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We present the SARAO MeerKAT Galactic Plane Survey (SMGPS), a 1.3 GHz continuum survey of almost half of the Galactic Plane (251\\deg \\(\\le l \\le\\) 358\\deg and 2\\deg \\(\\le l \\le\\) 61\\deg at \\(|b| \\le 1.5\\deg \\)). SMGPS is the largest, most sensitive and highest angular resolution 1 GHz survey of the Plane yet carried out, with an angular resolution of 8\" and a broadband RMS sensitivity of \\(\\sim\\)10--20 \\(\\mu\\) Jy/beam. Here we describe the first publicly available data release from SMGPS which comprises data cubes of frequency-resolved images over 908--1656 MHz, power law fits to the images, and broadband zeroth moment integrated intensity images. A thorough assessment of the data quality and guidance for future usage of the data products are given. Finally, we discuss the tremendous potential of SMGPS by showcasing highlights of the Galactic and extragalactic science that it permits. These highlights include the discovery of a new population of non-thermal radio filaments; identification of new candidate supernova remnants, pulsar wind nebulae and planetary nebulae; improved radio/mid-IR classification of rare Luminous Blue Variables and discovery of associated extended radio nebulae; new radio stars identified by Bayesian cross-matching techniques; the realisation that many of the largest radio-quiet WISE HII region candidates are not true HII regions; and a large sample of previously undiscovered background HI galaxies in the Zone of Avoidance.

We present the confusion-limited 1.28 GHz MeerKAT DEEP2 image covering one \\(\\approx 68'\\) FWHM primary beam area with \\(7.6''\\) FWHM resolution and \\(0.55 \\pm 0.01\\) \\(\\mu\\)Jy/beam rms noise. Its J2000 center position \\(\\alpha=04^h 13^m 26.4^s\\), \\(\\delta=-80^\\circ 00' 00''\\) was selected to minimize artifacts caused by bright sources. We introduce the new 64-element MeerKAT array and describe commissioning observations to measure the primary beam attenuation pattern, estimate telescope pointing errors, and pinpoint \\((u,v)\\) coordinate errors caused by offsets in frequency or time. We constructed a 1.4 GHz differential source count by combining a power-law count fit to the DEEP2 confusion \\(P(D)\\) distribution from \\(0.25\\) to \\(10\\) \\(\\mu\\)Jy with counts of individual DEEP2 sources between \\(10\\) \\(\\mu\\)Jy and \\(2.5\\) mJy. Most sources fainter than \\(S \\sim 100\\) \\(\\mu\\)Jy are distant star-forming galaxies obeying the FIR/radio correlation, and sources stronger than \\(0.25\\) \\(\\mu\\)Jy account for \\(\\sim93\\%\\) of the radio background produced by star-forming galaxies. For the first time, the DEEP2 source count has reached the depth needed to reveal the majority of the star formation history of the universe. A pure luminosity evolution of the 1.4 GHz local luminosity function consistent with the Madau & Dickinson (2014) model for the evolution of star-forming galaxies based on UV and infrared data underpredicts our 1.4 GHz source count in the range \\(-5 \\lesssim \\log[S(\\mathrm{Jy})] \\lesssim -4\\).

The Galactic Centre contains a supermassive black hole with a mass of 4 million suns within an environment that differs markedly from that of the Galactic disk. While the black hole is essentially quiescent in the broader context of active galactic nuclei, X-ray observations have provided evidence for energetic outbursts from its surroundings. Also, while the levels of star formation in the Galactic Centre have been approximately constant over the last few hundred Myr, there is evidence of elevated short-duration bursts, strongly influenced by interaction of the black hole with the enhanced gas density present within the ring-like Central Molecular Zone at Galactic longitude |l| < 0.7 degrees and latitude |b| < 0.2 degrees. The inner 200 pc region is characterized by large amounts of warm molecular gas, a high cosmic ray ionization rate, unusual gas chemistry, enhanced synchrotron emission, and a multitude of radio-emitting magnetised filaments, the origin of which has not been established. Here we report radio imaging that reveals bipolar bubbles spanning 1 degree x 3 degrees (140 parsecs x 430 parsecs), extending above and below the Galactic plane and apparently associated with the Galactic Centre. The structure is edge-brightened and bounded, with symmetry implying creation by an energetic event in the Galactic Centre. We estimate the age of the bubbles to be a few million years, with a total energy of 7 x 10^52 ergs. We postulate that the progenitor event was a major contributor to the increased cosmic-ray density in the Galactic Centre, and is in turn the principal source of the relativistic particles required to power the synchrotron emission of the radio filaments within and in the vicinity of the bubble cavities.

