Insights into female germ cell biology: from in vivo development to in vitro derivations

Understanding the mechanisms of human germ cell biology is important for developing infertility treatments. However, little is known about the mechanisms that regulate human gametogenesis due to the difficulties in collecting samples, especially germ cells during fetal development. In contrast to the mitotic arrest of spermatogonia stem cells in the fetal testis, female germ cells proceed into meiosis and began folliculogenesis in fetal ovaries. Regulations of these developmental events, including the initiation of meiosis and the endowment of primordial follicles, remain an enigma. Studying the molecular mechanisms of female germ cell biology in the human ovary has been mostly limited to spatiotemporal characterizations of genes or proteins. Recent efforts in utilizing in vitro differentiation system of stem cells to derive germ cells have allowed researchers to begin studying molecular mechanisms during human germ cell development. Meanwhile, the possibility of isolating female germline stem cells in adult ovaries also excites researchers and generates many debates. This review will mainly focus on presenting and discussing recent in vivo and in vitro studies on female germ cell biology in human. The topics will highlight the progress made in understanding the three main stages of germ cell developments: namely, primordial germ cell formation, meiotic initiation, and folliculogenesis.     

Abdominal transposition of the female urethra

Abdominal transposition of the female urethra, a rational choice for the surgical treatment of reflex neurogenic incontinence, has been used infrequently to date. We present a case to illustrate the steps in the surgical technique of transposition, emphasizing the principles we believe necessary to create a continent urethrovesical valve. If proper attention is given to surgical details the patient can achieve continence and require intermittent self-catheterization only.     

The Kish urethral illuminating catheter

The urethral illuminating catheter is a disposable fiberoptic catheter used to illuminate the urethra and bladder of a female patient during an open surgical correction of stress incontinence. The Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz procedure for correction of stress incontinence in a female patient has been used widely since 1949. The most common cause of failure of this procedure has been improper placement of the urethrovesical suspension sutures. Morbidity connected with the procedure results from penetration of the urothelium by the suspending sutures. The urethral illuminating catheter specifically delineates the urethra and bladder fiberoptically. The instrument aids in dissection, allows accurate placement of the suspension sutures, reduces morbidity, reduces operative time and increases the success rate.     

Sonographic characteristics of the urethrovesical anastomosis in the early post-radical prostatectomy patient.

It is possible that the advent of more aggressive surgical approaches to carcinoma of the prostate, including neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy, will lead to a higher incidence of pelvic recurrence rates in coming years. A method of sequentially monitoring the region of the urethrovesical anastomosis for early recurrence that is more accurate than digital rectal examination is required. Transrectal ultrasound is an established technique for the preoperative assessment of prostate cancer. It has also been used postoperatively to guide a biopsy needle into palpably suspicious areas at the urethrovesical junction or for random biopsies in patients with elevated prostate specific antigen levels. However, the sonographic anatomy of the postoperative urethrovesical junction has not previously been described. In this prospective study we analyze the transrectal sonographic characteristics of the neoanatomy in 30 patients, all within 3 months following surgery for clinically intracapsular disease. We describe features of the neoanatomy, such as anterior tissue nodules and anastomotic rings. Because of distinct variations in the neoanatomy of different patients we recommend early postoperative transrectal biplanar sonography to establish a baseline image for each individual case. This would be useful for later comparison and may prevent a false positive scan on subsequent followup studies.     

Transrectal ultrasound versus cystography in the evaluation of anatomical stress urinary incontinence

Thirty-two female patients with clinical and urodynamic findings of genuine stress urinary incontinence were evaluated before and 6 months after surgery for stress urinary incontinence. Twenty-nine control patients had identical evaluations before and 6 months after surgery which did not involve the urethrovesical junction. Twenty-four patients with primary bladder instability had similar evaluations and served as a second control group. Anatomical landmarks indicating support to the urethrovesical junction were evaluated by the position of the urethra at the most dependent point in the bladder on straining and the urethral descent on straining to beneath the posterior ramus of the symphysis pubis on bead chain cystography. The urethrovesical junction drop on straining was evaluated by transrectal ultrasonography. Cystographic and ultrasonographic tests for the position of the urethrovesical junction at the most dependent position in the bladder during straining were very sensitive in women with stress urinary incontinence (94 and 87% respectively) but much less specific (45 and 48% respectively). When evaluating anatomical support to the urethrovesical junction and its descent on straining, these tests were both highly sensitive (97 and 94% respectively) and specific (76 and 96% respectively) in women with genuine stress urinary incontinence. Simple clinical tests for support of the urethrovesical junction, such as the Q tip test, are non-specific in patients with stress urinary incontinence. Transrectal ultrasonography is a simple and quick out-patient procedure. The availability of ultrasound equipment in most clinics and the high sensitivity and specificity of the test make it an attractive and cost-effective alternative to X-ray cystography in the pre-operative evaluation of anatomical support to the urethrovesical junction.     

