Efficacy of electromagnetic extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy on high-density ureteral stones.

INTRODUCTION: Our aim was to evaluate electromagnetic extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) in treating high-density radiopaque ureteral stones on non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Adult patients with radiopaque stones in the ureter who underwent SWL in a high volume center between 2016 and 2017 were retrospectively included. NCCT characteristics such as mean stone density (MSD), stone size, skin to stone distance (SSD) were recorded before treatment. Treatment success was defined as complete stone clearance (SF). RESULTS: 108 patients were included. Global stones MSD was 1119 HU. 55% and 62% of patients were SF respectively after 1 and 2 sessions of SWL. There was no difference of success rates between the treatment of low MSD (<1000 HU, n=33) and high MSD (≥1000 HU, n=75) (P=0.57, OR=0.79, 95% CI [0.35-1.80]). The SF rate dropped to 31.6% for 19 patients with ureteral stenting before treatment (P=0.02, OR=3.34, 95% CI [1.16-9.62]). Mean stone size was 7.2mm, SF rate for stones over 7mm were statistically lower (P=0.04, OR=2.18, 95% CI [1.00-4.73]). 4 patients needed ureteral stenting in emergency after SWL (3.7%). DISCUSSION: Electromagnetic SWL is a safe and effective way to treat ureteral stones. A high-density stone on NCCT may not be detrimental. Many parameters should be involved in the treatment decision such as stone size and ureteral stenting. LEVEL OF PROOF: 4.

Ethics committee recommendations for laboratory animals in private research in France.

Complementary to existing legislation, non-public research companies in France have been working together voluntarily within an organization known as Grice (Interprofessional Working Group on Ethics Committees for Laboratory Animals/Groupe de Réflexion Interprofessionnel sur les Comites d'Ethique appliquée à l'animal de laboratoire) with the objective of creating institutional ethics committees in an effort to promote animal welfare and good scientific procedures. Each company's commitment to the creation of these committees has been expressed by signing the Charter. Each ethics committee is composed of at least three members, including one who is not a scientist; a veterinarian is highly desirable. The committee examines all procedures and protocols involving animals and hands down a favourable or unfavourable opinion, or requests improvements, especially concerning animal well-being. Consensual approval of the protocol is an essential requirement before the purchase or allocation of animals. The committee examines every aspect of laboratory animal housing and care, and inspects all temporary or permanent animal housing facilities. Grice will continue its efforts in relation with public research organizations as well as with groups and in other countries whose objectives are in line with its own.

Estimation of blood levels of endothelin and neurokinin receptor antagonists at the rat portal and jugular veins after oral administration as a tool in peptide drug design.

The blood concentration of three representative endothelin and four neurokinin receptor antagonists were monitored both at the portal and jugular vein of rats 30, 60 and 90 min after oral administration. Peptide-derived structures, in the size range tetra-pentapeptides, were shown to be absorbed in the reverse order of their log P values, to be weakly metabolized in the first hepatic transit and to maintain high blood levels during the observation time. These interesting results obtained by a simple and convenient UV assay, stress once again the importance of monitoring oral absorption early in the process of peptide drug design.