Predicting peritumoral glioblastoma infiltration and subsequent recurrence using deep-learning-based analysis of multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging.

Purpose: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary adult brain tumor. The standard treatment approach is surgical resection to target the enhancing tumor mass, followed by adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. However, malignant cells often extend beyond the enhancing tumor boundaries and infiltrate the peritumoral edema. Traditional supervised machine learning techniques hold potential in predicting tumor infiltration extent but are hindered by the extensive resources needed to generate expertly delineated regions of interest (ROIs) for training models on tissue most and least likely to be infiltrated. Approach: We developed a method combining expert knowledge and training-based data augmentation to automatically generate numerous training examples, enhancing the accuracy of our model for predicting tumor infiltration through predictive maps. Such maps can be used for targeted supra-total surgical resection and other therapies that might benefit from intensive yet well-targeted treatment of infiltrated tissue. We apply our method to preoperative multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) scans from a subset of 229 patients of a multi-institutional consortium (Radiomics Signatures for Precision Diagnostics) and test the model on subsequent scans with pathology-proven recurrence. Results: Leave-one-site-out cross-validation was used to train and evaluate the tumor infiltration prediction model using initial pre-surgical scans, comparing the generated prediction maps with follow-up mpMRI scans confirming recurrence through post-resection tissue analysis. Performance was measured by voxel-wised odds ratios (ORs) across six institutions: University of Pennsylvania (OR: 9.97), Ohio State University (OR: 14.03), Case Western Reserve University (OR: 8.13), New York University (OR: 16.43), Thomas Jefferson University (OR: 8.22), and Rio Hortega (OR: 19.48). Conclusions: The proposed model demonstrates that mpMRI analysis using deep learning can predict infiltration in the peri-tumoral brain region for GBM patients without needing to train a model using expert ROI drawings. Results for each institution demonstrate the model's generalizability and reproducibility.

Risk of Stroke Among HIV Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Global Studies and Associated Comorbidities.

BACKGROUND: Despite advancements in the management of HIV infection, the factors contributing to stroke development among HIV-positive individuals remain unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to identify and evaluate the relative risk factors associated with stroke susceptibility in the HIV population. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases to identify studies investigating the risk of stroke development in HIV patients and assessing the role of different risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking, sex, and race. The quality assessment of case-control studies was conducted using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, whereas cohort studies were assessed using the National Institute of Health tool. Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model to determine pooled hazard ratios (HRs) or odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: A total of 18 observational studies involving 116,184 HIV-positive and 3,184,245 HIV-negative patients were included. HIV-positive patients exhibited a significantly higher risk of stroke compared with HIV-negative patients [OR (95% CI): 1.31 (1.20 to 1.44)]. Subgroup analyses revealed increased risks for both ischemic stroke [OR (95% CI): 1.32 (1.19 to 1.46)] and hemorrhagic stroke [OR (95% CI): 1.31 (1.09 to 1.56)]. Pooled adjusted HRs showed a significant association between stroke and HIV positivity (HR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.22 to 1.54). Among HIV-positive patients with stroke, hypertension [OR (95% CI): 3.5 (1.42 to 8.65)], diabetes [OR (95% CI): 5 (2.12 to 11.95)], hyperlipidemia, smoking, male gender, and black race were associated with an increased risk. DISCUSSION: Our study revealed a significant increased risk of stroke development among people with HIV. A multitude of factors, encompassing sociodemographic characteristics, racial background, underlying health conditions, and personal behaviors, significantly elevate the risk of stroke in individuals living with HIV. The use of observational studies introduces inherent limitations, and further investigations are necessary to explore the underlying mechanisms of stroke in people with HIV for potential treatment strategies. CONCLUSION: HIV patients face a higher risk of stroke development, either ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. Hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, smoking, male gender, and black race were identified as significant risk factors. Early identification and management of these risk factors are crucial in reducing stroke incidence among patients living with HIV.

