Endoscopic Versus Microscopic Stapedotomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Objective: To compare the safety and efficacy of endoscopic versus microscopic stapedotomy in patients with otosclerosis.

Data Sources: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and CENTRAL.

Review Methods: Eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were assessed for bias using Cochrane's instrument.

pADP-ribosylation regulates the cytoplasmic localization, cleavage, and pro-apoptotic function of HuR.

HuR (ElavL1) is one of the main post-transcriptional regulators that determines cell fate. Although the role of HuR in apoptosis is well established, the post-translational modifications that govern this function remain elusive. In this study, we show that PARP1/2-mediated poly(ADP)-ribosylation (PARylation) is instrumental in the pro-apoptotic function of HuR.

Fusing Peptide Epitopes for Advanced Multiplex Serological Testing for SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Detection.

The tragic COVID-19 pandemic, which has seen a total of 655 million cases worldwide and a death toll of over 6.6 million seems finally tailing off. Even so, new variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continue to arise, the severity of which cannot be predicted in advance.

Evaluation of Potential Peptide-Based Inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 and Variants of Concern.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has greatly affected all aspect of life. Although several vaccines and pharmaceuticals have been developed against SARS-CoV-2, the emergence of mutated variants has raised several concerns. The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2) receptor cell entry mechanism of this virus has not changed despite the vast mutation in emerging variants.

Fabrication of a Lateral Flow Assay for Rapid In-Field Detection of COVID-19 Antibodies Using Additive Manufacturing Printing Technologies.

The development of lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) using three-dimensional (3D) printing and bioprinting technologies can enhance and accelerate the optimization process of the fabrication. Therefore, the main goal of this study is to investigate methods to speed up the developing process of a LFIA as a tool for community screening. To achieve this goal, an in-house developed robotic arm and microfluidic pumps were used to print the proteins during the development of the test.

Development and Testing of an Anatomic in vitro Kidney Model for Measuring Intrapelvic Pressure During Ureteroscopy.

Objectives: To create an in vitro anatomic bench model that can mimic in vivo intrapelvic pressure (IPP) during ureteroscopy (URS) and compare it against existing in vivo and ex vivo data.

Methods: A silicone kidney model (Simagine Health) that permits intrarenal endoscopic navigation was engineered to have a fluid-tight seal for the ureteral opening and a Tuohy-Borst valve in the renal pelvis incorporating a 0.2 mm pressure sensor (Opsens).

Assessing the Role of Light Absorption in Laser Lithotripsy by Isotopic Substitution of Kidney Stone Materials.

Understanding the chemical characteristics of kidney stones and how the stone composition affects their fragmentation is key to improving clinical laser lithotripsy. During laser lithotripsy, two mechanisms may be responsible for stone fragmentation: a photothermal mechanism and/or microexplosion mechanism. Herein, we carry out an isotopic substitution of crystal HO with DO in calcium oxalate monohydrate and struvite stones to alter their optical properties to study the relationship between the absorption of the stones, at the wavelength of the Ho:YAG (2.

Burnback: the role of pulse duration and energy on fiber-tip degradation during high-power laser lithotripsy.

High-power holmium lasers have become popular for ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy and dusting. Our aim was to investigate the effect of pulse duration and pulse energy on fiber-tip degradation when using high-power settings for popcorn lithotripsy. BegoStones were fragmented in a glass bulb to simulate renal calyx, using a 120 W Ho:YAG laser.

Patterns of Laser Activation During Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy: Effects on Caliceal Fluid Temperature and Thermal Dose.

Characterizing patterns of laser activation is important for assessing thermal dose during laser lithotripsy. The objective of this study was twofold: first, to quantify the range of operator duty cycle (ODC) and pedal activation time during clinical laser lithotripsy procedures, and second, to determine thermal dose in an caliceal model when 1200 J of energy was applied with different patterns of 50% ODC for 60 seconds. Data from laser logs of ureteroscopy cases performed over a 3-month period were used to calculate ODC (lasing time/lithotripsy time).

In Vivo Evaluation of a Novel Pigtail Suture Stent.

Objective: To compare pressure, dilation, and histology in a porcine model after stenting with a pigtail suture stent (PSS)-where the ureteral and bladder component consists of a suture and a double J (DJ) stent.

Methods: Twelve pigs were studied with a PSS (4.8F/MiniJFil®) and DJ stent (4.

Strike Rate: Analysis of Laser Fiber to Stone Distance During Different Modes of Laser Lithotripsy.

Different techniques of laser lithotripsy (fragmentation, dusting, and popcorning) are commonly used during ureteroscopy. The efficiency of a single laser pulse is dependent on minimizing laser fiber-stone distance, yet it has not been reported how often the laser fiber is in contact with the stone during laser lithotripsy. In this study, we sought to measure laser fiber to stone distance using light reflectance for each technique of laser lithotripsy.

