DR. PAUL M. KELLER, MD

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The study looked at three different surgical methods—HoLEP, ThuLEP, and TURP—for treating prostate cancer to see how safely and effectively they worked in patients from 2005 to 2022. It found that while TURP is still the most commonly used method, HoLEP and ThuLEP showed better outcomes, with transfusion rates at 2.5% for both laser techniques compared to 8.8% for TURP, and lower rates of urinary issues after surgery. This is important because it suggests that laser techniques could be safer and lead to fewer complications for men with prostate cancer. Who this helps: This helps patients with prostate cancer by providing safer surgical options.

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This study looked at how the drug vibegron affects muscle contractions in human bladder and prostate tissues. Researchers found that the highest concentration (10 micromolar) of vibegron reduced the contractions in bladder tissue by about 50%. In prostate tissue, this concentration also changed how the tissue reacted to other substances, indicating that vibegron might help improve urinary symptoms in ways that don't just involve blocking bladder contractions. Who this helps: This research benefits patients experiencing urinary symptoms, particularly those with prostate issues.

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This research looked at how the structures (specifically, side chains) of certain molecules influence how easily they break apart on a silicon surface. Surprisingly, a longer side chain (the butyl group) made it easier for a molecule called butyl methyl ether to break down than a simpler molecule, diethyl ether, showing an activation energy drop from 174 kJ/mol to 107 kJ/mol. This matters because it helps scientists understand and improve chemical reactions that happen on surfaces, which is important for many technologies. Who this helps: This helps researchers and engineers working on surface chemistry and related technologies.

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This study looked at how horse owners in Flanders communicate with their veterinarians about complementary and alternative veterinary medicine (CAVM). Researchers found that while 61.7% of horse owners had talked about CAVM with their vets, nearly 25% of those using these treatments had not shared this information. This matters because not discussing CAVM use can pose risks to the horse's health, like side effects or negative interactions with other treatments. Who this helps: This helps horse owners and veterinarians improve communication for better animal care.

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This study looked at how well the Adjustable Transobturator Male System (ATOMS) works for men with stress urinary incontinence after different types of prostate surgery for benign enlargement. The researchers analyzed 27 patients and found that 80% of those who had the HoLEP surgery were completely continent after receiving ATOMS, compared to 64.7% of those who had TUR-P. The type of prior surgery didn’t affect how well ATOMS worked, making it a safe and effective option for men dealing with incontinence after prostate surgery. Who this helps: This helps men who experience incontinence after prostate surgery.

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This study looked at a technique for rebuilding bone in the jaw after tooth loss so that dental implants can be successfully placed. Researchers found that using customized 3D-printed titanium meshes along with the patients' own bone led to successful results in all 16 patients, with no complications and enough bone volume developed within 122 to 160 days. This is important because it shows that this method is reliable for restoring bone, making dental implants safer and more achievable. Who this helps: Patients needing dental implants after tooth loss.

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This study focused on improving T cell therapies for patients who typically cannot receive them because their cells are hard to manufacture. Researchers created special nanoparticles from artificial cells that helped T cells grow and become activated more efficiently. They found that using these nanoparticles not only allowed them to produce more T cells from difficult patients but also helped those T cells fight tumors effectively in lab models. In a clinical trial, this approach led to quicker production and better recovery of T cells, ultimately showing promising results for patients with certain blood cancers. Who this helps: Patients with blood cancers who struggle to produce effective T cells for therapy.

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This study explored a new automated system for enhancing experiments that analyze the structure of large biological molecules using X-rays at specialized facilities called synchrotrons. The results showed that this system improved the quality of data collected by measuring more unique reflections and achieving better resolution compared to traditional methods, leading to a notable increase in data quality. Specifically, it outperformed single-sweep experiments on similar crystals while using the same amount of radiation. Who this helps: This benefits researchers working in fields like biochemistry and molecular biology who need high-quality structural data for their studies.

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This study looked at how certain tissue types in the prostate affect urinary symptoms in patients undergoing laser surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Researchers found that as the amount of glandular-epithelial (keratin) tissue increased, patients experienced worse urinary symptoms, with a correlation showing that higher keratin levels linked to a 42% increase in symptom severity scores. Understanding these relationships helps doctors predict which patients might struggle more with urinary issues after surgery. Who this helps: This benefits patients with BPH and their doctors by improving treatment options and management.