Insights into head and neck cancer research in Egypt: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Head and neck cancer (HNC) encompasses malignant tumors in areas like the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx. This analysis identifies strengths and deficiencies in HNC research, aiming to improve published papers' quality, quantity, and diversity. It also encourages more participation from oncologists, particularly in Egypt, to bridge the gap with Western healthcare standards. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase. The goal was to gather research articles on HNC in Egypt published from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2022. RESULTS: From 2150 articles, 1329 were screened by title and abstract, leading to 193 for full-text review. Finally, 174 articles were included in the final analysis. 2020 saw the highest number of publications. The majority were primary research articles, with randomized controlled trials being prevalent. Most studies were clinical, focusing on radiotherapy, and involved adult patients, emphasizing service delivery. Publications were predominantly in non-Egyptian journals, with the Egyptian Journal of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine being the most frequent. Research was mainly conducted by Egyptian authors and at Cairo University. CONCLUSION: The growing prevalence of HNC in Egypt underscores the need for more comprehensive research on its various aspects, including etiology, risk factors, and prevention. There's a call for increased research outputs at different Egyptian universities, multicenter studies, and international collaborations. This approach can improve the understanding and management of HNC, contributing to global discussions and advancing treatment and prevention strategies in Egypt.

Predictors of clinical and surgical characteristics of giant stones of the urinary bladder: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Giant stones of the urinary bladder (GSBs) are rare and usually presented as case reports. We aimed to assess the clinical and surgical characteristics of GSBs and identify their predictors. METHODS: A retrospective study of 74 patients with GSBs who presented between July, 2005 and June, 2020 was performed. Patients' demographics, clinical presentations, and surgical peculiarities were studied. RESULTS: Older age and male gender were risk factors for the occurrence of GSBs. The irritative lower urinary tract symptoms (iLUTS) were the main presenting symptoms (97.3%). Most patients were treated with cystolithotomy (90.1%). Univariate analyses showed that solitary (p < 0.001) and rough surface (P = 0.009) stones were significant factors for occurrence of iLUTS as the presenting symptoms. Also, the severity of symptoms (p = 0.021), rough surface (p = 0.010) and size (p < 0.001) of stones, and farmer occupation (p = 0.009) were significantly associated with adherence of the stone to the bladder mucosa at surgery. In multivariate analysis, the rough surface (p = 0.014) and solitary (p = 0.006) stones, and concomitant ureteral stones (p = 0.020) were independently associated with iLUTS as the main presentation. However, the stone size and severity of iLUTS were the independently associated factors for adherence of GSBs to the bladder mucosa. CONCLUSIONS: Solitary GSB, rough surface and the association with ureteral stones are independent risk factors for the occurrence of long-standing iLUTS. The stone size and severity of iLUTS were the independent predictors of adherence of GSBs to the bladder mucosa. Cystolithotomy is the main treatment, but it may be more difficult when there is bladder mucosa adherence.

Serum creatinine trajectory after drainage of kidneys with bilateral malignant ureteral obstruction: a prospective non-randomized comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Serum creatinine trajectory (SCr-Tr) is a neglected prognostic tool for chronic and acute kidney injury. We aimed to assess the predictors of SCr-Tr during the time-to-nadir and serum creatinine (SCr) normalization rate after drainage, using percutaneous nephrostomy in patients with bilateral malignant ureteral obstruction. METHODS: A prospective non-randomized study was performed on SCr-Tr in patients with bilateral malignant ureteral obstruction from August 2019 to March 2022. The primary outcome was SCr-Tr during the time-to-nadir. RESULTS: This study included 102 patients with a mean age ± SD of 59.6 ± 14.7 years. SCr-Tr was non-linear with a mean ± SD (range) of 0.5 ± 0.4 (0.03-2.3) mg/dl/day. Multivariate analyses revealed that female gender (p = 0.016), body mass index (BMI; p = 0.005), and SCr at presentation (p < 0.001) were predictors of rapid SCr-Tr during the time-to-nadir. However, age (p = 0.008) and low urine output at presentation (p = 0.015) were associated with a lower SCr-Tr. In contrast, laterality of drainage (p = 0.544) and mean parenchymal thickness (p = 0.066) were not associated with mean SCr-Tr. Also, only the mean parenchymal thickness (p = 0.002) was a predictor of rapid SCr-Tr at ≥ 0.5 mg/dl/day. However, low BMI (p = 0.023) was associated with a high SCr normalization rate, while unilateral drainage (p = 0.045) was associated with a lower rate. CONCLUSIONS: Female gender, low BMI, and SCr at presentation were predictors of rapid SCr-Tr during the time-to-nadir. Bilateral drainage was an independent predictor of SCr normalization rate, but not of rapid SCr-Tr. The mean parenchymal thickness was the only independent predictor for rapid SCr-Tr at ≥ 0.5 mg/dl/day.

