Ilan J. Safir

Three-dimensional cell culture model utilization in cancer stem cell research.

Three‐dimensional (3D) cell culture models are becoming increasingly popular in contemporary cancer research and drug resistance studies. Recently, scientists have begun incorporating cancer stem cells (CSCs) into 3D models and modifying culture components in order to mimic in vivo conditions better. Currently, the global cell culture market is primarily focused on either 3D cancer cell cultures or stem cell cultures, with less focus on CSCs. This is evident in the low product availability officially indicated for 3D CSC model research. This review discusses the currently available commercial products for CSC 3D culture model research. Additionally, we discuss different culture media and components that result in higher levels of stem cell subpopulations while better recreating the tumor microenvironment. In summary, although progress has been made applying 3D technology to CSC research, this technology could be further utilized and a greater number of 3D kits dedicated specifically to CSCs should be implemented.

Molecular basis of carcinogenesis in diabetic patients (Review)

The most important molecular mechanisms promoting carcinogenesis in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) include oxidative stress, excessive generation of free radicals and nitrous oxide, damage to cellular membranes and DNA, overproduction of lactate, overabundance of protein glycosylation storage products, overexpression of pathological enzyme isoforms, and leakage of cytochromes from organelles. Additionally, dysfunctional signal transduction pathways, especially in pathways involving phosphoinositide 3‑kinase (PI3K)/phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)/Akt, RAS/Raf/ERK, and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), have been implicated in malignant transformation and progression. Obesity and metabolic disorders, such as DM, may contribute to a dysfunctional immune system with a suppressed immune response by inducing a chronic inflammatory state, abnormal humoral and cellular mediated immunity, and lower counts and activity levels of natural killer (NK) cells and natural killer T cells (NKT cells). Recent advances in molecular biology will allow for better understanding of abnormal cellular pathways, as well as elucidating how metabolic disorders contribute to oncogenesis. Knowledge gained through these studies may lead to more efficacious oncologic therapies.

Patient Acceptance of Teleurology via Telephone vs Face-to-Face Clinic Visits for Hematuria Consultation at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Introduction We evaluated the experience and preferences of patients undergoing hematuria consultation via teleurology compared to a conventional face‐to‐face clinic visit. Methods Patients evaluated for hematuria with teleurology or face‐to‐face clinic visit were surveyed regarding their experience and preferences. The survey consisted of 27 questions evaluating overall acceptance and satisfaction (8 questions), impact factors (17) and preference (2). Results A total of 450 patients participated in the survey at a 2‐to‐1 ratio (300 via teleurology, 150 via face‐to‐face visits). Overall, patient satisfaction level was higher with teleurology compared to face‐to‐face clinic visits (mean score 9.2 vs 8.4, p <0.0001). This finding was observed in all 8 domains (acceptance, efficiency, convenience, friendliness, quality of interview, communication and care, provider professionalism and privacy protection, all p <0.001). Transportation related issues were the most common underlying reason that influenced patient opinion, with at least 1 transportation factor being reported by 280 of 300 teleurology patients (93.3%) and 133 of 150 patients seen face‐to‐face (88.7%). Clinic operation and provider interaction factors similarly impacted patient satisfaction and preference. Time to access was significantly better for teleurology (12 days) compared to face‐to‐face clinics (72 days, p <0.001). Overall incidence of bladder cancer was 5.6% (25 of 450 patients), which was observed in 6.3% of the teleurology group (19 of 300) and 4.0% of the face‐to‐face group (6 of 150, p = 0.386). Conclusions Patients prefer teleurology to face‐to‐face clinic visits for the initial evaluation of hematuria. Teleurology positively impacts compliance and access by potentially eliminating common challenges facing patients, and by improving efficiency, convenience and flexibility.

Comparative Cost Analysis: Teleurology Versus Conventional Face-to-Face Clinics

OBJECTIVE To compare costs associated with teleurology vs face-to-face clinic visits for initial outpatient hematuria evaluation. MATERIALS AND METHODS The analysis included 3 cost domains: transportation, clinic operations, and patient time. Transportation cost was based on standard government travel reimbursement. Clinic staff cost was based on hourly salary plus fringe benefits. For a face-to-face clinic encounter, patient time included time spent for travel, parking, walking to and from clinic, checking in and checking out, nursing evaluation, urologic evaluation, laboratory, and waiting. Patient time cost was based on the Federal minimum wage. Provider and laboratory times were excluded from the cost analysis as these were similar for both encounters. RESULTS We included 400 hematuria evaluations: 300 teleurology and 100 face-to-face. Both groups had similar median age (63 vs 64 years, P = .48) and median travel distance/time (58 vs 54 miles, P = .19; 94 vs 82 minutes, P = .09, respectively). Average patient time was greater for face-to-face encounters (266 vs 70 minutes teleurology, P < .001). Transportation was the primary driver of overall costs (

Patient Acceptance of Teleurology via Telephone Versus Face-to-Face Clinic Visits for Hematuria in a Veterans Affairs Medical Center

83.47 per encounter), followed by patient time (

TEMPORARY REMOVAL: Patient Acceptance of Teleurology via Telephone Versus Face-to-Face Clinic Visits for Hematuria in a Veterans Affairs Medical Center

32.87/encounter) and clinic staff cost (

MP32-19 COST ANALYSIS FOR INITIAL EVALUATION OF HEMATURIA: IMPACT OF TELE-UROLOGY CLINICS

18.68/encounter). The average cost per encounter was

The Value of Pathological Examination of the Foreskin Following Circumcision

135.02 for face-to-face clinic vs

Implementation of a Tele-urology Program for Outpatient Hematuria Referrals: Initial Results and Patient Satisfaction

10.95 for teleurology (P < .001) exclusive of provider and laboratory times. Cost savings associated with each telehematuria encounter totaled

MP76-06 USE AND EFFECTIVENESS OF PHARMACOLOGIC AND NON-PHARMACOLOGIC ERECTILE AIDS AMONG POST-PROSTATECTOMY PROSTATE CANCER SURVIVORS SEEKING TREATMENT FOR ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION: A PROSPECTIVE, MULTICENTER STUDY

124.07. CONCLUSION Teleurology offers considerable cost savings of