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To describe the outcomes and quantify the rate of uric acid stone medical dissolution therapy using automated, software-generated stone volume measurements. A sample of patients treated with oral dissolution therapy was reviewed from a single institution between 2008 and 2019. Baseline patient demographics, metabolic urine testing and stone characteristics were collected. Computed tomography (CT) scan images were evaluated using the quantitative Stone Analysis Software (qSAS) to obtain total stone volume (TSV), maximum diameter (MD) and stone number. Rate of dissolution using total stone volume was calculated over the treatment period. Twenty-seven patients were started on oral dissolution therapy, corrected for renal function. After mean duration of 180 days (range 41–531), 16 patients failed treatment resulting in surgical therapy. Twenty stones in 11 patients showed complete or partial dissolution. Compared to those who failed treatment, patients with complete or partial dissolution had lower 24 h urinary uric acid and higher treatment urine pH. Thirteen (65%) stones showed complete dissolution after a mean 167.6 days. Rate of change for responders was 4.73 mm3 or 0.6% of total stone volume per day. Time to dissolution of one half of stone volume based on total stone volume was 86 days (12.30 weeks). Software-calculated total stone volume may be an effective method of measuring uric acid stone response to oral alkalization therapy. Stone volume decreased by 50% after 12.3 weeks of treatment and could be an important benchmark for oral dissolution therapyoral dissolution therapy. Further studies with a larger sample and validation of the software are needed to confirm if this can be used to guide surveillance schedules for dissolution therapy.

Background Emergency surgery represents a unique context. Trauma teams are often multidisciplinary and need to operate under extreme stress and time constraints, sometimes with no awareness of the trauma’s causes or the patient’s personal and clinical information. In this perspective, the dynamics of how trauma teams function is fundamental to ensuring the best performance and outcomes. Methods An online survey was conducted among the World Society of Emergency Surgery members in early 2021. 402 fully filled questionnaires on the topics of knowledge translation dynamics and tools, non-technical skills, and difficulties in teamwork were collected. Data were analyzed using the software R, and reported following the Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys (CHERRIES). Results Findings highlight how several surgeons are still unsure about the meaning and potential of knowledge translation and its mechanisms. Tools like training, clinical guidelines, and non-technical skills are recognized and used in clinical practice. Others, like patients’ and stakeholders’ engagement, are hardly implemented, despite their increasing importance in the modern healthcare scenario. Several difficulties in working as a team are described, including the lack of time, communication, training, trust, and ego. Discussion Scientific societies should take the lead in offering training and support about the abovementioned topics. Dedicated educational initiatives, practical cases and experiences, workshops and symposia may allow mitigating the difficulties highlighted by the survey’s participants, boosting the performance of emergency teams. Additional investigation of the survey results and its characteristics may lead to more further specific suggestions and potential solutions.

To evaluate the perioperative and oncological outcomes after post-chemotherapy robot-assisted retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (PC-RARPLND). We retrospectively reported the perioperative and oncological outcomes of all the patients with testicular cancer who underwent PC-RARPLND at three tertiary teaching centers. Descriptive statistical measures were used to report demographic, clinical, intraoperative, postoperative and oncological outcomes. There were 43 consecutive patients who underwent PC-RARPLND at the participating institutions. Mean patient age was 29.2 years (± 8.2), BMI was 26.6 kg/m2 (± 6.2). The mean size of retroperitoneal mass was 4.1 cm (± 3.5). Full bilateral template dissection was performed in 38 (88.3%) patients. Nerve sparing was attempted in 19 (44.1%) patients. Mean operative time was 374 min (± 132) and estimated blood loss was 292 ml (± 445.6). The mean postoperative LOS was 2.8 days (± 5.9). There was a total of 12 complications in 10 patients (Clavien grade I = 5, II = 3, III = 3 and IV = 1). Postoperative pathology demonstrated 24 patients (55%) with necrosis/fibrosis, 16 (37%) with teratoma and 3 (7%) with viable tumor. Mean lymph node (LN) yield was 26.5 LNs (SD ± 16.1). Patients were followed for a mean of 30.7 months (± 24.7). No deaths were documented during follow-up and 2 pulmonary recurrences were identified. Antegrade ejaculation was preserved in 70.6% of patient who underwent nerve sparing. Limitations included retrospective nature and limited follow up. PC-RAPLND is safe and technically reproducible. It provides improved morbidity and less convalescence.

Network delays cause disturbance and reduction in the Quality-of-Service (QoS) for Internet-of-Things (IoT) while end-users are running critical real-time services. In parallel, federated fogs are not effective when formed without considering the performance perceived by the end-users. This article presents a novel architecture for the federated fog concept and proposes an adaptive and intelligent federation formation approach using Genetic Algorithm and Machine Learning models. Fog federations serve as a solution for fog providers to offer the required QoS they serve. Such a concept allows efficient distribution of load among multiple fog providers that share their resources. Throughout this process, the issue of QoS deterioration, due to local overloads, is relatively solved. Hence, the end users can enjoy a delay-free experience when using real-time applications. Real data is used to evaluate the proposed architecture and formation mechanism. The results show a notable improvement in the throughput as well as a decrease in the response time for the services requested.

Background: Ectopia Cordis (EC) is a rare congenital condition where the heart is partially or completely lies outside the thoracic cavity (extrathoracic), uncovered by pericardium and skin. Many works of literature reported EC is a rare congenital abnormality with an incidence of about 5-8 per 1 million live births and includes about 0.1% of congenital heart diseases. Methods: This was a male baby, weighing 2.900 kg, received with cyanosis with a defect in the anterior chest wall and heart protruding out through it. On initial physical examination, split sternum with complete thoracic EC (beating outside the thoracic cavity with a complete absence of the pericardium with the apex pointing upwards) were reported. Results: The baby’s poor general condition did not allow further radiologic studies and echocardiography could not be performed. By the time, an arrangement had been planned for him to undergo cardiothoracic referral; unfortunately, he ran a downhill course and succumbed within 36 hours of life. Conclusion: The important for submitting such findings will assist our team: pediatric surgeons, obstetricians, pediatricians and, neonatal intensivists to develop future management strategies when they are enrolled or confronted with such cases, by improving the outcome through a precise workup design to provide the optimal evaluation, diagnosis, and management roadmaps of potential cases of EC.