Sonographic urethrocystography — Methods and application in patients with genuine stress incontinence

Radiologic urethrocystography has recognizable disadvantages including the risk of excessive irradiation, the time required for the test, and the discomfort of the patient. In women with genuine stress inontinence sonographic urethrocystography provides similar information to that obtained by conventional radiological procecdures without side effects. Among the numerous techniques, perineal scanning and introital sonography are particularly suitable for dynamic examination of the bladder, the urethra, and the urethrovesical junction. Moreover, concomitant sonographic urethrocystography complements pressure measurement regardless of the type of urodynamic investigation, and thus helps to exclude tonometric artifacts. All the sonographic observations are easier to review from video records than from still pictures. Ultrasound is helpful for selection of the proper operative procedure and above all can be applied during surgical correction of female incontinence, irrespective of vaginal or abdominal approach.     

Ultrasonography in stress urinary incontinence

Evaluation of the urethrovesical junction in stress urinary incontinence is essential. For this reason the Q-tip test, a clinical test with debatable specificity; lateral cystourethrography, a conventional method; and videourethrocystography, a sophisticated method, have been in use. Because ultrasonography is inexpensive, reliable, easy to apply and free of any contrast material and X-ray exposure, it has practically replaced all the former methods in the evaluation of the urethrovesical junction in stress urinary incontinence patients within the last decade.     

Simultaneous perineal ultrasound and urodynamic assessment of female urinary incontinence: Initial observations

Simultaneous perineal ultrasound and urodynamic evaluation was performed in 35 female patients suffering from urinary incontinence of varying etiologies and in 5 healthy continent women. The digitized ultrasound signals and urodynamic curves were simultaneously monitored on a computer screen. During cystometry, urethral pressure profile during stress, and micturition, this simultaneous technique correlates pressure measurements with the behavior of the urethrovesical junction. The influence of intra-abdominal pressure changes (coughing, straining) on the anatomy of the urethra and the urinary bladder, or the effect of pelvic floor and urethral sphincter contractions on the intraurethral and intravesical pressure, thereby becomes evident. The synchronous imaging of pressure variations and structural changes provides valuable information about the functional anatomy of the urethrovesical junction. On the one hand urodynamic phenomena, and on the other hand ultrasound findings, can be better understood than when the techniques are performed separately. With this simultaneous evaluation additional knowledge is acquired about the pathyophysiology of micturition disorders and incontinence. An advantage of ultrasound compared with radiological techniques is that the urethrovesical anatomy and the surrounding tissues are clearly imaged without irradiation and without the need for contrast medium.EDITORIAL COMMENT: The authors describe the simultaneous recording of urodynamic tracings on an ultrasound screen while visualizing the bladder neck, urethra, and bladder by perineal ultrasonography. Although this idea is not entirely new, having first been described by Kohorn et al. (1987) and confirmed by Koelbl et al. (1988), in this pilot study the urodynamic tracing is visualized on the same screen as the ultrasound image in real time. The result may be somewhat overwhelming at first, but may actually clarify functional aspects to the lower urinary tract hitherto unknown. This newest melding of sonographic and urodynamic information also has the distinct advantage of requiring no radiation or contrast medium exposure. With further experience and a larger study population, it will be interesting to see how this technique adds to our understanding and clinical evaluation of female incontinence.     

Why do women have stress urinary incontinence?

