Prognostic factors of intravesical recurrence after radical nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate predictive factors of increasing intravesical recurrence (IVR) rate in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) after receiving radical nephroureterectomy (RNUx) with bladder cuff excision (BCE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 2114 patients were included from the updated data of the Taiwan UTUC Collaboration Group. It was divided into two groups: IVR-free and IVR after RNUx, with 1527 and 587 patients, respectively. To determine the factors affecting IVR, TNM stage, the usage of pre-operative ureteroscopy, and pathological outcomes were evaluated. The Kaplan-Meier estimator was used to estimate the rates of prognostic outcomes in overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), disease-free survival (DFS), and bladder recurrence-free survival (BRFS), and the survival curves were compared using the stratified log-rank test. RESULTS: Based on our research, ureter tumor, female, smoking history, age (< 70 years old), multifocal tumor, history of bladder cancer were determined to increase the risk of IVR after univariate analysis. The multivariable analysis revealed that female (BRFS for male: HR 0.566, 95% CI 0.469-0.681, p < 0.001), ureter tumor (BRFS: HR 1.359, 95% CI 1.133-1.631, p = 0.001), multifocal (BRFS: HR 1.200, 95% CI 1.001-1.439, p = 0.049), history of bladder cancer (BRFS: HR 1.480, 95% CI 1.118-1.959, p = 0.006) were the prognostic factors for IVR. Patients who ever received ureterorenoscopy (URS) did not increase the risk of IVR. CONCLUSION: Patients with ureter tumor and previous bladder UC history are important factors to increase the risk of IVR after RNUx. Pre-operative URS manipulation is not associated with higher risk of IVR and diagnostic URS is feasible especially for insufficient information of image study. More frequent surveillance regimen may be needed for these patients.

Impact of pathological response on oncological outcomes in patients with upper tract urothelial cancer receiving neo-adjuvant chemotherapy.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the rates of pathological complete response (ypT0N0/X) and pathological response (ypT1N0/X or less) in patients with upper tract urothelial cancer who were treated with neo-adjuvant chemotherapy and to examine their impact on oncological outcomes. METHODS: This study is a multi-institutional retrospective analysis of patients with high-risk upper tract urothelial cancer who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radical nephroureterectomy between 2002 and 2021. Logistic regression analyses were used to investigate all clinical parameters for response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Cox proportional hazard models were performed to assess the effect of the response on the oncological outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 84 patients with UTUC who received neo-adjuvant chemotherapy were identified. Among them, 44 (52.4%) patients received cisplatin-based chemotherapy, and 22 (26.2%) patients had a carboplatin-based regimen. The pathological complete response rate was 11.6% (n = 10), and the pathological response rate was 42.9% (n = 36). Multifocal tumors or tumors larger than 3 cm significantly reduced the odds of pathological response. In the multivariable Cox proportional hazard model, pathological response was independently associated with better overall survival (HR 0.38, p = 0.024), cancer-specific survival (HR 0.24, p = 0.033), and recurrence-free survival (HR 0.17, p = 0.001), but it was not associated with bladder recurrence-free survival (HR 0.84, p = 0.69). CONCLUSION: Pathological response after neo-adjuvant chemotherapy and radical nephroureterectomy is strongly associated with patient survival and recurrence, and it might be a good surrogate for evaluating the efficacy of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy in the future.

Determination of potential sources of heavy metals in patients with urothelial carcinoma in central Taiwan: a biomonitoring case-control study.

