Microwave vs radiofrequency ablation for small renal masses: perioperative and oncological outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a comprehensive comparison of microwave ablation (MWA) vs radiofrequency ablation (RFA) outcomes in the treatment of small renal masses (SRMs), specifically: TRIFECTA ([i] complete ablation, [ii] absence of Clavien-Dindo Grade ≥III complications, and [iii] absence of ≥30% decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate) achievement, operative time (OT), and local recurrence rate (LRR). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed 531 patients with SRMs (clinical T1a-b) treated with MWA or RFA at a single centre (2008-2022). First, multivariable logistic regression models were used for testing TRIFECTA achievement. Second, multivariable Poisson regression models were used to evaluate variables associated with longer OT. Finally, Kaplan-Meier plots depicted LRR over time. All analyses were repeated after 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM). RESULTS: Of 531 patients with SRMs, 373/531 (70.2%) underwent MWA and 158/531 (29.8%) RFA. MWA demonstrated superior TRIFECTA achievement (314/373 [84.2%]) compared to RFA (114/158 [72.2%], P = 0.001). These differences were driven by higher rates of complete ablation in MWA- vs RFA-treated patients (348/373 [93.3%] vs 137/158 [86.7%], P < 0.001). In multivariable logistic regression models, MWA was associated with higher TRIFECTA achievement, compared to RFA, before (odds ratio [OR] 1.92, P = 0.008) and after PSM (OR 1.99, P = 0.023). Finally, the median OT was shorter for MWA vs RFA (105 vs 115 min; P = 0.002). At Poisson regression analyses, MWA predicted shorter OT before (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.86, P < 0.001) and after PSM (IRR 0.85, P < 0.001). Local recurrence occurred in 17/373 (4.6%) MWA-treated patients and 21/158 (13.3%) RFA-treated patients (P = 0.29) after a median (interquartile range) follow-up of 24 (8-46) months. There were no differences in the LRR in Kaplan-Meier plots before (P = 0.29) and after PSM (P = 0.42). CONCLUSION: Microwave ablation provides higher TRIFECTA achievement, and shorter OT than RFA. No significant differences were found regarding the LRR.

Robot-assisted nephroureterectomy: surgical and mid-term oncological outcomes in over 1100 patients (ROBUUST 2.0 collaborative group).

OBJECTIVE: To analyse surgical, functional, and mid-term oncological outcomes of robot-assisted nephroureterectomy (RANU) in a contemporary large multi-institutional setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data were retrieved from the ROBotic surgery for Upper tract Urothelial cancer STtudy (ROBUUST) 2.0 database, an international, multicentre registry encompassing data of patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma undergoing curative surgery between 2015 and 2022. The analysis included all consecutive patients undergoing RANU except those with missing data in predictors. Detailed surgical, pathological, and postoperative functional data were recorded and analysed. Oncological time-to-event outcomes were: recurrence-free survival (RFS), metastasis-free survival (MFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS). Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method, with a 3-year cut-off. A multivariable Cox proportional hazard model was built to evaluate predictors of each oncological outcome. RESULTS: A total of 1118 patients underwent RANU during the study period. The postoperative complications rate was 14.1%; the positive surgical margin rate was 4.7%. A postoperative median (interquartile range) estimated glomerular filtration rate decrease of -13.1 (-27.5 to 0) mL/min/1.73 m2 from baseline was observed. The 3-year RFS was 59% and the 3-year MFS was 76%, with a 3-year OS and CSS of 76% and 88%, respectively. Significant predictors of worse oncological outcomes were bladder-cuff excision, high-grade tumour, pathological T stage ≥3, and nodal involvement. CONCLUSIONS: The present study contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the increasing adoption of RANU. The procedure consistently offers low surgical morbidity and can provide favourable mid-term oncological outcomes, mirroring those of open NU, even in non-organ-confined disease.

Role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced and clinically positive nodes Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma treated with Nephroureterectomy: real-world data from the ROBUUST 2.0 Registry.

