Guidelines for measuring and reporting particle removal efficiency in fibrous media.

Adopting standardized and reliable methodologies to accurately measure particle removal efficiency when developing fibrous materials for controlling airborne contamination is crucial. Here, we introduce well-established aerosol science and technology concepts often overlooked or misused in interdisciplinary studies developing new fibrous materials for particle filtration. We recommend best practices for experimental assessments and reporting to ensure a reliable evaluation of new airborne particle filtration media and technologies.

Unrecognized for centuries: distribution and sexual caste descriptions of the West European species of the group (Hymenoptera, Formicidae).

There are only two species from the group in the western Mediterranean: Santschi, 1925, from south-western Europe, and (Latreille, 1798), also occurring in central and eastern Europe. Historically, the two species have been widely misunderstood: was long considered a Sardinian endemic subspecies of , while its continental populations were misidentified as s. str.

Untargeted metabolomics of prostate cancer zwitterionic and positively charged compounds in urine.

Prostate cancer, a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, principally occurs in over 50-year-old men. Nowadays there is urgency to discover biomarkers alternative to prostate-specific antigen, as it cannot discriminate patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia from clinically significant forms of prostatic cancer. In the present paper, 32 benign prostatic hyperplasia and 41 prostatic cancer urine samples were collected and analyzed.

Psychological impact of different primary treatments for prostate cancer: A critical analysis.

Limited attention has been given to the psychological impact of primary treatments in patients with prostate cancer. Aim of our analysis was to critically analyse the current evidence on the psychological impact of different primary treatments (surgery, radiotherapy and active surveillance), in patients with prostate cancer, using validated questionnaires. We searched in the MEDLINE and Cochrane library database from the literature of the past 15 years (primary fields: prostate neoplasm, AND radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy or active surveillance AND psychological distress or anxiety or depression; secondary fields: urinary, sexual, bowel modifications, non-randomised and randomised trials).

Prostate-specific antigen increase during dutasteride to indicate the need for prostate biopsy: influence of prostatic inflammation.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to analyze the significance of an increase in total prostate-specific antigen (PSA) serum levels despite dutasteride treatment as a predictor of prostate cancer (PC) at biopsy. We focused our attention on the rate of the first PSA increase and on the influence of prostatic inflammation.

Methods: From 2011 to 2016, 365 men with a previous negative prostate biopsy and persistent elevated PSA levels received dutasteride treatment.

Prognostic value of inflammation in prostate cancer progression and response to therapeutic: a critical review.

Prostate is an immune-competent organ normally populated by inflammatory cells. Prostatic inflammation origin can be multi-factorial and there are some emerging evidences on its possible role as a factor involved in prostate cancer (PC) pathogenesis and progression. This review critically analyzes the role of inflammation as a prognostic factor for progression and aggressiveness of PC.

A meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized controlled trials with degarelix versus gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists for advanced prostate cancer.

Our aim was to systematically evaluate the benefits of degarelix as antagonist versus agonists of gonadotropin-releasing hormones (GnRH) for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer (PC). This comparison was performed either in terms of biochemical or oncological or safety profiles. To this end we, carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature.

Laparoscopic versus open radical prostatectomy in high prostate volume cases: impact on oncological and functional results.

Background And Objective: To prospectively compare the laparoscopic versus open approach to RP in cases with high prostate volume and to evaluate a possible diferente impact of prostate volume.

Materials And Methods: From March 2007 to March 2013 a total of 120 cases with clinically localized prostate cancer (PC) and a prostate volume>70cc identified for radical prostatectomy (RP), were prospectively analyzed in our institute. Patients were offered as surgical technique either an open retropubic or an intraperitoneal laparoscopic (LP) approach.

Intermittent androgen deprivation in prostate cancer cases with biochemical progression after radical prostatectomy: Are we ready to treat?

Purpose: To evaluate clinical data from published trials on the use of intermittent androgen deprivation (IAD) therapy in patients with biochemical relapse after radical prostatectomy (RP).

Methods: We searched the Medline and Cochrane Library databases for literature published on IAD and biochemical progression after radical prostatectomy.

Results: To date, we have oncological and functional data from phase 3 studies focused on metastatic and locally advanced stages that confirmed IAD as a valid option treatment.

Three-component hydraulic penile prosthesis malfunction due to penile fibrolipoma secondary to augmentative phalloplasty: A case report.

Fibrolipomas are an infrequent type of lipomas. We describe a case of a man suffering from subcutaneous penile fibrolipoma, who twelve months earlier has been submitted to augmentative phalloplasty due to aesthetic dysmorphophobia. The same patient three years earlier has been submitted to three-component hydraulic penile prostheses implantation due to erectile dysfunction.

Penile prosthesis implant for erectile dysfunction: A new minimally invasive infrapubic surgical technique.

Erectile dysfunction, the most common male sexual disorder after premature ejaculation, with its important impact on man and partner's sexuality and quality of life is a persistent inability to obtain and maintain an erection sufficient to permit satisfactory sexual performance. Non-surgical treatments with controversial results are usually applyed before surgical treatment that has reached high levels of satisfaction. We describe a new surgical technique to implant three-pieces penile prosthesis in patients suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED) not responding to conventional medical therapy or reporting side effects with such a therapy.