Objective To evaluate the outcomes and perioperative complication rates following robot- assisted transplant nephrectomy ((RATN). Methods All patients who underwent RATN at our institution were included. No exclusion criteria were applied. Clinical records were retrospectively reviewed and reported. This included preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative outcomes. Complications were reported utilizing the Clavien-Dindo classification system. Descriptive statistics were reported using frequencies and percentages for categorical variables, means and standard deviation for continuous variables. Results Between July 2014 and April 2018, 15 patients underwent RATN. Most patients had the transplant in the right iliac fossa (13/15). Ten patients underwent a concomitant procedure. The total operative time for the entire cohort was 336 (±102) minutes (including cases who had concomitant procedures) and 259 (±46 minutes) when cases with concomitant procedures were excluded. Mean estimated blood loss was 383 (±444) mL. Postoperatively, 3 patients required blood transfusion. Average hospital stay was 4 (±2.7) days. Most patients had finding consistent with graft rejection on final pathology. There were 5 complications; 3 of which were minor (grade 2 = 2 and grade 3 = 1); one patient had a wound infection requiring dressing (3A) and one patient died due to pulmonary embolism following discharge. Limitations include small series and retrospective nature of the study. Conclusion This case series demonstrate that RATN is technically feasible. With continued experience and larger case series, the robotic approach may provide a minimally invasive alternative to open allograft nephrectomy.

Patients presenting with prostate gland sizes greater than 200 cc pose a unique surgical challenge to both patients and surgeons. The objective of this study is to critically assess the efficacy and risks associated with performing holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) on glands ≥ 200 cc. Using a prospective maintained database, all consecutive benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients with gland size ≥ 200 cc who underwent HoLEP were included. We reported patient preoperative, intraoperative, postoperative outcomes and complications. Subgroup analysis of outcomes was stratified by gland sizes 200–299 cc and ≥ 300 cc. Univariate analysis using Kruskal–Wallis and Fisher exact test was performed to compare the two groups. There were 88 patients with a mean preoperative gland size of 255.9 cc (200–770 cc). Mean operative (171 vs 182 min) and enucleation time (77 vs 83 min) were not different between the two subgroups (200–299 cc vs ≥ 300 cc). Enucleation efficiency was greater for glands ≥ 300 cc (2.6 cc/min vs 2.0 cc/min, p = 0.04). Morcellation time was longer in the ≥ 300 cc group (74.5 min vs 46.8 min, p = 0.021). Mean length of stay was 1.8 ± 1.2 days and catheter duration was 2.6 ± 2.7 days. 1 (1.1%) patient required retreatment of BPH at last follow-up. The main limitation of this study is the retrospective data analysis. Holmium laser enucleation for prostate glands volume > 200 cc is feasible with minimal morbidity. These data further reinforce the size independence success of this procedure for BPH.

This paper proposes an approach based on genetic algorithms and evolutionary game theory in order to study the problem of forming highly profitable federated clouds, while maintaining stability among the members in the presence of dynamic strategies (i.e. cloud providers joining and/or leaving federations) that might result in decreased Quality of Service (QoS). Cloud federation helps cloud providers to take advantage of the available unused virtual machines. It allows the providers to combine their resources in order to serve a larger pool of requests that could not have been served otherwise. We tackle the problem of forming federations while maximizing the total profit they yield using a Genetic Algorithm. However, the main problem may rise after the federation formation where many cloud providers, due to the dynamicity, may be tempted to reallocated their resources into other federations for seeking better payoff. Such an act may lead to a decrease in the QoS and cause a drop in the profit earned by the federations. Thus, we extend the genetic model as an evolutionary game, which aims to improve the profit while maintaining stability among federations. Experiments were conducted using CloudHarmony real-world dataset and benchmarked with Sky federation model previously introduced in the literature. Both the genetic and evolutionary game theoretical models outperform the benchmarked one. The evolutionary game model gave better results in terms of profit and QoS’s due to its mechanism of reaching a stable state, in which no provider has incentive to reallocate his resources into different federations.

Purpose: To assess the efficacy of placing a polyethylene glycol (PEG) spacing hydrogel in patients undergoing proton beam radiation therapy for prostate cancer. This study also aims to assess the effect on rectal radiation dose of prostate–rectum separation in various anatomic planes. Methods and Materials: Seventy-two consecutive prostate cancer patients undergoing conventionally fractionated pencil beam scanning proton radiation therapy with and without hydrogel placement were compared. Magnetic resonance images taken after hydrogel placement measured prostate–rectum separation and were correlated to rectal dosing and rectal toxicity. Univariate analysis of clinical variables and radiation dosing was conducted using nonparametric Wilcoxon rank-sum test with continuity correction between groups (hydrogel spacer vs controls). Spearman's rank correlation coefficient assessed relationships between the various anatomic dimensions of perirectal space and rectal radiation dosing. Results: Fifty-one patients had hydrogel placement before therapy and 21 did not. There was a 42.2% reduction in rectal dosing (mL3 rectum) in hydrogel patients (P

Objective To assess the success of robot-assisted holmium laser debridement of the pubic symphysis for osteomyelitis of the pubic symphysis with associated urosymphyseal fistula. Traditionally, excision of the fistulous tract and concomitant cystectomy with urinary diversion and pubic symphyseal debridement has been done using an open approach. This paper presents patients who were successfully managed with this approach. Methods and Materials Between January 2007 and January 2018, all patients who underwent pubic symphyseal debridement with or without cystectomy were identified. We reviewed patients who underwent planned robot-assisted cystectomy with holmium laser debridement for osteomyelitis of the pubic symphysis as a result of urinary fistula. Data on clinical presentation, perioperative outcomes, and recurrence of urinary tract fistula and symptoms were collected. Results Twelve patients underwent holmium laser debridement of the pubic symphysis during robot-assisted cystectomy for urinary fistula. Eleven patients had prior radiation treatments for prostate cancer with all having failed prior conservative management. Median operative time was 270 minutes with median length of stay of 5 days. At last follow-up, 11 (91.7%) of patients had complete resolution of their urinary fistula at median follow-up of 29 months. No patients developed osteonecrosis of the bone or complications from their urinary diversion at last follow-up. Conclusion Definitive surgical treatment with holmium laser debridement of the pubic symphysis with concomitant robot-assisted cystectomy and urinary diversion is a safe and durable approach to the complex problem of urinary fistula with pubic symphysis osteomyelitis.

ObjectivesWe aimed to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cardiac diagnostic testing and practice and to assess its impact in different regions in Europe.MethodsThe online survey organised by the International Atomic Energy Agency Division of Human Health collected information on changes in cardiac imaging procedural volumes between March 2019 and March/April 2020. Data were collected from 909 centres in 108 countries.ResultsCentres in Northern and Southern Europe were more likely to cancel all outpatient activities compared with Western and Eastern Europe. There was a greater reduction in total procedure volumes in Europe compared with the rest of the world in March 2020 (45% vs 41%, p=0.003), with a more marked reduction in Southern Europe (58%), but by April 2020 this was similar in Europe and the rest of the world (69% vs 63%, p=0.261). Regional variations were apparent between imaging modalities, but the largest reductions were in Southern Europe for nearly all modalities. In March 2020, location in Southern Europe was the only independent predictor of the reduction in procedure volume. However, in April 2020, lower gross domestic product and higher COVID-19 deaths were the only independent predictors.ConclusionThe first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on care of patients with cardiac disease, with substantial regional variations in Europe. This has potential long-term implications for patients and plans are required to enable the diagnosis of non-COVID-19 conditions during the ongoing pandemic.