PURPOSE: To assess the impact of neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy on survival outcomes, within a large multicenter cohort of Upper tract urothelial carcinoma patients treated with Nephroureterectomy. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective analysis utilizing the Robotic surgery for Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer Study registry was performed. Baseline, preoperative, perioperative, and pathologic variables of three groups of patients receiving surgery only, neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy were compared. Categorical and continuous variables among the three subgroups were compared with Chi square and ANOVA tests. The impact of perioperative chemotherapy on survival outcomes was assessed with the Kaplan Meier method. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of survival. RESULTS: Overall, 1,994 patients were included. Overall and Clavien grade ≥3 complications rates were comparable among the three subgroups (p = 0.65 and p = 0.92). At Kaplan Meier analysis, neoadjuvant chemotherapy significantly improved cancer-specific survival (p = 0.03) and overall survival (p = 0.03) probabilities of patients with cT ≥ 3 tumors and of those with positive cN (p = 0.03 and p = 0.02). On multivariable analysis, neoadjuvant chemotherapy was independently associated with an improvement of cancer-specific survival in cT ≥ 3 patients (HR 0.44; p = 0.04), and of both cancer-specific survival (HR 0.50; p = 0.03) and overall survival (HR 0.53; p = 0.02) probabilities in positive cN patients. CONCLUSIONS: This large multicenter retrospective analysis suggests significant survival benefit in Upper tract urothelial carcinoma patients with either locally advanced or clinically positive nodes disease receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy. These findings can be regarded as "hypothesis generating", stimulating future trials focusing on such advanced stages.

Anxiety, depression, urinary continence, and sexuality in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy: preliminary findings.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the relationship between psychological distress, namely anxiety and depression, with urinary continence and recovery of erectile function in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from 33 consecutive patients who underwent RP in a single tertiary-referral academy between 01/2018 to 01/2019. We used the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15), the Sexual Complaints Screener for Men (SCS-M), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), validated questionnaires for the assessment of sexual function, anxiety, and depression experiences, respectively. These questionnaires were administered at the pre-surgical visit, after surgery, and at intermediate follow-ups (three, six, and twelve months). RESULTS: The analysis of the questionnaires completed during follow-up shows that erectile function is the most affected, with 90% erectile dysfunction (ED) at three months after surgery. In terms of emotional states, anxiety prevails in the first months following surgery and is statistically significantly associated with incontinence (p = 0.02). Depressive symptoms, on the other hand, appear later and prevail over anxiety at six months after surgery, although not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: In the early post-surgical phase anxiety and ED are the most frequently detected components, while depressive experiences and decreased desire, typical of later stages, have not yet fully emerged.

Dynamic interplay between AfadinS1795 phosphorylation and diet regulates glucose homeostasis in obese mice.

KEY POINTS: Afadin is a ubiquitously expressed scaffold protein with a recently discovered role in insulin signalling and glucose metabolism. Insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of Afadin at S1795 occurs in insulin-responsive tissues such as adipose tissue, muscle, liver, pancreas and heart. Afadin abundance and AfadinS1795 phosphorylation are dynamically regulated in metabolic tissues during diet-induced obesity progression. Genetic silencing of AfadinS1795 phosphorylation improves glucose homeostasis in the early stages of diet-induced metabolic dysregulation. AfadinS1795 phosphorylation contributes to the early development of obesity-related complications in mice. ABSTRACT: Obesity is associated with systemic insulin resistance and numerous metabolic disorders. Yet, the mechanisms underlying impaired insulin action during obesity remain to be fully elucidated. Afadin is a multifunctional scaffold protein with the ability to modulate insulin action through its phosphorylation at S1795 in adipocytes. In the present study, we report that insulin-stimulated AfadinS1795 phosphorylation is not restricted to adipose tissues, but is a common signalling event in insulin-responsive tissues including muscle, liver, pancreas and heart. Furthermore, a dynamic regulation of Afadin abundance occurred during diet-induced obesity progression, while its phosphorylation was progressively attenuated. To investigate the role of AfadinS1795 phosphorylation in the regulation of whole-body metabolic homeostasis, we generated a phospho-defective mouse model (Afadin SA) in which the Afadin phosphorylation site was silenced (S1795A) at the whole-body level using CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene editing. Metabolic characterization of these mice under basal physiological conditions or during a high-fat diet (HFD) challenge revealed that preventing AfadinS1795 phosphorylation improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance and increased liver glycogen storage in the early stage of diet-induced metabolic dysregulation, without affecting body weight. Together, our findings reveal that AfadinS1795 phosphorylation in metabolic tissues is critical during obesity progression and contributes to promote systemic insulin resistance and glucose intolerance in the early phase of diet-induced obesity.

