Predicting Peak Productivity in Urologic Medicare Practice via Work-Relative Value Units.

OBJECTIVE: To explore factors associated with productivity in urologic practice. Work-relative value units (wRVUs), the basis for Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and private payer reimbursements, commonly serve to estimate physician productivity. Limited data describes which practice factors predict increased wRVU productivity. METHODS: The 2017 and 2018 CMS databases were retrospectively queried for urologic Medicare provider demographics and procedural/service details. Medical school graduation year was used to estimate years in practice and generation (Millennial, Gen X, Baby Boomer, or Post-War). Treated patients' demographics were obtained. Adjusted and unadjusted linear mixed models were performed to predict wRVU production. RESULTS: Included were 6773 Medicare-participating urologists across the United States. Millennials produced 1115 wRVUs per year, while Gen X and Baby Boomers produced significantly more (1997 and 2104, respectively, P <.01). Post-War urologists produced numerically more (1287, P = .88). In adjusted analyses, predictors of Medicare wRVU productivity included female and pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (exponentiated beta estimate (ß) 1.46, 95% CI 1.32-1.60), men's health (ß 1.22, 95% CI 1.13-1.32), and oncologic subspecialization (ß 1.08, 95% CI 1.02-1.14), female gender (ß 0.87, 95% CI 0.82-0.92), wRVUs generated from inpatient procedures (ß 1.08, 95% CI 1.06-1.09) and office visits (ß 0.88, 95% CI 0.87-0.89), and the level of education (ß 1.10, 95% CI 1.07-1.14) and percent impoverished patients (ß 0.85, 95% CI 0.83-0.88) in provider's practice zip code. CONCLUSION: Urologic experience, specialization, demographics, practice patterns, and patient demographics are significantly associated with wRVU productivity in Medicare settings. Further work should incorporate quality metrics into wRVUs and ensure patient demographics do not affect reimbursement.

The Impact of the Virtual Interview on Candidate Experience and Outcomes: Society of Academic Urologists National Survey of Interns Who Participated in the 2020-2021 Urology Match.

OBJECTIVE: To examine retrospective experiences with the virtual interview (VI) process among postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) urology residents who participated in the 2020-2021 American Urologic Association (AUA) Match cycle. METHODS: A 27-question survey created by a Society of Academic Urologists Taskforce on VI was distributed to PGY1 residents from 105 institutions between February 1, 2022 and March 7, 2022. The survey asked respondents to reflect on the VI process, cost concerns, and how experiences at their current program aligned with prior VI representation. RESULTS: A total of 116 PGY-1 residents completed the survey. The majority felt the VI represented the following domains well: (1) institution/program culture and strengths (74%), (2) representation of all faculty/disciplines (74%), (3) resident quality of life (62%), (4) personal fit (66%), (5) quality of surgical training and volume (63%), and (6) opportunities to meet residents (60%). Approximately 71% of respondents did not match at their home program or a program they visited in-person. Within this cohort, 13% agreed important aspects of their current program were not translated virtually, and they would not have prioritized the program had they been able to visit in-person. In total, 61% ranked programs they ordinarily might not have listed during an in-person interview season. Overall, 25% deemed financial costs a "very important" consideration during the VI process. CONCLUSION: The majority of PGY1 urology residents reported key components of their current program translated well from the VI process. This platform offers a method of overcoming conventional geographic and financial barriers associated with the in-person interview process.

Understanding the Urology Program Directors Perspective on the Current Resident Selection Process: The Society of Academic Urologists National Survey of Urology Program Directors.

