Association between the Trp64Arg polymorphism of the ADRB3 gene and overactive bladder.

BACKGROUND: The ß3 -adrenergic receptor (ADRB3) is very important in the regulation of the human detrusor muscle function. The well-known tryptophan64arginine polymorphism of the ADRB3 gene alters the response of the receptor to various stimuli, including adrenalin and noradrenalin, and may increase the susceptibility to develop overactive bladder (OAB). Therefore, this study was performed to determine whether ADRB3 Trp64Arg polymorphism is associated with the pathophysiology of OAB syndrome. METHODS: The study group (n = 150) consists of 72 patients with OAB and 78 controls without OAB. Venous blood samples were taken from all participants to analyze the ADRB3 gene Trp64Arg polymorphism using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay. We compared the distribution of Trp64Arg polymorphism and symptom severity in both OAB and non-OAB subjects using χ2 test and Mann-Whitney's U test, respectively. RESULTS: The frequency of the 64Arg variant (heterozygous plus homozygous) in OAB and non-OAB subjects was 15.3% and 14.1%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the OAB and non-OAB groups in regard to the distribution frequency of ADRB3 Trp64Arg polymorphism. The total frequency (OAB + non-OAB, 76 women and 74 men) of the Arg64 variant allele was 5.9% and 10.8% in women and in men, respectively. Although the frequency of the Arg64 variant was nearly twofold higher in men compared to women, the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrated that the ADRB3 Trp64Arg polymorphism is not significantly associated with OAB syndrome in a sample of Turkish OAB patients.

Risk Factors for Infectious Complications in Patients Undergoing Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk factors that may cause urinary tract infection (UTI) in patients applied with retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). STUDY DESIGN: An observational study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Departments of Urology, Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Turkey, from September 2014 to April 2017. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective examination was made of patients who underwent RIRS. The patients were separated into 2 groups as those with no UTI in the postoperative period (Group 1) and those with UTI (Group 2). The groups were compared in respect of age, stone size, operating time, presence of residual stone, and body mass index. Continuous independent variables were compared using the Student's t-test and in the comparison of categorical variables, the Chisquare test was used. A value of p<0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. RESULTS: Group 1 comprised 169 patients with no UTI and Group 2, 20 patients with UTI. The mean operating time was 55.82 ±14.73 minutes in Group 1 and 75.5 ±23.9 minutes in Group 2 (p=0.002). In multivariate analysis, operating time was determined as an independent prognostic risk factor increasing the risk of infection (p=0.001). The cut-off value determined with ROC analysis was 61 minutes. When operating time exceeded 61 minutes, the infection risk was increased 11.1-fold (sensitivity 75%, specificity 76%, AUC 0.76). CONCLUSION: Operating time in patients applied with RIRS was determined to be an independent prognostic risk factor for UTI risk in the postoperative period. In patients where surgery lasts more than 1 hour, particular attention should be paid in respect of infection risk.

Positive outcomes of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor on histopathologic and biochemical changes induced by ureteral obstruction.

OBJECTIVES: We examined the effects of tadalafil, one of the phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, in a rat model of with partial and complete unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). METHODS: The rats were divided into 5 groups: sham (n=6), partial unilateral ureteral obstruction (PUUO, n=6), PUUO with tadalafil treatment (PUUO+T; Cialis, 10 mg/72 h, intragastric; Lilly, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA), complete unilateral ureteral obstruction (CUUO, n=6), and CUUO with tadalafil treatment (CUUO+T). RESULTS: Fifteen days after the UUO, the ureter presented changes in the layers of urothelium and significant infiltration of inflammatory cells in the PUUO and CUUO groups. Compared with the sham, PUUO and CUUO groups had severe increased inflammatory cell infiltration. The urothelial epithelium exhibited cell degeneration and loss because of the swollen, atrophic, and denuded epithelial cells in the PUUO and CUUO groups. In the PUUO+T and CUUO+T groups, the urothelium revealed less epithelial cell degeneration and loss.The expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) exhibited up-regulation in the PUUO and CUUO groups. The expression of TGF-ß decreased positively correlated with that of α-SMA in the tadalafil therapy groups, PUUO+T and CUUO+T. CONCLUSION: The phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor's tadalafil reduced expressions of α-SMA and TGF-ß in the obstructed ureters, measured by biochemical examinations. In addition, tadalafil decreased urothelium degeneration due to the decreased epithelial cell loss and inflammatory cell infiltration. Our results show that tadalafil prevents or slows down the onset of ureter inflammation and urothelial degeneration in rats with UUO.

