Brazilian Portuguese translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and content validation of the pediatric lower urinary tract symptom score.

BACKGROUND: Early screening instruments for professionals are important to reduce the cost and time of diagnosing pediatric lower urinary tract dysfunction. This study aimed to translate, cross-culturally adapt, and validate pediatric lower urinary tract symptom scores. METHODS: This methodological study was conducted in 2019 in two phases: translation and cross-cultural adaptation, and content validation. In the first phase, we used translators, specialists, and 30 parents of children with voiding dysfunction. In the second phase, validation was performed by 11 pediatric urology specialists. FINDINGS: The instrument was translated and adapted to Brazilian Portuguese and presented an excellent level of verbal comprehension. Further, the instrument presented a good content validity index >0.8 for all items, except for the nomenclature and clarity of two items, as indicated by the Cronbach's alpha value of 0.75 for internal consistency. DISCUSSION: The final version showed semantic, idiomatic, experiential, and conceptual equivalence with the original instrument, indicating that it is adequate for other assessments of psychometric qualities. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The translation and adaptation of an important instrument for diagnosing lower urinary tract dysfunction in children to other countries helps nurses identify the disease early and monitor the treatment.

Arabic translation and validation of pediatric lower urinary tract symptom score (PLUTSS).

Objectives: To develop and validate an Arabic version of the pediatric lower urinary tract symptom score (PLUTSS). Methods: The linguistic translation of the PLUTSS into Arabic was carried out by following the guidelines that have been set out for cross-cultural adaptation of health-related QoL measures (Translation, Reconciliation, Retranslation, Review of retranslation, Debriefing and final review). The questionnaires were applied to 80 patients, 40 patients seeking urology clinic for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and 40 patients visiting a pediatric clinic without urological compliant. The discrimination validity and strength of association were tested using Mann-Whitney and chi-square tests. Reliability of translation was tested for internal consistency using the Cronbach's α and ROC Curve was used to evaluate the ability of the questionnaire to discriminate between cases and controls. Results: Patients with LUTS had a higher PLUTSS score and QoL score than controls (P < 0.001). The value of Cronbach's alpha of the 13 items (excluding Qol) evaluated on the scale was 0.717 (95% CI: 0.616-0.800). The ROC curve determined the ability of the questionnaire to discriminate between cases and controls where the area under the curve was 0.901 (95% CI: 0.830-0.972). Conclusion: The Arabic translated version of the PLUTSS is an acceptable and reliable tool for assessing and evaluating pediatric patients with LUTS in Arabic-speaking countries.

Gas6 expression and Tyrosine kinase Axl Sky receptors: Their relation with tumor stage and grade in patients with bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVES: It has been shown that the dysregulation of tyrosine kinase Axl receptor and its ligand growth arrest-specific gene (Gas6) are associated with poor prognosis in various types of tumors but there is not enough study about their importance in bladder cancer (BC). We evaluated the relation of Gas6 gene expression and tyrosine- kinase Axl and Sky (Tyro 3) receptors with tumor stage and grade in patients with BC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consists of 55 patients whose transurethral resection of bladder (TUR-B) has been performed due to BC and the control group consists of 12 patients with normal bladder mucosa. In tissues mRNAs of Gas6, Axl, and Sky receptors were examined by quantitative (Real-Time) PCR (qPCR). Protein expression was measured by immunohistochemistry. Plasma Gas6 protein levels were compared with control group by ELISA method. RESULTS: Patients with BC were grouped as Ta low (n=17), Ta high (n=5), T1 low (n=9), T1 high (n=8) and T2 (n=16) according to their TUR-B pathologies. The qPCR analysis showed that the expression of Gas6 gene and Axl receptor is higher in the tumor-positive group and the immune-histochemical showed that the bladder samples of the tumor-positive group stained significantly positive. When the patients are grouped according to the TUR-B pathologies, a statistical significant difference was observed among groups in the qPCR analysis ratios of Gas6 gene and Axl receptor by (p < 0.05) but no significance was found for Sky receptor (p > 0.05). When Gas6 protein levels in plasma samples were compared by ELISA method, a statistical significance was determined among groups (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that mRNAs of Gas6 and Axl receptor are closely related to tumor stage and grade in patients with BC. Further studies are needed for understanding the role of Gas6 and its receptors on the neoplastic transformation in terms of novel biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets.

Clinical practice in vesicoureteral reflux with respect to EAU guidelines: A multicenter study.

PURPOSE: We designed a multicenter, retrospective study to investigate the current trends in initial management of reflux with respect to European Association of Urology (EAU) Guidelines in Urology clinics of our country. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 1988 renal units (RU) of 1345 patients treated surgically due to vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) (between years 2003 and 2017) in nine different institutions. Patients were divided into two groups according to time of initial treatment and also grouped according to risk factors by "EAU guidelines on VUR." RESULTS: In this series, 1426 RUs were treated initially conservatively and 562 RUs were initially treated with surgery. In initially surgically treated group, success rates of surgery decreased significantly in low and moderate risk groups after 2013 (P = .046, P = .0001, respectively), while success rates were not significantly different in high risk group (P = .46). While 26.6% of patients in low risk group were initially surgically treated before 2013, this rate has increased to 34.6% after 2013, but the difference was not statistically significant (P = .096). However, performing surgery as the initial treatment approach increased significantly in both moderate and high risk groups (P = .000 and P = .0001, respectively) after 2013. Overall success rates of endoscopic treatments and ureteroneocystostomy (UNC) operations were 65% and 92.9% before 2013 and 60% and 78.5% after 2013, respectively. Thus, the overall success rate for surgery was 72.6%. There was significant difference between success rates of UNC operations before and after 2013 (P = .000), while the difference was not significant in the injection group (P = .076). CONCLUSION: Current trends in management of reflux in our country do not yet follow the EAU guidelines on VUR in low and moderate risk groups despite these reliable and accepted guidelines were expected to influence our daily approach.

How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect audience's attitudes in webinars?

INTRODUCTION: Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the face-to-face meetings are delayed to a future date, which is still not clear. However, seminars, meetings and conferences are necessary for updating our knowledge and skills. Web-based seminars (webinars) are the solutions to this issue. This study aimed to show the participant behaviour when webinars present at the COVID-19 pandemic era. METHODS: From December 2017 to July 2020, 58 webinars were broadcasted via the Uropedia, electronic library of SUST. Data of all webinars were collected with the YouTube analytics and application of the Uropedia. Data of streaming webinars included participant behaviours such as content views, engagement time, total unique attendees, average engagement time and the number of audience to leads. Data were split into two groups; group-1 is webinars before COVID-19 (before March 2020) and group-2 is the webinars during COVID-19. RESULTS: Total broadcast time and total page view number were found to be 112.6 hours (6761 minutes) and 15 919, respectively. The median participant age was 40.1 y. Median content view and median engagement time were found to be 261.0 and 12.2 minutes, respectively. Comparison of two groups revealed a significant increment in the content views (group-1; 134.0 range = 86.0-87.0 and group-2; 414.0 range = 296.0-602.0, P < .001) and the number of the unique attendees (group 1; 18.0 range = 10.0-26.0 and group-2; 57.0 range = 27.0-100.0, P < .001) following COVID-19. However, the median engagement time of the audience did not seem to change with the COVID-19 pandemic (group-1; 11.5 range = 10.0-13.3 minutes and group-2; 13.2 range = 9.4-18.1 minutes, P = .12). CONCLUSION: The webinars are effective ways to share information and have many advantages, including low cost, reaching a high number of audiences. Audience number and page visits seemed to increase following the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this era did not seem to affect the critical attitude of the audience, which is engagement time.

Causes of erectile dysfunction in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Background and Aim: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is an important and commonly seen disorder in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The objective of this study was to assess the rate of ED and its causes in a group of NAFLD patients. Materials and Methods: The International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire (IIEF-5) was used to evaluate the presence, causes, and severity of ED. Participants with an IIEF-5 score of <22 who agreed to undergo a urological evaluation were referred to a urologist for further assessment. Results: A total of 136 NAFLD patients were enrolled in the study. According to the IIEF-5, 68 (50.0%) patients had ED. Multivariate analysis indicated that older age, obesity, and hypertension were associated with ED. Seventeen patients had multiple etiological factors for ED. Psychogenic ED was identified in 19 patients (39.6%), vasculogenic ED in 35 patients (72.9%), drug-related ED in 3 patients (6.3%), and neurogenic ED in 6 patients (12.5%). Conclusion: ED is frequently seen in NAFLD patients, which may, at least in part, be due to common risk factors. Vasculogenic dysfunction is the most common single source of ED in NAFLD patients. Nonetheless, all potential etiologies should be carefully investigated, with special attention given to psychogenic factors, since they may be more frequent and relevant than expected.

Easily accessible, up-to-date and standardised training model in Urology: E-Learning Residency training programme (ERTP).

OBJECTIVES: There is no standardised and up-to-date education model for urology residents in our country. We aimed to describe our National E-learning education model for urology residents. METHODOLOGY: The ERTP working group; consisting of urologists was established by the Society of Urological Surgery to create E-learning model and curriculum in April 2018. Learning objectives were set up in order to determine and standardise the contents of the presentations. In accordance with the Bloom Taxonomy, 834 learning objectives were created for a total of 90 lectures (18 lectures for each PGY year). Totally 90 videos were shot by specialised instructors and webcasts were prepared. Webcasts were posted at uropedia.com.tr, which is the web library of the Society of Urological Surgery. The satisfaction of residents and instructors was evaluated with feedbacks. An assessment of knowledge was measured with the multiple-choice exam. RESULTS: A total of 43 centres and 250 urology residents were included in ERTP during the academic year 2018/2019. There were 93/55/43/34/25 urology residents at 1st/2nd/3rd/4th and 5th year of residency, respectively. Majority of the residents (99.1%) completed the ERTP. The overall satisfaction rate of residents and instructors were 4.29 and 4.67 (min: 1 so bad, max: 5 so good). An assessment exam was performed to urology residents at the end of the ERTP and the mean score was calculated as 57.99 points (min: 20, max: 82). CONCLUSION: As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, most of the educational programmes had to move online platforms. We used this reliable and easily accessible e-learning platform for the standardisation of training in urology on national basis. We aim to share this model with international residency training programmes.

Suboptimal Prediction of Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer in Radical Prostatectomy Specimens by mpMRI-Targeted Biopsy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging targeted (TBx) and/or systematic prostate biopsy (SBx) in predicting the presence of clinically significant (cs) prostate cancer (PCa) in radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens. Concordance of mpMRI and RP specimen lesions was also investigated in terms of tumor localization and histopathological features. METHODS: A total of 70 male patients with PCa and treated with robot-assisted RP were included in this study between January 2016 and December 2019. All patients underwent mpMRI-TBx and concomitant SBx. Suspicious lesions on mpMRI were scored according to Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System version 2 (PI-RADS) criteria. TBx was performed for all suspicious lesions with a PI-RADS score ≥3. RESULTS: The median age was 67 (43-77) years. Presence of csPCa in prostatectomy specimens was missed by TBx and SBx specimens in 25.4% and 19.4% of the cases, respectively (P<.001, for each). Combination of both biopsy (CBx) results improved detection by missing only 4.5% of csPCa (P = .250). International Society of Urologic Pathology grade group concordance with RP specimens were 50%, 54.3% and 67.1% for SBx, TBx, and CBx, respectively. There was a statistically significant correlation in terms of tumor localization and histopathological features between prostatectomy specimens and the first 3 lesions, particularly for the index lesions. CONCLUSIONS: CBx improved detection rate of csPCa. We propose TBx of 3 lesions with highest PI-RADS score(s) and a combination with SBx for the highest correlation with prostatectomy histopathology.

Melatonin prevents deterioration of erectile function in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats via sirtuin-1 expression.

A review of the literature indicated that sirtuin-1 expression, a regulator of nitric oxide bioavailability in erectile dysfunction (ED) after melatonin therapy, has not yet been investigated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of melatonin for erectile function with sirtuin-1 protein expression in type 1 diabetic rat models. Fifty male Sprague Dawley rats were placed into five groups. Except for those in the control group (C), each animal received a single dose (60 mg/kg) of streptozotocin to induce diabetes. The animals were placed into the diabetes (D) group, insulin (I) group (6 U/kg/day), melatonin (Mel) group (10 mg kg-1  day-1 ) and combined treatment (I + Mel) group. Ten weeks later, the serum testosterone levels, intracavernosal pressure (ICP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), malondialdehyde (MDA), cyclic guanosine monophosphate (c-GMP), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), caspase-3 activity, sirtuin-1 and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) protein expression and histological findings were assessed. The mean ICP/MAP ratio for the D group was lower than the mean ratios for the other groups. The treatment groups, particularly the I + Mel group, exhibited lower 8-OHdG and MDA levels and caspase-3 activity than the D group. The sirtuin-1 and eNOS expression and cavernosal tissue (CT) histology seemed to have been preserved by the melatonin and/or insulin therapy. These results were indicative of a profound protective effect of melatonin by the activation of sirtuin-1 protein expression against hyperglycemia-induced oxidative CT injury.

