Una Herramienta para el Aprendizaje del Álgebra Relacional

El estudio de las bases de datos relacionales forma parte del currículum de los estudios de Ingeniería Técnica Informática. Los lenguajes de consulta abstractos, entre ellos el Álgebra Relacional, forman una parte importante de este estudio, pero nuestra experiencia docente nos ha demostrado que, para los alumnos, es difícil conocer cuándo las consultas expresadas en un papel en términos de estos lenguajes son correctas y responden a los requisitos de información planteados. En este trabajo se describe una herramienta de apoyo que se ha desarrollado en la Universidad de Valladolid que permite realizar consultas expresadas en Álgebra Relacional sobre cualquier base de datos. El alumno puede explorar, así, las diferentes posibilidades de este lenguaje abstracto, comprobando por sí mismo la calidad de su aprendizaje. La herramienta ha sido desarrollada siguiendo guías metodológicas propugnadas en el ámbito del diseño de entornos de aprendizaje

Evaluation of Patterns of Presentation, Practice, and Outcomes of Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer: Protocol for an Observational, International, Multicenter, Cohort Study by the Clinical Research Office of the Endourology Society

Background: Available guidelines on the management of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) are restricted due to the lack of strong evidence-based recommendations. Adequate, well-powered randomized trials are missing due to the rarity of the disease. To overcome this problem, we need alternative study designs to provide generalizable data. Objective: The primary aim of this registry is to provide a real-world overview on patterns of presentation and management of UTUC. Secondary objectives include comparison of outcomes of different treatments and tumor stages and evaluation of compliance with the current European Association of Urology recommendations for UTUC. Methods: For this observational, international, multicenter, cohort study, clinical data of consecutive patients suspected of having UTUC, irrespective of type of management, will be prospectively collected up to 5 years after inclusion. Data on the patterns of presentation, diagnostics, and treatment as well as short-, mid-, and long-term oncological and functional outcomes will be analyzed. Possible associations between variables, basal characteristics, and outcomes will be tested by multivariable analyses. The methodology will address potential sources of bias and confounders. Results: The registry was initiated in November 2014 after obtaining institutional review board approval. Data collection started in December 2014. At the time of submission of this manuscript, 2451 patients from 125 centers from 37 countries were included. Inclusion of patients will be closed 5 years after initiation of the registry. Quality checks will be performed centrally with continuous communication and feedback with the centers to ensure accuracy. The first results are expected in the first trimester of 2020. Conclusions: This large observational prospective cohort will generate landmark "real-world" data and hypotheses for further studies. We expect these data to optimize the management of UTUC, provide insights on harms and benefits of treatment, and serve as quality control

Segmental resection for ureter urothelial carcinoma is safe as radical nephroureterectomy

Introduction & Objectives: Kidney-sparing surgery (KSS) seems inferior to radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) in recurrence-free survival (RFS). However, there is limited data regarding the potential influence of the location of the upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). The current study aims to provide further evidence by the largest UTUC registry

Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR) in predicting systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and sepsis after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL)

The objective of this prospective observational study was to assess the clinical significance of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR) as potential biomarkers to identify post-PNL SIRS or sepsis. Demographic data and laboratory data including hemoglobin (Hb), total leucocyte count (TLC), serum creatinine, urine microscopy and culture were collected. The NLR, LMR and PLR were calculated by the mathematical division of their absolute values derived from routine complete blood counts from peripheral blood samples. Stone factors were assessed by non-contrast computerized tomography of kidneys, ureter and bladder (NCCT KUB) and included stone burden (Volume = L x W x D x pi x 0.167), location and Hounsfield value and laterality. Intraoperative factors assessed were puncture site, tract size, tract number, operative time, the need for blood transfusion and stone clearance. Of 517 patients evaluated, 56 (10.8%) developed SIRS and 8 (1.5%) developed sepsis. Patients developing SIRS had significantly higher TLC (10.4 +/- 3.5 vs 8.6 +/- 2.6, OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.09-1.3, p = 0.000002), higher NLR (3.6 +/- 2.4 vs 2.5 +/- 1.04, OR 1.3, 95% CI = 1.09-1.5, p = 0.0000001), higher PLR (129.3 +/- 53.8 vs 115.4 +/- 68.9, OR 1.005, 95% CI 1.001-1.008, p = 0.005) and lower LMR (2.5 +/- 1.7 vs 3.2 +/- 1.8, OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.04-1.34, p = 0.006). Staghorn stones (12.8 vs 3.24%, OR 4.361, 95% CI 1.605-11.846, p = 0.008) and long operative times (59.6 +/- 14.01 vs 55.2 +/- 16.02, OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00-1.03, p = 0.05) had significant association with postoperative SIRS. In conclusion, NLR, PLR and LMR can be useful independent, easily accessible and cost-effective predictors for early identification of post-PNL SIRS/sepsis.Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipa

Impact of adjuvant gemcitabine containing chemotherapy following radical nephroureterectomy for patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma: Results from a propensity-score matched cohort study

