Comparison of peritoneal interposition flaps and sealants for prevention of lymphocele after robotic radical prostatectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection: a systematic review, meta-analysis, Bayesian network meta-analysis, and meta-regression.

Lymphocele is one of the most common complications after radical prostatectomy. Multiple authors have proposed the use of vessel sealants or peritoneal interposition techniques as preventive interventions. This study aimed to aggregate and analyze the available literature on different interventions which seek to prevent lymphocele through a Bayesian Network.

Oncologic Outcome of the Extent of Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection During Radical Prostatectomy: A Systematic Review, Meta-analysis, and Network Analysis.

Context: Some authors propose extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) to enhance diagnostic and therapeutic outcomes in patients with localized prostate cancer. However, recent evidence found no difference in biochemical recurrence (BCR).

Objective: To stratify and analyze available evidence on ePLND and its impact on BCR in patients with localized prostate cancer.

Sarcopenia is a risk factor for post-transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt hepatic encephalopathy and mortality: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background/aims: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is a commonly performed procedure in patients with liver cirrhosis to treat portal hypertension-related conditions, including variceal bleeding and refractory ascites. However, while the increased risk of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) after TIPS is important to consider when determining whether a patient is a good candidate for TIPS, currently there is no widely used method to predict the development of post-TIPS HE, although the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score is used to predict post-TIPS mortality. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate sarcopenia as a risk factor for HE and mortality in patients undergoing TIPS.

Safety and Efficacy of Powered Non-Thermal Endoscopic Resection Device for Removal of Colonic Polyps: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Endoscopic mucosal resection is a frequently employed method for removing colonic polyps. Nonetheless, the recurrence of these polyps over a healed submucosal base can complicate the extraction of leftover lesions through standard procedures. EndoRotor, a non-thermal device specifically designed for endoscopic mucosal resection, has recently been assessed for its utility in removing colonic polyps, non-dysplastic Barrett's esophagus, and pancreatic necrosis.

Outcomes and Complications of Radiological Gastrostomy vs. Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy for Enteral Feeding: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) and percutaneous radiological gastrostomy (PRG) are commonly utilized to establish access to enteral nutrition. However, data comparing the outcomes of PEG vs. PRG are conflicting.

Comparative Efficacy of Treatment Options for the Prevention of Post-TIPS Hepatic Encephalopathy: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis.

Background And Aims: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is often used in patients with cirrhosis to manage portal hypertension-related complications. Unfortunately, 35-50% of patients develop overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE) after TIPS. However, data on lactulose and rifaximin to prevent post-TIPS HE is limited.

Role of rifaximin in the management of alcohol-associated hepatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background And Aim: Alcohol-associated hepatitis (AAH) is an acute, inflammatory liver disease with severe short-term and long-term morbidity and mortality. AAH can lead to severe complications including hepatic failure, gastrointestinal bleeding, sepsis, and the development or decompensation of cirrhosis. Rifaximin is an antibiotic that reduces bacterial overgrowth and gut translocation, and it may have a role in decreasing systemic inflammation and infection in patients with AAH.

Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Outcomes in the Elderly Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is a procedure typically utilized to treat refractory ascites and variceal bleeding. However, TIPS can lead to significant complications, most commonly hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Advanced age has been described as a risk factor for HE, as the elderly population tends to have decreased cognitive reserve and increased sarcopenia.

A Multi-Disciplinary Review on the Aerobiology of COVID-19 in Dental Settings.

The COVID-19 pandemic pushed dental health officials around the world to reassess and adjust their existing healthcare practices. As studies on controlled COVID-19 transmission remain challenging, this review focuses on particles that can carry the virus and relevant approaches to mitigate the risk of pathogen transmission in dental offices. This review gives an overview of particles generated in clinical settings and how size influences their distribution, concentration, and generation route.

Evaluation of two strategies for the interpretation of tumour markers in pleural effusions.

Background: Pleural effusions present a diagnostic challenge. Approximately 20% are associated with cancer and some 50% require invasive procedures to perform diagnosis. Determination of tumour markers may help to identify patients with malignant effusions.

Performance characteristics of multicolor versus blue light and infrared imaging in the identification of reticular pseudodrusen.

Purpose: To describe the appearance of reticular pseudodrusen on multicolor imaging and to evaluate its diagnostic accuracy as compared with the two modalities that may be considered the current reference standard, blue light and infrared imaging.

Methods: Retrospective study in which all multicolor images (constructed from images acquired at 486 nm-blue, 518 nm-green and 815 nm-infrared) of 45 consecutive patients visited in a single center was reviewed. Inclusion criteria involved the presence of >1 reticular pseudodrusen on a 30° × 30° image centered on the fovea as seen with the blue light channel derived from the multicolor imaging.