Introduction: The objective was to analyze the diagnostic value of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) prostate lesion volume (PLV) and its correlation with the subsequent MRI–ultrasound (MRI-US) fusion biopsy results. Materials and Methods: Between March 2014 and July 2016, 150 men underwent MRI-US fusion biopsies at our institution. All suspicious prostate lesions were graded according to the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PIRADS) and their volumes were measured. These lesions were subsequently biopsied. All data were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. The PLV of all suspicious lesions was correlated with the presence of cancer on the final MRI-US fusion biopsy. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated. Results: There were 206 suspicious lesions identified in 150 men. The overall cancer detection rate was 102/206 (49.5%). The mean PLV for benign lesions was 0.63 ± 0.94 cm3 versus 1.44 ± 1.76 cm3 for cancerous lesions (P < 0.01). There was a statistically significant difference between the PLV of PIRADS 5 lesions when compared to PIRADS 4, 3, and 2 lesions (P < 0.0001, < 0.0001, and 0.006, respectively). The area under the curve for volume in predicting prostate cancer (PCa) was 0.66. The optimal volume for predicting PCa was 0.26 cm3 with a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 80.7%, 42.7%, 41.2%, and 74.6%, respectively. Conclusion: PLV may serve as a useful measure to triage patients prior to MRI-US fusion biopsy and help better understand the limits of this technology for individual patients.

The management of osteoarthritis (OA) remains a challenge. Curcumin is basically a spice that is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. In vitro studies suggest that curcumin could be beneficial for cartilage in OA. Piperine, derived from black pepper, is added to Curcumin to increase its bioavailability. The aim of this randomized, double blind trial was to evaluate the effects of combination curcumin plus piperine in knee OA patients.A total of 43patients were randomly assigned to receive the fixed dose combination (curcumin 500 mg plus piperine 5 mg) or placebo twice daily for three months and was evaluated using a Western Ontario MacMaster (WOMAC) score. Results revealed the serum levels of High Sensitivity C - reactive protein (HS-CRP)and Human Cross Linked C-Telopeptide of Type II Collagen (CTX-II) were changedafter 3 months of treatment. In conclusions: The treatment with curcumin was globally well tolerated. It significantly decreased the WOMAC score and NSAIDS uses. Serum level of CTXII significantly reduced (p

Introduction: In the landscape of surgical options for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) has risen to the top. Despite ...

Objectives To compare ureteroenteric stricture rates after radical cystectomy in patients who undergo an intracorporeal urinary diversion versus other surgical approaches. Methods We retrospectively reviewed health records of all patients who underwent cystectomy with urinary diversion at Mayo Clinic Hospital (Phoenix, AZ, USA) from 1 January 2007 through 1 January 2018. Ureteroenteric stricture was identified by surveillance imaging. Patients were stratified by surgical approach: open radical cystectomy, robot-assisted radical cystectomy with extracorporeal urinary diversion and robot-assisted radical cystectomy-intracorporeal urinary diversion. A Cox proportional hazards model was fitted that included independent predictors of stricture development. Results Of the 573 cystectomies assessed, 236 (41.2%) were carried out robotically. In the robot-assisted radical cystectomy cohort, 39 patients (16.5%) underwent intracorporeal urinary diversion. The median follow-up period was 55, 70 and 71 months for the open radical cystectomy, robot-assisted radical cystectomy-extracorporeal urinary diversion and robot-assisted radical cystectomy-intracorporeal urinary diversion groups, respectively. Subgroup stricture rates were as follows: open radical cystectomy, 8.0%; robot-assisted radical cystectomy-extracorporeal urinary diversion, 9.6%; and robot-assisted radical cystectomy-intracorporeal urinary diversion, 2.6% (P = 0.33). The median time to stricture was 5 months (interquartile range 3.3-11.5 months). In the bivariable analysis, factors that were associated with the development of ureteroenteric stricture were postoperative urinary leak (hazard ratio 3.177, 95% confidence interval 1.129-8.935; P = 0.03) and body mass index (hazard ratio 1.078, 95% confidence interval 1.027-1.132; P = 0.002). On multivariable logistic regression analysis, intracorporeal urinary diversion approach was not associated with the development of ureteroenteric stricture (hazard ratio 0.272, 95% confidence interval 0.036-2.066; P = 0.21). Conclusions Ureteroenteric stricture is a complication that typically occurs within the first postoperative year. Although our results did not support major differences in outcomes between intracorporeal urinary diversion and extracorporeal urinary diversion, the small sample size did not exclude the possibility of a type 2 statistical error.

Purpose: To develop a prognostic model to estimate postoperative urinary retention (POUR) after lower limb arthroplasty. Methods: One thousand two hundred twenty patients underwent 1,374 joint replacement operations (812 knees and 562 hips) between December 2008 and May 2014. Detailed variables were collected. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify the independent predictors for POUR. Boot strapping and stepwise elimination was used to design a predictive nomogram. Results: There were 124 incidents of POUR (9.02%) in 118 patients (90 knee, 34 hip, P = 0.001). On univariate analysis, patients who developed POUR were older (P < 0.001), had higher American Association of Anesthesiology scores (P = 0.007), underwent knee replacement (0.001), were obese (body mass index > 35) (P = 0.04), and were hypertensive (P = 0.029), with a history of benign prostatic hyperplasis (BPH) (P < 0.001) or neurologic disorders (P = 0.024). On multivariable analysis, age (60 to 69 years, P = 0.023, 70 to 79 yrs P = 0.008, >80 years P = 0.003), knee replacement (P = 0.014), and history of BPH (P = 0.013) were the independent predictors of POUR. A score was assigned to each predictor (total = 31). The C-index was 0.65. There were three risk categories as follows: 0 to 50, 51 to 85, and 86+ points resulting in 3.3%, 7.2%, and 14.0% risk of retention, respectively. Discussion: This nomogram reliably predicts the risk of POUR in patients undergoing hip and knee arthroplasties and may help planning preoperative interventions to decrease the risk of this complication.

Renal nutcracker syndrome is an anatomic anomaly characterized by the compression of the left renal vein between the superior mesenteric artery and the aorta or between the aorta and the vertebral body. Diagnosis is often challenging. Common presenting symptoms include hematuria, abdominal pain, and pelvic congestion. Several open and endovascular techniques have been described to treat this syndrome. We report a novel surgical technique with robotic-assisted left renal vein transposition to treat a 19-year-old woman with renal nutcracker syndrome. Robotic vascular surgery can be a safe and effective therapy for this condition.

