Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis have similar rates of postpartum maternal outcomes compared to women without autoimmune disease.

Objective: Limited data exist on the effect of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on maternal postpartum outcomes. Using a real-world, electronic health record (EHR) cohort, we assessed maternal postpartum outcomes in RA.

Methods: In a large, de-identified EHR, we identified possible RA deliveries using ≥1 delivery ICD-9 or ICD-10-CM codes and a validated RA algorithm.

Hybrid guidewires: Analysis and comparison of the mechanical properties and safety profiles.

Introduction: Hybrid guidewires are commonly used in urology due to the advantage of an atraumatic hydrophilic tip, which facilitates negotiating tight areas, coupled with an unkinkable nitinol core shaft that is easy to work over due to the Teflon coating. Our aim was to compare the physical and mechanical properties of five commercially available hybrid guidewires to assess their characteristics and functionality.

Methods: In vitro testing was performed on the following straight-tipped 0.

Can a Simplified 12-Hour Nighttime Urine Collection Predict Urinary Stone Risk?

Objective: To determine if there is correlation between nighttime 12-hour and traditional 24-hour urine collection in regard to chemistry values and the supersaturations of calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, and uric acid for the metabolic evaluation of nephrolithiasis.

Materials And Methods: Ninety-five patients were prospectively enrolled from 2013 to 2015. Patients >18 years of age who presented to a tertiary stone clinic and who would normally be counseled for 24-hour urine collection were eligible for the study.

Patient Preference for Management of an Asymptomatic 15 mm Renal Calculus-Avoid Risk or Maximize Success?

Introduction: We evaluate patient preferences and the underlying factors determining decision making in the management of the asymptomatic 15 mm renal stone.

Methods: A survey was randomly distributed to 106 patients at our multidisciplinary stone clinic. Patients were given a hypothetical scenario of a 15 mm renal stone, and were asked to choose among the 3 treatment options of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

Urolithiasis and Frequent CT Scans: Does Chronic Pain Play a Role?

Introduction: Urolithiasis is among the top 10 causes of Emergency Department (ED) visits in the United States. Approximately 50% of these patients undergo abdominopelvic CT scan, many more than once. We hypothesized that chronic pain conditions may contribute to frequent CT scans in patients who are evaluated in ED for urolithiasis.

Predictors of Reporting Success With Increased Fluid Intake Among Kidney Stone Patients.

Objective: To determine how kidney stone patients' knowledge, behaviors, and preferences toward fluid intake differed from those reporting being successful or unsuccessful at increasing fluid intake for prevention.

Materials And Methods: Three hundred two kidney stone patients filled out a survey on stone history, fluid intake success, and knowledge, behaviors, and preferences toward fluid intake. Responses were compared between those reporting being very successful at fluid intake and those reporting being not successful or only somewhat successful.

Fluid Bolus for Renal Colic: Current Practice.

Introduction: Historically the administration of intravenous fluid boluses in patients with urolithiasis and acute renal colic has been a standardized practice in the emergency department as a part of a conservative approach. In theory, an intravenous fluid bolus may promote ureteral fluid flow. However, randomized, controlled trials have shown no benefit of fluid boluses in this setting.

Shared decision making: why do patients choose ureteroscopy?

To evaluate patient's characteristics that affects their decision on the management of asymptomatic renal calculi, and to determine the impact of anesthetic on the selection of shockwave lithotripsy (SWL). A survey was distributed to 100 patients in our multi-disciplinary stone clinic. The patients were given a hypothetical scenario of an asymptomatic 8 mm lower pole stone and descriptions for managements options including active surveillance (annual radiography, 40% chance of growth >10 mm within 4 years, 20% chance of passage), SWL under conscious sedation (65% success rate), and URS (90% success rate, with stent placement for 1 week).

Nomogram to predict uric acid kidney stones based on patient's age, BMI and 24-hour urine profiles: A multicentre validation.

Introduction: We performed a multicentre validation of a nomogram to predict uric acid kidney stones in two populations.

Methods: We reviewed the kidney stone database of two institutions, searching for patients with kidney stones who had stone composition analysis and 24-hour urine collection from January 2010 to December 2013. A nomogram to predict uric acid kidneys stones based on patient age, body mass index (BMI), and 24-hour urine collection was tested.

Stone formation and management after bariatric surgery.

Obesity is a significant health concern and is associated with an increased risk of nephrolithiasis, particularly in women. The underlying pathophysiology of stone formation in obese patients is thought to be related to insulin resistance, dietary factors, and a lithogenic urinary profile. Uric acid stones and calcium oxalate stones are common in these patients.

Endoscopic Valves and Irrigation Devices for Flexible Ureteroscopy: Is There a Difference?

Background And Purpose: A variety of ureteroscopic irrigation systems are available, ranging from gravity-driven pressure bags to hand-operated pumps. Endoscopic valves maintain a watertight seal during ureteroscopy (URS) while facilitating passage of instruments. The clinical utility and ergonomics of such devices have not been established.

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumour of the bladder.

A 39-year-old woman presented with a long history of pelvic pain and urinary urgency. Prior workup by her primary care doctor had been negative. The patient's gynaecologist ultimately referred her to a urologist following an ultrasound that revealed a possible bladder mass.

Tissue damage from ultrasonic, pneumatic, and combination lithotripsy.

Purpose: To conduct a comparative evaluation of ultrasonic, pneumatic, and dual ultrasonic (DUS) lithotripsy to predict the safety of probes on urinary tract tissue.

Materials And Methods: The Swiss Lithoclast Ultra (ultrasonic-only [US] and ultrasonic-pneumatic combination [US+P]) and the Gyrus ACMI Cyberwand (DUS) were evaluated. Fresh porcine ureter, bladder, and renal pelvis tissues were used with a hands-free setup to vertically apply 0, 400, or 700 g of force with each probe for a duration of 3 seconds, 5 seconds, or 3 minutes (or until perforation occurred).

Characterization of ductal and lobular breast carcinomas using novel prolactin receptor isoform specific antibodies.

Background: Prolactin is a polypeptide hormone responsible for proliferation and differentiation of the mammary gland. More recently, prolactin's role in mammary carcinogenesis has been studied with greater interest. Studies from our laboratory and from others have demonstrated that three specific isoforms of the prolactin receptor (PRLR) are expressed in both normal and cancerous breast cells and tissues.