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This study looked at how common lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are for men over 60 in Germany, focusing on those caused by prostate enlargement. It found that as the population ages, more men will experience these symptoms, and a variety of treatments are available, including medications and surgery. New medications and combinations of existing treatments could significantly improve patients' quality of life and manage the condition more effectively. Who this helps: This benefits older men dealing with prostate issues and their doctors looking for effective treatment options.

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This study compared two types of prostate surgery—open surgery and robot-assisted surgery—to see how they affect the success of a treatment for men experiencing urinary incontinence after prostate removal. Researchers looked at 131 men who received an Adjustable Transobturator Male Sling (ATOMS) and found that those who had robot-assisted surgery were more likely to achieve complete continence right after the procedure (60.8% vs. 39.2%) and required fewer follow-up surgeries to remove the device (3.8% vs. 15.0%). This matters because it highlights that robot-assisted surgery may provide better early results in controlling urinary incontinence while still being safe in the long run. Who this helps: This helps patients dealing with urinary incontinence after prostate surgery.

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This study looked at two surgical methods—transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP)—to treat urinary problems in men with prostate cancer. It found that both procedures improved symptoms after surgery, but patients with prostate cancer experienced more complications, such as a larger drop in hemoglobin levels. This research is important because it helps doctors understand that while both methods can improve symptoms, they face greater challenges when treating patients with prostate cancer. Who this helps: This benefits both patients with prostate cancer and their doctors by providing insight into treatment options.

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This study looked at different surgical treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in Germany and analyzed their outcomes using data from over 1.3 million surgeries performed between 2005 and 2022. They found that the most common procedure was the transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), which accounted for nearly 80% of surgeries. Importantly, newer methods like holmium laser enucleation (HoLEP) had better outcomes, with fewer complications compared to TURP and traditional surgeries. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with BPH by providing doctors with information on more effective and safer surgical options.

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This study looked at how prostate smooth muscle tissue contracts after being treated with a laser, comparing it to tissue samples from other common treatments for prostate issues. They found that the laser-treated tissues had different contraction responses, with average contractions of 2.5 mN for laser tissues, compared to 0.7 mN for TURP tissues and 3.3 mN for RP tissues. The research also revealed that taking α-blocker medication before surgery reduced contractions in patients who had to use a catheter, highlighting the need to tailor treatments based on individual patient conditions. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with prostate issues, particularly those undergoing surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

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Researchers developed a new tool called HistoKernel to analyze whole slide images of cancer tissue more effectively. They found that HistoKernel performs as well as or better than current methods in various tasks, such as identifying cancer types and predicting patient outcomes, with results from thousands of cases. This advancement improves how pathologists diagnose and treat cancer, ultimately leading to better patient care. Who this helps: This helps patients, doctors, and researchers in cancer treatment and diagnosis.

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This study looked at the quality of life of bladder cancer patients six years after they underwent surgery to remove their bladder and create a new way for urine to leave the body. Researchers found that both of the surgical methods they studied—orthotopic ileal neobladder and ileal conduit—led to similar overall quality of life scores, with averages of 69 for neobladder and 60 for conduit; however, patients with ileal conduit reported more insomnia and a drop in emotional health over time. This information is important as it helps doctors and patients make informed choices about which surgery might be better for managing long-term quality of life after bladder cancer treatment. Who this helps: This helps bladder cancer patients and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at patients with bladder cancer who had previously undergone prostate surgery or treatment and compared their outcomes after bladder removal and reconstruction. Out of 79 patients analyzed, those who had previous prostate procedures were more likely to experience incontinence, with 53% affected, compared to just 24% of those without prior procedures. The findings show that bladder reconstruction is still a viable option for these patients, even with the increased risk of incontinence. Who this helps: This benefits patients who have had prostate treatments and are facing bladder cancer surgery.

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This study looked at surgeries for correcting urethral strictures in men, using data from over 500,000 patients in Germany between 2005 and 2023. It found that internal urethrotomy was the most common procedure, accounting for 82% of surgeries, but its use is declining, while a newer method called drug-coated balloon dilatation is gaining traction. Understanding these trends is important because it helps clarify which techniques are most effective and how patient outcomes vary based on the surgical approach. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing urethral stricture surgery and their doctors.