BACKGROUND: The evidence regarding perioperative adjuvant chemotherapy and personalized surveillance strategies for upper tract urothelial carcinoma is limited. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether adjuvant gemcitabine containing chemotherapy affects the oncological outcomes of advanced upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). METHODS: The CROES-UTUC registry is an observational, international, multi-center study on patients diagnosed with UTUC. Patient and disease characteristics from 2380 patients with UTUC were collected, and finally 738 patients were included in this analysis. The primary outcome of this study was recurrence-free survival. Propensity score matching was performed. Kaplan-Meier and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed by stratifying patients according to the treatment of adjuvant chemotherapy. RESULTS: A total of 738 patients were included in this analysis, and 59 patients received adjuvant chemotherapy (AC), including 50 patients who received gemcitabine. A propensity score matching was performed, including 50 patients who received gemcitabine containing treatment and 50 patients without adjuvant chemotherapy. Disease recurrence occurred in 34.0% of patients. The recurrence rate in the AC group was 22.0%, which was significantly lower than the non-AC group (46.0%). Kaplan-Meier analyses also showed that AC was associated with a lower likelihood of tumor recurrence (p = 0.047). However, AC was not significantly associated with a higher overall survival (OS) (p = 0.908) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) (p = 0.979). Upon multivariate Cox regression analysis, AC was associated with a lower risk of tumor recurrence (HR = 0.297, p = 0.028). CONCLUSION: The present study confirms that adjuvant gemcitabine containing chemotherapy could decrease the risk of tumor recurrence in patients with locally advanced UTUC following nephroureterectomy. However, more studies are need to draw a clearer image of the value of this treatment method.STORZ to the Clinical Research Office of the Endourology Society (CROES

When bladder and brain collide: Is there a gender difference in the relationship between urinary incontinence, chronic depression, and anxiety?

In longitudinal and cross-sectional studies, depression and anxiety have been associated with urinary incontinence (UI) in women. However, this association has not been studied in men. Utilizing data from the 2008 Turkish Health Studies Survey conducted by the Turkish Statistical Institute, we analyzed 13,830 participants aged 15 years and above. We investigated the association of UI with psychological discomfort in both sexes using multivariable logistic regression. High psychological discomfort significantly correlated with UI in males (OR 2.30, 95% CI 1.43–3.71) and females (OR 2.78, 95% CI 1.80–4.29). Anxiety increased UI likelihood in females (OR 2.36, 95% CI 1.61–3.46) and males (OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.10–5.13). Depression related significantly to UI in females (OR 2.54, 95% CI 1.81–3.58) but not males (OR 1.63, 95% CI 0.71–3.76). Antidepressant and anxiolytic use was not significantly related to UI in either gender. Anxiety and psychological discomfort contribute to UI in both genders. While depression significantly correlates with UI in females, it does not show the same magnitude and significance in males. Antidepressant and anxiolytic use did not significantly influence the association. These findings underscore the psychological distress-UI link, advocating a holistic approach for managing UI in individuals with mental health conditions

Super-mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (SMP) vs retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) in the management of renal calculi <= 2 cm: A propensity matched study

Objective: To compare the effectiveness and safety of Super-Mini PCNL (SMP) and Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS) in the management of renal calculi ≤ 2 cm. Patients and methods: A prospective, inter-institutional, observational study of patients presenting with renal calculi ≤ 2 cm. Patients underwent either SMP (Group 1) or RIRS (Group 2) and were performed by 2 experienced high-volume surgeons. Results: Between September 2018 and April 2019, 593 patients underwent PCNL and 239 patients had RIRS in two tertiary centers. Among them, 149 patients were included for the final analysis after propensity-score matching out of which 75 patients underwent SMP in one center and 74 patients underwent RIRS in the other. The stone-free rate (SFR) was statistically significantly higher in Group 1 on POD-1 (98.66% vs. 89.19%; p = 0.015), and was still higher in Group 1 on POD-30 (98.66% vs. 93.24%, p = 0.092) SFR on both POD-1 and POD-30 for lower pole calculi was higher in Group 1 (100 vs. 82.61%, p = 0.047 and 100 vs 92.61% p = 0.171). The mean (SD) operative time was significantly shorter in Group 1 at 36.43 min (14.07) vs 51.15 (17.95) mins (p < 0.0001). The mean hemoglobin drop was significantly less in Group 1 (0.31 vs 0.53 gm%; p = 0.020). There were more Clavien–Dindo complications in Group 2 (p = 0.021). The mean VAS pain score was significantly less in Group 2 at 6 and 12 h postoperatively (2.52 vs 3.67, 1.85 vs 2.40, respectively: p < 0.0001), whereas the mean VAS pain score was significantly less in Group 1 at 24 h postoperatively (0.31 vs 1.01, p < 0.0001). The mean hospital stay was significantly shorter in Group 1 (28.37 vs 45.70 h; p < 0.0001). Conclusion: SMP has significantly lower operative times, complication rates, shorter hospital stay, with higher stone-free rates compared to RIRS. SMP is associated with more early post-operative pain though.Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipa

Concomitant bladder tumor is a risk factor for bladder recurrence but not upper tract

