Healthcare workers' acceptability of influenza vaccination nudges: Evaluation of a real-world intervention.

Nudges have been proposed as an effective tool to stimulate influenza vaccination uptake in healthcare workers. However, the success of such nudges in practice is heavily reliant on their acceptance by the intended healthcare worker population, which has not been thoroughly examined to date. This study investigated healthcare workers' acceptability of diverse influenza vaccination nudges implemented in a real-world vaccination campaign and explored the relationship between nudge acceptability and vaccination uptake.

Human spatial memory is biased towards high-calorie foods: a cross-cultural online experiment.

Background: Human memory appears to prioritise locations of high-calorie foods, likely as an adaptation for foraging within fluctuating ancestral food environments. Importantly, this "high-calorie bias" in human spatial memory seems to yield consequences for individual eating behaviour in modern food-abundant settings. However, as studies have mainly been conducted in European (Dutch) populations to date, we investigated whether the existence of the cognitive bias can be reasonably generalised across countries that vary on culturally-relevant domains, such as that of the USA and Japan.

Human spatial memory implicitly prioritizes high-calorie foods.

All species face the important adaptive problem of efficiently locating high-quality nutritional resources. We explored whether human spatial cognition is enhanced for high-calorie foods, in a large multisensory experiment that covertly tested the location memory of people who navigated a maze-like food setting. We found that individuals incidentally learned and more accurately recalled locations of high-calorie foods - regardless of explicit hedonic valuations or personal familiarity with foods.

Foraging minds in modern environments: High-calorie and savory-taste biases in human food spatial memory.

Human memory may show sensitivity to content that carried fitness-relevance throughout evolutionary history. We investigated whether biases in human food spatial memory exist and influence the eating behavior of individuals within the modern food environment. In two lab studies with distinct samples of 88 participants, individuals had to re-locate foods on a map in a computer-based spatial memory task using visual (Study 1) or olfactory (Study 2) cues that signaled sweet and savory high- and low-calorie foods.

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in men older than 70 years of age with localized prostate cancer: comparison of morbidity, reconvalescence, and short-term clinical outcomes between younger and older men.

Objectives: To analyze the safety and efficacy of extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (eL-RPE) in elderly versus younger men with localized prostate cancer.

Methods: Patients undergoing eL-RPE were retrospectively subdivided into group eL-RPE1 (72 men aged 71 yr and older) and group eL-RPE2 (132 men aged 59 yr and younger). Group eL-RPE1 was compared with a group of 70 contemporary, comparable patients aged 71 yr and older undergoing open retropubic radical prostatectomy (group OPEN-RPE).

Vesicourethral anastomosis during endoscopic extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy: a prospective comparison between the single-knot running and interrupted technique.

Objectives: To determine the safety and efficacy of the single-knot running versus interrupted technique for urethrovesical anastomosis during endoscopic extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy.

Methods: A total of 250 consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy were prospectively divided into two groups of 125 patients each who underwent urethrovesical anastomosis using the single-knot running technique (group 1) or the interrupted suture technique (group 2). Surgical data, operative time, difficulty scores, extravasation rate, catheterization time, occurrence of anastomotic strictures, and the early and late continence rates were analyzed statistically.

Induction of spermatogenesis in men with azoospermia or severe oligoteratoasthenospermia after antegrade internal spermatic vein sclerotherapy for the treatment of varicocele.

Aim: To evaluate the treatment outcome of antegrade internal spermatic vein sclerotherapy in men with non-obstructive azoospermia or severe oligoteratoasthenospermia (OTA) as a result of varicocele.

Methods: Between September 1995 and January 2004, 47 patients (mean age 33.8 +/- 6.

Quality of life after laparoscopic and open retroperitoneal lymph node dissection in clinical Stage I nonseminomatous germ cell tumor: a comparison study.

Objectives: To compare the postoperative quality of life (QOL) and reconvalescence in patients with clinical Stage I nonseminomatous germ cell tumor (NSGCT) after laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (L-RPLND) and the open procedure (O-RPLND).

Methods: Twenty-one patients with NSGCT who underwent transperitoneal L-RPLND were matched and compared with 29 patients who underwent O-RPLND. The operative, QOL, and recovery data and complications and cure rates were analyzed for both groups.

