A new protocol for renal collecting system sterilization with antibiotic irrigation during lithotripsy in retrograde intrarenal surgery: a prospective, comparative study.

PURPOSE: To present a new protocol using antibiotic irrigation during lithotripsy in retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) to provide sterility of the renal collecting system. METHODS: This prospective study included 102 patients who underwent RIRS between January 2022 and August 2023. The patients were examined in two groups as those who received antibiotic irrigation (n:51) and standard irrigation (n:51). In the antibiotic irrigation group, 80 mg of gentamicin was dissolved in normal saline in a 3 L irrigation pouch to obtain a 26.7 mg/L concentration. In the standard irrigation group, normal saline was used. Preoperative information, including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), ASA score, stone side, volume, and density, and the Seoul National University Renal Stone Complexity (S-ReSC) score. The groups were compared with respect to postoperative fever (> 38 °C), urinary tract infection (UTI), systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), infectious complications such as sepsis, and stone-free rate. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was determined between the groups with respect to age, sex, BMI, ASA score, stone side, volume and density, and S-ReSC score (p > 0.05 for all). Statistically significant differences were determined between the groups with respect to postoperative fever (p = 0.05), SIRS (p = 0.05), and hospital length of stay (p = 0.05). Sepsis was observed in one patient in the standard irrigation group and in none of the antibiotic irrigation group. CONCLUSION: The reliability, efficacy, and utility of antibiotic irrigation during lithotripsy in RIRS were presented in this study as a new protocol for sterilization of the renal collecting system which will be able to reduce infectious complications.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed treatment preferences of patients with proximal ureteral stones?

Background: The impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on patient decision making remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the pandemic on treatment preferences of patients with proximal ureteral stones. Materials and methods: Retrospective data regarding treatment preferences of patients diagnosed with symptomatic proximal ureteral stones between July 2018 and November 2021 at a single center were analyzed. Data from 493 patients were analyzed according to 2 groups, including patients diagnosed during the COVID-19 pandemic and those diagnosed during an equivalent period of time before the pandemic. Results: Preference for conservative treatment increased during the COVID-19 pandemic (p = 0.009). In patients who had previously undergone shock wave lithotripsy (SWL), the preference for SWL decreased and the preference for conservative treatment increased during the COVID-19 pandemic (p = 0.042). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed a significant correlation between a preference for conservative treatment during the pandemic and no prior spontaneous stone passage (p = 0.003; odds ratio [OR], 2.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.45-4.23), no hydronephrosis (p = 0.035; OR, 3.57; 95% CI, 1.34-9.49), and a visual analog scale score of 4 or less (p = 0.018; OR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.15-3.38). Conclusions: A significant increase in the preference for conservative treatment was observed among patients diagnosed during the pandemic, and patients with a history of SWL demonstrated a preference shift from SWL to conservative treatment.

A New Scoring System to Differentiate Bladder Cancer from Intravesical Prostatic Protrusion in the Bladder Neck: BCa-IPP Score.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the criteria that can predict bladder cancer among the lesions that could not be differentiated from intravesical prostate protrusion (IPP) and to create a scoring system using these criteria. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was made of patients with an ultrasound report indicating lesions in the bladder neck, for which differentiation between bladder cancer and IPP could not be determined. A total of 174 patients diagnosed with bladder cancer (n=102) or benign prostate lesion (n=72) according to the biopsy results were enrolled in the study. Hemoglobin, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), prostate volume (PV), bladder wall thickness (BWT), lesion height (LH), and the ratio of lesion width to base (LW/B) were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: ROC analysis revealed an AUC value >0.7 for all factors, and the best cut-off value was identified for each factor. In the multivariate analysis, by determining a score for each factor according to the ORs, the BCa-IPP scoring system was developed to provide a total score in the range of minimum 0 and maximum 15. In the ROC analysis, the AUC value was 0.954 (95% CI: 0.923-0.986) for the BCa-IPP score. The best cut-off value was found to be 10, with sensitivity of 0.93 and specificity of 0.85. CONCLUSION: Using simple laboratory and ultrasound findings, the BCa-IPP scoring system was created, which was seen to have high predictive value and can be easily applied in the clinic. The BCa-IPP scoring system is a non-invasive test that can be successfully applied for the differentiation of bladder cancer from benign lesions.

