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Purpose COVID-19 frequently affects the kidneys with symptoms ranging from mild proteinuria to progressive acute kidney injury. This prospective study aimed to assess the short- and long-term impact of asymptomatic and mild COVID-19 on the renal function of healthy young adults, and to determine the correlation between viral load and kidney function among these patients. Methods This was a prospective cohort study conducted over a period of 6 months. Patients were followed-up at baseline, and then after 3 and 6 months, respectively. Real-time PCR cycle threshold (CT) was used to determine the viral load and disease activity. Patients were classified into two groups with either asymptomatic COVID-19 or mild pneumonia. The assessment parameters were variables that could directly or indirectly relate to the renal function. Results A total of 48 patients were included and evaluated. The majority of patients (62.5%) had asymptomatic COVID-19 disease. Patients with mild pneumonia had significantly higher serum creatinine (SCr) at the time of COVID-19 diagnosis (beta = 12.836, 95% CI = 2.405–23.268, P = 0.019), after 3 months (beta = 14.345, 95% CI = 1.149–27.542, P = 0.035), and after 6 months (beta = 14.100, 95% CI = 0.730–27.470, P = 0.040) compared to asymptomatic patients. Mild pneumonia was also significantly associated with lower serum albumin level at the time of COVID-19 diagnosis (beta = – 6.317, 95% CI = – 9.448–− 3.185, P Conclusion Mild COVID-19 is associated with mild renal involvement without AKI. Changes in the renal function appear to be related to reduced creatinine clearance and possible albumin leakage in the acute phase of the disease. The reduction in creatinine clearance is not predicted by viral load, and it appears to be a long-term effect of the disease that can last for at least 6 months.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and both are prevalent in men with testosterone deficiency. Long-term effects of testosterone therapy (TTh) on NAFLD are not well studied. This observational, prospective, cumulative registry study assesses long-term effects of testosterone undecanoate (TU) on hepatic physiology and function in 505 hypogonadal men (T levels ≤350 ng/dL). Three hundred and twenty one men received TU 1000 mg/12 weeks for up to 12 years following an initial 6-week interval (T-group), while 184 who opted against TTh served as controls (C-group). T-group patients exhibited decreased fatty liver index (FLI, calculated according to Mayo Clinic guidelines) (83.6 ± 12.08 to 66.91 ± 19.38), γ-GT (39.31 ± 11.62 to 28.95 ± 7.57 U/L), bilirubin (1.64 ± 4.13 to 1.21 ± 1.89 mg/dL) and triglycerides (252.35 ± 90.99 to 213 ± 65.91 mg/dL) over 12 years. Waist circumference and body mass index were also reduced in the T-group (107.17 ± 9.64 to 100.34 ± 9.03 cm and 31.51 ± 4.32 to 29.03 ± 3.77 kg/m2). There were 25 deaths (7.8%) in the T-group of which 11 (44%) were cardiovascular related. In contrast, 28 patients (15.2%) died in C-group, and all deaths (100%) were attributed to CVD. These data suggest that long-term TTh improves hepatic steatosis and liver function in hypogonadal men. Improvements in liver function may have contributed to reduced CVD-related mortality.

To evaluate the effectiveness of UPOINT based multimodal treatment on patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), and determine factors that could be associated with clinical improvement.A retrospective study was conducted in Doha, Qatar including patients with CP/CPPS from the Middle East and North Africa. The UPOINT phenotyping system was used to classify patients and guide their multimodal therapy. NIH-CPSI scores were computed initially and after 3 months of treatment, and predictors of clinical improvement were assessed.The total NIH-CPSI improved significantly with a mean reduction of 8.21 after 3 months of treatment (P.001). 66.2% of patients had a clinical improvement demonstrated as a total NIH-CPSI score reduction by at least 6 points after 3 months of treatment. No significant association was found between clinical improvement, and extent of pain (ORa = 1.198, 95% CI 0.392-3.662, P = .751), initial total NIH-CPSI (ORa = 0.983, 95% CI 0.886-1.089, P = .738), number of positive UPOINT domains (ORa = 0.871, 95% CI 0.451-1.681, P = .681), and number of prescribed therapies (ORa = 1.118, 95% CI 0.699-1.789, P = .641).UPOINT phenotyping and directed therapy is associated with an important improvement in the CP/CPPS. Therapeutic response does not appear to related to age or ethnicity. Clinical improvement is also not predicted by initial extent and severity of the disease, whether relating to NIH-CPSI or the number of positive UPOINT phenotypes, neither to the number of therapies involved in the multimodal treatment strategy.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:We have previously demonstrated improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors in hypogonadal men on long-term TTh.METHODS:Cumulative registry study to investigate long-ter...