Positive outcomes of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor on histopathologic and biochemical changes induced by ureteral obstruction

SUMMARY OBJECTIVES: We examined the effects of tadalafil, one of the phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, in a rat model of with partial and complete unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). METHODS: The rats were divided into 5 groups: sham (n=6), partial unilateral ureteral obstruction (PUUO, n=6), PUUO with tadalafil treatment (PUUO+T; Cialis, 10 mg/72 h, intragastric; Lilly, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA), complete unilateral ureteral obstruction (CUUO, n=6), and CUUO with tadalafil treatment (CUUO+T). RESULTS: Fifteen days after the UUO, the ureter presented changes in the layers of urothelium and significant infiltration of inflammatory cells in the PUUO and CUUO groups. Compared with the sham, PUUO and CUUO groups had severe increased inflammatory cell infiltration. The urothelial epithelium exhibited cell degeneration and loss because of the swollen, atrophic, and denuded epithelial cells in the PUUO and CUUO groups. In the PUUO+T and CUUO+T groups, the urothelium revealed less epithelial cell degeneration and loss. The expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) exhibited up-regulation in the PUUO and CUUO groups. The expression of TGF-β decreased positively correlated with that of α-SMA in the tadalafil therapy groups, PUUO+T and CUUO+T. CONCLUSION: The phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor's tadalafil reduced expressions of α-SMA and TGF-β in the obstructed ureters, measured by biochemical examinations. In addition, tadalafil decreased urothelium degeneration due to the decreased epithelial cell loss and inflammatory cell infiltration. Our results show that tadalafil prevents or slows down the onset of ureter inflammation and urothelial degeneration in rats with UUO.

RESUMO OBJETIVOS: Examinamos os efeitos do tadalafil em um dos inibidores da fosfodiesterase tipo 5 (PDE5) em um modelo de rato com obstrução ureteral unilateral parcial e completa (UUO). MÉTODOS: Os ratos foram divididos em cinco grupos: sham (n = 6), obstrução ureteral unilateral parcial (PUUO, n = 6), PUUO com tadalafil (PUUO T; Cialis, 10 mg/72 h, intragástrica; Lilly, Indianapolis, Indiana, EUA), completa obstrução ureteral unilateral (CUUO, n = 6) e CUUO com tratamento com tadalafil (CUUO T). RESULTADOS: Quinze dias após a UUO, o ureter apresentou alterações nas camadas de urotélio e infiltração significativa de células inflamatórias nos grupos PUUO e CUUO. Em comparação com os grupos sham, PUUO e CUUO, houve um aumento grave da infiltração de células inflamatórias. O epitélio urotelial exibiu degeneração e perda celular devido às células epiteliais inchadas, atróficas e desnudas nos grupos PUUO e CUUO. Nos grupos PUUO T e CUUO T, o urotélio revelou menor degeneração e perda de células epiteliais. Nós mostramos que a expressão da actina do músculo liso-α (α-SMA) e do fator de crescimento transformador-β (TGF-β) foram exibidas como sub-regulação nos grupos PUUO e CUUO. A expressão do TGF-β foi diminuída positivamente correlacionada com a da α-SMA nos grupos de terapia com tadalafil, PUUO T e CUUO T. CONCLUSÃO: O tadalafil do inibidor da fosfodiesterase tipo 5 reduziu as expressões α-SMA e TGF-β nos ureteres obstruídos, medidos por exames bioquímicos. Além disso, o tadalafil diminuiu a degeneração do urotélio devido à diminuição da perda de células epiteliais e da infiltração de células inflamatórias. Nossos resultados mostram que o tadalafil previne ou retarda o início da inflamação do ureter e degeneração urotelial em ratos com UUO.

