bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Could spinal anesthesia be a choice for retrograde intrarenal surgery
Authors: Karabulut Ibrahim , Koc Erdem , Yilmaz Ali Haydar , Ahiskali Elif Oral , Keskin Ercument , Adanur Senol , Resorlu Berkan 
Published: June 2018

Objective: In this study, we aimed to compare cases of retrograde intrarenal surgery performed under spinal or general anesthesia through investigating relevant parameters for the first time in the literature. Material and method: In total, 86 patients with diagnosis of kidney stone who were treated by retrograde intrarenal surgery were included in this randomized controlled prospective study. In total, 43 of these operations were performed under spinal anesthesia (group I) and 43 were performed under general anesthesia (group II). The groups were compared in terms of demographic features, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, duration of operation, complication rates, postoperative visual analogue scale, postoperative hospitalization period, stone-free rates, and cost value ratios. Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of demographic findings, preoperative stone loads, postoperative stone-free rates, complication rates and postoperative hospitalization periods (p > 0.05). Postoperative visual analogue scale scores and cost value ratios were found statistically significantly lower in the spinal anesthesia group (group I) when compared with the general anesthesia group (group II; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Performing retrograde intrarenal surgery in the presence of spinal anesthesia is equally effective with general anesthesia. Spinal anesthesia also appears to be a more advantageous method due to statistically significantly lower mean postoperative pain scores and treatment cost value ratios.
Perioperative inadvertent hypothermia among urology patients who underwent transurethral resection with either TURis or transurethral resection of the prostate method
Authors: Chalari Eleftheria , Intas George , Zyga Sofia , Fildissis Georgios , Tolia Maria , Toutziaris Chrysovalantis , Tsoukalas Nikolaos , Kyrgias George , Panoutsopoulos Georgios 
Published: June 2018

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate the incidence of perioperative hypothermia in urology patients undergoing transurethral resection with either TURis or transurethral resection of the prostate method and to recognize the risk factors that were responsible for the occurrence of hypothermia intraoperatively in these patients. Methods: It was a randomized prospective study. A total of 168 patients, according to American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I–III, were scheduled for transurethral resection either with TURis or transurethral resection of the prostate method. We measured the core body temperature before (preoperative), during (perioperative) and after (postoperative) the surgery. Age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, duration of surgery, preoperative prostatic volume, and vital signs were also recorded. Results: The prevalence of inadvertent hypothermia was 64.1% for the TURis group and 60% for the transurethral resection of the prostate group. Hypothermic patients in TURis group were significantly older (87.7 ± 1.7 vs 68 ± 6.7 years, p < 0.05) and had lower body mass index (26.9 ± 3.6 vs 29.2 ± 2.7, p < 0.05), while hypothermic patients in the transurethral resection of the prostate group were significantly older (86 ± 1.1 vs 70 ± 7.4 years, p < 0.05) and had notably higher duration of surgery (140.6 ± 28.9 vs 120.3 ± 14.3 min, p < 0.05) than normothermic patients. Conclusion: Perioperative inadvertent hypothermia among urology patients who underwent transurethral resection with both TURis and transurethral resection of the prostate method is of high incidence. We recommend monitoring of the temperature of core body of all these patients, especially those with advanced age and lower body mass index.
Relevance of testicular histopathology on prediction of sperm retrieval rates in case of non-obstructive and obstructive azoospermia
Authors: Cito Gianmartin , Coccia Maria E , Dabizzi Sara , Morselli Simone , Della Camera Pier A , Cocci Andrea , Criscuoli Luciana , Picone Rita , De Carlo Candida , Nesi Gabriella , Micelli Elisabetta , Serni Sergio , Carini Marco , Natali Alessandro 
Published: June 2018