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:According to literature, the longest-term follow-up on testosterone therapy (TTh) in hypogonadal men is 12 years. In this registry study, we assessed effects of TTh for u...

Amyloidosis is related to the extracellular deposition of abnormal protein fibrils in various tissues. It can be either localized to an organ or generalized, affecting multiple systems. Amyloidosis of the urinary bladder is a rare histopathological finding. It is clinically interesting that such cases' clinical, radiological, and even endoscopic presentation mimic urothelial carcinoma to a great extent. Here, we discuss a case of a 49‐year‐old gentleman who presented with frank painless hematuria. The patient was diagnosed with a bladder mass suspicious of malignancy depending on the clinical presentation aided by the cystoscopic and radiological evaluation. Histopathologic samples of the transurethral resection of the mass proved to be primary bladder amyloidosis. This case is of unique clinical interest in that it is the first case reported of bladder amyloidosis that is complicated by extraperitoneal bladder rupture post‐operatively. However, no immediate intraoperative perforation to the bladder wall during resection was evidenced., Primary urinary bladder amyloidosis is a rare histopathological finding. Interestingly, it presents clinically and radiologically similar to urothelial carcinoma of the bladder. The only differentiation can be reached by histopathologic examination. Resection of such bladder lesions requires special care as such flat pathological lesions can be complicated by bladder perforation.

With prostate cancer not observed in eunuchs and total androgen suppression by castration an effective first-line treatment for advanced prostate cancer, the dramatic regression seen in tumour symptoms after castration, lead to the theory that high levels of circulating androgens were a risk factor for prostate cancer. This theory however, ignored the effects testosterone variations within a physiologic range could have on early tumour events and since the early 2000s, clinical evidence discounting testosterone as a linear mechanistic cause of prostate cancer growth mounted, with alternative mechanistic hypotheses such as the saturation model being proposed. Together with a growing understanding of the negative health effects and decreased quality of life in men with testosterone deficiency or hypogonadism, a paradigm shift away from testosterone as a prostate cancer inducer occurred allowing clinicians to use testosterone therapy as potential treatment for men with difficult and symptomatic hypogonadism that had been previously treated for prostate cancer. In this review we contextualise the idea of testosterone as a risk factor for prostate cancer inducement and compile the most current literature with regards to the influence of testosterone and testosterone therapy in prostate cancer.

Background User interfaces play a vital role in the planning and execution of an interventional procedure. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of using different user interfaces for planning transrectal robot-assisted MR-guided prostate biopsy (MRgPBx) in an augmented reality (AR) environment. Method End-user studies were conducted by simulating an MRgPBx system with end- and side-firing modes. The information from the system to the operator was rendered on HoloLens as an output interface. Joystick, mouse/keyboard, and holographic menus were used as input interfaces to the system. Results The studies indicated that using a joystick improved the interactive capacity and enabled operator to plan MRgPBx in less time. It efficiently captures the operator's commands to manipulate the augmented environment representing the state of MRgPBx system. Conclusions The study demonstrates an alternative to conventional input interfaces to interact and manipulate an AR environment within the context of MRgPBx planning.

Background We examined the impact of the number of veins ligated during varicocelectomy on post-surgical improvement of pain in a group of men presenting with clinical varicocele and pain as an indication for surgery. Methods This is a retrospective study of patients presenting with clinical left varicocele to the male infertility unit at a teaching hospital in Qatar. Files of all patients who underwent sub-inguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy were retrieved and categorized into three groups indicating the number of spermatic veins ligated during varicocelectomy. The presence of pain was assessed during pre- and post-operation (at 3 and 6 months). Statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal-Wallis test (K) and Chi-square test (C). Results Out of 675 records, 207 (30.7%) patients did left varicocelectomy for pain. Their mean age was 35.3±9.2 years. Pain was assessed in 106/207 (51.2%) patients post operatively, of whom 89 (84%) reported complete resolution of symptoms. This improvement was maintained irrespective of the number of veins ligated during surgery (10 veins: 85.7%). Conclusions Microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy is a valid treatment method for patients with a symptomatic clinical varicocele. While a significant post-surgical (at 6 months) reduction of pain was detected, the number of veins ligated intraoperatively was not predictive of post-operative improvement of pain in this study population.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES:There are still concerns regarding testosterone therapy (TRT) in middle-aged and elderly men and prostate cancer (PCa).METHODS:553 prostate biopsies (2008-2013) were per...

