Accuracy of elastic fusion biopsy in daily practice: results of a multicenter study of 2115 patients

OBJECTIVES: To assess the accuracy of Koelis fusion biopsy for the detection of prostate cancer and clinically significant prostate cancer in the everyday practice. METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 2115 patients from 15 institutions in four European countries undergoing transrectal Koelis fusion biopsy from 2010 to 2017. A variable number of target (usually 2-4) and random cores (usually 10-14) were carried out, depending on the clinical case and institution habits. The overall and clinically significant prostate cancer detection rates were assessed, evaluating the diagnostic role of additional random biopsies. The cancer detection rate was correlated to multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging features and clinical variables. RESULTS: The mean number of targeted and random cores taken were 3.9 (standard deviation 2.1) and 10.5 (standard deviation 5.0), respectively. The cancer detection rate of Koelis biopsies was 58% for all cancers and 43% for clinically significant prostate cancer. The performance of additional, random cores improved the cancer detection rate of 13% for all cancers (P < 0.001) and 9% for clinically significant prostate cancer (P < 0.001). Prostate cancer was detected in 31%, 66% and 89% of patients with lesions scored as Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System 3, 4 and 5, respectively. Clinical stage and Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System score were predictors of prostate cancer detection in multivariate analyses. Prostate-specific antigen was associated with prostate cancer detection only for clinically significant prostate cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Koelis fusion biopsy offers a good cancer detection rate, which is increased in patients with a high Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System score and clinical stage. The performance of additional, random cores seems unavoidable for correct sampling. In our experience, the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System score and clinical stage are predictors of prostate cancer and clinically significant prostate cancer detection; prostate-specific antigen is associated only with clinically significant prostate cancer detection, and a higher number of biopsy cores are not associated with a higher cancer detection rate

Marine plastics threaten giant Atlantic Marine Protected Areas.

There has been a recent shift in global perception of plastics in the environment, resulting in a call for greater action. Science and the popular media have highlighted plastic as an increasing stressor [1,2]. Efforts have been made to confer protected status to some remote locations, forming some of the world's largest Marine Protected Areas, including several UK overseas territories. We assessed plastic at these remote Atlantic Marine Protected Areas, surveying the shore, sea surface, water column and seabed, and found drastic changes from 2013-2018. Working from the RRS James Clark Ross at Ascension, St. Helena, Tristan da Cunha, Gough and the Falkland Islands (Figure 1A), we showed that marine debris on beaches has increased more than 10 fold in the past decade. Sea surface plastics have also increased, with in-water plastics occurring at densities of 0.1 items m-3; plastics on seabeds were observed at ≤ 0.01 items m-2. For the first time, beach densities of plastics at remote South Atlantic sites approached those at industrialised North Atlantic sites. This increase even occurs hundreds of meters down on seamounts. We also investigated plastic incidence in 2,243 animals (comprising 26 species) across remote South Atlantic oceanic food webs, ranging from plankton to seabirds. We found that plastics had been ingested by primary consumers (zooplankton) to top predators (seabirds) at high rates. These findings suggest that MPA status will not mitigate the threat of plastic proliferation to this rich, unique and threatened biodiversity

Report on the Marine Imaging Workshop 2017

Marine optical imaging has become a major assessment tool in science, policy and public understanding of our seas and oceans. Methodology in this field is developing rapidly, including hardware, software and the ways of their application. The aim of the Marine Imaging Workshop (MIW) is to bring together academics, research scientists and engineers, as well as industrial partners to discuss these developments, along with applications, challenges and future directions. The first MIW was held in Southampton, UK in April 2014. The second MIW, held in Kiel, Germany, in 2017 involved more than 100 attendees, who shared the latest developments in marine imaging through a combination of traditional oral and poster presentations, interactive sessions and focused discussion sessions. This article summarises the topics addressed during the workshop, particularly the outcomes of these discussion sessions for future reference and to make the workshop results available to the open public

A framework for the development of a global standardised marine taxon reference image database (SMarTaR-ID) to support image-based analyses