The clarification of possible exposure sources of multiple metals to identify associations between metal doses and urothelial carcinoma (UC) risk is currently limited in the literature. We sought to identify the exposure sources of 10 metals (Vanadium, chromium, manganese, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, arsenic, cadmium, and lead) using principal component analysis (PCA) and then linked various principal component (PC) scores with environmental characteristics, including smoking-related indices, PM2.5, and distance to the nearest bus station. In addition, urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and DNA hypomethylation markers (5-methyl-2'-deoxycytidine levels; %5-MedC) were investigated in combination with UC risks. We conducted this hospital-based case control study in 359 UC patients with histologically confirmed disease and 718 controls. All data were collected from face-to-face interviews and medical records. Approximately 6 mL blood was collected from participants for analysis of multiple heavy metal and DNA methylation in leukocyte DNA. Further, a 20 mL urine sample was collected to measure urinary cotinine and 8-OHdG levels. In addition, average values for PM2.5 for individual resident were calculated using the hybrid kriging/land-use regression model. In UC patients, significantly higher cobalt, nickel, copper, arsenic, and cadmium (µg/L) levels were observed in blood when compared with controls. Three PCs with eigenvalues > 1 accounted for 24.3, 15.8, and 10.7% of UC patients, and 26.9, 16.7, and 11.1% of controls, respectively. Environmental metal sources in major clusters were potentially associated with industrial activities and traffic emissions (PC1), smoking (PC2), and food consumption, including vitamin supplements (PC3). Multiple metal doses were linked with incremental urinary 8-OHdG and DNA hypomethylation biomarkers. For individuals with high PC1 and PC2 scores, both displayed an approximate 1.2-fold risk for UC with DNA hypomethylation.In conclusion, we provide a foundation for health education and risk communication strategies to limit metal exposure in environment, so that UC risks can be improved potentially.

Relationships of multiple metals exposure, global DNA methylation, and urothelial carcinoma in central Taiwan.

The relationship between heavy metal exposure and human health has been investigated mostly for individual metals, failing to consider their potential interactions. In this study, we assessed the joint effects of multiple metals using generalized weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression on the risk of urothelial carcinoma (UC). Also, we performed mediation analysis to evaluate the mediator %5-MedC in DNA involved in the mechanism of urothelial carcinogenesis. We conducted a hospital-based case-control study of 355 UC patients and 710 controls, where diagnosis of UC was histologically confirmed. All data were collected from face-to-face interviews and medical records. Also, we measured six metals and 8-OHdG in urine samples along with %5-MedC in peripheral blood. Ni and Pb levels increased with UC risk in single-pollutant analysis using traditional logistic regression, and similar results were obtained in multi-pollutant analysis, where all metals analyzed were considered. In WQS analysis, the weights of Ni (27%), Pb (20%), Cr (18%), and Co (16%) predominated in the metal mixture index. WQS score and UC risk showed odds ratios of 1.65 (95%CI: 1.26, 2.15) and 1.43 (95%CI: 1.00, 2.05) for a linear and non-linear relationship, respectively. Finally, we did not observe a natural indirect effect of %5-MedC in DNA; however, a marginal effect of WQS score and natural direct effect were still found after considering a natural indirect effect. In conclusion, positive associations between WQS scores and increased risk of UC were observed. Interactions of multiple metals should be considered in assessing human health risk.

A comparative study of transperineal software-assisted magnetic resonance/ultrasound fusion biopsy and transrectal cognitive fusion biopsy of the prostate.

BACKGROUND: The advantages and disadvantages of transperineal and transrectal biopsies remain controversial in the era of prostate targeted biopsy. In this study, we compared the cancer detection and complication rates of transperineal magnetic resonance/ultrasound (MR/US) fusion biopsy and transrectal cognitive fusion biopsy of the prostate. METHODS: This was a comparative study of two prospectively collected cohorts. Men with clinically suspected prostate cancer and prostate imaging reporting and data system (PI-RADS) score ≥ 3 lesions on multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) were enrolled. They underwent either transperineal software fusion biopsy or transrectal cognitive fusion biopsy and systematic biopsy. The detection rates of any prostate cancer and clinically significant prostate cancer (csPC, defined as Gleason score ≥ 3 + 4) and the complication rates between both groups were analysed. RESULTS: Ninety-two and 85 patients underwent transperineal software fusion and transrectal cognitive fusion biopsies, respectively. The detection rate for any prostate cancer was similar between both groups (60.8% vs. 56.4%, p = 0.659). In terms of csPC detection, transperineal fusion biopsy outperformed transrectal fusion biopsy (52.2% vs. 36.5%, p = 0.036). In multivariate regression analysis, age, PI-RADS score > 3, and transperineal route were significant predictors of csPC. Meanwhile, transperineal biopsy resulted in a higher rate of urinary retention than transrectal biopsy (18.5% vs. 4.7%, p = 0.009). No serious infectious complications were noted, although a patient developed sepsis after transrectal biopsy. CONCLUSIONS: Transperineal software fusion biopsy provided a higher csPC detection rate than transrectal cognitive fusion biopsy and carried minimal risk for infectious complications in patients with MRI-visible prostate lesions.