OBJECTIVE: The traditional residency selection process was altered dramatically by the SARS CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic. For the 2020-2021 application cycle in-person interviews were transitioned to the virtual format. What was thought to be a temporary transition has now become the new standard with continued endorsement from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and the Society of Academic Urologists (SAU) for virtual interviews (VI). We sought to assess the perceived efficacy and satisfaction of the VI format from the urology residency program director's (PDs) perspective. DESIGN: A designated SAU Taskforce on "Optimizing the Applicant Experience in the Virtual Interview Era" developed and refined a survey composed of 69 questions on VI and was distributed to all urology program directors (PD) of member institutions of the SAU. The survey focused on candidate selection, faculty preparation, and interview day logistics. PDs were also asked to reflect on the impact of VI on their match results, recruitment of underrepresented minorities and female gender, and what their preference would be for future applications cycles. PARTICIPANTS: Urology residency PDs (84.7% response rate) between January 13, 2022 - February 10, 2022 were included in the study. RESULTS: Most programs interviewed a total of 36 to 50 applicants (80%), with an average of 10 to 20 applicants per interview day. The top 3 ranked criteria for interview selection reported by urology PDs surveyed included letters of recommendation, clerkship grades, and USMLE Step 1 score. The most common areas of formal training for faculty interviewers were diversity, equity and inclusion (55%), implicit bias (66%), and review of the SAU guidelines on illegal questions (83%). Over half (61.4%) of PDs believed that they were able to accurately represent their training program through the virtual platform, while 51% felt that VI did not afford similar assessments of applicant as in-person interviews. Two-thirds of PDs believed the VI platform improve access for all applicants to attend interviews. Focusing on the impact of the VI platform for recruitment of underrepresented minorities (URM) and female gender applicants, 15% and 24% reported improved visibility respectively for their program, and 24% and 11% reported increased ability to interview URM and female gender applicants respectively. Overall, in-person interviews were reported to be preferred by 42%, and 51% of PDs desired VIs to be included in future years. CONCLUSIONS: PDs opinion and role of the VIs into the future is variable. Despite uniform agreement of cost savings and belief that VI platform improves access for all, only half of PDs expressed interest of the VI format being continued in some form. PDs note limitation of VI in the ability to comprehensively assess applicants as well as the in-person format. Many programs have begun to incorporate vital training in the areas of diversity equity and inclusion bias, and illegal questions. There is a role for continued development and research on ways to optimize virtual interviews.

The role of in-person focus groups in the management of urinary incontinence in women from a mixed-methods, randomized pilot study.

PURPOSE: To assess the quantitative and qualitative components of in-person focus groups as a potential intervention for female patients with urinary incontinence. METHODS: Women over the age of 18 seeking treatment for UI were randomized to standard care with focus group participation or to standard care alone. All participants completed validated questionnaires: MESA, UDI-6, OAB-SAT-q, PGI-S, PGI-I, SQoL-F, PHQ-9, IPAQ at the beginning and conclusion of the study. Questionnaires were analyzed with repeated measures of ANOVA models in an intention-to-treat manner. Three moderated focus group sessions were held and audio recorded. Recordings were transcribed and categorized by frequency into themes using grounded theory methodology. RESULTS: A total of ten control and eight intervention participants agreed to participate. Seven women attended all three focus group sessions and were included in the final analysis. Transcripts from focus group sessions observed women identified most with (1) urinary incontinence (UI) as a chronic disease, (2) shame managing UI, and (3) social constraints of toileting. Participants self-reported appreciation of focus group participation and desire for on-going sessions. Analysis of the questionnaires did not demonstrate statistically significant differences. CONCLUSION: Data ascertained from questionnaires were unable to demonstrate a meaningful effect in improved treatment outcomes for control and intervention participants. Grounded theory analysis of transcripts identified four primary themes: (1) appreciation of the focus group, (2) UI as a gendered issue, (3) lack of public awareness, and (4) history of negative provider interactions. All focus group participants self-reported interest in attending future focus group sessions.

Personality Traits and Burnout: A Survey of Practicing US Urologists.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of personality traits and institutional factors on burnout among a population of practicing urologists. METHODS: From 2017-2019 a voluntary survey was distributed to practicing urologists across the United States. The survey evaluated demographics, education, social factors, practice types and work satisfaction. Personality traits were evaluated using the Sheffield psychometric assessment. Burnout was assessed using the Maslach inventory and defined as a score of ≥27 on the emotional exhaustion domain or ≥10 on the depersonalization domain. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-three urologists responded, of whom 86.7% were male, 88.1% Caucasian, and 53.5% self-identified as general urologists. 49.1% (85/173) met criteria for burnout. On univariate analysis, burnout was associated with taking call, a ≥51 hour/week work schedule, and using multiple EMRs. On the psychometric assessment, tendencies towards the personality traits resiliency, optimism, extroversion, and a team player approach were associated with lower rates of burnout. On multivariable analysis, a ≥51 hour/week work schedule remained associated with burnout (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.08-4.91, P = .03), and physicians who were extroverted were less likely to have burnout (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.83-0.99, P = .03). Burnout significantly impacted all domains of work satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Based on survey data, approximately half of practicing urologists suffer from burnout and this affects work satisfaction. Personality factors, specifically tendencies towards resilience, optimism, extroversion, and a team player mentality, may be protective. Longer work hours were universally associated with increased burnout. Awareness of these risks and relationships can help develop strategies to identify and curtail burnout.