This article reviews progress made in understanding the causes of stress urinary incontinence. Over the last century, several hypotheses have been proposed to explain stress urinary incontinence. These theories are based on clinical observations and focus primarily on the causative role of urethral support loss and an open vesical neck. Recently these hypotheses have been tested by comparing measurements of urethral support and function in women with primary stress urinary incontinence to asymptomatic volunteers who were recruited to be similar in age, race, and parity. Maximal urethral closure pressure is the parameter that differs the most between groups being 43% lower in women with stress incontinence than similar asymptomatic women having as effect size of 1.6. Measures of urethral support effect sizes range from 0.5 to 0.6. Because any one objective measure of support may not capture the full picture of urethrovesical mobility, review of blinded ultrasounds of movements during cough were reviewed by an expert panel. The panel was able to identify women with stress incontinence correctly 57% of the time; just 7% above the 50% that would be expected by chance alone, confirming that urethrovesical mobility is not strongly associated with stress incontinence. Although operations that provide differential support to the urethra are effective, urethral support is not the predominant cause of stress incontinence. Improving our understanding of factors affecting urethral closure may lead to novel treatments targeting the urethra and improved understanding of the small but persistent failure rate of current surgery. Neurourol. Urodynam. 29:S13–S17, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

A successfully treated case of condyloma acuminatum of the urethra and urinary bladder.

Condyloma acuminatum very seldom affects the urinary bladder, but if it does conservative treatment has been considered of little value and cystourethrectomy will eventually be required. A case with urethrovesical condyloma is presented, where repeated transurethral resections cured the patient.     

The Clinical Utility of a Vaginal Template Designed to Standardize Suture Placement During Retropubic Colposuspensions

Suture placement and bite size utilizing a vaginal template are compared to a traditional surgical approach during modified retropubic colposuspension on four fresh-frozen human female cadavers. Overall, a larger suture bite was obtained utilizing the template (71.5 ± 4.6 vs 46.7 ± 25.3 mm², P= 0.001). However, with increased surgical experience the suture bites obtained with the traditional approach and template technique were similar. Inconsistent suture placement relative to the urethrovesical junction and urethra was observed with both techniques. Differences in pelvic floor anatomy make consistent suture placement with respect to the urethrovesical junction and urethra neither possible nor entirely preferable with either technique. There seems to be little clinical value in the use of this vaginal template during modified retropubic colposuspensions.     

"The suturer": a new suturing instrument

A new suturing instrument that allows easy placement of sutures in deep inaccessible sites is described. The instrument has been used successfully for pelvic and perineal procedures, and is an invaluable asset to the urologist for urethrovesical anastomoses in radical prostatectomies.     

Does alcohol have any effect on male reproductive function? A review of literature

Although alcohol is widely used, its impact on the male reproductive function is still controversial. Over the years, many studies have investigated the effects of alcohol consumption on sperm parameters and male infertility. This article reviews the main preclinical and clinical evidences. Studies conducted on the experimental animal have shown that a diet enriched with ethanol causes sperm parameter abnormalities, a number of alterations involving the reproductive tract inhibition, and reduced mouse oocyte in vitro fertilization rate. These effects were partly reversible upon discontinuation of alcohol consumption. Most of the studies evaluating the effects of alcohol in men have shown a negative impact on the sperm parameters. This has been reported to be associated with hypotestosteronemia and low–normal or elevated gonadotropin levels suggesting a combined central and testicular detrimental effect of alcohol. Nevertheless, alcohol consumption does not seem to have much effect on fertility either in in vitro fertilization programs or population-based studies. Finally, the genetic background and other concomitant, alcohol consumption-related conditions influence the degree of the testicular damage. In conclusion, alcohol consumption is associated with a deterioration of sperm parameters which may be partially reversible upon alcohol consumption discontinuation.     

Novel Use of the Capio Urethral Anastomotic Suturing Device: A 50-Case Assessment

Objective

Robotic laparoscopic assisted prostatectomy (RALP) has become the predominant technique for prostatectomy despite significant expense and no robust evidence supporting better cancer control, erectile function, or continence. Several studies have demonstrated lower bladder neck contracture (BNC) rates with RALP, believed to be related to improved visualization and control of the urethrovesical anastomosis. We evaluated the Capio™ radical prostatectomy (RP) suture capturing device for improving anastomotic precision during urethrovesical anastomosis in open radical prostatectomy.

Materials and Methods

We performed a retrospective review on a single-surgeon series of 50 consecutive patients undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) with utilization of the Capio™ RP device at an academic hospital (February 2010 to May 2012). Patient demographics, pathology, and outcomes data including rates of anastomotic leak, BNC, erectile function, and continence were collected.

Results

Mean age of patients at the time of procedure was 60.4 ± 6.43 years. Patients were stratifed by D''Amico criteria into low (14.3%), intermediate (67.4%), and high (18.4%) risk groups. Mean follow-up for all patients was 13.1 ± 7.29 months. No patients were diagnosed with BNC within 90 days after surgery. Two patients (4%) were subsequently diagnosed and treated for BNC, one of whom was asymptomatic prior to diagnosis.