Afadin is a scaffold protein repressing insulin action via HDAC6 in adipose tissue.

Insulin orchestrates metabolic homeostasis through a complex signaling network for which the precise mechanisms controlling its fine-tuning are not completely understood. Here, we report that Afadin, a scaffold protein, is phosphorylated on S1795 (S1718 in humans) in response to insulin in adipocytes, and this phosphorylation is impaired with obesity and insulin resistance. In turn, loss of Afadin enhances the response to insulin in adipose tissues via upregulation of the insulin receptor protein levels. This happens in a cell-autonomous and phosphorylation-dependent manner. Insulin-stimulated Afadin-S1795 phosphorylation modulates Afadin binding with interaction partners in adipocytes, among which HDAC6 preferentially interacts with phosphorylated Afadin and acts as a key intermediate to suppress insulin receptor protein levels. Adipose tissue-specific Afadin depletion protects against insulin resistance and improves glucose homeostasis in diet-induced obese mice, independently of adiposity. Altogether, we uncover a novel insulin-induced cellular feedback mechanism governed by the interaction of Afadin with HDAC6 to negatively control insulin action in adipocytes, which may offer new strategies to alleviate insulin resistance.

Thermal Ablation for Small Renal Masses: Identifying Anthropometric Factors for Predicting Perioperative and Oncological Outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: To test for specific anthropometric parameters to predict perioperative outcomes after thermal ablation (TA) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective single center (2008-2022) analysis of 538 T1a-b RCC patients treated with TA. We tested for specific anthropometric parameters, namely skin to tumor distance (STTD), perirenal fat thickness (PFT), median psoas muscle axial area (PMAA) and median paravertebral muscle axial area (PVMAA), to predict TRIFECTA achievement: (1) absence of CLAVIEN-DINDO≥ 3 complications; (2) complete ablation; (3) absence of ≥ 30% decrease in eGFR. Univariable (ULRM) and multivariable logistic regression models (MLRM) were used for testing TRIFECTA achievement. RESULTS: Overall, 103 patients (19%) did not achieve TRIFECTA. Of all anthropometric factors, only lower PMAA was associated with no TRIFECTA achievement (10 vs. 11 cm2, P = .02). However, ULRMs and MLRMs did not confirmed the aforementioned association. We than tested for the 3 specific TRIFECTA items. In separate ULRM and MLRM predicting incomplete ablation, both continuously coded STTD (Odds Ratio [OR]: 1.02; CI: 1.01-1.03; P = .02) and STTD strata (STTD > 10 cm; OR: 2.1; CI: 1.1-4.1; P = .03) achieved independent predictor status. Conversely, in separate ULRM and MLRM predicting CLAVIEN-DINDO ≥3 complications, both continuously coded PFT (OR: 1.04; CI: 1.01-1.07; P = .01) and PFT strata (PFT ≥ 14 mm; OR: 3.3; CI: 1.6-10.2; P = .003) achieved independent predictor status. Last, none of the anthropometric parameters were associated with eGFR decrease ≥ 30%. CONCLUSION: None of the tested anthropometric parameters predicted TRIFECTA achievement. However, when the 3 specific TRIFECTA items were tested, STTD and PFT were associated with, respectively, incomplete ablation and CLAVIEN-DINDO ≥ 3 complications.

Oncological and Functional Outcomes of Penile Shaft Sparing Surgery for Localised Penile Cancer: A Systematic Review.

CONTEXT: Penile shaft sparing (PSS) surgery for localised penile cancer (PeCa) aims to balance oncological and functional outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To summarise the published evidence on different PSS approaches. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We performed a systematic review adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. The systematic search was performed on PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus databases up to February 14, 2023. The inclusion criteria encompassed retrospective or prospective studies including patients ≥18 yr of age with localised PeCa treated with different PSS approaches, classified as laser ablation, circumcision, wide local excision, glansectomy with or without split skin graft, glans resurfacing, and mixed technique excision. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. A quantitative synthesis was not performed due to anticipated data heterogeneity and a lack of comparative studies. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Out of 4343 articles identified, 47 met our inclusion criteria, including 10 847 patients. The year of publication ranged between 1983 and 2021. Nine studies were prospective case series, while the remaining studies were retrospective. No comparative studies were identified. Most of the cases included in these studies were Ta and T1. The oncological outcomes were good for all the approaches, with cancer-specific mortality ranging between 0% and 18%. Sexual and cosmetic outcomes, despite being under-reported, were good for all the approaches, with almost all patients being satisfied with their quality of life after surgery. The Newcastle and Ottawa scale revealed a high or severely high risk of bias in all the included studies. CONCLUSIONS: PSS approaches were safe and had good functional outcomes, considering however the overall low quality of the studies on this issue. PATIENT SUMMARY: The perioperative, function, and oncological outcomes of penile shaft sparing approaches are good. However, high-quality studies are needed to determine whether these approaches benefit patients with localised penile cancer.