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This study looked at whether using behavioral science techniques in mailings could improve how well older adults stick to their high blood pressure medications. The researchers found that the average adherence rate was about 81% for those who didn't receive the behavioral science messages and was similar for those who did, meaning these new communication methods didn't make a noticeable difference. This matters because finding effective ways to help patients take their medications as prescribed could prevent serious health issues like strokes or heart attacks. Who this helps: Patients with high blood pressure.

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This research looked at how certain factors during and after surgery (like age, cancer stage, and surgical outcomes) can predict if prostate cancer will return after surgery. Among 1,539 patients treated with radical prostatectomy, 393 (or 26%) experienced a recurrence of cancer after an average of about 39 months. Patients with advanced cancer or poor surgical results had higher risks of recurrence and lower survival rates, highlighting the importance of these factors in patient outcomes. Who this helps: This information helps doctors identify high-risk patients and improve treatment plans to better manage prostate cancer.

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This study looked at how the drug verapamil affects contractions in human prostate tissue, which is important for people with difficulty urinating (voiding symptoms) often associated with conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Researchers found that verapamil could significantly reduce these contractions, showing a decrease of up to 93% at higher doses, suggesting it may help improve urinary symptoms without requiring additional medications. This matters because it could provide a way to treat prostate problems while minimizing the number of medications patients need to take. Who this helps: This benefits patients with urinary issues related to prostate problems.

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This study looked at how the severity of urination problems in men with enlarged prostates relates to muscle contractions in the prostate. The researchers found that stronger contractions caused by certain substances (noradrenaline and electric stimulation) were linked to more severe symptoms. For instance, in patients with severe symptoms (IPSS scores of 20-35), the contractions were almost double compared to those with moderate symptoms (IPSS scores of 8-19). This matters because it indicates that the causes of urination problems in men undergoing surgery may not only be tied to the usual channels, suggesting other underlying mechanisms could be involved. Who this helps: This helps patients with prostate issues and their doctors by providing insight into the causes of their symptoms.

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This study examined different electronic health record (EHR) tools designed to help doctors reduce the prescribing of potentially harmful medications (like benzodiazepines) to older adults. Out of 3,063 patients aged about 75, the standard care led to 33.6% of patients stopping their medications, while the new tools achieved rates between 25.9% and 45.1%. Although most behavioral science techniques didn't significantly improve the results, alerts given at the start of doctor-patient interactions and strategies encouraging patients to commit to stopping treatment showed more promise. Who this helps: This research benefits older patients who are prescribed high-risk medications and their healthcare providers.

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This study compared two treatments for a condition called posterior urethral stenosis, which affects urination. Researchers looked at 141 patients who received either a drug-coated balloon treatment or standard endoscopic treatment. They found that those who used the drug-coated balloon had a better chance of not experiencing a recurrence of their condition (40% lower risk) and showed significant improvements in urinary function, such as better urine flow and less leftover urine in the bladder. Who this helps: This helps patients with posterior urethral stenosis seeking effective treatment options.

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This study examined injuries to the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, bladder, and urethra, using data from nearly 240,000 patients in Germany from 2005 to 2023. They found that while kidney injuries decreased, injuries to the ureters, bladder, and urethra increased, particularly among older patients with other health issues; these patients had higher rates of complications, including up to 25% needing blood transfusions and mortality rates of 6.4%. Understanding these trends is important for improving treatment strategies and preventing such injuries in the future. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers better manage urinary tract injuries in patients.

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This study looked at how pre-surgery physical health scores relate to survival for patients with bladder cancer undergoing a major operation called radical cystectomy. Researchers found that patients with high physical functioning scores (90 or above) had a much better chance of surviving for five years (80.4%) compared to those with lower scores (55.5%). This matters because improving a patient's physical health before surgery could lead to better survival outcomes. Who this helps: Patients preparing for bladder cancer surgery.

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This study looked at the outcomes of three different treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia: prostate artery embolization (PAE), transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), and laser enucleation. Researchers found that PAE led to fewer cases of in-hospital urinary retention (3.2% versus 7.1% for TURP) and shorter hospital stays (on average 2.6 days less than TURP), while also having lower rates of incontinence compared to laser enucleation (2.7% versus 4.2%). Despite these benefits, the use of PAE has not increased much over recent years. Who this helps: This information can assist patients and doctors in making informed choices about treatment options for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

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This study looked at the outcomes of different surgical methods for removing the prostate in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia in Germany from 2013 to 2023. Researchers found that robotic-assisted prostate surgery (RASP) is becoming more common and has better results than open surgery (OSP), with fewer patients needing blood transfusions (7.3% for RASP compared to 13% for OSP) and shorter hospital stays (7 days for RASP versus 9 days for OSP). These findings highlight the advantages of newer surgical techniques in improving patient care and recovery times. Who this helps: Patients undergoing prostate surgery.