Introduction: The aim of our research was to establish the relevance of testicular histopathology on sperm retrieval after testicular sperm extraction in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia and in patients with obstructive azoospermia, who already underwent a previous failure testicular fine needle aspiration. Methods: We evaluated a total of 82 azoospermic men, underwent testicular sperm extraction, referring to the Assisted Reproductive Technology Centre of the University of Florence, Italy between January 2008 and March 2017. A general and genital physical examination, scrotal and trans-rectal ultrasound, semen analysis, hormone measurements, including follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and total testosterone, were collected. Results: Successful sperm retrieval was obtained in 36 men of total (43.9%). Successful sperm retrieval was 29.5% in non-obstructive azoospermia patients, while men with obstructive azoospermia, who, underwent a previous failure testicular fine needle aspiration, had sperm retrieval in 86% of cases. Mean luteinizing hormone was 6.55 IU/L, total testosterone 4.70 ng/mL, right testicular volume 13.7 mL and left testicular volume 13.6 mL. Mean Follicle-stimulating hormone was 13.45 IU/L in patients with negative sperm retrieval and 8.18 IU/L in men with successful sperm retrieval. According to histology, 20.7% had normal spermatogenesis, 35.3% hypospermatogenesis, 35.3% maturation arrest and 8.5% Sertoli cell-only syndrome. Successful sperm retrieval was 88.2% in patients with normal spermatogenesis, 24.1% in the maturation arrest group and 48.27% in patients with hypospermatogenesis, while negative sperm retrieval was reported in Sertoli cell-only syndrome patients. Seven cases with maturation arrest showed a successful sperm retrieval. Conclusion: Testicular histopathology after testicular sperm extraction offers important information on prediction of sperm retrieval and can guide the surgeon in choosing the more suitable therapeutic practice.
The role of blood neutrophil count and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a predictive factor for prostate biopsy results
Authors: Kamali Koosha , Ashrafi Mojtaba , Shadpour Pejman , Ameli Mojtaba , Khayyamfar Amirmahdi , Abolhasani Maryam , Azizpoor Amin 
Published: June 2018

Background: It is apparent that prostate cancer has harmful effects on the erythrocytes, leucocytes, and platelets. In addition, it has been suggested that the toxic granules in neutrophils lead to inflammation in the cancerous tissues besides the activation of monocytes, so in this study we aimed to evaluate the blood neutrophil count besides the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a predictive factor for prostate biopsy results and their relationship with prostate cancer grade in patients undergoing biopsy of the prostate. Methods: For all men with irritative lower urinary tract symptoms visiting Hasheminezhad Hospital from January to July 2015, in case of having a suspicious digital rectal examination or aged above 40 years, prostate-specific antigen was requested and in case of abnormal results, they underwent prostate biopsy. In order to examine the study hypothesis, the blood neutrophil count and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio were measured and compared with the abnormal prostate-specific antigen results and suspicious digital rectal examination. Results: Among the 500 referred samples for biopsy, 352 (70.4%) had a negative biopsy result, while it was positive in the other 148 (29.6). The mean neutrophil count showed no statistical difference regarding the biopsy results (p = 0.381). When measuring the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio again with biopsy results, no statistically significant difference was obtained based on the biopsy results (p = 0.112). Conclusion: Neutrophil count and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio cannot be predictive factors for positive prostate cancer biopsy.
Biplanar oblique access technique: A new approach to improve the success rate of percutaneous nephrolithotomy
Authors: Basiri Abbas , Shakiba Behnam , Hoshyar Hasan , Ansari Anahita , Golshan Alireza 
Published: June 2018

Introduction: Achieving suitable percutaneous access to the kidney is the most important step in percutaneous nephrolithotomy. The triangulation biplanar access technique under fluoroscopy is the standard method to achieve percutaneous renal access, but it is not successful in all cases. We used the new biplanar oblique access technique as a rescue method for the failed standard biplanar technique. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of this oblique access technique on access outcome. Methods: In total, 782 percutaneous nephrolithotomy procedures were performed under the standard triangulation biplanar technique. The biplanar access failed in 35 cases. Access failure was defined as no urine dropping from the needle or inability to insert the guide wire into the renal pelvis or selected calyx. In 28 failed access cases, the lower calyx was the targeted calyx. We used the oblique access technique for these cases. Initially, the arm of fluoroscopy was in the vertical position. Then the fluoroscopy device was rotated to 30° near the surgeon and 30° caudal to the patient and the needle was inserted into the appropriate calyx. Results: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy procedures were performed by the oblique access technique in 28 patients. Successful access was achieved in eight patients by the oblique technique (success access rate = 28.6%). No major or minor complication occurred in these patients. Conclusion: The oblique technique is an auxiliary method for accessing the lower calyx in cases which the standard triangular biplanar method has failed. As the failure rate of the biplanar technique is low, the oblique technique can be considered as a useful method for percutaneous access.
Physician-Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia
Authors: Sprung Charles L. , Somerville Margaret A. , Radbruch Lukas , Collet Nathalie Steiner , Duttge Gunnar , Piva Jefferson P. , Antonelli Massimo , Sulmasy Daniel P. , Lemmens Willem , Ely E. Wesley 
Published: June 2018

