Predictive Factors of Transient Urinary Incontinence Following Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP): Single-Center Experience.

: The aim of this study was to assess the predictive factors associated with transient urine incontinence (TUI) following holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP). : A retrospective analysis was conducted on a prospectively maintained database containing the first 149 consecutive HoLEP cases between June 2022 and December 2023. The study recorded several patient characteristics, and preoperative data such as IPSS score, total gland volume, preoperative catheterization, Qmax, and PVR volume were collected.

Long-term results of multimodal treatment of the prostate using the Thulium Laser.

Background And Aims: To evaluate a novel multimodal treatment (TLP) that integrates the use of a thulium laser, bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), and "button-type" bipolar plasma vaporization for the endoscopic treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Methods: From March 2018 to December 2021, we prospectively evaluated 220 patients with symptomatic BPH who underwent TLP. Patients were assessed based on the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), and postvoid residual urine (PVR).

Multimodal Approach Combining Thulium Laser Vaporization, Bipolar Transurethral Resection of the Prostate, and Bipolar Plasma Vaporization versus Bipolar Transurethral Resection of the Prostate: A Matched-Pair Analysis.

The aim of our study is to compare the perioperative and functional outcomes of a multimodal approach combining thulium laser vaporization, bipolar TURP, and bipolar plasma vaporization (TLP) with bipolar TURP in a matched-pair analysis. A nonrandomized, observational, retrospective, and matched-pair analysis was performed on two homogeneous groups of 60 patients who underwent TLP versus bipolar TURP at our center between March 2018 and December 2021. The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score and prostate volume (PV) were the main parameters used to match patients between the two groups.

Evaluation of miR-148a-3p and miR-106a-5p as Biomarkers for Prostate Cancer: Pilot Study.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs that may function as tumor suppressors or oncogenes. Alteration of their expression levels has been linked to a range of human malignancies, including cancer. The objective of this investigation is to assess the relative expression levels of certain miRNAs to distinguish between prostate cancer (PCa) from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Molecular Docking-Based Screening for Novel Inhibitors of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Protease that Effectively Reduce the Viral Replication in Human Cells.

Therapeutic pressure by protease inhibitors (PIs) contributes to accumulation of mutations in the HIV type 1 (HIV-1) protease (PR) leading to development of drug resistance with subsequent therapy failure. Current PIs target the active site of PR in a competitive manner. Identification of molecules that exploit non-active site mechanisms of inhibition is essential to overcome resistance to current PIs.

Effect of endoscopic submucosal dissection on histologic diagnosis in Barrett's esophagus visible neoplasia.

Background And Aims: Data are limited on the role of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) as a potential diagnostic and staging tool in Barrett's esophagus (BE) neoplasia. We aimed to evaluate the frequency and factors associated with change of histologic diagnosis by ESD compared with pre-ESD histology.

Methods: This was a multicenter, prospective cohort study of patients who underwent ESD for BE visible neoplasia.

Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection in North America: A Large Prospective Multicenter Study.

Background And Aims: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in Asia has been shown to be superior to endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and surgery for the management of selected early gastrointestinal cancers. We aimed to evaluate technical outcomes of ESD in North America.

Methods: We conducted a multicenter prospective study on ESD across 10 centers in the United States and Canada between April 2016 and April 2020.

Duodenoscope-Associated Infections: Update on an Emerging Problem.

The duodenoscope is among the most complex medical instruments that undergo disinfection between patients. Transmission of infection by contaminated scopes has remained a challenge since its inception. Notable risk factors for pathogen transmission include non-adherence to disinfection guidelines, encouragement of biofilm deposition due to complex design and surface defects and contaminated automated endoscope reprocessors.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection for Barrett's early neoplasia: a multicenter study in the United States.

Background And Aims: The role of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in Barrett's early neoplasia is not well defined, with most studies originating from Asia and Europe. We aimed to assess the efficacy, safety, and results of ESD in Barrett's esophagus (BE) with high-grade dysplasia (HGD) and early adenocarcinoma (EAC) across centers in the United States.

Methods: Multicenter retrospective analysis on 46 patients with BE who underwent ESD for BE-HGD or EAC, or both, between January 2010 and April 2015.

Prospective evaluation of the clinical utility of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in patients with Barrett's esophagus: a Western center experience.

Background And Study Aims: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) carries significant advantages over endoscopic mucosal resection. As such, ESD is an established therapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma but there are only limited data on ESD as therapy for Barrett's esophagus (BE). Thus, we prospectively evaluated the outcomes of ESD in patients with BE with high-grade dysplasia (HGD) and early esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) performed in a Western center.

Jackhammer oesophagus in a case of linitis plastica.

A 52-year-old Caucasian woman presented with progressive nausea and vomiting, weight loss, and burning epigastric and chest pain. Initial oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) with biopsies demonstrated gastritis in absence of Helicobacter pylori A gastric emptying study, CT scan with pancreatic protocol and a colonoscopy revealed no concerning findings. Calcium channel blockers and proton pump inhibitors offered little improvement.