Oncological Outcomes of Thulium-Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet (Tm:YAG) Laser Ablation for Penile Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To report oncological outcomes after thulium-yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Tm:YAG) laser ablation for penile cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 71 patients with ≤cT1 penile cancer (2013-2022). All patients underwent Tm:YAG ablation with a RevoLix 200W continuous-wave laser. First, Kaplan-Meier plots and multivariable Cox regression models tested local tumor recurrence rates. Second, Kaplan-Meier plots tested progression-free survival (≥T3 and/or N1-3 and/or M1). RESULTS: Median (interquartile range) follow-up time was 38 (22-58) months. Overall, 33 (50.5%) patients experienced local tumor recurrence. Specifically, 19 (29%) vs 9 (14%) vs 5 (7.5%) patients had 1 vs 2 vs 3 recurrences over time. In multivariable Cox regression models, a trend for higher recurrence rates was observed for G3 tumors (hazard ratio:6.1; P = .05), relative to G1. During follow-up, 12 (18.5%) vs 4 (6.0%) vs 2 (3.0%) men were retreated with 1 vs 2 vs 3 Tm:YAG laser ablations. Moreover, 11 (17.0%) and 3 (4.5%) patients underwent glansectomy and partial/total penile amputation. Last, 5 (7.5%) patients experienced disease progression. Specifically, TNM stage at the time of disease progression was: (1) pT3N0; (2) pT2N2; (3) pTxN3; (4) pT1N1 and (5) pT3N3, respectively. CONCLUSION: Tm:YAG laser ablation provides similar oncological results as those observed by other penile-sparing surgery procedures. In consequence, Tm:YAG laser ablation should be considered a valid alternative for treating selected penile cancer patients.

Survival Outcomes by Race Following Surgical Treatment for Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Discrepancies in survival outcomes of various genitourinary tract malignancies have been documented across different racial and ethnic groups. Here we sought to examine long-term survival outcomes of patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) following radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) when stratified by race. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective analysis using the ROBUUST (ROBotic surgery for Upper tract Urothelial cancer Study) registry identified patients undergoing RNU for UTUC between 2015 and 2022 at 12 centers across the United States, Europe, and Asia. Patients were stratified by race (white, black, Hispanic, and Asian) and primary outcomes of interest-including recurrence-free survival (RFS), metastasis free survival (MFS) and overall survival (OS) - were assessed using univariate analysis, multivariate Cox regression modeling, and Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: 1446 patients (white n = 652, black n = 70, Hispanic n = 87, and Asian n = 637) who underwent RNU for treatment of the UTUC were included in our analysis. Cox regression modeling demonstrated pathologic nodal staging to be a significant predictor of RFS (HR 2.25; P = .0010), MFS (HR 2.50; P = .0028), and OS (HR 5.11; P < .0001). When using whites as the reference group, there were no significant differences in RFS, MFS, or OS across racial groups. CONCLUSIONS: Unlike other genitourinary tract malignancies, our study failed to demonstrate a survival disadvantage among minority racial groups with UTUC who underwent RNU. Furthermore, a significant difference in RFS, MFS, and OS was not identified across whites, blacks, Asians, or Hispanics with UTUC who underwent RNU.