Predictors of successful emergency shock wave lithotripsy for acute renal colic.

The role of emergency shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) in persistent pain control in patients with ureteral stones is not well established. The aim of this study is to evaluate efficacy as well as the predicting variables for successful early SWL patients with symptomatic ureteral stones. Eighty-six patients with a persistent renal colic secondary to single ureteral stone (6-12 mm) were prospectively enrolled in this study. SWL was performed within 24 h of the onset of flank pain. Pain control and stone-free rate after emergency SWL session were 58.1% and 44.2%, respectively. Seven patients required post-SWL ureteroscopy and ureteral stent placement for uncontrolled pain. The overall 3-month stone-free rate after SWL monotherapy was 83.7%. On multivariate analysis, predictors for pain relief after emergency SWL were lower Hounsfield (HU) stone density, mild hydronephrosis (HN) at presentation and presentation during the first colic episode. Lower HU stone density was the single predictor of successful stone clearance after single emergency SWL session on multivariate analysis. In conclusion, early SWL is feasible and effective in management of ureteral stones presented by renal colic with low HU.

Predictive factors of radioiodine therapy failure in Graves' Disease: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: I-131 therapy is a common treatment modality for adults with Graves' Disease (GD). Utilizing meta-analysis, we examined patient specific factors that predict I-131 therapy failure. METHODS: Literature search followed PRISMA. Comprehensive Meta-analysis (version 3.0) was used. Mantel-Haenszel test with accompanying risk ratio and confidence intervals evaluated categorical variables. Continuous data was analyzed using inverse variance testing yielding mean difference or standardized mean difference. Decision tree algorithms identified variables of high discriminative performance. RESULTS: 4822 collective patients across 18 studies were included. Male sex (RR = 1.23, 95%CI = 1.08-1.41, p = 0.002), I-131 therapy 6 months after GD diagnosis (RR = 2.10, 95%CI = 1.45-3.04, p < 0.001) and history of anti-thyroid drugs (RR = 2.05, 95%CI = 1.49-2.81, p < 0.001) increased the risk of I-131 therapy failure. Elevated free thyroxine, 24-h radioactive iodine uptake scan ≥60.26% and thyroid volume ≥35.77 mL were also associated with failure. CONCLUSION: Patient characteristics can predict the likelihood of I-131 therapy failure in GD. Definitive surgical treatment may be a reasonable option for those patients.

