Renal pelvis urine Gram stain as a traditional, but new marker in predicting postoperative fever and stone culture positivity in percutaneous nephrolithotomy: an observational, prospective, non-randomized cohort study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of renal pelvis urine Gram staining (RPUGS) in predicting postoperative fever and renal stone culture (RSC) positivity in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). METHODS: Totally 141 consecutive patients undergoing PCNL for renal stone were included between January 2018 and December 2019. The RPUGS and renal pelvis urine culture (RPUC) were performed using urine sample from renal collecting system, while RSC was performed using stone fragments. Patients were divided into two groups as Group 1 (n = 119) without postoperative fever (< 38 °C) and Group 2 (n = 22) with postoperative fever (≥ 38 °C). Stone culture and Gram staining models were created for predicting postoperative fever using constant covariates of the presence of residual stone, hydronephrosis, and stone burden. RESULTS: A significantly higher number of patients in Group 2 had RPUGS, RSC, and RPUC positivity (p < 0.001, for each). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of RPUGS in predicting postoperative fever were 72.7%, 89.9%, 57.1%, and 94.7%, respectively. It was observed that both models had similar predictive values and diagnostic performances. Although RSC and RPUGS had a similar diagnostic value in predicting postoperative fever in univariable analysis, both were found to be independent predictors in multivariable analysis (OR: 10.6, 95% CI 4.07-27.9, p < 0.001 and OR: 15.0, 95% CI 5.4-41.2, p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, RPUGS is as effective as RSC in predicting fever after PCNL. We recommend RPUGS during PCNL to manage post-PCNL infectious complications.

Ta grade 3/high grade non-invasive bladder cancer: Should we perform a second TUR?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of second transurethral resection (TUR) on oncological outcomes, according to the presence or absence of detrusor muscle in the initial TUR of patients with pTa Grade 3/high grade (G3/HG) tumours, who received at least 1 year of maintenance Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, we evaluated the effect of second TUR on oncological outcomes of 93 patients with pTa G3/HG tumours, according to the presence or absence of muscle in the initial TUR. All patients received maintenance BCG therapy according to the SWOG protocol. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 36 months. If muscle is present in the initial TUR, a second TUR significantly increased median time to first recurrence, compared to those without a second TUR (77.6 vs 36.9 mos, P = .0086). If muscle is missing in the initial TUR, a second TUR significantly decreased recurrence rate (20% vs 66.7%, P = .002), increased median time to first recurrence (78.9 vs 42.7 mos, P = .0001) and median time to progression (22 vs 7 mos, P = .05), compared to those without a second TUR. CONCLUSION: In patients with pTa G3/HG tumours, if the muscle is missing in the initial TUR, a second TUR should be performed in order to attain lower recurrence rates and longer median time to recurrence and progression. If the muscle is present in the initial TUR, a second TUR will only increase median time to first recurrence.

Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma: Machine Learning-Based Quantitative Computed Tomography Texture Analysis for Prediction of Fuhrman Nuclear Grade.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of quantitative computed tomography (CT) texture analysis using different machine learning (ML) classifiers for discriminating low and high nuclear grade clear cell renal cell carcinomas (cc-RCCs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 53 patients with pathologically proven 54 cc-RCCs (31 low-grade [grade 1 or 2]; 23 high-grade [grade 3 or 4]). In one patient, two synchronous cc-RCCs were included in the analysis. Mean age was 57.5 years. Thirty-four (64.1%) patients were male and 19 were female (35.9%). Mean tumour size based on the maximum diameter was 57.4 mm (range, 16-145 mm). Forty patients underwent radical nephrectomy and 13 underwent partial nephrectomy. Following pre-processing steps, two-dimensional CT texture features were extracted using portal-phase contrast-enhanced CT. Reproducibility of texture features was assessed with the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Nested cross-validation with a wrapper-based algorithm was used in feature selection and model optimisation. The ML classifiers were support vector machine (SVM), multilayer perceptron (MLP, a sort of neural network), naïve Bayes, k-nearest neighbours, and random forest. The performance of the classifiers was compared by certain metrics. RESULTS: Among 279 texture features, 241 features with an ICC equal to or higher than 0.80 (excellent reproducibility) were included in the further feature selection process. The best model was created using SVM. The selected subset of features for SVM included five co-occurrence matrix (ICC range, 0.885-0.998), three run-length matrix (ICC range, 0.889-0.992), one gradient (ICC = 0.998), and four Haar wavelet features (ICC range, 0.941-0.997). The overall accuracy, sensitivity (for detecting high-grade cc-RCCs), specificity (for detecting high-grade cc-RCCs), and overall area under the curve of the best model were 85.1%, 91.3%, 80.6%, and 0.860, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The ML-based CT texture analysis can be a useful and promising non-invasive method for prediction of low and high Fuhrman nuclear grade cc-RCCs. KEY POINTS: • Based on the percutaneous biopsy literature, ML-based CT texture analysis has a comparable predictive performance with percutaneous biopsy. • Highest predictive performance was obtained with use of the SVM. • SVM correctly classified 85.1% of cc-RCCs in terms of nuclear grade, with an AUC of 0.860.

The Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Peyronie's Disease in Rat Model.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of intratunical injection of platelet rich plasma (PRP) for the treatment of Peyronie's disease (PD) in a rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats (300-350 g) were randomly divided into 4 groups: sham, PD, PD + PRP, and PRP. The PD + PRP groups received intratunical injections with 0.1 mL PRP on day 15 (treatment) or day 0 (PRP effect). Forty-five days following transforming growth factor-beta 1 injection, rats underwent pathological examination. Tissues were evaluated histologically for fibrosis grade (Haematoxylin & Eosin staining), collagen/smooth muscle ratio (Masson Trichrome staining) and type III/type I collagen ratio (Picro-sirius red staining). Statistical analysis was performed by Kruskal-Wallis and chi-square followed by the Mann-Whitney U test for post hoc comparisons. RESULTS: Significant changes were found in all 3 groups compared to the sham group (p < 0.0001 for fibrosis, p = 0.001 for collagen/smooth muscle ratio and p = 0.003 for type III/type I collagen ratio). The values in the PRP group and the findings in the PD group are similar (p = 0.122 for fibrosis, p = 0.221 for collagen/smooth muscle ratio and p = 1.0 for type III/type I collagen ratio). CONCLUSION: This is the first study of PRP on PD. As a result of pathological examinations, PRP shows PD-like effects in rats. PRP may be a cheap, easily accessible, and an effective disease model for PD treatment research.

The Predictive Value of Ischemia-Modified Albumin in Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to investigate the predictive value of ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) as an oxidative stress indicator in renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. METHODS: Forty female Wistar Albino rats were divided into 5 groups: Group-1, sham; group-2, 20 min I/R, group-3, 30 min I/R; group-4, 40 min I/R; and group-5, 60 min I/R. Blood samples were taken, and nephrectomy was performed in the sham group before ischemia was induced. At the end of the defined periods for each group, reperfusion was achieved and a blood sample was taken and nephrectomy was performed. At the end of the 6-hour reperfusion period, the blood sample was taken again and the other kidney is removed. IMA in serum and total anti-oxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index in both serum and tissue were examined. RESULTS: Serum IMA values were significantly different between the groups (p = 0.009), and there was a significantly difference in TOS values between ischemic serum (p = 0.024) and tissue samples (p = 0.02). However, there was no significant difference in serum and tissue TAS values after ischemia (p = 0.9). Serum IMA, TOS and TAS and tissue TOS and TAS values after reperfusion were not significantly different. There was a significant correlation between tubular damage and ischemia duration in histopathological examination of renal tissue after I/R (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Serum IMA values increased in parallel with the duration of ischemia, and this increase was supported by histopathological damage findings.