Medical professional societies have traditionally opposed physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia (PAS-E), but this opposition may be shifting. We present 5 reasons why physicians shouldn’t be involved in PAS-E. 1. Slippery slopes: There is evidence that safeguards in the Netherlands and Belgium are ineffective and violated, including administering lethal drugs without patient consent, absence of terminal illness, untreated psychiatric diagnoses, and nonreporting; 2. Lack of self-determination: Psychological and social motives characterize requests for PAS-E more than physical symptoms or rational choices; many requests disappear with improved symptom control and psychological support; 3. Inadequate palliative care: Better palliative care makes most patients physically comfortable. Many individuals requesting PAS-E don’t want to die but to escape their suffering. Adequate treatment for depression and pain decreases the desire for death; 4. Medical professionalism: PAS-E transgresses the inviolable rule that physicians heal and palliate suffering but never intentionally inflict death; 5. Differences between means and ends: Proeuthanasia advocates look to the ends (the patient’s death) and say the ends justify the means; opponents disagree and believe that killing patients to relieve suffering is different from allowing natural death and is not acceptable. Conclusions: Physicians have a duty to eliminate pain and suffering, not the person with the pain and suffering. Solutions for suffering lie in improving palliative care and social conditions and addressing the reasons for PAS-E requests. They should not include changing medical practice to allow PAS-E.
Methotrexate in the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Atopic Dermatitis: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Shah Nidhi , Alhusayen Raed , Walsh Scott , Shear Neil H. 
Published: June 2018

Background: Atopic dermatitis is a common inflammatory condition of the skin. Moderate to severe cases not responding to topical treatments and lifestyle changes may need second-line therapy. Methotrexate has been suggested as an effective treatment in such cases. Objective: This study was done to determine the efficacy, adverse effects, and safety profile of methotrexate therapy in patients with atopic dermatitis. Materials/Methods: All adult patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis seen in the dermatology clinic at this tertiary hospital from January 2015 to December 2015 who were treated with methotrexate were reviewed in a retrospective chart review. Results: Forty-one patients (19 female, 22 male, mean age 45 years, range 19-90 years) were enrolled. Of these, 29% were naive to any systemic treatments in the past, including systemic corticosteroids. Methotrexate treatment resulted in excellent improvement (>75%) in 93% of patients, good (50%-75% improvement) in 5%, and partial (25%-50% improvement) in 2%. Median duration of therapy was 26 months, and 80% of patients were still on treatment at last review. Transient nonsignificant elevation of transaminases was the most common adverse effect noted in 20%, followed by nausea in 12% and fatigue in 7%. A fibroscan was done in 10 patients at cumulative doses ranging from 2 to 11 g methotrexate. No liver fibrosis was seen in these patients. Conclusion: Methotrexate is an effective treatment for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis with an acceptable safety profile. A low dose can be used to control the disease for prolonged periods without significant risk.
Detection and clinical correlation of leukocortical lesions in pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis on multi-contrast MRI
Authors: Maranzano Josefina , Till Christine , Assemlal Haz-Edine , Fonov Vladimir , Brown Robert , Araujo David , O’Mahony Julia , Yeh E Ann , Bar-Or Amit , Marrie Ruth Ann , Collins Louis , Banwell Brenda , Arnold Douglas L , Narayanan Sridar 
Published: June 2018

Objective: To determine the frequency of cortical lesions (CLs) in patients with pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) using multi-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and the relationship between frontal CL load and upper limb dexterity assessed with the Nine-Hole Peg Test (9-HPT). Methods: Participants completed the 9-HPT and were imaged on a 3T MRI scanner to collect T1-weighted three-dimensional (3D) magnetization prepared rapid gradient echo (MPRAGE), proton density–weighted, T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images. CLs were manually segmented using all MRI contrasts. Results: We enrolled 24 participants with POMS (mean (standard deviation) age at first symptom: 13.3 (±2.7) years; mean age at scan: 18.8 (±3) years; mean disease duration of 5 (±3.2) years). A total of 391 CLs (mean, 16.3 ± 27.2; median, 7) were identified in 19 of 24 POMS patients (79%). The total number of CLs was positively associated with white matter lesion volume ( p = 0.04) but not with thalamic volume, age at the time of the scan, or disease duration. The number of frontal CLs was associated with slower performance on the 9-HPT ( p = 0.05). Conclusion: Multi-contrast 3T MRI led to a high rate of CL detection, demonstrating that cortical pathology occurs even in pediatric-onset disease. Frontal lobe CL count was associated with reduced manual dexterity, indicating that these CLs are clinically relevant.
Women’s attitude toward gynecological pain in fertile age: Results from a cross-sectional study among Italian community pharmacies
Authors: Giua Marassi Corrado , Pistone Assunta , Parazzini Fabio , Vannuccini Silvia , Petraglia Felice 
Published: June 2018

