Encapsulation of Imidazole into Ce-Modified Mesoporous KIT-6 for High Anhydrous Proton Conductivity.

Imidazole molecules entrapped in porous materials can exhibit high and stable proton conductivity suitable for elevated temperature (>373 K) fuel cell applications. In this study, new anhydrous proton conductors based on imidazole and mesoporous KIT-6 were prepared. To explore the impact of the acidic nature of the porous matrix on proton conduction, a series of KIT-6 materials with varying Si/Al ratios and pure silica materials were synthesized. These materials were additionally modified with cerium atoms to enhance their Brønsted acidity. TPD-NH3 and esterification model reaction confirmed that incorporating aluminum into the silica framework and subsequent modification with cerium atoms generated additional acidic sites. UV-Vis and XPS identified the presence of Ce3+ and Ce4+ in the KIT-6 materials, indicating that high-temperature treatment after cerium introduction may lead to partial cerium incorporation into the framework. EIS studies demonstrated that dispersing imidazole within the KIT-6 matrices resulted in composites showing high proton conductivity over a wide temperature range (300-393 K). The presence of weak acidic centers, particularly Brønsted sites, was found to be beneficial for achieving high conductivity. Cerium-modified composites exhibited conductivity surpassing that of molten imidazole, with the highest conductivity (1.13 × 10-3 S/cm at 393 K) recorded under anhydrous conditions for Ce-KIT-6. Furthermore, all tested composites maintained high stability over multiple heating and cooling cycles.

Fine-Tuning the Photocatalytic Activity of the Anatase {1 0 1} Facet through Dopant-Controlled Reduction of the Spontaneously Present Donor State Density.

The present study highlights the importance of the net density of charge carriers at the ground state on photocatalytic activity of the faceted particles, which can be seen as a highly underexplored problem. To investigate it in detail, we have systematically doped {1 0 1} enclosed anatase nanoparticles with Gd3+ ions to manipulate the charge carrier concentration. Furthermore, control experiments using an analogical Nb5+ doped sample were performed to discuss photocatalytic activity in the increased range of free electrons. Overall results showed significant enhancement of phenol degradation rate and coumarin hydroxylation, together with an increase of the designed Gd/Ti ratio up to 0.5 at. %. Simultaneously, the mineralization efficiency, measured as a TOC reduction, was controlled between the samples. The observed activity enhancement is connected with the controlled decrease of the donor state density within the materials, being the net effect of the spontaneously present defects and introduced dopants, witch reduce hydroxylation and the hole trapping ability of the {1 0 1} facets. This allows to fine-tune multi-/single-electron processes occurring over the prepared samples, leading to clear activity maxima for 4-nitrophenol reduction, H2O2 generation, and ·OH formation observed for different donor densities. The optimized material exceeds the activity of the TiO2 P25 for phenol degradation by 52% (377% after surface normalization), showing its suitable design for water treatment. These results present a promising approach to boost photocatalyst activity as the combined result of the exposed crystal facet and dopant-optimized density of ground-state charge carriers.

Investigation of spectroscopic and electrical properties of doped poly(pyrrole-3-carboxylic acid).

The spectroscopic and electrical properties of poly(pyrrole-3-carboxylic acid) doped with p-TSA- (p-toluenesulfonate) and AQS- (anthraquinone sulfonate) were investigated. The variation in electrical conductivity as a function of temperature shows that the systems have semiconductor-like electrical characteristics. The investigated polymers exhibit 3D conductivity and less than 0.6 eV energy gaps. The IR and Raman spectra show that the charge carriers are polarons and bipolarons. Doping the poly(pyrrole-3-carboxylic acid) increases the number of charge carriers. Electron paramagnetic resonance has shown that localized polarons and bipolarons are formed within these polymers.

To trust or not to trust: evaluating the reliability and safety of AI responses to laryngeal cancer queries.