Comparison of the outcomes of laparoscopic pyeloplasty with and without concomitant pyelolithotomy.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the results of laparoscopic pyeloplasty with concomitant pyelolithotomy and compare results with a cohort of patients undergoing laparoscopic pyeloplasty without pyelolithotomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed records of 43 patients undergoing transperitoneal laparoscopic Anderson-Hynes dismembered pyeloplasty between December 2012 and July 2018 at our department. Eighteen patients (42%) underwent laparoscopic pyeloplasty with concomitant pyelolithotomy. The results of patients with renal stones were compared with 25 matched patients undergoing laparoscopic pyeloplasty without concomitant renal stones. Demographic data, operative and stone parameters were compared between the groups. RESULTS: The groups were similar regarding to demographic characteristics. All operations were completed laparoscopically with no conversions to open surgery. In 3 cases without renal stones and 15 cases with renal stones, transposition of the ureter due to crossing vessels was performed. The mean stone size was 13±5.24 mm, and the median number of stones was 1 (1-18). The success of laparoscopic pyeloplasty with and without pyelolithotomy was 93.3% and 92.9%, respectively, as confirmed by negative diuretic renogram at postoperative 3rd months. Overall stone-free rate after laparoscopic pyelolithotomy was 93.3%. Mean operative time was 222.6765.71 minutes vs. 219.11±75.63 minutes for the pyeloplasty with concomitant pyelolithotomy vs. pyeloplasty, respectively (p=0.88). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic pyeloplasty with concomitant pyelolithotomy is a safe and effective intervention with associated good cosmetic results and high stone-free rates without significant increase in operative time or complications.

The accuracy of 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT in primary lymph node staging in high-risk prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of 68Ga-PSMA PET in predicting lymph node (LN) metastases in primary N staging in high-risk and very high-risk nonmetastatic prostate cancer in comparison with morphological imaging. METHODS: This was a multicentre trial of the Society of Urologic Oncology in Turkey in conjunction with the Nuclear Medicine Department of Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul University. Patients were accrued from eight centres. Patients with high-risk and very high-risk disease scheduled to undergo surgical treatment with extended LN dissection between July 2014 and October 2015 were included. Either MRI or CT was used for morphological imaging. PSMA PET/CT was performed and evaluated at a single centre. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were calculated for the detection of lymphatic metastases by PSMA PET/CT and morphological imaging. Kappa values were calculated to evaluate the correlation between the numbers of LN metastases detected by PSMA PET/CT and by histopathology. RESULTS: Data on 51 eligible patients are presented. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of PSMA PET in detecting LN metastases in the primary setting were 53%, 86% and 76%, and increased to 67%, 88% and 81% in the subgroup with of patients with ≥15 LN removed. Kappa values for the correlation between imaging and pathology were 0.41 for PSMA PET and 0.18 for morphological imaging. CONCLUSIONS: PSMA PET/CT is superior to morphological imaging for the detection of metastatic LNs in patients with primary prostate cancer. Surgical dissection remains the gold standard for precise lymphatic staging.

Critical evaluation of the overactive bladder and urgency urinary incontinence association with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in a relatively young adult male population.

AIMS: To evaluate the prevalence of Overactive Bladder (OAB) and Urgency Urinary Incontinence (UUI) in males with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) using the OSAS grading system. METHODS: A total of 194 patients who underwent Polysomnography (PSG) were included in our prospective cross sectional study. Patients were divided into four groups according to Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI). Group 1, 35 patients with normal AHI (<5) as a control group; Group 2, 47 patients with mild OSAS (AHI ≥5 and <15); Group 3, 51 patients with moderate OSAS (AHI ≥15 and <30); Group 4, 61 patients with severe OSAS (AHI ≥30). Over Active Bladder (OAB-V8), ICIQ-SF, and IPSS questionnaires were filled out for all patients. Prevalence of OAB, UUI, nocturia, and scores of OAB-V8, ICIQ-SF, IPSS were compared between the study groups. The statistical analysis was adjusted by the demographics of age and BMI. RESULTS: The mean age was 44.6 ± 11.2 years, and the mean BMI was 29.9 ± 4.9 within the whole study group, and both were statistically different between the groups. The scores of OAB-V8 (P = 0.298), ICIQ-SF (P = 0.392), IPSS total, IPSS storage, and IPSS voiding (P = 0.268, P = 0.380, P = 0.167, respectively), the prevalence of OAB (P = 0.078), UUI (P = 0.423), and nocturia (P = 0.096) were not statistically different between the study groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrated that there is no increase in prevalence of OAB and UUI in relatively young adult male with OSAS. Furthermore, analysis revealed that the higher OSAS grade does not mean the higher prevalence of OAB.