Characterization of Urethral Diverticula in Women.

OBJECTIVE: Urethral diverticulum is a rare, yet important condition for the female pelvic surgeon. We aimed to characterize the women who have been seen for this condition across the three Mayo Clinic locations. METHODS: Medical record review was performed for patients across all three Mayo Clinic sites (Rochester, Arizona, Florida) that had International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, (ICD-9) and International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, (ICD-10) codes corresponding to urethral diverticulum (ICD-9, 599.2; ICD-10, N36.1). We also performed a review of patients who underwent urethral diverticulectomy via Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code 53235. Data were available for patients from June 1, 2003, to October 5, 2018. Patients were classified by age, etiology, presenting symptomatology, location, treatment, pathology, and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: Four hundred forty-seven women met initial coding criteria for urethral diverticula, with 228 women having documented urethral diverticula. The most common presentations were irritative voiding symptoms (93) and infections (92). The most common diagnostic modality was radiographic imaging (198/228) with magnetic resonance imaging accounting for 157 cases. Etiology was unknown in the majority of cases (181/228). Of women who were diagnosed, 172 underwent diverticulectomy with 51 concurrent urethral sling placements. Final pathology demonstrated 2 cases of malignancy. Postoperative follow-up ranged from 0 months to 15 years (mean, 1.4 years; median, 4 months). Forty-three patients had persistent urinary symptoms after diverticulectomy with stress incontinence being the most common. Eight patients underwent subsequent sling placement. Fourteen patients had recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: This appears to be the largest reported series on female urethral diverticula, a rare yet important entity that requires special consideration. Most surgical cases found resolution of symptoms after diverticulectomy. Importantly, less than 2% of urethral diverticula were associated with malignancy.

Evaluating the Prevalence of Pelvic Floor Disorders in Women in Nonmetropolitan Communities.

INTRODUCTION: Prevalence rates of pelvic floor disorders in women in nonmetropolitan communities compared with metropolitan communities are unknown. We hypothesize that the rates are higher in women in nonmetropolitan communities. METHODS: We accessed the health survey data from the NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) from 2009 to 2010 divided by geocodes into nonmetropolitan (<50,000 inhabitants) and metropolitan communities (>50,000). Responses were analyzed for the following conditions: urinary incontinence and nocturia, bowel urgency and anal incontinence, and symptomatic vaginal bulge. Age-adjusted prevalence rates were estimated using logistic regression. RESULTS: The 2009-2010 NHANES survey was completed nationwide by 302 women in nonmetropolitan communities and 2201 women in metropolitan communities. Overall, prevalence rates of PFDs did not significantly differ between groups. Prevalence rates of urinary incontinence and nocturia at least weekly were similar between metropolitan and nonmetropolitan groups (16.2% vs 14.6%, P = 0.47), with stress incontinence being more common than urgency and other types of incontinence (40% vs 23% and 8%). Women in metropolitan communities reported more bowel urgency than women in nonmetropolitan communities (33.3% vs 26.8%, P = 0.02); however, prevalence rates between both groups are similar with regards to anal incontinence at least once a month or more (9.2% vs 9.0%, P = 0.76). Prolapse symptoms were also not significantly different between the groups (2.4% in both). There was an increase in prevalence in each of the pelvic floor disorder symptoms with age. CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic floor disorders are prevalent and increase with age in women in nonmetropolitan communities at rates similar to women in metropolitan communities.

Investigations of ion transport through nanoscale polymer membranes by fluorescence quenching of CdSe/CdS quantum dot/quantum rods.

Detailed steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence quenching measurements give deep insight into ion transport through nanometer thick diblock copolymer membranes, which were assembled as biocompatible shell material around CdSe/CdS quantum dot in quantum rods. We discuss the role of polymer chain length, intermolecular cross-linking and nanopore formation by analysing electron transfer processes from the photoexcited QDQRs to Cu(II) ions, which accumulate in the polymer membrane. Fluorescence investigations on single particle level additionally allow identifying ensemble inhomogeneities.

Analysis of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Patients' Perspective Through a Third Party-administered Survey.

