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In this study, deviations for the porosity level of the Ti-6Al-4V functionally graded porous structures for three different cell structures were investigated. For this purpose, functionally graded porous structures are designed and produced by selective laser melting (SLM). It is also aimed to investigate the effects of unit cell structure, unit cell size, and column (strut) thickness on the porosity deviation level. The specimens were scanned at micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) to determine the structure dimensions after production. According to the results obtained from micro-CT, an average increase of 150-300 μm was observed on the column thicknesses of all functionally graded porous structures. It has been observed that the horizontal columns of cubic and octagonal structures have sagging due to metal melting during production. It has been determined that the porosity of the manufactured parts was deviated between 5.71%-10.54% for cubic, 8.59%-12.39% for octahedroid, and 13%-16.49% for diamond structures compared to the design values. Türkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Araştırma Kurumu (TÜBİTAK), MAG-116R021.

The negative effects of varicocele and smoking on infertility are known. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of smoking on the healing process after varicocelectomy. 378 male patients who have undergone varicocelectomy operation were included in the study. Patients were divided into three groups as non-smokers, patients who smoke less than 10 cigarettes per day and patients who smoke 10 or more cigarettes per day. Semen analysis of the patients before varicocelectomy operation and three months after varicocelectomy operation were evaluated and semen volume, sperm concentration and sperm motility were evaluated according to WHO (World Health Organizations) guidelines. Patient age changed between 16 and 52 and the mean age is 27,20±6,74. When cigarette usage was evaluated, it was determined that 52,82% of patients (n=220) were non-smokers, 13,8% of patients (n=52) smoke less than 10 cigarettes per day and 28,0% of patients (n=106) smoke 10 or more cigarettes per day Improvement in sperm concentration and motility rates after varicocelectomy was determined to be lower in 10 or more cigarette smoking group compared to other groups. It is shown that cigarettes play a negative role in recovery process after varicocelectomy operation.

The COVID-19 is an ongoing health problem with millions of cases and deaths worldwide. Although the virus is transmitted with droplets through the respiratory system, the involvement of different organs has been reported.The pandemic caused urological procedures to be postponed when patient is infected with SARS-CoV-2. However, the reliability of 1 month postpone period and long-term complications of the virus, such as a possible erectile dysfunction (ED) is not clarified. We aimed to compare the corpus cavernosum of patients 1 and 7 months after COVID-19 infection with control patients who had not COVID-19 and search for SARS-CoV-2 in tissues using immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy.Three groups of subjects underwent penile prosthesis implantation and Nesbit procedure for Peyronie's disease 1 and 7 months after COVID-19 infection and control group without previous COVID-19 infection. We searched for SARS-CoV-2 in penile tissue using RT-PCR, electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry.Electron microscopy and immunohistochemical staining showed SARS CoV-2 virus in the penile corpus cavernosum of patients 1 month after COVID-19 recovery. Immunohistochemical staining intensity correlated with the severity of previous infection. Transmission electron microscopy revealed intracellular virtual particles of about 80 nm with a typical morphology of prominent spikes and electron-dense dots of nucleocapsid in addition to vesicles filled with virus-like particles. Cells showed increased membrane trafficking. The 1 month after COVID-19 group showed an increased number of fibroblasts. The 7 months after COVID-19 group had similar morphology and immunoreactivity as control group.This is the first study of late post-COVID examination of penis and the second study of early post-COVID examination of corpus cavernosum. For 1 month post-COVID patients, the aetiology of ED could be the viral infection that is also affecting corpora cavernosa. We hypothesize that viral infection affects the endocytic and exocytic pathways, hence the metabolic activity of cells that can be the reason of altered functions in some post-COVID patients.This study is important because it did not detect any virus residue in the tissue samples at the seventh month. In addition, we can say that the penile surgeries should be postponed more than 1 month after the COVID infection according to this study. But, there is a need for new studies with large series and high levels of evidence that can show how long the virus remains in the corpus cavernosum. Patients should be followed in this respect.