The management of total avulsion of the ureter from both ends: Our experience and literature review.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the treatment modalities of total ureteral avulsion and to clarify the risk factors of this serious complication. METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzed the data of 3 patients with complete ureteral avulsion during ureteroscopy. Of the three patients, two had distal ureteral complete avulsion, and one total ureteral avulsion on both ends. Ureteroneocystostomy (UNC) was immediately performed after distal ureteral avulsion cases. Ileal ureter substition was performed on the same session after the total ureteral avulsion in both ends. Two of the patients were under chronic use of corticosteroid treatment due to diagnosis of idiopathic trombocytopenic purpura and myastenia gravis and all patients had unsuccesful shockwave litotripsy (SWL) treatment history with at least 1 month period before surgery. RESULTS: The patient who had ileal ureter substitution was followed at 3-month intervals by ultrasonography and renal function tests and she was uneventful after a 2 year follow-up period. The patients treated with UNC were followed up at 3 month interval by ultrasonography and renal function tests. They had normal renal function 1 year after the operation CONCLUSION: Complete ureteral avulsion is a rare but severe complication. Treatment modality can vary and ileal ureter can be applied succesfully in the total ureter avulsion in both ends when bladder capacity is not enough for a Boari flap. Failed SWL and/or corticosteroid treatment history of patients seems to increase the risk of the ureteral avulsion.

The relationship of enuresis nocturna and adenoid hypertrophy.

OBJECTIVES: This study was organized to assess the relationship of enuresis nocturna (EN) and upper airway obstruction (UAO) in children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was multi-centrically and prospectively designed including 79 children who presented to a urology clinic with symptoms of EN between January 2013 and February 2014. Sixty-four age-matched children with no history of urological complaints were randomly recruited from children admitted to a pediatric clinic as a control group. All children and parents were asked to fill out a dysfunctional elimination syndrome (DES) questionnaire and children were examined by an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist to evaluate the UAO. Descriptive statistics, chisquare and Mann-Whitney-U tests were used to compare variables. RESULTS: The mean ages of the 79 children (48 male, 31 female) in the study group and the 64 children (41 male, 23 female) in the control group were 10.14+/-3.38 and 9.17+/- 2.85, respectively. Family history of the study showed that 19% of the children's mothers, 10% of the children's fathers and 37% of the children's siblings had experienced EN. There was a significant difference between the study and the control groups in terms of urge to urinate, bladder emptying, bowel symptoms and psychological stress. There was also a significant difference between rates of tonsillar hypertrophy and nasopharynx obstruction in the EN group (p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: In this study we found that half of the children with EN had tonsillar hypertrophy, which was significantly higher than in the control group. Further studies are needed to clarify the exact relationship between UAO and EN.

The effects of stress incontinence surgery on sexual function and life quality of women.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate Transobturator tape (TOT) and Burch colposuspension procedure's effects on sexual functions and life quality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 81 patients who underwent TOT (n = 49) or Burch (n = 32) with stress incontinence were included in this prospective study. Preoperatively and at postoperative 6 month follow up pad and stress tests, physical examinations, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (ICIQ-SF), Urinary Distress Inventory (UDI-6), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) questionnaires were performed. Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) questionnare was added postoperatively. RESULTS: According to stress test, success rate was found to be 69% and 45%, in the TOT and Burch groups respectively. Pad test decreased in both groups (p < 0.05). PGI-I scores was higher in the TOT group when compared to Burch group (p = 0.031). ICIQ-SF scores were improved in both TOT (p < 0.0001) and Burch groups (p < 0.012). IUDI-6 and IIQ-7 scores improved only in TOT group. Total FSFI scores did not change in both groups but only in TOT group sexual desire improved. Total FSFI scores did not change in patients that were successful and unsuccessful according to the stress test in both TOT and Burch groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: TOT and Burch procedures have no effect on the sexual functions. However TOT improved life quality of patients.