OBJECTIVE: To assess patient-reported functional and quality-of-life (QoL) outcomes associated with various surgical treatments for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: An independent third-party survey was sent to all patients who underwent any surgical treatment for BPH at our institution from January 2007 through January 2013. Overall satisfaction and urinary and sexual outcomes were evaluated using Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM), International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS) for urinary function, and International Continence Society-Short Form (ICSmaleSF) questionnaires. RESULTS: Four hundred and seventy-nine respondents (response rate, 55.6%) had undergone holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP; n = 214), transurethral resection of the prostate (n = 210), holmium laser ablation of the prostate (n = 21), photoselective vaporization (n = 18), transurethral incision of the prostate (n = 9), and open simple prostatectomy (n = 7). Postoperatively, Sexual Health Inventory for Men scores were not different. However, total IPSS varied significantly among surgical techniques (P < .001). Mean (standard deviation) IPSS was lowest for open simple prostatectomy (4.0 [2.6]), followed by HoLEP (5.8 [5.4]). For individual domains, significant differences were in intermittency (P < .001), weak stream (P = .003), straining (P < .001), and QoL (P = .001). In all these domains, HoLEP had the lowest scores. Regarding International Continence Society-Short Form, we observed a significant difference favoring transurethral resection of the prostate in incontinence (P < .001) and favoring HoLEP in voiding (P = .02) and QoL domains (P = .03). Most patients were satisfied with their surgical intervention, independent of the procedure type. Regret was least in patients who underwent HoLEP (P = .02). CONCLUSION: Patients generally expressed satisfaction with various interventions for BPH. However, those who underwent HoLEP had the best outcomes.

Clustering of CdSe/CdS Quantum Dot/Quantum Rods into Micelles Can Form Bright, Non-blinking, Stable, and Biocompatible Probes.

We investigate clustered CdSe/CdS quantum dots/quantum rods, ranging from single to multiple encapsulated rods within amphiphilic diblock copolymer micelles, by time-resolved optical spectroscopy. The effect of the clustering and the cluster size on the optical properties is addressed. The clusters are bright and stable and show no blinking while retaining the fundamental optical properties of the individual quantum dots/quantum rods. Cell studies show neither unspecific uptake nor morphological changes of the cells, despite the increased sizes of the clusters.

A universal approach to ultrasmall magneto-fluorescent nanohybrids.

Seeded emulsion polymerization is a powerful universal method to produce ultrasmall multifunctional magnetic nanohybrids. In a two-step procedure, iron oxide nanocrystals were initially encapsulated in a polystyrene (PS) shell and subsequently used as beads for a controlled assembly of elongated quantum dots/quantum rods (QDQRs). The synthesis of a continuous PS shell allows the whole construct to be fixed and the composition of the nanohybrid to be tuned. The fluorescence of the QDQRs and magnetism of iron oxide were perfectly preserved, as confirmed by single-particle investigation, fluorescence decay measurements, and relaxometry. Bio-functionalization of the hybrids was straightforward, involving copolymerization of appropriate affinity ligands as shown by immunoblot analysis. Additionally, the universality of this method was shown by the embedment of a broad scale of NPs.

Tailoring the ligand shell for the control of cellular uptake and optical properties of nanocrystals.

In this short review, the main challenges in the use of hydrophobic nanoparticles in biomedical application are addressed. It is shown how to overcome the different issues by the use of a polymeric encapsulation system, based on an amphiphilic polyisoprene-block-poly(ethylene glycol) diblock copolymer. On the basis of this simple molecule, the development of a versatile and powerful phase transfer strategy is summarized, focusing on the main advantages like the adjustable size, the retained properties, the excellent shielding and the diverse functionalization properties of the encapsulated nanoparticles. Finally, the extraordinary properties of these encapsulated nanoparticles in terms of toxicity and specificity in a broad in vitro test is demonstrated.

A comparison of 30-day surgical outcomes for minimally invasive and open sacrocolpopexy.