Male infertility in Sertoli cell-only syndrome: An investigation of autosomal gene defects.

OBJECTIVES: To detect autosomal genetic defects and to determine candidate genes in Sertoli cell-only syndrome infertile men. METHODS: Single-nucleotide polymorphism + comparative genomic hybridization microarray technology was carried out on 39 Sertoli cell-only syndrome infertile patients in the present study. Array comparative genomic hybridization compares the patient's genome against a reference genome, and identifies uncover deletions, amplifications and loss of heterozygosity. RESULTS: A link between defective spermatogenesis genes and infertility was examined, and amplifications and deletions in several genes were detected, including homeobox gene; synaptonemal complex element protein 1; collagen, type I, alpha 1; imprinted maternally expressed transcript; and potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily Q member 1. CONCLUSIONS: The present data suggest that several genes can play an important role in spermatogenesis and progression of Sertoli cell-only syndrome.

Value of Urinary Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels on the Assessment of Botulinum Toxin Type A Treatment for Neurogenic Detrusor Overactivity in Children with Myelodysplasia.

PURPOSE: Urinary cytokines are proposed to predict urodynamic findings and outcome of intradetrusor botulinum neurotoxin type A injection in children with myelodysplasia. The relationship between urinary brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neurogenic and nonneurogenic detrusor overactivity has been shown as well. We prospectively investigated the effect of intradetrusor botulinum neurotoxin type A injection on urine brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in children with nonneurogenic detrusor overactivity due to myelodysplasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Urine samples of 23 children with nonneurogenic detrusor overactivity due to myelodysplasia were collected and analyzed before and 1 and 3 months after intradetrusor botulinum neurotoxin type A injection, and urodynamics were performed before and 6 weeks after injection. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels and urodynamic findings were analyzed and statistical comparisons were done. RESULTS: Mean ± SD age was 100.0 ± 34.5 months. Ratio of girls to boys was 2.8. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels significantly decreased (p <0.006), and maximum cystometric capacity and maximum detrusor pressure improved significantly following intradetrusor botulinum neurotoxin type A injection compared to preoperatively (p <0.001). No statistical correlations were determined between brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels and urodynamics. Of all analyses only bladder compliance 5 ml/cm H2O or less vs greater than 5 ml/cm H2O at postoperative urodynamics was associated with statistically increased urine brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels, suggesting that increased urine brain-derived neurotrophic factor predicts treatment failure. CONCLUSIONS: The present study does not suggest that urine brain-derived neurotrophic factor is a reliable followup marker in children with nonneurogenic detrusor overactivity due to myelodysplasia. However, this factor may have a role in treatment planning, which needs to be established in future large prospective studies.

Resveratrol treatment may preserve the erectile function after radiotherapy by restoring antioxidant defence mechanisms, SIRT1 and NOS protein expressions.

Radiotherapy (RT) for prostate cancer (PC) can cause erectile dysfunction (ED) by damaging neurovascular structures with oxidative stress. In this study, we evaluated the effects of resveratrol, an antioxidant, on post-RT ED. Fifty rats in five groups were evaluated; control (C), prostate-confined radiotherapy with short- and long-term vehicle or resveratrol treatment. Cavernosal tissues were obtained to analyze glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO), cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxy-guanosine (8-OHdG) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD), caspase-3 activities, sirtuin-1, Foxo-3, nNOS, and eNOS protein expressions. Intracavernosal pressures (ICP) were measured for the long-term treatment group. In the RT + long-term vehicle treatment group, tissue GSH, NO, cGMP, and SOD activity were decreased while 8-OHdg levels and caspase-3 activities were increased. Radiotherapy caused a decrease in sirtuin-1, nNOS, and eNOS protein expressions. These parameters were reversed by resveratrol treatment. Foxo-3 protein expressions were unaltered in the RT + short-term vehicle treatment group and started to increase as a defense mechanism in the RT + long-term vehicle group; however, resveratrol treatment caused a significant increase in Foxo-3 expressions. Resveratrol preserved the metabolic pathways involved in erectile function and provided functional protection. Resveratrol can be used as a supplementary agent in patients undergoing radiotherapy to preserve erectile function.