Assessment of PSA-Age volume score in predicting positive prostate biopsy findings in Turkey.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate PSA-age volume (AV) scores in predicting positive prostate biopsy findings in Turkey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PSA-AV was calculated by multiplying the patient's age by the prostate volume and dividing it by the PSA level. Sensitivities and specificities of the PSA-AV were assessed by retrospective analysis of findings from 4,717 prostate biopsies. RESULTS: The population's average age was 63.71±7.63 years, the mean PSA level was 9.73±17.01ng/mL, the mean prostate volume was 44.46±23.88 cm3. Of the 4,717 prostate biopsies, 1,171 biopsy specimens (24.8%) were positive for prostate cancer. A PSA-AV score of 700 had a sensitivity and specificity of 95% and 15%, respectively. These values were similar to the sensitivity and specificity for a PSA cut-off of 4ng/mL (94% and 13%, respectively). Although the sensitivity of a PSA-AV cut-off of 700 in patients over 60 years was similar to the PSA cut-off of 4ng/mL and the age-adjusted PSA, in patients < 60 years, its sensitivity was higher. While the sensitivities of a PSA-AV cut-off of 700 in patients with low prostate volume was higher than a PSA cut-off of 4ng/mL, the sensitivities of both methods with moderate prostate volumes were similar. CONCLUSIONS: Considering all the biopsies, the sensitivity and specificity of a PSA-AV of 700 for predicting positive biopsy findings were similar to a PSA of 4ng/mL. We suggest the PSA-AV cut-off of 700 should only be used in patients younger than 60 with low prostate volumes (< 20cm3).

Evaluation of sexual function in patients submitted to ureteroscopic procedures.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the possible effects of ureteroscopic procedures on the sexual function of both genders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 102 sexually active cases (60 male, 42 female) undergoing ureteroscopic procedures were included in this study. Sexual function has been evaluated in detail by using International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) in male and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) forms in female cases both before and 1-month after the procedures. Pre-and postoperative data were evaluated in a comparative manner. RESULTS: The pre-and postoperative mean IIEF scores were 57.86 ± 2.26 and 54.57 ± 2.48 (p = 0.19) in males and the mean FSFI scores were 13.58 ± 1.46 and 14.46 ± 1.52 (p = 0.41), respectively in females. Evaluation of these values showed that regarding the effects of this procedure on male cases although the total scores for sexual function were not influenced it was observed a significant reduction in the intercourse satisfaction subdomain (IIEF-IS) in males (p < 0.05). In female cases however, unlike the male cases no statistically significant alterations with respect to these scores were noted (p = 0.418). CONCLUSION: Ureteroscopic interventions could have some adverse effects on the sexual function particularly in male cases. However, it is clear that further prospective studies in both genders with large population of cases are certainly needed in order to outline this unresolved but important subject.

How many cores should be taken in a repeat biopsy on patients in whom atypical small acinar proliferation has been identified in an initial transrectal prostate biopsy?

OBJECTIVE: To compare cancer detection rates according to the number of biopsy cores in patients on whom a repeat prostate biopsy was performed for atypical small acinar proliferation (ASAP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of 4950 consecutive patients on whom prostate biopsies were performed were assessed retrospectively. A total of 107 patients were identified as having ASAP following an initial prostate biopsy, and they were included in the study. A six-core prostate biopsy (PBx) was performed on 15 of the 107 patients, 12 PBx on 32 patients, and 20 PBx on 60 patients. Cancer detection rates were compared according to the number of biopsy cores. The localization of the cancer foci was also evaluated. RESULTS: The cancer detection rates in patients on whom 6 PBx, 12 PBx, and 20 PBx were performed were 20% (3/15), 31% (10/32), and 58% (35/60), respectively, and a statistically significant difference was found (p = 0.005). When cancer detection rates in patients with total prostate specific antigen (PSA) < 10ng/mL, PSA density ≥ 0.15, normal digital rectal examination, and prostate volume ≥ 55mL were compared according to the number of biopsy cores, a significant difference was identified (p = 0.02, 0.03, 0.006, and 0.04, respectively). Seventy-five percent of the foci where cancer was detected were at the same and/or adjacent sites as the ASAP foci in the initial biopsy, and 54% were identified in contralateral biopsies in which ASAP foci were present. CONCLUSION: As the biopsy core number increases, the cancer detection rate increases significantly in patients on whom a repeat biopsy is performed due to ASAP. The highest cancer rate is found in 20-core repeat biopsies performed equally from all foci.