A new position utilizing the effect of gravity in proximal ureteral stones, ureteroscopic lithotripsy in the reverse Trendelenburg position: a prospective, randomized, comparative study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of the reverse Trendelenburg position in patients undergoing ureteroscopic lithotripsy for proximal ureteral stones. METHODS: The study included 167 patients who underwent ureteroscopic lithotripsy for proximal ureter stones between December 2020 and September 2022. The patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups: standard lithotomy (n:55), 10° reverse Trendelenburg (n:55), and 20° reverse Trendelenburg (n:57). Preoperative information, including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), previous shock wave lithotripsy (SWL), stone side, volume, and density, distance to the ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) of the stone, and hydronephrosis degree. Stone-free status was evaluated with computed tomography (CT) at 4 weeks postoperatively. The groups were compared in respect of stone migration, stone-free rate, use of flexible ureterorenoscope, operating time, postoperative length of stay in the hospital, and complications. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was determined between the groups with respect to age, sex, BMI, previous SWL, stone side, volume and density, distance to the UPJ of the stone, and hydronephrosis degree (p > 0.05 for all). Statistically significant differences were determined between the groups with respect to stone migration (p = 0.001), stone-free rate (p < 0.001), use of flexible ureterorenoscope (p = 0.01), operating time (p < 0.001), hospital length of stay (p < 0.001), postoperative fever (p = 0.002), and total complications (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: A new patient position is presented in this study, which can be used in ureteroscopic lithotripsy performed for proximal ureteral stones. The reverse Trendelenburg position constitutes a surgical method that can be used safely and successfully in the treatment of proximal ureteral stones. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04894058, 05/21/2021, Prospectively registered.

Optimal Dwelling Time for Ureteral Stents Placed for Passive Dilation after Impassable Ureteroscopy.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to determine the correlation between the dwelling time for a ureteral stent placed for passive dilation after impassable ureteroscopy and success and complications. METHODS: A retrospective evaluation was made of patients who underwent stent placement after impassable ureteroscopy and a repeat ureteroscopy due to kidney stones. A total of 161 patients were included in the study between 2015 and 2022. Demographic, clinical, preoperative, and perioperative data were collected. Logistic regression analyses were performed on the data showing a significant difference in the univariate analyses performed to determine the predictive factors of ureteroscopy after the stent dwelling period in terms of stone-free status and perioperative complications. RESULTS: Stone-free status was achieved in 110 (68.3%) of 161 patients, and perioperative complications were observed in 41 (25.4%). Factors that affected the stone-free status were determined as the dwelling time and the S-ReSC score, while factors affecting perioperative complications were the stent dwelling time and the operation time. The stone-free rates were observed to increase from 46.4% in the first 2 weeks to 72.9% after the 2nd week, an increase of 1.5-fold. Perioperative complications were determined at the rate of 17.5% during the first 5 weeks and increased 2.1-fold to 37.5% after the 5th week. CONCLUSION: It can be recommended that great care is taken during the stent dwelling period and ureteroscopy should be performed within 5 weeks (14-35 days) but no earlier than 2 weeks, so as not to affect the success of the procedure.

Comparison of Posterior and Antero-Lateral Renal Tumors in Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis.

