Dose-dependant preventive effect of a herbal compound on crystal formation in rat model.

INTRODUCTION: To analyze the dose-dependent preventive effect of a plant-based herbal product on the new crystal formation in a rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 42 rats were divided into 7 groups and zinc discs were placed into the bladder of rats to provide a nidus for the development of new crystal formation: Group 1: control, Group 2: 0.75 percent ethylene glycol (EG); Group 3: 0.75 percent EG plus 0.051 ml of the compound; Group 4: 0.75 percent EG plus 0.179 ml of the compound; Group 5: 0.75 percent EG plus 0.217 ml of the compound; Group 6: 0.75 percent EG plus 0.255 ml of the compound; Group 7 0.75 percent EG plus 0.332 of the compound). The analysis and comparison focused on the disc weights, changes in urinary oxalate and calcium levels, urinary pH, and the histopathologic evaluation of the inflammatory changes in the bladder after 14 days. RESULTS: According to the evaluation of discs placed in the bladders of the animals, animals receiving the herbal compound on a dose-dependent basis showed a limited increase in the disc weights values after 14 days, despite a considerable increase in animals receiving EG alone (p = 0.001). Further evaluation of the increase in disc weights on a dose-dependent basis in different subgroups (from Groups 3 to 7) demonstrated that the limitation of crystal deposition began to be more prominent as the dose of herbal compound increased. This effect was more evident particularly in comparisons between group 7 and others, according to LSD multiple comparison tests (p = 0.001). As anticipated, there has been no discernible change in the weight of the discs in the control group. Although urinary calcium levels in animals of Groups 2, 6, and 7 were significantly higher than the other groups, we were not able to demonstrate a close correlation between urinary oxalate levels and the increasing dose levels. Even though mean urine pH levels were statistically considerably higher in Group 3, there was no statistically significant correlation between the oxalate and calcium levels between all groups, and no association was seen with the administration of herbal agents. The transitional epithelium between the three groups of animals' bladder samples did not exhibit any appreciable difference according to pathological analysis. CONCLUSIONS: In this animal model, the treatment of the compound was successful in lowering the amount of crystal deposition surrounding the zinc discs, most noticeably at a dosage of 0.332 ml, three times per day.

Diagnostic Value of the Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index in Newborns with Urinary Tract Infection.

OBJECTIVE: Aim of this study is to investigate the diagnostic role of the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII; neutrophil × platelet [PLT]/lymphocyte) in the prediction of renal involvement in newborns with urinary tract infection (UTI). STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective cohort study among 117 newborns with a gestational age greater than 35 weeks and hospitalized in the NICU. Laboratory values obtained from blood samples taken before the initiation of antibiotics were evaluated for renal function tests, complete blood count, and acute phase reactants. The ratios of platelet-to-lymphocyte (PLR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR), and SII were calculated. The patients were divided into two main groups according to the presence of urinary tract pathology in ultrasonography (US): group 1, UTI with renal involvement (n = 43) and group 2, UTI without renal involvement (n = 74). Predictive values of different tests were compared. RESULTS: The mean white blood cell, PLT, mean PLT volume, and neutrophile counts were higher, while lymphocyte counts were significantly lower in group 1 than those of group 2. Interleukin 6 (IL-6; pg/mL; IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP; mg/L), NLR, PLR, and SII values were also higher in group 1. Receiver operating characteristics curve showed that SII, CRP, IL-6, PLR, and NLR have a predictive ability to discriminate renal involvement from normal renal findings in newborns with UTI. The SII produced an area under curve of 0.75 (72% sensitivity and 60.8% specificity). To define renal involvement, the cut-off values of SII, CRP, IL-6, PLR, and NLR were 217, 3.06, 23, 65.5, and 0.60, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that SII might be used as an additional parameter in the prediction of renal involvement in newborns with UTIs. Further studies are required. KEY POINTS: · Most UTIs in newborns present with upper UTI rather than simple cystitis.. · Some inflammatory markers can be used for the diagnosis of UTIs.. · SII may be useful in the prediction of urinary tract infections..