Clinical and Urodynamic Results of Repeated Intradetrusor Onabotulinum Toxin A Injections in Refractory Neurogenic Detrusor Overactivity: Up to 5 Injections in a Cohort of Children With Myelodysplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy and safety of repeated intradetrusor onabotulinum toxin A (onaBoNT-A) injections in children with neurogenic detrusor overactivity due to myelodysplasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 19 children (4 boys and 15 girls) with a mean age of 10.3 ± 3.1 years old, who had received at least 2 injections of 10 U/kg onaBoNT-A for the treatment of urinary incontinence resistant to anticholinergic treatment and clean intermittent catheterization in our clinic, between 2010 and 2015. Controlled urodynamic studies were performed at the baseline and 3 months after each injection. RESULTS: Eight of the children received 3 injections, 5 children had 4 injections, and 2 children had 5 injections. From the baseline to the fifth injection, the detrusor compliance (1.3, 4.5, 10, 20.7, 18.8, and 16.6 mL/cm H2O), the maximum bladder capacity (82.0, 157.0, 191.0, 272.0, 299.0, and 210.5 mL), and the maximum detrusor pressure (55.0, 33.0, 22.0, 12.5, 16.0, and 12.5 cm H2O) were assessed. The findings significantly improved following the first, second, and third injections, when compared with the previous bladder dynamics (P <.05), but the differences with the fourth were not statistically significant (P >.05). The continence periods were similar under clean intermittent catheterization after all of the injections (P <.05), and no severe side effects were observed. CONCLUSION: Repeated onaBoNT-A injections are a safe treatment modality and can be offered as an effective alternative choice, instead of more invasive surgery, in children with neurogenic detrusor overactivity due to myelodysplasia.

[Validation of the spanish version of the pediatric lower urinary tract symptoms scale (PLUTSS).] / Validación de la versión española de la escala de síntomas de malfunción del tracto urinario inferior en población pediátrica (PLUTSS).

OBJECTIVES: Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction (LUTD) is the most common clinical problem in pediatric urology. To our knowledge non-validated instruments properly designed to screen lower urinary tract symptoms in the pediatric population has been translated and adapted to Spanish population. Pediatric Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Score (PLUTSS) has proven to be a valid questionnaire for screening and evaluation of the response of children with LUTD to therapy. The aim of this study was to validate the PLUTSS questionnaire into Spanish, and put it to clinical use in pediatric patients, with cross-cultural equivalence to the original version. METHODS: The PLUTSS questionnaire was validated between February 2015 and February 2016. The Spanish version was obtained by using the forward/ back-translation method with expert, bilingual translator, complying with the ISPOR principles. The questionnaire was administered to 80 patients with either lower urinary tract symptoms (40) or without any urological complaints (40). A descriptive statistical analysis of interscale correlation was performed. To confirm reliability, testretest reliability was assessed by intra-class correlation coefficient, and the internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient. ROC curve was used to define cutpoint and its validity in discrimination between groups. RESULTS: The median of the two groups was significantly different: 20.53 (patients with LUTD) vs 3.27 (controls). Internal consistence of the 13-item scale (without quality of life item) was high: Cronbach alpha coefficient 0.827. The test-retest analysis of reproducibility showed an intra-class correlation coefficient of 0.997 (95%IC: 0.994-0.999) (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish version of the PLUTSS questionnaire has proven to be acceptable and culturally equivalent to the original version. It has a good degree of consistency, validity and reliability. PLUTSS showed a high power to discriminate patients with LUTD.

