Scanning Electron Microscopic Observations on the Epithelium of the Human Prostatic Urethra

The human prostatic urethra has been investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy. On the posterior wall of the urethra, the seminal colliculus with the orifices of the ejaculatory ducts is clearly detectable. The upper portion of the prostatic urethra shows a typical transitional epithelium with large superficial cells of a ruffled appearance. In the lower portion of the organ (underneath the openings of the ejaculatory ducts), the apical pattern of the cells varies considerably. Four main aspects are recognizable: apices provided with microvilli, dome-shaped apices with an almost smooth surface, large apices with labyrinthic microplicae and ciliated apices. Also, apices showing intermediate characteristics can be noted. The functional significance of the morphological patterns as well as the possibility of a transition among the various types of surface structures are discussed.     

Mesenteric and omental cysts: An ultrasonographic and clinical study of 15 patients

The clinical and ultrasonographic (US) features of 15 cases of mesenteric or omental cyst are herein described. This series included seven male and eight female patients, whose age ranged from 2–89 years. Correct clinical diagnosis was made in two children only, but preoperative US examination accurately demonstrated the lesion in 11 of 13 patients (85%). These cystic lesions usually had a thin wall, internal septations, and fluid content with sedimentation. Enteric duplication cysts had a relatively thick wall merging with the muscle layer of bowel loop, and multiloculation was noted mainly with cystic lymphangiomas or pseudocysts. The diagnostic and surgical management of these lesions are briefly reviewed and their US appearance is illustrated.     

Hemangioma of the Prostatic Urethra: Hematospermia and Massive Postejaculation Hematuria with Clot Retention

The case of a 53-year-old man with hematospermia and massive postejaculation hematuria that caused urinary retention is described. This is the sixth case in the English and Japanese language literature. Cystourethroscopic examination revealed that a solitary raised tumor was present just distal to the vermontanum, and that bleeding was from its apex. Histologic examination of an excisional biopsy sample showed features compatible with hemangioma.     

Basic study on velocity-flow urodynamics using Doppler sonography: Simultaneous detection of cavitation and Doppler signals in an artificial urethral model

BACKGROUND: We have developed velocity-flow urodynamics using Doppler sonography based on the hypothesis that microbubbles formed in the urethra are responsible for Doppler signals. In order to confirm this hypothesis derived from Bernoulli's principle, we investigated the simultaneous detection of cavitation noise and Doppler signals in an experimental system. METHODS: An experimental circuit was built in which a stenosis was created using a glass or silicon tube with tap water used as the sample fluid. Doppler signals, pressure before and after the stenosis, flow rate, flow velocity and cavitation noise were measured. Direct detection of cavitation with a high-speed charged-coupled device (CCD) camera was conducted in the glass tube. The relationship between cross-sectional area and flow velocity in terms of the detection of Doppler signals was analyzed in the silicon tube study. RESULTS: In the glass tube study, a high-speed CCD camera clearly detected masses of microbubbles associated with cavitation. The range of flow rates creating cavitation completely corresponded with those producing Doppler signals detected by ultrasonography. A similar correlation was observed in the silicon tube study, which showed that a low flow velocity of 41.5 cm/sec through a stenosis with a cross-sectional area of 20 mm(2) created Doppler signals at a flow rate of 8.3 mL/sec. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study confirmed that microbubbles created in flowing urine are responsible for Doppler signals. Measurement of velocity-flow urodynamics has great potential to become a non-invasive and reliable alternative to conventional pressure- flow urodynamic studies.     

基因定量检测方法研究进展

基因定量检测已经成为研究基因组变异以及由于基因重组所引起的相关疾病的重要手段。大片段的基因组的重复和缺失可以引起致病突变。使用PCR和测序等定性检测方法很难探测到杂合状态的缺失和重复,因此探寻高效、可靠、灵敏的基因定量检测方法是当务之急。在过去的几年中已经相继出现了一些自动高效的技术方法。现在可用的基因定量方法大致可以分成3类:DNA印迹技术,细胞遗传学方法和以PCR扩增为基础的定量。本文对基因定量的最新进展作一综述,探讨其优缺点以期对定量研究方法的选择有所帮助。     

显微外科技术在尿道下裂修复中的应用

采用显微外科技术行阴囊纵膈皮瓣尿道下裂修复术18例，均获成功。其手术要点为：将阴茎腹侧纤维索条切除，充分伸展阴茎，皮瓣保留足够长度与宽度，克保血运；在显微镜下采用7－0尼龙丝线缝合，形成皮管，不缝皮肤，只缝皮下。硅胶管支架引流，加压包扎阴茎。本文对手术成功的原因进行了初步讨论。