PURPOSE: As online health information-seeking surges, concerns mount over the quality and safety of accessible content, potentially leading to patient harm through misinformation. On one hand, the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare could prevent it; on the other hand, questions raise regarding the quality and safety of the medical information provided. As laryngeal cancer is a prevalent head and neck malignancy, this study aims to evaluate the utility and safety of three large language models (LLMs) as sources of patient information about laryngeal cancer. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using three LLMs (ChatGPT 3.5, ChatGPT 4.0, and Bard). A questionnaire comprising 36 inquiries about laryngeal cancer was categorised into diagnosis (11 questions), treatment (9 questions), novelties and upcoming treatments (4 questions), controversies (8 questions), and sources of information (4 questions). The population of reviewers consisted of 3 groups, including ENT specialists, junior physicians, and non-medicals, who graded the responses. Each physician evaluated each question twice for each model, while non-medicals only once. Everyone was blinded to the model type, and the question order was shuffled. Outcome evaluations were based on a safety score (1-3) and a Global Quality Score (GQS, 1-5). Results were compared between LLMs. The study included iterative assessments and statistical validations. RESULTS: Analysis revealed that ChatGPT 3.5 scored highest in both safety (mean: 2.70) and GQS (mean: 3.95). ChatGPT 4.0 and Bard had lower safety scores of 2.56 and 2.42, respectively, with corresponding quality scores of 3.65 and 3.38. Inter-rater reliability was consistent, with less than 3% discrepancy. About 4.2% of responses fell into the lowest safety category (1), particularly in the novelty category. Non-medical reviewers' quality assessments correlated moderately (r = 0.67) with response length. CONCLUSIONS: LLMs can be valuable resources for patients seeking information on laryngeal cancer. ChatGPT 3.5 provided the most reliable and safe responses among the models evaluated.

Synthesis and Characterization of Proton-Conducting Composites Prepared by Introducing Imidazole or 1,2,4-Triazole into AlPO-5 and SAPO-5 Molecular Sieves.

The present work concerns proton-conducting composites obtained by replacing the water molecules present in aluminophosphate and silicoaluminophosphate AFI-type molecular sieves (AlPO-5 and SAPO-5) with azole molecules (imidazole or 1,2,4-triazole). Both the introduction of azoles and the generation of Brønsted acid centers by isomorphous substitution in aluminophosphate materials were aimed at improving the proton conductivity of the materials and its stability. In the presented study, AlPO-5 and several SAPO-5 materials differing in silicon content were synthesized. The obtained porous matrices were studied using PXRD, low-temperature nitrogen sorption, TPD-NH3, FTIR, and SEM. The proton conductivity of composites was measured using impedance spectroscopy. The results show that the increase in silicon content of the porous matrices is accompanied by an increase in their acidity. However, this does not translate into an increase in the conductivity of the azole composites. Triazole composites show lower conductivity and significantly higher activation energies than imidazole composites; however, most triazole composites show much higher stability. The different conductivity values for imidazole and triazole composites may be due to differences in chemical properties of the azoles.

Feasibility and accuracy of prostate cancer risk calculators in prediction of prostate cancer, extraprostatic extension as well as the risk of lymph nodes metastasis.

Introduction: The aim of this article was to evaluate the accuracy of European Randomized study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC 4) and Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT 2.0) risk calculator on predicting high-grade prostate cancer (HGPCa) and accuracy of Partin and Briganti nomograms on organ confined (OC) or extraprostatic cancer (EXP), seminal vesicles invasion (SVI) and risk of lymph nodes metastasis. Material and methods: A cohort of 269 men aged between 44-84 years, who underwent radical prostatectomy was retrospectively analysed. Based on estimated calculator risk, patients were divided into risk groups: low (LR), medium (MR) and high (HR). Results obtained with calculators were compared to post-surgical final pathology outcome. Results: In ERPSC4, the average risk for HGPC was LR = 5%, MR = 21%, and HR = 64%. In PCPT 2.0, the average risk for HG was: LR - 8%, MR - 14%, and HR - 30%. In the final results, HGPC was observed in: LR = 29%, MR = 67%, and HR = 81%. In Partin, LNI was estimated to occur in: LR = 1%, MR = 2%, and HR = 7.5% and in Briganti: LR = 1.8%, MR = 11.4%, and HR = 44.2% while finally it was found in: LR = 1.3%, MR = 0%, and HR = 11.6%. Conclusions: ERPSC 4 and PCPT 2.0 corresponded well with each other as well as Partin and Briganti. ERPSC 4 was more accurate in predicting HGPC than PCPT 2.0. Partin was more accurate as for LNI than Briganti. In this study group a large underestimation was observed in reference to Gleason grade.

Synthesis, characterization, and application of 2D/2D TiO2-GO-ZnFe2O4 obtained by the fluorine-free lyophilization method for solar light-driven photocatalytic degradation of ibuprofen.

