Brian J. Linder¹, Akira Kawashima², David A. Woodrum², Matthew K. Tollefson¹, R. Jeffrey Karnes¹, Brian J. Davis³, Laureano J. Rangel⁴, Bernard F. King², Lance A. Mynderse¹

Canadian Journal of Urology, Vol.21, No.3, pp. 7283-7289, 2014

Abstract Introduction: To evaluate the ability of endorectal coil (e-coil) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify early prostatic fossa recurrence after radical prostatectomy.
Materials and methods: We identified 187 patients from 2005–2011 who underwent e-coil MRI with dynamic gadolinium-contrast enhancement followed by transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided prostatic fossa biopsy for possible local prostate cancer recurrence. For analysis, local recurrence was defined as a negative evaluation for distant metastatic disease with a positive prostatic fossa biopsy, decreased prostate-specific antigen (PSA) following salvage radiation therapy, or increased lesion size on serial imaging.
Results: Local recurrence was identified in 132 patients, with… More >

Peter M. Grin^1,2, Paulina M. Kowalewska³, Waleed Alhazzani¹, Alison E. Fox-Robichaud^1,2

Canadian Journal of Urology, Vol.20, No.1, pp. 6607-6614, 2013

Abstract Introduction: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common infections affecting women, and often recur. Lactobacillus probiotics could potentially replace low dose, long term antibiotics as a safer prophylactic for recurrent UTI (rUTI). This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to compile the results of existing randomized clinical trials (RCTs) to determine the efficacy of probiotic Lactobacillus species in preventing rUTI.
Materials and methods: MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched from inception to July 2012 for RCTs using a Lactobacillus prophylactic against rUTI in premenopausal adult women. A random-effects model meta-analysis was performed using a pooled risk ratio,… More >

Matthew A. Morgan¹, Nathan R. Roberts², Laura A. Pino¹, Edouard J. Trabulsi^2,3, Daniel B. Brown^1,3, Leonard G. Gomella^2,3, Costas D. Lallas^2,3

Canadian Journal of Urology, Vol.20, No.5, pp. 6933-6937, 2013

Abstract Introduction: Partial nephrectomy has a 3%-4% incidence of local treatment failure. This study is to present a series of percutaneous cryoablation for locally recurrent renal cell carcinoma after partial nephrectomy.
Materials and methods: Five consecutive patients were referred to our quaternary center’s multidisciplinary Small Renal Mass (SRM) Center for assessment after failure of partial nephrectomy. Tumor size and location was noted. CT-guided cryoablation was performed using an argon/helium-based system (Healthtronics, Austin, Texas, USA). Patients were admitted overnight for observation. Patients were followed with serial imaging, laboratory tests and examination at our SRM Center. Tumor size, location, and… More >

David M. Marcus^1,5, Daniel J. Canter^2,5, Ashesh B. Jani^1,2,5, Ryan W. Dobbs², David M. Schuster³, Bradley C. Carthon^4,5, Peter J. Rossi^1,2,5

Canadian Journal of Urology, Vol.19, No.6, pp. 6534-6541, 2012

Abstract Introduction: External beam radiotherapy (EBRT) is widely utilized as primary therapy for clinically localized prostate cancer. For patients who develop locally recurrent disease after EBRT, local salvage therapy may be indicated. The primary modalities for local salvage treatment in this setting include radical prostatectomy, cryotherapy, and brachytherapy. To date, there is little data describing outcomes and toxicity associated with each of these salvage modalities.
Materials and methods: A review of the literature was performed to identify studies of local salvage therapy for patients who had failed primary EBRT for localized prostate cancer. We focused on prospective trials… More >

Safia Messaoudi¹, Ghada M. Al-Khateeb², Maryam Dendana¹, Mai S. Sater², Khaled B. Jazia³, Mounia Nouira⁴, Wassim Y. Almawi², Touhami Mahjoub¹

European Cytokine Network, Vol.22, No.2, pp. 123-126, 2011, DOI:10.1684/ecn.2011.0287

Abstract Objectives. Insofar as recurrent spontaneous miscarriage (RSM) is linked with dysregulated immunity and inflammatory changes, and given the pro-inflammatory role of interleukin-21 (IL-21), we examined the association between IL-21 polymorphisms and RSM. Methods and results. IL-21 rs2055979, rs13143866, rs9992580, and rs4833837 were genotyped in 235 cases of RSM and 235 controls. Regression analysis was employed in assessing the contribution of IL-21 variants to the overall RSM risk. Higher minor allele and genotype frequencies of rs2055979 and rs13143866, but not rs9992580 or rs4833837, were seen in RSM patients than in the controls. IL-21 haplotype [rs9992580/rs4833837/rs2055979/rs13143866] analysis More >

Bartosz Hudzik¹, Janusz Szkodzinski¹, Wojciech Romanowski², Krzysztof Wilczek¹, Rafal Wojnar¹, Andrzej Lekston¹, Lech Polonski¹, Barbara Zubelewicz-Szkodzinska²

European Cytokine Network, Vol.20, No.3, pp. 135-139, 2009, DOI:10.1684/ecn.2009.0160

Abstract Background. The efficacy of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is limited by the need for repeat revascularization resulting from restenosis. The restenosis rate after treatment for in-stent restenosis (recurrent restenosis) is high (> 30%). Numerous studies have suggested the predictive value of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1). Methods. We sought to determine whether serum levels of IL-6 and TGF-β1 could help identify individuals with recurrent restenosis. Thirty seven patients with a history of stent implantation were enrolled and divided into three groups: (1) patients with a current, first restenosis (n = 9);… More >