Background: The differential diagnosis of pelvis renalis cancer (PRC) from renal cell cancer (RCC) is difficult. Because of that, in this study, we compared the standardized uptake value (SUV) with positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) of the RCC and PRC. Methods: Twenty-one patients (12 males, 9 females; age range: 33–74 years; mean age ± standard deviation [SD]: 57.14 ± 17.6) with suspected primary renal cell cancer as Group 1 and 8 patients (6 male, 2 female; age range, 61–81; mean age ± SD, 71.5 ± 5.65) with suspected renal pelvis cancer as Group 2 detected by conventional imaging techniques (CT, magnetic resonance [MR] imaging, ultrasound, intravenous urogram, CT urography, MR urography) underwent fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/CT imaging between August 2010 and October 2012. Results: Mean age is 57.14 (33–74) years in Group 1 and 71.5 (61–81) years in Group 2, respectively. The mean maximum SUV (SUVmax) value was 4.6 ± 2.1 in RCC group and 16.6 ± 6.9 in PRC group. At the 18-FDG PET/CT scanning, SUVmax value higher in patients with PRC than in the patients with RCC. It was statistically different (P Conclusion: We suggested that PET/CT can be used for the differential diagnosis of renal pelvis tumor and RCC. However, further studies with larger patient number are needed to confirm our suggestion. To clarify the mechanisms of underlying these differences, molecular advanced molecular studies are needed.

We evaluated whether patients who meet the survey criteria for fibromyalgia suffer from a higher rate of sexual dysfunction and sleep disorders compared to those without fibromyalgia. While 54 of the participants were patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia, the remaining 41 made up the healthy control group of the study. The patients were given four different sets of questionnaires: the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) in order to evaluate sleep function, fibromyalgia disease severity, depression status and sexual function. We found a mean FSFI score of 19.29 ± 3.35 in the women with FMS and 25.88 ± 2.47 in the control group. The participants with FMS suffered from higher depression rates compared to participants in the healthy group. With PSQI score > 5 indicating the presence of a sleep disorder, sleep disorders were detected in 66.6% of women with FMS and 39.3% without FMS. In the Spearman correlation analysis, weak negative correlation was found between the PSQI and FSFI values (r = − 0.213; p = 0.076). In contrast, a positive correlation was detected between the FSFI and RFIQ (r = 0.578; p =

Objective: In this case report, we aimed to present our clinical experience in a patient with hydronephrotic and atrophic kidney due to impacted lower ureteral stone. Case description: A 56-year-old male was admitted to our emergency department with flank pain and nausea. A computed tomography scan revealed a 3 cm stone at the distal ureter, causing severe hydroureteronephrosis. Right kidney parenchyma was extremely thin at the medial zone, and some parenchyma was apparent at the upper and lower poles. We planned renal scintigraphy, but it was impossible to perform quickly due to the active appointment list. The patient’s kidney was assumed to be atrophic/non-functioning; however, given the long waiting list for renal scintigraphy and the patient’s intractable pain, we decided to relieve the patient’s pain with urinary drainage. Nephrostomy insertion was denied because of the extra thin parenchyma. About 40 days later, the patient underwent semi-rigid ureterorenoscopy under spinal anesthesia. It was impossible to place a double J stent to the ureter because of the kinked and extremely dilated ureter. So, we decided to place an open-end 6Fr ureter catheter. DMSA renal scintigraphy showed 33% right kidney and 67% left kidney function. Conclusion: Intractable flank pain might be a predictor of functioning renal parenchyma in hydronephrotic/atrophic kidneys. Renal split function lower than 10% on DMSA scintigraphy might not be an absolute indication of nephrectomy, especially in the obstructed renal unit. Evaluation of renal function after eliminating obstruction might be more reliable.