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This study looked at how previous treatments for prostate cancer, specifically radiotherapy, affect the outcomes of a procedure called the Adjustable Transobturator Male System (ATOMS), which is used to help men who have incontinence after their cancer treatment. Among the 131 men analyzed, those who had received radiotherapy before the ATOMS procedure had lower rates of being completely dry after the surgery (21% compared to 51%) and used more pads daily (2.5 vs. 1). Despite these differences in short-term results, the long-term effectiveness of ATOMS was similar for all patients, indicating it remains a good option for treating incontinence, even for those who have had previous radiation. Who this helps: This benefits men dealing with incontinence after prostate cancer treatment and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how a specific system used by Salmonella Typhimurium helps it thrive in the gut, especially when competing with other bacteria. Researchers found that Salmonella can use certain nutrients from heated foods, called Amadori compounds, to grow better in the gut. Specifically, without a gene called gfr, Salmonella struggled to colonize the gut in mice, reducing its fitness during the initial stages of gut occupation. This matters because understanding how Salmonella adapts can help in developing strategies to combat foodborne illnesses. Who this helps: This research benefits public health officials and food safety experts working to reduce foodborne diseases.

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This study looked at different types of enzymes called methanol dehydrogenases, which help bacteria use methanol to produce energy. The researchers found that one enzyme from a specific bacterium, Cupriavidus necator, turns methanol into formate, which is not useful and accumulates unnecessarily. In contrast, another enzyme from Bacillus methanolicus converts methanol into formaldehyde without this side effect, leading to more efficient growth and less waste. This work is important because it can help scientists design better bacteria for making green fuels and chemicals without generating extra waste. Who this helps: This helps researchers and companies working on sustainable fuel production.

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The study looked at a marker called TERT in prostate tissue from 100 men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition that causes urinary problems. It found that 81% of the tissue samples had TERT, and those with TERT present had more severe symptoms, like higher symptom scores (22.5 compared to 17.4) and retained more urine after using the bathroom (80 ml vs. 142 ml). This is important because it suggests that TERT could help identify which BPH patients have more severe issues and might benefit from targeted treatments. Who this helps: This helps patients with BPH.

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This study looked at how certain inhibitors, specifically AZD1208, TCS PIM-1, and HS38, affect the contraction of smooth muscle in the prostate, bladder, and blood vessels. Researchers found that the highest concentration of AZD1208 significantly reduced muscle contractions in prostate tissues by more than 50%, while the other inhibitors had little to no effect. This matters because it suggests that the contractions in these organs might not be driven by Pim kinases, which could help inform future treatments for urinary issues and other related conditions. Who this helps: Patients with urinary tract issues and doctors treating them.

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This study looked at how veterinarians in Flanders view and talk about complementary and alternative veterinary medicine (CAVM) for horses. The researchers found that 83% of veterinarians used CAVM, and 98% had discussed it with horse owners, but 95% also agreed that sometimes CAVM was used without informing the vet. This is important because clear communication between vets and horse owners can help ensure safe and informed use of alternative treatments. Who this helps: Horse owners and veterinarians.

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This research focused on improving models of protein structures obtained from X-ray crystallography by using unmerged data rather than just the usual merged data. The study found that analyzing unmerged data led to better models; for instance, they were able to automatically identify problematic images caused by issues like crystal alignment or radiation damage, which helped improve model accuracy. This matters because it enhances our understanding of protein structures, which is crucial for drug development and biological research. Who this helps: This helps researchers and healthcare professionals working on drug design and protein-related studies.

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This study looked at a new way to create special materials called photonic actuators that can change shape and color when exposed to light. Researchers developed a method that makes it quicker and easier to produce these materials, resulting in actuators like a butterfly that flaps its wings and changes color, and an origami crane that can remember shapes and colors. This matters because these advancements can improve the design of smart robotic devices and new technologies that respond to light. Who this helps: This helps researchers and engineers developing innovative materials and devices.