This study aimed to compare the antero-lateral and posterior localized renal masses in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy with the retroperitoneal approach in terms of operative, functional, and oncological outcomes. Patients who underwent retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy by a single surgeon between January 2013 and January 2021 were included in the study. A one-to-one propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was conducted to obtain two balanced groups. The patients were divided into two groups as posterior and antero-lateral according to the localization of the mass. A total of 239 patients were included in the PSM analysis, with 65 patients allocated to each group. The mean operative time was 79.2 ± 11.2 min in the posterior group, while it was 90.0 ± 11.6 min in the antero-lateral group (P < 0.001). Warm ischemia time was 15.9 ± 2.4 min in the posterior group and 18.6 ± 2.7 min in the antero-lateral group (P < 0.001). The median decrease in eGFR at 1 year was 4.8 (IQR, 2.9-6.9) mL/min in the posterior group and 5.0 (IQR, 2.8-11) mL/min in the antero-lateral group (P = 0.219). The warm ischemia time and clamping technique were found to be significant factors for predicting eGFR change after surgery (ß:0.693, 95% CI: 0.39-0.99, P < 0.001; ß:6.43, 95% CI: 1.1-11.7, P = 0.017, respectively). We report that retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy provided longer warm -ischemia and operative time for antero-lateral renal masses than posterior masses. However, long-term oncological and functional results were similar for both localizations.

Predictive factors affecting morcellation efficiency in holmium laser enucleation of the prostate.

PURPOSE: To determine the factors affecting morcellation efficiency in holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent HoLEP surgery by a single surgeon between 2018 and 2022 were included in the study. Our primary outcome of interest in this study was morcellation efficiency. The effect of preoperative and perioperative variables on morcellation efficiency was evaluated with linear regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 410 patients were included in the study. The mean morcellation efficiency was 6.95±1.70 g/min. Univariable and multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to identify factors affecting morcellation efficiency. Presence of the "beach ball" effect (small, round prostatic tissue fragments that are fibrotic and difficult to morcellate), the learning curve, resectoscope sheath type, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) density, morcellated tissue weight, and the presence of prostate calcification were found to be independent predictive factors (ß=-1.107, 95% CI: -1.59 to -0.55, p<0.001; ß=-0.514, 95% CI: -0.85 to -0.17, p=0.003; ß=-0.394, 95% CI: -0.65 to -0.13, p=0.003; ß=-0.302, 95% CI: -0.59 to -0.09, p=0.043; ß=0.062, 95% CI: 0.05 to 0.06, p<0.001; ß=-0.329, 95% CI: -0.55 to -0.10, p=0.004; respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study reports that presence of the beach ball effect, the learning curve, small resectoscope sheath, PSA density, and presence of prostate calcification negatively affect morcellation efficiency. On the contrary, morcellated tissue weight has a linear relationship with morcellation efficiency.

[Effectiveness of mepolizumab in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma: In a real life study]. / Agir eozinofilik astimli hastalarda mepolizumab etkinligi: Bir gerçek yasam çalismasi.

Introduction: We analyzed the effects of mepolizumab treatment on symptoms, asthma attacks, pulmonary function test parameters peripheral blood eosinophil level, and percentage in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma receiving mepolizumab treatment as the baseline, sixth and twelfthmonth data. Materials and Methods: The medical records of patients diagnosed with severe eosinophilic asthma and treated with mepolizumab at our clinic were retrospectively reviewed for the period between January 2018 and December 2021. Demographic data of the patients, duration of asthma disease, comorbidities such as a nasal polyp, eosinophilic granulomatous polyangiitis, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug exacerbated respiratory disease were investigated. A comparison was made of various factors before initiating mepolizumab treatment, as well as at the sixth and twelfth month after treatment initiation. These factors include asthma control test scores, frequency of asthma attacks (including emergency admissions, hospitalizations, and intensive care admissions), peripheral blood eosinophil levels and percentages, and pulmonary function test parameters. Clinic and laboratory parameters that provide a prediction of being a responder and super responder were evaluated. Result: A total of 21 patients were included in the study. Their mean age was 50.7 ± 11.9 years, and four (19%) were males. The mean duration of asthma diagnosis was 17.5 ±13.7 years. 14 patients (66.7%) were atopic. 4 patients (19%) had nasal polyps and four patients (19%) had NERD. Before mepolizumab, 13 (61.9%) patients had received omalizumab. The duration of receiving mepolizumab treatment was 29.2 ± 9.9 months. A statistically significant decrease was observed in both the number and percentage of eosinophils at months six and 12 (p<0.01). There was a statistically significant increase in FEV1 values both as a percentage and in milliliters at month 12. There was an increase in both percentage and milliliters in FEF25-75 values, but this increase did not reach statistical significance. There was a decrease in service admissions, intensive care admissions, and emergency admissions due to asthma exacerbations. Out of 21 patients, 11 (52.4%) were classified as responders, while 10 (47.6%) were classified as super responders. Conclusions: Although the number of patients in our study was limited, mepolizumab improved symptom scores in severe eosinophilic asthma, reduced the number of attacks, and improved pulmonary function test values.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected patients with primary bladder cancer?

