Evidence of male-to-female sexual transmission of Zika virus (ZIKV) and viral RNA in semen and sperm months after infection supports a potential role for testicular cells in ZIKV propagation. Here, we demonstrate that germ cells (GCs) are most susceptible to ZIKV. We found that only GCs infected by ZIKV, but not those infected by dengue virus and yellow fever virus, produce high levels of infectious virus. This observation coincides with decreased expression of interferon-stimulated gene Ifi44l in ZIKV-infected GCs, and overexpression of Ifi44l results in reduced ZIKV production. Using primary human testicular tissue, we demonstrate that human GCs are also permissive for ZIKV infection and production. Finally, we identified berberine chloride as a potent inhibitor of ZIKV infection in both murine and human testes. Together, these studies identify a potential cellular source for propagation of ZIKV in testes and a candidate drug for preventing sexual transmission of ZIKV.

Purpose: Inflammatory markers, such as Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio (LMR), Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR), have been shown to hold significant prognostic value in the context of head and neck cancer (HNC). Recently, delta inflammatory markers, the difference between pre and post- treatment inflammatory marker ratios, have been suggested as potentially significant values in predicting cancer prognosis. Our objective was to evaluate the prognostic utility of delta LMR, NLR, and PLR in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Methods: Retrospective cohort study in a tertiary academic hospital setting. Patients diagnosed with HNSCC in the oral cavity, larynx, and oropharynx treated with curative intent treatment were included. The variables collected were age, sex, BMI, alcohol/tobacco exposure, performance scores, ACE-27, tumor characteristics, adjuvant treatment, ECOG score, and lab values. Overall Survival (OS) and Event-Free Survival (EFS) were chosen as endpoints. OS was defined as time from date of treatment to date of last follow-up or death from any cause, and EFS was defined as the start of treatment to any progression, recurrence, or death from any cause. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed on the primary endpoints. Results: A total of 89 patients were included from 2010 to 2017. In multivariate analysis, EFS was found to be significantly associated with an N stage of 3 (p=0.0005) and delta LMR > -1.48 (p=0.0241). No significant relationships were uncovered with OS in multivariate analysis. Conclusion: A higher delta LMR value (>-1.48) was associated with poorer EFS, but was not associated with OS.

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We noted differences in URM representation at most ranks between urology and US medical faculty. Continued recruitment of diverse individuals will improve representation in the field of urology in general and lead to greater representation amongst academic faculty.

the stone free rate (SFR) at 90 days as determined by computerized tomography for residual fragments 2mm. The secondary outcome was the influence of stone volume and density in the two modalities and complication rates between the two groups.RESULTS: A total of 93 patients completed the protocol, 45 in group 1 and 48 in group 2. Patients in group 2 were older (48 vs. 42, p [ 0,027) and all other demographic characteristics were comparable. Number of pre-stented patients and stone diameter, density, volume and location (inferior pole and non-inferior pole) were similar in both groups. The mean stone diameter and volume were 13,4 AE 4,7 mm and 484 AE 403 mm 3 , respectively. The SFR was not significantly different between groups (66,7 vs. 68,8% -p [ 0,751) and multivariate analysis revealed that higher BMI was associated with better SFR (1,17 OR 95% IC 1,02 e 1,34, p [ 0,022). Stone volume (p [ 0,179) and density (p [ 0,884) did not influence the SFR on univariate analysis between the two modalities of fragmentation. There were no statistically significant differences in operative time, complication rates or ancillary procedures between groups.CONCLUSIONS: The stone free rate was comparable for active fragments basketing or stone dusting and spontaneous fragment passage during flexible ureteroscopy with holmiun laser lithotripsy on 90 days follow up. There was no influence of stone volume and density in both modalities. Post-operative complication rates and need of ancillary procedures were similar between groups. Both fragmentation techniques are efficacious and could be performed according to surgeon's preference.