Transcutaneous tibial nerve electrical stimulation versus vaginal electrical stimulation in women with overactive bladder syndrome: Is there a role for short-term interventions?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of vaginal electrical stimulation (VS) versus transcutaneous tibial nerve electrical stimulation (TTNS) in women with overactive bladder syndrome (OAB). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-nine patients were randomized to receive 12 sessions of VS versus TTNS, or no treatment (control group-CG), over 6 weeks. OAB impact according to international consultation on incontinence questionnaire overactive bladder module (ICIQ-OAB), symptoms discomfort scores and voiding diaries were evaluated at baseline, 6 weeks and 1-month post-treatment. RESULTS: Both TTNS (mean difference = -4.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] = -6.5 to -1.9) and VS (-3.8; -6.0 to -1.6) were associated with significant reduction of ICIQ-OAB scores, as well as discomfort sensation (-3.9; -6.2 to -1,7; p < 0.001 for the TTNS and -2.8; -5.0 to -0.6; p = 0.01 for the VS) at 6 weeks when compared to CG (p < 0.001). ICIQ-OAB score remained low only in the TTNS group when compared to the CG (-3.6; -6.0 to -1.2/p = 0.00) 1 month after treatment. Discomfort symptoms improved in both active groups when compared to CG (TTNS [-3.2; -5.2 to -1.2; p < 0.001] and VS groups [-2.6; -4.7 to -0.6; p = 0.01]). No statistically differences were found in primary outcomes comparing TTNS and VS Secondary analysis showed significant improvement in urinary urgency incontinence episodes (UUI) in both TTNS and VS, but CG. UUI episodes were still reduced in the VS group and urgency in the TTNS group 1-month post-treatment. CONCLUSION: Short-term interventions (6 weeks) of TTNS and VS were both effective in treating women with OAB. TTNS provided residual effects at one-month postintervention on ICIQ-OAB score.

Incontinence outcomes in women undergoing retropubic mid-urethral sling: a retrospective cohort study comparing Safyre™ and handmade sling

ABSTRACT Purpose This study examined and compared efficacy, safety, satisfaction, and complications of the retropubic Safyre™ sling and a retropubic hand-made synthetic sling (HMS) in a short-, mid- and long-term follow-up. Methods We retrospectively reviewed a prospectively maintained database of women who underwent Safyre™ or HMS between March 7ths 2005 and December 27ths, 2017. Patients had first assessment (7-10 days), second (40-45 days), and third (sixth month) postoperatively. Between September and December 2018, patients who completed at least one year of surgery, received a telephone call. Follow-up compared quartiles of follow-up time to determine complications (Clavien-Dindo), success rates (International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire for Urinary Incontinence Short Form - ICIQ-UI SF), and patient satisfaction. Results Three hundred fifty-one patients underwent surgery and 221 (63%) were evaluated after a median of 78.47 (± 38.69) months, 125 (55%) in the HMS, and 96 (45%) in the Safyre™ group. Higher intraoperative bladder injury was observed with Safyre™ (0% vs. 4.2%, p=0.034), and a tendency for urinary retention, requiring indwelling urinary catheter over 24 hours (2.4% vs. 8.3%, p=0.061). Both HMS (p<0.001) and Safyre™ (p<0.001) presented improvements on ICIQ-UI SF. There were no differences in satisfaction, subjective cure rates, ICIQ-UI SF, or complications between groups. Conclusions Both HMS and Safyre™ have similar satisfaction and subjective cure rates, with marked ICIQ-UI SF score improvement. Higher rates of intraoperative bladder injury were seen in patients who received Safyre™ retropubic sling.

Incontinence outcomes in women undergoing retropubic mid-urethral sling: a retrospective cohort study comparing Safyre™ and handmade sling.

PURPOSE: This study examined and compared efficacy, safety, satisfaction, and complications of the retropubic Safyre™ sling and a retropubic hand-made synthetic sling (HMS) in a short-, mid- and long-term follow-up. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a prospectively maintained database of women who underwent Safyre™ or HMS between March 7ths 2005 and December 27ths, 2017. Patients had first assessment (7-10 days), second (40-45 days), and third (sixth month) postoperatively. Between September and December 2018, patients who completed at least one year of surgery, received a telephone call. Follow-up compared quartiles of follow-up time to determine complications (Clavien-Dindo), success rates (International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire for Urinary Incontinence Short Form - ICIQ-UI SF), and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Three hundred fifty-one patients underwent surgery and 221 (63%) were evaluated after a median of 78.47 (± 38.69) months, 125 (55%) in the HMS, and 96 (45%) in the Safyre™ group. Higher intraoperative bladder injury was observed with Safyre™ (0% vs. 4.2%, p=0.034), and a tendency for urinary retention, requiring indwelling urinary catheter over 24 hours (2.4% vs. 8.3%, p=0.061). Both HMS (p<0.001) and Safyre™ (p<0.001) presented improvements on ICIQ-UI SF. There were no differences in satisfaction, subjective cure rates, ICIQ-UI SF, or complications between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Both HMS and Safyre™ have similar satisfaction and subjective cure rates, with marked ICIQ-UI SF score improvement. Higher rates of intraoperative bladder injury were seen in patients who received Safyre™ retropubic sling.