Conclusion

Utilizing the Capio™ RP device during RRP, we were able to achieve a BNC rate equivalent to rates reported for RALP. Use of the Capio™ RP device appears to be a cost-effective method for improving RRP urethrovesical anastomotic results.Key Words: Prostatectomy, Instrumentation, Cost effectiveness     

Micturitional Reflexes in Chronic Spinalized Cats: The Underactive Detrusor and Detrusor-Sphincter Dyssynergia

We studied micturitional reflexes in 46 unanesthetized adult male cats spinalized at C5-C6 17 to 125 days previously and in eight intact central nervous system chloralosed cats that were used as controls. Urethral pressure profiles, cystosphincterograms with the urethrovesical junction opened and closed, and mechanograms of detrusor and circular and longitudinal urethral muscles were performed. The effect of vesical, urethral, pelvic, or pudendal anesthesia and vesical and urethral mechanical stimulation were studied. Our results suggest that spinalization produces two major types of neurourologic disorders: (1) weakness of detrusor contractor reflexes (vesicovesical and urethrovesical contraction reflexes) and (2) exaggeration of urethral contractor reflexes (urethrourethral contraction reflex, guarding reflex). Secondarily the weakness of detrusor contractions diminishes the efficiency of the urethral reflex relaxation needed for voiding (vesicourethral relaxation reflex). Because of these abnormalities, two main syndromes appear: (1) underactive detrusor function and (2) detrusor sphincter dyssynergia. Isolated peripheral manipulations of the bladder or urethra do not improve micturition: (1) increase in detrusor contraction strength induces detrusor sphincter dyssynergia, and (2) relaxation of the external sphincter facilitates voiding, but urinary retention persists. It is proposed that spinalization produces a central micturitional dysreflexia responsible for the peripheral dysfunction, and treatment must be oriented toward the central dysreflexia rather than the peripheral dysfunction.     

两种腹腔镜下膀胱尿道吻合训练模型的比较

目的 与鸡皮模型对比,验证利用鸡躯干、泄殖腔和猪大肠构建的新型腹腔镜下膀胱尿道吻合训练模型的训练功效. 方法 采用鸡的后半部躯干模拟人盆腔,3 mm泄殖腔残端模拟人尿道残端,15 cm猪结肠段模拟人膀胱或新膀胱.材料置人腹腔镜训练箱中,运用腹腔镜器械进行腹腔镜下膀胱尿道间断性吻合的模拟训练.40名无腹腔镜手术经验的学员随机分为2组.A组20名,采用新模型训练8 h;B组20名,采用鸡皮模型训练8 h.训练前、后采用动物模型测试学员完成腹腔镜下膀胱尿道吻合的时间和质量. 结果 与鸡皮模型相比,新型训练模型更好地模拟了人盆腔、尿道残端和膀胱、新膀胱的形态、结构和性状.训练后2组在测试中完成速度[实验组:(64±11)min与(123±20)min,P＜0.05;对照组:(77±12)min与(121±17)min,P＜0.05]和吻合质量(实验组:8.8±1.0与3.8±1. 2,P＜0.05;对照组:7.7±0.9与3.7±1.1,P＜0.05)均有较大提高,而训练后实验组学员比对照组所需的完成时间更短(P＜0.05),吻合质量更高(P＜0.05). 结论 新型腹腔镜下膀胱尿道吻合训练模型能有效帮助泌尿外科医生掌握腹腔镜下膀胱尿道吻合技术,提高腹腔镜下缝合技巧.     

溃疡性结肠炎的手术治疗

尽管溃疡性结肠炎的内科治疗已经取得了很大的进步．仍有相当一部分患者需要手术治疗。回肠储袋肛管吻合术（IPAA）在目前西方国家最为常用：回直肠吻合（IRA）仍有一定的临床应用价值。临床上对于手术方式的选择往往需要根据具体的临床情况、在患者充分知情同意后决定。     

The behavior of H-Y-incompatible neonatal skin grafts in rats.

It has been well documented that virgin female rats previously systemically sensitized against H-Y antigen almost invariably reject male skin isografts of adult origin. However, when the donor is a neonatal animal, these H-Y-incompatible grafts are often permanently accepted. Furthermore, such neonatal male skin grafts are frequently able to induce a state of unresponsiveness to subsequent grafts of adult male skin. This ability to induce tolerance is evidently dependent upon the persistence of the neonatal skin graft as it does not occur if the neonatal graft is rejected. Thus, the behavior of H-Y-incompatible neonatal skin grafts in rats parallels their behavior in mice.     