Research evaluating the relationship between the Monocyte/HDL-C ratio (MHR) and ED is limited in number. We aimed for determining whether MHR could be an early marker of ED in our study.Eighty-nine patients diagnosed with ED during the period of April 2018-November 2018 and 100 patients that did not have any systemic diseases and erectile dysfunction were included in our study. The presence of ED was evaluated with International Erectile Function Index (IIEF-5). Peripheral blood samples were collected from the patients for complete blood count and biochemical analyses. The relationship between ED and MHR was evaluated for both groups.Body mass indices (BMI) of the ED group and the control group were significantly different in statistical terms. While a significant difference was observed for fasting blood glucose, total testosterone, luteinizing hormone values between the ED group and the control group, and follicle stimulant hormone values were found to be similar with each other. MHR values of two groups were found to be significantly different.MHR can be used as a marker for the determination of ED's severity and for its monitoring. We also believe that a large series of clinical and research studies are required for it to be applicable in clinical practice. Being the first prospective study in literature, we believe that our study would provide important contributions to the literature.

Novel coronavirus Disease (Covid-19) has emerged in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and became a pandemic in a few weeks. In this review, we aimed to summarize the current urologic practice trends worldwide to help urologist in decision making in disasters particularly in Covid-19 pandemic. We have performed a PubMed and Internet search by using the keywords: 'Covid', 'new coronavirus', 'coronavirus urology, 'covid urology' without a date restriction. Results: All elective surgeries for benign urological conditions such as urinary tract stone disease that not caused complicated obstruction, benign prostate enlargement, infertility, incontinence and genitourinary prolapse, erectile dysfunction undescendent testis, vesico-ureteral reflux should be postponed till the lasting of Covid-19 outbreak. In obstructing ureteral stone both nephrostomy tube and double-J stent insertion are valid management options. However, one must consider that these procedures must be performed under local anesthesia when possible to spare a ventilator. When deferring urooncological operations and treatments oncological outcomes must be considered. Aggressive cessation or reducing the dosage of immunosuppressant therapy might be an option in renal transplanted patients with severe pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Studies show that metabolic syndrome is a factor for developing renal cell cancer (RCC) and tumour aggressiveness. In our study, we evaluated the association between renal cell cancer and cardiometabolic index (CMI) which meets the main components of the metabolic syndrome. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 310 consecutive patients with RCC who underwent radical nephrectomy at our institution. We evaluated the tumour size, histologic subtype, Fuhrman nuclear grade. CMI was calculated as the product of waist circumference (WC) to waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL-c). CMI were statistically higher in patients with tumour size ≥ 7 cm than those < 7 cm (p

Objective Nephrotoxicity is a major complication of gentamicin (GEN), which is widely used in the treatment of severe Gram-negative infections. As we know, treatment with nebivolol has been shown to decrease renal fibrosis and glomerular injury as well as improve endothelial dysfunction. Therefore, we evaluated the potential protective effect of nebivolol (NBV) against GEN-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Material and method Twenty-four rats were randomly divided into four groups: control group (Group 1); rats intraperitoneally injected with GEN (100 mg/kg/day; Group 2); rats treated with GEN plus distilled water (Group 3); and rats treated with GEN plus NBV (10 mg/kg/day; Group 4). After 15 days, the rats were sacrificed, their kidneys taken, and blood analysis performed. Tubular necrosis and interstitial fibrosis scores were determined histopathologically in a part of kidneys; nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were determined in other part of kidneys. Results The GSH levels in renal tissue of only GEN-treated rats were significantly lower than those in control group, and administration of NBV to GEN-treated rats significantly increased the level of GSH. The group that was given GEN and NBV had significantly lower MDA and NO levels in kidney cortex tissue than that given GEN alone. Despite the presence of mild tubular degeneration, the rats treated with GEN+NBV showed a less severe tubular necrosis, and their glomeruli maintained a better morphology compared to GEN group. Conclusion NBV exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects on GEN-induced kidney damage by reducing oxidative stress in rat model (Tab. 3, Fig. 2, Ref. 68).