Objective To explore factors associated with a successful research atmosphere by investigating the distribution of articles published in the field of urology in 2015 amongst different world regions, as research is undoubtedly a valuable tool that can help shape the future of human health. Methods The Scopus® database was searched for publications made by Urology journals enlisted in the SCImago journal and country rank website. Details about each article type, language, and country of origin were collected. Journals’ bibliometric measures, as well as their country of origin and the number publications since the year 1996 were also collected. Countries were divided according to the United Nations geoscheme. Results In all, 80 of 93 registered Urology journals publishing a total of 10,181 articles were included in the study. Results reveal that the highest contribution came from North America (37.4%) followed by Europe (29.4%), Asia (26.5%), South America (2.2%), Africa (1.9%), and Oceania (1.7%). Bibliometric analysis of the published articles showed significantly higher impact measures amongst North American publications, followed by those from Europe, Oceania, South America, Asia, and Africa (P

Objective: To assess the relationship between geographical differences and all semen parameters, across 13,892 infertile men of 84 diverse nationalities, recruited at a specialised tertiary hospital that represents the main healthcare provider in Qatar. Male infertility is an important and global public health problem. Despite this, there is a significant scarcity of epidemiological male infertility and semen analysis research in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, as well as geographical comparisons with other parts of the world. Patients and methods: Retrospective study of semen findings of 13 892 infertile men assessed at the Male Infertility Unit at Hamad Medical Corporation, in Qatar between January 2012 and August 2015. Based on country of origin, patients were categorised into those from the MENA region (n = 8799) and non-MENA patients (n = 5093). The two groups were compared across demographic features and semen characteristics: age, sperm volume, sperm total motility, sperm progressive motility (PMot), abnormal sperm forms (ABF), and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF). Results: The whole sample's mean (SD) age was 35.7 (0.7) years, sperm concentration was 32.3 (0.25) × 106 sperm/mL, total motility was 45.4 (0.2)%, sperm PMot was 25.1 (0.2)%, and ABF was 79.9 (0.2)%. Overall, 841 patients had azoospermia (6.05%), 3231 had oligospermia (23.3%), 4239 had asthenospermia (30.5%) and 6772 had teratospermia (48.7%). SDF (1050 patients) was abnormal in 333 patients (31.7%). MENA patients were significantly younger than their non-MENA counterparts and had a greater semen volume. Non-MENA patients had significantly higher sperm counts, total motility and PMot, and lower ABF. SDF showed no statistical difference between the two groups. MENA patients had significantly higher prevalence of oligospermia, asthenospermia, and teratospermia; and lower prevalence of normal sperm concentration, normal motility, and normal morphology. Throughout the 4 years of the study, MENA patients constantly had significantly lower sperm counts; generally lower sperm total motility percentage and generally lower quality sperm morphology. We compared patients by age (≤40 and >40 years): in the patients aged ≤40 years, the same results as for the overall study were reproduced; in the >40-years group, the same results were reproduced with the exception of morphology, which was not significantly different between the MENA and non-MENA patients. Conclusion: Semen quality is generally lower in male infertility patients from the MENA region compared to non-MENA regions. © 2018 Arab Association of Urology CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

Objective: To assess seminal oxidation–reduction potential (ORP) and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) in male infertility and their relationships with sperm morphology in fertile and infertile men. Patients and methods: Prospective case-control study comparing the findings of infertile men (n = 1168) to those of men with confirmed fertility (n = 100) regarding demographics and semen characteristics (conventional and advanced semen tests). Spearman rank correlation assessed the correlation between ORP, SDF, and different morphological indices. Means of ORP and SDF were assessed in variable levels of normal sperm morphology amongst all participants. Results: Infertile patients had a significantly lower mean sperm count (32.7 vs 58.7 × 106 sperm/mL), total motility (50.1% vs 60.4%), and normal morphology (5.7% vs 9.9%). Conversely, infertile patients had significantly higher mean head defects (54% vs 48%), and higher ORP and SDF values than fertile controls. ORP and SDF showed significant positive correlations and significant negative correlations with sperm head defects and normal morphology in infertile patients, respectively. ORP and SDF were significantly inversely associated with the level of normal sperm morphology. Using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, ORP and SDF threshold values of 1.73 mV/106 sperm/mL and 25.5%, respectively, were associated with 76% and 56% sensitivity and 72% and 72.2% specificity, respectively, in differentiating