Effect of postsurgical chronic hypoparathyroidism on morbidity and mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Hypoparathyroidism (HypoPT) is a common sequela of anterior neck surgeries. While the acute risks of HypoPT are well known, emerging evidence is beginning to define the risks chronic HypoPT poses to patients. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate that risk and give more insight into its consequences. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed, searching EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus for studies published up to July 1, 2020 and reported following PRISMA guidelines. Pooled analysis was estimated using the Mantel-Haenszel method and a random-effects model. A sub-analysis of the pooled data for each morbidity was performed and demonstrated in forest plots. RESULTS: Patients with postsurgical chronic HypoPT had a high risk of cardiac morbidities [odds ratio (OR) =1.43; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.21 to 1.70; P<0.001] in the absence of elevated risk of cardiac arrhythmias (OR =1.35, 95% CI: 0.96 to 1.79, P=0.08). Analysis also showed higher odds of developing renal disease (OR =4.85, 95% CI: 3.54 to 6.67, P<0.001), renal stones (OR =3.86, 95% CI: 1.81 to 8.23, P<0.001), seizures (OR =2.41, 95% CI: 1.66 to 3.5, P<0.001), mental health problems (OR =1.46, 95% CI: 1.21 to 1.77, P<0.001), and infections (OR =1.51, 95% CI: 1.28 to 1.78, P<0.001). Conversely, HypoPT has no effect on mortality risk (OR =1.19, 95% CI: 0.96 to 1.49, P=0.12). CONCLUSIONS: Postsurgical HypoPT patients are vulnerable to a variety of medical and psychiatric diseases. This meta-analysis should guide surgeons in preoperative counseling and postoperative care for patients undergoing anterior neck surgeries.

Robotic-assisted parathyroidectomy via transaxillary approach: feasibility and learning curves.

BACKGROUND: There have been few reports of robotic-assisted transaxillary parathyroidectomy in the literature. We aim to report our experience with robotic-assisted transaxillary parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) in the Western population. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed from July 2010 through July 2019 at two institutions, one in the United States and one in France. Demographic characteristics and perioperative data were collected for all patients undergoing robotic-assisted transaxillary parathyroidectomy by a single surgeon at each institution. A linear regression model was developed to describe the learning curve for this procedure at each institution. RESULTS: One-hundred and two patients with PHPT were included with a median age of 55.6±12.4 years and median body mass index (BMI) of 25.5±6.1 kg/m2. The majority of patients were female (80.4%). Median total operative time was 116±53 minutes. Minor complications were reported in 2 patients (1.96%), and one case was converted to a trans-cervical approach (TCA) for four-gland exploration. Median patient follow-up time was 6.5±12.2 months, and disease recurrence was reported in one patient. Calculated learning curves showed that one surgeon achieved proficiency by the eighth case, and the other achieved proficiency by the fourteenth case. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest reported experience of robotic-assisted transaxillary parathyroidectomy for PHPT in the Asian and Western population. Analysis of the procedural learning curve demonstrates that proficiency in this technique was achieved after performance of less than 15 surgeries. This procedure is safe and feasible in the hands of experienced surgeons for select patients with localized disease.

Evaluation of YouTube videos as a patient education source for novel surgical techniques in thyroid surgery.

BACKGROUND: Patients and physicians are increasingly utilizing online video sharing sites such as YouTube for obtaining and disseminating health-related information in multimedia format; however, due to its free, open-access platform, YouTube videos fall short in providing validated, up-to-date medical information, and may even convey unintended messages to patients who are seeking additional information on surgeries. We evaluated the relevance, reliability, and quality of YouTube videos on novel surgical techniques in thyroid surgery. METHODS: The top 50 indexed YouTube videos for the queries, "robotic thyroid surgery" and "transoral thyroid surgery", were assessed by two independent reviewers for video quality and reliability for patient understanding. Videos were scored using Global Quality Score (GQS), a scale for video quality, and DISCERN Scoring, a questionnaire for reliability and quality measures of information presented. RESULTS: The mean ± standard deviation (SD) duration of the videos (n=50) was 8.1±3.7 minutes. Total views were 261,440 and the mean ± SD time since upload was 3.6±2.6 years. The median and interquartile range of video power index (VPI) was 1.9 (0.5-3.7), GQS was 3.0 (2.0-4.0), and DISCERN score was 2.8 (2.3-3.2). Most videos were uploaded by physicians (75.8%) and the highest number of videos (63.6%) uploaded were from the United States (US). Videos with higher quality and reliability scores were uploaded by academic professionals, and included videos of physicians who described procedural information, perioperative instructions, and possible postoperative complications (P<0.05). Adequate medical information on the procedure and discussion of complications in YouTube videos were independent predictors of advanced educational quality and reliability. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical information on new surgical techniques such as transoral and robotic thyroid surgeries in YouTube videos scored low on quality and reliability as a source of patient education. Physicians should provide supplemental educational material online and offline to aid patient understanding of novel procedures.