Introduction: Several epidemiological data on women afferent to clinics for medical treatment of pelvic pain are available, while few studies explored the general population. Thus, this study aimed to investigate women presenting with gynecological pain at the community pharmacy and to evaluate the relevance of pharmacist advice regarding medical treatment. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 10 Italian community pharmacies, by administering a structured questionnaire to fertile age women reporting pelvic pain during the last 3 months. Questions were concerning demographic information, pain characteristics, women’s behavior toward gynecological pain, and diagnosis possibly received from a physician. Results: A group of 290 women were interviewed. Severe pain was reported in 58.3%, with a mean ± SD of 4.4 ± 6.8 days of suffering, causing absenteeism from work in 45.3% of cases. Almost half of women reported that the onset of gynecological pain was before 15 years and 72.2% had consulted a physician in the past, with a mean delay of 2.5 ± 4.3 years between the onset of pain and medical consultation. However, only 28% of the overall population received a diagnosis. 51.0% received one treatment, while 39% received two or more. The first therapy was prescribed in 40.2% cases by the physician, while in the remaining it was recommended either by the pharmacist or it was a self-medication. Conclusion: Gynecological pelvic pain is a disabling problem, regardless of the underlying cause, with significant impact on social and working life and requiring a better medical management.
Comparative study of ultrasonography-guided percutaneous A1 pulley release versus blinded percutaneous A1 pulley release
Authors: Lee Sung Hyun , Choi Young Chae , Kang Hong Je 
Published: June 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the results of blind versus ultrasonography-guided percutaneous A1 pulley release for treatment of trigger finger. Methods: This prospective study included 21 patients (25 fingers) who underwent blind release and 20 patients (23 fingers) who underwent ultrasonography-guided release. The visual analog scale (VAS) score, proximal interphalangeal joint contracture, complications, and patient satisfaction were compared between the groups. Results: At the final follow-up, triggering had disappeared in all patients who underwent ultrasonography-guided release, whereas three patients who underwent blind release required revision surgery for postoperative triggering. No complications were observed. VAS score was significantly different between groups at 2 and 4 weeks postoperatively. All patients who underwent ultrasonography-guided release were satisfied, whereas three patients who underwent blind release were not satisfied. Conclusion: Ultrasonography-guided percutaneous A1 pulley release for treatment of trigger finger reduces postoperative pain and complications, such as incomplete release, compared with a blind procedure.
Derotational Osteotomy of the Distal Femur for the Treatment of Patellofemoral Instability Simultaneously Leads to the Correction of Frontal Alignment: A Laboratory Cadaveric Study
Authors: Imhoff Florian B. , Beitzel Knut , Zakko Philip , Obopilwe Elifho , Voss Andreas , Scheiderer Bastian , Morikawa Daichi , Mazzocca Augustus D. , Arciero Robert A. , Imhoff Andreas B. 
Published: June 2018

Background: Derotational osteotomy of the distal femur allows the anatomic treatment of patellofemoral maltracking due to increased femoral antetorsion. However, such rotational osteotomy procedures have a high potential of intended/unintended changes of frontal alignment. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to perform derotational osteotomy of the distal femur and to demonstrate the utility of a novel trigonometric approach to address 3-dimensional (3D) changes on 2-dimensional imaging (axial computed tomography [CT] and frontal-plane radiography). The hypothesis was that 1-step single-cut osteotomy can simultaneously correct torsion and frontal alignment based on preoperatively calculated cutting angles. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Eight human cadaveric whole legs (4 lower limb torsos) underwent derotational osteotomy of the distal femur of 20°. A straight leg axis, determined as a mechanical femorotibial angle (mFTA) of 0°, was chosen as a goal for postoperative frontal alignment. The inclination of the cutting angle from the lateral view was calculated individually for each cadaveric leg and was represented by a simple 3D-printed cutting guide for surgery. Specimens underwent CT for the measurement of torsion, while the frontal leg axis was determined on an upright radiograph preoperatively and postoperatively. Preoperative and postoperative angles were compared with the mathematical prediction model. Results: The preoperative mFTA ranged from –3.9° (valgus) to +3.4° (varus) (mean, –0.2° ± 2.6°). A postoperative mean mFTA of 0.37° ± 0.69° (95% CI, –0.22° to 0.95°) was achieved ( P = .01). Derotation showed a mean of 19.1° ± 2.1° (95% CI, 17.3°-20.8°). The oblique cutting plane for the correction of valgus legs showed a mean of 5.9° ± 6.8° and, for the correction of varus legs, a mean of –10.0° ± 4.5° projected on the perpendicular plane to the virtual anatomic shaft axis from the sagittal view. Conclusion: Single-cut distal femoral osteotomy can be performed to simultaneously address rotational as well as frontal alignment using a preoperatively defined oblique cut, as determined by the presented reproducible calculation model. Clinical Relevance: This study adds important knowledge to the technique of derotational osteotomy. This approach provides an individual, oblique single cut for the correction of torsion and frontal axis within a clinically insignificant margin. Simplified tables for calculation and a surgical reference make this model reproducible and safe.