Ongün, Şakir (Balikesir Author), Objective: To investigate the relationship of spontaneous ureteral stone passage with stone size (width-length) and area. Materials and Methods: Patients who presented to the urology outpatient clinic with acute renal colic between January and December 2016 and were found to have a distal ureteral stone of 10 mm or smaller on unenhanced computed tomography (CT) were retrospectively evaluated. Using the CT images, the size of the stones was measured and the data of the patients were compared in terms of spontaneous passage status. Results: A total of 245 patients were included in the study. The mean stone size on the axial plane and coronal plane was 4.72 +/- 1.55 mm and 4.75 +/- 1.84 mm, respectively and the spontaneous passage rate was 77.6%. In logistic regression analysis, the most important factor in predicting spontaneous passage was the stone size on coronal measurement (p=0.020). The spontaneous passage rate was 70.8% in cases where the stone size on the axial plane was the same as or larger than on the coronal plane, 56.2% when the size on the the coronal plane was 1 mm greater than on the axial plane, and 34.7% when the stone size on the the coronal plane was 2 mm or more than 2 mm greater than on the axial size. Chi-square analysis revealed that the difference between spontaneous passage rates was statistically significant (p=0.001). Conclusion: When planning treatment for ureteral stones, the length of the stone in coronal measurement should be considered as a priority. It should be remembered that the probability of spontaneous passage is significantly low, especially if the length of the stone is 2 mm or more than 2 mm greater than its width., Amaç: Distal üreter taşlarının spontan pasajı ile taş boyut ölçümleri (en-boy) ve taş alanı arasındaki ilişkiyi araştırmayı amaçladık. Gereç ve Yöntem: Ocak 2016 ile Aralık 2016 tarihleri arasında akut renal kolik ile üroloji polikliğine başvuran ve kontrastsız bilgisayarlı tomografide (BT) 10 mm ve daha küçük distal üreter taşı saptanan hastaların bilgileri retrospektif olarak değerlendirildi. BT görüntüleri kullanılarak taş boyutları hesaplanarak spontan pasaj durumuna göre hastaların verileri karşılaştırıldı. Bulgular: Çalışmaya 245 hasta alındı. Hastaların aksiyal taş boyutu ortalaması 4,72±1,55 mm, koronal taş boyutu ortalaması 4,75±1,84 mm olarak ölçüldü. Hastaların en büyük taş boyutu ortalamaları ise 5,2±1,73 mm idi. Hastaların takiplerinde %77,6’sının (156) taşını düşürdüğü saptandı. Yapılan logistik regresyon analizinde spontan pasajı öngörmede en etkili faktörün taşın koronal ölçümünün olduğu saptanmıştır (p=0,020). Hastaların spontan pasaj oranları aksiyal boyutun koronal boyut ile aynı veya daha büyük olduğu durumlarda %70,8 olarak saptandı. Koronal boyut ile aksiyal boyuttan 1 mm daha büyük olduğu durumlarda spontan pasaj %56,2, 2 mm ve daha büyük olduğu durumlarda ise %34,7 olarak bulundu. Yapılan ki-kare analizinde spontan pasaj oranları arasındaki farkın istatistiksel olarak anlamlı olduğu saptandı (p=0,001). Sonuç: Üreter taşlarında tedavi planı yapılırken taşın koronal ölçümdeki boyu (uzunluğu) öncelikli olarak dikkate alınmalıdır. Özellikle taşı boyu eninden 2 mm ve daha fazla ise spontan pasaj olasığının ciddi oranda düşük olduğu akılda bulundurulmalıdır.

Female sexuality in patients with fibromyalgia has received little attention in the literature, and published data have mainly relied upon a small sample size with evident heterogeneity. Our aim was to pool the observational studies on the association between fibromyalgia and sexual dysfunction in female patients to reach a more comprehensive and reliable result. The literature search comprised of Pubmed-Medline, Cochrane, and Embase databases. The relevant studies that met the inclusion criteria were gathered and the pooled effect size was calculated. The standard mean difference of the global sexual function score as well as the sub-items scores were calculated using the random-effect size model. Sensitivity analysis was conducted. Publication bias was assessed using Funnel plots and Begg and Mazumdar rank correlation tests. The meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the MOOSE guideline. The six selected studies contained 919 participants (ranging from 51 to 362). Of those, 578 were patients with fibromyalgia, and 341 were the controls. While four studies evaluated the sexual function using the female sexual function index (FSFI) questionnaire, two used changes in the sexual functioning questionnaire (CSFQ). Patients with fibromyalgia had a decreased total sexual function score [(−5.02 (−7.58 to −2.46), p

Objectives: To investigate the prevalence and severity of varicocele in adult population over the age of 40. We also measured testicular size, consistency, and total testosterone levels with an aim...