Hyperhomocysteinemia as an Early Predictor of Erectile Dysfunction: International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and Penile Doppler Ultrasound Correlation With Plasma Levels of Homocysteine.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is inability to achieve and maintain an erection to permit satisfactory sexual activity. Homocysteine (Hcys) is a sulfur-containing amino acid synthesized from the essential amino acid methionine. Experimental models have elucidated the role of hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcys) as a strong and independent predictor for atherosclerosis progression and impaired cavernosal perfusion.

Recovery of Urinary Continence After Radical Prostatectomy Using Early vs Late Pelvic Floor Electrical Stimulation and Biofeedback-associated Treatment.

Objective: To compare the early vs late use of pelvic floor electrical stimulation (FES) plus biofeedback (BF) in terms of time to recovery and rate of continence after radical prostatectomy (RP).

Materials And Methods: Between April 2007 and April 2012, a total of 120 patients who underwent RP were prospectively included in the study. In group 1 (60 cases), we included patients who presented a urinary leakage weight ≥50 g for 24 hours, 14 days after catheter removal.

High Frequency of JCV DNA Detection in Prostate Cancer Tissues.

Background: Prostate cancer (PC) represents the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men. Exposure to infectious agents has been considered to induce prostatic inflammation and cancerous transformation. Controversial data exist concerning the role of the human polyomaviruses BK (BKV) and JC (JCV) in PC etiology.

Results, questions, perspectives of a study on human Polyomavirus BK and molecular actors in prostate cancer development.

Background: Prostate cancer (PC) is a common tumor in Western countries. Several risk factors play significant roles. MYC, BIRC5/survivin, CDC25 and P53 may contribute to PC risk.

Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging vs. standard care in men being evaluated for prostate cancer: a randomized study.

Objectives: To assess whether the proportion of men with clinically significant prostate cancer (PCa) is higher among men randomized to multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mp-MRI)/biopsy vs. those randomized to transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided biopsy.

Methods: In total, 1,140 patients with symptoms highly suggestive of PCa were enrolled and divided in 2 groups of 570 patients to follow 2 different diagnostic algorithms.

Large bowel infarct following antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy for varicocele: A case report.

Varicocele is the main cause of male infertility. Treatment stops continuous damage to spermatogenesis, thereby potentially improving fertility. Among all the available procedures, the ante-grade scrotal sclerotherapy (ASS), a combined radiological-surgical approach first introduced by Tauber, is gaining more popularity due to its minimal invasiveness.

Short-term pretreatment with a dual 5α-reductase inhibitor before bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate (B-TURP): evaluation of prostate vascularity and decreased surgical blood loss in large prostates.

Objective: To investigate if short-term treatment with dutasteride (8 weeks) before bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate (B-TURP) can reduce intraoperative bleeding, as dutasteride a dual 5α-reductase inhibitor (5-ARI) blocks the conversion of testosterone into its active form dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and reduces prostate volume and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, while increasing urinary flow rate.

Patients And Methods: In all, 259 patients were enrolled and randomised to two groups: Group A, receiving placebo and Group B, receiving dutasteride (0.5 mg daily for 8 weeks).

Oral ethinylestradiol in castration-resistant prostate cancer: a 10-year experience.

Objectives: To describe our 10-year experience with the use of oral ethinylestradiol in the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Methods: From February 2000 to April 2010, 116 patients with a metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer were prospectively submitted to oral ethinylestradiol monotherapy. Inclusion criteria were: diagnosis of castration-resistant prostate cancer after failure of at least two lines of androgen deprivation therapy and radiological evidence of metastases.

Chronic bacterial prostatitis: efficacy of short-lasting antibiotic therapy with prulifloxacin (Unidrox®) in association with saw palmetto extract, lactobacillus sporogens and arbutin (Lactorepens®).

Background: Bacterial prostatitis (BP) is a common condition accounting responsible for about 5-10% of all prostatitis cases; chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP) classified as type II, are less common but is a condition that significantly hampers the quality of life, (QoL) because not only is it a physical condition but also a psychological distress. Commonly patients are treated with antibiotics alone, and in particular fluoroquinolones are suggested by the European Urology guidelines. This approach, although recommended, may not be enough.

Use of inflatable penile prostheses AMS CX with momentary squeeze in a patient with Peyronie's disease after removal of two previously implanted penile prostheses.

Objective: Peyronie's disease (PD) is a fibrotic wound-healing condition of the tunica albuginea that results in penile deformity, curvature, hinging, narrowing and shortening, penile pain, and in some cases, erectile dysfunction (ED). Surgery remains the gold standard treatment option, ensuring the faster and trustworthy treatment. For those patients who have erectile dysfunction and PD, penile prosthesis placement with straightening procedure is the best method to solve both diseases.

Penile fracture: penoscrotal approach with degloving of penis after Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

Fracture of the penis, a relatively uncommon emergency in Urology, consists in the traumatic rupture of the tunica albuginea of the corpus cavernosum. Examination and clinical history can be highly suspicious of penile fracture in the majority of cases and ultrasonography (USS) can be useful to identify the exact location of the tunical rupture, which is proximal in 2/3 of cases and therefore manageable through a penoscrotal approach. Although expensive and not readily available in the acute setting, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) may play a role in the differential diagnosis with rupture of a circumflex or dorsal vein of the penis or when the tunical rupture is not associated with tear of the overlying Buck's fascia.