Combining prostate health index and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging in estimating the histological diameter of prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Although multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) is widely used to assess the volume of prostate cancer, it often underestimates the histological tumor boundary. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of combining prostate health index (PHI) and mpMRI to estimate the histological tumor diameter and determine the safety margin during treatment of prostate cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 72 prostate cancer patients who underwent radical prostatectomy and had received PHI tests and mpMRI before surgery. We compared the discrepancy between histological and radiological tumor diameter stratified by Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) score, and then assessed the influence of PHI on the discrepancy between low PI-RADS (2 or 3) and high PI-RADS (4 or 5) groups. RESULTS: The mean radiological and histological tumor diameters were 1.60 cm and 2.13 cm, respectively. The median discrepancy between radiological and histological tumor diameter of PI-RADS 4 or 5 lesions was significantly greater than that of PI-RADS 2 or 3 lesions (0.50 cm, IQR (0.00-0.90) vs. 0.00 cm, IQR (-0.10-0.20), p = 0.02). In the low PI-RADS group, the upper limit of the discrepancy was 0.2 cm; so the safety margin could be set at 0.1 cm. In the high PI-RADS group, the upper limits of the discrepancy were 1.2, 1.6, and 2.2 cm in men with PHI < 30, 30-60, and > 60; so the safety margin could be set at 0.6, 0.8, and 1.1 cm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Radiological tumor diameter on mpMRI often underestimated the histological tumor diameter, especially for PI-RADS 4 or 5 lesions. Combining mpMRI and PHI may help to better estimate the histological tumor diameter.

Combining prostate health index and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of clinically significant prostate cancer in an Asian population.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the practicability of combining prostate health index (PHI) and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) for the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPC) in an Asian population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We prospectively enrolled patients who underwent prostate biopsy due to elevated serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA > 4 ng/mL) and/or abnormal digital rectal examination in a tertiary referral center. Before prostate biopsy, the serum samples were tested for PSA, free PSA, and p2PSA to calculate PHI. Besides, mpMRI was performed using a 3-T scanner and reported in the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System version 2 (PI-RADS v2). The diagnostic performance of PHI, mpMRI, and combination of both was assessed. RESULT: Among 102 subjects, 39 (38.2%) were diagnosed with PC, including 24 (23.5%) with csPC (Gleason ≥ 7). By the threshold of PI-RADS ≥ 3, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) to predict csPC were 100%, 44.9%, 35.8%, and 100%, respectively. By the threshold of PHI ≥ 30, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV to predict csPC were 91.7%, 43.6%, 33.3%, and 94.4%, respectively. The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of combining PHI and mpMRI was greater than that of PHI alone (0.873 vs. 0.735, p = 0.002) and mpMRI alone (0.873 vs. 0.830, p = 0.035). If biopsy was restricted to patients with PI-RADS 5 as well as PI-RADS 3 or 4 and PHI ≥ 30, 50% of biopsy could be avoided with one csPC patient being missed. CONCLUSION: The combination of PHI and mpMRI had higher accuracy for detection of csPC compared with PHI or mpMRI alone in an Asian population.