Is There a Link Between Carotid Atherosclerosis and Idiopathic Overactive Bladder Among Women with Metabolic Syndrome?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the association between increased intima-media thickness (IMT) and atherosclerotic carotid plaque (CP) with idiopathic overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) in women with metabolic syndrome (MetS). METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study, which included consecutive women aged 40-75 years with MetS, seeking medical assistance at a reference center between April and December 2016. OAB-V8 questionnaire was used to estimate the prevalence of OAB symptoms, which were defined by a score ≥8 points. All patients underwent bilateral carotid artery ultrasound to assess IMT and CP. Atherosclerosis was defined by the identification of CP during ultrasound, which was diagnosed according to the Mannheim carotid intima-media thickness and plaque consensus. RESULTS: Forty-five women were prospectively included. Mean age was 60±9.3 years (range 40-75 ys). Eighteen (40%) patients were diagnosed with OAB. IMT in the general population was 0.72 mm (SD = 0.20). Overall prevalence of atherosclerosis, defined by the presence of the carotid artery plaque, was 51%. OAB prevalence among women with atherosclerosis was higher than in those without atherosclerosis (56.52% versus 22.73%), with a prevalence ratio of 2.49 (p=0.04). Additionally, OAB was associated with degree of carotid stenosis (p = 0.029). CONCLUSION: In this cohort of female patients with MetS, there was an association between carotid atherosclerosis and OAB. Identification of carotid ultrasound abnormalities may lead to refined treatment decision-making among OAB patients.

Saphenous reflux patterns in C2 patients: A record of 1196 ultrasound reports.

OBJECTIVES: To describe saphenous reflux patterns in patients classified as CEAP C2 by analysis of 2027 vascular ultrasound examination reports. METHODS: A total of 2027 venous mapping studies were reviewed and 1196 patients classified as CEAP C2 were selected. Patients were classified according to patterns of reflux for the great saphenous vein and for the small saphenous vein, and rates of great saphenous vein and small saphenous vein reflux were analyzed for both sexes. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of saphenous vein reflux was 45%. Males had significantly higher great saphenous vein reflux prevalence than females (p < 0.001). The most common great saphenous vein reflux pattern in females was segmental reflux and the most common pattern in males was proximal reflux. CONCLUSIONS: Saphenous vein reflux is common in C2 patients and is more frequent in males. Standardization of classifications of reflux patterns is very important for correct management of the disease.

Seminal citrate is superior to PSA for detecting clinically significant prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: To establish whether the citrate concentration in the seminal fluid ([CITRATE]) measured by means of high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1HNMRS) is superior to the serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentration in detecting of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) in men with persistently elevated PSA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The group of patients consisted of 31 consecutively seen men with histological diagnosis of clinically localized csPCa. The control group consisted of 28 men under long-term follow-up (mean of 8.7 ± 3.0 years) for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), with persistently elevated PSA (above 4 ng/mL) and several prostate biopsies negative for cancer (mean of 2.7 ± 1.3 biopsies per control). Samples of blood and seminal fluid (by masturbation) for measurement of PSA and citrate concentration, respectively, were collected from patients and controls. Citrate concentration in the seminal fluid ([CITRATE]) was determined by means of 1HNMRS. The capacities of PSA and [CITRATE] to predict csPCa were compared by means of univariate analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS: Median [CITRATE] was significantly lower among patients with csPCa compared to controls (3.93 mM/l vs. 15.53 mM/l). There was no significant difference in mean PSA between patients and controls (9.42 ng/mL vs. 8.57 ng/mL). The accuracy of [CITRATE] for detecting csPCa was significantly superior compared to PSA (74.8% vs. 54.8%). CONCLUSION: Measurement of [CITRATE] by means of 1HNMRS is superior to PSA for early detection of csPCa in men with elevated PSA.

