Single Duct Research Articles

A Histological Study of Oogenesis in the Freshwater MusselAnodonta cygnea(Linnaeus, 1758) in Mira Lagoon, Portugal

ABSTRACT Oogenesis of the freshwater mussel Anodonte cygnea was investigated through histological examination over a 12-month period. All specimens were hermaphrodites, having gonads made up of numerous separate female and male acini. Female acini included oogonia with oocytes at different stages of development. Immature oocytes were attached to the acinar wall by a stalk, while mature oocytes were free within the acinus lumen. Several male and female acini were connected to a single germinal duct filled with mature germ cells. A maturity gradation scale was developed, which incorporated the characteristics of the acini, germinal epithelium, lumen and connective tissue. Although oogenesis seems to occur throughout the year, this scale has shown that oogenesis peaks during the summer months.

Development of a Terminal Control System with Variable Minimum Airflow Rate

A constant minimum airflow rate is used in conventional Single Duct Variable Air Volume Terminal Box control sequences. This control sequence can cause occupant discomfort or use excessive energy under partial load conditions. If the minimum airflow rate is higher than required; terminal boxes will have significantly more simultaneous heating and cooling; and AHUs will consume more fan power. Buildings will have indoor air quality problems if the minimum airflow rate is less than required. Many engineers and researchers have investigated advanced variable air volume terminal box control algorithms without a system retrofit for thermal comfort; indoor air quality and energy savings. In this study a developed control system with variable minimum airflow rate for Single Duct Variable Air Volume Terminal Boxes was applied and validated using an actual building and evaluated for comfort; indoor air quality and energy consumption. The energy consumption and thermal performance of terminal boxes using the conventional and proposed control algorithms were compared.

Anatomical Variation of the Right Posterior Sect Sectoral Bile Duct Origin in Saudi Population: Prospective for Live Donor Liver Transplant

It is well recognized that most hilar bile ducts anatomical variations stem from different right posterior sectoral bile duct (RPSBD) origin. Hjortsjo first reported the characteristic crook sign of the RPSBD in cholangiography in 1951. This sign can be positive for the supraportal type. Recognition of this sign is helpful to achieve a safe liver resection and transplantation. Nakamura's classifies the supraportal RPSBD into the most commonly type I (65%: in which the right posterior and anterior bile duct join to form a single right hepatic duct), type II (9.2%: the right posterior duct joins the confluence, forming trifurcation) the infraportal right posterior duct as type III (8.3%), type IV (15.8%, the right posterior duct joins the left hepatic duct) and the combination as type V (1.7%). The aim of the study is to evaluating the usefulness and frequency of the sign at ERCP and how helpful it is to delineate the RPSBD pattern in Saudi patients. Material and methods: Prospective study involves recruiting all patients undergoing indicated ERCP from 1st of March 2010 to 30th of May 2011, without a history of liver resection or biliary instrumentation. Result and conclusion: Around 223 ERCPs done in the study period. Only 126 were eligible to be included in the study. The pattern of RPSBD origin found to be, Type 1: 45% (positive Hjortsjo sign), type II: 30 %, type III: 3%, type IV: 7%, type V: 15%. We concluded that Hjortsjo Crook sign is not commonly found in our community and transplant surgeon should anticipate larger unfavorable bile duct anomalies and difficulties.

Single-duct nipple discharge: How concerned should we be?

58 Background: Nipple discharge has a known association with breast cancer, but determining which cases to identify as being at high risk is a complex and controversial task for the clinician. The current policy at West Hertfordshire Hospitals Trust is to offer microdochectomies to all women who present with unilateral single duct discharge, dominant duct discharge or persistent duct discharge and negative cytology and pre-operative imaging. The aim of this study is to determine if a more discriminative approach might be applied to women who present with nipple discharge. Methods: All patients who underwent a microdochectomy over a 4-year period (2006-2011) were assessed. Patient demographics, characteristics, presenting complaint, pre-operative imaging, and pathology results were analysed. Results: Of the 122 patients analysed in this study, only 7 (5.74%) were diagnosed with malignant carcinoma: 4 patients had DCIS; 3 patients had DCIS and IDC. Of these, 2 had bloodstained nipple discharge. Another two women were diagnosed with papillary carcinoma; only one of them presented with bloodstained nipple discharge, although both had single duct discharge only. 42 cases of mammary duct ectasia (34.43%) and 52 cases of papilloma (42.62%) were found. All women with malignant diagnoses were over the age of 55. Although 47 women (38.52%) presented with a history of blood-stained discharge, only 17 of this cohort (36.17%) had positive cytology – one of whom was diagnosed with multifocal intermediate-grade DCIS. The other 16 women were diagnosed with papillomas, duct ectasia, and benign breast disease. Of those 30 women who presented with a history of bloodstained discharge and had negative cytology, only two were diagnosed with carcinoma (DCIS + IDC and papillary Ca); of those 17 with no recorded bloodstained discharge but positive cytology there were no malignant diagnoses. Conclusions: Microdochectomy performed for nipple discharge results in a low rate of malignancy on excision. Our results from this study correspond with other microdochectomy series. It would appear that a cytological diagnosis is an equivocal discriminator for cancer at best. Further work on a prospective study will help to differentiate patient groups who would most benefit from surgical intervention.