In this study, we report the potential of 2D/2D TiO2-GO-ZnFe2O4 photocatalyst obtained using the fluorine-free lyophilization technique for the degradation of ibuprofen belonging to the group of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API). The improved ibuprofen degradation under simulated solar light was achieved in the presence of a composite of 2D TiO2 combined with GO and embedded ZnFe2O4, which additionally provides superparamagnetic properties and enables photocatalyst separation after the photodegradation process. After only 20 min of the photodegradation process in the presence of 2D/2D TiO2-GO-ZnFe2O4 composite, more than 90% of ibuprofen was degraded under simulated solar light, leading to non-toxic and more susceptible to biodegradation intermediates. At the same time, photolysis of ibuprofen led to the formation of more toxic intermediates. Furthermore, based on the photocatalytic degradation analysis, the degradation by-products and possible photodegradation pathways of ibuprofen were investigated. The photodegradation tests and electronic spin resonance analyses indicated the significant involvement of superoxide radicals and singlet oxygen in the ibuprofen photodegradation process.

Structural studies and selected physical investigations of LiCoO2 obtained by combustion synthesis.

Nanocrystalline powders of LiCoO2 were synthesized using a modified solution combustion method, and the effects of the annealing temperature (450-900 °C) on structure and composition were investigated using various methods, including XRD, SEM, EPR, and electrical studies. It was found that, as the process temperature increases, the value of the specific surface area decreases, and, hence, the size of the crystallites increases. XRD analysis showed that phase-pure LiCoO2 material was maintained without additional phases. EPR studies revealed the presence of two Ni3+ complexes resulting from Ni impurities. The electrical properties of the studied LiCoO2 samples were investigated by using impedance spectroscopy. Comparison of the effect of annealing temperature on electrical conductivity shows a very interesting behavior. As the annealing temperature increases, the DC conductivity value increases, reaching a maximum at a temperature of 500 °C. However, further increase in the annealing temperature causes a steady decrease in the DC conductivity.

Influence of Antibiotic Administration on the Urinary Bladder Cancer Early Recurrence Rate.

Bladder cancer tends to recur, making treatment one of the most expensive in oncology. The limited efficacy and high cost of adjuvant therapies in the treatment of bladder cancer prompt research on new drugs which could replace them. In vitro studies have established that antibiotics can have a cytostatic and cytotoxic effect on urinary bladder cancer cells. The objective of the study was to investigate the influence of antibiotics on the recurrence rate of bladder cancer. In a retrospective study, we analyzed a group of 199 patients with urinary bladder cancer from four urological centers. The study groups consisted of 40 patients who received ciprofloxacin and 83 patients who received beta-lactams as perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis. The control group included 76 patients who did not get perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis. The groups were analyzed for risk stratification, degree of malignancy, and size of the primary tumor. The average follow-up time was 24 months. The main focus of the study was to investigate the early recurrence rate of bladder cancer among studied groups, which could correlate with the effectiveness of currently used intravesical instillations. Additionally, cancer's early progression was examined. Regardless of the division used, the highest recurrence rate was found in the ciprofloxacin group. There were no statistical differences in the recurrence rate between patients who received beta-lactams and patients who did not receive any antibiotics. In addition, there were no differences due to the progression rate between the groups. Perioperative antibiotic administration does not influence the early recurrence rate in patients with nonmuscle invasive urothelial bladder cancer.

inPhocus: Current State and Challenges of Phage Research in Singapore.

Bacteriophages and phage-derived proteins are a promising class of antibacterial agents that experience a growing worldwide interest. To map ongoing phage research in Singapore and neighboring countries, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore (NTU) and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS) recently co-organized a virtual symposium on Bacteriophage and Bacteriophage-Derived Technologies, which was attended by more than 80 participants. Topics were discussed relating to phage life cycles, diversity, the roles of phages in biofilms and the human gut microbiome, engineered phage lysins to combat polymicrobial infections in wounds, and the challenges and prospects of clinical phage therapy. This perspective summarizes major points discussed during the symposium and new perceptions that emerged after the panel discussion.

Current thromboprophylaxis in urological cancer patients during COVID-19 pandemic.

Introduction: Venous thrombosis is a well-known complication of cancer disease, especially in Urology. However, even though proper antithrombotic prophylaxis is crucial in most urological procedures, we have insufficient high-quality studies on this topic. The European Association of Urology (EAU) Guidelines are outdated and lack data on COVID-19 increased risk of thrombosis. This review aimed to summarize data on thromboprophylaxis after radical prostatectomy, cystectomy, and nephrectomy during COVID-19 pandemic. Material and methods: A thorough analysis of the EAU Guidelines of Thromboprophylaxis was performed and compared to PubMed search, considering updated literature on thromboprophylaxis of radical prostatectomy, cystectomy, nephrectomy, as well as COVID-19 influence on venous thrombosis and urological practice. Results: Each patient should be evaluated individually to balance bleeding and venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk. There is still much uncertainty in low and medium-risk patients and all endoscopic procedures, where thromboprophylaxis could be omitted. Patients with COVID infection bear a significantly higher risk of VTE. All patients should be tested for COVID infection prior to a planned surgery during bursts of infections, undependably of vaccination status. Efforts to maintain early cancer diagnosis and treatment during the pandemic should be maintained. Conclusions: The quality of evidence is inadequate, and when deciding on thromboprophylaxis, we need to base it on individual risk, cancer advancement, procedure type, and our own experience.

Sarcoidosis of the spermatic cord - case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Sarcoidosis is a multi-system disease characterized by the formation of non-caseating granulomas in various organs. The lungs remain the most frequently affected organ, whereas lesions in the genitourinary system affect around 0.2% of patients. The primary site found in the spermatic cord is extremely rare. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a patient's case where the spermatic cord involvement was the first manifestation of sarcoidosis. For several months, a number of tests had been performed, which showed, among others, non-caseating granulomas in pathomorphological material, bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy, and leukopenia with lymphopenia. Tumor markers were normal. Infection with urogenital pathogens (including Chlamydia Trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhea, Mycoplasma hominis) was excluded. The patient did not report any general symptoms such as fever, excessive fatigue, weight loss. He denied swelling, shortness of breath. At the same time, a complete differential diagnosis was carried out, and the extent of the disease was assessed. Due to interdisciplinary management, the patient's quality of life and fertility is preserved. In the discussion, we present the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of such patients. CONCLUSION: Sarcoidosis is a multi-system disease, which should not be omitted in the differential diagnosis. Selective excision of the lesion with intraoperative examination plays a significant role while establishing a diagnosis. However, in the primary site in the genitourinary system, the diagnosis is challenging.

RéSUMé: CONTEXTE: La sarcoïdose est une maladie multisystémique caractérisée par la formation de granulomes non caséeux dans divers organes. Les poumons restent l'organe le plus fréquemment touché, alors que les lésions du système génito-urinaire affectent environ 0,2% des patients. La découverte d'un site principal dans le cordon spermatique est extrêmement rare. PRéSENTATION DU CAS: Nous présentons le cas d'un patient où l'atteinte du cordon spermatique a été la première manifestation d'une sarcoïdose. Pendant plusieurs mois, un certain nombre de tests ont été effectués, qui montraient, entre autres, des granulomes non caséeux dans le matériel pathomorphologique, une lymphadénopathie hilaire bilatérale, et une leucopénie avec lymphopénie. Les marqueurs tumoraux étaient normaux. Une infection par des agents pathogènes urogénitaux (y compris Chlamydia Trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhea, Mycoplasma hominis) a été exclue. Le patient n'a signalé aucun symptôme général tel que fièvre, fatigue excessive, ou perte de poids. Il a nié toute œdème ou essoufflement. Dans le même temps, un diagnostic différentiel complet a été effectué et l'étendue de la maladie a été évaluée. Grâce à la prise en charge interdisciplinaire, la qualité de vie et la fertilité du patient ont été préservées. Dans la discussion, nous présentons le diagnostic, le traitement et le pronostic de ces patients. CONCLUSION: La sarcoïdose est une maladie multisystémique, qui ne doit pas être omise dans le diagnostic différentiel. L'excision sélective de la lésion, avec examen peropératoire, joue un rôle important lors de l'établissement d'un diagnostic. Cependant, en cas de localisation du site primaire dans le système génito-urinaire, le diagnostic est difficile.

A Comprehensive Approach to Clinical Staging of Bladder Cancer.