Seminal citrate is superior to PSA for detecting clinically significant prostate cancer

ABSTRACT Purpose: To establish whether the citrate concentration in the seminal fluid ([CITRATE]) measured by means of high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1HNMRS) is superior to the serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentration in detecting of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) in men with persistently elevated PSA. Materials and Methods: The group of patients consisted of 31 consecutively seen men with histological diagnosis of clinically localized csPCa. The control group consisted of 28 men under long-term follow-up (mean of 8.7 ± 3.0 years) for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), with persistently elevated PSA (above 4 ng/mL) and several prostate biopsies negative for cancer (mean of 2.7 ± 1.3 biopsies per control). Samples of blood and seminal fluid (by masturbation) for measurement of PSA and citrate concentration, respectively, were collected from patients and controls. Citrate concentration in the seminal fluid ([CITRATE]) was determined by means of 1HNMRS. The capacities of PSA and [CITRATE] to predict csPCa were compared by means of univariate analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results: Median [CITRATE] was significantly lower among patients with csPCa compared to controls (3.93 mM/l vs. 15.53 mM/l). There was no significant difference in mean PSA between patients and controls (9.42 ng/mL vs. 8.57 ng/mL). The accuracy of [CITRATE] for detecting csPCa was significantly superior compared to PSA (74.8% vs. 54.8%). Conclusion: Measurement of [CITRATE] by means of 1HNMRS is superior to PSA for early detection of csPCa in men with elevated PSA.

Analysis of peripheral T cells and the CC chemokine receptor (CCR5) delta32 polymorphism in prostate cancer patients treated with carboxymethyl-glucan (CM-G).

ß-Glucan, derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is a biological response modifier which affects the innate and adaptive immune responses. The CCR5 chemokine receptor is crucial for immune cell responses. In this study, the effects of the carboxymethylated form of ß-glucan (CM-G) on the lymphocyte population of CCR5 genotype patients with prostate cancer (PCa), undergoing androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) was assessed. The CCR5 genotype and lymphocyte population was investigated by cytometry flow in 30 Brazilian patients with advanced PCa who were treated with CM-G for 28 days. The analysis of the CCR5 chemokine receptor revealed that the wild-type genotype Wt/Wt was present in 80% of patients, while the heterozygotic genotype Wt/delta32 was present in 20% of patients. After CM-G administration, a significant increase in CD3(+), CD4(+) and CD8(+) T lymphocytes was observed in patients who displayed the wild-type genotype for the CCR5 chemokine receptor. No association was found between patient's age or length of ADT and increase in T lymphocyte cells. The results demonstrated the ability of CM-G to stimulate CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells in the peripheral blood of patients carrying a wild-type CCR5 genotype, suggesting an interaction between immunomodulation by CM-G and the CCR5 receptor.

Protective effect of carboxymethyl-glucan (CM-G) against DNA damage in patients with advanced prostate cancer.

Carboxymethyl-glucan (CM-G) is a soluble derivative from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (1 → 3)(1 → 6)-ß-D-glucan. The protective efficiency of CM-G against DNA damage in cells from patients with advanced prostate cancer (PCa), and undergoing Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT), was evaluated. DNA damage scores were obtained by the comet assay, both before and after treatment with CM-G. The reduction in DNA damage, ranging from 18% to 87%, with an average of 59%, was not related to the increased number of leukocytes in peripheral blood. The results demonstrate for the first time the protective effect of CM-G against DNA damage in patients with advanced PCa. Among smokers, three presented the highest reduction in DNA damage after treatment with CM-G. There was no observable relationship between DNA damage scores before and after treatment, and age, alcoholism and radiotherapy.

Protective effect of carboxymethyl-glucan (CM-G) against DNA damage in patients with advanced prostate cancer

Carboxymethyl-glucan (CM-G) is a soluble derivative from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (1 → 3)(1 → 6)-β-D-glucan. The protective efficiency of CM-G against DNA damage in cells from patients with advanced prostate cancer (PCa), and undergoing Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT), was evaluated. DNA damage scores were obtained by the comet assay, both before and after treatment with CM-G. The reduction in DNA damage, ranging from 18 percent to 87 percent, with an average of 59 percent, was not related to the increased number of leukocytes in peripheral blood. The results demonstrate for the first time the protective effect of CM-G against DNA damage in patients with advanced PCa. Among smokers, three presented the highest reduction in DNA damage after treatment with CM-G. There was no observable relationship between DNA damage scores before and after treatment, and age, alcoholism and radiotherapy.

Association between polymorphisms in the biometabolism genes CYP1A1, GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 in bladder cancer.

