Comparative analysis of artificial intelligence chatbot recommendations for urolithiasis management: A study of EAU guideline compliance.

OBJECTIVES: Artificial intelligence (AI) applications are increasingly being utilized by both patients and physicians for accessing medical information. This study focused on the urolithiasis section (pertaining to kidney and ureteral stones) of the European Association of Urology (EAU) guideline, a key reference for urologists. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We directed inquiries to four distinct AI chatbots to assess their responses in relation to guideline adherence. A total of 115 recommendations were transformed into questions, and responses were evaluated by two urologists with a minimum of 5 years of experience using a 5-point Likert scale (1 - False, 2 - Inadequate, 3 - Sufficient, 4 - Correct, and 5 - Very correct). RESULTS: The mean scores for Perplexity and ChatGPT 4.0 were 4.68 (SD: 0.80) and 4.80 (SD: 0.47), respectively, both significantly differed the scores of Bing and Bard (Bing vs. Perplexity, P<0.001; Bard vs. Perplexity, P<0.001; Bing vs. ChatGPT, P<0.001; Bard vs. ChatGPT, P<0.001). Bing had a mean score of 4.21 (SD: 0.96), while Bard scored 3.56 (SD: 1.14), with a significant difference (Bing vs. Bard, P<0.001). Bard exhibited the lowest score among all chatbots. Analysis of references revealed that Perplexity and Bing cited the guideline most frequently (47.3% and 30%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that ChatGPT 4.0 and, notably, Perplexity align well with EAU guideline recommendations. These continuously evolving applications may play a crucial role in delivering information to physicians in the future, especially for urolithiasis.

Machine learning algorithm predicts urethral stricture following transurethral prostate resection.

PURPOSE: To predict the post transurethral prostate resection(TURP) urethral stricture probability by applying different machine learning algorithms using the data obtained from preoperative blood parameters. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of data from patients who underwent bipolar-TURP encompassing patient characteristics, preoperative routine blood test outcomes, and post-surgery uroflowmetry were used to develop and educate machine learning models. Various metrics, such as F1 score, model accuracy, negative predictive value, positive predictive value, sensitivity, specificity, Youden Index, ROC AUC value, and confidence interval for each model, were used to assess the predictive performance of machine learning models for urethral stricture development. RESULTS: A total of 109 patients' data (55 patients without urethral stricture and 54 patients with urethral stricture) were included in the study after implementing strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. The preoperative Platelet Distribution Width, Mean Platelet Volume, Plateletcrit, Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time, and Prothrombin Time values were statistically meaningful between the two cohorts. After applying the data to the machine learning systems, the accuracy prediction scores for the diverse algorithms were as follows: decision trees (0.82), logistic regression (0.82), random forests (0.91), support vector machines (0.86), K-nearest neighbors (0.82), and naïve Bayes (0.77). CONCLUSION: Our machine learning models' accuracy in predicting the post-TURP urethral stricture probability has demonstrated significant success. Exploring prospective studies that integrate supplementary variables has the potential to enhance the precision and accuracy of machine learning models, consequently progressing their ability to predict post-TURP urethral stricture risk.

Texture analysis of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging for differentiating clinically significant prostate cancer in the peripheral zone.

BACKGROUND: Texture analysis (TA) provides additional tissue heterogeneity data that may assist in differentiating peripheral zone(PZ) lesions in multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI). This study investigates the role of magnetic resonance imaging texture analysis (MRTA) in detecting clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) in the PZ. METHODS: This retrospective study included 80 consecutive patients who had an mpMRI and a prostate biopsy for suspected prostate cancer. Two radiologists in consensus interpreted mpMRI and performed texture analysis based on their histopathology. The first-, second-, and higher-order texture parameters were extracted from mpMRI and were compared between groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed using the texture parameters to determine the independent predictors of csPCa. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted to assess the diagnostic performance of the texture parameters. RESULTS: : In the periferal zone, 39 men had csPCa, while 41 had benign lesions or clinically insignificant prostate cancer (cisPCa). Themajority of texture parameters showed statistically significant differences between the groups. Univariate ROC analysis showed that the ADC mean and ADC median were the best variables in differentiating csPCa (p < 0.001). The first-order logistic regression model (mean + entropy) based on the ADC maps had a higher AUC value (0.996; 95% CI: 0.989-1) than other texture-based logistic regression models (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION: MRTA is useful in differentiating csPCa from other lesions in the PZ. Consequently, the first-order multivariate regressionmodel based on ADC maps had the highest diagnostic performance in differentiating csPCa.