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This study looked at complications related to central venous catheters (CVCs) used by patients with intestinal failure who need long-term intravenous nutrition. It found that Broviac type "B" catheters had fewer complications compared to other types, and that when blocked catheters were treated with a specific procedure, their usage time could increase from about 131 days to 389 days without causing more issues. This is important because it helps improve the care and longevity of access for patients who rely on these catheters for nutrition. Who this helps: Patients with intestinal failure requiring long-term venous access.

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This study focused on creating a special type of microorganism that can grow and produce useful products using methanol, a substance that can be made from captured greenhouse gases. The researchers developed a strain of this microorganism that grows quickly, doubling in number every 4.3 hours, and successfully produced several valuable products, including lactic acid and itaconic acid, from methanol. This research is important because it offers a way to turn greenhouse gases into beneficial materials, helping reduce carbon emissions. Who this helps: This benefits companies looking for sustainable ways to produce chemicals and materials, as well as efforts to combat climate change.

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This study looked at how carvedilol, a medication used to lower blood pressure, affects human prostate tissue and the growth of cells in the prostate. The researchers found that carvedilol significantly reduced the contractions of prostate tissue by up to 94% at high doses and altered the growth of prostate stromal cells, with lower doses increasing cell numbers while higher doses reduced them. These findings are important because they suggest that carvedilol might influence treatment for prostate conditions, particularly in managing symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia. Who this helps: This helps patients with prostate issues, as well as doctors looking for effective treatments.

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This study looked at how the bacteria Salmonella Typhimurium adapts its energy-making processes to survive and grow in the changing environment of the gut. Researchers found that during early infection, the bacteria mainly use certain fermentation methods, but when the gut becomes inflamed, they switch to different methods to keep growing. This ability to change their metabolism helps the bacteria thrive even when conditions get tough, which could be common among other gut-infecting bacteria. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and healthcare providers treating gut infections.

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This study examined the impact of radical cystectomy (surgery to remove the bladder) followed by the creation of a new bladder from intestine in patients over 70 years old. Researchers found that patients older than 70 had a significant decline in their health-related quality of life 12 months after the surgery, with only 50% of them reporting good health status compared to 76% before the operation. This indicates that older patients may fare worse after this surgery, suggesting that a simpler urinary diversion method could be better for those over 70. Who this helps: This helps elderly patients with bladder cancer and their doctors in making better treatment decisions.

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This study looked at how the use of opioids during surgery and the type of anesthesia affect the recovery and survival of patients undergoing radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer. Researchers followed 1,137 patients and found that 24% experienced a return of cancer within a year and about 3% died during the follow-up. Importantly, the type of anesthesia or the amount of opioids used during surgery did not influence cancer recurrence or survival rates. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with prostate cancer and their doctors by clarifying that certain anesthesia practices do not worsen long-term outcomes.

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This study looked at how a specialized ultrasound technique called contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) can help doctors tell if testicular tumors are cancerous. Over 342 patients were examined, and it was found that 57% of those who had suspicious ultrasound results actually had cancer. The ultrasound method was very accurate, detecting 93.8% of malignancies while also showing that harder tissues, which were present in 78% of cancerous cases, could indicate cancer. Who this helps: This benefits patients with testicular masses and the doctors treating them.

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This study looked at how the amount of laser energy used and how efficiently tissue was removed during a specific prostate surgery (Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate or HoLEP) affected patients' recovery and symptom relief from urinary issues. Researchers analyzed data from 1,593 patients and found that neither the total laser energy (average 48.8 kJ) nor the efficiency of enucleation had any significant impact on patients' urinary symptoms or flow rates after surgery. This matters because it shows that HoLEP is effective for treating urinary symptoms regardless of the laser energy applied, making it a more reliable treatment option. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from lower urinary tract symptoms due to prostate enlargement.

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This study looked at how to analyze specific chemical mixtures using a computer program called an artificial neural network (ANN). Researchers tested different combinations of two materials and found that the ANN could accurately determine the proportions of one material in mixtures, achieving consistency with traditional measurement methods. This matters because it demonstrates a new, efficient way to analyze complex chemical samples, which can be helpful in various scientific and industrial applications. Who this helps: This approach benefits chemists and researchers working with complex materials.

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This study looks at a patient who seemed to have a type of lung pressure problem called postcapillary pulmonary hypertension based on initial tests. However, further invasive testing revealed that the patient actually had precapillary pulmonary hypertension. This is important because the way doctors treat these conditions is based on the specific type of blood pressure issue present—identifying the correct type is crucial for effective treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients with pulmonary hypertension get the correct diagnosis and treatment.