The impact of bladder cuff excision on outcomes after nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma: An analysis of the ROBUUST 2.0 registry.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine whether bladder cuff excision and its technique influence outcomes after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). METHODS AND MATERIALS: A multicenter, international, retrospective analysis using the ROBotic surgery for Upper tract Urothelial cancer Study (ROBUUST) 2.0 registry identified 1,718 patients undergoing RNU for UTUC between 2015 and 2023 at 17 centers across the United States, Europe, and Asia. Data was gathered on (1) whether bladder cuff excision was performed and (2) what technique was used, including formal excision or other techniques (pluck technique, stripping/intussusception technique) and outcomes. Multivariate and survival analyses were performed to compare the groups. RESULTS: Most patients (90%, 1,540/1,718) underwent formal bladder cuff excision in accordance with EAU and AUA guidelines. Only 4% (68/1,718) underwent resection using other techniques, and 6% (110/1,718) did not have a bladder cuff excised. Median follow up for the cohort was 24 months (IQR 9-44). When comparing formal bladder cuff excision to other excision techniques, there were no differences in oncologic or survival outcomes including bladder recurrence-free survival (BRFS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), metastasis-free survival (MFS), overall survival (OS), or cancer-specific survival (CSS). However, excision of any kind conferred a decreased risk of bladder-specific recurrence compared to no excision. There was no difference in RFS, MFS, OS, or CSS when comparing bladder cuff excision, other techniques, and no excision. CONCLUSIONS: Bladder cuff excision improves recurrence-free survival, particularly when considering bladder recurrence. This benefit is conferred regardless of technique, as long as the intramural ureter and ureteral orifice are excised. However, the benefit of bladder cuff excision on metastasis-free, overall, and cancer-specific survival is unclear.

The dire consequences of multiple failed hypospadias repairs: a case report of a cavernosal reconstruction with mesh and malleable prosthesis.

The management of hypospadias during the neonatal period should be carried out exclusively in specialized medical centers because of the potential dire complications that may arise. In this report, we present a case of a 22-year-old male who underwent thirteen unsuccessful surgical procedures for his penoscrotal hypospadias in various hospitals. The purpose of this case report is to describe the surgical correction of severe corporal fibrosis and penile curvature that ensued from the multiple failed hypospadias corrections. We implanted an extra cavernosal malleable penile prosthesis and reconstructed the tunica albuginea defect with surgical meshes used in hernia repairs.

Comprehensive overview of ureteral stents based on clinical aspects, material and design.

Ureteral stents are useful devices in urological surgery. The main objective of a ureteric stent is to allow passage of urine and reduce early or late complications related to obstruction in the urinary tract. Despite their widespread use, there is a general lack of knowledge and awareness in stent composition and indication of application. We represented a synthesis of our extensive research over materials, coatings and shapes available on the market and then analyzed the main characteristics and peculiarities of ureteral stents. We have also focused our attention over the side effects and complication that must be considered when placing a ureteral stent. Encrustation, microbial colonization, stent-related symptoms and patient's history must always be evaluated when there is the need for a ureteral stent. The perfect stent should have many characteristics including easy insertion and removal, easy manipulation, resistance to encrustation and migration, lack of complications, biocompatibility, radio-opacity, biodurability, affordability (cost-effectiveness), tolerability and optimal flow characteristics. Nevertheless, further research and studies need to be done to provide more information about stent composition and efficacy in vivo. In this narrative review, we covered the basic information and main characteristics of ureteral stents, in order to help clinicians choose the appropriate device needed for a given situation.

Ischaemic Priapism: A Complication of Self-Administered Hyaluronic Acid Gel as an Injectable Filler for Penile Augmentation.

BACKGROUND: Injectable hyaluronic acid (HA) gel has emerged as a widely used soft tissue filler for surgeries. In penile reconstructive surgery, HA gel has been employed for penile or glans augmentation in selected patients diagnosed with micropenis. This augmentation technique involves injecting the gel into submucosal tissue and increasing the size of the penis for approximately 1 year. A few studies have investigated the possible complications correlated with medically assisted penile injections of HA gel. However, no previous reports have shown the complications of self-administered HA injection. This case report aims to present the first documented case of ischaemic priapism as a complication of self-administered HA injection. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 43-year-old male who self-administered a 20 mL injection of HA into the dorsal side of his penis. The injected material probably reached the corpora cavernosa, leading to priapism within a few hours. However, the patient did not seek medical attention until 72 h later. The first two initial conservative attempts of blood drainage were unsuccessful because the gel had obstructed vein drainage, causing the penis to remain in a state of priapism. The final treatment approach involved shunting, high enoxaparin doses and oral Effortil administration. CONCLUSIONS: While complications from medically assisted HA injections have been documented, this case report sheds light on the complications arising from self-administered penile injections. Priapism is a severe medical condition that requires immediate treatment to avoid potentially serious long-term consequences. Healthcare providers and patients must acknowledge its symptoms and its appropriate course of treatment, especially in the context of penile medical injections.