Prognostic role of the endothelial cell-specific molecule-1 histopathologic expression in renal cell cancer.

INTRODUCTION: To measure the level of endothelial cell-specific molecule-1 (ESM-1) expression among the Renal Cell Cancer (RCC) variants using by immunohistochemical method and determine the relationship between ESM-1 expression and RCC prognosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: ESM-1 immunoreactivity scores (IR) were measured in appropriate renal tumoral tissue blocks of 153 consecutive RCC patients in this retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. Mean ESM-1 IR scores were calculated in patients who were pathologically diagnosed with clear cell RCC (ccRCC), papillary RCC (pRCC), and chromophobe RCC (chRCC). Progression-free survival and overall survival were evaluated using the log-rank test according to ESM-1 IR scores. Survival rates were calculated using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. RESULTS: In the ccRCC group, the mean ESM-1 IR scores of those with local invasion were significantly higher than those without local invasion (P = 0.014). The mean ESM-1 IR score of patients with metastatic ccRCC was significantly higher than those with non-metastatic ccRCC (P < 0.001). Considering all patients regardless of RCC subtype pathologies, the mean ESM-1 IR score in clinical stage 1 tumor was 3.82 ± 1.98, 4.87 ± 1.74 in clinical stage 2, 5.88 ± 2 in clinical stage 3, and 6.60 ± 2.23 in clinical stage 4. The mean ESM-1 IR score of patients with metastatic ccRCC was significantly higher than those with non-metastatic ccRCC (P < 0.001). The mean follow-up period for all patients in this study was 71 months (range 1-120 months). It has been shown that the higher the ESM-1 IR score, the lower the 10-year overall survival and disease-free survival rates (P = 0.026, P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Immunohistochemical expression of ESM-1 may be a promising prognostic biomarker in RCC. Currently, some prognostic scoring systems are available for patients with localized and metastasized RCC. Incorporating ESM-1 expression in RCC into these existing prognostic scoring systems could improve these models and enhance the quality of individual oncologic management in RCC patients.

A Novel Intronic Mutation Reduces HAX1 Level and is Associated With Severe Congenital Neutropenia.

Severe congenital neutropenia (SCN) is a rare disease. Autosomal recessive forms of SCN are more frequent in countries where consanguineous marriages are common. In this report, we describe a 54-day-old female with neutropenia who presented with ecthyma gangrenosum. Clinical exome sequencing was used to identify the mutation. HAX1 messenger RNA and isoforms were examined by real-time quantitative and conventional polymerase chain reaction. Bone marrow aspiration was stained by hematoxylin and eosin. Granulocytes were tested for apoptosis upon H2O2 exposure. T-cell proliferation was tested by flow cytometry. Clinical exome sequencing revealed a novel homozygous acceptor splice site mutation in intron 3 of HAX1 (c.505-1G>C), which reduced both isoforms A and B of HAX1 messenger RNA. The Western blot studies showed a complete absence of HAX1 protein. The purified neutrophils from the patient showed increased apoptosis upon H2O2 exposure, whereas T-cell proliferative responses to various stimuli were intact. The patient was treated with combined antibiotics, filgrastim, and placed on antibiotics prophylaxis. To the best of our knowledge, our data provide the first experimental evidence for HAX1 deficiency because of a splice site mutation. Although 3 other splice site variants have been deposited in databases, functional studies were missing. This novel variant of HAX1 may explain the SCN and secondary infections in our patients.