External validation of the Simplified PADUA REnal (SPARE) nephrometry system in predicting surgical outcomes after partial nephrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Pentafecta is a major goal in the era of partial nephrectomy (PN). Simplified PADUA REnal (SPARE) nephrometry system was developed to evaluate the complexity of tumor. However, the predictive ability in pentafecta of SPARE system is yet to be determined. The aim of this study was to externally validate the applicability of SPARE nephrometry system in predicting pentafecta achievement after partial nephrectomy, and to examine inter-observer concordance. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data of 207 consecutive patients who underwent PN between January 2012 and August 2018 at a tertiary referral center. We obtained SPARE, R.E.N.A.L., and PADUA scores and evaluated correlations among the nephrometries and surgical outcomes including pentafecta by Spearman test. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of pentafecta outcomes. We compared the nephrometries to determine the predictive ability of achieving pentafecta using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Fleiss' generalized kappa was used to assessed interobserver variation in the SPARE system. RESULTS: Based on the SPARE system, 120, 74, and 13 patients were stratified into low-risk, intermediate-risk, and high-risk groups, respectively. Regarding the individual components of pentafecta, there were significant differences in the complication rate (p = 0.03), ischemia time (p < 0.001), and percent change of eGFR (p < 0.001) among the three risk groups. In addition, higher tumor complexity was significantly associated with a lower achievement rate of pentafecta (p = 0.01). In Spearman correlation tests, SPARE nephrometry was correlated with ischemia time (ρ:0.37, p < 0.001), operative time (ρ:0.28, p < 0.001), complication rate (ρ:0.34, p < 0.001), percent change of eGFR (ρ:0.34, p < 0.001), and progression of chronic kidney disease stage (ρ:0.17, p = 0.02). Multivariate analysis revealed that SPARE significantly affected pentafecta (OR: 0.67, p < 0.001). In ROC curve analysis, SPARE showed fair predictive ability in the achievement pentafecta (AUC: 0.71). The predictive ability of pentafecta was similar between nephrometries (SPARE vs. R.E.N.A.L., p = 0.78; SPARE vs. PADUA, p = 0.66). The interobserver concordance of SPARE was excellent (Kappa: 0.82, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: SPARE system was a predictive factor of surgical outcomes after PN. This refined nephrometry had similar predictive abilities for pentafecta achievement compared with R.E.N.A.L. and PADUA.

Is combined peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis redundant? A nationwide study from Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: Combined peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD) therapy (combined therapy) has numerous clinical benefits and should be emphasized for PD patients encountering technique failure. METHODS: This 12-year nationwide retrospective study was conducted to compare long-term outcomes (including admission and mortality risks) between combined therapy patients (combined group) and patients directly transferred from PD to HD (transfer group). RESULTS: All 12,407 incidental PD patients from 2000 to 2010 were enrolled and followed up until the end of 2011. A total of 688 patients in the combined group and 688 patients in the transfer group were selected after 1:1 frequency matching based on age, sex, and PD duration. The overall admission and mortality risks of the two groups were comparable in a Cox proportional hazards model (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 1.06 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.95-1.19] and 1.02 [95% CI = 0.80-1.30]), respectively). Compared with the transfer group, combined group patients with recent peritonitis or frequent hemodialysis (four HD sessions per month) had significantly higher risk of admission while combined group patients without peritonitis had significantly lower risk. The number of incidents in the combined group increased over time. On average, patients stayed on combined therapy for 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: Combined therapy (two HD sessions per month) is not redundant but a rational and cost-effective treatment, particularly for patients without recent peritonitis. Dialysis staff should be familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of combined therapy and consider it an essential part of integrated dialysis care.

Measurement of urinary arsenic profiles and DNA hypomethylation in a case-control study of urothelial carcinoma.

