Hypospadias Reconstruction Training: Development of an Ex-Vivo Model for Objective Evaluation of Surgical Skills.

Objective: To objectively evaluate technical skill acquisition in hypospadias repair procedures during surgical training using noninvasive wearable sensor technology.

Methods: We combined subjective video evaluations with objective electromyography (EMG) measurements in a hands-on hypospadias training course. Surgeons wore wireless EMG and accelerometer sensors on their dominant hand while performing tasks on ex-vivo cadaveric calf penises.

Hypospadias-associated penile curvature assessment and management: A global survey of current practice.

Introduction: Our goal was to assess how surgical management of hypospadias-associated penile curvature (HAPC) varies across continents, focusing on factors that influence assessment and decision-making.

Methods: Members of the European Society of Pediatric Urology (ESPU), Society of Pediatric Urology (SPU), and Hypospadias International Society (HIS) participated in an anonymous, 34-question online survey addressing pre-, intra-, and postoperative elements of HAPC evaluation and management. A selection of intraoperative photos were included in the survey to investigate the prevailing surgical approaches and identify management patterns.

Comprehensive multidisciplinary phenotyping of patients with hypospadias. A pilot study.

Introduction: Hypospadias is an abnormal formation of the urethra, ventral skin, and corporal bodies. Location of the urethral meatus has historically been the phenotypic landmark that defines hypospadias. Nonetheless, classifications following location of the urethral meatus fail to consistently predict outcomes and have no correlation with the genotype.

DNA release from plant tissue using focused ultrasound extraction (FUSE).

Premise: Sample preparation in genomics is a critical step that is often overlooked in molecular workflows and impacts the success of downstream genetic applications. This study explores the use of a recently developed focused ultrasound extraction (FUSE) technique to enable the rapid release of DNA from plant tissues for genetic analysis.

Methods: FUSE generates a dense acoustic cavitation bubble cloud that pulverizes targeted tissue into acellular debris.

Association Between Testosterone Treatment and Risk of Incident Cardiovascular Events Among US Male Veterans With Low Testosterone Levels and Multiple Medical Comorbidities.

Background Testosterone treatment is common in men, although risks for major cardiovascular events are unclear. Methods and Results A study was conducted in US male veterans, aged ≥40 years, with low serum testosterone and multiple medical comorbidities and without history of myocardial infarction, stroke, venous thromboembolism, prostate cancer, or testosterone treatment in the prior year. For the primary outcome, we examined if testosterone treatment was associated with a composite cardiovascular outcome (incident myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, or venous thromboembolism).

Lineage relationship of prostate cancer cell types based on gene expression.

Background: Prostate tumor heterogeneity is a major factor in disease management. Heterogeneity could be due to multiple cancer cell types with distinct gene expression. Of clinical importance is the so-called cancer stem cell type.