Seasonal fluctuation of erectile dysfunction: A cross-sectional study from a tertiary university hospital across 10 years.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) shares several risk factors with diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HT) and coronary vascular disease (CVD), which were well-associated with seasonal fluctuation with the highest peak in winter. In this study, we aimed to determine whether ED demonstrates seasonal fluctuations with the above-mentioned systemic diseases. Database from a tertiary university hospital between 2010 and 2020 was deciphered to retrieve patients diagnosed with ED. Patients with primary bladder tumour and post-procedural ED constituted the negative control groups from the same study period. International index of erectile function questionnaire (IIEF-15) was used to segregate included patients into mild/moderate and severe ED groups. The probability of detecting DM, HT and CVD in patients with severe ED was significantly higher than that of with mild/moderate ED (p < 0.05). More ED symptoms emerged and were diagnosed in the winter seasons even though no statistical significance was observed between patients with mild/moderate and severe ED (p = 0.946, Cramer's V coefficient = 0.19). The seasonal variation of patients with bladder tumour and post-procedural ED groups showed no significant difference (p > 0.05, both). ED admissions are associated with higher peaks in the winter seasons. This may help in daily clinical practice to warrant better clinical and epidemiological interpretation of ED.

Comparison of Two Different Bipolar Energy Resources in Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumors.

PURPOSE: To determine whether the use of different bipolar resources is associated with different results on tissue and perioperative parameters in patients undergoing bipolar transurethral bladder tumor resection (bTURBT). METHODS: In this single-center prospective study, patients diagnosed with bladder tumor randomized to undergo TURBT either with a Gyrus PlasmaKinetic system (n = 62) or Olympus TUR in saline (TURis) system (n = 51). Primary endpoint was to evaluate the alteration of patients' perioperative parameters, while secondary aim was to assess the thermal effect of these 2 different bipolar devices on the resected tissue samples by a grading system determined by tissue characteristics. RESULTS: One hundred thirteen patients were randomized in the study, and 43 were excluded from the analysis due to the exclusion criteria. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of mean age, tumor site, number of tumors, operative time, alteration in hemoglobin or hematocrit, blood transfusion rate, catheterization time, and postoperative stay. On the other hand, the ratio of obturator jerk was significantly higher in the Olympus TURis group (p = 0.028). The histopathological analyses of both groups determined muscularis propria and cautery artifact presence without a statistically significant difference (χ2: 0.476, p = 0.788). CONCLUSION: Although the perioperative complications of bTURBT are low in nature, bladder perforation resulted from obturator jerk still poses a risk for extravesical tumor implantation. Urologists should be aware of this risk especially when they are using a TURis system.

A survey analysis of knowledge levels of urologists about radiation safety and fluoroscopy use.

AIMS: To evaluate the awareness of the use of fluoroscopy in endourological procedures, as well as the theoretical and practical applications of preventive measures. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between May 2018 and April 2019, a 26-question survey prepared using Google Docs was sent to urologists via email. Personal information, radiation training and behaviours related to radiation and fluoroscopy usage, and the use of protective equipment were queried. RESULTS: A total of 226 participants fully completed and returned the email survey. Of the 226 participants, 78 (34.5%) were academics, 44 (19.4%) were residents while 104 (46.1%) were experts. More than 60% of the participants stated that they participated in the operation requiring less than five fluoroscopy use per week. The majority of operations requiring fluoroscopy consisted of endourological procedures. The lead apron was used by 93% of the participants, but the use of protective glasses and gloves was very low (3.5%). The majority of academicians, experts and residents did not use dosimeters (76.9%, 82.7% and 81.8%, respectively). More than 50% of the participants did not have literature information about the harmful effects of radiation with the use of fluoroscopy. The most common complaints on the day of fluoroscopy were fatigue and headache. CONCLUSION: The lack of information regarding the radiation protection measures and harmful effects of radiation is common among urologists in Turkey. Therefore, systematic training programs on fluoroscopy use and radiation exposure should be provided during urology residency.