Do AB0 blood groups affect lower urinary tract symptoms?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate whether there is a correlation between AB0 blood group antigens and Rhesus factor and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 556 male patients applying to our clinic with LUTS complaints from April 2012-2015 and complying with the study criteria were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups as those with (Group 1; n=283) and without LUTS (Group 2; n=273) complaints. The effect of blood groups on LUTS complaints was compared using univariate logistic regression analyzes. RESULTS: According to AB0 blood groups, blood groups A (56.7%) and AB (56.9%) were most common in the LUTS group. But 0 blood group (44.1%) was the least common. According to rhesus factor, the incidence of LUTS in Rh (+), and Rh (-) groups were 48.9%, and 66.7%, respectively. Compared to 0 blood group, the LUTS incidence was 1.65, and 1.66 times higher for individuals with blood groups A, and AB, respectively. The same risk increased 2.09 times for individuals with Rhesus factor negative. CONCLUSION: This study identified a correlation between AB0 blood group and Rhesus factor and LUTS. The risk of LUTS risk increased in individuals with blood group A Rh (). Additionally there was a clear risk increase observed for AB blood group, though this did not reach statistical significance.

Intraurethral Erythropoietin to Prevent Fibrosis and Improve Urethral Healing: An Experimental Study in a Rat Model.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of intraurethral erythropoietin (EPO) on an experimentally induced urethral injury in a rat model with respect to wound healing enhancement and the prevention of spongiofibrosis MATERIAL AND METHODS: A urethral injury model was created by traumatizing the urethra of male rats with a tilted-tip insulin injector. Thirty rats were randomly separated into 3 groups of 10; Group 1 (control) received 0.9% saline solution twice a day, Group II received EPO 25 IU/kg once a day and 0.9% saline solution once a day, and Group III received EPO 25 IU/kg twice a day. All applications were made intraurethrally via a 24 ga catheter sheath. To investigate inflammation and spongiofibrosis and congestion of vessels in the lamina propria, the penises of the rats were harvested for histopathologic evaluation after a follow-up period of 14 days. RESULTS: Histopathologic analysis revealed less fibrosis and inflammation and higher congestion of vessels in Group III that had received high-dose EPO. There was a significant decrease in both spongiofibrosis and inflammation and an increase in congestion in Groups II and III compared to the control group (P = .001, for all). In the comparison of Group II with Group III, no statistically significant differences were found in terms of these 3 parameters (P = .5, P = .6, P = .27, respectively). CONCLUSION: The results of this study have shown that EPO has a preventive effect on spongiofibrosis and improve urethral wound healing in a rat model of urethral injury.

3D printing in urology: Is it really promising?

Three-dimensional (3D) printings are gaining a place in a variety of the medical sectors. With applications in urogenital diseases, 3D printing is a new tool that present difficulties at stages of imaging, planning, and carry out therapeutic interventions. In this review we tried to find answers to the questions that come to mind on this new topic by empasizing the suitable 3D printing models in urology, their clinical usage, and the limitations.

Early term effect of ureterorenoscopy (URS) on the Kidney: research measuring NGAL, KIM-1, FABP and CYS C levels in urine

ABSTRACT Aim: URS is a very commonly used procedure for treatment of ureter stones. Increased hydrostatic pressure in the collecting system linked to fluids used during the procedure may cause harmful effects on the kidney. The aim of this study is to determine whether the URS procedure has a negative effect on the kidney by investigating NGAL, KIM-1, FABP and Cys C levels in urine. Material and Methods: This study included 30 patients undergoing ureterorenoscopy (URS) for ureter stones. Urine samples were collected 5 times; before the URS procedure (control) and at 1, 3, 5 and 12 hours following the procedure. NGAL, KIM-1, FBAP and Cys C levels were measured in urine and compared with the control values. Results: The NGAL levels in urine before the procedure and at 1, 3, 5 and 12 hours after the procedure were 34.59±35.34; 62.72±142.32; 47.15±104.48; 45.23±163.16 and 44.99±60.79ng/mL, respectively (p=0.001). Similarly, the urinary KIM-1, FABP and Cys C levels were found to increase compared to control values; however this increase did not reach statistical significance (p >0.05). Conclusions: After the URS procedure, there were important changes in NGAL, FABP, KIM-1 and Cys C levels. These changes reached statistical significance for NGAL, but did not reach significance for the other parameters. In conclusion, the URS procedure significantly affects the kidney; however, this effect disappears over time.

