The role of circumcision in preventing urinary tract infections in children with antenatal hydronephrosis: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Circumcision has been reported to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in boys with antenatal hydronephrosis (HN). Our aim was to compare the incidence of UTIs in circumcised vs. uncircumcised boys with antenatal HN by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Comparison of continuous and interrupted suture techniques in pyeloplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Pelvi-ureteric anastomosis is a critical step to ensure good outcome of pyeloplasty. Continuous suturing technique, especially for laparoscopic surgeries, may offer faster operative time while allowing water-tight anastomosis and remains an alternative to interrupted suturing technique. There has been mixed data on comparison of outcomes of continuous and interrupted suturing techniques.

THOC5 regulates human osteoclastogenesis.

Osteoclasts are bone resorbing cells that are responsible for physiological and pathological bone resorption. Macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) binds to the M-CSF receptor (c-FMS) and plays a key role in the differentiation and survival of macrophages and osteoclasts. THOC5, a member of the THO complex, has been shown to regulate hematopoiesis and M-CSF-induced macrophage differentiation.

A Canadian national survey: Perspectives on routine pathological examination of hernia sacs after inguinal hernia and hydrocele repair among pediatric urologists, surgeons, and pathologists.

Background/objective: This study aims to understand perspectives on routine pathological examination of hernia sacs following pediatric inguinal hernia and hydrocele repair among Canadian pediatric urologists, surgeons, and pathologists.

Study Design: All active members of Pediatric Urologists of Canada (PUC), Canadian Association of Pediatric Surgeons (CAPS), and the divisional heads of anatomical pathology at the Canadian children's hospitals (AP) were invited to participate between June 2019 and January 2021 in an anonymous multiple-choice-based questionnaire.

Results: The response rates were 71% from PUC (24/34), 20% from CAPS (25/130), and 64% from AP (7/11).

Better safe than sorry? Results from an ex-vivo study demonstrate that the thulium fiber laser may cause eye injury without standard protection.

Introduction: We conducted a study using an ex-vivo porcine model to evaluate whether a thulium fiber laser (TFL) induces ocular injury in the context of inadvertent exposure to the laser beam.

Methods: A 365 μm TFL was positioned at a set distance (0 cm, 5 cm, 8 cm, and 10 cm) from a freshly harvested (<12 hours) porcine eyeball and the laser was activated for one second at select laser settings for lithotripsy (0.2 J at 50 Hz, 0.

β3-Adrenoceptor Agonist for the Treatment of Bladder Dysfunction in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Purpose: ß3-adrenergic receptor agonists (ß3 agonists) have been used in treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) and neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) in adults. However, their use in children has only recently been approved by the U.S.

The Efficacy and Safety of Tranexamic Acid in the Management of Perioperative Bleeding After Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Comparative Studies.

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the current literature to assess the efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid (TXA) in the management of postoperative bleeding after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). A systematic literature review was performed in March 2021. Two reviewers independently screened, identified, and evaluated comparative studies assessing the effectiveness of TXA in preventing bleeding after PCNL when compared with placebo or no intervention.

Utilization of the Glue-clot Technique for Removal of Small Lower Pole Calculi in Pediatric Patients: Case Series.

Glue-clot technique has been described as a method to remove small stone fragments in adults undergoing endourological management of renal calculi. In this case series, we share our experience of using this technique for retrieval of stone fragments in 4 children who underwent ureterorenoscopy. The fragments were mainly located in the lower calyces rendering stone extraction challenging.

Do post-operative phone calls enhance family satisfaction and outcomes after outpatient pediatric urological surgeries? A prospective study.

Introduction: This study assesses whether post-operative check-in phone calls (POPC) performed within 48 h of outpatient pediatric urological surgeries by a non-medical professional (NMP) would increase patient/family satisfaction and minimize extraneous resource use by increasing email/telephone communication, while reducing emergency department (ED) visits within 30 days of that procedure.

Methods: Families of patients undergoing ambulatory pediatric urology surgeries were enrolled over 8 weeks. Group 1 did not receive POPC.

Association between metformin medication, genetic variation and prostate cancer risk.

Background: The relationship between metformin use and prostate cancer risk remains controversial. Genetic variation in metformin metabolism pathways appears to modify metformin glycemic control and the protective association with some cancers. However, no studies to date have examined this pharmacogenetic interaction and prostate cancer chemoprevention.

Cancer Patient-Reported Preferences and Knowledge for Liquid Biopsies and Blood Biomarkers at a Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Background: Blood-based biomarkers (liquid biopsy) are increasingly used in precision oncology. Yet, little is known about cancer patients' perspectives in clinical practice. We explored patients' depth of preferences for liquid vs tissue biopsies and knowledge regarding the role of blood biomarkers on their cancer.

A systematic review of genitourinary injuries arising from rugby and football.