Environmental exposure to arsenic may be involved in the disturbance of DNA hypomethylation. The aim of this study is the first to explore the effect of interactions of urinary total arsenic levels, arsenic methylation capacity, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), plasma folate, and global 5-methyl-2'-deoxycytidine (5-MedC) levels on the risk of urothelial carcinoma (UC). A hospital-based case-control study was constructed. The research involved the histological recruitment and pathological verification of 178 UC patients and 356 age-/sex-matched controls without prior history of cancer. Arsenic species were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-hydride generation and atomic absorption. 5-MedC levels were detected by HPLC and triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry (MS). 8-OHdG was processed by an online solid-phase extraction LC-MS/MS. Plasma folate levels were measured using the chemiluminescent technology. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by multiple logistic regression analysis. Results indicate that the high levels of total urinary arsenic, inorganic arsenic percentage, and 8-OHdG and the low levels of DMA % and plasma folate were independent factors of UC. In addition, global 5-MedC levels in the first quartile versus fifth quartile significantly increased the twofold OR of UC after potential factors were adjusted (95% CI:1.10-4.03). The interaction of 5-MedC level and high total arsenic level, insufficient arsenic capacity, high 8-OHdG, and low folate levels was insignificant. Results of stepwise logistic regression analysis indicate that high total urinary arsenic levels (Q3 versus Q1), low plasma folate level, and low global 5-MedC (Q4 versus Q5) significantly increased the ORs of UC. The above results suggest that high total arsenic, low plasma folate, and 5-MedC levels affect the ORs of UC independently.

The role of RENAL, PADUA, C-index, CSA nephrometry systems in predicting ipsilateral renal function after partial nephrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Functional outcome is an important issue in nephron-sparing surgery. Various nephrometries have been developed to predict renal function preservation. The aim of this study was to examine the applicability of R.E.N.A.L., PADUA, C-index, and mathematical tumor contact surface area (CSA) in predicting ipsilateral renal function after partial nephrectomy using radio-isotope scans. METHODS: We performed this retrospective study in patients who underwent partial nephrectomy between May 2013 and April 2017, and used abdominopelvic computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging to obtain R.E.N.A.L., C-index, and CSA. Renal function was measured by 99mTc mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG3). We evaluated correlations between nephrometries and perioperative parameters, and comparatively analyzed different nephrometries to determine the predictive ability in the percent change of effective renal plasma flow of the affected kidney. RESULTS: Three, two, and 35 patients received partial nephrectomy in open, laparoscopic, and robotic approaches, respectively. The median (IQR) tumor size was 3.13 (2.4) cm. The median (IQR) R.E.N.A.L., PADUA, C-index, and CSA scores were 7 (3), 8 (2), 2.01 (1.87), and 14.14 (19.25) cm2, respectively. Spearman correlation analysis showed that four nephrometries were correlated with each other. The strongest correlations were between CSA and C-index (coefficient: - 0.885, p < 0.001), followed by R.E.N.A.L. and PADUA (coefficient: 0.778, p < 0.001). Ischemia time was significantly correlated with R.EN.A.L. (coefficient: 0.35, p = 0.025), PADUA (coefficient: 0.42, p = 0.007), C-index (coefficient: - 0.45, p = 0.004), and CSA (coefficient: 0.41, p = 0.009). In multivariate analysis, PADUA significantly affected ischemia time (p = 0.04). The percent change in effective renal plasma flow (PCE) of the operated kidney was correlated with PADUA (coefficient: 0.48 p = 0.002), C-index (coefficient: - 0.74, p < 0.001), and CSA (coefficient: 0.75, p < 0.001). Only CSA and C-index independently affected PCE (both p < 0.05) in multivariate analysis. In ROC curve analysis, both C-index and CSA could predict 20% change in effective renal plasma flow (AUC: 0.91 vs 0.86, p = 0.2) of the affected kidney. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest using PADUA to evaluate surgical complexity and ischemia time. Regarding the accuracy of the prediction of post-operative ipsilateral renal function, both CSA and C-index outperformed R.E.N.A.L. and PADUA nephrometries.

Review of underactive bladder.

In clinical practice, many patients cannot empty their bladders within an acceptable duration. Common complaints include weak urinary stream and incomplete emptying, which may affect quality of life. Bladder emptying requires sufficient detrusor contractile power, velocity, and durability. The urodynamic term for inadequate detrusor contraction is detrusor underactivity (DU). Although this definition was provided by the ICS, it may not be clinically practical. Analogous to the relationship between overactive bladder (OAB) and detrusor overactivity (DO), the symptom complex caused by DU is termed underactive bladder (UAB). Many conditions lead to UAB, such as advanced age, neurogenic bladder and BOO, but the definite pathophysiology directly leading to UAB is still being widely studied without a widely-accepted consensus. The preferred mainstream treatment for increased residual urine volume caused by UAB is intermittent catheterization, while pharmacotherapy is still disappointing after decades of development. There are no studies on surgical treatment for UAB with an acceptable level of evidence. We reviewed the recent literature on UAB and DU to provide a comprehensive discussion of the related presentation, etiology, diagnosis and management.