Objective: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of UTUC patients with or without concurrent bladder tumor. Design, Setting, and Participants: The Clinical Research Office of the Endourology Society-Urothelial Carcinomas of the Upper Tract (CROES-UTUC) Registry included 1134 UTUC patients with or without concurrent bladder tumor treated between 2014 and 2019. Results: In 218 (19.2%) cases, concurrent bladder tumor was present, while in 916 (80.8%) patients, no bladder cancer was found. In the multivariable Cox regression analysis, concomitant bladder tumor (hazard ratio (HR) 1.562, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.954-2.560, p = 0.076) indicated a trend associated with recurrence-free survival for UTUC. Further data dissection confirmed that concomitant bladder tumor is a risk factor of bladder recurrence (HR 1.874, 95% CI 1.104-3.183, p = 0.020) but not UTUC recurrence (HR 0.876, 95% CI 0.292-2.625, p = 0.812). Kidney-sparing surgery (KSS) (HR 3.940, 95% CI 1.352-11.486, p = 0.012), pathological T staging >= pT2 (HR 2.840, 95% 1.039-7.763, p = 0.042) were significantly associated with UTUC recurrence. KSS does not affect bladder recurrence (HR 0.619, 95% CI 0.242-1.580, p = 0.315). A limitation is the retrospective nature of the present study analysis. Conclusions: The presence of concomitant bladder tumor does not increase risk of UTUC recurrence, but it results in an increased risk of bladder recurrence. KSS does not affect bladder recurrence and can still be considered in patients with concomitant bladder tumor

Impact of previous malignancy at diagnosis on oncological outcomes of upper tract urothelial carcinoma

BACKGROUND: The evidence of prognostic factors and individualized surveillance strategies for upper tract urothelial carcinoma are still weak. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether the history of previous malignancy (HPM) affects the oncological outcomes of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). METHODS: The CROES-UTUC registry is an international, observational, multicenter cohort study on patients diagnosed with UTUC. Patient and disease characteristics from 2380 patients with UTUC were collected. The primary outcome of this study was recurrence-free survival. Kaplan-Meier and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed by stratifying patients according to their HPM. RESULTS: A total of 996 patients were included in this study. With a median recurrence-free survival time of 7.2 months and a median follow-up time of 9.2 months, 19.5% of patients had disease recurrence. The recurrence-free survival rate in the HPM group was 75.7%, which was significantly lower than non-HPM group (82.7%, P = 0.012). Kaplan-Meier analyses also showed that HPM could increase the risk of upper tract recurrence (P = 0.048). Furthermore, patients with a history of non-urothelial cancers had a higher risk of intravesical recurrence (P = 0.003), and patients with a history of urothelial cancers had a higher risk of upper tract recurrence (P = 0.015). Upon multivariate Cox regression analysis, the history of non-urothelial cancer was a risk factor for intravesical recurrence (P = 0.004), and the history of urothelial cancer was a risk factor for upper tract recurrence (P = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Both previous non-urothelial and urothelial malignancy could increase the risk of tumor recurrence. But different cancer types may increase different sites' risk of tumor recurrence for patients with UTUC. According to present study, more personalized follow-up plans and active treatment strategies should be considered for UTUC patients

Decreased breadth of the antibody response to the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 after repeated vaccination

Introduction: The rapid development of vaccines to prevent COVID-19 has raised the need to compare the capacity of different vaccines in terms of developing a protective humoral response. Previous studies have shown inconsistent results in this area, highlighting the importance of further research to evaluate the efficacy of different vaccines. Methods: This study utilized a highly sensitive and reliable flow cytometry method to measure the titers of IgG1 isotype antibodies in the blood of healthy volunteers after receiving one or two doses of various vaccines administered in Spain. The method was also used to simultaneously measure the reactivity of antibodies to the S protein of the original Wuhan strain and variants B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B.1.617.2 (Delta), and B.1.617.1 (Kappa). Results: Significant differences were observed in the titer of anti-S antibodies produced after a first dose of the vaccines ChAdOx1 nCov-19/AstraZeneca, mRNA-1273/Moderna, BNT162b2/Pfizer-BioNTech, and Ad26.COV.S/Janssen. Furthermore, a relative reduction in the reactivity of the sera with the Alpha, Delta, and Kappa variants, compared to the Wuhan strain, was observed after the second boosting immunization. Discussion: The findings of this study provide a comparison of different vaccines in terms of anti-S antibody generation and cast doubts on the convenience of repeated immunization with the same S protein sequence. The multiplexed capacity of the flow cytometry method utilized in this study allowed for a comprehensive evaluation of the efficacy of various vaccines in generating a protective humoral response. Future research could focus on the implications of these findings for the development of effective COVID-19 vaccination strategies.This work was funded by intramural grant CSIC-COVID19- 004: 202020E081 (to BA) and CSIC-COVID19-004: 202020E165 (to MF). LH has been supported by an FPI fellowship from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation. IB has been supported by an H2020-MSCA-ITN-2016 training network grant of the European Union (GA 721358)