Background Prostate cancer (PCa) is a complex disorder resulting from the combined effects of multiple environmental and genetic factors. Small non-coding RNAs (sRNAs), particularly microRNAs (miRNAs), regulate several cellular processes and have an important role in many human malignancies including PCa. We assessed the sRNA profiles associated with PCa in Arabs, a population that has rarely been studied. Methods We used next generation sequencing technology to obtain the entire sRNA transcriptome of primary prostate tumor formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues, and their paired non-tumor tissues, collected from Bedouin patients (Qatari and Saudi). The miRNA and the target gene expression were evaluated by real-time quantitative PCR. miRNA KEGG pathway and miRNA target genes were subsequently analyzed by starBase and TargetScan software. Results Different expression patterns of several sRNA and miRNA editing were revealed between PCa tumor and their paired non-tumor tissues. Our study identified four miRNAs that are strongly associated with prostate cancer, which have not been reported previously. Differentially expressed miRNAs significantly affect various biological pathways, such as cell cycle, endocytosis, adherence junction and pathways involved in cancer. Prediction of potential targets for the identified miRNAs indicates the overexpression of KRAS, BCL2 and down-regulation of PTEN in PCa tumor tissues. Conclusion These miRNAs, newly associated with prostate cancer, may represent not only markers for the increased risk of PCa in Arabs, but may also reflect the clinical and pathological diversity as well as the ethno-specific heterogeneity of prostate cancer. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12967-017-1362-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Objective To investigate the role of an abnormal prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level and abnormal findings on a digital rectal examination (DRE) in the detection of prostate cancer in men in Qatar. Patients and methods Between June 2008 and September 2012, 651 patients had a transrectal ultrasonography-guided biopsy of the prostate (TRUSBP) at our centre. The indications for a biopsy were a high PSA level (>4 ng/mL), or an abnormal DRE result. Patients were assessed by a thorough history, clinical examination and routine laboratory investigations. Data, including age, DRE findings, TRUS findings, total PSA level, prostate volume and the pathology results, were evaluated. Results The mean (SD) age of the 651 patients was 64.1 (7.4) years. Prostate cancer was detected in 181 men (27.8%), benign prostatic hyperplasia in 275 (42.2%) and prostatitis in 236 (36.4%). The sensitivity and specificity for detecting prostate cancer were 93.9% and 8.5% for an abnormal PSA level (>4 ng/mL), 46.1% and 84.7% for abnormal DRE findings, and 95% and 30.2% for the two combined. Using a receiver operating characteristics curve, a PSA threshold of 7.9 ng/mL had a sensitivity of 56.6% and specificity of 52.8%. When a PSA threshold of 7.9 ng/mL was used in combination with abnormal DRE findings, the overall accuracy was 76.9%. Conclusion The PSA threshold level of 7.9 ng/mL, determined by this analysis, has a higher likelihood of detecting prostate cancer in men in Qatar. However, it failed to detect cancer in substantially many men with statistically significant disease.

Objectives To compare the frequency of infection after transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided biopsy of the prostate (TRUSBP) using prophylactic ciprofloxacin with or without adding cefuroxime. Patients and methods Between June 2008 and October 2009, 205 consecutive patients had TRUSBP with the use of oral 500 mg ciprofloxacin twice per day, 2 days before and 3 days after the biopsy (defined as group A). Starting from November 2009 and onwards, 250 consecutive patients had TRUSBP using the same previous protocol of antibiotic prophylaxis but with the addition of intravenous 1.5 g cefuroxime given 30 min before the procedure (defined as group B). The incidence of sepsis after TRUSBP, together with the results of urine and blood cultures and antibiotic sensitivity, were compared between the groups. Results Fever after TRUSBP was recorded in 18 of 205 patients in group A (8.8%) and in nine of 250 in group B (3.6%); the difference was significant (P = 0.018). Urine culture was positive in 14 and five of patients in groups A and B, respectively, with extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing (ESBL) Escherichia coli as the most common organism. The blood culture was positive in seven and three patients in groups A and B, respectively, with ESBL E. coli as the most common organism. All patients who had sepsis after TRUSBP sepsis were treated successfully. Conclusion Adding a single intravenous injection with 1.5 g of cefuroxime to oral ciprofloxacin significantly reduced the frequency of infectious complications after TRUSBP.