Role of observation of live cases done by Japanese experts in the acquisition of ESD skills by a western endoscopist.

Aim: To evaluate the role of observation of experts performing endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in the acquisition of ESD skills.

Methods: This prospective study is documenting the learning curve of one Western endoscopist. The study consisted of three periods.

Febrile pleuropericarditis, a potentially life-threatening adverse event of balsalazide--case report and literature review of the side effects of 5-aminosalicylates.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an idiopathic chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the colonic mucosa. One class among the drugs used for its treatment is the 5-aminosalicylates (5-ASAs). While highly efficacious in treating mild-to-moderate UC, 5-ASAs are associated with rare but potentially life-threatening side effects such as pericarditis, myocarditis and pneumonitis.

Training for complex endoscopic procedures: how to incorporate endoscopic submucosal dissection skills in the West?

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been employed for removal of early neoplastic gastrointestinal lesions and has well-documented higher en bloc and curative resection rates compared with endoscopic mucosal resection. Based on these advantages, ESD has gained widespread use in Asia but unfortunately not in the West. The main obstacles remain the very flat learning curve and lack of training resources.

Influence of host immunoregulatory genes, ER stress and gut microbiota on the shared pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease and Type 1 diabetes.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with its two distinct entities, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) are autoimmune diseases. The prevalence of these diseases continues to rapidly rise in the industrialized world. Despite the identification of several genetic loci that are associated with both IBD and T1D, thus far, there is a paucity of epidemiological data to support a clinical overlap.

Training in endoscopic submucosal dissection.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) represents an important advancement in the therapy of early neoplastic gastrointestinal lesions by providing higher en-bloc curative resection rate with lower recurrence compared to endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and by sparing the involved organ and protecting patient's quality of life. Despite these advantages ESD is associated with long procedure times and a higher rate of complications, making ESD a challenging procedure which requires advanced endoscopic skills. Thus, there has been a recognized need for structured training system for ESD to enhance trainee experience and, to reduce the risks of complications and inadequate treatment.

Structure of the unbound form of HIV-1 subtype A protease: comparison with unbound forms of proteases from other HIV subtypes.

The crystal structure of the unbound form of HIV-1 subtype A protease (PR) has been determined to 1.7 A resolution and refined as a homodimer in the hexagonal space group P6(1) to an R(cryst) of 20.5%.

Genetic determinants in HIV-1 Gag and Env V3 are related to viral response to combination antiretroviral therapy with a protease inhibitor.

Objective: To identify novel viral determinants in HIV-1 protease, Gag, and envelope V3 that relate to outcomes to initial protease inhibitor-based antiretroviral therapy.

Design: A longitudinal cohort study of protease inhibitor-naive, HIV-infected individuals was designed to identify genetic variables in viral Gag and envelope sequences associated with response to antiretroviral therapy.

Methods: Genetic and statistical models, including amino acid profiles, phylogenetic analyses, receiver operating characteristic analyses, and covariation analyses, were used to evaluate viral sequences and clinical variables from individuals who developed immune reconstitution with or without suppression of viral replication.

Drug-associated changes in amino acid residues in Gag p2, p7(NC), and p6(Gag)/p6(Pol) in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) display a dominant effect on replicative fitness and drug response.

Regions of HIV-1 gag between p2 and p6(Gag)/p6(Pol), in addition to protease (PR), develop genetic diversity in HIV-1 infected individuals who fail to suppress virus replication by combination protease inhibitor (PI) therapy. To elucidate functional consequences for viral replication and PI susceptibility by changes in Gag that evolve in vivo during PI therapy, a panel of recombinant viruses was constructed. Residues in Gag p2/p7(NC) cleavage site and p7(NC), combined with residues in the flap of PR, defined novel fitness determinants that restored replicative capacity to the posttherapy virus.

High-resolution structure of unbound human immunodeficiency virus 1 subtype C protease: implications of flap dynamics and drug resistance.

The X-ray crystal structure of the unbound state of human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) subtype C protease (C PR) has been determined to 1.20 angstroms resolution in the tetragonal space group P4(1)2(1)2, with one monomer per asymmetric unit and unit-cell parameters a = 46.7, c = 100.

The contribution of naturally occurring polymorphisms in altering the biochemical and structural characteristics of HIV-1 subtype C protease.

Fourteen subtype B and C protease variants have been engineered in an effort to study whether the preexistent baseline polymorphisms, by themselves or in combination with drug resistance mutations, differentially alter the biochemical and structural features of the subtype C protease when compared with those of subtype B protease. The kinetic studies performed in this work showed that the preexistent polymorphisms in subtype C protease, by themselves, do not provide for a greater level of resistance. Inhibition analysis with eight clinically used protease inhibitors revealed that the natural polymorphisms found in subtype C protease, in combination with drug resistance mutations, can influence enzymatic catalytic efficiency and inhibitor resistance.