Prophylactic external beam radiation therapy for keloid prevention in thyroid surgery patients.

BACKGROUND: Poor cosmesis, secondary to keloid or hypertrophic scar, following thyroid surgery may cause considerable patient distress and be a significant challenge to treat. In this case series we examined the efficacy of prophylactic external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) for prevention of keloid formation in keloid-prone patients undergoing thyroid surgery. While much has been published about documenting the efficacy in reducing keloid formation following keloid excision, very little literature exists documenting prophylactic use related to surgeries with the goal of prevent de novo keloid formation. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated a series of ten patients, who underwent a prophylactic EBRT for keloid prevention after thyroid surgery between January 2013 and February 2019. Patient demographics, primary diagnosis, surgical procedure, EBRT dosage, and post-operative visit records were reviewed. RESULTS: All ten patients who received EBRT for keloid prophylaxis following a thyroid surgery were female. Half of the patients were African Americans, 40% Caucasians, and 10% Hispanic. The mean age was 46.40±15.63 years with BMI of 31.5±5.5 kg/m2. Radiation was initiated within 6 hours of the surgery with an average radiation dose per session of 5.7±1.7 Gy. The total average EBRT dose delivered was 17.4±4.2 Gy. Mean follow-up period was 13 months post-thyroidectomy, with the longest follow-up at 23 months. One patient, who underwent a lateral neck dissection in addition to thyroid surgery, developed hypertrophic scar in less than 10% of her incision length. Nine other patients (90%) showed no post-surgical keloid nor hypertrophic scar formation and patients were satisfied with postsurgical cosmesis. CONCLUSIONS: We examined the efficacy of prophylactic EBRT in keloid-prone patients undergoing thyroid surgery. Prophylactic EBRT following thyroid surgery is effective in achieving a satisfactory cosmetic outcome in patients at high risk for keloid formation.

A Single Surgeon's 10-Year Experience in Remote-Access Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Remote-access thyroid and parathyroid surgery has gained popularity recently due to its benefit of avoiding visible neck scars. Most of these techniques were described and performed in Asia, on patients with different body habitus compared to American patients. We aim to analyze the learning curve in performing these operations in North America. . METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of a 10-year experience by a single surgeon at a North American institute. Patients who underwent thyroid or parathyroid procedures by a transaxillary, retroauricular, or transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) were included. Cumulative sum (CUSUM) was used to analyze learning curves based on intraoperative blood loss and total operative times and learning phases were divided accordingly. RESULTS: Three hundred seventy-two remote-access thyroid and parathyroid procedures were performed during the study period. Total operative time for transaxillary procedures was initially reduced after the 69th procedure and then again after the 134th case. For retroauricular procedures, marked reduction in the operative time was observed after 21 procedures. Most patients (57.02%) were discharged home on the same day during the mastering phase. In the transaxillary procedures, only 1 case of brachial plexus injury occurred prior to the routine use of somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) monitoring. DISCUSSION: Remote-access thyroid and parathyroid surgeries can be performed safely with minimal complications in a select group of patients. Analysis of the learning curve in performing these operations aids in structuring a safe and effective learning period for endocrine surgeons seeking to venture into this modality of treatment.

Impact of Surgeon-Performed Ultrasound on Treatment of Thyroid Cancer Patients.