Penile-Sparing Surgery for Tumour Recurrence after Previous Glansectomy/Partial Penectomy: Treatment Feasibility and Oncological Outcomes.

We tested the feasibility and oncological outcomes after penile-sparing surgery (PSS) for local recurrent penile cancer after a previous glansectomy/partial penectomy. We retrospectively analysed 13 patients (1997-2022) with local recurrence of penile cancer after a previous glansectomy or partial penectomy. All patients underwent PSS: circumcision, excision, or laser ablation. First, technical feasibility, treatment setting, and complications (Clavien-Dindo) were recorded. Second, Kaplan-Meier plots depicted overall and local recurrences over time. Overall, 11 (84.5%) vs. 2 (15.5%) patients were previously treated with glansectomy vs. partial penectomy. The median (IQR) time to disease recurrence was 56 (13-88) months. Six (46%) vs. two (15.5%) vs. five (38.5%) patients were treated with, respectively, local excision vs. local excision + circumcision vs. laser ablation. All procedures, except one, were performed in an outpatient setting. Only one Clavien-Dindo 2 complication was recorded. The median follow-up time was 41 months. Overall, three (23%) vs. four (30.5%) patients experienced local vs. overall recurrence, respectively. All local recurrences were safely treated with salvage surgery. In conclusion, we reported the results of a preliminary analysis testing safety, feasibility, and early oncological outcomes of PSS procedures for patients with local recurrence after previous glansectomy or partial penectomy. Stronger oncological outcomes should be tested in other series to optimise patient selection.

Full activation of thermogenesis in brown adipocytes requires Basigin action.

Exploring mechanisms responsible for brown adipose tissue's (BAT) high metabolic activity is crucial to exploit its energy-dissipating ability for therapeutic purposes. Basigin (Bsg), a multifunctional highly glycosylated transmembrane protein, was recently proposed as one of the 98 critical markers allowing to distinguish 'white' and 'brown' adipocytes, yet its function in thermogenic brown adipocytes is unknown. Here, we report that Bsg is negatively associated with obesity in mice. By contrast, Bsg expression increased in the mature adipocyte fraction of BAT upon cold acclimation. Additionally, Bsg levels were highly induced during brown adipocyte maturation in vitro and were further increased upon ß-adrenergic stimulation in a HIF-1α-dependent manner. siRNA-mediated Bsg gene silencing in cultured brown adipocytes did not impact adipogenesis nor mitochondrial function. However, a significant decrease in mitochondrial respiration, lipolysis and Ucp1 transcription was observed in adipocytes lacking Bsg, when activated by norepinephrine. Furthermore, using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry-time-of-flight analysis to assess the composition of cellular metabolites, we demonstrate that brown adipocytes lacking Bsg have lower levels of intracellular lactate and acetoacetate. Bsg was additionally required to regulate intracellular AcAc and tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediate levels in NE-stimulated adipocytes. Our study highlights the critical role of Bsg in active brown adipocytes, possibly by controlling cellular metabolism.

Artificial intelligence and radiomics in evaluation of kidney lesions: a comprehensive literature review.

Radiomics and artificial intelligence (AI) may increase the differentiation of benign from malignant kidney lesions, differentiation of angiomyolipoma (AML) from renal cell carcinoma (RCC), differentiation of oncocytoma from RCC, differentiation of different subtypes of RCC, to predict Fuhrman grade, to predict gene mutation through molecular biomarkers and to predict treatment response in metastatic RCC undergoing immunotherapy. Neural networks analyze imaging data. Statistical, geometrical, textural features derived are giving quantitative data of contour, internal heterogeneity and gray zone features of lesions. A comprehensive literature review was performed, until July 2022. Studies investigating the diagnostic value of radiomics in differentiation of renal lesions, grade prediction, gene alterations, molecular biomarkers and ongoing clinical trials have been analyzed. The application of AI and radiomics could lead to improved sensitivity, specificity, accuracy in detecting and differentiating between renal lesions. Standardization of scanner protocols will improve preoperative differentiation between benign, low-risk cancers and clinically significant renal cancers and holds the premises to enhance the diagnostic ability of imaging tools to characterize renal lesions.