BACKGROUND The procedure of reconstruction after the removal of cranial fibrous dysplasia (FD) must be precise to achieve good functional and aesthetic results. Intraoperative modeling of implants is difficult and may cause cosmetic disturbances. OBJECTIVE To present our experience with the treatment of cranial FD using preoperative computer-based surgical planning of tumor removal with reconstruction of the cranium with custom-made titanium implants. METHODS Four patients underwent surgical treatment for cranial FD over a 2-year period. All patients were male with a mean age of 25.25 years and had monostotic-type FD. Computed tomography (CT) with 0.5-mm slices was obtained preoperatively. Computer-based planning of the tumor removal was performed, and a template was created by the computer to determine the margins of tumor removal. After this procedure, the preoperative computer-based construction of the titanium implant was performed. The patients underwent surgical treatment, and the tumor was removed with the use of this template. Then, the titanium implant was inserted onto the bone defect and fixed with mini-screws. Patients were followed up by periodic CT scans. RESULTS The histological diagnosis of all patients was FD. No intraoperative or postoperative complications have occurred. Postoperative CT scans showed complete tumor removal and confirmed appropriate cosmetic reconstruction. The mean follow-up period was 15.25 months. CONCLUSION Computer-based surgical planning associated with the production of custom-made titanium implants is a highly promising method for the treatment of cranial FD. Better radiological and cosmetic outcomes could be obtained by this technique with interdisciplinary work with medical designers.

Visceral adiposity index (VAI) is a novel indicator for the assessment of visceral obesity. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between VAI and premature ejaculation (PE).A total of 300 men were included in the study. Hundred and fifty men with PE and 150 men without PE (control). All men were evaluated for PE by premature ejaculation diagnostic tool (PEDT). VAI levels were calculated using body mass index (BMI), high density lipoprotein and triglyceride (TG) levels.Mean age of the study groups was 34.3 ± 5.2 (30-60) years and the mean age of the controls were 35.9 ± 5.3 (30-60) years. The men with PE had lower BMI, TG levels, waist circumference (WC) and higher high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. Mean VAI level was 4.13 ± 0.7 in study group and 5.72 ± 1.6 in control group, respectively. VAI levels were statistically higher in men without PE (p .001).Our cross-sectional study demonstrated a negative correlation between VAI and PE. VAI is superior index for the evaluation and calculation the relationship between obesity and PE.

Sürtünme Karıştırma Kaynağı (SKK), geçtiğimiz otuz yılda çeşitli endüstrilerde alüminyum alaşımlarına başarı ile uygulanmaktadır. Fakat çeliklerin kaynağında, bu işlemlerde açığa çıkan sıcaklıklara dayanabilecek karıştırıcı takımlardaki kısıtlamalarından ötürü, geniş çaplı olarak kullanılamamaktadır. Bu çalışmada, SKK ile birleştirilen St37/St52 farklı düşük karbonlu çeliklerin mekanik özellikleri ve içyapısındaki değişimlerin araştırılması amaçlanmıştır. Elde edilen sonuçlara göre, kaynak bölgesi, Widmanstatten ferrit, sementit kümesi içeren veya içermeyen ferrit ve tane sınırı ferriti gibi karmaşık içyapılardan oluşmaktadır. Karıştırma bölgesindeki en yüksek sertlik, katı hal dönüşümleri ve tane incelmesinden dolayı yaklaşık 347 HV’ye ulaşmaktadır. Birleştirilen levhalar, 389 MPa’lık bir çekme mukavemeti değeri sergilemiş olup, bu değer sırasıyla St37 ve St52 çeliklerinin çekme mukavemet değerleri olan 373 ve 526 MPa’ın arasında bir değerdir. Bağlantının akma dayanımı 272 MPa olarak bulunmuştur. Bu değer de, her iki ana malzemenin akma dayanımlarının arasında bir değerdir., Friction stir welding (FSW) has been applied successfully to aluminum alloys in several industries over the past three decades. However, it is not widely used in joining of steels due to the limitations of the tool materials which can withstand the temperatures experienced. The aim of this study is to investigate the change in the mechanical properties and the microstructures of FSW’ed St37/St52 dissimilar low carbon steels joints. The results obtained indicate that the weld region is comprised of complex microstructures such as Widmanstatten ferrite, ferrite with or without carbide aggregates and grain boundary ferrite. The maximum hardness in the stir zone reached up to about 347 HV due to the solid state transformations and grain refinement. The welded plates displayed an ultimate tensile strength of about 389 MPa, which lies between the ultimate tensile strength of St37 and St52 steels, 373 and 526 MPa, respectively. The yield strength of the joint was found to be about 272 MPa. This value is also a value between those of the base plates.

