FET PET to differentiate between post-treatment changes and recurrence in high-grade gliomas: a single center multidisciplinary clinic controlled study.

Purpose: The clinico-radiological dilemma in post-treatment high-grade gliomas, between disease recurrence (TR) and treatment-related changes (TRC), still persists. FET (Fluoro-ethyl-tyrosine) PET has been extensively used as problem-solving modality for cases where MR imaging is inconclusive. We incorporated a systematic imaging and clinical follow-up algorithm in a multi-disciplinary clinic (MDC) setting to analyse our cohort of FET PET in post-treatment gliomas.

Early PSA decline after starting second-generation hormone therapy in the post-docetaxel setting predicts cancer-specific survival in metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer.

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of early PSA decline following initiation of second-generation hormone therapy (2nd HT), namely abiraterone acetate or enzalutamide, in patients with taxane-refractory metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and evaluate utility of this metric in informing intensified surveillance/imaging protocols.

Methods: We retrospectively identified 75 mCRPC patients treated with 2nd HT following docetaxel failure (defined as PSA rise and radiographic progression). Patients were categorized patients into two cohorts based on the first PSA within 3 months after initiation of therapy: PSA reduction ≥50% (Group A) and PSA reduction <50% (Group B).

Influence of Pore Size and Surface Functionalization of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles on the Solubility and Antioxidant Activity of Confined Coenzyme Q10.

Coenzyme Q10 is a potent antioxidant that plays an important role in the maintenance of various biochemical pathways of the body and has a wide range of therapeutic applications. However, it has low aqueous solubility and oral bioavailability. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MCM-41 and SBA-15 types) exhibiting varying pore sizes and modified with phosphonate and amino groups were used to study the influence of pore structure and surface chemistry on the solubility, release profile, and intracellular ROS inhibition activity of coenzyme Q10.

Partial versus radical nephrectomy in clinical T2 renal masses.

Objective: To report perioperative, renal functional and oncologic outcomes for patients undergoing partial or radical nephrectomy for cT2 renal masses.

Methods: Retrospective review of patients who underwent partial (n = 72) or radical nephrectomy (n = 379) for cT2 renal masses from 2000 to 2016. After propensity adjustment using inverse probability weighting, the following were compared by surgery (partial or radical nephrectomy): complications, renal function measured by estimated glomerular filtration rate as continuous and as <60 mL/min/1.

Patient Attitudes Towards Surgical Management of Peyronie's Disease Prior to Men's Health Consultation.

Objective: To evaluate clinical characteristics associated with patient attitudes toward surgical treatment of Peyronie's disease (PD) prior to consultation in a high-volume male sexual health clinic.

Methods: From 2014-2018 a prospective database was created of patients presenting to the sexual health clinic at our institution. Multivariable regression analysis was conducted to determine factors associated with pre-visit consideration of surgery.

Predictors of Patient Willingness to Consider Surgery Prior to Consultation at Sexual Health Clinic.

Objective: To identify factors associated with patient willingness to consider surgical treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) prior to urologic consultation.

Methods: A prospective database of patients presenting to the sexual health clinic at our institution was created from 2014 to 2018, consisting of previsit patient questionnaires and clinical information. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors associated with consideration of surgery and decision to undergo surgery.

Malpractice Litigation in Iatrogenic Ureteral Injury: a Legal Database Review.

Objective: To examine the factors associated with iatrogenic ureteral injury litigation and outcomes.

Methods: The Westlaw legal database was queried for all iatrogenic ureteral injury cases. Variables extracted included available clinical factors, method of settlement, and litigation outcomes.

Use of Nitrous Oxide in Office-based Urologic Procedures: A Review.

Nitrous oxide (NO) is underutilized in ambulatory urology. Here, we review available data regarding application, efficacy, and side effect profile of NO in ambulatory urologic procedures. Data were available from 11 studies.

Comparative Postoperative Outcomes of Rezūm Prostate Ablation in Patients with Large Versus Small Glands.

Rezūm water vapor thermal ablation is a new minimally invasive technique used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia. Major advantages include minimal anesthesia and recovery time, low rate of sexual side effects, and durable clinical improvement. However, data are lacking regarding use of Rezūm in prostate glands >80 cc.

Characteristics of men who are bothered by rapid ejaculation: results from clinical intake surveys.

The objective of this study is to identify factors associated with bother with rapid ejaculation in a cohort of men presenting to a sexual dysfunction clinic, independent of a diagnosis of PE. A prospective institutional database has been maintained on patients completing an 89-item intake questionnaire querying various areas of sexual dysfunction. Regarding ejaculatory dysfunction, patients are asked "Do you feel bothered, annoyed, and/or frustrated by ejaculating too quickly?" Statistical modeling was performed to identify associations.

The Prevention of Infections in Older Adults: Oral Health.

The oral cavity is exposed to the external environment and from a very young age is colonized by infectious agents. Under certain circumstances including poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, trauma, and the use of antibiotics, oral infections can occur. They can result in damage to the oral cavity including teeth and their support structures.

