Zebrafish Model in Illuminating the Complexities of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders: A Unique Research Tool.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating psychological condition that may develop in certain individuals following exposure to life-threatening or traumatic events. Distressing symptoms, including flashbacks, are characterized by disrupted stress responses, fear, anxiety, avoidance tendencies, and disturbances in sleep patterns. The enduring effects of PTSD can profoundly impact personal and familial relationships, as well as social, medical, and financial stability. The prevalence of PTSD varies among different populations and is influenced by the nature of the traumatic event. Recently, zebrafish have emerged as a valuable model organism in studying various conditions and disorders. Zebrafish display robust behavioral patterns that can be effectively quantified using advanced video-tracking tools. Due to their relatively simple nervous system compared to humans, zebrafish are particularly well suited for behavioral investigations. These unique characteristics make zebrafish an appealing model for exploring the underlying molecular and genetic mechanisms that govern behavior, thus offering a powerful comparative platform for gaining deeper insights into PTSD. This review article aims to provide updates on the pathophysiology of PTSD and the genetic responses associated with psychological stress. Additionally, it highlights the significance of zebrafish behavior as a valuable tool for comprehending PTSD better. By leveraging zebrafish as a model organism, researchers can potentially uncover novel therapeutic interventions for the treatment of PTSD and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of this complex condition.

Efficacy and Clinical Outcomes of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine in Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The world has witnessed one of the largest pandemics, dubbed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). As of December 2020, the USA alone reported 98,948 cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection during pregnancy, with 109 related maternal deaths. Current evidence suggests that unvaccinated pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 are at a higher risk of experiencing complications related to COVID-19 compared to nonpregnant women. This review aimed to provide healthcare workers and non-healthcare workers with a comprehensive overview of the available information regarding the efficacy of vaccines in pregnant women. SUMMARY: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines. The search through the database for articles published between December 2019 and October 2021 was performed. A comprehensive search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE databases for research publications published between December 2019 and October 2021. We focused on original research, case reports, case series, and vaccination side effect by authoritative health institutions. Phrases used for the Medical Subject Heading [MeSH] search included ("COVID-19" [MeSH]) or ("Vaccine" [MeSH]) and ("mRNA" [MeSH]) and ("Pregnant" [MeSH]). Eleven studies were selected and included, with a total of 46,264 pregnancies that were vaccinated with mRNA-containing lipid nanoparticle vaccine from Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna during pregnancy. There were no randomized trials, and all studies were observational (prospective, retrospective, and cross-sectional). The mean maternal age was 32.2 years, and 98.7% of pregnant women received the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination. The local and systemic adverse effects of the vaccination in pregnant women were analyzed and reported. The local adverse effects of the vaccination (at least 1 dose) such as local pain, swelling, and redness were reported in 32%, 5%, and 1%, respectively. The systemic adverse effects such as fatigue, headaches, new onset or worsening of muscle pain, chills, fever, and joint pains were also reported in 25%, 19%, 18%, 12%, 11%, and 8%, respectively. The average birthweight was 3,452 g. Among these pregnancies, 0.03% were stillbirth and 3.68% preterm (<37 weeks) births. KEY MESSAGES: The systemic side effect profile after administering the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine to pregnant women was similar to that in nonpregnant women. Maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality were lowered with the administration of either one or both the doses of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccination.

Organoboronic acids/esters as effective drug and prodrug candidates in cancer treatments: challenge and hope.

Boronic acids/esters have recently emerged in the field of medicinal and pharmaceutical research due to their exceptional oxophilicity, low toxicity, and unique structure. They are known as potent enzyme inhibitors, cancer therapy capture agents, and can mimic certain types of antibodies to fight infections. They have been designed and developed into drugs, and this approach has emerged in the last 20 years. Five boronic acid drugs have been approved by the FDA and Health Canada, two of which are used to treat cancer, specifically multiple myeloma. The purpose of this review is to investigate boronic acid/ester derivatives as potential pharmaceutical agents as well as the mechanism of action. It will concentrate on six types of cancer: multiple myeloma, prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, cervical cancer, and colon cancer. Some newly developed boron-containing compounds have already demonstrated highly promising activities, but further investigation is required before final conclusions can be drawn.