To determine the effect of Ramadan intermittent fasting on erectile function (EF), sexual desire and serum hormone levels.Eligible male participants completed the two domains of International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire for EF and sexual desire. They also provided information on any known disease, treatment taking, smoking habits and frequency of sexual intercourse. Frequency of sexual intercourse, two domains of IIEF questionnaire, serum hormone levels, body weight before and four-weeks after the end of month of Ramadan were also recorded.Overall, 45 men, with a mean age of 37 ± 7.2 years, participated in the study. Frequency of sexual intercourse (P = .046), sexual desire (P = .002), body weight (P = .009) and serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level (P = .016) decreased significantly at the end of month of Ramadan compared to baseline. No statistically significant differences were found on EF (P = .714), serum testosterone (P = .847), luteinizing hormone (P = .876), estradiol (P = .098) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels (P = .290).Ramadan intermittent fasting might be associated with decrease in sexual desire, frequency of sexual intercourse and serum FSH level.

Background Large databases focused on genetic susceptibility to prostate cancer have been accumulated from population studies of different ancestries, including Europeans and African-Americans. Arab populations, however, have been only rarely studied. Methods Using Affymetrix Genome-Wide Human SNP Array 6, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in which 534,781 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped in 221 Tunisians (90 prostate cancer patients and 131 age-matched healthy controls). TaqMan® SNP Genotyping Assays on 11 prostate cancer associated SNPs were performed in a distinct cohort of 337 individuals from Arab ancestry living in Qatar and Saudi Arabia (155 prostate cancer patients and 182 age-matched controls). In-silico expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) analysis along with mRNA quantification of nearby genes was performed to identify loci potentially cis-regulated by the identified SNPs. Results Three chromosomal regions, encompassing 14 SNPs, are significantly associated with prostate cancer risk in the Tunisian population (P = 1 × 10-4 to P = 1 × 10-5). In addition to SNPs located on chromosome 17q21, previously found associated with prostate cancer in Western populations, two novel chromosomal regions are revealed on chromosome 9p24 and 22q13. eQTL analysis and mRNA quantification indicate that the prostate cancer associated SNPs of chromosome 17 could enhance the expression of STAT5B gene. Conclusion Our findings, identifying novel GWAS prostate cancer susceptibility loci, indicate that prostate cancer genetic risk factors could be ethnic specific.

Introduction Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy in many industrialized countries and the second cause of cancer-related death in Europe and the United States. The incidence of the disease has been increasing in Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) populations. Large databases focused on genetic susceptibility to prostate cancer have been accumulated from population studies of different ancestries, including Europeans and African-Americans. MENA populations, however, have been only rarely studied. Genetic susceptibility to prostate cancer differs significantly across ethnicities, e.g., the allele frequencies of the candidate prostate cancer susceptibility genes such as CYP3A4 and SRD5A2 differ substantially by ethnicity. It would be of interest to identify the common alleles associated with prostate cancer risk in MENA population. Material and Methods With Affymetrix SNP 6.0 chip, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in which 534,781 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped in a Tunisian cohort of 85 cases with prostate cancer and 131 age-matched controls. Then we extended the study to evaluate promising associations of 11 SNPs, identified by GWAS, in a cohort of individuals of Arab ancestry living in Qatar and Saudi Arabia (155 cases and 182 controls) using TaqMan® SNP Genotyping Assays.Results: We identified 3 consecutive regions significantly associated with prostate cancer risk on chromosome 9, 17 and 22, including 18 SNPs (P = 8.52 × 10 - 5 to P = 2.18 × 10 - 6) in the Tunisian population. 11 out of these 18 SNPs are not associated with prostate cancer risk in the population living in Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Conclusions We confirmed previous reports of common loci associated with prostate cancer at 17q11 and 17q21 containing STAT5A and STAT3 in the Caucasian population. Moreover, we found that 2 new consecutive regions associated with prostate cancer contain candidate susceptibility genes: SMARCA2, GNAQ, SEPT9, MYO18B and SUN2. Additionally, our findings further proved that prostate cancer risky genetic factors are ethnic specific.