Comparison of De Ritis Ratio and other systemic inflammatory parameters for the prediction of prognosis of patients with transitional cell bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical value of preoperative De Ritis ratio (aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase) (DRR) in patients with transitional cell bladder cancer (TCBC) at initial diagnosis. The secondary objective was to investigate the status of systemic inflammatory parameters, such as neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and platelet-monocyte ratio (PMR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of patients with primary TCBC who underwent transurethral resection were retrospectively evaluated. The relationship of DRR and systemic inflammatory parameters with clinicopathological findings, recurrence and progression status was evaluated separately. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the DRR according to the clinicopathological findings, recurrence and progression. Significant differences were found between the NLR and the patient groups for tumour diameter, tumour stage, tumour grade and progression. In univariate analysis, the LMR was found to be associated with progression, and also the PLR and LMR were found to be associated with recurrence. Decrease in LMR and increase in LMR score demonstrated by multiple analysis was shown as independent predictors of progression and recurrence development. CONCLUSIONS: This paper shows a positive correlation between poor prognosis in TCBC and the systemic inflammatory markers, namely NLR, LMR, PLR and PMR, but not DRR.

The Increased Risk of Complicated Ureteral Stones in the Era of COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: Ureteral stone disease may be an emergent condition if the appropriate management is not performed in a timely manner. As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to spread globally, isolation and restriction orders taken by the governments have become the cores to control the pandemic. In this study, we, therefore, aimed to investigate the ureteral stone presentations in a high-volume university hospital during the COVID-19 restriction order period. Materials and Methods: The data of 149 patients who were hospitalized due to ureteral stone both during the COVID-19 pandemic restriction period and the corresponding period (non-COVID-19) of the previous year were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Unpaired Student's t-test was used to compare continuous variables. The categorical data were assessed using Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. Results: Of 149 patients, 35 were hospitalized in the COVID-19 restrictions period. While the mean age and the stone characteristics of the two groups did not differ significantly, serum creatinine levels (1.9 ± 1.85 vs 1.15 ± 0.64) and the white blood cell counts (12.45 ± 6.54 vs 8.21 ± 4.15) at hospital admission were significantly higher in the COVID-19 restrictions group (p = 0.034 and p = 0.005, respectively). According to the priority classification recommendations of the European Urology Guidelines Office Rapid Reaction Group for urolithiasis applicable during the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant difference was observed between the two periods (X2 = 9.907, p = 0.019). In particular, the rate of emergency cases was found more than threefold in the COVID-19 period. Although there was no significant difference in terms of the grade of hydronephrosis at hospital admission between the two groups, the rates of grade 3 and 4 hydronephrosis were higher in the COVID-period group (1.8- and 3.3-fold, respectively). Conclusion: The rate of complicated ureteral stone disease significantly increased during the COVID-19 restrictions period. Urologists should prioritize the patients most in need of urgent care during COVID-19-like biosocial crisis.

Expression of Ring Box-1 protein and its relationship with Fuhrman grade and other clinical-pathological parameters in renal cell cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between RING-box protein 1 (RBX-1) expression and renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with prognostic factors. METHODS: A total of 88 patients who underwent radical/partial nephrectomy between January 2009 and January 2016 have been included in our study. The age, gender, tumor location, tumor size, and tumor-node-metastasis stage of each patient was evaluated. From the best sections in hematoxylin-eosin stained pathology preparations, tumor histological subtype, Fuhrman nuclear grade, lymphovascular invasion, renal artery/vein invasion, capsule invasion, perirenal fatty tissue invasion, and tumor grade were evaluated. Participants were divided into 2 groups according to Fuhrman grade. Fuhrman grades 1 to 2 comprised Group 1, and Fuhrman grades 3 to 4 comprised Group 2. An immunoreactivity scoring system was used to evaluate RBX-1 expression. RESULTS: Upon examining all histological subtypes together, it was observed that RBX-1 expression was statistically higher in Group 2 compared to Group 1 (P < 0.008). Upon examining clear RCC cases, it was observed again that Group 2 had a higher RBX-1 expression than Group 1 (P < 0.009). RBX-1 expression was not associated with clinical-pathological parameters including tumor grade, lymphovascular invasion, capsule invasion, or perirenal invasion. CONCLUSION: RBX-1 expression is closely associated with a highly important prognostic factor in RCC-Fuhrman grade-and it shows promise as a prognostic marker. Further studies are required to reveal the importance of RBX-1 in RCC prognosis and treatment.

