The imaging procedures available today are unable to accurately differentiate between idiopathic and malignant RF. A biopsy is mandatory to confirm the diagnosis, but there is no consensus regarding the template, timing and number of biopsies needed to exclude malignancy. Open ureterolysis represents the main surgical treatment for cases with severe IRF, and laparoscopic or robotic approach may be an option in selected cases. The recovery of the renal function is a surrogate for evaluating the success of the treatment. More clinical studies are needed in order standardize the protocol for diagnostic, treatment and follow up after medical or surgical management.

No abstract

The contribution of genetic variants to prostate cancer risk has been documented. Mutations in ACE (angiotensin I-converting enzyme) gene are found to be related with prostate cancer. The purpose of the present study was to characterize ACE genotypes in prostate cancer cases and to investigate any association between I/D polymorphisms of ACE gene and clinical characteristics in a group of Romanian patients. A total of 46 healthy men and 46 male patients diagnosed with prostate cancer were included in the study. ACE I/D polymorphisms were determined by polymerase chain reaction methodology. The highest genotype frequencies found within the prostate cancer group were detected for DD genotype (55.6%) with a significant difference in the allele frequencies (p = 0.006), compared to the control group, where no significant differences were observed (p > 0.05). The DD genotype was statistically significant associated with the advanced tumor stage and Gleason score higher than 8. Our data suggest that the ACE gene polymorphism can be associated with the evolution of prostate cancer disease, more precisely that DD genotype represented a risk factor for prostate cancer.

No abstract

Our study reports data from two distinct transplant centers from a developing country. Our results are similar to the current literature data, but also reveal that the approach of a center to the transplantation management is an independent factor associated with graft survival.