BACKGROUND: The 2015 American Thyroid Association Management Guidelines for patients with thyroid nodules recommended a comprehensive sonographic evaluation of thyroid nodules' characteristics and the presence of any suspicious cervical lymph nodes (LNs) in the central and lateral compartments. This detailed sonographic assessment is still not routinely performed. We hypothesized that an endocrine surgeon-performed ultrasound (SUS) significantly enhances the management of thyroid cancer patients when compared with referral ultrasound (RUS). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of 267 consecutive thyroid surgery patients who were diagnosed with thyroid cancer on final pathology. All patients had undergone a SUS, but only 130 cohorts with both RUS and SUS were included. Features of thyroid nodules and LN and changes in the management plan were recorded. RESULTS: Based on SUS assessment, 26 patients (20%) were noted to have suspicious thyroid nodules which warranted a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and were missed in RUS. On FNA, there were 12 patients with Bethesda categories III/IV and 14 patients with Bethesda V/VI. Those 26 patients were found to have a malignancy in the final pathology assessment. Thirty-eight patients (29.2%) were noted to have suspicious central/lateral neck findings on SUS but were not reported in RUS. Additionally, 8 patients (6.1%) were found to have a parathyroid adenoma by SUS and required concurrent parathyroidectomy. DISCUSSION: A comprehensive neck ultrasound in thyroid cancer patients, performed by their endocrine surgeon, could enhance management planning and outcomes. This finding highlights the critical need for education and improvement of routine neck ultrasonographic examination performed in the community.

Biological Properties, Bioactive Constituents, and Pharmacokinetics of Some Capsicum spp. and Capsaicinoids.

Pepper originated from the Capsicum genus, which is recognized as one of the most predominant and globally distributed genera of the Solanaceae family. It is a diverse genus, consisting of more than 31 different species including five domesticated species, Capsicum baccatum, C. annuum, C. pubescen, C. frutescens, and C. chinense. Pepper is the most widely used spice in the world and is highly valued due to its pungency and unique flavor. Pepper is a good source of provitamin A; vitamins E and C; carotenoids; and phenolic compounds such as capsaicinoids, luteolin, and quercetin. All of these compounds are associated with their antioxidant as well as other biological activities. Interestingly, Capsicum fruits have been used as food additives in the treatment of toothache, parasitic infections, coughs, wound healing, sore throat, and rheumatism. Moreover, it possesses antimicrobial, antiseptic, anticancer, counterirritant, appetite stimulator, antioxidant, and immunomodulator activities. Capsaicin and Capsicum creams are accessible in numerous ways and have been utilized in HIV-linked neuropathy and intractable pain.

Nuclear morphometry in indeterminate thyroid nodules.

BACKGROUND: Up to 30% of thyroid nodules undergoing fine needle aspiration (FNA) yield an indeterminate result. Recent research efforts have suggested that nuclear morphometry and morphology may enhance the diagnostic accuracy of FNA as an objective adjunct. We applied nuclear morphometric analysis on a diverse cohort of patients to evaluate the association between nuclear morphometry and malignancy. METHODS: Forty-five randomly selected patients, who underwent thyroid surgery after an indeterminate FNA result (Bethesda III & IV) between 2012-2015, were reviewed. One hundred representative nuclei per FNA of a thyroid nodule were analyzed using ImageJ. Seven validated morphometric parameters were collected: nuclear area, perimeter, circularity, aspect ratio, roundness, and maximum/minimum Feret's diameter. L/S ratio was subsequently calculated. All 8 nuclear parameters were reported as averages with standard errors of the mean (SEM). A Student's t-test was used to assess the association of nuclear parameters with final surgical pathology. RESULTS: The mean age of all patients was 56.31±15.39 years, with female patients comprising 68.9% of the cohort. Twenty-two patients had malignant thyroid nodules. The mean perimeter of nuclei for the cohort was 18.48±0.45 µm, the mean area was 22.19±0.93 µm, and the mean maximum Feret's diameter was 6.67±0.13 µm. No significant differences in the 8 nuclear parameters were observed between the malignant and non-malignant groups. CONCLUSIONS: In the population examined, our results suggest that nuclear morphometry is not yet a tool of reliable diagnostic value in accessing malignant and non-malignant thyroid nodules. Further investigation is necessary to identify objective parameters that will enhance diagnostic accuracy of indeterminate FNA cytology to minimize the number of diagnostic thyroid surgery.