Objective To assess the feasibility of robot-assisted transplanted ureteral reimplantation as a minimally invasive alternative to open surgery. Material and Methods Between August 2015 and March 2016, 5 patients presented with transplanted ureteral strictures after failure of a previous endoscopic management. All patients underwent robot-assisted ureteral reimplantation. Patients' demographics, perioperative outcomes, and complications are reported. Results All patients presented with deterioration of kidney function with or without recurrent urinary tract infection. Two patients had short strictures ( 1 cm), whereas 1 patient had a nitinol ureteral stent in situ. The location of the stricture varied among these patients with 3 distal and 1 proximal. Intraoperatively, 3 patients had a modified Lich-Gregoir reimplantation and 2 patients had a pyelovesicostomy. The mean operative time was 164 (±52) minutes. There were no intraoperative complications, conversion to open surgery, or significant blood loss necessitating blood transfusion. There were no urine leaks in the immediate or late postoperative period. One patient developed a Clavien grade IVa complication (sepsis). The median length of stay, the duration of catheterization, and the duration of stenting were 1 day (range 1-5 days), 7 days (range 6-14 days), and 39 days (range 25-51 days), respectively. After a median follow-up of 79 days (range 40-139 days), no strictures or delayed leakages were identified. Conclusion Robot-assisted transplanted ureteral reimplantation is technically feasible. With a larger number of cases and a longer follow-up, robot-assisted transplanted ureteral reimplantation may provide a new and effective, minimally invasive alternative for the treatment of this complex surgical problem.

Objective To determine whether the recently introduced Lumenis Pulse 120H laser platform, which offers a dual-pedal footswitch and preset energy modes to easily switch among laser settings, facilitates a more efficient process in holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) for surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Patients and Methods Patients at a single institution who underwent HoLEP with the new Lumenis Pulse 120H laser platform were matched 1:2 with patients who underwent the procedure with the previously used 100-watt VersaPulse single-pedal laser platform. Matching was performed by using propensity scores calculated by a logistic model that considered preoperative transrectal ultrasound prostate volume and patient age. The primary outcome was enucleation efficiency of each platform, determined by the weight of prostate tissue resected and enucleation time. The McNemar test and a conditional logistic model were used to associate predictors and cases. Results Twenty-nine patients who underwent HoLEP with the Lumenis Pulse 120H platform were matched with 58 patients who underwent the procedure with the 100-watt platform. We observed statistically significant differences in operating room total time, procedure time, and enucleation time. Other perioperative and postoperative outcomes were comparable between the 2 groups. Enucleation efficiency was similar between the 2 laser platforms (0.89 g per minute in the control group vs 0.84 g per minute in the Lumenis Pulse 120H group). Conclusion The efficiency of the new Lumenis Pulse 120H laser platform is comparable to the 100-watt VersaPulse laser platform in HoLEP when comparing g of tissue enucleated per minute.

Objective Inferior vena cava (IVC) surgery is uncommon and has traditionally been performed through open surgical approaches. Renal cell carcinoma with IVC extension generally requires vena cavotomy and reconstruction. Open removal of malpositioned IVC filters (IVCF) is occasionally required after endovascular retrieval attempts have failed. As our experience with robotic surgery has advanced, we have applied this technology to surgery of the IVC. We reviewed our institution’s experience with robotic surgical procedures involving the IVC to determine its safety and efficacy. Methods All patients undergoing robotic surgery that included cavotomy and repair from 2011 to 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Data were obtained detailing preoperative demographics, operative details, and postoperative morbidity and mortality. Results Ten patients (6 men) underwent robotic vena caval procedures at our institution. Seven patients underwent robotic nephrectomy with removal of IVC tumor thrombus and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. Three patients underwent robotic explantation of an IVCF after multiple endovascular attempts at removal had failed. The patients with renal cell carcinoma were a mean age of was 65.4 years (range, 55-74 years). Six patients had right-sided malignancy. All patients had T3b lesions at time of diagnosis. Mean tumor length extension into the IVC was 5 cm (range, 1-8 cm). All patients underwent robotic radical nephrectomy, with caval tumor thrombus removal and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. The average operative time for patients undergoing surgery for renal cell carcinoma was 273 minutes (range, 137-382 minutes). Average intraoperative blood loss was 428 mL (range, 150-1200 mL). The patients with IVCF removal were a mean age of 33 years (range, 24-41 years). Average time from IVCF placement until robotic removal was 35.5 months (range, 4.3-57.3 months). Before robotic IVCF removal, a minimum of two endovascular retrievals were attempted. Average operative time for patients undergoing IVCF removal was 163 minutes (range, 131-202 minutes). Intraoperative blood loss averaged 250 mL (range, 150-350 mL). All procedures were completed robotically. The mean length of stay for all patients was 3.5 days (range, 1-8 days). All patients resumed ambulation on postoperative day 1. Nine patients resumed a regular diet on postoperative day 2. One patient with a renal tumor sustained a colon injury during initial adhesiolysis, before robotic radical nephrectomy, which was recognized at the initial operation and repaired robotically. Robotic radical nephrectomy and caval tumor removal were then completed. No blood transfusions were required intraoperatively, but three patients required blood transfusions postoperatively. Conclusions Although robotic IVC surgery is uncommon, our initial limited experience demonstrates it is safe and efficacious.

To compare the perioperative and oncologic outcomes associated with open radical nephrectomy with tumor thrombus (O-RNTT) vs robot assisted radical nephrectomy with tumor thrombus (RA-RNTT). Renal cell carcinoma with venous tumor thrombus has traditionally been managed through an open surgical approach. The robot assisted approach may offers improved perioperative outcomes compared to open, but there are few studies comparing these 2.We analyzed patients with renal cell carcinoma and inferior vena cava tumor thrombus between 1998 and 2018, comparing perioperative and oncologic outcomes of these patients with Level I and Level II thrombus. Cohorts were stratified by surgical approach: O-RNTT vs RA-RNTT. Univariate analysis was conducted using chi-squared test and t tests when appropriate. Kaplan-Meier estimates were used to evaluate survival.Twenty-seven patients were in the O-RNTT group, and 24 in the RA-RNTT group. Patients in the RA-RNTT group, compared to the O-RNTT group, demonstrated shorter length of stay (3 vs 7 nights, P = .03), lower estimate blood loss (450 vs 1800 mL, P.01), and lower transfusion rate (21% vs 82%, P.01). The RA-RNTT group had 26% fever complications compared to the open (17% vs 43%, P.01). There was no significant difference in estimated overall survival or recurrence-free survival between the O-RNTT and RA-RNTT groups.RA-RNTT produced a shorter length of stay, less transfusions, and a lower rate of complications with no significant difference in overall survival.