Gönümüzde bireylerin, girişimcilikleri büyük önem kazanmıştır. Girişimcilik; emek, teknoloji, sermaye ve doğal kaynaklar olarak sayılan imalat faktörlerini bir araya getirerek mal veya hizmet üretme eylemlerini kapsar. Girişimci ise; mal ve hizmet üretmek amacıyla, pazardaki fırsatları değerlendiren, sermaye, doğal kaynaklar ve emek gibi imalat faktörlerini bir araya getirerek riski üstlenen kişidir. Çoğu kişi kendi işini kurmanın ve kendi kendinin patronu olmanın hayalini kurar. Ancak kişinin kendi işini kurmadan önce yapması gereken ilk şey neden girişimci olmak istediğini belirlemesidir. Bu aşamada; girişimciliği etkileyen demografik ve sosyal faktörleri ortaya koymak kadar, onları girişimciliğe iten güdüleri de belirlemek önemlidir. Bireyler, patron olmak, işle ilgili kararlarda direkt söz sahibi olmak, insanlarla yakın ilişkiler kurmak ve yüksek kar etme potansiyeli istemek, başarı ve güç ihtiyacı gibi pek çok unsurun etkisiyle girişimci olmak yani kendi işletmelerini kurmak isterler. Böyle bir durumda; küçük bir işletme olarak ekonomik değişimlerden çabuk etkilenme, uzun çalışma saatleri nedeniyle yorgun düşme, hemen hemen tüm iş alanlarında yetenekli olma, yüksek finansal riskle başa çıkma, çalışanlara, müşterilere ve diğer çevrelere karşı tam sorumluluk taşıma gibi olumsuzluklar; girişimci için daha az önem taşır. İşte tüm bu olumsuzlukları göze alabilme, başarılı bir işletme sahibi olma konusunda kararlı olma ve benzeri durumlar bir takım güdüleyici faktörlerin etkisi sonucunda ortaya çıkar. Bu çalışmanın amacı; girişimcilerin sahip olduğu kişilik özellikleri ve ilk işletmelerini kurma amaçlarını incelemek ve bunlar arasındaki ilişkileri ortaya koymaktır. Girişimcilerin bazı demografik, sosyal ve kişilik özellikleri üzerindeki etkilerini araştırmak da bu çalışmanın bir diğer amacını oluşturmaktadır., Today, entrepreneurship of individuals has gained great importance. Entrepreneurship involves actions to produce goods or services by bringing together production factors that can be listed as labor, technology, capital and natural resources. The entrepreneur is the person who takes risks by bringing together production factors such as capital, natural resources and labor, which evaluate the opportunities in the market in order to produce goods and services. Most people dream of setting up their own business and becoming their own boss. But the first thing a person has to do before setting up their own business is to determine why they want to be an entrepreneur. In this phase, it is important to identify the motives that drive entrepreneurship, as well as demographic and social factors that influence entrepreneurship. They want to be entrepreneurs, to be their own businesses, to be individuals, to be bosses, to have direct sayings in business decisions, to establish close relationships with people and to have a high profit potential, In such a case, negativities such as being affected by economic changes quickly, being tired due to long hours of work, being skilled in almost all business areas, coping with high financial risks, taking full responsibility for employees and customers and other circles as a small business are less for the entrepreneur Is important. Being able to see all these negativities, being determined to be a successful business owner, and the like, arise as a result of a number of motivating factors. The purpose of this study is to examine the personality traits that entrepreneurs possess and the purposes of establishing their initial business, and to establish relationships between them. Another aim of this study is to investigate the effects of entrepreneurs on some demographic, social and personality traits.