Quality of Life and Psychological Distress among Patients with Small Renal Masses.

Background: Quality of life (QoL) and psychological distress represent an important aspect of the daily life of cancer patients. The aim of this systematic review was to critically analyze available literature regarding QoL and psychological distress in patients with small renal masses (SRMs). (2) Methods: A systematic search of EMBASE, PUBMED and American Psychological Association (APA-net) was performed on 30 April 2022. Studies were considered eligible if they included patients with SRMs, had a prospective or retrospective design, included at least 10 patients, were published in the last 20 years, and assessed the QoL or psychological distress in patients that underwent active surveillance (AS) in comparison to those that underwent ablation/surgery treatments. (3) Results: The patients that underwent AS were statistically significantly older, with smaller renal masses than those that underwent surgery/ablation. A study showed a significant reduction in total scores of Short Form-12 (SF-12) among AS patients when compared to partial nephrectomy (PN) patients at enrollment (95.0 ± 15.8 vs. 99.1 ± 13.9), 2 years (91.0 ± 16.4 vs. 100.3 ± 14.3), and at 3 years (92.9 ± 15.9 vs. 100.3 ± 14.3), p < 0.05, respectively. That was mainly due to lower physical health scores. On the other hand, another study showed that AS patients with a biopsy-proven malignant tumor had a worse psychological distress sub-score (PDSS) compared to patients treated with surgery/ablation after biopsy. (4) Conclusions: It seems that there is an influence on QoL and psychological distress while on AS of SMRs. However, due to the low amount of available data, the impact of AS or active treatment on QoL or psychological distress of patients with small renal masses warrants further investigation.

The P2X7 Receptor Stimulates IL-6 Release from Pancreatic Stellate Cells and Tocilizumab Prevents Activation of STAT3 in Pancreatic Cancer Cells.

Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) are important pancreatic fibrogenic cells that interact with pancreatic cancer cells to promote the progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). In the tumor microenvironment (TME), several factors such as cytokines and nucleotides contribute to this interplay. Our aim was to investigate whether there is an interaction between IL-6 and nucleotide signaling, in particular, that mediated by the ATP-sensing P2X7 receptor (P2X7R). Using human cell lines of PSCs and cancer cells, as well as primary PSCs from mice, we show that ATP is released from both PSCs and cancer cells in response to mechanical and metabolic cues that may occur in the TME, and thus activate the P2X7R. Functional studies using P2X7R agonists and inhibitors show that the receptor is involved in PSC proliferation, collagen secretion and IL-6 secretion and it promotes cancer cell migration in a human PSC-cancer cell co-culture. Moreover, conditioned media from P2X7R-stimulated PSCs activated the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway in cancer cells. The monoclonal antibody inhibiting the IL-6 receptor, Tocilizumab, inhibited this signaling. In conclusion, we show an important mechanism between PSC-cancer cell interaction involving ATP and IL-6, activating P2X7 and IL-6 receptors, respectively, both potential therapeutic targets in PDAC.

Cold-induction of afadin in brown fat supports its thermogenic capacity.

The profound energy-expending nature of brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis makes it an attractive target tissue to combat obesity-associated metabolic disorders. While cold exposure is the strongest inducer of BAT activity, the temporal mechanisms tuning BAT adaptation during this activation process are incompletely understood. Here we show that the scaffold protein Afadin is dynamically regulated by cold in BAT, and participates in cold acclimation. Cold exposure acutely increases Afadin protein levels and its phosphorylation in BAT. Knockdown of Afadin in brown pre-adipocytes does not alter adipogenesis but restricts ß3-adrenegic induction of thermogenic genes expression and HSL phosphorylation in mature brown adipocytes. Consistent with a defect in thermogenesis, an impaired cold tolerance was observed in fat-specific Afadin knockout mice. However, while Afadin depletion led to reduced Ucp1 mRNA induction by cold, stimulation of Ucp1 protein was conserved. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that fat-specific ablation of Afadin led to decreased functional enrichment of gene sets controlling essential metabolic functions at thermoneutrality in BAT, whereas it led to an altered reprogramming in response to cold, with enhanced enrichment of different pathways related to metabolism and remodeling. Collectively, we demonstrate a role for Afadin in supporting the adrenergic response in brown adipocytes and BAT function.