Quantitative CT Morphometrics: A Novel Approach for Predicting the Bladder Cancer Grade.

Background and objective Bladder cancer (BC) is a common urothelial neoplasm, with non-muscle invasive forms comprising about 75% of cases and generally having better outcomes than muscle-invasive types. Accurate preoperative grading and staging of BC are essential for appropriate treatment planning. This study investigates the efficacy of computerized tomography (CT) in correlating the morphological features of tumors to predict the histopathological grades of BC.  Materials and methods This retrospective cohort involved 100 patients diagnosed with non-muscle invasive BC, who underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TUR-BT) between January 2010 and August 2021. CT imaging, utilizing a 128-slice CT scanner, was employed to measure the tumor height (H) and contact length (CL). The study considered morphometric parameters across axial, coronal, and sagittal planes. Statistical analyses were conducted, comparing radiological findings with histopathological evaluations. Tumor grading was determined according to the 2004/2016 WHO classification. Results Among the 100 patients with primary bladder tumors, 15 were female and 85 were male, with a mean age of 65.28 ± 7.11 years. Furthermore, 58 had high-grade bladder tumors, while 42 had low-grade bladder tumors. Across all planes, high-grade tumors exhibited higher values for the tumor H, CL, and the tumor height-to-contact length (H/CL) ratio compared to low-grade tumors (p<0.05). Notably, the specificity, sensitivity, and diagnostic accuracy of the tumor CL were higher than those of the tumor H and the tumor H/CL ratio. A tumor CL exceeding 19.1mm measured in the axial plane demonstrated 83% sensitivity and specificity for high-grade tumors. Conclusion The measured CL of the tumor in the axial plane on computerized tomography urography has high sensitivity and specificity in detecting high-grade tumors.

Contribution of 68 Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT to Prostate Cancer Imaging : Complementary Role in PSMA-Negative Cases.

PURPOSE: Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeted PET/CT is a well-established imaging method in prostate cancer (PC) for both staging and restaging, and also for theranostic applications. An alternative imaging method is crucial for 15% PSMA-negative cases. We aimed to investigate the contribution of 68 Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT to PC imaging. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-six patients diagnosed with PC were included. Patients underwent both 68 Ga-PSMA PET/CT and 68 Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT imaging within 1 week. In staging group, primary tumor uptake values were compared, and also correlations were done with histopathological findings, MRI findings, and total PSA levels. In biochemical recurrence group, the uptake values in prostatic region and metastases were evaluated to define the local recurrence or metastatic disease. RESULTS: In staging group, PSMA PET showed increased uptake in the primary lesion area in 14/27 (52%) patients, whereas 20/27 (74%) patients were positive in FAPI-04 PET. FAPI-04 positivity was found to be quite high, such as 54%, in PSMA-negative patients. A significant difference was observed between ISUP grade 1-3 patients and ISUP grade 4-5 patients in FAPI-04 PET ( P = 0.03). Local recurrence was detected in 3 patients, pelvic lymph node metastasis in 1 patient, and sacrum metastasis in 1 patient in biochemical recurrence group, and all of the lesions had more intense uptake in PSMA PET than FAPI-04 PET. CONCLUSIONS: FAPI PET imaging seems to have a potential to contribute PSMA PET imaging with FAPI positivity in more than half of PSMA-negative cases. Also, FAPI-targeted radionuclide therapy may be a promising method in patients resistant to PSMA-targeted therapy.