COVID-19 effect on patients with noncommunicable diseases: A narrative review.

Background and Aims: On March 11, 2020, the WHO has declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, affecting our day-to-day lives. Physical distancing and lockdown made significant obstacles to populations, particularly healthcare systems. Most healthcare workers were reallocated to COVID-19 facilities. Noncommunicable disease patients were given low priority and are at a higher risk of severe COVID-19 infection, which disrupted the treatment and disease management of these patients. This review aimed to assess the effect of COVID-19 on different types of noncommunicable diseases and the severity it may cause to patients. Methods: We have conducted a review of the literature on COVID-19 and noncommunicable diseases from December 2019 until January 2022. The search was done in PubMed and Cochrane for relevant articles using variety of searching terms. Data for study variables were extracted. At the end of the selection process, 46 papers were selected for inclusion in the literature review. Result: The result from this review found that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the efficiency of the patient's treatment indirectly by either delaying or canceling sessions, which solidified the need to rely more on telemedicine, virtual visits, and in-home visits to improve patient education and minimize the risk of exposure to the patients. The major and most common types of noncommunicable diseases are known to be related to the severe outcomes of COVID-19 infection. It is strongly recommended to prioritize these patients for vaccinations against COVID-19 to provide them with the protection that will neutralize the risk imposed by their comorbidities. Conclusion: We recommend conducting more studies with larger population samples to further understand the role of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in this pandemic. However, this pandemic has also affected the efficiency of NCDs treatment indirectly by delaying or canceling sessions and others.

Salvage minimally invasive robotic and laparoscopic pyeloplasty in adults: a systematic review.

Introduction: A UPJO is a blockage of the ureter that affects urine flow. UPJO is mainly treated by an open approach, however, in recent years minimally invasive techniques are taking place. These techniques include robotic and laparoscopic pyeloplasty. Some patients require a redo after a primary intervention. A systematic review was conducted through the examinations of the efficacy and safety of a robotic redo pyeloplasty in adult patients from previous literature reviews. Methods: A literature search was made through PubMed. A selection process was done based on our eligibility criteria. The data were represented numerically, listed on tables and analyzed cumulatively using Microsoft Excel. Results: Twenty studies were included in this review, of which nine were studies on robotic outcomes () (157 patients), 10 on laparoscopic (210 patients), and one review by Zhang et al., focused on both types of surgeries. Two papers (24 patients) from the robotic studies and one paper (21 patients) from the laparoscopic studies were excluded from the intra and post-operative characteristics because not enough data were available and were only included for the success and complication rates. The success rate for the robotic studies was 88.5% while the laparoscopic studies had a success rate of 91%. However, the robotic studies had a complication rate of (11.8%) while the laparoscopic studies had a complication rate of (15.9%). Conversion surgery was required in one patient undergoing laparoscopic surgery. Conclusion: The minimally invasive methods are becoming more viable in adult patients with rUPJO, considering its effectiveness and fast recovery. This can lead to a new era of robotic assisted surgeries to becoming the gold standard.Abbreviations: Systematic review: Redo robotic and laparoscopic pyeloplasty in adults; UPJO = Ureteropelvic junction obstruction; rUPJO = redo ureteropelvic junction obstruction.

Clinical outcomes of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in children and adolescents: A systematic review.