Diet and Exercise Are not Associated with Skeletal Muscle Mass and Sarcopenia in Patients with Bladder Cancer.

Background: There is limited understanding about why sarcopenia is happening in bladder cancer, and which modifiable and nonmodifiable patient-level factors affect its occurrence.

Objective: The objective is to determine the extent to which nonmodifiable risk factors, modifiable lifestyle risk factors, or cancer-related factors are determining body composition changes and sarcopenia in bladder cancer survivors.

Design, Setting, And Participants: Patients above 18 yr of age with a histologically confirmed diagnosis of bladder cancer and a history of receiving care at Duke University Medical Center between January 1, 1996 and June 30, 2017 were included in this study.

Dietary patterns and health-related quality of life in bladder cancer survivors.

Purpose: A nutritious diet has been associated with better health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in a variety of cancer survivors. However, little is known about dietary habits and its association with HRQOL in bladder cancer survivors. The objective of this cross-sectional study is to describe dietary intake patterns and its relationship to HRQOL in a large cohort of bladder cancer survivors.

Reporting Bias Leading to Discordant Venous Thromboembolism Rates in the United States Versus Non-US Countries Following Radical Cystectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Context: Postcystectomy bladder cancer (BCa) patients are at high risk for developing venous thromboembolism (VTE). The literature varies widely in the reporting of VTE in this population.

Objective: To determine the VTE rate in subjects undergoing radical cystectomy (RC) and highlight specific factors affecting this rate.

Physical activity patterns and associations with health-related quality of life in bladder cancer survivors.

Introduction: Physical activity has been shown to significantly improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and survivorship in a variety of patients with cancer . However, little is known about the physical activity patterns of bladder cancer survivors and how these are related to HRQOL in the United States. Our objective was to describe self-reported physical activity patterns and HRQOL and examine the association between these measures in a large cohort of bladder cancer survivors.

Urinary NID2 and TWIST1 methylation to augment conventional urine cytology for the detection of bladder cancer.

Background: Abnormal methylation of urinary TWIST1 and NID2 conferred high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of urothelial carcinoma.

Objective: We examine the performance of the urine-based TWIST1/NID2 methylation assay with the addition of urine cytology for the detection of urothelial carcinoma.

Materials And Methods: A prospective multi-institutional study was conducted to assess the performance of a methylation assay for patients with hematuria or under surveillance for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).

Anticipatory Positive Urine Tests for Bladder Cancer.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to establish the criteria defining an anticipatory positive test for bladder cancer.

Methods: We reviewed all patients at our institution who underwent urine cytology or UroVysion fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and cystoscopy from 2003 to 2012. Test performance and cancer anticipation was assessed using generalized linear mixed models, mixed-effects proportional hazards models, and cumulative incidence curves using tests performed within 30 days of each other as well as within a lag time of 1 year.

Reporting Bias Leading to Discordant Venous Thromboembolism Rates in the United States Versus Non-US Countries Following Radical Cystectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Context: Postcystectomy bladder cancer (BCa) patients are at high risk for developing venous thromboembolism (VTE). The literature varies widely in the reporting of VTE in this population.

Objective: To determine the VTE rate in subjects undergoing radical cystectomy (RC) and highlight specific factors affecting this rate.

The diagnostic accuracy of urine-based tests for bladder cancer varies greatly by patient.

Background: Spectrum effects refer to the phenomenon that test performance varies across subgroups of a population. When spectrum effects occur during diagnostic testing for cancer, difficult patient misdiagnoses can occur. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of test indication, age, gender, race, and smoking status on the performance characteristics of two commonly used diagnostic tests for bladder cancer, urine cytology and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).

A systematic review of regional hyperthermia therapy in bladder cancer.

Context: Bladder cancer therapy remains suboptimal as morbidity and mortality remain high amongst those with non-muscle-invasive and muscle-invasive disease. Regional hyperthermia therapy (RHT) is a promising adjunctive therapy being tested in multiple clinical contexts.

Objective: The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature on the efficacy and toxicity of RHT.

Lifestyle factors and health-related quality of life in bladder cancer survivors: a systematic review.

Purpose: Diet, physical activity, and smoking cessation are modifiable lifestyle factors that have been shown to improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in many cancer survivors. Our objective was to systematically review the literature on the associations between lifestyle factors, namely diet, physical activity, smoking status, and HRQOL in bladder cancer survivors.

Methods: We queried PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane libraries.

Understanding Parkinson Disease: A Complex and Multifaceted Illness.

Parkinson disease is an incredibly complex and multifaceted illness affecting millions of people in the United States. Parkinson disease is characterized by progressive dopaminergic neuronal dysfunction and loss, leading to debilitating motor, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms. Parkinson disease is an enigmatic illness that is still extensively researched today to search for a better understanding of the disease, develop therapeutic interventions to halt or slow progression of the disease, and optimize patient outcomes.