AIMS: Minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy (MISC) has gained widespread acceptance without randomized or population-based data to support its use. This study compares 30-day outcomes after MISC and open sacrocolpopexy (OSC) using population-based data. METHODS: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was used to acquire 1,786 sacrocolpopexy operations (659 OSC and 1,127 MISC) performed from 2005 to 2011. A propensity-weighted comparative analysis of perioperative morbidity was performed. RESULTS: Among women undergoing sacrocolpopexy, the proportion of MISC procedures increased from 7.1% in 2006 to 68.8% in 2011. Women undergoing OSC were older (P < 0.001) and had somewhat higher American Society of Anesthesiologists classifications (P = 0.11). Unadjusted comparisons between groups revealed higher rates of superficial (P < 0.001) and deep surgical (P = 0.009) site infections in the OSC group. There was also a higher rate of blood transfusions (P = 0.02), a longer length of hospitalization (P < 0.001), and a shorter operative time (P < 0.001) among patients undergoing OSC. In the propensity-weighted analysis, MISC was associated with lower rates of wound infections (1.1% vs. 3.0%; P = 0.01), lower blood transfusion rates (0.7% vs. 2.3%; P = 0.01), a shorter mean hospitalization (1.4 vs. 3.0 days; P < 0.001), and a longer mean operative time (224.8 vs. 188.6 min; P < 0.001). No differences were noted among renal, infectious, or neurologic complications, although pulmonary complications were higher in the OSC group (0.3% vs. 1.0%; P = 0.08). No differences in 30-day mortality were noted (0.1% vs. 0.2%; P = 0.61). CONCLUSIONS: MISC was associated with lower perioperative morbidity in this propensity-weighted analysis.

CdSe/CdS-quantum rods: fluorescent probes for in vivo two-photon laser scanning microscopy.

CdSe/CdS-Quantum-dots-quantum-rods (QDQRs) with an aspect ratio of ∼ 6 are prepared via the seeded growth method, encapsulated within a shell of crosslinked poly(isoprene)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) (PI-b-PEG) diblock copolymer, and transferred from the organic phase into aqueous media. Their photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 78% is not compromised by the phase transfer. Within a period of two months the PLQY of QDQRs in aqueous solution at neutral pH decreases only slightly (to ∼ 65%). The two-photon (TP) action cross sections of QDQRs (∼ 10(5) GM) are two orders of magnitude higher than those of CdSe/CdS/ZnS-core/shell/shell quantum dots (QDs, ∼ 10(3) GM) with comparable diameter (∼ 5 nm). After applying PI-b-PEG encapsulated QDQRs onto the small intestinal mucosa of mice in vivo, their strong red fluorescence can easily be observed by two-photon laser scanning microscopy (TPLSM) and clearly distinguished from autofluorescent background. Our results demonstrate that PI-b-PEG encapsulated CdSe/CdS-QDQRs are excellent probes for studying the uptake and fate of nanoparticles by two-photon imaging techniques in vivo.

Polymer-assisted self-assembly of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles into well-defined clusters: controlling the collective magnetic properties.

The combination of superstructure-forming amphiphilic block copolymers and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles produces new nano/microcomposites with unique size-dependent properties. Herein, we demonstrate the controlled clustering of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIOs) ranging from discretely encapsulated SPIOs to giant clusters, containing hundreds or even more particles, using an amphiphilic polyisoprene-block-poly(ethylene glycol) diblock copolymer. Within these clusters, the SPIOs interact with each other and show new collective properties, neither obtainable with singly encapsulated nor with the bulk material. We observed cluster-size-dependent magnetic properties, influencing the blocking temperature, the magnetoviscosity of the liquid suspension, and the r2 relaxivity for magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. The clustering methodology can be expanded also to other nanoparticle materials [CdSe/CdS/ZnS core/shell/shell quantum dots (QDs), CdSe/CdS quantum dots/quantum rods (QDQRs), gold nanoparticles, and mixtures thereof].

Fluorescence spectroscopy of individual semiconductor nanoparticles in different ethylene glycols.

The optical properties of single colloidal semiconductor nanoparticles (NPs) are considerably influenced by the direct environment of the NPs. Here, the influence of different liquid and solid glycol matrices on CdSe-based NPs is investigated. Since the fluorescence of individual NPs varies from one NP to another, it is highly desirable to study the very same individual NPs in different matrices. This was accomplished by immobilizing NPs in a liquid cell sample holder or in microfluidic devices. The samples have been investigated by space-resolved wide-field fluorescence microscopy and energy- and time-resolved confocal scanning fluorescence microscopy with respect to fluorescence intensities, emission energies, blinking behavior, and fluorescence decay dynamics of individual NPs. During the measurements the NPs were exposed to air, to liquid ethylene glycols H(OCH2CH2)nOH (also called EGn) with different chain lengths (1 ≤ n ≤ 7), to liquid 2-methylpentane-2,3-diol, or to solid polyethylene oxide. It was found that EG6-7 (also known as PEG 300) is very well suited as a liquid matrix or solvent for experiments that correlate chemical and physical modifications of the surface and of the immediate environment of individual NPs to their fluorescence properties since it leads to intense and stable fluorescence emission of the NPs.