Early term effect of ureterorenoscopy (URS) on the Kidney: research measuring NGAL, KIM-1, FABP and CYS C levels in urine.

AIM: URS is a very commonly used procedure for treatment of ureter stones. Increased hydrostatic pressure in the collecting system linked to fluids used during the procedure may cause harmful effects on the kidney. The aim of this study is to determine whether the URS procedure has a negative effect on the kidney by investigating NGAL, KIM-1, FABP and Cys C levels in urine. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 30 patients undergoing ureterorenoscopy (URS) for ureter stones. Urine samples were collected 5 times; before the URS procedure (control) and at 1, 3, 5 and 12 hours following the procedure. NGAL, KIM-1, FBAP and Cys C levels were measured in urine and compared with the control values. RESULTS: The NGAL levels in urine before the procedure and at 1, 3, 5 and 12 hours after the procedure were 34.59±35.34; 62.72±142.32; 47.15±104.48; 45.23±163.16 and 44.99±60.79ng/mL, respectively (p=0.001). Similarly, the urinary KIM-1, FABP and Cys C levels were found to increase compared to control values; however this increase did not reach statistical significance (p >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: After the URS procedure, there were important changes in NGAL, FABP, KIM-1 and Cys C levels. These changes reached statistical significance for NGAL, but did not reach significance for the other parameters. In conclusion, the URS procedure significantly affects the kidney; however, this effect disappears over time.

The effects of tolterodine on anterior segment and choroidal thickness in patients with overactive bladder syndrome.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effects of tolterodine on anterior segment and choroidal thickness by using the Pentacam system and optical coherence tomography (OCT) (Pentacam). METHODS: A total of 122 eyes of 61 patients (34 female; 27 male) were included in the study. All patients underwent a regular ocular examination and intraocular pressure measurements before and after 3 months of antimuscarinic drug tolterodine treatment, in addition, pupil diameter, anterior chamber depth, anterior chamber volume, anterior chamber angle, and lens thickness were measured through Pentacam (Oculus Inc., Wetzlar, Germany) system. Measurements of choroidal thickness were performed by OCT (Spectralis®, Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany). RESULTS: The mean age was 58.4 ± 7.3 years and 56.5 ± 11.1 years for female and male patients. The mean intraocular pressure was 15.10 ± 2.75 mmHg before treatment and 15.18 ± 2.65 mmHg after treatment. Pupil diameters were 3.09 ± 0.48 mm before treatment and 3.12 ± 0.43 mm after treatment. Anterior chamber depth, before and after treatment were 2.68 ± 0.65 mm and 2.70 ± 0.61 mm. The mean value for subfoveal choroidal thickness was 267.92 ± 81.35 µm before the administration of tolterodine, whereas the mean choroidal thickness was 271.83 ± 75.42 µm after the administration of tolterodine. The alterations in the subfoveal choroidal thickness were not statistically significant (p = 0.862). CONCLUSIONS: After 3 months of therapy with tolterodine, there were no significant changes in anterior segment parameters and choroidal thickness.

The effect of trimetazidine on renal oxidative stress in partial and complete ureteral obstructions in a rat model.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Renal oxidative stress occurs in ureteral obstructions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the antioxidant and antiischemic agent trimetazidine (TMZ) on oxidative stress following ureteral obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten groups were established. Sham groups were checked as controls after 1 and 3 weeks. The other 8 groups had partial or complete ureteral obstruction while receiving or not receiving trimetazidine (TMZ) at 5 mg/kg daily and were evaluated after either 1 week or 3 weeks. Creatinine and cystatin C measurements were performed in the serum. Malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activity were measured in renal tissue and serum. RESULTS: In the 1-week groups, tissue malondialdehyde, serum myeloperoxidase, and glutathione peroxidase activity increased significantly with obstruction and TMZ use compared to the control group (P < 0.005). In the 3-week TMZ group, cystatin C, tissue malondialdehyde, serum and tissue myeloperoxidase, and tissue glutathione peroxidase differed significantly (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in all parameters after 3 weeks of partial obstruction (P > 0.05), with only serum malondialdehyde being significantly elevated (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: TMZ did not exhibit a renal oxidative stress-lowering effect in obstruction. It causes mild impairment of renal functions in obstruction. Patients using TMZ must be closely monitored in terms of kidney function in the event of any ureteral obstruction.