To evaluate the intermediate-term oncologic outcomes and safety profile of the largest case series of primary robotic retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy for low-clinical-stage non-seminomatous germ cell testicular cancer. This was a two-center retrospective analysis of robotic RPLND cases for low-clinical-stage (stage I–IIB) non-seminomatous germ cell testicular cancer in the primary setting. Demographic, perioperative, operative and oncologic variables were collected between March 2008 and May 2019. Descriptive analyses were performed and presented as medians with interquartile ranges for continuous variables and frequency and proportions for categorical variables. A survival analysis of time to recurrence was performed using Cox proportional hazards model. Using logistic regression, risk factors for complications were analyzed. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. A total of 58 patients (CS 1 = 56, CS IIA = 2, CS IIB = 0) were identified. The median follow-up was 47 months and the 2-year recurrence-free survival rate was 91%. The five recurrences were all out of the performed dissection template (pelvis = 1 and lung = 4). Only five patients (29%) with occult metastasis underwent adjuvant chemotherapy. The median operative time was 319 min [interquartile range (IQR) 276–355 min], estimated blood loss was 100 ml (IQR 75–200 ml), node count was 26 (IQR 20–31), and length of stay 2 d (IQR 1–3 days). There were 2 (3.3%) intraoperative complications, 19 (32.7%) 30-day postoperative complications to include 14 (24.1%) Clavien grade I, 4 (6.9%) Clavien grade II, 1 (1.7%) Clavien grade III and 0 Clavien grade IV complications. No statistical significance was found on multivariate or univariate analysis for survival analysis of time to recurrence and risk factors for complications. This study represents the largest case series of primary R-RPLND for the treatment of low-stage non-seminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCT). With 47 months of follow-up and a low rate of adjuvant chemotherapy, intermediate oncologic efficacy appears to be comparable to the gold standard open approach.

Objectives There is scant information about intermediate / long-term comparative outcomes between robot assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) and open radical cystectomy (ORC). The purpose of this study is to present survival and oncological outcomes between bladder cancer patients who undergo RARC vs. ORC with an overall median follow-up of over 5 years. Materials and Methods A query of all patients who underwent radical cystectomy between January, 2007 and January, 2018 at Mayo Clinic Arizona yielded 595 patients. After excluding cystectomy performed for nonmalignant indication, cancer secondary to nonbladder primary, and cancers with grossly metastatic disease at the time of surgery, 481 patients remained. Data was collected on patient demographics, preoperative information, operative details, complications, and follow-up. Statistical analyses were generated using SPSS 22.0. Results In 481 total patients, 203 (42.2%) underwent RARC and 278 (57.8%) underwent ORC. The median follow-up for the entire cohort was 66 months. The 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) was 70.8% vs. 64.7% and the 10-year RFS was 69.6% vs. 62.7% for the RARC vs. ORC, respectively (P = 0.135). The 5-year overall survival (OS) was 58.9% vs. 57.7% and the 10-year OS was 39.9% vs. 45.6% for RARC vs. ORC patients, respectively (P = 0.466). There were no differences in any recurrence patterns, including the incidence of atypical recurrences (1.5% vs. 1.8% [P = 0.786], respectively). A Cox-proportional hazards model was fitted that included independent predictors of RFS and OS. The results revealed no difference in RFS (HR 1.235, 95% CI: 0.832–1.833, P = 0.295) or OS (HR 0.790, 95% CI: 0.550–1.135, P = 0.202) between the respectively. Conclusions Recurrence free survival, OS, and recurrence patterns are similar in bladder cancer patients who undergo either RARC or ORC.

Background Live surgery events (LSEs) have become one of the most attended activities at surgical meetings and provide a unique opportunity for the audience to observe the decision-making process used by skilled and experienced surgeons in real time. However, there is an ongoing discussion on whether patients treated during LSE are at higher risk of complications. Objective To examine LSE outcomes for robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and establish patient safety and efficacy. Design, setting, and participants From January 2008 to April 2016, >9000 patients underwent RARP at our institution, performed by a single surgeon. From this group, 36 patients underwent live RARP surgery (LS group) transmitted via video link from our institution to an external congress. A control group was obtained from our database to compare outcomes between the LS group and patients undergoing RARP under regular circumstances. The data were prospectively collected in a customized database and retrospectively analyzed. Intervention All patients underwent RARP performed by a single surgeon at our institution. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis Postoperative outcomes were compared between the LS ( n =36) and the control ( n =108) groups using Student's t test and analysis of variance for continuous variables, and a two-tailed Fisher's exact test for categorical variables. Statistical significance was set at p Results and limitations There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics (age, body mass index, comorbidities, preoperative Gleason score, Sexual Health Inventory for Men score and American Urological Association symptom score) between the groups. The median console time was shorter for the LS group (73min, interquartile range [IQR] 70–79) than for the control group (78min, IQR 75–87; p =0.0371). No major complications were reported in either group, and only four minor complications were observed in the control group ( p =0.2415). After median follow-up of 31 mo (IQR 18–50), only one patient (2.77%) in the LS group experienced biochemical recurrence, compared to four (3.71%) in the control group ( p =0.7927). There was no significant difference in continence rates between the LS and control groups (97.22% vs 93.52%; p =0.7768). No differences in potency rate were evident by the end of the follow-up period (LS 69.44%, control group 70.37%; p =0.8432). The retrospective nature, the lack of randomization, and the single-institution experience are limitations of the study. Conclusions In this series of live transmitted RARPs, perioperative results (oncological and functional outcomes and complications) were similar to those found in daily practice. After careful patient selection, LSEs are safe with minimal patient morbidity in the hands of an experienced surgeon working with a familiar surgical team. Further evaluation of the results from other surgeons at other centers is necessary. Patient summary We investigated the safety of surgeries broadcast live from our institution. We found that outcomes were similar to those for patients undergoing surgery under regular circumstances in terms of the rate of complications and oncological and functional outcomes. We conclude that live transmitted surgery is safe in well-selected patients in the hands of an experienced surgeon.

To assess the safety and feasibility of HoLEP as a day-case procedure. We reviewed all consecutive patients who underwent HoLEP at our institution between February 2017 and March 2018. During this time, we began a prospective trial aimed at same-day discharge of specific patients. Baseline and demographic variables, and past medical, past urological, intra-operative and post-operative variables in addition to disposition and readmission data were collected. Bivariate analysis was conducted to compare patients based on the day of discharge and readmission. A multivariable model using multiple-regression analysis was used to assess predictors for early discharge or readmission. There were 179 total HoLEP procedures that were performed during the study period. Forty-seven patients were suitable candidates for same-day discharge. Among this group, 28 (59.5%) patients were successfully discharged home on the same day. Nineteen patients (40.4%) could not be discharged. The most common cause of not to discharge patients was the degree of hematuria without continuous bladder irrigation. Pre-operative prostate volume was different between the two groups (88.4 ± 30.7 cc for discharged patients vs 69.0 ± 30.7 cc for admitted patients, p = 0.033). No other pre-operative differences were identified. There were five readmissions (17.8%) following same-day discharge. Readmitted patients had higher rates of history of urinary tract infection (80% vs 26.2%, p = 0.0304). On multivariable analysis, no statistically significant predictors were identified for early discharge or readmission. Same-day discharge following HoLEP is safe and feasible in well-selected patients.