PURPOSE: The COVID-19-induced effects of primary bladder cancer (BC) patients have not yet been clarified. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the pandemic on the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of primary BC patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective single-center analysis was made of all patients who underwent diagnostic and surgical procedures due to primary BC between November 2018 and July 2021. A total of 275 patients were identified and allocated to one of the groups: Pre-COVIDBC (BC diagnosed before the COVID-19 pandemic) or COVIDBC (during the pandemic). RESULTS: The BC patients diagnosed during the pandemic were mostly at higher stages (T2) (p = 0.04), the risk of non-muscle invasive BC (NMIBC) was higher (p = 0.02), and recurrence and progression scores were increased (p = 0.001) compared to patients diagnosed before the pandemic. The time to surgery from diagnosis (p = 0.001) and symptom duration (p = 0.04) were significantly prolonged during the pandemic and the rate of follow-up significantly decreased (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The study results highlight the significant increase in muscle invasive BC and the very high risk of NMIBC in patients presenting during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ANTECEDENTES: Los efectos inducidos por la COVID-19 en pacientes con cáncer de vejiga primario no están aclarados actualmente. OBJETIVO: Investigar los efectos de la pandemia en el diagnóstico, el tratamiento y el seguimiento del cáncer de vejiga primario. MÉTODO: Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo unicéntrico de todos los pacientes que se sometieron a procedimientos diagnósticos y quirúrgicos por cáncer primario de vejiga durante noviembre de 2018 y julio de 2021. Se incluyeron 275 pacientes en el estudio. Los pacientes fueron asignados a uno de dos grupos: pre-COVIDBC (antes de la pandemia) o COVIDBC (durante la pandemia). RESULTADOS: Los pacientes con cáncer de vejiga diagnosticados durante la pandemia se encontraban en su mayoría en estadios más altos (T2) (p = 0.04), el grupo de riesgo era más alto en el cáncer de vejiga no invasivo del músculo (p = 0.02), y la recurrencia y las puntuaciones de progresión aumentaron (p = 0.001) en comparación con antes del período pandémico. Además, el tiempo hasta la cirugía desde el diagnóstico (p = 0.001) y la duración de los síntomas (p = 0.04) aumentaron considerablemente durante la pandemia, y la tasa de seguimiento disminuyó significativamente (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONES: Destaca el aumento significativo del cáncer de vejiga invasivo del músculo y del cáncer de vejiga no invasivo del músculo de muy alto riesgo durante la pandemia.

Perspective of Workers' Union Representatives on COVID-19 Measures in Turkish Workplaces in the First Year of the Pandemic

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2, the virus causing coronavirus disease-2019, is a biological hazard in workplaces. Thus, protective measures should be applied. Despite their potential role, the perspective of workplace representatives on coronavirus disease-2019 measures is rarely investigated. Aims: To assess the perspective of workplace union representatives on coronavirus disease-2019 measures in their workplaces in the first year of the pandemic in Turkey. Study Design: A descriptive observational study. Methods: This national descriptive study included workplace chief representatives of 33 workers' unions. A 42-item electronic survey was used to collect data to evaluate the practice of job organization, social distancing and personal protective equipment use, sanitization, and occupational safety and health training. Results: The study included 509 workplace chief representatives' responses. Results showed that several administrative measures, including suspending production or work, encouraging workers to take leave, implementing alternate work schedules, isolating any coronavirus disease-2019 case from other workers in a designated room, and avoiding face-to-face meetings, were not available in more than half of the workplaces. The mean number of available measures was significantly high (p < 0.001) in the industrial sector and workplaces with 250 or more workers. Almost all union representatives (98.8%) reported at least one diagnosis of coronavirus disease-2019 among workers, and 12.6% reported a positive history of coronavirus disease-2019-related mortality. The regression model for any history of coronavirus disease-2019 mortality in workers demonstrated a significantly increased association with workplaces with 250 or more workers compared with workplaces with less than 250 workers (odds ratio =2.99, 95% confidence interval =1.65-5.44, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The results indicate failure in administrative measures and the need for improvement in medium- and small-sized workplaces and the non-industrial sector. All local and national stakeholders need to pay special attention to address these issues. Future studies should evaluate on-site coronavirus disease-2019 workplace measures and their effectiveness.