Visceral adipose index (VAI) is a novel parameter for the evaluation of visceral obesity. As we know that obesity is a risk factor for erectile dysfunction (ED). So, in this study, we compared the VAI levels between the men with ED and without ED.A total of 177 men were included in the study. Ninety-five men with ED and 82 men without ED (control). All men were evaluated for ED by Index of Erectile Function-5 items (IIEF-5). VAI levels were calculated using body mass index, high density lipoprotein and tryglyceride levels.Mean age was 53.5 (38-69) in men who have ED and 53.1 (34-69) in control. The men with ED had higher body mass index (BMI), triglyceride (TG) levels, higher waist circumference (WC) and lower high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. Mean VAI level was 5.18 ± 2.50 in study group and 3.47 ± 1.76 in control goup, respectively. VAI levels were statistically higher in men with ED (p .001).The simplicity of WC and BMI measurement and TG and HDL assessment, make VAI an easily applicable index for the evaluation of visceral fat dysfunction. VAI can be useful index for the evaluation and calculation of erectile dysfunction risk.

To assess the association between triglyceride (TG)/high density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio and benign prostate hyperplasia/lower urinary tract symptoms (BPH/LUTS).Four hundred patients who were admitted to the Urology Clinic between January and December 2014 with complaints of BPH/LUTS were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Patients were divided into two groups according to their International Prostate Symptom Score and prostate volume (PV). They were compared in terms of age, body mass index (BMI), PV, PSA, post micturional residual volume, uroflowmetry Q max value, fasting blood sugar, TG and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) level and TG/HDL ratio.Although univariate analyses reveal that age, BMI, waist circumference (WC), FBS, TG, HDL-C level, and TG/HDL ratio were correlated with PV, only age [1.125 OR (1.088-1.164), p = .00001], BMI [1.119 OR (1.040-1.204), p = .003], TG [(1.043 OR (1.016-1.071), p = .002], HDL-C [(0.923 OR (0.860-0.990), p = .025], and TG/HDL ratio [(1.224 OR (1.130-1.315), p = .014] were statistically significant in multivariate analysis. The calculated area under the curve (AUC) for PV of 30 ml, 40 ml, and 50 ml was 0.668 (0.608-0.727), 0.617 (0.561-0.673), and 0.592 (0.530-0.654), respectively.Our results indicate that the TG/HDL ratio correlates with enhancement in PV. Further studies are warranted to better evaluate this relationship.

Aim of the study: We compared stone size, localization, complaint at the time of applying, comorbidity, treatment and complications between older (60 years of age and older) and younger patients with urolithiasis (59 years of age and younger). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 950 consecutive patients who presented to our clinic and underwent surgery for urolithiasis from January 2007 to March 2012. The patients were divided into two groups: patients ≥ 60 years an patients < 60 years. Results: There were 174 men and 61 women in elderly group, 528 men and 187 women in younger group. Ureteral stones were found more often in the younger group compared to elderly patients (p < 0.05). Conversely, bladder stone was more frequent in the elderly group. In the elderly group comorbidities are more frequent (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, congestive heart disease, osteoarthritis and chronic obstructive lung). Patients ≥ 60 years significantly had larger kidney and bladder stones compared the younger, but ureteral stone sizes were not statistically different between the two groups. Older patients had a higher postoperative complication rate than younger patients (16% versus 3%, p < 0.05) although postoperative complications (e.g. urinary retention, cardiac dysrythmia, fever, constipation) were not serious and resolved with medical treatment. The average length of stay in hospital was longer in the elderly group, but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Elderly patients with urolithiasis usually have larger and more complex stone disease, more comorbidities and atypical presentation.