Modern robotics is an advanced minimally invasive technology with the advantages of wristed capability, three-dimensional optics, and tremor filtration compared with conventional laparoscopy. Urologists have been early adopters of robotic surgical technology: robotics have been used in urologic oncology for more than 20 years and there has been an increasing trend for utilization in benign urologic pathology in the last couple of years. The continuing development and interest in robotics are aimed at surgical efficiency as well as patient outcomes. However, despite its advantages, improvements in haptics, system size, and cost are still desired. This article explores the current use of robotics in urology as well as future improvements on the horizon.

Objective To predict overall survival, cancer, and metastasis specific survival in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) following radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). Materials and Methods All nonmetastatic UTUC patients who underwent RNU with a curative intent at 1 institution between December 1998 and January 2017 were included. Detailed data were collected. End points for this study included OS, CCS, and MFS. Univariate and multivariate analysis were conducted. Log Rank tests and Kaplan-Meier curves were generated. Backward elimination and boot strapping was used to identify the most parsimonious model with the smallest number of variables in order to predict the outcomes of interest. A separate second institution data base was used for external validation. Results There were 218 patients in the development cohort. Mean follow-up was 42 months (±39.6). There was 99 (45.4%) deaths, 28 (12.8%) cancer related deaths, 72 (33%) recurrences, and 54 (24.8%) metastases. The c-index for our model was 0.71 for OS, 0.72 for MFS and 0.74 for CSS. The nomograms did not show significant deviation from actual observations using our calibration plots. We divided the patient into 3 different groups (low, intermediate and high risk) based on their final total score for each outcome and compared them. On external validation our accuracy was 78.4%, 71.4%, and 75.3% for OS, CSS, and MFS survival respectively. Conclusion We designed a predictive model for survival outcomes following RNU in UTUC. This model uses simple, readily available data for patients without the need for expensive or additional testing.

The calls for accountability in higher education have made outcome-based assessment a key accreditation component. Accreditation remains a well-regarded seal of approval on college quality, and requires the programme to set clear, appropriate, and measurable goals and courses to attain them. Furthermore, programmes must demonstrate that responsibilities associated with the goals are being carried out. Assessment leaders face various challenges including process design and implementation, faculty buy-in, and resources availability. This paper presents an outcome-based assessment approach that facilitates faculty participation while simplifying the assessment and reporting processes through effective and meaningful visualisation. The proposed approach has been implemented and used for the successful ABET accreditation of a computer science programme, and can be easily adapted to any higher education programme.

The Internet has placed considerable information at the disposal of patients, but the sources for credible and accurate information may be difficult for a layperson to discern. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in elderly men can be treated with different surgical interventions. The purpose of this research was to determine information seeking behaviors (ISB) of BPH patients before and after each type of surgery. All patients who underwent surgical intervention for BPH at a tertiary training center between January 2007 and January 2013 were included in this study. A comprehensive questionnaire regarding their ISB was sent through a third-party survey center. The following areas were examined: (1) the patient’s opinion regarding information sources of BPH and its treatment, (2) the extent of ISB for each patient and its relation to the type of surgical intervention he eventually underwent, and (3) the relationship between the extent of ISB and the patient’s final satisfaction. The results indicated that the majority of patients felt that it is relatively easy to find information about BPH and its treatment. Most of the patient started with either general online search engines or used the hospital website. Patients who explored more sources of information ended up choosing a more specific and sophisticated procedure. Generally, patients used fewer sources postoperatively regardless of the procedure they underwent. There was no correlation between the extent of ISB and overall satisfaction ( r = −0.0719, p = .1610) and regret ( r = −0.0436, p = .3945).

To assess patient-reported functional and quality-of-life (QoL) outcomes associated with various surgical treatments for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH).An independent third-party survey was sent to all patients who underwent any surgical treatment for BPH at our institution from January 2007 through January 2013. Overall satisfaction and urinary and sexual outcomes were evaluated using Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM), International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS) for urinary function, and International Continence Society-Short Form (ICSmaleSF) questionnaires.Four hundred and seventy-nine respondents (response rate, 55.6%) had undergone holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP; n = 214), transurethral resection of the prostate (n = 210), holmium laser ablation of the prostate (n = 21), photoselective vaporization (n = 18), transurethral incision of the prostate (n = 9), and open simple prostatectomy (n = 7). Postoperatively, Sexual Health Inventory for Men scores were not different. However, total IPSS varied significantly among surgical techniques (P.001). Mean (standard deviation) IPSS was lowest for open simple prostatectomy (4.0 [2.6]), followed by HoLEP (5.8 [5.4]). For individual domains, significant differences were in intermittency (P.001), weak stream (P = .003), straining (P.001), and QoL (P = .001). In all these domains, HoLEP had the lowest scores. Regarding International Continence Society-Short Form, we observed a significant difference favoring transurethral resection of the prostate in incontinence (P.001) and favoring HoLEP in voiding (P = .02) and QoL domains (P = .03). Most patients were satisfied with their surgical intervention, independent of the procedure type. Regret was least in patients who underwent HoLEP (P = .02).Patients generally expressed satisfaction with various interventions for BPH. However, those who underwent HoLEP had the best outcomes.

The standard-of-care management of muscle invasive bladder cancer in females is anterior pelvic exenteration. This involves the surgical excision of the urinary bladder and the female reproductive organs in addition to pelvic lymphadenectomy. Among many factors, performing this procedure robotically requires thorough knowledge of female laparoscopic pelvic anatomy in order to conduct this complex surgery in a safe and efficient manner. However, most urologic surgeons are more familiar with male pelvic anatomy given the prevalence of the more frequently performed robotic prostatectomy. Our technique was developed based on minimal deviation from robotic radical cystectomy in males and this chapter will review its various steps and highlight the main differences.

Robotic surgical techniques are now being applied in the setting of retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy (RPLND) for testicular cancer. While laparoscopic RPLND has not been widely accepted, reports of robot assisted RPLND (RARPLND) are emerging. This manuscript will review the application of RPLND for testicular cancer, evolution of minimally invasive techniques, the controversies, and current status of RARPLND.

Robot-assisted retroperitoneal lymph node dissection is a procedure that is now more commonly offered to patients with testicular cancer. Nevertheless, this procedure is technically challenging and is not routinely performed. This chapter will describe the prevention and management of all possible complications that may arise from robot-assisted retroperitoneal lymph node dissection in a stepwise fashion. Since the most effective way to deal with any complication is to avoid it, this chapter will dedicate a significant portion of its content to describe the proper surgical technique that will help achieve this aim. Additionally, the current status of perioperative outcomes and complications will be reviewed.