Update on occupational health nursing through 21st century requirements: A three-round Delphi study.

BACKGROUND: Occupational health nurses have promoted health and practiced at a strategic level for many years, and are closely aligned with public health and policies, workplace and environmental regulations, and changes in the nursing profession. OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out to create a consensus text on the definition, qualifications, responsibilities, and education of occupational health nurses based on the 21st century requirements. DESIGN AND METHODS: A Delphi panel of public health nursing academicians, occupational health nurses, other health professionals, faculty members of public health, and occupational physicians. A consensus-building approach using three rounds of e-Delphi technique were used, with 45 participants in the first round, 41 in the second round, and 36 in the third round. Data were collected in all three rounds with Google Forms between October 28, 2021, to February 28, 2022. Qualitative content analysis was performed in the first round, and mean, standard deviation, median, and mode values were presented based on the answers to the 5-point Likert questions in the second and third rounds. Values of at least 80 % and above were used for the consensus text in the third round. RESULTS: 62.2 % of the participants were female. The mean age was found 47.71 ± 11.03 years. The experts reached a consensus on the definition of occupational health nurse by emphasizing professionalism, effective communication, record keeping, nursing knowledge, skills, equipment, and competence in the field, with a participation of 91.7 %. A consensus was reached on the qualifications including observation, examination, evaluation, research, health promotion, compliance with confidentiality and ethical rules, and working in harmony with the team, with a participation of 94.4 %. The responsibilities of occupational health nurses included to create a healthy and safe workplace, participate in periodic health examinations, maintain effective communication with employees, acting in accordance with ethical principles, provide continuous professional development, and perform health education and promotion, guidance, and counseling. Experts specified that occupational injuries and diseases, duties, authorities, and responsibilities of the occupational health nurse, occupational health and safety legislation, health education, risk assessment, effective communication, and health literacy need to be integrated into the content of certificate program with 97.7 % participation. A maximum of 500 h for the total duration of the certificate training was suggested. CONCLUSIONS: The expert panel opinions provide a wide perspective for competencies, and educational standards of occupational health nurses. The results could assist in initiating the infrastructure of multidisciplinary postgraduate education programs, developing national and international collaborations, and increasing the number of scientific events should contribute to the professional development of occupational health nursing. Future research should focus on imbedding these consensus items in national and international certificate programs to prepare qualified advanced occupational health nurses.

Effect of Re-TUR time on recurrence and progression in high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the significance of time to re-staging transurethral resection (re-TUR) on recurrence and progression rates in patients with high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer as a prospective randomized study. METHODS: The patients were randomly separated into three groups according to Re-TUR timing. In Groups 1, 2, and 3, the time interval between initial and re-TUR was 14-28 days, 29-42 days, and 43-56 days, respectively. Cox regression analysis was used to assess the effect of time from initial TUR to re-TUR on oncological outcomes. RESULTS: Twenty patients in Group 1 (14-28 days), 22 patients in Group 2 (29-42 days), and 29 patients in Group 3 (43-56 days) completed the study. Kaplan-Meier plots showed no differences in recurrence-free survival (RFS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates between the three groups. Cox regression analysis demonstrated that only tumor number was found to be a prognostic factor on RFS rates. CONCLUSION: Our prospective study demonstrated that time laps from initial TUR to re-TUR did not significantly affect on RFS and PFS rates.

