Integrated framework for quantitative T2-weighted MRI analysis following prostate cancer radiotherapy.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to develop a framework for quantitative analysis of longitudinal T2-weighted MRIs (T2w) following radiotherapy (RT) for prostate cancer.

Materials And Methods: The developed methodology includes: deformable image registration of longitudinal series to pre-RT T2w for automated detection of prostate, peripheral zone (PZ), and gross tumor volume (GTV); and T2w signal-intensity harmonization based on three reference tissues. The gistration and onization () framework was applied on T2w acquired in a clinical trial consisting of two pre-RT and three post-RT MRI exams.

The use of nephron-sparing intervention does not appear to be compromised after a period of active surveillance for patients with cT1 renal masses.

Introduction And Objective: It remains unknown whether the use of nephron sparing intervention (NSI) is impacted with delayed intervention after a period of active surveillance (AS) compared with immediate intervention for patients with clinically localized renal masses ≤7cm (cT1RMs). We hypothesized that the proportion of patients undergoing NSI is similar among patients undergoing immediate and delayed intervention for cT1RMs.

Methods: We retrospective reviewed the prospectively maintained Michigan Urological Surgery Improvement Collaborative (MUSIC) registry for patients undergoing intervention for cT1RMs from 05/2017 to 09/2023.

Student Urology Conference Increases Participant Knowledge of Urology Match and Confidence in Research.

Objective: To study the impact of a student-specific urology conference for students considering a career in urology. The first symposium specifically for medical students interested in urology was designed to provide an opportunity to present their research, explore urological subspecialties, and network with faculty members, residents, and other students.

Methods: Medical students and faculty at a US medical school organized the inaugural New England Student Urology Symposium (NESUS).

Snip, Support, and Shared Stories: Exploring Reddit Users' Experiences With Vasectomy.

Introduction Vasectomy is a common procedure for male sterilization. During pre-procedural counseling, men and their partners are often concerned with postoperative pain or sexual dysfunction. Research examining internet forums to explore these concerns is limited.

Prostate Artery Embolization - Mid to Long-term Outcomes in 1075 Patients.

Background: To assess the mid to long-term safety and efficacy of Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE) at a single-center, cohort of 1075 patients.

Methods: This IRB-approved retrospective-study included patients with moderate-to-severe Lower-Urinary-Tract-Symptoms(LUTS) or urinary-retention who underwent PAE from January-2014 to July-2023. Patients were assessed at 1, 3, 6, and 12-months post-PAE and yearly thereafter.

Programmable Nanomodulators for Precision Therapy, Engineering Tumor Metabolism to Enhance Therapeutic Efficacy.

Tumor metabolism is crucial in the continuous advancement and complex growth of cancer. The emerging field of nanotechnology has made significant strides in enhancing the understanding of the complex metabolic intricacies inherent to tumors, offering potential avenues for their strategic manipulation to achieve therapeutic goals. This comprehensive review delves into the interplay between tumor metabolism and various facets of cancer, encompassing its origins, progression, and the formidable challenges posed by metastasis.

The relationship between the vaginal and vulvar microbiomes and lichen sclerosus symptoms in post-menopausal women.

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory condition of unknown etiology that affects the genital and extragenital skin, which can lead to sexual dysfunction and has been associated with vulvar cancer. The vaginal microbiome has a critical role in gynecologic health, but little is known about the microbiome in lichen sclerosus. This study investigated the vaginal and vulvar microbiomes of 27 post-menopausal women with lichen sclerosus.

Adolescent microsurgical varicocelectomy and changes in sperm parameters: A matched cohort analysis.

Background: Varicocele, a common vascular abnormality surrounding the testis, is known to be associated with impaired semen parameters and male infertility in adults. However, its impact on the adolescent and young adult (AYA) population is less well known.

Objectives: The study aimed to assess the improvement in sperm parameters following varicocelectomy in the AYA population, comparing them to matched adult counterparts, and investigating potential advantages of early intervention.

CRB2 Depletion Induces YAP Signaling and Disrupts Mechanosensing in Podocytes.

Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a histologic lesion caused by a variety of injurious stimuli that lead to dysfunction/loss of glomerular visceral epithelial cells (i.e. podocytes).

Digital Flexible Ureteroscope: Evaluating Factors Responsible for Damage and Implementing a Mandatory Certification Program for Usage.

Digital flexible ureteroscopes (DFUs) play a crucial role in endourological procedures, and scope breakages are often avoidable with proper measures in place. We aimed to evaluate the effect of mandatory training on DFU durability and to assess the influence of various factors on instrument damage. Mandatory training involving instructional videos on DFU care was introduced for all processing and operating room staff handling DFUs.

Effects of Varicocele Repair on Testicular Endocrine Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Purpose: The objective of this manuscript is to assess the effect of varicocele repair (VR) in patients with clinical varicoceles on serum total testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and inhibin B serum levels.

Materials And Methods: The study was performed in compliance with the Meta-Analysis and Systematic Reviews of Observational Studies (MOOSE) guidelines and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P). All eligible studies were selected following the PICOS (Population, Intervention, Comparison/Comparator, Outcomes, Study design) model.

Evaluating Sperm Recovery Time and Efficacy of Monotherapy Combination Therapies in Men with Congenital Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Purpose: There is a lack of pooled data exploring the time and rates for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) monotherapy combination therapies (hCG+human menopausal gonadotropin or recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone) to restore spermatogenesis in azoospermic men with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH). We aimed to investigate the time and rates to recover spermatogenesis among azoospermic CHH men receiving monotherapy combination therapy.

Materials And Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following the PRISMA guidelines.

Improved Health Care Utilization Among Men With Depression Undergoing Inflatable Penile Prosthesis in a U.S. Commercial Population.

We evaluated depression-related health care resource utilization and antidepressant prescription medication utilization among commercially insured men in the United States who underwent inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) implantation between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2020, and who received a depression diagnosis in the year preceding the IPP procedure. A total of 11,177 patients received an IPP during the index period, 808 of whom were diagnosed with depression. A statistically significant reduction in overall depression-related health care visits occurred from pre- to post-IPP, decreasing from 4.