Incidental discovery of azoospermia on work-up of testicular tumour: a practice changing discovery

2021 ◽  
pp. 205141582110240
Author(s):  
Nassib Abou Heidar

Testicular tumours are increasing in incidence, especially in developed countries. This incidence increases specifically in the subpopulation of infertile men. This case highlights a young man incidentally diagnosed with a subcentimetric testicular lesion, who was discovered to have concomitant azoospermia. The authors review management strategies in this challenging case, as treatment options for men with infertility and concomitant testicular tumours vary from men who are fertile. Level of evidence: Not applicable for this multicentre audit.

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (9) ◽  
pp. 2114
Author(s):  
Pietro De Lange-Jacobs ◽  
Asma Shaikh-Kader ◽  
Bianca Thomas ◽  
Trevor T. Nyakudya

The development of risk factors associated with cardiovascular disorders present a major public health challenge in both developed countries and countries with emerging economies. Hypertension and associated complications including stroke and myocardial infarction have reached pandemic levels. Current management strategies of hypertension predominantly include the utilization of pharmaceutical drugs which are often associated with undesirable side effects. Moreover, the drugs are often too expensive for populations from resource-limited Southern African rural, and some urban, communities. As a result, most patients rely on ethno-medicinal plants for the treatment of a variety of diseases including cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. The effectiveness of these plants in managing several cardiovascular diseases has been attributed to the presence of bioactive phytochemical constituents. In this review, the treatment options that target the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) in the management of hypertension were summarized, with special emphasis on ethno-medicinal plants and their influence on the ACE1 RAS pathway. The dearth of knowledge regarding the effect of ethno-medicinal plants on the ACE2 pathway was also highlighted.


2020 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Firoz Anwar ◽  
Salma Naqvi ◽  
Fahad A. Al-Abbasi ◽  
Nauroz Neelofar ◽  
Vikas Kumar ◽  
...  

: The last couple of months have witnessed the world in a state of virtual standstill. The SARS-CoV-2 virus has overtaken globe to economic and social lockdown. Many patients with COVID-19 have compromised immunity, especially in an aged population suffering from Parkinson disease (PD). Alteration in dopaminergic neurons or deficiency of dopamine in PD patients is the most common symptoms affecting 1% population above the age of 60 years. The compromised immune system and inflammatory manifestation in PD patients make them an easy target. The most common under trial drugs for COVID-19 are Remdesivir, Favipiravir, Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine, Azithromycin along with adjunct drugs like Amantadine with some monoclonal antibodies. : Presently, clinically US FDA approved drugs in PD includes Levodopa, catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) inhibitors, (Entacapone and Tolcapone), Dopamine agonists (Bromocriptine, Ropinirole, Pramipexole, and Rotigotine), Monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitors (Selegiline and Rasagiline), Amantadine and Antimuscarinic drugs. The drugs have established mechanism of action on PD patients with known pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetic properties along with dose and adverse effects. : Conclusion and relevance of this review focus on the drugs that can be tried for the PD patients with SAR CoV-2 infection, in particular, Amantadine approved by all developed countries a common drug possessing both antiviral properties by downregulation of CTSL, lysosomal pathway disturbance and change in pH necessary to uncoat the viral proteins and antiParkinson properties. The significant prognostic adverse effect of SARS-CoV-2 on PD and the present-day treatment options, clinical presentation and various mechanism is warrant need of the hour.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (10) ◽  
pp. 1008-1017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vandita Kakkar ◽  
Manoj Kumar Verma ◽  
Komal Saini ◽  
Indu Pal Kaur

Oral Cancer (OC) is a serious and growing problem which constitutes a huge burden on people in more and less economically developed countries alike. The scenario is clearly depicted from the increase in the expected number of new cases in the US diagnosed with OC from 49,670 people in 2016, to 49,750 cases in 2017. The situation is even more alarming in India, with 75,000 to 80,000 new cases being reported every year, thus making it the OC capital of the world. Leukoplakia, erythroplakia, oral lichen planus, oral submucous fibrosis, discoid lupus erythmatosus, hereditary disorders such as dyskeratosis congenital and epidermolisys bullosa are highlighted by WHO expert working group as the predisposing factors increasing the risk of OC. Consumption of tobacco and alcohol, genetic factors, and human papilloma virus are assigned as the factors contributing to the aetiology of OC. On the other hand, pathogenesis of OC involves not only apoptosis but also pain, inflammation and oxidative stress. Inspite of current treatment options (surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy), OC is often associated with recurrence and formation of secondary primary tumours resulting in poor overall survival rates (∼50%). The intervention of nano technology-based drug delivery systems as therapeutics for cancers is often viewed as a cutting edge for technologists. Though ample literature on the usefulness of nano-coutured cancer therapeutics, rarely any product is in pipeline. Yet, despite all the hype about nanotechnology, there are few ongoing trials. This review discusses the current and future trends of nano-based drug delivery for the treatment of OC.