OBJETIVO: Nuestro objetivo fue investigar la importancia del tiempo para volver a estadificar la resección transuretral (re-RTU) en las tasas de recurrencia y progresión en pacientes con cáncer de vejiga no músculo invasivo de alto riesgo como un estudio prospectivo aleatorizado. MÉTODO: Los pacientes se separaron aleatoriamente en 3 grupos de acuerdo con el tiempo de Re-TUR. En el grupo 1, 2 y 3, el intervalo de tiempo entre la RTU inicial y la nueva fue de 14 a 28 días, 29 a 42 días y 43 a 56 días, respectivamente. Cox para evaluar el efecto del tiempo desde la RTU inicial hasta la nueva RTU sobre los resultados oncológicos. RESULTADOS: Veinte pacientes del grupo 1, 22 pacientes del grupo 2, 29 pacientes del grupo 3 completaron el estudio. Los gráficos de Kaplan-Meier no mostraron diferencias en las tasas de SLR y SLP entre los tres grupos. El análisis de regresión de Cox demostró que solo se encontró que el número de tumores era un factor pronóstico en las tasas de RFS. CONCLUSIÓN: Nuestro estudio prospectivo demostró que los lapsos de tiempo desde la RTU inicial hasta la nueva RTU no afectaron significativamente las tasas de SLR y SLP.

Gene-Editing Technologies and Applications in Legumes: Progress, Evolution, and Future Prospects.

Legumes are rich in protein and phytochemicals and have provided a healthy diet for human beings for thousands of years. In recognition of the important role they play in human nutrition and agricultural production, the researchers have made great efforts to gain new genetic traits in legumes such as yield, stress tolerance, and nutritional quality. In recent years, the significant increase in genomic resources for legume plants has prepared the groundwork for applying cutting-edge breeding technologies, such as transgenic technologies, genome editing, and genomic selection for crop improvement. In addition to the different genome editing technologies including the CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing system, this review article discusses the recent advances in plant-specific gene-editing methods, as well as problems and potential benefits associated with the improvement of legume crops with important agronomic properties. The genome editing technologies have been effectively used in different legume plants including model legumes like alfalfa and lotus, as well as crops like soybean, cowpea, and chickpea. We also discussed gene-editing methods used in legumes and the improvements of agronomic traits in model and recalcitrant legumes. Despite the immense opportunities genome editing can offer to the breeding of legumes, governmental regulatory restrictions present a major concern. In this context, the comparison of the regulatory framework of genome editing strategies in the European Union and the United States of America was also discussed. Gene-editing technologies have opened up new possibilities for the improvement of significant agronomic traits in legume breeding.

The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with testicular germ cell tumor.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the referral, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of germ cell tumor (GCT). Methods: A retrospective single-center analysis of all patients who underwent diagnostic and surgical procedures due to GCT was performed from September 2018 to September 2021. Results: 65 patients were enrolled into the study by dividing them into two groups as before pandemic (Pre-CovGCT) and during the pandemic (CovGCT). 33 patients in the Pre-CovGCT group and 32 patients in the CovGCT group were evaluated and compared. A significant increase was observed for symptom duration (p = 0.018), the duration between diagnosis and surgical procedure (p = 0.028), and occult metastasis risk of stage 1 tumors (p = 0.05) during the pandemic period. Conclusions: The duration of symptoms and the duration between the diagnosis and surgical procedure were prolonged in GCT patients diagnosed during the pandemic. Furthermore, an increased risk of occult metastasis has been observed in stage 1 GCT patients. We underline the importance of raising the awareness of patients about admission to the hospital without delay in the presence of testicular cancer symptoms and recommend to be careful not to delay the treatment process.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Work-Related Asthma in Hospital Cleaning Workers.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and evaluate the risk factors of work-related asthma among professional hospital cleaning workers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In total, 278 cleaning workers were interviewed (response rate: 75.7%), and pulmonary function tests were performed. The presence of asthma and its work-relatedness was evaluated. Serial peak expiratory flow measurements were planned according to symptoms increased at work or spirometric findings. RESULTS: Totally 40 cleaning workers had asthma (14.3%); of these, 17 (6.1%) had work-related asthma, and 23 (8.2%) had non-work- related asthma. Non-work-related asthma and work-related asthma were significantly associated with the females(odds ratio 95% CI: 3.0, 1.1-8.4, and 3.2, 1.0-10.3, respectively). Non-work-related asthma was significantly associated with a family history of asthma (odds ratio 95%CI: 5.1, 2.0-13.2 and 2.8, 0.99-7.9, respectively) and limescale remover use at work (odds ratio, 95% CI: 0.21, 0.04-0.97, and 1.7, 0.5-5.2, respectively). Only 7 (28.0%) of 25 cleaning workers who were suggested serial peak expiratory flow measurements could complete the measurements. Of those, measurements of 2 cleaning workers were consistent with occupational asthma. CONCLUSION: The negative association between limescale remover use at work and non-work-related asthma suggested health selec- tion bias (avoidance behavior) due to the asthmatic effects of these chemicals.