Diversity and enterotype in gut bacterial community of adults in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal microbiota, particularly gut microbiota, is associated with human health. The biodiversity of gut microbiota is affected by ethnicities and environmental factors such as dietary habits or medicine intake, and three enterotypes of the human gut microbiome were announced in 2011. These enterotypes are not significantly correlated with gender, age, or body weight but are influenced by long-term dietary habits. However, to date, only two enterotypes (predominantly consisting of Bacteroides and Prevotella) have shown these characteristics in previous research; the third enterotype remains ambiguous. Understanding the enterotypes can improve the knowledge of the relationship between microbiota and human health. RESULTS: We obtained 181 human fecal samples from adults in Taiwan. Microbiota compositions were analyzed using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, which is a culture-independent method of constructing microbial community profiles by sequencing 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA). In these samples, 17,675,898 sequencing reads were sequenced, and on average, 215 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified for each sample. In this study, the major bacteria in the enterotypes identified from the fecal samples were Bacteroides, Prevotella, and Enterobacteriaceae, and their correlation with dietary habits was confirmed. A microbial interaction network in the gut was observed on the basis of the amount of short-chain fatty acids, pH value of the intestine, and composition of the bacterial community (enterotypes). Finally, a decision tree was derived to provide a predictive model for the three enterotypes. The accuracies of this model in training and independent testing sets were 97.2 and 84.0%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We used NGS technology to characterize the microbiota and constructed a predictive model. The most significant finding was that Enterobacteriaceae, the predominant subtype, could be a new subtype of enterotypes in the Asian population.

Relationships among DNA hypomethylation, Cd, and Pb exposure and risk of cigarette smoking-related urothelial carcinoma.

Cigarette smoking and environmental exposure to heavy metals are important global health issues, especially for urothelial carcinoma (UC). However, the effects of cadmium and lead exposure, as well as the levels of DNA hypomethylation, on UC risk are limited. We evaluated the possible exposure sources of Cd and Pb and the relationship among DNA hypomethylation, urinary Cd and Pb levels, and UC risk. We recruited 209 patients with UC and 417 control patients for a hospital-based case-control study between June 2011 and August 2014. We collected environmental exposure-related information with questionnaires. Blood and urine samples were analyzed to measure the Cd and Pb exposure and 5-methyl-2'-deoxycytidine levels as a proxy for DNA methylation. Multivariate logistic regression and 95% confidence intervals were applied to estimate the risk for UC. Study participants with high Cd and Pb exposure in blood or urine had significantly increased risk of UC, especially among the smokers. After adjusting for age and gender, the possible connections of individual cumulative cigarette smoking or herb medicine exposure with the increased levels of Cd and Pb were observed in the controls. Participants with 8.66%-12.39% of DNA hypomethylation had significantly increased risk of UC compared with those with ≥12.39% of DNA hypomethylation. Environmental factors including cigarette smoking and herb medicine may contribute to the internal dose of heavy metals levels. Repeat measurements of heavy metals with different study design, detailed dietary information, and types of herb medicine should be recommended for exploring UC carcinogenesis in future studies.