The efficacy of intraurethral lidocaine in optical internal urethrotomy for anterior urethral stricture: a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Male anterior urethral strictures can be treated successfully with the help of optical internal urethrotomy (OIU) and is usually performed under general or regional anesthesia. In this study, we determined the efficacy of intraurethral lidocaine in OIU for anterior urethral stricture in an outpatient setting. METHODS: A total 157 patients with anterior urethral strictures underwent OIU under local urethral anesthesia with lidocaine. Optical urethrotomy was performed with a cold-cutting knife. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to evaluate patient discomfort and pain levels. RESULTS: Using local anesthesia with lidocaine 2%, internal urethrotomy under vision was successfully completed in 151 of 157 patients. The overall success rate 96.1%. A total of 125 patients experienced mild, 26 patients moderate and 6 patients severe pain. The procedure was not completed in six patients because of severe pain. These patients went on OIU under general anesthesia. 18 (11.4%) recurrent strictures were seen during at least 6 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Topical intraurethral lidocaine is a simple and efficacious anesthesia technique for surgical procedures on the anterior urethra. It is a safe, cost-effective and a well tolerated procedure. OIU under topical anesthesia can be easily performed and satisfactorily completed in an outpatient setting. It is anesthetic efficacy and reasonable success rate when compared with the other anesthetic techniques may provide an alternative approach in the management of urethral strictures.

The effect of tadalafil therapy on kidney damage caused by sepsis in a polymicrobial septic model induced in rats: a biochemical and histopathological study

ABSTRACT Introduction Sepsis is an inflammatory reaction to bacteria involving the whole body and is a significant cause of mortality and economic costs. The purpose of this research was to determine whether tadalafil exhibits a preventive effect on sepsis in a septic model induced in rats with cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Materials and Methods Rats were randomly separated into groups, 10 rats in each: (i) a sham (control) group, (ii) an untreated sepsis group, (iii) a sepsis group treated with 5mg/kg tadalafil and (iv) a sepsis group treated with 10mg/kg tadalafil. A polymicrobial sepsis model was induced in rats using CLP. Rats were sacrificed after 16h, and blood and kidney tissues were collected for biochemical and histopathological study. Results Levels of the inflammatory parameter IL-6 decreased significantly in the sepsis groups receiving tadalafil in comparison with the untreated sepsis group (p<0.05). In terms of histopathology, inflammation scores investigated in kidney tissues decreased significantly in the sepsis groups receiving tadalafil compared to the untreated sepsis group (p<0.05). In addition, levels of creatinine and cystatin C measured in septic rats receiving tadalafil were lower by a clear degree than in septic rats (p<0.05). Conclusion In this study, tadalafil exhibited a preventive effect for sepsis-related damage by suppressing inflammation in serum and kidney tissue of septic rats in a polymicrobial sepsis model induced with CLP.

Cyanoacrylic tissue glues: Biochemical properties and their usage in urology.

Tissue adhesives are being used in medical and cosmetic industries and first aid for a long time. But their everyday usage has not been widespread. Only case report information is available about their usage. Despite good and meaningful results after they were used, there is lack of standard information that gives idea of about in which cases they could be helpful. Nowadays, cyanoacrylates are used in the surgery more frequently. In this review, we wanted to oversee the biochemical properties and the urological utilisation areas of cyanoacrylates.

The effect of tadalafil therapy on kidney damage caused by sepsis in a polymicrobial septic model induced in rats: a biochemical and histopathological study.