2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 110-123
Author(s):  
Mohammad Issam Diab ◽  
Angham Ibrahim ◽  
Oraib Abdallah ◽  
Alla El-Awaisi ◽  
Monica Zolezzi ◽  
...  

AbstractBackground Pharmacists in many developed countries have been granted prescribing authorities under what is known as “non-medical prescribing” or “pharmacist prescribing”. However, such prescribing privileges are not available in many developing countries. Objective The objective of this study was to determine the perspectives of future pharmacists (recent pharmacy graduates and pharmacy students) on pharmacist prescribing and its potential implementation in Qatar. Methods A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was used: (1) a cross-sectional survey using a pre-tested questionnaire and; (2) focus group discussions to allow for an in-depth understanding of the issue, with a focus on pharmacists prescribing competencies as well as barriers for its implementation. Main outcome measures Future pharmacists’ perspectives and attitudes towards pharmacist prescribing in Qatar. Results The majority of the respondents (94.4%) indicated awareness of the prescribing competency related to selecting treatment options. Furthermore, the majority (92.4%) believed that pharmacists should undergo prescribing training and accreditation before been legally allowed to prescribe, a point that was reiterated in the focus group discussions. Participants generally expressed support for collaborative and supplementary prescribing models when developing prescribing frameworks for Qatar. Four categories emerged under the theme barriers to implementation of pharmacist prescribing: lack of prescribing competency, pharmacist mindset, lack of accessibility to patient records and counseling rooms, and diversity of education and training background. Conclusion The majority of recent pharmacy graduates and students were in favor of pharmacist prescribing been implemented in Qatar. However, a special training program was deemed necessary to qualify pharmacists to prescribe safely and effectively.


BMC Surgery ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefano Granieri ◽  
Francesco Sessa ◽  
Alessandro Bonomi ◽  
Sissi Paleino ◽  
Federica Bruno ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Entero-colovesical fistula is a rare complication of various benign and malignant diseases. The diagnosis is prominently based on clinical symptoms; imaging studies are necessary not only to confirm the presence of the fistula, but more importantly to demonstrate the extent and the nature of the fistula. There is still a lack of consensus regarding the if, when and how to repair the fistula. The aim of the study is to review the different surgical treatment options, focus on surgical indications, and explore cumulative recurrence, morbidity, and mortality rates of entero-vesical and colo-vesical fistula patients. Methods A systematic review of the literature was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Random effects meta-analyses of proportions were developed to assess primary and secondary endpoints. I2 statistic and Cochran’s Q test were computed to assess inter-studies’ heterogeneity. Results Twenty-two studies were included in the analysis with a total of 861 patients. Meta-analyses of proportions pointed out 5, 22.2, and 4.9% rates for recurrence, complications, and mortality respectively. A single-stage procedure was performed in 75.5% of the cases, whereas a multi-stage operation in 15.5% of patients. Palliative surgery was performed in 6.2% of the cases. In 2.3% of the cases, the surgical procedure was not specified. Simple and advanced repair of the bladder was performed in 84.3% and 15.6% of the cases respectively. Conclusions Although burdened by a non-negligible rate of complications, surgical repair of entero-colovesical fistula leads to excellent results in terms of primary healing. Our review offers opportunities for significant further research in this field. Level of Evidence Level III according to ELIS (SR/MA with up to two negative criteria).


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jin-Jiao Li ◽  
Jacqueline P. W. Chung ◽  
Sha Wang ◽  
Tin-Chiu Li ◽  
Hua Duan

The management of adenomyosis remains a great challenge to practicing gynaecologists. Until recently, hysterectomy has been the only definitive treatment in women who have completed child bearing. A number of nonsurgical and minimally invasive, fertility-sparing surgical treatment options have recently been developed. This review focuses on three aspects of management, namely, (1) newly introduced nonsurgical treatments; (2) management strategies of reproductive failures associated with adenomyosis; and (3) surgical approaches to the management of cystic adenomyoma.