The percentage of resected and ischemic volume determined by a geometric model is a significant predictor of renal functional change after partial nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: The percentage of parenchyma preserved plays a predominant role in predicting renal function after partial nephrectomy (PN). Currently there is no standard method to estimate preserved renal parenchyma. In this study we propose a formula of the percentage of resected and ischemic volume (PRAIV) determined by a geometric model and evaluate the relationships between renal functional change and PRAIV as well as other clinical parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified 71 patients who underwent open PN between January 2004 and April 2014. Assuming the kidney to be an ellipsoid with bilaterally equal volume and tumor to be a sphere, we calculated PRAIV by integral calculus. Nadir estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between postoperative 3 and 12 months were recorded. The correlation between percent eGFR reduction, PRAIV, and other clinical parameters were examined. RESULTS: On univariate analysis, age (p=0.03), depth of tumor invasion (p=0.004), C index (p=0.003), RAIV (p=0.04), and PRAIV (p<0.001) were correlated with percent reduction of eGFR. However, only age (p=0.007) and PRAIV (p<0.001) were significantly correlated with percent reduction of eGFR on multivariate analysis. Depicting these values along the regression line, we found R2 was 0.194 and 0.073 for PRAIV and age, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: PRAIV determined by a geometric model is a significant predictor of renal functional change after PN. Using PRAIV, we can estimate percent eGFR reduction preoperatively for better patient consultation and surgical planning.

A Mathematical Method to Calculate Tumor Contact Surface Area: An Effective Parameter to Predict Renal Function after Partial Nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: We proposed a mathematical formula to calculate contact surface area between a tumor and renal parenchyma. We examined the applicability of using contact surface area to predict renal function after partial nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed this retrospective study in patients who underwent partial nephrectomy between January 2012 and December 2014. Based on abdominopelvic computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, we calculated the contact surface area using the formula (2*π*radius*depth) developed by integral calculus. We then evaluated the correlation between contact surface area and perioperative parameters, and compared contact surface area and R.E.N.A.L. (Radius/Exophytic/endophytic/Nearness to collecting system/Anterior/Location) score in predicting a reduction in renal function. RESULTS: Overall 35, 26 and 45 patients underwent partial nephrectomy with open, laparoscopic and robotic approaches, respectively. Mean ± SD contact surface area was 30.7±26.1 cm(2) and median (IQR) R.E.N.A.L. score was 7 (2.25). Spearman correlation analysis showed that contact surface area was significantly associated with estimated blood loss (p=0.04), operative time (p=0.04) and percent change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (p <0.001). On multivariate analysis contact surface area and R.E.N.A.L. score independently affected percent change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (p <0.001 and p=0.03, respectively). On ROC curve analysis contact surface area was a better independent predictor of a greater than 10% change in estimated glomerular filtration rate compared to R.E.N.A.L. score (AUC 0.86 vs 0.69). CONCLUSIONS: Using this simple mathematical method, contact surface area was associated with surgical outcomes. Compared to R.E.N.A.L. score, contact surface area was a better predictor of functional change after partial nephrectomy.

Association between levels of urinary heavy metals and increased risk of urothelial carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate possible sources of exposure to heavy metals in the general population, and to determine the association between urinary heavy metals and urothelial carcinoma risk. METHODS: We recruited 205 patients with urothelial carcinoma and 406 control participants for a case-control study between June 2011 and December 2013. The control participants were frequency-matched with cases according to sex and age. We measured the urinary levels of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, nickel and lead by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. We collected environmental exposure-related information through questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression and 95% confidence intervals were applied to estimate the urothelial carcinoma risk and potential effects of urothelial carcinoma-related risk factors on the levels of urinary heavy metals. RESULTS: Patients with urothelial carcinoma showed higher urinary levels of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, nickel and lead than the controls. After considering other potential risk factors, a significantly increased risk for urothelial carcinoma was observed in patients with increased urinary levels of cadmium, chromium, nickel and lead. Smokers showed a high urinary cadmium level. In addition to cadmium, a high urinary lead level was associated with cumulative cigarette smoking and herbal medicine use. CONCLUSION: Environmental factors might contribute to higher urinary levels of heavy metals and ultimately result in urothelial carcinoma carcinogenesis. These findings can promote proper environmental surveillance of exposure to heavy metals in the general population.

Higher risk of urothelial carcinoma in the upper urinary tract than in the urinary bladder in hemodialysis patients.