The Awareness and Empowerment Aspects of the Needlesticks and Other Sharps Injuries and Reporting in Nursing Education: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

BACKGROUND: Occurrence and underreporting of needlesticks and other sharps injuries (NSIs) are still immediate concerns among nursing students. This study examined the relationship between occupational health and safety (OHS) awareness and empowerment levels of nursing students and the occurrence and reporting of NSIs. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among purposively selected 840 students in a nursing school in 2018-2019. A self-report questionnaire was used to collect data about students' sociodemographic characteristics, OHS awareness and empowerment levels, and NSIs characteristics. After bivariate analyses, multivariate logistic regression was used. RESULTS: The number of evaluated questionnaires was 469, for a response rate of 55.8%. Participants, 21.2% (n = 99), had suffered NSIs, and 47.8% had reported their injuries. The NSIs were statistically related to age, academic year, working night shift, OHS awareness level of students, and the number of clinical placements completed by students. The odds of experiencing NSIs was 2.3 (95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.0, 5.3]) times higher in male students, 4.3 (95% CI = [2.4, 7.4]) times higher in those beyond the second academic year, and 2.5 (95% CI = [1.4, 4.4]) times higher in those who had received OHS training for a shorter period than the average duration. CONCLUSION/APPLICATION TO PRACTICE: The levels of awareness and empowerment were higher in students who received OHS and NSIs prevention training and those who received OHS training for the above-average duration. Increasing awareness and empowerment levels of nursing students through training can reduce the occurrence and the underreporting of NSIs.

Extraperitoneal Laparoscopic Versus Transperitoneal Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Approaches for Extended Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection During Radical Prostatectomy.

Background: We aim to directly compare the feasibility and safety of extended pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) during transperitoneal robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (Tp-RARP) and extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (Ep-LRP). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively identified the prospectively maintained database records of 162 patients diagnosed with prostate cancer (PC) who underwent Ep-LRP or Tp-RARP with extended PLND. Patients with risk of nodal metastases over 5% according to Briganti nomogram received extended PLND. All data analyzed in this study were based on the documentation in our PC database including age, body mass index, Charlson comorbidity index score, preoperative prostate-specific antigen, history of abdominal surgery, biopsy Gleason score, total operation time, postoperative pelvic drainage time, pathological results, lymph node yield (LNY), percentage lymph node involvement (%LNI), and perioperative complications. Patients were followed up for biochemical recurrence in the postoperative period. Results: Eighty-two of the 162 enrolled patients were in group 1 (Ep-LRP+PLND) and 80 were in group 2 (Tp-RARP+PLND). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups regarding preoperative demographics and clinical characteristics. The median LNY was 17 (range 8-27) and 17.5 (range 10-29) in groups 1 and 2, respectively, and no statistically significant difference was found. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of biochemical recurrence-free survival with mean follow-up of 44.8 months after radical surgery. Conclusion: Our results support the view that extended PLND through the Ep-LRP approach is a feasible and safe procedure without compromising oncological efficacy compared with a similar template attempted during Tp-RARP. Clinical Trial Registration number is 01/21-2.