Video and image data are regularly used in the field of benthic ecology to document biodiversity. However, their use is subject to a number of challenges, principally the identification of taxa within the images without associated physical specimens. The challenge of applying traditional taxonomic keys to the identification of fauna from images has led to the development of personal, group, or institution level reference image catalogues of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) or morphospecies. Lack of standardisation among these reference catalogues has led to problems with observer bias and the inability to combine datasets across studies. In addition, lack of a common reference standard is stifling efforts in the application of artificial intelligence to taxon identification. Using the North Atlantic deep sea as a case study, we propose a database structure to facilitate standardisation of morphospecies image catalogues between research groups and support future use in multiple front-end applications. We also propose a framework for coordination of international efforts to develop reference guides for the identification of marine species from images. The proposed structure maps to the Darwin Core standard to allow integration with existing databases. We suggest a management framework where high-level taxonomic groups are curated by a regional team, consisting of both end users and taxonomic experts. We identify a mechanism by which overall quality of data within a common reference guide could be raised over the next decade. Finally, we discuss the role of a common reference standard in advancing marine ecology and supporting sustainable use of this ecosystem

Percutaneous treatment of patients with heart diseases: selection, guidance and follow-up. A review

Aortic stenosis and mitral regurgitation, patent foramen ovale, interatrial septal defect, atrial fibrillation and perivalvular leak, are now amenable to percutaneous treatment. These percutaneous procedures require the use of Transthoracic (TTE), Transesophageal (TEE) and/or Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE). This paper provides an overview of the different percutaneous interventions, trying to provide a systematic and comprehensive approach for selection, guidance and follow-up of patients undergoing these procedures, illustrating the key role of 2D echocardiography

Laparoscopic radical cystectomy with ileal conduit diversion.

Remaining the gold standard treatment of muscle-invasive bladder cancer and high-risk superficial tumors, the radical cystectomy has been translated into a fully laparoscopic protocol, actually gaining more and more acceptance worldwide. In this article, a transperitoneal antegrade laparoscopic protocol is described for radical cystectomy performed in both genders. After removal of the specimen, generally through a mini-laparotomy, most of the teams perform the maneuvers for urinary diversion through an ileal conduit as an open procedure, although a completely laparoscopic procedure has been successfully achieved. Laparoscopic cystectomy will face the proof of time if oncologic rules about surgical management of transitional cell carcinoma are carefully respected to avoid any cell spillage. When obvious laparoscopic advantages for the patients are encountered with laparoscopic cystectomy, it seems unlikely that a full laparoscopic protocol, including the diversion, may gain wide acceptance; in that case, the true laparoscopic benefits would be wasted by unjustified lengthening of operative time and by compromising the quality of uretero-ileal anastomoses.Comparative StudyJournal ArticleReviewSCOPUS: re.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

Direct, Duodenum-Guided Access to the Renal Hilum During Laparoscopic Radical Nephrectomy

AIM: To provide a step-by-step description of the surgical technique that allows for a direct, duodenum-guided access to the renal hilar vessels during laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: For a right-sided LRN, a Kocher maneuver exposes the underlying vena cava (VC). The cephalad dissection of its lateral margin leads to the right renal vein (RRV). The right renal artery is identified posteriorly between RRV and VC and clip-secured. The access to the left renal hilum is guided by the identification of the fourth portion of the duodenum and the inferior mesenteric vein. The Treitz ligament is incised. The duodenum is medialized exposing the aortic wall and the left renal vein. The lateral surface of the aorta is carefully dissected till the emergence of the left renal artery. CONCLUSIONS: The described approach, although technically challenging represents a feasible, safe and oncologically valid technique to perform LRN in the hands of an experienced laparoscopist

Laparoscopic extraperitoneal adenomectomy (Millin): pilot study on feasibility.

The aim of the present work is to describe the surgical technique and to assess the feasibility of laparoscopic extraperitoneal adenomectomy in a pilot study.Journal ArticleSCOPUS: ar.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe