Objectives To assess the effectiveness of α-blockers at reducing stent-related morbidity compared to placebo using the Ureteric Symptom Score questionnaire (USSQ) at particular time points as originally set by the developers of the USSQ. Materials and methods We conducted the study following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Eligible articles were identified by a search of the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) database for the period from 1 January 2006 to 30 November 2018. The search strategy included specific keywords and only articles in English were considered eligible. A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials was done according to methodological quality, placebo-control use, and USSQ completion at the time points of 1 and 4 weeks after insertion, and 4 weeks after stent removal. The mean differences with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for outcomes, with a P  less then  0.05 considered statistically sished by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.Objective To compare bilateral orchidectomy, as the classical 'gold standard' androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT), and ADT using a luteinising hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) antagonist (degarelix) for the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer regarding their short-term biochemical efficacy, testosterone castrate level, tolerability, and effect on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Patients and methods A total of 60 patients with newly diagnosed metastatic prostate cancer were managed by either bilateral orchidectomy or degarelix injection as ADT. Both groups were compared according to their prostate-specific antigen (PSA) nadir and testosterone level at the 6-month follow-up. HRQoL was assessed using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (QLQ-C30) after 12 months. Results Bilateral orchidectomy and degarelix showed comparable results for PSA reduction, but there was a statistically significantly lower castrate level of testosterone in the bilateral orchidectomy group. Using the EROTC QLQC-30, bilateral orchidectomy was associated with better HRQoL, better global health status, and better functional status. Conclusion Bilateral orchidectomy resulted in lower castrate levels of testosterone, which may be associated with better disease control, together with better HRQoL and general health status compared to LHRH antagonist (degarelix). These results indicate that we should consider revisiting bilateral orchidectomy as a valuable and effective treatment option for ADT. Abbreviations ADT androgen-deprivation therapy; EORTC (QLQ-C30) European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30); HRQoL health-related quality of life. © 2019 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.Objective To address the question of whether antibiotic therapy can obviate the need for prostate biopsy (PBx) in patients presenting with high prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. Methods With the increase in unnecessary PBx in men with high PSA levels, a systematic review was performed according to the Cochrane Reviews guidelines and in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. Results The literature search yielded 42 studies, of which 11 were excluded due to irrelevance of data. Most of the studies were retrospective, nine studies were randomised controlled trials, and there were seven prospective non-randomised trials. The age range of the patients was 51-95 years. Antibiotics, predominantly ofloxacin or ciprofloxacin, combined with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) or not, were prescribed for 2-8 weeks. All studies focussed on PSA levels ranging from ≤ 4 to ≥ 10 ng/mL. Furthermore, antibiotic therapy normalised PSA levels by a wide variety of percentages (16-59%), and the PSA level decrease also varied widely and ranged from 17% to 80%. For patients who had unchanged or decreased PSA, carcinoma was found in 40-52% and 7.7-20.3%, respectively. No cancer was detected if the PSA level decreased to less then 4 ng/mL. Conclusion Antibiotic therapy is clinically beneficial in patients with high PSA levels. PSA reduction or normalisation after medical therapy, either antibiotic and/or NSAID, for ≥ 2 weeks can avoid unnecessary PBx. Antibiotic therapy is more beneficial when the PSA level is less then 20 ng/mL. Abbreviations EPS expressed prostatic secretion; PBx prostate biopsy; (%f)(f/t)(t)PSA, (percentage free) (free/total) (total) serum PSA; PSAD PSA density; RCT randomised controlled trial; VB3 voided bladder urine 3. © 2019 The Author(s).  https://www.selleckchem.com/products/GDC-0980-RG7422.html  Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.Purpose The aim of this study was to find out the correlation between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nerve conduction studies' (NCS) findings in patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy caused by lumbar intervertebral disc herniation. In addition, the study aimed at finding the correlation between the clinical manifestations of lumbosacral radiculopathy and both MRI and NCS. Patients and Methods. The study was a cross-sectional analytic study which included thirty patients with a history suggestive of lumbosacral radiculopathy. Inclusion criteria were as follows patients who had an MRI confirmed L4/5 and/or L5/S1 intervertebral disc prolapse in addition to one or more of the following (dermatomal distribution of symptoms appropriate with MRI level, presence of motor weakness, sensory impairment, absent ankle jerk, or positive straight leg raising test). All patients underwent clinical assessment and NCS, and their MRI examination was reviewed. The Chi-Squared/Fisher's exact test was used to test the correlation. Results There was a statistically significant correlation between abnormal physical findings and nerve root compression in MRI. Statistically significant correlation was neither found between abnormal physical examination findings and abnormal NCS nor between nerve root compression in MRI and abnormal NCS findings. Conclusion Abnormal neurological examination findings can be used to predict nerve root compression in MRI examination. On the contrary, positive findings of physical examination do not predict abnormal NCS, as well as negative findings do not exclude abnormal NCS; therefore, it is useful to add NCS when MRI findings do not match clinical examination findings or when no neuroimaging abnormalities can be identified. Copyright © 2020 Safa Yousif et al.