The effect of intradetrusor botulinum neurotoxin type A on urinary NGF, TGF BETA-1, TIMP-2 levels in children with neurogenic detrusor overactivity due to myelodysplasia.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to determine the value of urine nerve growth factor (NGF), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-Beta-1), tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP-2) levels to predict the urodynamic profile before and after botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT-A) treatment in children with myelodysplasia. METHODS: This prospective study included 15 children with myelodysplasia who underwent intradetrusor BoNT-A injections due to neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDOA). Urine samples of each child were collected before and after BoNT-A injections, specifically at the first and third postoperative months. Urine samples were analyzed with ELISA method and NGF, TGF-Beta-1, and TIMP-2 levels were measured. Urine marker levels and clinical findings were assessed for statistical significance with Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test and Friedman Test. RESULTS: A total of 15 children (5 boys and 10 girls) were assigned as the study group. Mean age of the patients was 7.1 ± 2.5 years (range 2.5-11). A statistically significantly decline was observed in urinary TGF-Beta-1 and NGF levels following BoNT-A injections, compared to the preoperative levels (P < 0.05). TIMP-2 levels also tend to decrease following BoNT-A injections but this was not statistically significant compared to the preoperative levels. CONCLUSION: This preliminary study, suggests urinary TGF-Beta-1 and NGF as a potent marker in children with NDOA, as they decline following BoNT-A injection. Further studies are needed in identifying their special role in assessing treatment success after invasive interventions.

Is 40 cm H2 O detrusor leak point pressure cut-off reliable for upper urinary tract protection in children with myelodysplasia?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study, is to find out the most accurate cut-off level for the detrusor leak point pressure (DLPP) in terms of upper urinary tract (UUT) protection in a cohort of children with myelodysplasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and ninety-three children with myelodysplasia were included in the study based on the availability of urological evaluation at age of 3 years. Children were assigned to one of two groups-those who had UUT damage at age 3 (group 1, n: 70) and those without UUT changes (group 2, n: 123), and compared. RESULTS: Urological follow-up data revealed higher incidences of febrile urinary tract infections and secondary tethering of the spinal cord in group 1. No statistically significant difference was determined between group 1 and group 2 in terms of DLPP values (median 42.5 vs. 39.5 cm H2 O, respectively, P = 0.087). Analysis of different cut-off values showed that DLPP above 20 cm H2 O had a higher sensitivity for UUT damage (91.4%). A normal UUT was found in 56.5% and 62.2% of children with DLPP between 20 and 40 cm H2 O, and with DLPP over 40 cm H2 O, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Present study showed that more than half of the children with myelodysplasia had normal UUT function even with a DLPP of 40 cm H2 O and over. Thus, DLPP, is not the sole decision making parameter to rely for more invasive therapies in children with myelodysplasia. On the other hand, a DLPP cut-off value of 20 cm H2 O showed a higher sensitivity to predict UUT damage instead of 40 cm H2 O. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:759-763, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The Effects of Melatonin on Ethylene Glycol-induced Nephrolithiasis: Role on Osteopontin mRNA Gene Expression.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the protective effects of melatonin (Mel) on an ethylene glycol (EG)-induced nephrolithiasis model in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two Wistar albino rats were divided into 4 groups: control, EG, prevention Mel (Mel + EG + Mel), and therapeutic Mel (EG + Mel). EG (0.75%) was added to drinking water to create nephrolithiasis model. The EG group received EG and the Mel + EG + Mel group received both EG and Mel for 8 weeks. In the EG + Mel group, EG is given for 8 weeks and Mel is given for the last 4 weeks of the experiment. At the end of experimental period, urine, blood samples, and tissues were collected. RESULTS: In 24-hour urine samples, calcium, citrate, and creatinine levels were decreased and oxalate levels were increased in the EG group, whereas Mel prevention and Mel treatment reversed these parameters back to control levels. Malondialdehyde, glutathione activities, myeloperoxidase, superoxide dismutase levels, and caspase-3 activity showed improvements in the Mel-treated groups when compared with the EG group. 8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine, matrix metalloproteinase 9 levels, N-acetyl-ß-glucosaminidase activity, and osteopontin mRNA expression were elevated in the EG group and decreased back to control levels in the Mel + EG + Mel and EG + Mel groups. Histological examination showed improvement in the Mel-treated groups when compared with the EG group. CONCLUSION: Mel can prevent crystalluria and kidney damage due to crystal formation and aggregation. It can be considered as a potential prophylactic and protective agent in high-risk patients with urinary stone formation or recurrence if supported by further clinical studies.