Background: Genitourinary injuries in athletes engaging in high-impact sports such as football and rugby may have catastrophic consequences, especially in individuals with pre-existing urologic concerns, such as a solitary kidney.

Objective: To summarize the current literature on football-related or rugby-related genitourinary organ injuries in both adult and pediatric populations in an effort to risk stratify the likelihood of these injuries.

Methods: An independent systematic literature search for records reporting football-related or rugby-related injuries was conducted by a certified librarian and reviewer in March 2019.

Clinical and Economic Value of Routine Pathological Examination of Hernia Sacs and Scheduled Clinic Follow-Ups After Inguinal Hernia and Hydrocele Repair in a Canadian Tertiary Care Children's Hospital.

Background: The clinical and economical value of routine submission of hernia sacs for pathological examination and scheduled clinic follow-ups after inguinal hernia and hydrocele repair has been questioned. Herein, we assessed the institutional variability in these routine practices.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent unilateral or bilateral inguinal hernia and/or hydrocele repair, open or laparoscopically, at our institution from 2015 to 2018.

Association of two BRM promoter polymorphisms and smoking status with malignant pleural mesothelioma risk and prognosis.

Brahma (BRM), of the SWI/SNF complex, has two 6 to 7 bp insertion promoter polymorphisms (BRM-741/BRM-1321) that cause epigenetic BRM suppression, and are associated with risk of multiple cancers. BRM polymorphisms were genotyped in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) cases and asbestos-exposed controls. Multivariable logistic regression (risk) and Cox regression (prognosis) were performed, including stratified analyses by smoking status to investigate the effect of polymorphisms on MPM risk and prognosis.

Assessment of prophylactic heparin infusion as a safe preventative measure for thrombotic complications in pediatric kidney transplant recipients weighing <20 kg.

Small-sized kidney recipients (<20 kg) are at high risk of allograft vessel thrombosis. HP has been used to mitigate this risk but may infer an increase in bleeding risks. Therefore, we aim to determine whether HP is a safe means to prevent thrombosis in small kidney transplant patients by comparing those who have received HP and those who have NHP.

Variability among Canadian pediatric surgeons and pediatric urologists in the management of cryptorchidism in boys before the publication of major guidelines: a retrospective review of a single tertiary centre.

Background: Before 2014, there was a lack of recommendations on managing cryptorchidism, or undescended testis (UDT), from a large pediatric urological or surgical organization. We assessed the variability in management of UDT among pediatric urologists and pediatric surgeons at a single tertiary pediatric referral centre before publication of major guidelines.

Methods: We performed a retrospective review of the electronic records of patients who underwent primary unilateral or bilateral orchidopexy at our centre between January 2012 and January 2014.

Assessment of risk factors for surgical complications in neonatal circumcision clinic.

Introduction: Despite the widespread use of circumcision, there is little understanding regarding risk factors associated with its complications. This investigation assesses potential risk factors contributing to complications of circumcision.

Methods: A retrospective review of all males who underwent a neonatal circumcision in our institution's pediatric urology clinic between January 2015 and June 2017 was performed.

Multiscale characterization of the mineral phase at skeletal sites of breast cancer metastasis.

Skeletal metastases, the leading cause of death in advanced breast cancer patients, depend on tumor cell interactions with the mineralized bone extracellular matrix. Bone mineral is largely composed of hydroxyapatite (HA) nanocrystals with physicochemical properties that vary significantly by anatomical location, age, and pathology. However, it remains unclear whether bone regions typically targeted by metastatic breast cancer feature distinct HA materials properties.

Hypoxia-Sensitive COMMD1 Integrates Signaling and Cellular Metabolism in Human Macrophages and Suppresses Osteoclastogenesis.

Hypoxia augments inflammatory responses and osteoclastogenesis by incompletely understood mechanisms. We identified COMMD1 as a cell-intrinsic negative regulator of osteoclastogenesis that is suppressed by hypoxia. In human macrophages, COMMD1 restrained induction of NF-κB signaling and a transcription factor E2F1-dependent metabolic pathway by the cytokine RANKL.

MYC-dependent oxidative metabolism regulates osteoclastogenesis via nuclear receptor ERRα.

Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disorder associated with compromised bone strength and an increased risk of fracture. Inhibition of the differentiation of bone-resorbing osteoclasts is an effective strategy for the treatment of osteoporosis. Prior work by our laboratory and others has shown that MYC promotes osteoclastogenesis in vitro, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood.

Low-Temperature Carbon Coating of Nanosized LiAlMnO and High-Density Electrode for High-Power Li-Ion Batteries.

Despite their good intrinsic rate capability, nanosized spinel cathode materials cannot fulfill the requirement of high electrode density and volumetric energy density. Standard carbon coating cannot be applied on spinel materials due to the formation of oxygen defects during the high-temperature annealing process. To overcome these problems, here we present a composite material consisting of agglomerated nanosized primary particles and well-dispersed acid-treated Super P carbon black powders, processed below 300 °C.