Author(s):  
Matthias Bechstein ◽  
Amarjargal Gansukh ◽  
Boldbat Regzengombo ◽  
Oyun Byambajav ◽  
Lukas Meyer ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose Identification of country-specific demographic, medical, lifestyle, and geoenvironmental risk factors for cerebral aneurysm rupture in the developing Asian country of Mongolia. First-time estimation of the crude national incidence of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Methods A retrospective analysis of all intracranial digital subtraction angiographies (DSA) acquired in Mongolia during the 2‑year period 2016–2017 (1714 examinations) was performed. During this period, DSA was used as primary diagnostic imaging modality for acute severe neurological symptoms in the sole hospital nationwide dedicated to neurological patients. The catchment area of the hospital included the whole country. Patients with incidental and ruptured aneurysms were reviewed with respect to their medical history and living conditions. The data was used to install a Mongolian aneurysm registry. Results The estimated annual crude incidence of cerebral aneurysm rupture was 6.71 for the country of Mongolia and 14.53 per 100,000 persons for the capital region of Ulaanbaatar. Risk factors common in developed countries also applied for the Mongolian population: A medical history of hypertension, smoking or the presence of multiple aneurysms led to a higher relative risk of rupture. In contrast, female gender was not associated with a higher risk in this national cohort. Males pursuing a traditional nomadic living may exhibit a specifically high risk of rupture. Conclusion Disease management of over 200 individuals/year with aSAH constitutes a socioeconomic burden in Mongolia. Efforts to raise awareness of the risk factors hypertension and smoking among the Mongolian population are desirable. Measures to improve the nationwide availability of modern neurovascular treatment options are currently under consideration.


2021 ◽  
Vol 34 (04) ◽  
pp. 233-241
Author(s):  
Wali R. Johnson ◽  
Alexander T. Hawkins

AbstractNearly one-quarter of bowel obstructions occur in the large bowel. As with all bowel obstructions, large bowel obstructions have three defining characteristics: partial or complete, intrinsic or extrinsic, benign or malignant. The work-up for a large bowel obstruction should focus on the etiology of the obstruction as well as severity. Management strategy is contingent on the previous characteristics and can include endoscopy, diversion, or resection. This chapter will discuss common and rare etiologies of large bowel obstructions as well as management strategies for clinical guidance.


2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 135-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brent Matthews ◽  
Kaushik Hazratwala ◽  
Sergio Barroso-Rosa

Objectives: To review comminuted patella fracture in the elderly patients and examine the surgical options to avoid complications such as fixation failure and poor functional outcome. To provide an example of mesh augmentation in comminuted patella fracture in the elderly patients. Data Sources: A literature review was conducted by the authors independently using Ovid, Medline, Cochrane, PubMed, and Clinical Key in English. We aimed to review data on patients older than 65 with comminuted patella fracture. Search conducted between July and December 2015. Study Selection: Search terms included patella fracture, elderly, and fixation failure. Abstracts were included if they were a case report, cohort series, or randomized control trial. Further inclusion criteria were that they were available in full text and included patient age(s), operative details, follow-up, and outcome discussion. Data Extraction: Each study was assessed according to its level of evidence, number of patients, age of patients, fracture patterns described, complications of treatment, and results summarized. Data Synthesis: Paucity of data and heterogeneity of studies limited statistical analysis. Data are presented as a review table with the key points summarized. Conclusion: In patella fracture, age >65 years and comminuted fracture pattern are predictors of increased fixation failure and postoperative stiffness, warranting special consideration. There is a trend toward improved functional outcomes when augmented fixation using mesh or plates is used in this group. Further level 1 studies are required to compare and validate new treatment options and compared them to standard surgical technique of tension band wire construct.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meagan M Jenkins ◽  
Tyler R McCaw ◽  
Paul A Goepfert

SARS-CoV-2 was identified as the causative pathogen in an outbreak of viral pneumonia cases originating in Wuhan, China, with an ensuing rapid global spread that led it to be declared a pandemic by the WHO on March 11, 2020. Given the threat to public health posed by sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the literature surrounding patient presentation in severe and non-severe cases, transmission rates and routes, management strategies, and initial clinical trial results have become available at an unprecedented pace. In this review we collate current clinical and immunologic reports, comparing these to reports of previous coronaviruses to identify mechanisms driving progression to severe disease in some patients. In brief, we propose a model wherein dysregulated type I interferon signaling leads to aberrant recruitment and accumulation of innate immune lineages in the lung, impairing establishment of productive adaptive responses, and permitting a pathologic pro-inflammatory state. Finally, we extend these findings to suggest possible treatment options that may merit investigation in randomized clinical trials.


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