Drug resistance restricts the efficacy of short term low dose Mitomycin-C treatment in UMUC-3 bladder cancer cells.

OBJECTIVE: Mitomycin-c (MMC) is the most used intravesical adjuvant agent in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer to prevent recurrence. However, a consensus on about appropriate dosage and treatment schedule of MMC is lacking. We, therefore, aimed to evaluate the most appropriate MMC dosage using an in vitro model of high-grade human bladder cancer. METHODS: UMUC-3 cells, a model for high-grade bladder cancer, were exposed to MMC in different time courses to assess its toxicological effects. XTT cell proliferation kit was used to evaluate the effect of MMC on the proliferation of UMUC-3 cell line. Gene expression analysis for the MDR1, BCL2 and ANXA5 genes was performed by Real-time PCR and flow cytometry analysis were conducted to evaluate the cell death mechanism and acquired resistance after MMC exposure. An ANXA5 kit was used to detect apoptotic cells, and 7-AAD was used to detect necrotic cells. RESULTS: Cell proliferation was prevented to a large extent (IC50, 0.17-0.081 mg/mL) and cytotoxic effects were observed after 5 µg/mL and 10 µg/mL MMC administrations for 1 and 2-h, after the 4th and 2nd dose cycles, respectively. Moreover, cell death was observed at 5 µg/mL and 10 µg/mL MMC applications for 1-h and 2-h by the sixth and second week, respectively. Flow cytometry exhibits increased subpopulation of drugextruding UMUC-3 cells after a single dose of MMC for 1-h. MMC did not increase the number of apoptotic or necrotic cells; yet, MDR1 (multiple drug resistance) and ANXA5 (apoptotic) expression levels were increased and BCL2 (anti-apoptotic) expression was decreased. LIMITATIONS: In-vitro nature of the study and working with only one cell culture are inherit limitations of this project. CONCLUSION: A single dose of MMC administration for 1 or 2-h results in drug-resistance. If maintenance treatment is administered for one hour, it should be continued throughout a 6-week period.

Drug resistance restricts the efficacy of short term low dose Mitomycin-C treatment in UMUC-3 bladder cancer cells

OBJECTIVE: Mitomycin-c (MMC) is the most used intravesical adjuvant agent in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer to prevent recurrence. However, a consensus on about appropriate dosage and treatment schedule of MMC is lacking. We, therefore, aimed to evaluate the most appropriate MMC dosage using an in vitro model of high-grade human bladder cancer. METHODS: UMUC-3 cells, a model for high-grade bladder cancer, were exposed to MMC in different time courses to assess its toxicological effects. XTT cell proliferation kit was used to evaluate the effect of MMC on the proliferation of UMUC-3 cell line. Gene expression analysis for the MDR1, BCL2 and ANXA5 genes was performed by Real-time PCR and flow cytometry analysis were conducted to evaluate the cell death mechanism and acquired resistance after MMC exposure. An ANXA5 kit was used to detect apoptotic cells, and 7-AAD was used to detect necrotic cells. RESULTS: Cell proliferation was prevented to a large extent (IC50, 0.175-0.081 mg/mL) and cytotoxic effects were observed after 5 μg/mL and 10 μg/mL MMC administrations for 1 and 2-h, after the 4th and 2nd dose cycles, respectively. Moreover, cell death was observed at 5 μg/mL and 10 μg/mL MMC applications for 1-h and 2-h by the sixth and second week, respectively. Flow cytometry exhibits increased subpopulation of drugextruding UMUC-3 cells after a single dose of MMC for 1-h. MMC did not increase the number of apoptotic or necrotic cells; yet, MDR1 (multiple drug resistance) and ANXA5 (apoptotic) expression levels were increased and BCL2 (anti-apoptotic) expression was decreased. Limitations: In-vitro nature of the study and working with only one cell culture are inherit limitations of this project. CONCLUSION: A single dose of MMC administration for 1 or 2-h results in drug-resistance. If maintenance treatment is administered for one hour, it should be continued throughout a 6-week period

