Perioperative outcomes and complication predictors associated with open and minimally invasive nephroureterectomy.

Introduction: Minimally invasive nephroureterectomy (MINU) and open nephroureterectomy (ONU) have similar oncological outcomes for treatment of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). We investigated perioperative outcomes and predictors of complications associated with MINU and ONU.

Material And Methods: Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database, 912 patients were identified that underwent radical nephroureterectomy for UTUC between 2005 and 2013.

Pro-inflammatory effects of e-cigarette vapour condensate on human alveolar macrophages.

Objective: Vaping may increase the cytotoxic effects of e-cigarette liquid (ECL). We compared the effect of unvaped ECL to e-cigarette vapour condensate (ECVC) on alveolar macrophage (AM) function.

Methods: AMs were treated with ECVC and nicotine-free ECVC (nfECVC).

Optimizing patient's selection for prostate biopsy: A single institution experience with multi-parametric MRI and the 4Kscore test for the detection of aggressive prostate cancer.

Objectives: To evaluate the performance of mpMRI and the 4Kscore test together for the detection of significant prostate cancer. Material and methods We selected a consecutive series of men who were referred for evaluation of prostate cancer at an academic institution and underwent mpMRI and the 4Kscore test. The primary outcome was the presence of Gleason 7 or higher cancer on biopsy of the prostate.

Disparities in Hispanic/Latino and non-Hispanic Black men with low-risk prostate cancer and eligible for active surveillance: a population-based study.

Background: Non-Hispanic Black (NHB) men are at an increased risk for aggressive prostate cancer (PCa), making active surveillance (AS) potentially less optimal in this population. This concern has not been explored in other minority populations-specifically, Hispanic/Latino men. We recently found that Mexican-American men demonstrate an increased risk of PCa-specific mortality, and we hypothesized that they may also be at risk for an adverse outcome on AS.

Robot-assisted radical cystectomy versus open radical cystectomy in patients with bladder cancer (RAZOR): an open-label, randomised, phase 3, non-inferiority trial.

Background: Radical cystectomy is the surgical standard for invasive bladder cancer. Robot-assisted cystectomy has been proposed to provide similar oncological outcomes with lower morbidity. We aimed to compare progression-free survival in patients with bladder cancer treated with open cystectomy and robot-assisted cystectomy.

Sepsis Induces a Dysregulated Neutrophil Phenotype That Is Associated with Increased Mortality.

Background: Neutrophil dysfunction in sepsis has been implicated in the pathogenesis of multiorgan failure; however, the role of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) remains uncertain. We aimed to determine the sequential changes in ex vivo NETosis and its relationship with mortality in patients with sepsis and severe sepsis.

Methods: This was a prospective observational cohort study enrolling 21 healthy age-matched controls and 39 sepsis and 60 severe sepsis patients from acute admissions to two UK hospitals.

Patterned Liquid Metal Contacts for Printed Carbon Nanotube Transistors.

Flexible and stretchable electronics are poised to enable many applications that cannot be realized with traditional, rigid devices. One of the most promising options for low-cost stretchable transistors are printed carbon nanotubes (CNTs). However, a major limiting factor in stretchable CNT devices is the lack of a stable and versatile contact material that forms both the interconnects and contact electrodes.

Using microscope for onco-testicular sperm extraction for bilateral testis tumors.

Objective: To demonstrate a step-by-step approach to the use of the operating microscope for onco-testicular sperm extraction.

Design: Video presentation.

Setting: University hospital.

The Influence of Ethnic Heterogeneity on Prostate Cancer Mortality After Radical Prostatectomy in Hispanic or Latino Men: A Population-based Analysis.

Objective: To determine if recently found disparities in prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM) among Mexican and Puerto Rican men remained true in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP), where the true grade and extent of cancer are known and can be accounted for.

Materials And Methods: Men diagnosed with localized-regional prostate cancer who had undergone RP as primary treatment were identified (N = 180,794). Patients were divided into the following racial and ethnic groups: non-Hispanic white (NHW) (n = 135,358), non-Hispanic black (NHB) (n = 21,882), Hispanic or Latino (n = 15,559), and Asian American or Pacific Islander (n = 7995).

Novel oral anticoagulant use in adult Fontan patients: A single center experience.

Objective: Adult Fontan patients are at increased risk for thrombosis and thromboembolic complications leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Most are prescribed antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy for thromboprophylaxis; novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are uncommonly used given lack of data on their use in this population and generalized concerns regarding Fontan patients' abnormal coagulation. We report the largest single-center experience with the use of NOACs for treatment and prophylaxis of thrombosis and thromboembolism in adult Fontan patients.

Sociodemographic and survival disparities for histologic variants of bladder cancer.

Introduction: To investigate the impact of perioperative factors on overall survival among patients with histologic variants of bladder cancer treated with radical cystectomy.

Materials And Methods: The National Cancer Data Base was utilized to identify patients diagnosed with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (cT2-4, N0, M0) from 2004-2013. Variant histology bladder cancers (non-mucinous adenocarcinoma, mucinous/signet ring adenocarcinoma, micropapillary urothelial carcinoma, small cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma) were compared to urothelial carcinoma with respect to overall survival.

ARDS following oesophagectomy: a comparison of two trials.

Introduction: The Beta Agonist Lung Injury Trial-Prevention (BALTI-P) translational substudy and Vitamin D to Prevent Acute Lung Injury Following Oesophagectomy (VINDALOO) trials recruited patients undergoing oesophagectomy, 4 years apart. The acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) rates were lower in the VINDALOO trial. We sought to identify changes between these two trials and identify risk factors for ARDS in oesophagectomy.

