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the natural course of the stone disease in pediatric patients from different perspectives among which the spontaneous passage and stone recurrence rates evaluated during the follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 142 children referring with primary urinary stone disease were evaluated and followed. All children in the study were divided into two groups with respect to the age (Group 1: 0-5 years and Group 2: 6-15 years). Children were followed with respect to spontaneous passage rates, recurrence-regrowth rates, physical as well as the renal growth rates. RESULTS: Stone recurrence has been noted in 44% of patients in group 1, this value was 31% in group 2. Children with at least one identifiable metabolic abnormality tended to have higher recurrence rates than the others despite conservative measures. The average stone recurrence rate in children without any metabolic abnormality was 14% and nearly 50% in children with an identifiable metabolic abnormality. CONCLUSIONS: We may emphasize that due to the high recurrence and re-growth rates, all children with urinary stone disease should be followed closely with regular visits. The evaluation of metabolic risk factors in children with renal stone disease is the basis of medical treatment aimed at preventing recurrent stone events and the growth of pre-existing calculi.

Does tamsulosin change the management of proximally located ureteral stones?

The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of an alpha-1 adrenergic receptor blocking agent on the spontaneous passage of proximal ureteral calculi < or =10 mm. 92 patients having single radio-opaque proximal ureteral stone < or =10 mm were randomized into two groups. Group 1 patients (n = 50) were followed with classical conservative approach and patients in Group 2 (n = 42) additionally received tamsulosin, 0.4 mg/day during 4 weeks follow-up. The stone passage rates, stone expulsion time, VAS score, change in colic episodes, and hospital re-admission rates for colicky pain were compared. The patients were furthermore stratified according to stone diameters <5 and 5-10 mm. The data of these subgroups were also compared. Stone expulsion rates showed statistically significant difference between tamsulosin receivers and non-receivers (35.7 vs 30%, p = 0.04). Time to stone expulsion period was also shortened in those receiving tamsulosin (8.4 +/- 3.3 vs 11.6 +/- 4.1 days, p = 0.015). Likewise, the mean VAS score and renal colic episodes during follow-up period were significantly diminished in Group 2 patients (4.5 +/- 2.3 vs 8.8 +/- 2.9, p < 0.01 and 66.6 vs 36%, p = 0.001, respectively). Among the stones <5 mm, tamsulosin receiving patients had higher spontaneous passage rate (71.4 vs 50%, p < 0.001). The prominent effect of tamsulosin on the 5-10 mm stones was the relocation of the stones to a more distal part of ureter (39.3 vs 18.7%, p = 0.001). Administration of tamsulosin in the medical management of proximal ureteral calculi can facilitate the spontaneous passage rate in the stone <5 mm and the relocation of the stones between 5 and 10 mm to more distal part of the ureter.

Family history in stone disease: how important is it for the onset of the disease and the incidence of recurrence?

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible effect of a positive family history on the age at the onset of urinary stone disease and the frequency of subsequent symptomatic episodes relating to the disease. Between March 2006 and April 2009, patients with either a newly diagnosed or a previously documented stone disease were included in the study program. They were required to fill in a questionnaire and divided into two groups according to the positive family history of stone disease; group I comprised patients with a family history for urinary calculi and group II those without. Depending on the data obtained from questionnaires, all patients were evaluated in detail with respect to the age at the onset of the stone disease, stone passage and interventions over time, time to first recurrence (time interval between the onset of the disease and the first recurrence), number of total stone episodes and recurrence intervals. 1,595 patients suffering from urolithiasis with the mean age of 41.7 (14-69 years) were evaluated with respect to their past history of the disease. There were 437 patients in group I and 1,158 in group II. There was no statistically significant difference between the mean age value of two groups (P = 0.09). When both genders in group I were analyzed separately, female patients tended to have higher rate of family history positivity than males. Comparative evaluation of the age at the onset of the disease between the two groups did reveal that stone formation occured at younger ages in patients with positive family history [P = 0.01 (males), P = 0.01 (females)] and the mean age of onset of the disease was lower in males than females in group I (P = 0.01). Patients in group I had relatively more stone episodes from the onset of the disease [P < 0.01 (2-4 episodes), P < 0.01 (>or=5 episodes)]. Male patients were associated with higher number of stone episodes (P = 0.01). Mean time interval between recurrences was noted to be significantly shorter in group I patients when compared with patients in group II [P < 0.01 (males), P = 0.02 (females)]. In conclusion, our results showed that urinary stone formation may occur at younger ages and that the frequency of symptom episodes may be higher in patients with a positive family history. We believe that the positive family history for urinary stone disease could give us valuable information concerning the onset as well as the severity of the disease.

The correlation between metabolic syndrome and prostatic growth in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relationship between metabolic syndrome and annual prostatic growth rates in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients. METHODS: The 78 BPH patients with lower urinary tract symptoms included in this prospective study were divided into two groups according to whether they had a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome. This diagnosis was made according to the most recent consensus report of the National Cholesterol Education Program's Third Adult Treatment Panel. Blood pressure, body weight, body height, and waist and hip circumferences were measured. The body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were calculated. Biochemical analyses including serum glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), insulin, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) were performed. Total prostate (TP) volume and transitional zone (TZ) volume were measured by transrectal ultrasound. Annual TP and TZ growth rates were calculated. RESULTS: BPH patients with metabolic syndrome (first group) had significantly higher median body weight, BMI, serum glucose, serum triglyceride, and PSA levels but lower serum HDL-C level, compared with BPH patients without metabolic syndrome (second group, p<0.05). Median annual TP growth rate (1.0 ml/yr) and median annual TZ growth rate (1.25 ml/yr) were significantly higher in the first group versus the second group (0.64 ml/yr and 0.93 ml/yr, respectively, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrates a further increase in prostate growth in BPH patients with metabolic syndrome. Future studies are needed to confirm our results and to explain underlying mechanisms.

An investigation of waste foundry sand in asphalt concrete mixtures.

A laboratory study regarding the reuse of waste foundry sand in asphalt concrete production by replacing a certain portion of aggregate with WFS was undertaken. The results showed that replacement of 10% aggregates with waste foundry sand was found to be the most suitable for asphalt concrete mixtures. Furthermore, the chemical and physical properties of waste foundry sand were analysed in the laboratory to determine the potential effect on the environment. The results indicated that the investigated waste foundry sand did not significantly affect the environment around the deposition

Use of natural zeolites as a landfill liner.

The purpose of this study is to investigate certain features of a novel material proposed to serve as an impervious liner in landfills. Various ratios of bentonites and zeolites (B/Z) compacted at optimum water content were tested to determine the strength parameters, permeability, pH, heavy metals and other properties. A B/Z ratio of 0.10 was found to be an ideal landfill liner material regarding its low hydraulic conductivity and high cation exchange capacity. The use of B/Z mixtures as an alternative to clay liners would provide potential to significantly reduce the thickness of base liner for landfills.