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease is Associated with Erectile Dysfunction: A Prospective Pilot Study.

INTRODUCTION: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Although the link between MetS and erectile dysfunction (ED) is well known, clinical studies investigating the association between NAFLD and ED are scant. AIM: To evaluate the relationship between NAFLD and ED. METHODS: Male patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD were prospectively asked to fill the five-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire. Their clinical and histologic variables were compared with the IEFF scores. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: IIEF scores; proportions of NAFLD patients who demonstrated ED and/or MetS; association between the severity of histological hepatic damage and ED. RESULTS: Forty male patients having an age range of 33 (24-57) and a mean age of 40.13 ± 10.22 years with biopsy-proven NAFLD had a median IIEF-5 score of 16 (9-25) and MetS was present in 23 (57.5%). ED severity distributions as moderate, mild, and no ED were 11 (27.5%), 16 (40%), and 13 (32.5 %), respectively. Histological NAFLD score was significantly higher in patients having ED compared with patients with no ED (5.63 ± 1.39 vs. 4.15 ± 1.46; P = .006). MetS diagnosis was significantly more common in patients having ED, compared with those without ED [19 (70.4%) vs. 4 (30.8%), respectively, P = .018)]. When patients with and without ED were compared, gamma glutamyl transferase was significantly lower in ED, whereas components of MetS did not correlate with ED. After multivariate analysis, NAFLD score has remained the only significant outcome associated with ED [P = .03; OR (95% CI): 2.38 (1.079-5.238)]. CONCLUSION: The current clinical study demonstrates a significant association between nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and ED for the first time. Our findings suggest liver damage may play role in the pathogenesis of ED in patients with NAFLD. Future studies are needed to expand the underlying common mechanisms responsible for this novel hypothesis.

Resistant pediatric priapism: A real challenge for the urologist.

Priapism in pediatric patients is a rare entity. We present an 8-year-old boy with known cerebral palsy. He came to the emergency department with sustained painful erection for 12 hours. Physical examination showed rigid penis. Blood count and biochemical analysis were normal. Although penile Doppler ultrasound revealed normal arterial and venous flow, cavernosal blood gas was hypoxic. A total of 50 mL of dark blood was aspirated, and 2 mL of 0.001% adrenalin solution was applied to both corpus cavernosum, twice within 20 minutes, which eventually did not achieve detumescence. A distal Winter shunt was performed at the end of which the penis was semi-flaccid. By the 18th hour of surgery, the penis re-gained painful erection status, so an Al-Ghorab shunt was performed. After the Al-Ghorab shunt, the penis was still in the semi-flaccid state. The next day, an angiography was performed and an arteriovenous fistula was discovered and treated by embolization. The flaccid state was achieved and the patient was discharged the day after the embolization.

Apocynin attenuates testicular ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to examine the possible protective effect of apocynin, a NADPH oxidase inhibitor, against torsion/detorsion (T/D) induced ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in testis. METHODS: Male Wistar albino rats were divided into sham-operated control, and either vehicle, apocynin 20mg/kg- or apocynin 50mg/kg-treated T/D groups. In order to induce I/R injury, left testis was rotated 720° clockwise for 4 hours (torsion) and then allowed reperfusion (detorsion) for 4 hours. Left orchiectomy was done for the measurement of tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) levels, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and luminol, lucigenin, nitric oxide (NO) and peroxynitrite chemiluminescences (CL). Testicular morphology was examined by light microscopy. RESULTS: I/R caused significant increases in tissue luminol, lucigenin, nitric oxide and peroxynitrite CL demonstrating increased reactive oxygen and nitrogen metabolites. As a result of increased oxidative stress tissue MPO activity, MDA levels were increased and antioxidant GSH was decreased. On the other hand, apocynin treatment reversed all these biochemical indices, as well as histopathological alterations that were induced by I/R. According to data, although lower dose of apocynin tended to reverse the biochemical parameters, high dose of apocynin provides better protection since values were closer to the control levels. CONCLUSION: Findings of the present study suggest that NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin by inhibiting free radical generation and increasing antioxidant defense exerts protective effects on testicular tissues against I/R. The protection with apocynin was more pronounced with high dose.