Higher Serum Endothelial-Specific Molecule-1 (ESM-1/Endocan) Levels are Associated with Poor Pathological Outcomes in Primary Bladder Cancer: A Non-randomized, Prospective, Case-Control Study.

AIM: To compare serum endothelial-specific molecule-1 (ESM-1 or endocan) levels between individuals with primary bladder cancer (BC) who have various pathological features of BC and healthy volunteers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 154 consecutive patients with primary BC (Group-1) and 52 healthy volunteers (Group-2) were accepted into this prospective, non-randomized, observational research between January 2017 and December 2018. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from each participant to measure serum ESM-1/endocan levels. Group-1 was further divided into subgroups as Group-1A (pTa), Group-1B (pT1) and Group-1C (pT2) based on the transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) histopathological results. In addition Group-1 was divided into other subgroups based on pathological features of BC including tumor grade, tumor volume and muscle-invasive status. Groups were compared statistically regarding ESM-1/endocan levels. RESULTS: Median age of the individuals was 63 (22) years in Group-1 and 66 (11) years in Group-2 (p = 0.051). There were 140 (90.9%) males and 14 (9.1%) females in Group-1 and 30 (57.7%) males and 22 (42.3%) females in Group-2 (p < 0.001). The serum ESM-1/endocan measurements were lower in Group-2 than in Group-1 (p = 0.018). Of the patients in Group-1, 62 (40.3%) had low-grade tumors and 92 (59.7%) had high-grade tumors. When Group-1 was further divided into other subgroups according to different pathological features of BC such as tumor stage, grade, muscle-invasive status and tumor volume it was detected that there was a statistically meaningful difference between all subgroups of Group-1 and Group-2 in terms of serum ESM-1/endocan levels (p < 0.05 for each). The serum ESM-1/endocan cut-off value (3.472 ng/mL) had a specificity of 57.7%, sensitivity of 59.1%, NPV (negative predictive value) of 32.3% and PPV (positive predictive value) of 80.5% for predicting the presence of BC with an AUC (Area Under the Curve) of 0.609 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.524-0.694; p = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: The serum ESM-1/endocan levels can be considered a potentially useful predictor for BC. Higher serum ESM-1/endocan levels are related with poor pathological outcomes in BC.

Spontaneous postmenopausal urethral prolapse: a case report and review of literature.

Urethral prolapse is a circular protrusion of the distal urethra through the external meatus. It is very rare condition seen mostly in black premenercheal black girl and occasionally in postmenopausal white women. We present a case of spontaneous urethral prolapse in 63-year-old postmenopousal white women with succesful management with estrogen treatment.

Evaluation of the quality of life of patients with premature ejaculation (lifelong and acquired).

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life of patients with lifelong and acquired premature ejaculation and to examine its relationship with depression and anxiety. METHODS: Between February 2017 and January 2018, a total of 175 patients with premature ejaculation and 132 control men who applied to the urology department of the training and research hospital with the complaint of Premature Ejaculation were included. Patients were divided into three groups according to International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM) criteria as follows: Group 1, lifelong premature ejaculation; Group 2, acquired premature ejaculation, and Group 3, control group without premature ejaculation. A detailed medical history of patients was obtained and physical examinations were performed. Intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) was recorded and patients were administered International Erectile Function Index-5 (IIEF-5), Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT), Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)-1 and STAI-2, and Short Form-36 (SF-36). RESULTS: The mean mental component score (MCS) of the SF-36 was 51.65±6.57 in the lifelong premature ejaculation group, 49.33±8.65 in the acquired premature ejaculation group, and 61.12±11.09 in the control group (p<0.0001). The mean physical component score (PCS) was 50.99±7.43 in the lifelong premature ejaculation group, 48.32±11.58 in the acquired premature ejaculation group, and 55.17±8.10 in the control group (p<0.0001). Quality of life of premature ejaculation patients as assessed by SF-36 was lower in the subscales of physical functioning, general health perception, vitality, and role limitations due to emotional functioning, compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Lifelong and acquired premature ejaculation patients deteriorate their quality of life: the deterioration in these patients' quality of life also negatively affects their depression and anxiety states.