Poor Sleep Quality Predicts Hypogonadal Symptoms and Sexual Dysfunction in Male Nonstandard Shift Workers.

Objective: To investigate the impact of sleep quality in hypogonadal symptoms and sexual function in men working nonstandard shifts.

Materials And Methods: Men treated at a single andrology clinic between July and October 2014 completed questionnaires assessing sleep quality, hypogonadal symptoms (Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male [ADAM/qADAM]), and sexual function (International Index of Erectile Function [IIEF]). Serum hormone levels were assessed at the time of survey completion.

Intravitreal therapies for non-neovascular age-related macular degeneration with intraretinal or subretinal fluid.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal therapies in cases of atrophic age-related macular degeneration (AMD) with subretinal or intraretinal fluid.

Methods: A retrospective review was made of the clinical charts of patients diagnosed with atrophic AMD with subretinal or intraretinal fluid. Fundus photographs and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography images were examined, and an analysis was made on the presence of fluid and its density.

Impaired Sleep Quality is Associated With More Significant Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Male Shift Workers.

Objective: To determine the association between sleep quality and severity of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men working nonstandard shifts, a population at risk of poor sleep quality.

Methods: Men who presented to a single andrology clinic between July and October 2014 and worked nonstandard shifts completed the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and responded to questions regarding their work habits, sleep quality, and physical or cognitive function. We assessed the relationship between age, sleep quality, physical or cognitive function, and severity of LUTS.

ANATOMICAL AND FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMES OF SYMPTOMATIC IDIOPATHIC VITREOMACULAR TRACTION: A Natural History Study From the Pan American Collaborative Retina Study Group.

Purpose: To describe the natural history of eyes with symptomatic idiopathic vitreomacular traction (VMT).

Methods: Retrospective multicenter study of 168 eyes with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) findings consistent with idiopathic VMT. All eyes were graded according to SD-OCT findings.

Biomechanical evaluation of double-strand (looped) and single-strand polyamide multifilament suture: influence of knot and suture size.

Background: Flexor tendon repair in zone II remains a vexing problem. Repair techniques have been developed to strengthen and optimize the number of core strands crossing a repair. A polyamide looped suture doubles the number of core strands for every needle path.

FEEDER VESSEL LASER PHOTOCOAGULATION FOR IDIOPATHIC, SUBFOVEAL POLYPOIDAL CHOROIDAL VASCULOPATHY NOT RESPONDING TO EITHER ANTI-VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR THERAPY OR PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY.

Purpose: To describe the management of a subfoveal polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy case refractory to antiangiogenic treatment and to photodynamic therapy.

Methods: Case report. A 65-year-old male patient presented with a diagnosis of exudative age-related macular degeneration of his left eye and unsuccessful response to eight antiangiogenic injections.

Increased Fundus Autofluorescence and Progression of Geographic Atrophy Secondary to Age-Related Macular Degeneration: The GAIN Study.

Purpose: To define the role of increased fundus autofluorescence (FAF), a surrogate for lipofuscin content, as a risk factor for progression of geographic atrophy (GA).

Design: Prospective natural history cohort study, the GAIN (Characterization of geographic atrophy progression in patients with age-related macular degeneration).

Methods: setting: Single-center study conducted in Barcelona, Spain.

Case Report: Persistent erectile dysfunction in a man with prolactinoma.

Erectile dysfunction has been explored as a condition secondary to elevated prolactin; however, the mechanisms by which elevated prolactin levels cause erectile dysfunction have not yet been clearly established. We here present a patient with a history of prolactinoma who suffered from persistent erectile dysfunction despite testosterone supplementation and pharmacological and surgical treatment for the prolactinoma.  Patients who have had both prolactinemia and erectile dysfunction have been reported in the literature, but we find no report of a patient with persistent erectile dysfunction in the setting of testosterone supplementation and persistent hyperprolactinemia refractory to treatment.

Closed flexor tendon ruptures.

We review different causes, diagnoses, and treatment options of closed flexor tendon disruptions in the hand. A classification of closed tendon ruptures based on their mechanism includes traumatic tendon avulsion, spontaneous midsubstance rupture, attrition rupture, infiltrative tenosynovial rupture, and iatrogenic. Certain conditions result in tendon disruption inflicted by more than 1 of these etiologies.

Paraproteinemic maculopathy.

Purpose: Paraproteinemia relates to monoclonal gammopathy-producing pathologic antibodies with serous macular detachment being an uncommon ocular manifestation. We ascertained the clinical course of maculopathy in paraproteinemia and investigated the effect of various therapeutic methods on the resolution of subretinal deposits.

Design: Multicenter, retrospective, observational case series.