Purpose This study used the a nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study with the claims data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database to investigate the risk of urothelial carcinoma (UC) for hemodialysis (HD) patients. Methods The study population consisted of 2689 patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) newly diagnosed in 2000-2002 and underwent maintenance HD. Then, 21,449 reference patients were collected without HD randomly selected and matched with sex and age. The exclusion criteria were previous long-term analgesics and Chinese medication usage. Incidence density rates of UC in upper urinary tract (UTUC) and bladder (UBUC) were estimated for both cohorts by the end of 2012. Hazard ratios (HRs) of UC were measured in association with HD, covariates, and comorbidity. Results The incidence of UC was significantly higher in the HD cohort than in the reference cohort for both UT (21.8 vs. 0.65 per 10,000 person-years) and UB (17.7 vs. 3.55 per 10,000 person-years). The multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed that the HRs of UTUC in HD cohort was 33.3 (95% CI = 15.9-69.5) and 5.14 for UBUC (95% CI = 3.24-8.15). The risk increased further for HD patients with comorbidity of hematuria, urinary tract infection (UTI) or hydronephrosis. Conclusion Patients with ESRD on HD are at a high risk of developing UC, especially UTUC in Taiwan. They will be paid more frequent to check urine analysis, urine cytology, and upper urinary tract survey.

Increased risk of anxiety among patients with urolithiasis: A nationwide population-based cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether patients with urolithiasis are at an increased risk of anxiety and depression. METHODS: We used universal insurance claims data in Taiwan from 2000 to 2011 to identify patients with newly diagnosed urolithiasis (n = 32 617) and those without urolithiasis (n = 130 465). Incidences, hazard ratios, and incidence rate ratios of anxiety and depression were determined in both cohorts in terms of baseline demographic characteristics and comorbidities until December 2011. RESULTS: The urolithiasis cohort yielded a higher incidence of anxiety (11.9 vs 6.91 per 1000 person-years) with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.5 (95% confidence interval 1.42-1.57) than the non-urolithiasis cohort. The urolithiasis cohort also showed a higher incidence of depression (5.79 vs 3.95 per 1000 person-years) with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.26 (95% confidence interval 1.18-1.35) than the non-urolithiasis cohort. Regardless of the patients' baseline comorbidities, patients with urolithiasis showed a higher incidence rate ratio of anxiety and depression than those without urolithiasis (with no comorbidities: adjusted hazard ratio 1.62, 95% confidence interval 1.49-1.76] for anxiety and adjusted hazard ratio 1.37, 95% confidence interval 1.23-1.54 for depression). CONCLUSION: Urolithiasis is recurrent, and significantly associated with anxiety and depression. Therefore, urologists should diagnose patients suspected with this disease and provide proper medical care.

Spontaneous ureteral rupture and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Spontaneous ureteral rupture is defined as non-traumatic urinary leakage from the ureter. This is a diagnosis that, although uncommon, is important for emergency physicians to know about. The literature is relatively sparse. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective review of patients who were diagnosed with spontaneous ureteral rupture. From 2006 to 2012, 18 patients were diagnosed by radiography (computed tomography or intravenous urogram) with spontaneous ureteral rupture. These cases all showed extravasation of the contrast outside the excretory system. We evaluated underlying causes, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and outcomes. RESULTS: There were 9 men and 9 women with a median age of 59 years (range, 22-82 years). In 56% of patients, a ureteral stone was the cause; in 17% of, a ureteral stricture; in 1 patient, a ureteral tumor; and in the remaining 22%, no cause was identified. In 13 patients (72.2%), primary ureteroscopy to place D-J stents was performed. The average duration of ureteral catheter stenting was 21 days (range, 8-45 days). The other 5 patients (27.8%) were managed conservatively with antibiotic treatment and the outcome was good. CONCLUSIONS: Ureteral stones most commonly cause spontaneous ureteral rupture. In our experience, most patients received ureteroscopy and Double-J stenting. Conservative management with antibiotics also had good outcomes. Most patients had sudden onset of abdominal or flank pain. Spontaneous ureteral rupture should be kept in the differential diagnosis of patients with acute abdominal or flank pain in the emergency department.