Comparison of midurethral sling outcomes with and without prolapse repair.

INTRODUCTION: To compare the outcome of single incision and retropubic midurethral slings when performed with and without concomitant repair of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted of all midurethral slings performed with and without concomitant POP repair by a single provider from September 2008 to April 2010. Prolapse was repaired transvaginally with light-weight polypropylene mesh or robotically via sacrocolpopexy based on the nature of the prolapse and surgeon preference. Success of the sling procedure was defined as complete resolution of leakage or great improvement of leakage based on the Patient Global Impression of Improvement score. RESULTS: Eighty-nine patients underwent a midurethral sling procedure. Forty-five patients received a single incision sling, 18 of which had concomitant POP repair. Forty-four received a retropubic sling, 16 of which had concomitant POP repair. Successful treatment of SUI in the single incision sling group was 89% (24/27) which was not significantly different from the retropubic only sling group 93% (26/28), p = 0.61. However, a significant difference was seen in the successful treatment of SUI in the single incision sling plus prolapse repair group 67% (12/18) versus the retropubic sling plus prolapse repair group 94% (15/16), p = 0.05. CONCLUSION: We found a higher incidence of single incision mid-urethral sling failure when done at the same time as repair of pelvic organ prolapse in comparison to sling placement alone. There is no difference in the success of retropubic slings when done with or without concomitant prolapse repair.

Controlling the physical and biological properties of highly fluorescent aqueous quantum dots using block copolymers of different size and shape.

The phase transfer of fluorescent CdSe based quantum dots (QDs) while retaining their properties and offering some advantages concerning the stability and functionalization characteristics is an important and intensively investigated field of research. Here we report how to tune and control the properties of CdSe/CdS/ZnS core-shell-shell QDs in water, using poly(isoprene-block-ethylene oxide) (PI-b-PEO) as a versatile system of amphiphilic diblock copolymers for the micellular encapsulation of nanoparticles (NPs). We show the synthesis of a novel PI-b-(PEO)2 miktoarm star polymer and how this different architecture besides the variation of the polymers' molecular weight gives us the opportunity to control the size of the built constructs in water between 24 and 53 nm. Because of this size control, an upper limit of the construct's diameter for the cellular uptake could be determined by a systemic study with human alveolar epithelial cells (A549) and murine macrophage leukemia cell (RAW-264.7). Furthermore, fluorescence quenching experiments with copper(II) and iron(III) ions show a strong influence of the used polymer on the shielding against these ions. This enables us to control the permeability of the polymer shell from very porous shells, which allow an almost complete cation exchange up to very dense shells. These even offer the possibility to perform copper(I) catalyzed click reactions while keeping the fluorescence of the QDs. All these results underline the huge variability and controllability of the PI-b-PEO diblock copolymer system for the encapsulation and functionalization of nanoparticles for biological applications. As a general trend, it can be stated that those coatings, which were most stable against quenchers, also showed the best resistivity with respect to unspecific cellular uptake.

Bladder capacity on preoperative urodynamics may impact outcomes on transobturator male slings.

AIMS: Stress incontinence is frequently seen after prostate surgery. We sought to evaluate preoperative urodynamic (UDS) parameters on functional outcomes after transobturator male sling placement. METHODS: 49 male patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after radical prostatectomy or transurethral resection of the prostate underwent transobturator sling (TOS) placement from December 2008 through June 2011 (AdVance® and Virtue®). A retrospective review was performed of those patients who underwent preoperative UDS and had a minimum of 6 weeks of follow up. In total 38 patients were identified. There were 28 patients considered a success and 10 patients considered a failure. We then evaluated the preoperative UDS parameters between these two groups to identify potential adverse parameters. RESULTS: Overall success rate was 74% (28/38) with an average follow up of 3 months. Comparing the success and failure groups there was no difference between the pre-operative parameters. On pre-operative UDS, only bladder capacity was found to be significantly lower in those who failed TOS. Univariate comparisons of sling outcomes stratified by bladder capacity tertiles was performed. These values were chosen as they represented the 25th, 50th, and 75th percentiles, respectively. All patients (10/10) with bladder capacities in the top tertile experienced success with the sling, compared to only 62% and 50% of patients in the 50th and 25th tertiles, respectively; these differences were significant (Fisher's exact P-value = 0.044). CONCLUSION: TOS is an effective therapy for men with SUI. Bladder capacity based on pre-operative UDS may impact the success of the procedure.