Background & Aims: The BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine is the only vaccine offered to children among all available vaccines. However, limited evidence is available about the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 vaccines, especially among children and adolescents. This review offers a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine's current information on children and adolescents. Methods: The review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines; a comprehensive search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases for research publications COVID-19 published between December 2019 and October 2021. All studies reporting on the outcomes of vaccinating children in their respective institutes were included. Results: A total of 78 vaccinated children and adolescents from six studies were included. The majority of symptomatic vaccinated pediatrics were males (71%). The mean age was 15.6 years, and the BMI was 24.1. The most common clinical symptoms were found in chest pain (35%), fever (32%), and myalgia (17%). The most common cardiac symptom in the EKG results was ST elevation, and 35% of vaccinated pediatrics had elevated serum troponin. The hospitalization, including ICU admission, was lower than in unvaccinated groups. Statistically significant associations (p ≤ 0.05) were found in two symptoms (fever and headache) between the vaccinated and nonvaccinated pediatric groups. Conclusions: Although we found better outcomes in the vaccinated group versus the nonvaccinated pediatric group, more studies are still crucial to further understand the specific etiology underlying postvaccination, particularly myocarditis, psychological impact, and other cardiac clinical symptoms in children and adolescents after receiving the BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine.

Preliminary design of an actuated imaging probe for generation of additional visual cues in a robotic surgery.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to enhance the visual feedback of surgeons, during robotic surgeries, by designing and developing an actuated 2D imaging probe, which is used in conjunction with the traditional stereoscopic camera of the da Vinci surgical system. The probe provides the surgeon with additional visual cues, overcoming visualization constraints encountered during certain scenarios of robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery. METHODS: The actuated imaging probe is implemented as a master-slave tele-manipulated system, and it is designed to be compatible with the da Vinci surgical system. The detachable probe design enables it to be mounted on any of the EndoWrist(®) instruments of the robot and is controlled by the surgeon using a custom-made pedal system. The image from the 2D probe is rendered along with the stereoscopic view on the surgeon's console. RESULTS: The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed actuated imaging probe when used as an additional visualization channel and in surgical scenarios presenting visual problems due to tissue occlusion. CONCLUSION: The study shows the potential benefits of an additional actuated imaging probe when used in conjunction with traditional surgical instruments to perform surgical tasks requiring visualization from multiple orientations and workspaces.

Complications of penile augmentation by use of nonmedical industrial silicone.

INTRODUCTION: Penile augmentation has been reported in the literature by injecting various materials by nonmedical persons. AIM: This study aims to present our experience in management of penile augmentation complications associated with injection or implantation of industrial silicone by lay persons. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Early surgical intervention can lead to faster recovery and better cosmetic and functional outcome. METHODS: Two patients had injection of industrial silicone paste, and the other two had industrial silicone ring implantation. All the patients except one were presented after 13 months of the procedure. Patients with industrial silicone ring presented with multiple sinuses of penile skin in one, and abscess discharge pus from the site of implanted ring in the other. Both patients with injected silicone paste presented with swelling and deformity of the penis that interfered with their intercourse. Silicone ring patients underwent skin incision and drainage of the infected materials and extraction of the implants with delayed skin closure. The two patients with silicone paste injection underwent two-stage penile reconstructions using scrotal flap. RESULTS: Patients with extracted rings had smooth recovery with acceptable cosmetic outcome. One of them was not initially satisfied with the length of his penis that was overcome by short-term use of vacuum device. One of the patients with silicone paste injection had wound infection that was successfully treated with local wound care. Both had satisfactory penile length and acceptable cosmetic outcome. All patients had normal erectile function postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Complications of using industrial silicone injection can be drastic, and awareness of the public can avoid using of this material for penile augmentation.

Subcutaneous cod liver oil injection for penile augmentation: review of literature and report of eight cases.

OBJECTIVES: To study the presentations and treatment outcome of 8 consecutive patients for whom cod liver oil was injected in the subcutaneous area of their penises by a lay person for purpose of augmentation. METHODS: Various amounts of cod liver oil were injected in the subcutaneous area of the penis of 8 low socioeconomic class patients by a nonmedical person. They presented by various complications ranging from paraphimosis up to abscess formation and necrosis of penile skin. All the patients underwent emergency initial surgical intervention ranging from dorsal preputial slit to skin debridement. Definitive surgical treatment was carried out using local penile flap and V-Y plasty. RESULTS: The severity of complications was correlated to the amount of oil injected and the time interval between injections and presentation. All the 8 patients were cured after different staged surgical procedures. The postoperative course was uneventful in 6 patients, and 2 patients suffered from wound infection after the secondary treatment. All patients had acceptable cosmetic and functional outcome, and were satisfied regarding the length of the penis. None reported erectile dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Increased public awareness is indicated to avoid this problem. Early detection and prompt treatment give acceptable anatomic and functional results.