The construction of the KAT-7 array in the Karoo region of the Northern Cape in South Africa was intended primarily as an engineering prototype for technologies and techniques applicable to the MeerKAT telescope. This paper looks at the main engineering and scien- tific highlights from this effort, and discusses their applicability to both MeerKAT and other next-generation radio telescopes. In particular we found that the composite dish surface works well, but it becomes complicated to fabricate for a dish lacking circular symmetry; the Stir- ling cycle cryogenic system with ion pump to achieve vacuum works but demands much higher maintenance than an equivalent Gifford-McMahon cycle system; the ROACH (Recon- figurable Open Architecture Computing Hardware)-based correlator with SPEAD (Stream- ing Protocol for Exchanging Astronomical Data) protocol data transfer works very well and KATCP (Karoo Array Telescope Control Protocol) control protocol has proven very flexible and convenient. KAT-7 has also been used for scientific observations where it has a niche in mapping low surface-brightness continuum sources, some extended HI halos and OH masers in star-forming regions. It can also be used to monitor continuum source variability, observe pulsars, and make VLBI observations

Purpose Open simple prostatectomy (OSP) has been a cornerstone in treating large prostate volumes (> 80 ml) in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). With evolving minimally invasive procedures like minimally invasive simple prostatectomy (MISP) and laser enucleation, the role of OSP needs contemporary evaluation. This way, we assessed the efficacy and safety of OSP to understand its current standing in the treatment of BPH, especially in comparison with newer surgical modalities. Methods A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, Cochrane and EMBASE was conducted to include randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing OSP with other treatments for BPH from 1993 to 2023. A total of 10 RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. Data on various outcomes including IPSS, Qmax, PVR, quality of life, perioperative factors, and postoperative complications were analysed. Results Our meta-analysis, covering 557 patients, confirms OSP’s significant improvement in voiding symptoms and objective voiding metrics. However, it also reveals a higher incidence of postoperative complications, such as bleeding and transfusion requirements. The study found moderate to high heterogeneity in perioperative outcomes, indicating variations in surgical techniques and postoperative care. OSP remains a reliable option with an easily accessible and effective approach for managing large prostates, despite advancements in minimally invasive surgeries. Conclusion OSP continues to be a relevant surgical option for BPH in large prostates, offering significant symptom relief. However, the associated higher morbidity warrants careful patient selection and highlights the need for continued research into optimizing surgical techniques and improving outcomes.

Objectives We aim to compare efficacy and safety of water vapour therapy (Rezūm), transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) and transurethral microwave therapy (TUMT) for treating men with moderate to severe benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms. Materials PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to 30 July 2023, followed by reference searching and dual‐independent study selection. We analysed only randomized clinical trials. RoB‐2, NIH‐quality assessment tool and GRADE guidelines were used for quality‐of‐evidence (QoE) assessment. Relevant prospective studies without a critical risk‐of‐bias were included. Results At 12 months, Rezūm showed similar efficacy to TUNA and TUMT for improvement in International Prostate Symptoms Score – Rezūm versus TUMT: 1.33 points (95% CI: −1.66 to 4.35) favouring TUMT (QoE: Moderate) and Rezūm versus TUNA: 0.07 points (95% CI: −3.64 to 3.88) favouring TUNA (QoE: Low). Rezum had similar outcomes to TUNA and TUMT for Maximum Peak‐Flow Rate (Qmax): Rezūm versus TUMT: 1.05 mL/s (95% CI: −4.88 to 2.82) favouring Rezūm (QoE: Low) and Rezūm versus TUNA: 0.37 mL/s (95% CI: −4.61 to 4.21) favouring TUNA (QoE: Low). Furthermore, post‐void residual volume (PVR) comparisons demonstrated that Rezūm was similar, or inferior to other techniques at 12 months – Rezūm versus TUMT: 11.20 mL (95% CI: −32.40 to 10.30) favouring TUMT (QoE: Low) and Rezūm versus TUNA: 24.10 mL (95% CI: 2.81 to 45.10) favouring TUNA (QoE: Low). Rezūm also had a similar surgical retreatment rate with TUMT and TUNA up to 3‐years – TUMT versus Rezūm RR: 1.21 (95% CI: 0.20 to 15.90) (QoE: Low) and TUNA versus Rezūm showed RR: 1.81 (95% CI: 0.2 to 24.60) (QoE: Low). In the first 12 months after treatment, Rezūm had a higher rate of serious adverse events (Clavien‐Dindo ≥ Grade 3) than TUMT and TUNA. TUMT versus Rezūm with RR = 0.53 (95% CI: 0.13 to 3.14) (QoE: Low) and TUNA versus Rezūm with RR = 0.38 (95% CI: 0.04 to 3.49) (QoE: Low). Conclusions Moderate to weak evidence suggests that Rezūm is not superior to TUNA and TUMT in all domains studied.

