Penoscrotal Decompression-Promising New Treatment Paradigm for Refractory Ischemic Priapism.

Background: For prolonged ischemic priapism, outcomes after distal shunt are poor, with only 30% success for priapic episodes lasting longer than 48 hours.

Aim: To present a novel, glans-sparing approach of corporal decompression through a penoscrotal approach for cases of refractory ischemic priapism (RIP) after failed distal shunt procedures.

Methods: We describe the technique and present our initial experience with penoscrotal decompression (PSD) for treatment of RIP after failed distal shunt.

Clinical Risk Factors Associated With Urethral Atrophy.

Objective: To analyze a series of clinical risk factors associated with pretreatment urethral atrophy.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 301 patients who underwent artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) placement between September 2009 and November 2015; of these, 60 (19.9%) transcorporal cuff patients were excluded.

Use of Mitomycin C for Refractory Esophageal Stricture following Tracheoesophageal Fistula Repair.

Esophageal stricture is a well-described complication following tracheoesophageal fistula repair. Herein, we report two patients who had persistent esophageal strictures after several months of repeat balloon dilatations. Each patient was treated with a single application of topical mitomycin C in addition to esophageal dilatation, which resulted in complete resolution of the stricture.

Needle core vs open biopsy for diagnosis of intermediate- and high-risk neuroblastoma in children.

Background: Open biopsy has been the mainstay for definitive diagnosis of neuroblastoma in pediatric patients. However, needle core biopsy may represent a faster, less invasive, and safer alternative to open biopsy in children. The purpose of this study was to compare safety and efficacy between needle core and open biopsy in the diagnosis of patients with intermediate- and high-risk neuroblastoma at our institution.

Novel use of glycopyrrolate (Robinul) in the treatment of anastomotic leak after repair of esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula.

Anastomotic leak after tracheoesophageal fistula repair is a well-known complication and can represent a challenging clinical scenario. We present the case of an infant girl with VACTERL syndrome who underwent repair of a type C esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula repair, which was complicated by an anastomotic leak. Glycopyrrolate (Robinul), an anticholinergic agent, was successfully used to decrease copious salivary secretion and promote spontaneous closure of the leak.

Signalling of the BCR is regulated by a lipid rafts-localised transcription factor, Bright.

Regulation of BCR signalling strength is crucial for B-cell development and function. Bright is a B-cell-restricted factor that complexes with Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) and its substrate, transcription initiation factor-I (TFII-I), to activate immunoglobulin heavy chain gene transcription in the nucleus. Here we show that a palmitoylated pool of Bright is diverted to lipid rafts of resting B cells where it associates with signalosome components.

The problem of choice.

Convictions are a driving force for actions. Considering that every individual has a different set of convictions and larger groups act once a consensus decision is reached, one can see that debate is an inherent exercise in decision-making. This requires a sustainably generated surplus to allow time for intellectual exchange, gathering of information and dissemination of findings.

Another challenge for scientists.

By nature, scientists contribute to our understanding of nature and ourselves. As communities undergo significant changes, new challenges are presented. Here, we offer alternative views on recent changes in society.

To know or not to know: archiving and the under-appreciated historical value of data.

Surplus goods, produced by a community, allow individuals to dedicate their efforts to abstract problems, while enjoying the benefits of support from the community. In return, the community benefits from the intellectual work, say, efficiently producing goods or profound medical aid. In further elevating quality of life, we need to understand nature and biology on the most detailed level.

An open democracy.

Sovereign power is retained and shared by the citizens of a country. Using electoral tools, governing structures are formed to ensure protection of national interests. As with any institution, proper control of the government guarantees its adherence to the tasks delegated to it by its citizens.

Open Access and beyond.

Uncensored exchange of scientific results hastens progress. Open Access does not stop at the removal of price and permission barriers; still, censorship and reading disabilities, to name a few, hamper access to information. Here, we invite the scientific community and the public to discuss new methods to distribute, store and manage literature in order to achieve unfettered access to literature.