Pulse modulation with Moses technology improves popcorn laser lithotripsy.

Purpose: Moses™ technology has been developed to improve holmium laser fragmentation at 1-2 mm distance from the stone. Because popcorn lithotripsy is a non-contact technique, we compared short pulse (SP) and Moses distance (MD) modes in an in vitro model.

Methods: BegoStones were fragmented using a 120 W Ho:YAG laser (P120 Moses) and a 230 μm core fiber introduced through a ureteroscope.

Frequency Threshold for Ablation During Holmium Laser Lithotripsy: How High Can You Go?

We performed studies to assess the relationship of pulse frequency on stone ablation during contact laser lithotripsy and determine if there is a threshold after which its effect on lithotripsy is limited. BegoStones were fragmented using a Ho:YAG laser (P120 Moses) and a 230 μm fiber at 0.5 J on long pulse (LP) and Moses distance (MD) modes in contact with the stone.

Deep learning computer vision algorithm for detecting kidney stone composition.

Objectives: To assess the recall of a deep learning (DL) method to automatically detect kidney stones composition from digital photographs of stones.

Materials And Methods: A total of 63 human kidney stones of varied compositions were obtained from a stone laboratory including calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM), uric acid (UA), magnesium ammonium phosphate hexahydrate (MAPH/struvite), calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate (CHPD/brushite), and cystine stones. At least two images of the stones, both surface and inner core, were captured on a digital camera for all stones.

Defining Thermally Safe Laser Lithotripsy Power and Irrigation Parameters: Model.

High-power laser settings are commonly employed for stone dusting techniques. Previous and studies have demonstrated that a toxic thermal dose can result from treatment within a renal calix without adequate irrigation. Hence, both laser power and irrigation rate must be considered together to determine safe laser lithotripsy parameters.

Polymer-Mineral Composites Mimic Human Kidney Stones in Laser Lithotripsy Experiments.

Despite the widespread use of laser lithotripsy to fragment kidney stones in vivo, there is a lack of robust artificial stone models to replicate the behavior of human stones during lithotripsy procedures. This need for accurate stone models is particularly important as novel laser technologies are introduced in the field of lithotripsy. In this work, we present a method to prepare composite materials that replicate the properties of human kidney stones during laser lithotripsy.

Are We Cutting Ourselves Short? Laser Lithotripsy Performance Based on Differences in Fiber-tip Preparation.

Objective: To better understand the impact of laser fiber-tip configuration on lithotripsy performance, we undertook an in vitro study comparing 3 fiber-tip configurations: (1) new (single-use), (2) cleaved (reusable), and (3) coated (cut with scissors).

Methods: Lithotripsy was performed using a Ho:YAG laser utilizing fragmentation (1 J × 10 Hz) and dusting (0.5 J × 20 Hz) settings.

Emerging Laser Techniques for the Management of Stones.

Next-generation holmium laser systems provide the user with a range of parameters that can help optimize fragmentation efficiency. Ureteroscopic strategies broadly consist of fragmentation with active retrieval, or dusting, which uses low pulse energy settings to break stones into fine fragments for spontaneous passage. Techniques for dusting include dancing, chipping, and popcorning.

Simulation of Laser Lithotripsy-Induced Heating in the Urinary Tract.

Purpose: Holmium laser lithotripsy is a common modality used to fragment urinary stones during ureteroscopy. Laser energy deposited during activation produces heat and potentially causes thermal bioeffects. We aimed to characterize laser-induced heating through a computational simulation.

Watch Your Distance: The Role of Laser Fiber Working Distance on Fragmentation When Altering Pulse Width or Modulation.

Introduction: The Moses technology for the Ho:YAG laser introduces a pulse-shape modulation that optimizes energy delivery through water and can be utilized for lithotripsy at a distance from the target. In light of this advance, we undertook an in vitro study to assess the effect of fiber tip to stone distance on fragmentation, incorporating the use of a variety of pulse modes.

Methods: Experiments were conducted with a three-dimensional (3D) positioning system, a 30 mm flat plate BegoStone, and a 230 μm core laser fiber connected to a 120W holmium laser utilizing short pulse (SP), long pulse (LP), Moses contact (MC), and Moses distance (MD) modes.

Ambulatory Tubeless Mini-Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Using Moses Technology and Dusting Technique.

Objective: To demonstrate the use of the Moses technology for holmium laser lithotripsy in conjunction with mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) to treat a lower pole stone. The Moses technology is a pulse modulation method that can reduce stone retropulsion, which may have advantages when used during mini-PCNL.

Methods: A 63-year-old patient with a right-sided 1.