Laparoscopic burch repair compared to laparotomy Burch for cure of urinary stress incontinence

Sixty-two women underwent either laparoscopic Burch urethropexy or open Burch urethropexy for surgical correction of genuine stress urinary incontinence. Only patients with no prior incontinence surgery and with demonstrated genuine stress incontinence were included. Clinical evaluations were done preoperatively, at 3 months and 1 year postoperatively for objective cure. The preoperative evaluation included a 24-hour urolog, urology questionnaire, Q-tip test, cough stress test, perineal ultrasound, cystourethroscopy and simple-channel cystometrics. At follow-up all patients had repeat Q-tip test, perineal ultrasound and cough stress test. If there was any sign of leaking a repeat single-channel cystometrogram was done. Only patients with a negative objective study were considered cured. Differences in laparoscopic versus laparotomy cure rates at 1 year were insignificant (94% versus 93%). Both procedures stabilized the urethrovesical junction and prevented its descent during straining, as demonstrated by the postoperative Q-tip test and the perineal ultrasound. The two bladder procedures had comparable operative times but patients with laparoscopy voided earlier, were outpatients, and returned to work earlier. In conclusion, short-term results suggest that the laparoscopic Burch urethropexy can give similar results to laparotomy Burch urethropexy for correction of genuine stress incontinence.Editorial Comment: This is one of the more complete comparative studies of the laparoscopic and open Burch procedures. Although the study is not prospectively randomized, nor were sophisticated urodynamic studies done in all patients, it contains valuable pre- and postoperative information, particularly about the correction of urethrovesical junction mobility as measured by perineal ultrasound. This test demonstrated that both procedures are equally successful in stabilizing the urethrovesical junction. Unfortunately, the cure of stress incontinence was based on stress test alone, with only 4 patients having a CMG postoperatively. By that standard the cure rates of both procedures do not differ. However, we should be cautious in recommending the laparoscopic procedures of research protocols until a prospective randomized comparison utilizing objective urodynamic studies is available. The American Urogynecologic Society has such a multicenter study under way, and we await the results.     

Gore-tex sling urethral suspension in type III female urinary incontinence: Clinical results and urodynamic changes

The authors prospectively evaluated 24 consecutive female patients with type III stress urinary incontinence, ranging in age from 36 to 70 years (mean 55 years). All patients were operated upon and had a vesicourethral suspension by a Gore-Tex suburethral sling. All were evaluated urodynamically 6 and 30 months after surgery. In this group of patients clinical cure of incontinence was observed in 83.3% (20) and in the remaining 4 patients it was significantly improved. In 2 patients there was an erosion of the urethra and the sling had to be removed 3.5 years later. Five other women remained dry but complained of occasional irritative symptoms, and several urinary tract infections were recorded (2–3 per year), which were documented by positive urine cultures. In the remaining 17 patients no erosion was observed and no irritative symptoms were reported. The urodynamic evaluation revealed an excellent postoperative result both 6 months and 30 months after surgery. EDITORIAL COMMENTS: This study reports the author’s experience with the use of the Gore-Tex suburethral sling procedure in women with type III stress incontinence, excluding patients with urethrovesical junction hypermobility. Diagnosis is based on videourodynamic criteria, as is postoperative follow-up and the definition of cure/failure. It is interesting that the technique used specifically refrains from placing extensive tension on the sling, although extra sutures are placed attaching the sling to ‘fascial tissue in the vicinity of the puboiliac bone’, even including the periosteum. Typically the use of a sling procedure in patients with a fixed drainpipe urethra has been based on the obstructive characteristics of the sling, rather than giving support to an already well supported urethrovesical junction. Previous reports have described postoperative voiding dysfunction requiring intermittent self-catheterization, recurrent urinary tract infections, elevated postvoid residuals and detrusor instability as possible consequences of ‘tight’ slings. Hints that these sequelae did occur in the study population include the high incidence of urinary tract infections and detrusor instability (persistent and de novo), and the fact that 2 patients required removal of the sling because of erosion into the urethra. Although the authors report a significant cure rate (84%) of stress incontinence, clearly this report again cautions against the use of slings in patients with ISD and a well supported bladder neck.