Background: We investigated the correlation between standardized uptake value (SUVmax), tumor size and Fuhrman grade in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RC). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 54 patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma histopathologically diagnosed who underwent fluorine-18 fluoro-2 deoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (F-18 FDG PET/CT) between January 2005 and March 2014. Results: Avarage tumor sizes were 5.64±1.85, 6.85±2.24 and 7.98±2.45 in low, medium and high SUVmax groups, respectively. The Spearman's correlation coefficient between the tumor size and SUVmax was 0.385 (p=0.004) and between the Fuhrman grade and SUVmax was 0.578 (p

Visceral adipose index (VAI) is a novel parameter for the evaluation of visceral obesity. As we know that obesity is a risk factor for stress urinary incontinence (SUI), in this study we compared the VAI levels between the women with SUI and without SUI. Two hundred and twenty-nine women were included in the study: 125 women with SUI and 104 women without SUI (control). All women were evaluated for SUI. We accessed the women for SUI at gynecologic position, and we performed cough stress test. In the calculations, continence was defined as no incontinence at all. Mean age was 52.1 (29–73) in women who have SUI and 50.8 (31–65) in control women. The women with SUI had higher BMI, TG levels, higher WC and lower HDL-C levels. Mean VAI level was 5.21 ± 2.61 in study group and 3.49 ± 1.78 in control group, respectively. VAI levels were statistically higher in women with SUI (p

Endothelial dysfunction and microvascular damage play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction (ED). Lp-PLA2 is a calcium-independent member of the phospholipase A2 family and hydrolyses oxidised phospholipids on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles that plays a pivotal role in ox-LDL-induced endothelial dysfunction. The purpose of the current study was to determine the association between Lp-PLA2 levels and ED in patients without known coronary artery disease (CAD). All patients were evaluated for ED and divided into two groups: 88 patients suffering from ED for >1 year were enrolled as an experimental group and 88 patients without ED were enrolled as a control group in this study. Diagnosis of ED was based on the International Index of Erectile Function Score-5. Levels of Lp-PLA2 were measured in serum by colorimetric assay. The relationship between Lp-PLA2 levels and ED in patients was evaluated statistically. The mean age of patients with ED group was 59.4 ± 11.32 and 55.8 ± 9.67 in the control group. Plasma Lp-PLA2 levels were significantly higher in ED than in the control group (220.3 ± 66.90 and 174.8 ± 58.83 pg ml(-1) , respectively, P < 0.001). The Lp-PLA2 levels were negatively correlated with score of ED (r = -0.482, P < 0.05). In logistic regression analysis, enhanced plasma Lp-PLA2 levels result in approximately 1.2-fold increase in ED [1.22 (1.25-2.76)]. In this study, serum Lp-PLA2 levels were found to be associated with endothelial dysfunction predictive of ED. Serum Lp-PLA2 level appears to be a specific predictor of ED, and it may be used in early prediction of ED in the male population.

Highlights • Agenesis of the pubis is a very rare clinical deformity which can be a sign of urogenital abnormalities. To report a rare condition would help clinicians to diagnose co-morbidities which may affect children remaining life. • This is a rare pattern of associated anomalies confined to a localized region of the body. Somatic mutations may responsible for developmental abnormalities of mesoderm from which the pubic bones and urogenital structures develop. • An isolated X-ray finding of ramus pubis agenesis may associate with cryptorchidism or several other urogenital malformations., INTRODUCTION Agenesis of the pubic bone, as evidenced in the world literature, is a very rare clinical and congenital abnormality. Several disorders may occur with hypoplasia of the pubis. PRESENTATION OF CASE Here, we report a rare longer follow-up case of the congenital unilateral agenesis of the superior ramus of pubic bone with bilateral undescended testes, osteoporosis, cranial malformations, acetabular dysplasia, unilateral shortening of the lower extremity and an abnormal gait pattern. DISCUSSION Somatic mutations may responsible for developmental abnormalities of the mesoderm from which the pubic bones and urogenital structures develop. CONCLUSION An isolated x-ray finding of ramus pubis agenesis may associate with cryptorchidism or several other urogenital malformations.