OBJETIVO: La Mitomicina C (MMC) es el agente intravesical adyuvante más utilizado para prevenir recurrencias en cáncer vesical no musculo invasivo.Sin embargo, no hay un consenso sobre la dosis y el régimen terapeutico apropiado. Buscamos evaluar la dosis más apropiada de MMC utilizando un modelo in vitro de cáncer vesical humano de alto grado. MÉTODOS: Se realizó una exposición de las células UMUC 3, un modelo de cáncer vesical de alto grado, a MMC en diferentes regímenes temporales para evaluar sus efectos toxicológicos. Se utilizó el kit de proliferación celular XTT para evaluar el efecto de la MMC sobre la proliferación de la línea celular UMUC-3. Se analizó la expresión génica de los genes MDR1, BCL2 y ANXA5 mediante PCR a tiempo real y análisis de citometría de flujo para evaluar el mecanismo de muerte celular y resistencia adquirida después de la exposición a MMC. Se utilizó un Kit ANXA5 para detectar células apoptóticas, y AAD-7 para detectar células necróticas. RESULTADOS: La proliferación celular fue impedida en gran medida (IC50, 0,175-0,081 mg/mL) y se observaron efectos citotóxicos con la administración de 5 μg/mL y 10 mig/mL de MMC durante 1 y 2 horas después del 4º y 2º ciclo de dosis, respectivamente. Además, se observó muerte celular con la aplicación de MMC en dosis de 5 mig/mL y 10 μg/mL durante 1 y 2 horas en la sexta y segunda semana, respectivamente. La citometría de flujo mostró aumento de la subpoblación de células UMUC-3 que extruían el fármaco después de una dosis única durante 1 hora. La MMC no aumentó el número de células apoptóticas o necróticas; pero, los niveles de expresión de MDR1 (Múltiple drug resistance- resistencia múltiple a fármacos) y ANXA5 (apoptóticas) aumentaron y los de BCL2 (anti-apoptóticas) disminuyeron. Limitaciones: La naturaleza in-vitro del estudio y trabajar sólo con un cultivo celular son limitaciones esenciales de este proyecto. CONCLUSIONES: La administración de una dosis única de MMC durante 1-2 horas da como resultado resistencia a fármacos. El tratamiento debe continuarse durante un periodo de 6 semanas

The relation between Ring Box-1 protein overexpression and tumor grade and stage in bladder urothelial cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Ring Box Protein-1 (RBX-1), a component of SCF E3 ubiquitin ligases, has a crucial role in bladder urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC) carcinogenesis and progression. OBJECTIVES: In the present study, it is aimed to determine the expression of RBX-1 protein in bladder UCC and the association between tumor grade, stage and RBX-1 expression. METHODS: Ninety UCC samples and 20 samples containing foci of normal bladder urothelium were recruited and analyzed immunohistochemically in terms of RBX-1 expression. Immuno-reactivity scoring system (IRS) was used to determine RBX-1 expression levels. RESULTS: RBX-1 overexpression was associated with high tumor grade (p= 0.001) and advanced stage (p= 0.001). pT1 tumors showed higher RBX-1 expression than pTa tumors. pT2 tumors showed not only higher expression than pTa tumors but also higher expression than the total of pTa and pT1 groups combined. There was no statistically significant relation between RBX-1 expression and patient gender (p= 0.116) or age (p= 0.191). CONCLUSIONS: In bladder UCC, RBX-1 overexpression is associated with high tumor grade and advanced stage and represents biological potential of invasiveness and aggressive disease. Results of the present study have to be supported with further studies to reveal clinical and therapeutic implications of RBX-1 overexpression in bladder UCC.