This paper presents a switching DC-DC Buck converter with enhanced light-load efficiency for use in noise-sensitive applications. Low noise, spur free operation is achieved by using a sigma-delta-modulator (ΣΔ) based controller, while light load efficiency is realized through the introduction of fine step frequency scaling (FSFS) which continuously adjusts the switching frequency of the converter with load conditions. Regulation efficiency is further improved by adoption of mode hopping (continuous conduction mode (CCM)/ discontinuous conduction mode (DCM)) and utilization of a fully digital implementation. Furthermore, the presented converter maintains low output voltage ripple across its entire load range by reconfiguring the ΣΔ modulator's quantization step and introducing dither to the loop filter. The proposed modulator was implemented in 14nm bulk CMOS process and validated with post layout simulations. It attains a peak efficiency of 95% at heavy load conditions and 79% at light loads with a maximum voltage ripple of 15mV at light loads.

Objective To assess the feasibility of focal endoscopic excision of prostate cancer (PCa) under guidance of real-time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or magnetic ultrasound fusion (MUF). Materials and Methods Using a cadaveric model, multifocal PCa was simulated using 2 MRI-compatible fiducial markers. These were inserted transrectally and used to generate regions of interests (ROIs) on a 1.5-T surface-coil MRI. The first marker was placed in the right mid-peripheral zone (ROI 1), and the second marker was placed in the left seminal vesicle as a referent lesion for subsequent imaging. MRI of the specimen was then obtained. The radiologist created ROIs using fusion biopsy system at each marker. Two additional incidental ROIs were identified in the left transitional zone (ROI 2-suspicious for benign prostatic hyperplasia nodule) and in the right anterior peripheral zone (ROI 3-suspicious for PCa). Holmium laser enucleation of the transitional zone of the prostate was performed to gain access to the peripheral zone lesions. MUF was used during endoscopic laser excision to convey targeting accuracy. The cadaver was then reimaged to determine the adequacy of resection and examined for histopathologic correlation. Results Real-time MUF imaging identified the target lesions consistently at the locations designated as ROIs. Complete endoscopic resection of ROIs was possible. Repeated MUF imaging and the postprocedure MRI confirmed the completeness of resection. Pathologic examination demonstrated complete excision, intact neurovascular bundles, and posterior prostatic capsule. Conclusion This approach may represent a new minimally invasive frontier for focal surgical resection of PCa, making histopathologic margin status determination possible.

Robot-assisted retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RARPLND) is an evolving minimally invasive treatment option in testicular cancer. This procedure adheres to the oncological principles of open RPLND and should be performed by surgeons experienced with open RPLND whom routinely treat germ cell tumors and testicular cancer. This chapter will detail the steps required to conduct a successful and safe dissection and will highlight the necessary precautions that need to be undertaken to avoid certain complications.

492 Background: There is scant information about intermediate and long-term comparative outcomes between RARC and ORC, with the exception of a recent, small randomized-trial. We present our experience with RARC and ORC in managing bladder cancer patients who require cystectomy. Methods: A query of all patients who underwent radical cystectomy for a primary bladder tumor between 01/2007 and 6/2017 at our institution yield 469 patients. Data was collected on patient demographics, pre-operative information, operative details, pathology, and follow-up. Most RARCs were performed by a high-volume robotic surgeon who preferentially used the robotic approach at the start of all cases. Statistical analyses were generated using SPSS 22.0. Any open conversions were analyzed in the RARC cohort. Results: In 469 total patients, 197 (42.0%) and 272 (58.0%) underwent RARC and ORC, respectively. There were 163 (82.7%) and 224 (82.4%) males in each group and the mean ages (SD) were 71.5 (8.6) and 70.2 (10.5) years. Mean follow-up (SD) was 75 (37.7) and 61 (35.7) months, respectively. There were 130 (66.0%) and 172 (63.2%) patients who presented with T2 or greater disease (p=0.605). Soft-tissue margin rates were 4.1% for RARC and 6.7% for ORC patients (p=0.232). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was used in 56.9% of RARC and 45.9% of ORC patients with ≥ cT2 disease (p=0.058). The 5-year overall survival was 60.0% vs 57.0% and the 10-year overall survival was 40.3% vs 44.8% for RARC vs. ORC patients, respectively (p=0.283). The 5-year recurrence-free survival was survival (RFS) was 71.7% vs 65.7% and the 10-year RFS was 70.5% vs 62.3% for the RARC vs. open groups, respectively (p=0.078). Aggressive histological variants, which were associated with greater likelihood for recurrence, were more common in the ORC group (13.7 vs. 22.4% p=0.013). Atypical recurrences (i.e. peritoneal, extrapelvic nodes) occurred in 6 (3.0%) and 14 (5.1%) RARC and ORC patients, respectively (p=0.266). Conclusions: In experienced hands, intermediate and long-term outcomes of RARC appear equivalent to ORC with regards to recurrence free survival, overall survival, and risk of atypical recurrences.

536 Background: The management of malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis of the testes (MMTVT) is not clearly defined, though retroperitoneal lymph node dissection has been reported as a diagnostic and potentially therapeutic option. Herein we present our experience with robot assisted retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RARPLND) in a series of patients with MMTVT. Methods: The Mayo Clinic cancer registry was queried from 1972-present for all patients who had a diagnosis of MMTVT. Six patients were identified, five of whom were treated with RPLND, where four underwent RARPLND. Data was collected on pertinent demographic, preoperative, perioperative, postoperative outcomes and follow-up oncological data. Results: In five patients who underwent RPLND, the median age was 50 years (IQR 34-51), median BMI was 26.9 (IQR 26.4-30.6). Four patients originally presented with right sided symptomatic hydroceles, while one presented with right sided chronic epididymitis. Orchiectomy (one simple, two inguinal radical) was performed in three patients and hydrocelectomy in the other two patients prior to presentation. Preoperative cross-sectional imaging, including PET-CT scan in three patients, was negative for lymphadenopathy or metastasis. RARPLND was performed in 4/5 (80%) cases and concomitant hemiscrotectomy in 4/5 (80%) cases. Full bilateral template was performed in three patients and right modified template was performed in the remaining two. Median lymph node yield was 29 (IQR 22-32) and median blood loss was 275 cc (IQR 200-300). Positive retroperitoneal lymph nodes were found in 3/5 (60%) cases. Final margins of hemiscrotectomy were negative in all four cases. All patients who underwent RARPLND were discharged home on postoperative day one. One patient received four cycles of adjuvant Cisplatin and Pemetrexed. Mean follow-up was 27 months (range 2-47). No patients recurred. Conclusions: MMTVT is a very rare malignancy with high potential for retroperitoneal lymph node dissemination. Regardless of the approach, RPLND may provide both a diagnostic and therapeutic benefit, with the robotic approach affording a potentially expedited recovery.

The increasing trend in the number of cores on a single chip has led to scalability and bandwidth issues in bus-based communication. Network-on-chip (NoC) techniques have emerged as a solution that provides a much needed flexibility and scalability in the era of multi-cores. This article presents an optimal integer linear programming (ILP) formulation and a simulated annealing (SA) solution to thermal and power-aware test scheduling of cores in an NoC-based SoC using multiple clock rates. The methods have been implemented and results on various benchmarks are presented.