Is Medical Therapy for Distal Ureteral Stones Efficient? Tamsulosin versus Deflazacort: A Prospective Randomised Trial.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the efficacy of tamsulosin and deflazacort in the spontaneous expulsion of distal ureteral stones when applied in an independent or combined manner. METHODS: 134 patients with distal ureteral stones (4 - 10 mm) were included in tothe study. All patients were randomized into four groups: group 1 (n = 37) patients receiving tamsulosin (0.4 mg/day); group 2 (n = 26) patients receiving deflazacort (30 mg/day); group 3 (n = 37) patients receiving combined treatment (tamsulosin and deflazacort) with the same dosages; and group 4, control group cases (n = 34), receiving paracetamol on demand. Although deflazacort treatment was limited to 10 days due to the possible associated side effects, α-blocker and paracetamol lasted up to four weeks. Patients were followed up on a weekly basis and at the end of four weeks all groups were compared primarily with respect to the stone expulsion rates. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was noted between all groups regarding the age, sex, or stone burden (p > 0.05). Spontaneous stone expulsion rates after 4 weeks were 64.8 %, 69.2 %, 75.7 %, and 26.4 % in group 1, 2, 3, and 4 respectively. Spontaneous passage rates were statistically higher in all treatment groups when compared with the control group. Despite the highest spontaneous stone expulsion rate noted in group 3; this difference was not statistically significant when compared with the group 1 and 2. No major side effect related to the medications was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Tamsulosin facilitated the spontaneous passage of distal ureteral stones < 10 mm in size in an effective manner particularly when applied in combination with an oral corticosteroid.

Statins are effective in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia with metabolic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of statins and ɑ blockers drug therapies for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). MATERIALS AND METHOD: A total of three hundred patients were randomly distributed into three groups of one hundred patients each. Group 1 received only ɑ-adrenoceptor antagonist (ɑ-blocker, AB) (Tamsulosin), group 2 received only statin (atorvastatin), and group 3 received AB plus statin (Tamsulosin + Atorvastatin). The efficacy measurement was assessed by analyzing the changes from baseline in the total International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), disease-specific QoL question score and maximum urinary flow rate at the end of 6 months in each group and between the three groups. RESULTS: Pre-treatment and post-treatment value of triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and prostate volüme (PV) were not significantly different in AB group, while TG and PV were significantly lower in patients taking statin and combined therapy. The significant decrease was demonstrated in maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) in three groups. However, the most significant decrease was observed in the combination therapy group. IPSS, postvoid residual urine volüme (PVR), and Quality of Life score (QoL) significantly changed in three groups. CONCLUSION: We recommend of the use of statins in those men with BPH accompanied by MetS in which AB is ineffective alone.

Do the urolithiasis scoring systems predict the success of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in cases with anatomical abnormalities?

The objective of this study is to assess the utility of the Guy, S.T.O.N.E., and CROES nephrolithometry scoring systems (SS), and compare the capability of each system to predict percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) outcome in patients with anatomical abnormalities. We retrospectively collected medical records of patients with anatomical abnormalities who underwent PNL for the treatment of renal calculi by experienced surgical teams in four referral centers. All of the patients were graded by a single observer from each department based on preoperative computed tomography images using each SS. Patient demographics and outcomes were compared according to the complexity of the procedure as graded by each scoring system. A total of 137 cases with anatomical abnormalities [horseshoe kidney (n = 46), malrotation (n = 33), kypho and/or scoliosis (n = 31) and ectopic kidney (n = 27)] were assessed retrospectively. The mean stone burden, number, and density were 708.5 mm2, 1.7, and 791.8 HU, respectively. The mean procedure, fluoroscopy, and hospitalization times were 75.2 ± 35.3 min, 133.4 ± 92.3 s, and 3.5 ± 2.1 days, respectively. Stone-free status was achieved in 106 cases (77.4 %). A total of 17 (13.6 %) complications occurred postoperatively. The mean scores were 2.7, 7.2, and 219.1, for the Guy, S.T.O.N.E., and CROES systems, respectively. CROES score was the independent predictor of PNL success in cases with anatomical abnormalities [p: 0.001, OR 1.01, (95 % CI 1005-1021)]. The CROES scoring system is well correlated with the success of PNL in cases with anatomical abnormalities; the S.T.O.N.E. and Guy scoring systems failed to predict the outcomes of PNL in this specific patient population.

Effects of Tadalafil 5 mg Dosed Once Daily in Men with Premature Ejaculation.

PURPOSE: In this study, we evaluated the effect of 5 mg tadalafil once daily in men with premature ejaculation (PE). METHODS: Thirty married men with lifelong PE and 30 healthy men as control group were included in this study. All the patients received 5 mg tadalafil once a day for a month. The international index of erectile function questionnaire and intravaginal ejaculatory latency times (IELTs) and PE profile were recorded before and after treatment. Plasma samples were collected before and after treatment. RESULTS: The mean baseline IELTs was 40.8 ± 8.1 s in the PE group and 196.5 ± 26.2 s in the control group. After treatment in the PE group, the mean IELTs values showed a statistically significant improvement from the baseline values. At the end of 4 weeks, in the PE group, the mean IELT values showed a statistically significant improvement from the baseline values. Baseline serum nitric oxide (NO) levels were 27.3 ± 1.7 in the PE group and in the 31.1 ± 1.4 healthy control groups. After treatment, NO levels were increased from baseline. CONCLUSION: We consider that 5 mg tadalafil once daily is safety and effective for the treatment of PE.

