Background Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is very common in aging men. We aimed to compare the effects of tamsulosin and pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) seed oil on BPH symptoms. Methods This single-blind randomized clinical trial included patients with BPH aged ≥ 50 years referred to the Urology Clinic of Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Hamadan, Iran, from August 23, 2019 to February 19, 2020. Patients were randomized into two groups. One group received 0.4 mg tamsulosin every night at bedtime and the other received 360 mg pumpkin seed oil twice a day. Patients’ age, weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) were recorded. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) was filled out by the patients at baseline and then 1 month and 3 months after the initiation of treatment. The BPH-associated quality of life (QoL), serum prostate-specific antigen, prostate and postvoid residual volume, and maximum urine flow were also assessed at baseline and 3 months later. Drug side effects were also noted. Results Of the 73 patients included in this study with a mean age of 63.59 ± 7.04 years, 34 were in the tamsulosin group and 39 in the pupkin seed oil group. Patients were comparable with respect to age, weight, height, BMI, and baseline principal variables in both groups. Also, there was no significant difference between groups in terms of principal variables at any time point. However, there was a significant decrease in IPSS and a significant improvement in QoL in both groups. Although the decrease in IPSS from baseline to 1 month and 3 months was significantly higher in the tamsulosin group compared to the pumpkin group (P = 0.048 and P = 0.020, respectively), the decrease in IPSS from 1 to 3 months was similar (P = 0.728). None of the patients in the pumpkin group experienced drug side effects, while dizziness (5.9%), headache (2.9%), retrograde ejaculation (2.9%), and erythema with pruritus occurred in the tamsulosin group. Conclusions Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) seed oil relieved BPH symptoms with no side effects, but was not as effective as tamsulosin. Further studies are required to confirm the role of pumpkin seed oil as an option for the treatment of BPH symptoms. Trial registration Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials, IRCT20120215009014N340. Registered 19.02.2020. Retrospectively registered, https://en.irct.ir/trial/45335.

Background and Objective: Despite a long history of drug treatment for BPH, the side effects and costs associated with current drugs have led to efforts for finding drugs with the same effectiveness and fewer side effects. Also, in recent years, the tendency to use herbal drugs in BPH treatment has increased significantly. Alphablockers are currently the most commonly used chemical drugs in the treatment of BPH, the most common of which is Tamsulosin. Although few studies have compared the role of Tamsulosin and pumpkin seeds oil in BPH patients, this study has never been done in Iran.Methods: This is a randomized clinical trial study, which was performed on 80 male patients referred to the urology clinic of Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Hamadan, Iran, in 2019. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. The first group was given pure Pumpkin Seed Oil capsules and the second group was given Tamsulosin capsules for three months. Patient follow-up was based on IPSS, PSA level, ultrasonography, and uroflowmetry.Results: Statistical analyzes showed a significant decrease in the mean IPSS of both groups during the three months of treatment. Side effects were observed more in the Tamsulosin group than in the pumpkin seed Oil group. Post void residue was significantly reduced in the Pumpkin Seed Oil group compared with the Tamsulosin group. The quality of life improved significantly in both groups. Conclusion:It seems that consumption of pumpkin seed oil can play an important role in the treatment of BPH as the main drug to replace Tamsulosin, with same efficacy and fewer side effects, but for definitive prescription of this herbal drug, extensive and long-term studies are necessary. comprehensive and prospective studies in future.

The rapid acquisition of larg volumes of thin-section CT images has created a considerable need and interest for 3D postprocessing during the interpretation of medical imaging. As a result of the increasing number of postprocessing applications, requiring diagnostic radiologists to perform postprocessing is no longer realistic. This article is a comprehensive review of medical resources regarding establishing a postprocessing radiology laboratory. Besides, leadership and managerial aspects have been covered through a professional business lens. In large-volume settings, a dedicated 3D postprocessing lab ensures the quality, reproducibility, and efficiency of images. Adequate staffing is necessary to fulfill the postprocessing requirements. Educational and experience requirements for 3D technologists may vary among different running laboratories. To evaluate the establishment and running of a 3D lab, it is beneficial to implement diagnostic radiology cost-effectiveness tools. Although establishing a 3D lab has many benefits, certain challenges should be considered. Outsourcing or offshoring may serve as alternatives for establishing a postprocessing laboratory. Building and operating a 3D lab is a significant change in healthcare facilities, and it is crucial for organizations to be aware of the strong resistance toward alternatives the status quo, known as the status quo trap. The change process has essential steps, and skipping the steps creates an illusion of speed but never produces satisfactory results. The organization should ensure the engagement of all interested parties in the whole process. Moreover, a clear vision and proper communication of the vision are vital, and it is crucial to value small wins and ensure expectation clarity in leading the lab during the process.

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Abbreviations & Acronyms ICU = intensive care unit IPAI = intraprostatic antibiotic injection PSA = prostate-specific antigen TRUS = transrectal ultrasonography