Trends in Utilization of Robotic and Open Partial Nephrectomy for Management of cT1 Renal Masses.

Background: Partial nephrectomy is widely used for surgical management of small renal masses. Use of robotic (RPN) versus open partial nephrectomy (OPN) among various populations is not well characterized.

Objective: To analyze trends in utilization of RPN and disparities that may be associated with this procedure for management of cT1 renal masses in the USA.

Development of a Nationally Representative Coordinated Registry Network for Prostate Ablation Technologies.

Purpose: The accumulation of data through a prospective, multicenter coordinated registry network is a practical way to gather real world evidence on the performance of novel prostate ablation technologies. Urological oncologists, targeted biopsy experts, industry representatives and representatives of the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) convened to discuss the role, feasibility and important data elements of a coordinated registry network to assess new and existing prostate ablation technologies.

Materials And Methods: A multiround Delphi consensus approach was performed which included the opinion of 15 expert urologists, representatives of the FDA and leadership from high intensity focused ultrasound device manufacturers.

Racial disparity and survival outcomes between African-American and Caucasian American men with penile cancer.

Objective: To determine whether there is a survival difference for African-American men (AAM) versus Caucasian American men (CM) with penile squamous cell carcinoma (pSCC), particularly in locally advanced and metastatic cases where disease mortality is highest.

Patients And Methods: Using the Florida Cancer Data System, we identified men with pSCC from 2005 to 2013. We compared age, follow-up, stage, race, and treatment type between AAM and CM.

Propensity matched comparative analysis of survival following chemoradiation or radical cystectomy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

Objective: To compare survival outcome between chemoradiation therapy (CRT) and radical cystectomy (RC) for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC).

Patients And Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with MIBC (≥cT2, N0, M0) in the National Cancer Database (2004-2013). CRT was defined as a radiation dose of ≥40 Gy and chemotherapy within 90 days of radiation.

A comparison of overall survival and perioperative outcomes between partial and radical nephrectomy for cT1b and cT2 renal cell carcinoma-Analysis of a national cancer registry.

Objectives: Partial nephrectomy (PN) is the standard management of cT1a renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and there is a basis for expanding its indications to larger tumors (cT1b and cT2). We analyzed a large population-based cancer registry to compare the overall survival (OS) and perioperative outcomes in patients with cT1b and cT2 RCC undergoing PN with those undergoing radical nephrectomy (RN).

Materials And Methods: Patients with cT1bN0M0 and cT2N0M0 RCC were identified from the National Cancer Database (2004-2013).

Comparison of readmission and short-term mortality rates between different types of urinary diversion in patients undergoing radical cystectomy.

Purpose: To analyze the impact of urinary diversion type following radical cystectomy (RC) on readmission and short-term mortality rates.

Methods: Patients who underwent RC for bladder cancer in the National Cancer Data Base were grouped based on the type of urinary diversion performed: non-continent [ileal conduit (IC)] or two continent techniques [continent pouch (CP) and orthotopic neobladder (NB)]. We used propensity score matching and multivariable logistic regression models to compare 30-day readmission and 30- and 90-day mortality between the different types of urinary diversion.

Efficacy of Prostatic Artery Embolization for Catheter-Dependent Patients with Large Prostate Sizes and High Comorbidity Scores.

Purpose: To evaluate efficacy and safety of prostate artery embolization (PAE) in urinary catheter-dependent patients with large prostate volumes and high comorbidity scores.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective single-center review was conducted of 30 patients with urinary retention at time of PAE from November 2014 through February 2017. Mean (range) age was 73.

Recurrent coarctation of aorta after Norwood operation in single ventricle patients; the case of the missing ideal stent.

Recurrent coarctation postoperative Norwood is poorly tolerated in single ventricle patients. Although transcatheter balloon angioplasty is considered first line, it often leads to inadequate or non-durable relief of obstruction. Transcatheter stent implantation provides excellent relief of obstruction but necessitates staged redilation to account for somatic growth in children.

Whole exome sequencing in 342 congenital cardiac left sided lesion cases reveals extensive genetic heterogeneity and complex inheritance patterns.

Background: Left-sided lesions (LSLs) account for an important fraction of severe congenital cardiovascular malformations (CVMs). The genetic contributions to LSLs are complex, and the mutations that cause these malformations span several diverse biological signaling pathways: TGFB, NOTCH, SHH, and more. Here, we use whole exome sequence data generated in 342 LSL cases to identify likely damaging variants in putative candidate CVM genes.

ResolvinD stimulates epithelial wound repair and inhibits TGF-β-induced EMT whilst reducing fibroproliferation and collagen production.

Acute and chronic inflammatory lung diseases are often associated with epithelial cell injury/loss and fibroproliferative responses. ResolvinD (RvD1) is biosynthesized during the resolution phase of inflammatory response and exerts potent anti-inflammatory and promotes resolution of inflammatory lung diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate whether RvD1 exerts protective effects on alveolar epithelial cell function/differentiation and protects against fibroproliferative stimuli.

Statin therapy in patients with community-acquired pneumonia.

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is the leading cause of death from infection in developed countries. There is evidence of an association between improved survival from infection and statin use. The possible beneficial effects of statins are complicated by the common use of macrolide antibiotics for pneumonia, with current guidance suggesting that concurrent macrolide and statin use is contraindicated.