INTRODUCTION: Sepsis is an inflammatory reaction to bacteria involving the whole body and is a significant cause of mortality and economic costs. The purpose of this research was to determine whether tadalafil exhibits a preventive effect on sepsis in a septic model induced in rats with cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were randomly separated into groups, 10 rats in each: (i) a sham (control) group, (ii) an untreated sepsis group, (iii) a sepsis group treated with 5mg/kg tadalafil and (iv) a sepsis group treated with 10mg/kg tadalafil. A polymicrobial sepsis model was induced in rats using CLP. Rats were sacrificed after 16h, and blood and kidney tissues were collected for biochemical and histopathological study. RESULTS: Levels of the inflammatory parameter IL-6 decreased significantly in the sepsis groups receiving tadalafil in comparison with the untreated sepsis group (p < 0.05). In terms of histopathology, inflammation scores investigated in kidney tissues decreased significantly in the sepsis groups receiving tadalafil compared to the untreated sepsis group (p < 0.05). In addition, levels of creatinine and cystatin C measured in septic rats receiving tadalafil were lower by a clear degree than in septic rats (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In this study, tadalafil exhibited a preventive effect for sepsis-related damage by suppressing inflammation in serum and kidney tissue of septic rats in a polymicrobial sepsis model induced with CLP.

The effect of oral and intraurethral trimetazidine use on urethral healing.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to study the effect of trimetazidine (TMZ) on urethral wound repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 52 male rats were used; 8 groups were formed: 1-week and 3-week control (C1, C3), sham (S1, S3), oral (OT1, OT3), and intraurethral TMZ (IUT1, IUT3) groups. Serum and urine total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant capacity (TOC), and 8-hydroxy-deoxy-guanosine (8-OHdG) were studied. Hematoxyline-Eosin was used for the histopathological study. In addition, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF- α), interleukin 1α, and ß levels were compared across groups by an immunohistochemical method. RESULTS: There were significant differences between C3 and IUT3, OT3 and IUT3 with respect to serum TAC in 3-week groups (P=0.013; P =0.001). Serum TOC levels were significantly different between C3 and IUT3; S3 and OT3; and OT3 and IUT3 groups (P =0.024; P =0.019; P =0.000, respectively). Serum 8-OHdG levels were significantly different between C3 and OT3 groups (P=0.033). In the immunohistochemical examination, C1 and OT1; C1 and IUT1; and S1, S3, OT1, OT3, IUT1 groups were significantly different with respect to IL-1ß staining (P=0.007; P =0.000; P=0.009), while there was a significant difference between C3 and S3 with respect to IL-1ß (P =0.000). CONCLUSION: TMZ increased urinary total oxidant level; while increasing serum TAC levels in the long-term. It also reduced serum TAC levels in urethral use and caused an increase in serum TOC levels with minimal effects on DNA injury and repair. No effect was detected on IL1 α and TNF, but partially reduced the effect on IL-1 ß levels.

Categorization of ureteroscopy complications and investigation of associated factors by using the modified Clavien classification system.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The purpose of the present study was to review the complications of ureteroscopy (URS) by using the modified Clavien classification system (MCCS) and to investigate the factors associated with complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data regarding 811 patients who underwent URS for ureteral calculus were analyzed. Peroperative and postoperative complications were recorded. The patients were divided into seven groups depending on the severity of the complications. The association of sex, stone size, number, and localization with each MCCS grade was also evaluated. RESULTS: The average age was 45 years. The success of the procedure after one session was 93.5%. Complications were recorded in 57.9% of the patients. According to the MCCS, grade I, II, IIIa, IIIb, IVa, IVb, and V complications were documented in 29.8%, 7.1%, 8.6%, 11%, 0%, 1.2%, and 0% of the patients, respectively. The factors associated with the complications graded by MCCS were sex, stone size, number of stones, and localization. In addition, in multivariate analysis, history of previous surgeries for urolithiasis, orifice dilatation, and instrument size were associated with complications. CONCLUSION: According to MCCS, sex, history of previous surgeries for urolithiasis, orifice dilatation, size of the instrument, stone size, number of stones, and localization are associated with different grades of complications in URS.