The predictive value of platelet to lymphocyte and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in determining urethral stricture after transurethral resection of prostate.

OBJECTIVE: The pathology of urethral stricture disease is still unclear however progressive inflammation may contribute to the development of urethral stricture. The platelet-to- lymphocyte ratio (PLR) is a new and simple marker that indicates inflammation. In this study we aimed to investigate the predictive value of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and PLR in patients with urethral stricture who underwent transurethral resection of prostate (TURP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 208 patients who underwent bipolar-TURP were included in this study. Patients who had previously undergone surgery due to any urethral pathology, posterior urethral strictures, previous or ongoing treatment for any cancer, hematologic disorders, presence of an active infection at the time of surgical intervention, and prior blood transfusion were excluded. PLR, NLR and red cell distribution width (RDW) levels were measured. In order to investigate the predictive values of NLR and PLR variables, binary logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of age, NLR, RDW, prostate size and operative times. Statistically significant differences were presented only in the median PLR- values. For predicting urethral stricture, the optimal cut-off value was 112.5, (sensitivity: 0.84, specificity: 0.64; AUC=0.762, 95% CI 0.684-0.84). CONCLUSION: In this study we showed that PLR can be used to determine urethral stricture as a cost-effective, common, and simple biomarker in patients after TURP.

Color Doppler ultrasound characteristics after subinguinal microscopic varicocelectomy.

AIM: The present study evaluated the effect of differences in the peak systolic velocity (PSV) and resistive index (RI) in the testicular artery (TA), capsular artery (CA), and intratesticular artery (ITA) after microscopic subinguinal varicocelectomy (MSV) on postoperative pain and semen parameters. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Scrotal color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) measurements were made in 33 patients (age 18-31 years) prior to MSV and 3 and 6 months after MSV. Pain was recorded using a visual analog scale and sperm concentration was determined to analyze the predictive value of the CDUS parameters regarding surgical outcome. RESULTS: A significant decrease in pain scores was observed in most patients at both follow-ups. The first postoperative CDUS revealed a significant increase in the TA-PSV (p<0.001) and a decrease in the TA-RI (p=0.002) and CARI (p=0.006). The second postoperative CDUS also revealed a significant increase in the TA-PSV and a decrease in the TA-RI, and the PSV in the ITA and CA and RI in the ITA and CA were significantly different from the values obtained pre-operatively and at the first follow-up. A negative correlation was found between the pain level and TA-PSV (r=-0.433, p=0.012), whereas sperm concentration positively correlated with both the TA-PSV and CA-PSV (r=0.534, p=0.001 and r=0.455, p=0.008, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The PSV and RI are useful parameters for detecting changes in testicular microhemodynamics after MSV. In addition, the TA-PSV and CA-PSV can be used to predict improvements in pain and sperm concentration.

Spontaneous Nephrocutaneous Fistula With Tuberculous Autonephrectomy: A Case Report of a Delayed Diagnosis.

INTRODUCTION: Spontaneous nephrocutaneous fistula is a rare manifestation of renal disease that can occur due to various etiologies, such as renal calculus, chronic pyelonephritis, stricture of the ureteropelvic junction, and renal tuberculosis (TB). An autonephrectomy with a nephrocutaneous fistula due to renal tuberculosis can be diagnosed quite late if it is not suspected. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a spontaneous nephrocutaneous fistula with tuberculous autonephrectomy. A 40-year-old white male with recurrent flank pain and intermittent purulent drainage from his right flank region for the previous 14 years was admitted to our outpatient clinic. Fistulography and computerized tomography demonstrated a 51 × 60 mm area with a soft-tissue appearance that implied autonephrectomy of the right kidney, and a fistula tract with a 9 mm diameter between the skin and the retroperitoneal space. The patient was successfully treated with nephroureterectomy and excision of the fistulous tract, followed by antituberculous treatment. The pathological examination of the surgical specimen revealed chronic atrophic pyelonephritis, calcifications, and necrotizing granulomatous inflammation suggestive of TB. CONCLUSIONS: Urogenital TB is difficult to diagnose due to the lack of specific symptoms and signs. In the case of a nonfunctioning kidney without an obvious cause and a chronic spontaneous nephrocutaneous fistula, the possibility of associated renal TB should be kept in mind, especially in immunocompromised patients or in places where TB is a common health problem.