Numerous enzymes, including Cytochrome P450s (phase I) and Glutathione-S-transferases (phase II), are involved in the metabolic activation and detoxification of carcinogens. Epidemiological studies have consistently demonstrated that bladder cancer is strongly associated with cigarette smoking, and the risk for the development of this neoplasia may be modified by individual differences in carcinogen-metabolizing genes. We investigated the relationship between polymorphisms in the CYP1A1, GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 genes in a case-control study with 100 bladder cancer patients and 100 controls matched for age, gender, race, and smoking status. The GSTM1, GSTT1, CYP1A1 (A2455-->G), and GSTP1 (A313-->G) genotypes were determined using a multiplex PCR, an allele specific PCR, and a restriction fragment length polymorphism-PCR method. The present case-controlled association study did not detect any positive or negative association for the GSTM1 and GSTP1 genes [odds ratios (OR) = 1.35; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.76-2.41 and OR = 0.75; 95% CI = 0.41-1.38, respectively]. Notably, the genes GSTT1 and CYP1A1 exhibited a statistically significant association with bladder cancer (OR = 1.77; 95% CI = 1.01-3.12 and OR = 1.99; 95% CI = 1.07-3.73). No differences for GSTM1 and GSTP1 genotype prevalence between the bladder cancer cases and the controls were observed, however, the null genotype for the GSTT1 gene and the A/G and G/G variants of the CYP1A1 gene may contribute to the development of bladder cancer.

Comparison of ferrous sulfate and ferrous glycinate chelate for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in gastrectomized patients.

OBJECTIVES: Postgastrectomy iron deficiency anemia has a variable prevalence and occurs in 20-50% of patients. Food fortification reports examining ferrous glycinate chelate have shown that it can be 2.5-3.4 times more bioavailable than ferrous sulfate, with minimal gastrointestinal symptoms. The present study was designed as a controlled experimental study including 18 gastrectomized patients with iron deficiency anemia to compare the effects of ferrous sulfate and ferrous glycinate chelate in the treatment of anemia and to evaluate the presence of side effects. METHODS: Patients were divided in two groups: group 1 received ferrous sulfate (200 mg twice a day, corresponding to 80 mg of elemental iron) and group 2 received ferrous glycinate chelate (250 mg/d, corresponding to 50 mg of elemental iron) for 4 mo. Laboratory measurements were performed at baseline and after 2 and 4 mo. RESULTS: Group 1 showed an apparent recovery in laboratory parameters, with increases in medium corpuscular hemoglobin (P = 0.02), serum iron (P = 0.02), and ferritin (P = 0.04), and a decrease in transferrin (P = 0.002) after 4 mo. Individualized analysis showed that only one patient using ferrous sulfate had anemia at the end of the study in contrast to six patients using ferrous glycinate. In addition, ferritin levels increased above 20 microg/L at the end of the study in seven patients using ferrous sulfate in contrast to one patient using ferrous glycinate. CONCLUSION: Patients with iron deficiency anemia after gastrectomy treated with ferrous sulfate had better results in hematologic laboratory parameters than those who used ferrous glycinate chelate.

Prognostic factors in carcinoma of the penis and survival analysis based on the lymph node status

Introduction: Squamous cell carcinoma of the penis is a rare disease in the developed world but common in underdeveloped countries. We have evaluated the prognostic factors related to penile carcinoma and assessed the outcome of patients regarding the lymph node status at two institutions. Materials and methods: Between January 1990 and December 2003, 87 patients with a clinical diagnosis of penile carcinoma had been treated at Instituto de Cancer de Londrina and Universidade Estadual de Londrina and were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who were followed for more than 18 months or until death due to penile cancer were evaluated for prognostic factors. Overall survival was calculated according to lymph node status. Results: Overall survival according to lymph node status at presentation, showed a poor outcome for patients with palpable lymph nodes compared with those with clinically negative lymph node (2-year survival of 20 and 68 respectively, p < 0.0005). The same was observed in those who presented delayed lymphadenopathy compared with patients who persisted N0 during follow-up time (2-year-survival of 28 and 90 respectively, p < 0.0005). Forty eight patients were assessed for prognostic factors. Histological grade and pathological stage were all statistically significant at univariate analysis regarding disease-free survival. Conclusion: Patients with positive lymph node had a poor overall survival regardless whether or not an immediate or a delayed lymphadenectomy had been performed. Histological grade and pathological stage were the only variables statistically significant at univariate analysis with respect to disease-free survival.

Cárie dentária: conscientizaçäo e prevençäo / Dental caries: conscientization and prevention

Nossa regiäo de atuaçao foi o bairro Maria Cecília, regiäo norte de Londrina - PR, área de abrangência da Unidade Básica de Saúde Maria Cecília. Nesse estudo da cárie dentária fizemos uma revisäo bibliográfica sobre o que é, como se forma e suas consequências, para que pudéssemos através de métodos verificar a conscientizaçäo da populaçäo quanto à higiene bucal, dificuldades na prevençäo da cárie e os trabalhos realizados para a prevençäo. Os métodos empregados foram: entrevistas com profissionais da área, pessoas ligadas à área de estudo, questionário, análise de dados, etc. Com os resultados em mäos concluímos que a populaçäo pode ter acesso aos conhecimentos de prevençäo à cárie, já que tem a escova dental, porém podem näo estar seguindo certas regras de higiene bucal, podendo haver aí falta de conscientizaçäo da importância destas normas