Erratum to: Flexible Ureterorenoscopy versus Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy for the treatment of upper/middle calyx kidney stones of 10-20 mm: a retrospective analysis of 174 patients.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1186/2193-1801-3-557.].

Publication rates of full-text journal articles converted from abstracts presented during the 22(nd) Turkish National Urology Congress.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the publication rates of full-text journal articles converted from the abstracts presented in the 22(nd) Turkish National Urology Congress in 2012. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 576 abstracts accepted for presentation at the 22(nd) Turkish National Urology Association Meeting were identified from the published abstract book. The abstracts were categorized into subsections such as endourology and pediatric urology. The subsequent publication rate for the studies was evaluated by scanning PubMed Medline. Abstracts published before the proceedings were excluded from the study. RESULTS: The abstracts were categorized as being presented orally (n=155), by poster (n=421), or by video (n=78). Of the 28 (18.3%) of 155 oral and 34 (8.15%) of 421 poster presentations, were subsequently published in several journals until March 2015. The publication rates of the abstracts based on urology subsections were as follows: neurology (25%), andrology (18.6%), endourology (17.2%), urolithiasis (15.3%), general urology (12.5%), infectious diseases (7.14%), pediatric urology (6.25%), uro-gynecology (6.06%), reconstructive urology (5.8%), and urooncology (3.8%). The average time to publication was 11.77 (0-33) months. CONCLUSION: This is the first study assessing the publication rates of abstracts presented at a Turkish National Urology Congress. It reveals that more qualified randomized studies need to be done to improve the rate of publication.

Pilates for Better Sex: Changes in Sexual Functioning in Healthy Turkish Women After Pilates Exercise.

Although a large number of studies report the impact of daily exercise on many aspects of women's health, none of them address the relationship between Pilates exercise and sexual function prospectively. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Pilates exercise on sexual function in healthy young women using a validated questionnaire. In total, 34 premenopausal healthy Turkish women aged between 20 and 50 years who had regular menstrual cycles and sexual relationships were included in the study. Women were asked to complete Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaires. Questionnaires were completed before and after 12 weeks of Pilates exercise. Primary endpoints were changes in total and individual domain scores on the FSFI and BDI. After the 12-week Pilates intervention, BDI scores were decreased and all domains of the FSFI were significantly improved with mean ± SD total FSFI scores increasing from 25.9 ± 7.4 to 32.2 ± 3.6 (p <.0001). This is the first prospective study that quantifies the improvement in sexual function of healthy women after a 12-week Pilates program. Our findings suggest that Pilates may improve sexual function in healthy women. However, further studies with a larger sample size are needed in this field.

It Suddenly Occurred: Extensive Subcutaneous Emphysema after Bipolar Transurethral Resection of Prostate.

Subcutaneous emphysema is a very rare and good-natured complication after transurethral resection of prostate (TURP). It has been reported as colon perforation, diverticulitis, and bladder perforation associated complication previously. We report the first case of a wide subcutaneous emphysema due to microperforations of prostatic capsule, without a bladder perforation after TURP. Any sign of clinic situation should lead to ceasing of the procedure immediately; otherwise, it can cause a life-threatening problem of abdominal compartment syndrome.

The effect of estrogen usage on eccentric exercise-induced damage in rat testes.

BACKGROUND: Recent years, lots of scientific studies are focused on the possible mechanism of inflammatory response and oxidative stress which are the mechanism related with tissue damage and exercise fatigue. It is well-known that free oxygen radicals may be induced under invitro conditions as well as oxidative stress by exhaustive physical exercise. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of anabolic steroids in conjunction with exercise in the process of spermatogenesis in the testes, using histological and stereological methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six male Sprague Dawley rats were divided to six groups, including the control group, the eccentric exercise administered group, the estrogen applied group, the estrogen applied and dissected one hour after eccentric exercise group, the no estrogen applied and dissected 48 hours after eccentric exercise group and the estrogen applied and dissected 48 hours after eccentric exercise group. Eccentric exercise was performed on a motorized rodent treadmill and the estrogen applied groups received daily physiological doses by subcutaneous injections. Testicular tissues were examined using specific histopathological, immunohistochemical and stereological methods. Sections of the testes tissue were stained using the TUNEL method to identify apoptotic cells. Apoptosis was calculated as the percentage of positive cells, using stereological analysis. A statistical analysis of the data was carried out with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for the data obtained from stereological analysis. RESULTS: Conventional light microscopic results revealed that testes tissues of the eccentric exercise administered group and the estrogen supplemented group exhibited slight impairment. In groups that were both eccentrically exercised and estrogen supplemented, more deterioration was detected in testes tissues. Likewise, immunohistochemistry findings were also more prominent in the eccentrically exercised and estrogen supplemented groups. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that estrogen supplementation increases damage in testicular tissue due to eccentric exercise.

Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio as a predictor of recurrence and progression in patients with high-grade pT1 bladder cancer.

INTRODUCTION: We investigated the value of the preoperative neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in predicting recurrence and progression of high-grade pT1 non-muscle-invasive tumour in patients with bladder cancer during a 5-year follow-up period. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data of 1100 patients with bladder cancer; these patients underwent transurethral resection and were monitored at multiple centres from 2008 to 2013. In total, 166 consecutive and newly diagnosed patients with high-grade pT1 tumours were included in this study. The NLR was calculated by dividing the absolute neutrophil count by the absolute lymphocyte count. RESULTS: Of the 166 patients, 152 were male. The patients were evaluated as two separate groups in terms of recurrence and progression. The mean follow-up period was 24.2 months (interquartile range 13.8-36.6 months). A statistically significant difference was found between recurrence and tumour size (p = 0.001), number of tumours (p < 0.001), NLR (p < 0.001), and smoking (p = 0.007). No statistically significant correlation was found between NLR and progression. According to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, the optimum cut-off value for the NLR was ≥2.43 (74% sensitivity, 60% specificity, p < 0.001; area under the curve [AUC] 0.687, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.607-0.767). Multivariate logistic regression analysis determined that the following factors were independent predictors of recurrence in patients with high-grade pT1 non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer: tumour number (OR 5.32, 95% CI 2.10-12.90), NLR of ≥2.43 (OR 2.587; 95% CI 1.156-5.789), and smoking (OR 4.17, 95% CI 1.31-13.21). CONCLUSION: A high preoperative NLR may play an important role in predicting recurrence of superficial transitional cell type high-grade pT1 bladder tumours. Prospective studies are required to validate the role of NLR as a prognostic marker in high-grade pT1 bladder tumours.

Gastrointestinal complications of laparoscopic/robot-assisted urologic surgery and a review of the literature.

Gastrointestinal injuries that occur during or after laparoscopic and robot-assisted surgery are serious side effects that affect patient outcome. In this review, we attempt to highlight the identification, incidence and management of gastrointestinal and visceral complications of laparoscopic and robot-assisted surgery. A search of Medline and PubMed databases was performed using the following terms: gastrointestinal complications of laparoscopy, laparoscopic, kidney and robotic surgery. A total of 1,072 papers related to the subject were analyzed. Forty-six of these papers were included in the present review. These papers reported high numbers of participants and had a high level of evidence. Gastrointestinal complications during laparoscopic and robot-assisted surgery are rare, but similar, and can occur at any time between access and closure. Despite their infrequency, these complications can result in mortality. The early recognition and management of gastrointestinal complications is very important. Unrecognized or delayed identification of gastrointestinal complications may cause sepsis and death.

SmartClamp circumcision versus conventional dissection technique in terms of parental anxiety and outcomes: A prospective clinical study.

INTRODUCTION: We prospectively analyzed parental anxiety and outcomes of the SmartClamp circumcision and the classic surgical dissection technique. METHODS: A total of 250 boys underwent circumcision between 2009 and 2012 at Kars State Hospital and Kafkas University Faculty of Medicine in Turkey. The initial 125 children were circumcised by conventional dissection method and the remaining children were operated on with a SmartClamp device. Children in both groups were compared in terms of bleeding, infection, penile edema, operative time, cosmetic result, length of the inner mucosal layer, and parental anxiety. We used a State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) form to gauge how the circumcision affected parental anxiety. This form was completed by parents on postoperative day 2. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences among the 2 groups in terms of age, bleeding, infection, and cosmetic displeasure (p > 0.05). The STAI scores of the parents from the SmartClamp group were statistically higher than that of the other group (p < 0.001). Penile edema was more common in the SmartClamp group (p = 0.039). However, the mean operative time was statistically shorter (p < 0.001) and the inner mucosal length was significantly longer in the SmartClamp group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Circumcision with the SmartClamp device was faster. Cosmetic results and complication rates were similar. Unfortunately, this technique seemed to entail the disadvantages of longer mucosal length, penile edema, and higher parental anxiety. Urologists should keep these points in mind when choosing a technique.