Introduction Penile augmentation has been reported in the literature by injecting various materials by nonmedical persons. Aim This study aims to present our experience in management of penile augmentation complications associated with injection or implantation of industrial silicone by lay persons. Main Outcome Measures Early surgical intervention can lead to faster recovery and better cosmetic and functional outcome. Methods Two patients had injection of industrial silicone paste, and the other two had industrial silicone ring implantation. All the patients except one were presented after 13 months of the procedure. Patients with industrial silicone ring presented with multiple sinuses of penile skin in one, and abscess discharge pus from the site of implanted ring in the other. Both patients with injected silicone paste presented with swelling and deformity of the penis that interfered with their intercourse. Silicone ring patients underwent skin incision and drainage of the infected materials and extraction of the implants with delayed skin closure. The two patients with silicone paste injection underwent two‐stage penile reconstructions using scrotal flap. Results Patients with extracted rings had smooth recovery with acceptable cosmetic outcome. One of them was not initially satisfied with the length of his penis that was overcome by short‐term use of vacuum device. One of the patients with silicone paste injection had wound infection that was successfully treated with local wound care. Both had satisfactory penile length and acceptable cosmetic outcome. All patients had normal erectile function postoperatively. Conclusion Complications of using industrial silicone injection can be drastic, and awareness of the public can avoid using of this material for penile augmentation. Shamsodini A, Al‐Ansari AA, Talib RA, Alkhafaji HM, Shokeir AA, and Toth C. Complications of penile augmentation by use of nonmedical industrial silicone. J Sex Med 2012;9:3279–3283.

Questions remain regarding the durability and longevity of flexible ureteroscopes. The objective of this study was to estimate the potential economic benefits of single use, flexible digital ureteroscopes compared to our recent experience with reusable flexible digital ureteroscopes using cost-benefit analysis.Ureteroscopic procedures were prospectively recorded over the 12-month period of February 2014 to February 2015. All flexible ureteroscopies were performed using Flex XIn 160 cases a flexible reusable ureteroscope was used. There was damage to 11 ureteroscopes during this time with an average of 12.5 cases to failure. Excluding original purchasing costs, the cost analysis revealed an amortized cost of $848.10 per use. After 99 ureteroscope cases the cost-benefit analysis favored reusable ureteroscopes compared to disposable ureteroscopes.Digital ureteroscopes are the latest trend in the evolution of endourology. It appears that a disposable ureteroscope may be cost beneficial at centers with a lower case volume per year. However, institutions with a high volume of cases may find reusable ureteroscopes cost beneficial.

In this paper, an improved architecture for RF power amplifier envelope tracking supply modulator is presented. It consists of a single switched mode supply regulator and one linear regulator. The switched mode supply regulator has two outputs, one of which is used in conjunction with the linear regulator to provide a wideband, high efficiency power supply to the RF amplifier, whereas the second output provides a band limited high efficiency supply to the linear regulator. The design offers improved power efficiency, reduced system complexity and area savings since the dual output switched mode regulator requires one inductor and a simple control loop. The design was implemented in 14nm CMOS process and validated with simulations. The supply modulator achieves a peak efficiency of 74% with a 6 dB PAPR 20MHz LTE signal at 29dBm output power.

This paper presents a step down, switched mode power converter for use in multi-standard envelope tracking radio frequency power amplifiers (RFPA). The converter is based on a programmable order sigma delta modulator that can be configured to operate with either 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th order loop filters, eliminating the need for a bulky passive output filter. Output ripple, sideband noise and spectral emission requirements of different wireless standards can be met by configuring the modulator’s filter order and converter’s sampling frequency. The proposed converter is entirely digital and is implemented in 14nm bulk CMOS process for post layout verification. For an input voltage of 3.3V, the converter’s output can be regulated to any voltage level from 0.5V to 2.5V, at a nominal switching frequency of 150MHz. It achieves a maximum efficiency of 94% at 1.5 W output power.

The last two decades witnessed the inception and exponential implementation of key technological advancements in laparoscopic urology. While some of these technologies thrived and became part of daily practice, others are still hindered by major challenges. This review was conducted through a comprehensive literature search in order to highlight some of the most promising technologies in laparoscopic visualization, augmented reality, and insufflation. Additionally, this review will provide an update regarding the current status of single-site and natural orifice surgery in urology.

The stability of a class in object-oriented system is one software quality characteristic that is important to assess at the early development stages. However, a direct measure of this software quality characteristic is not possible. Nonetheless, it can be predicted based on other measurable software attributes such as cohesion, coupling, and complexity. Many metrics have been proposed to assess these software attributes and for this purpose, prediction models have been widely used. However, in almost all cases, these models were not efficient when used to predict the quality characteristics (stability or other) of new unseen software as their prediction accuracy decreases significantly. In this paper, we present a heuristic approach that relies on the adaptation and recombination of already built predictive models to new unseen software.The predictive models are all rule-based models and the approach is tested on the stability of classes in an object-oriented software system. We compare our results to the machine learning algorithm C4.5, and we show that our approach out-beats it.

The test access mechanism (TAM) is an important element of test architectures for embedded cores and is responsible for on-chip test pattern transport from the source to the core under test to the sink. Efficient TAM design is of critical importance in system-on-chip integration since it directly impacts testing time and hardware cost. In this paper, an efficient genetic algorithm for designing test access architectures while investigating test bus sizing and concurrently assigning cores to test buses is proposed. Experimental results are presented to demonstrate that the proposed TAM optimization methodology provides efficient test bus designs with minimum testing time while outperforming reported techniques.

To examine trends in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) using a serial, cross-sectional study design.The Nationwide Inpatient Sample, the largest, publicly available, all-payer, inpatient database, was searched to identify patients of any age who underwent PCNL from 1998 to 2011. Annual procedure incidence rates were estimated using the total US Census Bureau populations.Data indicated that 105,180 patients underwent PCNL during the study period. The overall annual rate increased from 17 to 31 per million US adults (P .001), with significant increases among white (P .001) and Hispanic (P = .03) patients. Both sexes had significant increases in procedure rates: males increased from 17 to 30 per million adults (P .001), and females increased from 17 to 32 (P .001). PCNL among patients younger than 18 years was relatively stable (P = .59), whereas among patients aged 18 to 64 years, the procedure rate increased from 39 to 70 per million adults (P .001), and patients older than 65 years had a larger increase, from 52 to 113 per million (P .001).The incidence of PCNL in the United States nearly doubled from 1998 to 2011.

The IEEE 729-1983 Standard defines software quality as "the composite characteristics of software that determine the degree to which the software in use will meet the expectations of the customer." Assessing software quality in the early stages of design and development is crucial in reducing time and effort. Various metrics have been proposed for estimating software quality characteristics from measurable attributes. This paper presents an Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) approach that improves the prediction accuracy of software quality estimation models by intensifying the search around the metric neighborhood. The method has been implemented, and favorable results comparisons are reported.