Comparison of plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels after robot-assisted laparoscopic and retropubic radical prostatectomy: an observational study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Patients undergoing radical prostatectomy are at increased risk of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) because of intraoperative bleeding, obstructive uropathy, and older age. Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) may become important for diagnosis of postoperative AKI after urogenital oncosurgery. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of NGAL as a predictor of AKI diagnosis in patients who underwent Retropubic Radical Prostatectomy (RRP) and Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy (RALP) for prostate cancer. METHODS: We included 66 patients who underwent RRP (n = 32) or RALP (n = 34) in this prospective, comparative, nonrandomized study. Patients' demographic data, duration of surgery and anesthesia, amount of blood products, vasopressor therapy, intraoperative blood loss, fluid administration, length of hospital stay, creatinine, and plasma NGAL levels were recorded. RESULTS: Intraoperative blood loss, crystalloid fluid administration, and length of hospital stay were significantly shorter in RALP. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of intraoperative blood transfusion. Postoperative creatinine and plasma NGAL levels were increased in both groups. The 6-h NGAL levels were higher in RRP (p = 0.026). The incidence of AKI was 28.12% in RRP and 26.05% in RALP, respectively. The NGAL level at 6 hours was more sensitive in the early diagnosis of AKI in RALP. CONCLUSION: Although postoperative serum NGAL levels were increased in both RRP and RALP, the 6-h NGAL levels were higher in RRP. RALP was associated with fewer intraoperative blood loss and fluid administration, and shorter length of hospital stay.

Comparison of three different modalities for the treatment of bladder calculi by size.

PURPOSE: Treatment recommendations for kidney or ureteral stones are based on stone size; however, this is uncertain for bladder stones. This study aims to determine the best approach to bladder stones based on their size. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 401 patients with bladder stones. Patients were divided into three different groups according to stone size (11-20 mm, 21-30 mm, 31-40 mm as groups 1, 2, and 3 respectively). Patients had transurethral cystolithotripsy (TUCL), percutaneous cystolithotripsy (PCCL), and open cystolithotomy (OCL) performed. RESULTS: Stone fragments were removed completely in all patients. When catheter time, postoperative stay, and hematocrit decrease values were compared, the results were significantly higher for OCL in all three groups (p: 0.001). When the relationship between stone sizes and operation time is evaluated, TUCL had shorter operation times (34.1 ± 10.6 min) in group 1. However, TUCL had longer operation times in group 2 and group 3 compared to OCL and PCCL. CONCLUSION: TUCL may be preferable due to better postoperative outcomes and shorter operative time for ⩽2 cm stones. As the stone size increases, PCCL is more favorable in terms of operation time.

Efficacy of Obturator Nerve Block During Transurethral Resection on Non-muscle invasive Intermediate and High Risk Lateral Wall Bladder Tumours: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study.

PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate the effects of obturator nerve block (ONB) on obturator reflex, incomplete resection, perforation, progression and recurrence of tumor, presence of muscle tissue in the specimen, need for a second transurethral resection (TURBT) of bladder tumors, and postoperative complications in patients who underwent TURBT for intermediate-high risk lateral wall non-muscle invasive bladder cancers (NMIBC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients were assigned to one of two groups by drawing lots: ONB or none ONB. Early and late recurrence, tumor progression, obturator reflex beat, incomplete resection, perforation, presence of muscle layer in pathology, second TURBT application, operation time, postoperative hospital stay, and complications were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The median follow-up time of the study was32 (23-41) months. Interquartile range (IQR) was 9. Tumor recurrence at the 3rd month cystoscopy controls was observed in 5 (9.8%) patients in the ONB group, while it was observed in 11 (20.8%) patients in the nONB group (p=0.01). Late tumor recurrence was observed in 10 patients (19.6%) in the ONB group, and in 20 patients (37.7%) in the nONB group (p=0.041). The RFS rate at 12th month was 84% in the ONB group, 69% in the nONB group, 79% in the ONB group at 36th month, and 58% in the nONB group at 36 months, the PFS rate was 94% in the ONB group, while it was 85% in the nONB group (p=0.041). CONCLUSION: Our study showed that ONB decrease the early and late recurrence and increase recurrence free survival in patients with intermediate-high risk lateral wall bladder cancer.