BACKGROUND: A significant number of patients with advanced urothelial cell carcinoma are under- or over-staged. Implementation of clinical variables could be useful for improving the accuracy of clinical staging. AIM: To explore the differences between clinical and pathological diagnosis in patients with UCC, and to identify clinical variables that might play a role in under- or overstating. MATERIALS: A total of 553 patients after radical cystectomy were included in the analysis. Clinical stage of the disease was diagnosed according to CT or MRI in relation to clinical data. RESULTS: Higher clinical stage correlated with a higher pathological stage (p < 0.00005), but in 306 patients did not correspond (142 patients were under-staged and 164 over-staged). Over half (54.2%) of the patients staged as cT1-cT2 were misdiagnosed: 137 patients were under-staged and 133 over-staged. Hydronephrosis was associated with a higher pathological stage (p < 0.000005), mostly pT3-4 (45.13% had pT4 disease) and higher risk of nodal metastasis (p = 0.0028). The highest percentage of PSM was found in patients with pT4 (33.12%). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical staging of bladder cancer is poorly executed, with one third of patients under-staged and one third over-staged. To improve accuracy, we recommend a multimodal approach, combining histopathological evaluation with results of imaging studies.

Complication Rate after Radical Cystectomy Depends on the Surgical Technique and Patient's Clinical Status.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore the complication rates of radical cystectomy in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer and identify potential risk factors. METHODS: A total of 553 patients were included: 131 were operated on via an open approach (ORC), 242 patients via a laparoscopic method (LRC), and 180 by a robot-assisted procedure (RARC). Patient age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, urinary diversion type, preoperative albumin level, body mass index (BMI), pathological (TNM) stage, and surgical times were collected. The severity of complications was classified according to the Clavien-Dindo scale (Grades 1-5). RESULTS: The surgical technique was significantly related to the number of complications (p < 0.00005). Grade 1 complications were observed most frequently following LRC (52.5%) and RARC (51.1%), whereas mostly Grade 2 complications were detected after ORC (78.6%). Those with less severe complications had significantly higher albumin levels than those with more severe complications (p < 0.05). Patients with an elevated BMI had fewer complications if a minimally invasive approach was used rather than ORC. The patient's general condition (ASA score) did not impact the number of complications, and urinary diversion type did not affect the severity of the complications. Mean surgical time differed according to the urinary diversion type in patients with a similar TNM stage (p < 0.005); however, no difference was found in those with more locally advanced disease. Longer operation time and lower protein concentration were associated with higher probability of complication rate, that is, Clavien-Dindo score 3-5. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of complications after RC is not related to the type of urinary diversion, and can be reduced by using a minimally invasive surgical technique, especially in patients with high BMI.

Zinner Syndrome-A Rare Cause of Recurrent Epididymitis and Infertility.

Zinner syndrome (ZS) is a rare disorder that affects only men. It is characterized by a triad of abnormalities, including unilateral renal agenesis, ipsilateral seminal vesicle cysts, and atresia of the ejaculatory tract. Unfortunately, there is no consensus on the best treatment modality. We describe a case of a young male patient with recurrent epididymitis, dysuria, and frequent urination. In the diagnostic evaluation, we found an extended right seminal vesicle in the ultrasound with hyperechoic fluid inside and an absence of the right kidney. We performed magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and semen analysis confirming Zinner syndrome and deteriorated semen parameters. Urethroscopic evaluation and ultrasound-guided puncture of the seminal vesicle were performed. An abscess was excluded. The cytologic evaluation showed hemosiderophages. Tamsulosin was introduced. We found no signs of relapse in a six-month observation, and the patient had no further symptoms. Therefore, minimally invasive treatment is a feasible option in young patients found with early-stage Zinner syndrome.

Age and risk of major complications in patients undergoing radical cystectomy for muscle invasive bladder cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Radical cystectomy is the treatment of choice for patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), but it may be unsafe in older patients. AIM: In this study, we investigated whether age and selected clinical characteristics were associated with outcomes of radical cystectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We enrolled 434 patients with MIBC who underwent radical cystectomy between 2012 and 2016, and we classified them into three age groups: < 65, 66-74, and ≥ 75 years. Postoperative complications were classified on the Clavien-Dindo scale. Regression models were used to find predictors of major postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo score of 3 or more), long hospital stay (> 7 days), blood loss, and operating time. The models included American Society of Anesthesiologists scores, age group, sex, body mass index, Tumor Nodes Metastasis scores, type of urine derivation (ileal conduit or orthotopic bladder vs. ureterocutaneostomy), and operation type (open vs. laparoscopic). RESULTS: In the regression models, age was not a significant predictor of major complications, long hospital stay, or blood loss (p ≥ 0.206). Older age was associated with shorter surgery times (p = 0.002). Higher preoperative American Society of Anesthesiologists scores tended to be associated with a greater risk of major complications (odds ratio, 1.47; p = 0.092). CONCLUSIONS: Older age was not associated with an increased risk of major complications in patients who undergo radical cystectomy because of MIBC. Therefore, older age alone should not be a contraindication to this operation.