Which is better for pain reduction during transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy of the prostate: Intravenous diazepam, local periprostatic nerve block, or combination? controlled randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUSPB) is considered the procedure of choice for the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Men undergoing this biopsy experience high psychological stress. Different studies recommend techniques as sedation, lidocaine gel intrarectally, periprostatic nerve block alone, or nitrous oxide inhalation as effective methods of analgesia during procedural-related pain or discomfort. We evaluated three techniques for pain relief during TRUSPB and evaluated if there was any increase in the incidence of complications when employing either technique. SETTING: Assiut University Hospital, Assiut, Egypt. METHODS: Three hundred patients of age 43-92-year-old underwent TRUSPBs. Patients were allocated randomly into three equal groups to receive intravenous (IV) diazepam 5 mg slowly (Group I), bilateral periprostatic nerve block by 10 ml of 1% lidocaine solution injected under ultrasound guidance (Group II), or combined IV diazepam and the periprostatic nerve block (Group III). RESULTS: The mean pain score was 4.95 for patients in Group I, 4.15 for patients in Group II, and 2.18 for patients in Group III with statistically significant findings (F = 120.27, P < 0.001). TRUSPB under combined IV sedation and local anesthesia had no significant increase in the incidence of complications. CONCLUSIONS: Patients should have analgesia during TRUSPB to decrease the procedure pain and to improve tolerance permitting proper aiming for biopsy cores without increasing the patient distress. The combined IV sedation and local periprostatic nerve block are efficient in controlling and limiting pain better than employing each technique alone with no significant increase in complications incidence.

Quantitative Evaluation of Heavy Metals and Trace Elements in the Urinary Bladder: Comparison Between Cancerous, Adjacent Non-cancerous and Normal Cadaveric Tissue.

The role of heavy metals and trace elements (HMTE) in the development of some cancers has been previously reported. Bladder carcinoma is a frequent malignancy of the urinary tract. The most common risk factors for bladder cancer are exposure to industrial carcinogens, cigarette smoking, gender, and possibly diet. The aim of this study was to evaluate HTME concentrations in the cancerous and adjacent non-cancerous tissues and compare them with those of normal cadaveric bladder. This prospective study included 102 paired samples of full-thickness cancer and adjacent non-cancerous bladder tissues of radical cystectomy (RC) specimens that were histologically proven as invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). We used 17 matched controls of non-malignant bladder tissue samples from cadavers. All samples were processed and evaluated for the concentration of 22 HMTE by using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). Outcome analysis was made by the Mann-Whitney U, chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, and Wilcoxon signed ranks tests. When compared with cadaveric control or cancerous, the adjacent non-cancerous tissue had higher levels of six elements (arsenic, lead, selenium, strontium, zinc, and aluminum), and when compared with the control alone, it had a higher concentration of calcium, cadmium, chromium, potassium, magnesium, and nickel. The cancerous tissue had a higher concentration of cadmium, lead, chromium, calcium, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, nickel, selenium, strontium, and zinc than cadaveric control. Boron level was higher in cadaveric control than cancerous and adjacent non-cancerous tissue. Cadmium level was higher in cancerous tissue with node-positive than node-negative cases. The high concentrations of cadmium, lead, chromium, nickel, and zinc, in the cancerous together with arsenic in the adjacent non-cancerous tissues of RC specimens suggest a pathogenic role of these elements in BC. However, further work-up is needed to support this conclusion by the application of these HMTE on BC cell lines.