Eosinophilic Cystitis: A Rare Cause of Nocturnal Enuresis in Children.

INTRODUCTION: Eosinophilic cystitis (EC) is a rare and poorly understood inflammatory condition, characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of all layers of the bladder wall, which mimics bladder tumors. EC may present with symptoms such as increased urination frequency, dysuria, gross/microscopic hematuria, suprapubic pain and urinary retention. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a 17-year-old male patient, who was continent night and day in his childhood, and was admitted to our clinic for complaints of hematuria and nocturnal enuresis for the past six months. His history and physical examination were unremarkable, and routine hematological and biochemical tests were normal. Cystoscopy revealed a 4 × 3 cm erythematous, polypoidal, solid lesion on the bladder dome. Histopathological examination of the lesion revealed transitional epithelium with stromal edema, where diffuse, dense infiltration of lamina propria by eosinophils and lymphocytes was also seen. According to these findings, a histopathological diagnosis of EC was made, and the patient was treated with corticosteroids, antimicrobial agents and antihistamines. His symptoms dramatically improved and nocturnal enuresis also recovered after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Although it is a rare entity, EC should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with dysuria, hematuria and any kind of acquired voiding dysfunction, including frequency, pollakiuria and incontinence.

A novel cannulation technique for difficult urethral catheterization.

INTRODUCTION: To propose a novel cannulation technique for difficult urethral catheterization procedures. TECHNIQUE: The sheath tip of an intravenous catheter is cut off, replaced to the needle tip and pushed through the distal drainage side hole to Foley catheter tip, and finally withdrawn for cannulation. In situations making urethral catheterization difficult, a guide wire is placed under direct vision. The modified Foley catheter is slid successfully over the guide wire from its distal end throughout the urethral passage into the bladder. RESULTS: The modified Foley catheter was used successfully in our clinic in cases requiring difficult urethral catheterization. CONCLUSIONS: This easy and rapid modification of a Foley catheter may minimize the potential complications of blind catheter placement in standard catheterization.

Association of ring box-1 protein overexpression with clinicopathologic prognostic parameters in prostate carcinoma.

AIM: To determine the expression of Ring Box-1 (RBX-1) protein in prostate carcinoma (PCa) and the association between RBX-1 expression and clinicopathologic prognostic parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Relevant data such as age, preoperative serum PSA values, and tumor stage were obtained from 51 patients' with PCa record who underwent radical prostatectomy between January 2010 and March 2014. Hematoxylin-eosin stained pathology slides were evaluated by 2 pathologists blinded to patients' data in order to determine Gleason grade groups, tumor stage, tumor volume, capsule invasion, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, and seminal vesicle invasion. Immunoreactivity scoring system (IRS) was used to determine RBX-1 expressions. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was determined in terms of RBX-1 expression between non tumoral prostate tissue, high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (H-PIN) and carcinoma foci (P = 0.001). RBX-1 expression in the Gleason pattern 4 was higher than the Gleason pattern 3 and H-PIN foci as well as non tumoral prostate tissue. Likewise, in cases with PSA levels of>10.1ng/ml, RBX-1 expression was higher than those≤10ng/ml. Moreover, RBX-1 expression of stage II cases was higher than stage I (P = 0.019), RBX-1 expression of stage III higher than stage I cases (P = 0.044). However, RBX-1 expression was not related with clinicopathologic parameters including patient age, tumor volume, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, seminal vesicle invasion, or capsule invasion. CONCLUSIONS: RBX-1 protein is overexpressed in PCa and associated with clinicopathologic prognostic parameters related with biological potential of the aggressive disease. Further studies of basic and molecular science are needed to reveal clinical and therapeutic implications of RBX-1 in PCa.