Unraveling Origins of EPR Spectrum in Graphene Oxide Quantum Dots.

Carbon nanostructures are utilized in a plethora of applications ranging from biomedicine to electronics. Particularly interesting are carbon nanostructured quantum dots that can be simultaneously used for bimodal therapies with both targeting and imaging capabilities. Here, magnetic and optical properties of graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs) prepared by the top-down technique from graphene oxide and obtained using the Hummers' method were studied. Graphene oxide was ultra-sonicated, boiled in HNO3, ultra-centrifuged, and finally filtrated, reaching a mean flake size of ~30 nm with quantum dot properties. Flake size distributions were obtained from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images after consecutive preparation steps. Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) confirmed that GOQDs were still oxidized after the fabrication procedure. Magnetic and photoluminescence measurements performed on the obtained GOQDs revealed their paramagnetic behavior and broad range optical photoluminescence around 500 nm, with magnetic moments of 2.41 µB. Finally, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) was used to separate the unforeseen contributions and typically not taken into account metal contaminations, and radicals from carbon defects. This study contributes to a better understanding of magnetic properties of carbon nanostructures, which could in the future be used for the design of multimodal imaging agents.

Can laparoscopic cystectomy become the method of choice in the treatment of invasive urothelial urinary bladder cancer?

BACKGROUND: Radical cystectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy is the method of choice for muscle-invasive urothelial cell cancer (UCC) treatment and provides the best cancer-specific survival. It can be performed as an open radical cystectomy (ORC), laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) or robot-assisted surgery (RARC). OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare laparoscopic and open radical cystectomy in terms of perioperative and oncological results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 260 patients who underwent surgery due to invasive bladder cancer. A laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) was performed on 131 patients and an open radical cystectomy (ORC) on 129 patients. Group was stratified according to the urinary diversion. Oncologic results expressed as perioperative variables were analyzed, adjusted to the type of urinary diversion. RESULTS: The LRC patients were in worse perioperative condition according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score than the ORC group (3.1 and 2.52, respectively; p = 0.001). The serum protein level was significantly lower in the ORC group, with no difference in body mass index (BMI) between the groups. The median operation time was significantly shorter in the LRC group with ileal conduit and uretero-cutaneostomy than in the same groups operated using open approach (252.5 min and 180 min vs 290 min and 225 min, respectively), as was the hospital discharge time (8.18 days and 11.63 days, respectively; p = 0.004). In both LRC groups, median blood loss was lower, compared with corresponding ORC groups (325 mL and 400 ml vs 800 mL and 1,100 mL, respectively; p < 0.001 in both cases). The level of complications was significantly lower in both LRC groups than in the ORC groups (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). The lymph node yield was 12 in the LRC group and 10 in the ORC group. The LRC group had a lower positive surgical margins ratio. CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic approach should be a valid option for radical cystectomy, given the fewer complications, smaller blood loss, and shorter operating and hospitalization times experienced by patients who underwent a laparoscopic cystectomy.

Application of three-dimensional ultrasonography (3D ultrasound) to pretreatment evaluation of plastic induration of the penis (Peyronie's disease).

AIM: Peyronie's disease (PD) or plastic induration of the penis, require complete evaluation of plaques in order to decide the best therapeutic option for patient. The purpose of this study is to compare the findings of three-dimensional ultrasound (3D US) and two-dimensional ultrasound (2D US) in patients with PD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with PD aged 30 to 72 years were included in study. The examination was performed with a 12 MHz linear probe, using 2D US and 3D US. Localization and size of plaques were determined and time needed for imagine acquisition was determined in every case. RESULTS: 3D ultrasound permits the visualization of the entire plaque in the coronal plane of plaque with its precise measurements. No statistical difference in plaque dimensions and its surface area assessment using 3D US and 2D US was found (127.72 mm² vs. 128.74 mm², p>0.05). The possibility to perform detailed analysis of the acquired images using generated digital cube reduced the average duration of the acquisition to 69.8 seconds (median 64 seconds) for 3D US vs. 151.25 seconds (median 145.5 seconds) for 2D US (p<0.05). A supplementary plaque was detected using 3D US. CONCLUSIONS: 3D US seems to be a valuable complement of 2D US for patients with PD. The acquisition time is significantly reduced using 3D US comparing to 2D US and thus it is more comfortable for the patient.