Is male fertility associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of infertility in Qatari men with Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and to examine the association between T2DM and infertility. DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional study. SETTING: The survey was conducted at Primary Health Care Centers during a period from January 2008 to June 2008. SUBJECTS: The selected subjects for the study were Qatari men aged 25-60 years who were married for more than 1 year. A total of 1,165 men were approached and only 857 men gave consent, giving a response rate of 73.6%. METHODS: Face-to-face interviews were based on a questionnaire that included variables on socio-demographic characteristics, type of infertility in men, life style habits, type of environmental exposures, and common diseases found among infertile men. All studied men were recruited using cluster random sampling at 13 randomly selected primary health care centers at the Hamad Medical Corporation. RESULTS: The prevalence of infertility in Qatari T2DM men was 35.1%. The prevalence of primary infertility (16%) and secondary infertility (19.1%) was significantly higher in diabetic men (P = 0.003) as compared to non-diabetic men. Also, secondary infertility was higher than primary infertility in our studied Qatari diabetic men. Half of the diabetic infertile men were overweight (50.6%) and 29.1% of them were obese. The smoking habit was more common in diabetic infertile men (45.6%) than in diabetic fertile men (33.6%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed that age (P < 0.001), smoking habits (ex-smokers, P = 0.003 and current smokers, P = 0.001) and obesity (P < 0.001) were the significant major contributors for infertility in diabetic men. Obesity was the leading contributor for the infertility. Other co-morbid factors associated with infertility in diabetic men were hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and varicocele. CONCLUSION: The present study findings revealed that there is a strong association between male infertility and Diabetes Mellitus. In Qatari diabetic men, male infertility is high and a significant public health problem in Qatar. The study results confirmed a strong association between T2DM and infertility in Qatari men.

Prediction of success of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in the treatment of ureteric stones.

OBJECTIVES: To define the factors that affect the success rate of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for the treatment of ureteric stones. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2000 and December 2003, 468 patients with ureteric stones underwent in situ ESWL using Storz SL 20 lithotriptor. The results of treatment were evaluated after 3 months of follow-up. Treatment success was defined as complete clearance of the stones. Characteristics of the patients, condition of the urinary tract and stone features were correlated to the success rate to define the significant predictors of success. RESULTS: At 3-month follow-up, the overall success rate was 394/468 (84.2%). Repeat treatment was required in 239 patients (51.1%). Post-ESWL auxiliary procedures were necessary in 58 patients (12.4%). Post-ESWL complications were observed in 11 patients (2.4%). Only three factors had a significant impact on the stone-free rate, namely stone site, stone width and the presence of a ureteral stent. The stone-free rate was highest for stones located in the lumbar ureter (159/183; 86.9%) and lowest for those in iliac ureter (28/40; 70%) (P < 0.05). Stones with a transverse diameter <8 mm were associated with a stone-free rate of 89.9% (248/276), compared to 66.7% (128/192) for those with a transverse diameter of >8 mm (P < 0.01). Non-stented patients had a stone-free rate of 89.2% (313/348), compared to 75.2% (85/113) for stented patients (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The site and transverse diameter of the stone and the presence of a ureteral stent are the only significant predictors of success of ESWL therapy for ureteric stones.

Eosinophilic cystitis simulating invasive bladder cancer: a real diagnostic challenge.