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: impact of modified apical and posterolateral dissection in reduction of positive surgical margins in patients with clinical stage T2 prostate cancer and high risk of extracapsular extension.

Purpose: To determine whether modifications of extraperitoneal endoscopic radical prostatectomy (EERP) reduce the rate of a positive surgical margin (PSM) in men with clinical stage T(2) prostate cancer and a high risk of extracapsular extension.

Patients And Methods: A consecutive series of 182 men with stage cT(2) tumors and a high risk of extracapsular extension underwent EERP by a single surgeon (VP). The patients were divided into two groups: 71 patients who underwent a standard EERP (group 1) and 111 patients who underwent EERP with the modified technique (group 2).

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy for Peyronie's disease: an alternative treatment?

Aim: To determine retrospectively the safety and efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in patients with Peyronie's disease.

Methods: Fifty-three patients with stable Peyronie's disease underwent ESWT (group 1). Fifteen patients matched with the baseline characteristic of the patients in group 1, who received no treatment, were used as the control (group 2).

Intensive laparoscopic training: the impact of a simplified pelvic-trainer model for the urethrovesical anastomosis on the learning curve.

We prospectively evaluated the learning curve (LC) for laparoscopic urethrovesical anastomosis (L-UVA) in an operator-training model and program using an innovative simplified pelvic-trainer model. Over a period of 12 months, 30 LRP were performed by one urologist skilled in open surgery but inexperienced in laparoscopy. During the first 15 procedures no systematic training was done.

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy using an extraperitoneal approach: Nordwest hospital technique and initial experience in 255 cases.

Purpose: We report on our modifications in technique and initial experience with 255 extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (eLRP).

Patients And Methods: Using significant surgical modifications, our laparoscopic method replicates the steps of the retropubic descending RP. We evaluated 255 consecutive patients who underwent an eLRP with pelvic lymph-node dissection.

Tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) in morbidly obese patients with severe urodynamic stress incontinence as last option treatment.

Objectives: To determine the safety and efficacy of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) in morbidly obese women with severe urodynamic stress incontinence (USI) as last option treatment.

Methods: Thirty-one patients with body mass index (BMI) >40 kg/m2, who had undergone the TVT procedure for urodynamically-confirmed USI were matched with 52 patients with BMI <30 kg/m2 who underwent the same procedure. BMI was calculated at the time of the surgery.

Retroperitoneoscopic versus open surgical radical nephrectomy for large renal cell carcinoma in clinical stage cT2 or cT3a: quality of life, pain and reconvalescence.

Objectives: To determine whether retroperitoneoscopic radical nephrectomy for large renal cell carcinoma in stage cT2 or cT3a is a feasible, safe and effective therapy option and if it shows any advantage regarding quality of life in comparison to open procedure.

Methods: 23 patients who underwent RPNx for tumor size greater than 7 cm (group 1) were matched and compared with 25 patients, who underwent ONx (group 2) for tumor with similar size characteristics. Patient and surgical data, QoL variables and complications were statistically analyzed.

Erectile dysfunction after transurethral prostatectomy for lower urinary tract symptoms: results from a center with over 500 patients.

Aim: To identify possible risk factors for erectile dysfunction (ED) after transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Methods: Between March 1999 and March 2004, 629 patients underwent TURP in our department for the treatment of symptomatic BPH. All patients underwent transrectal ultrasound examination.

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: the value of intraoperative frozen sections.

Objective: To examine the clinical and pathological value of intraoperative frozen section (IFS) in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (L-RPE) for clinically localized prostate cancer.

Methods: The study includes 198 consecutive cases of L-RPE. After removal of the prostate, a 2-3mm circumferential specimen was obtained from the apical and bladder neck soft-tissue margin and submitted for IFS examination.

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: prospective evaluation of the learning curve.

Objective: We prospectively evaluated the learning curve (LC) of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (L-RPE) regarding the improvements in operative times (OT) and technical difficulty in one-operator-practice as it compares with open RPE.

Methods: Over 18 months, 50 L-RPE were performed by an inexperienced surgeon in laparoscopy but skilled in open surgery. Difficulty scores were obtained at the completion of each L-RPE comparing L-RPE to open RPE.

Preoperative neural network using combined magnetic resonance imaging variables, prostate-specific antigen, and gleason score for predicting prostate cancer biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy.

Objectives: To develop and test an artificial neural network (ANN) for predicting biochemical recurrence based on the combined use of pelvic coil magnetic resonance imaging (pMRI), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) measurement, and biopsy Gleason score, after radical prostatectomy and to investigate whether it is more accurate than logistic regression analysis (LRA) in men with clinically localized prostate cancer.

Methods: We evaluated 191 consecutive men who had undergone retropubic radical prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer. None of the men had lymph node metastasis as determined by adequate follow-up and pathologic criteria.

Preoperative neural network using combined magnetic resonance imaging variables, prostate specific antigen, and Gleason score to predict prostate cancer recurrence after radical prostatectomy.

Objective: An artificial neural network analysis (ANNA) was developed to predict the biochemical recurrence more effectively than regression models based on the combined use of pelvic coil magnetic resonance imaging (pMRI), prostate specific antigen (PSA) and biopsy Gleason score in patients with clinically organ-confined prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy (RP).

Methods: Two-hundred-and-ten patients undergoing retropubic RP with pelvic lymphadenectomy were evaluated. Predictive study variables included clinical TNM classification, preoperative serum PSA, biopsy Gleason score, transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) findings, and pMRI findings.

Preoperative neural network using combined magnetic resonance imaging variables, prostate specific antigen and Gleason score to predict prostate cancer stage.

Purpose: We developed an artificial neural network analysis (ANNA) to predict prostate cancer pathological stage more effectively than logistic regression (LR) based on the combined use of prostate specific antigen (PSA), biopsy Gleason score and pelvic coil magnetic resonance imaging (pMRI) in patients with clinically organ confined disease before radical prostatectomy.

Materials And Methods: In 201 consecutive patients undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy the radiological-pathological correlation was evaluated using pMRI. Predictive variables were clinical TNM classification, preoperative serum PSA, biopsy Gleason score and pMRI findings.

Preoperative neural network using combined magnetic resonance imaging variables, prostate-specific antigen, and Gleason score to predict positive surgical margins.

Objectives: To assess whether artificial neural network analysis (ANNA) predicts for positive surgical margins (PSMs) more effectively than logistic regression analysis (LRA) according to the combined use of the findings of pelvic coil magnetic resonance imaging (pMRI) and other preoperatively available tumor variables in patients with clinically organ-confined prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy.

Methods: A total of 205 patients with clinically localized prostate cancer, who underwent retropubic radical prostatectomy were evaluated. The predictive variables included clinical TNM stage, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, PSA density, biopsy Gleason score, percentage of cancer in biopsy specimens, and pMRI findings.

Quality of life after surgery for localized renal cell carcinoma: comparison between radical nephrectomy and nephron-sparing surgery.

Objectives: To compare the impact of radical nephrectomy and nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) for localized renal cell carcinoma on quality of life (QOL).

Methods: Retrospectively, 357 patients who had undergone NSS (n = 158) or radical nephrectomy (n = 199) for localized renal cell carcinoma completed postal questionnaires, including measures of QOL with validated instruments (SF-36, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 [EORTC QLQ-C30]), the impact of the stress of cancer, fear of recurrence, and worry about having fewer than two normal kidneys. A subset of 51 patients diagnosed after 2000 were followed up prospectively for at least 1 year.

Cold-knife endoureterotomy for nonmalignant ureterointestinal anastomotic strictures.

Objectives: To evaluate the long-term results of cold-knife incision (CNI) of nonmalignant ureterointestinal anastomosis strictures (UASs) after urinary diversion in a consecutive series of patients.

Methods: Since 1994, we have evaluated retrospectively 40 patients with 43 UASs, who were primarily treated with CNI (group 1). Six patients from group 1 with 7 UASs who failed primary CNI comprised group 2.

Prediction of lower pole stone clearance after shock wave lithotripsy using an artificial neural network.

Purpose: We performed this study as a comprehensive evaluation of variables reported to affect lower pole stone clearance after shock wave lithotripsy using artificial neural network analysis.

Materials And Methods: The radiographic images and treatment records of 680 patients with lower pole renal calculi treated with primary shock wave lithotripsy using the Wolf Piezolith 2500 (Wolf, Knittlingen, Germany) lithotriptor were retrospectively evaluated by applying artificial neural network analysis. Successful stone clearance was defined as absent fragments of any size detected on plain x-ray with tomography and/or excretory pyelography performed 6 months after treatment.