Introduction Water Jet Ablation Therapy (WJAT) and Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) represent two common surgical treatments for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). Despite their increasing use, there is no study between these two methods. We aim to evaluate their efficacy and safety through a network meta‐analysis (NMA), providing critical insights for clinical decision‐making in the management of moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to BPH. Methods Pubmed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library were searched. Randomized controlled trials and prospective single‐arm studies comparing WJAT and HoLEP with TURP, reporting symptom scores, flow rates and adverse events. Data extraction and quality assessments were independently performed. Bayesian modelling in RStudio was used for statistical analysis, evaluating continuous outcomes through mean difference and categorical variables via risk ratios. Risk‐of‐Bias (RoB) and GRADE assessments were performed. Findings Twenty‐three studies were included (WJAT‐11, HoLEP‐12). Most studies were at some or high risk of bias. At 12 months, the IPSS, Qol, PVR and Qmax improvements were 4.14 points (95% CI: ‐0.34 to 8.64, not‐significant [NS], GRADE‐rating: Low), 0.32‐points (95% CI:‐10.70 to 3.27, NS, GRADE‐rating: Low), 2.45 ml/s (95% CI: ‐1.85 to 7.05, NS, GRADE‐rating: Low), 63.10 ml (95% CI: 39.80 to 87.30, statistically‐significant [SS], GRADE‐rating: Moderate), respectively, all in favour of HoLEP. Haemoglobin‐loss was lower with HoLEP, 1.16 g/dl (95% CI: ‐2.56 to 0.54 mg/dl, NS, GRADE‐rating: Moderate) than WJAT. The risk of incontinence was higher with HoLEP; 4.48 (95% CI: 0.22 to 168.50, NS, GRADE‐rating: Very Low) than WJAT in single–arm analysis. The risk of blood transfusion was higher with WJAT (RR = 0.14; 95% CI: 0.00 to 4.21, NS, GRADE‐rating: Low) than HoLEP. Risk of Total Serious Adverse Events (Clavien‐Dindo grade>3) was higher with HoLEP (RR = 1.12, higher with HoLEP, 95% CI: 0.20 to 12.71, NS, GRADE‐rating: Low) than WJAT. Retreatment was lower with HoLEP (RR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.02 to 10.54 GRADE‐rating: Low) than WJAT. Interpretation Our study suggests that both HoLEP and WJAT are effective treatments for BPH, both with similar IPSS and QoL improvements. HoLEP excels in functional outcomes, particularly in improving Qmax and PVR. Conversely, WJAT, with its shorter operation time and hospital stays, presents a compelling alternative, particularly for outpatient settings.

Purpose Past decade has seen a renewed interest in minimally invasive surgical techniques (MISTs) for management of enlarged prostate. This narrative review aims to explore newer MIST for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) which are not yet integrated into established societal guidelines. Methods We conducted a literature search across PubMed, Google Scholar, and FDA ClinicalTrials.gov databases on June 1st, 2023, to identify studies published within the past decade exploring various MISTs for BPH. Additionally, we gathered insights from abstracts presented in meetings of professional associations and corporate websites. We broadly classified these procedures into three distinct categories: energy-based, balloon dilation, and implant/stent treatments. We collected detail information about the device, procedure details, its inclusion and exclusion criteria, and outcome. Results Our review reveals that newer energy-based MISTs include Transperineal Laser Ablation, Transurethral Ultrasound Ablation, and High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound. In the sphere of balloon dilation, Transurethral Columnar Balloon Dilation and the Optilume BPH Catheter System were gaining momentum. The noteworthy implants/stents that are on horizon include Butterfly Prostatic Retraction Device, Urocross Expander System, Zenflow Spring System, and ProVee Urethral Expander System. Conclusion The exploration of various MISTs reflects ongoing efforts to enhance patient care and address limitations of existing treatments. This review provides a bird-eye view and valuable insights for urologists and researchers seeking to navigate the dynamic landscape of MISTs in the quest for effective and minimally invasive solutions for enlarged prostates.