OBJECTIVES: To report our experience with eosinophilic cystitis (EC) presented as invasive bladder cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We recently treated three patients with bladder masses mimicking neoplasms and biopsy proved the diagnosis of EC. Data from our three patients were presented. RESULTS: There were two females and one male with ages of 14, 43 and 38 years. All the three patients had irritative bladder symptoms, suprapubic pain and hematuria. Bladder mass was detected by pelvic examination in the three patients and confirmed by radiologic tests and cystoscopy. In one patient, the mass caused bilateral hydroureteronephrosis while the upper tract was normal in the other two. Elevated serum leukocytes was evident in the three cases while peripheral eosinophilia was observed in one. Biopsy showed EC in all the three patients who were treated by transurethral resection of the lesions followed by a combination of corticosteroids, antibiotics and antihistaminics. All patients experienced marked improvement during a follow-up duration up to 30 months. CONCLUSION: EC is a rare disease. In addition to symptoms of frequency, dysuria, hematuria and suprapubic pain, the disease may present with a bladder mass mimicking invasive bladder cancer. Resection of the lesion is mandatory with systemic treatment of corticosteroids, antihistaminics and antibiotics. Early detection and prompt treatment usually result in a good prognosis.

Iatrogenic infections in urological practice: concepts of pathogenesis, prevention and management.

In this paper we review the pathogenesis, prevention and management of iatrogenic infection in urological practice. A systematic literature search was conducted using MEDLINE. The topics discussed include the commonest home-care, outpatient, endourologic and open surgical procedures. In addition, we discuss iatrogenic urinary infections associated with special situations, including urinary diversion, urologic prostheses, diabetes mellitus, dialysis, kidney transplantation and complicated urinary tract infections (UTIs). The findings of the literature review are as follows. Prophylactic antibiotics are not recommended with clean intermittent catheterization. With prolonged catheterization, antibiotics should not be used unless symptoms of pyelonephritis or septicemia become apparent. With transrectal prostate biopsy, infection can be prevented by rectal cleansing, use of smaller needles and administration of antimicrobial prophylaxis before and after the procedure. With ureteral stents, antibiotics should be restricted to patients with clinical signs of infection and high-risk patients. Infections after transurethral resection of the prostate can be prevented by avoiding risk factors and using perioperative antibiotics. In endourological procedures, antibiotic prophylaxis is indicated in cases of infected stones, preoperative UTIs or prolonged procedures. Antibiotics are not recommended for clean wounds, as prophylaxis for clean-contaminated wounds or as therapy for contaminated and dirty wounds. In patients with urinary diversion, the objective is to prevent pyelonephritis by avoiding both reflux and obstruction of the upper urinary tract. In patients with urological prostheses, the most important measure to overcome iatrogenic infection is prevention. In dialysis patients, iatrogenic infections can be prevented by the development of new catheter materials that are less susceptible to biofilms. In kidney transplant recipients, iatrogenic infections can be prevented by treating all types of infection prior to transplantation and by using peri- and postoperative prophylactic antibiotics.

Noninvasive treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Where do we stand in 2005.

Noninvasive treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms LUTS due to benign prostatic hyperplasia BPH includes self-management and medical treatment. Self-management should be encouraged as an initial step for all men with uncomplicated LUTS/BPH. It consists of 3 elements, namely: education and reassurance, lifestyle modification of fluid intake and concurrent medical therapy and finally behavioral interventions including management of post-void dribbling and bladder retraining. If self-management fails, medical or surgical interventions are required. Further, research is required to define and test the effectiveness of self-management either as a primary intervention or to augment existing medical therapies. Benign prostatic hyperplasia patients in need of rapid onset of symptom relief and those with small prostates benefit from the use of alpha-blockers. Although 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors 5 ARIs provide symptomatic benefits, the onsets of these are slower than those observed with the alpha-blockers. Amongst available therapies, only 5 ARIs have been shown to reduce the risk of acute urine retention AUR and BPH-related surgery compared to placebo. The Medical Therapy of Prostatic Symptoms MTOPS Study provides rational basis for combined alpha-blockers plus 5 ARIs in patients with a high index of disease progression prostate volume >30 g and prostate-specific antigen >1.6 ng/ml. Preliminary studies suggest that anticholinergics could be safe in LUTS/BPH and can help to alleviate irritative bladder symptoms due to overactive bladders commonly associated with BPH.