Alterations of mTOR and PTEN protein expression in schistosomal squamous cell carcinoma and urothelial carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: mTOR signaling pathway is commonly activated in cancer. PTEN, a tumor suppressor gene, is a potent inhibitor of this pathway. To date the expression pattern of mTOR and PTEN in schistosomal bladder squamous cell carcinoma and urothelial carcinoma was not investigated. Also, whether alterations of these proteins are associated with pathological parameters was not established. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesize that "expression of mTOR and/or PTEN will be altered in schistosomal-related urothelial and squamous cell carcinomas". PATIENTS AND METHODS: To test our hypothesis we examined the expression pattern of mTOR and PTEN in normal and hyperplastic urothelium, squamous metaplasia, schistosomal urothelial carcinomas (70 cases) and squamous cell carcinomas (47 cases) using immunohistochemical methods. RESULTS: mTOR protein expression was absent in the normal, hyperplastic urothelium and metaplastic squamous epithelium. mTOR was over-expressed in muscle invasive urothelial and high grade squamous cell carcinomas. In contrast, PTEN protein expression was seen in the normal and hyperplastic urothelium. The expression was reduced (metaplastic squamous epithelium) or lost in muscle invasive urothelial and high grade squamous carcinomas. Alterations of these proteins were associated with some clinicopathological features. mTOR expression was negatively correlated with PTEN expression in urothelial carcinoma only. CONCLUSIONS: We report, for the first time, altered expression of mTOR and PTEN proteins in schistosomal urothelial and squamous cell carcinomas. Alterations of these proteins may contribute to the progression and aggressive behavior of schistosomal bladder carcinoma. Targeting mTOR, may be a promising therapeutic strategy in these tumors.

The laparoscopic management of symptomatic renal cysts: A single-centre experience.

OBJECTIVES: To present our experience of treating symptomatic renal cysts by different techniques of laparoscopic decortication, as there are many treatment options for such cysts, each of them with advantages and drawbacks. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2002 and December 2012, 51 patients underwent laparoscopic renal-cyst decortication; 15 of them had recurrent cysts after percutaneous aspiration. A retroperitoneal approach was adopted in 44 cases, transperitoneal in four and laparo-endoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) cyst decortication in three (two of them had bilateral renal cyst decortications in the same session). All patients were diagnosed by ultrasonography and computed tomography to determine the Bosniak classification of the cyst. Pain and cyst recurrence were assessed during the follow-up. RESULTS: All procedures were completed successfully, with no major intraoperative complications. The mean (range) operative duration was 56 (35-125) min, affected by the site and number of cysts unroofed. All patients were symptom-free except one, who had a recurrent large cyst, anteriorly located, and who underwent open cyst decortication. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic decortication of symptomatic renal cysts should be the standard of care, especially after failed percutaneous aspiration or decortication. LESS cyst decortication is a promising technique, especially with bilateral pathology. It is feasible with conventional laparoscopic instruments and gives a better cosmetic outcome.

The management of the persistent Müllerian duct syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: To report the findings and management of patients with persistent Müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Nineteen phenotypically male patients (aged 8 months to 27 years) presented with testicular maldescent. All of them had normal male external genitalia. Two of them had had a previous diagnosis of persistent Müllerian structures. All patients were karyotyped, and had a hormonal profile, diagnostic laparoscopy, retrograde urethrocystogram, gonadal biopsies, and surgical management according to the findings. The follow-up was based on a clinical examination, abdominal ultrasonography (US) and scrotal colour-Doppler US at 3 and 6 months after surgery, and every 6 months thereafter. RESULTS: Diagnostic laparoscopy showed the presence of persistent Müllerian structures in all 19 patients. All patients had a normal male karyotype (46XY). Ten patients had a laparoscopic excision of their Müllerian structures while the remaining nine patients had their Müllerian structures left in place. No malignant changes were found in the excised Müllerian tissues. Of the 37 gonadal biopsies taken, 31 (84%) indicated normal testes. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence and prevalence of PMDS are not well estimated. Müllerian structures should be removed whenever possible to avoid the risk of malignant transformation. The early diagnosis of PMDS makes possible the excision of Müllerian structures and a primary orchidopexy. A long-term follow-up is needed for patients with intact Müllerian structures and magnetic resonance imaging might be a better method than US for that purpose. Most of the patients had normal testicular histology, which might allow fertility.