The association between symptoms of sexual dysfunction and age at onset in Parkinson's disease.

OBJECTIVE: Age at onset in Parkinson's disease (PD) seems to be related nonmotor symptoms. In this study we investigated the effect of the age at onset on symptoms of sexual dysfunction (SSD) in patients with PD. METHODS: This prospective study comprised 22 consecutive outpatients with early onset PD (EOPD-onset of the disease before 55 years), and 66 outpatients with late onset PD (LOPD-onset of PD over 55 years). They were all recruited from the Department of Movement Disorders, Clinic of Neurology. The diagnosis was established according to the UK PD Brain Bank Criteria by a movement disorders specialist. The Unified PD Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor was used to assess motor disability and Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) stage was used to establish disease severity. The sexual functions of the patients were rated by applying the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX). RESULTS: Thirteen EOPD patients (59.09 %) and 53 of the LOPD patients (80.3 %) (p 0.047) reported dissatisfaction with at least one item of ASEX. There were no differences between H&Y stages (p 0.205) UPDRS total (p 0.267) and motor scores (p 0.100) between groups. LOPD patients had significantly higher ASEX scores than EOPD patients (p 0.001). INTERPRETATION: Sexual dysfunciton occurs more frequently and more severely in LOPD than EOPD patients. PD patients with different ages at onset clinically present differently in terms of SSD.

Does Leaving the Biopsy Needle in Povidone-Iodine Solution Reduce Infective Complications after Biopsy?

Aim. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether leaving the biopsy needle used during prostate needle biopsy in 10% povidone-iodine (betadine) solution affects the infectious complications forming after biopsy. Material and Method. This study retrospectively evaluated the data of 176 patients with prostate biopsy performed between December 2012 and April 2014. Patients in Group 1 (n = 89) were given ofloxacin as a prophylactic antibiotic before biopsy. Patients in Group 2 (n = 87) had the biopsy needle left in povidone-iodine solution for 1 minute before each use, in addition to antibiotic prophylaxis. The two groups were compared in terms of infective complications developing after biopsy. Results were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher's exact test. Results. The distribution of infective complications after biopsy according to group was as follows. Group 1, not using betadine, had 15.7% fever, 13.5% hospital stay, 12.4% urinary retention, 10.1% prostatitis, and 5.6% sepsis. The distribution of the same complications in Group 2 using betadine was identified as 5.7% fever, 4.6% hospital stay, 3.4% urinary retention, 2.3% prostatitis, and 0% sepsis. The use of betadine was found to significantly reduce the infectious complications after biopsy compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion. At the end of this study leaving the prostate needle in povidone-iodine solution before each use during prostate biopsy was found to reduce the infective complications and hospital stay after biopsy.

Are erectile functions affected by AB0 blood group?

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is a relationship between erectile dysfunction (ED), thought to be a vascular disease, and AB0 blood group. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study included 350 people abiding by the study criteria who applied to our clinic from April 2012-April 2015. The patients were divided into two groups including those with ED (Group 1) and those without (Group 2). Age, blood group, IIEF-5 score and presence of additional diseases were recorded. Erectile functions were analyzed according to blood group. RESULTS: There was no difference between the mean age of 111 patients with ED and that of 239 patients without ED included in the study (p = 0.284). There was no difference between patients in the two groups in terms of smoking, alcohol use, hypertension and diabetes (p > 0.05). Among patients in the ED group, the mean IIEF-5 score according to blood group was 19.8 ± 5.04 in the 0 blood group, 16.5 ± 5.2 in the A blood group, 17.2 ± 5.3 in the B blood group and 13.3 ± 3.02 in the AB blood group. The IIEF-5 scores of individuals in the 0 blood group were significantly high compared to individuals in other blood groups (p = 0.004). Logistic regression analysis found that compared to the 0 blood group, the erectile dysfunction risk was 3.9 times greater for the A blood group, 3.5 times greater for the B blood group and 4.7 times greater for the AB blood group (p = 0.001) (Table 3). CONCLUSION: The risk of erectile dysfunction was significantly increased for individuals in the A, B and AB blood groups compared to individuals in the 0 blood group.