Brucellar epididymo-orchitis: a retrospective multicenter study of 28 cases and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: To review retrospectively the clinical symptoms, laboratory findings and treatment outcomes of patients with Brucellar epididymo-orchitis. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Retrospective data of 28 patients with Brucellar epididymo-orchitis who admitted to four medical centers between 2005 and 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Positive blood culture, positive Rose Bengal test results or high agglutination titres of ≥ 1/160 with the positive clinical and ultrasonographic findings of orchitis were accepted as the main criteria for Brucellar epididymo-orchitis. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 31 ± 16.9 years. Testicular involvement was on the left side in 16 patients and on the right side in 11 patients, one had bilateral disease. Testicular pain and swelling were the most common symptoms and elevation of C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and leucocytosis were the most common laboratory findings. Initial treatment was orchidectomy in six patients due to malignancy suspicion. All but three patients were successfully treated with antibiotic combinations of rifampicin, doxycycline and streptomycin. Two of three treatment resistant patients underwent orchidectomy. CONCLUSION: Brucellosis is a common cause of epididymo-orchitis in endemic regions. Early diagnosis and treatment is crucial in the management and thus it must be kept in mind in endemic and non-endemic regions.

Flexible ureterorenoscopy versus semirigid ureteroscopy for the treatment of proximal ureteral stones: a retrospective comparative analysis of 124 patients.

PURPOSE: To investigate and compare the stone clearence and complication rates of flexible ureteroscopy (URS) with semirigid URS in patients having proximal ureteral stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of 124 patients with proximal ureteral stones who underwent semirigid or flexible ureterorenoscopic lithotripsy between March 2008 and December 2012 were retrospectively investigated. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the operation types. Group 1 included 63 patients who were treated with semirigid URS and group 2 was consisted from 61 patients who underwent flexible URS. Each group was compared in terms of stone diameter, successful access to the stone, operation time, reoperation rates, stone free status at postoperative 1st and 3rd month and complications. RESULTS: Successful access was achieved in 48/63 (76%) of the cases in group 1 and 57/61 (93%) of the patients in group 2 (P < .05). Initial stone free status was 63.4% (40/63) and 86.8% (53/61) in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P < .05). Third month radiologic investigations revelaed a stone free rate of 77.7% (49/57) in group 1 and 93.4% (57/61) in group 2 (P < .05). Reoperation was required in 20.6% (13/63) of cases in group 1 and this value was only 6% (4/61) in group 2 (P < .05). There was not any statistically significant difference between 2 groups in terms of complication rates (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Flexible URS is a favorable option for patients having proximal ureteral stones with higher stone free rate; on the other hand semirigid URS seems a less successful alternative for treatment of proximal ureteral stones.

Plasmakinetic vaporization versus plasmakinetic resection to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia: A prospective randomized trial with 1 year follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: We evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of plasma-kinetic vaporization (PKVP) and plasmakinetic resection (PKR) to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: A total of 183 patients with BPH underwent plasma-kinetic prostatic surgery between 2008 and 2012 at Kars State Hospital and Kafkas University Faculty of Medicine, Turkey. After clinical and preoperative evaluation, the patients were randomized to PKRP or PKVP groups sequentially by using computer-generated numbers. Group 1 included 96 patients treated with PKR. Group 2 included 87 patients treated with PKVP. Patients in both groups were compared in terms of hemoglobin drop, operation time, catheter duration, reobstruction, incontinence and recatheterization. RESULTS: When we compared the maximum flow rates (Qmax values) at the 12th month, there was no statistical difference between 2 groups. Group 1 had a mean Qmax value of 17.92 ± 3.819 and Group 2 had a 18.15 ± 3.832 value (p > 0.05). There was a statistical difference between the groups in terms of hemoglobin drop, catheter duration and operation time. The mean catheter duration in Group 1 was 3.74 ± 1.049 days, and in Group 2 it was 2.64 ± 0.849 days (p < 0.05). Operation time was statistically longer in Group 2 (PKVP) and hemoglobin drop was statistically higher in Group 1 (PKR). CONCLUSION: PKVP for BPH is safe and effective. When compared with PKRP, it provides a significantly shorter catheter duration and less bleeding due to hemostasis control with similar IPSS and Qmax improvements after 1 year.