A new method for analyzing heat exchangers-matching of temperature field

In heat exchangers, the magnitude of Nu of each duct is influenced by the temperature field, since the ratio of heat capacity rate will influence the matching status of the temperature field between contacting ducts, the total heat transfer coefficient is related with the ratio of heat capacity rate. Considering this relationship, a new method for analyzing heat exchanger is proposed — matching of temperature field. First, for a single duct with the temperature field varying exponentially along the flow direction, its Nu is calculated. Then under the hypothesis that the thermal resistance of the wall is negligible, the matching condition was set like this: both the temperature and heat flux are equal for the hot and cold fluids at the wall, so the matching relationship of parameter that describes the temperature field of the hot and cold fluids, was obtained. Finally the relationship between the total Nu and the ratio of heat capacity rate along with the ratio of inherent thermal resistance is obtained. Compared with traditional analyzing methods, the temperature matching method can be used to get the total heat transfer coefficient directly, and also be used for optimization of heat exchanger design. For a parallel flow, the optimal ratio of heat capacity rate is reciprocal to the ratio of inherent thermal resistance, and for a counter flow, the optimal ratio of heat capacity rate is zero or infinity.

Reproductive cycle and genitalia of the fairy shrimp Branchinella thailandensis (Branchiopoda: Anostraca)

Adults of three fairy shrimp species are present in Thailand from February through June in ephemeral waters (ponds, roadside canals, and rice field ditches) filled mostly by the rain. Branchinella thailandensis is of interest in aquaculture because it reproduces rapidly and has high nutritional value. However, no detailed studies on its reproductive biology are available. Anatomical analyses of male and female genitalia were studied with light microscopy and SEM. Shrimp were reared in the laboratory at 28 ± 1°C in aerated, potable water using the alga Chlorella sp. as food. One female and two males were placed in each of ten 1-L observation containers and the female reproductive stages were monitored every hour over six days. Branchinella thailandensis exhibits zygogenetic reproduction and oviparity, where fertilization is direct and internal; the brood pouch shows an undifferentiated amplexial groove. Males and females reach maturity on days 7 and 8 after hatching, with a mean standard length of 10.3 and 12.2 mm, respectively. Males have unique spines on the gonopods, with a tip on a socket-like base; accessory glands were not evident in histological sections. Females have biramous ovaries; the shell glands are organized in two paired, bilateral clusters, in which the glandular unit is formed by two gland-cells and a single duct. After six complete reproductive cycles, the mean total duration of the reproductive cycle was ∼24.0 h (N = 60). The total duration of the reproductive cycle and egg production increased with age (subsequent reproductive cycles). No oosorption in unmated females was observed, and the oocytes passed to the ovisac independent of copulation. Our results confirmed that Stage 3 is the longest reproductive stage in anostracan females. Branchinella thailandensis produces typical freshwater anostracan sculptured eggs, and belongs to the fairy shrimp group without a sub-cortical space beneath the egg shell.

Outlet work optimization in flood control reservoirs

An examination of the general and hydrological planning criteria for artifi cial reservoirs clarifi es the importance of choosing the correct type of outlet works both for stored volume management and for fl ooding events control. This choice becomes even more important, if we consider the effects of the climate change we have seen in recent years on extreme events. In this paper, the hydraulic operation of an extremely functional outlet work is studied using a physical model. The work is composed of an uncontrolled spillway and a mid-level outlet unifi ed into a single structure. In particular, it proves of extreme interest both in the lamination of fl ood events and also in reducing the global costs of outlet works. The tests have highlighted the outstanding hydraulic operation of the works under any condition and, in particular, when the spillway fl ow and the mid-level outlet fl ow converge into a single duct.

Indoor experimental analysis of glazed hybrid photovoltaic thermal tiles air collector connected in series

In this paper, design and experimental analysis of glaze photovoltaic thermal (PVT) tile air collector has been discussed. Fabricated glazed PVT tile consists of a single solar cell, duct and fan for extraction of heat associated with the bottom of solar cell. Observations taken at glazed hybrid PVT tile 1 and tile 2 have been considered as case-I and case-II, respectively. Experimental validation has also been performed and it has been observed that that there is a good agreement between theoretical and experimental results with correlation coefficient and root mean square percentage deviation of 0.96 and 7.9, respectively. The performance evaluation in terms of electrical efficiency, overall thermal energy and exergy gain of both the cases has been carried out in indoor conditions at various intensities. It has been found that the electrical efficiency is higher in case-I as compared to case-II. On the contrary the thermal output of case-II is higher than case-I on same intensity and mass flow rate. It has been found that the average electrical and thermal efficiency of newly designed and fabricated glaze PVT tile is 12.4% and 35.7%, respectively. This economical solar simulator can be used by manufactures for testing of different type of photovoltaic tiles as well as photovoltaic modules.

249 Comparison of Intra-Hepatic and Extra-Hepatic Routes for EUS-Guided Rendezvous Procedure for Distal CBD Obstruction

We have shown earlier that EUS guided rendezvous procedure (EUSRP) by extra-hepatic route is safe and effective for single session bile duct access in patients with difficult CBD cannulation (Gastrointest Endosc. 2011. Accepted for publication). It is known that EUSRP can be done by either of the two routes, intra-hepatic or extra-hepatic, but it is not clear which route is superior in terms of efficacy, morbidity and cost.

Is Microsurgical Technique Useful in Biliary Reconstruction of Living Donor Liver Transplantation?

IntroductionBiliary reconstruction remains the “Achilles' heel” of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). In the last decades, the technical aspects of biliary reconstruction have been debated for their impact on biliary complications in LDLT. A microsurgical technique in biliary reconstruction is more attractive. Patients and methodsFrom December 2010 to June 2011, 15 primary LDLTs underwent duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction using a microscopic technique. External stents were inserted in all patients. All procedures were performed under a microscope by a single transplant microsurgeon. ResultsThe time consumed for bile duct reconstruction using the microscopic technique was 35 minutes. There were 8 grafts with a single bile duct orifice and seven with two orifices. The average duct size was 3 mm in patients with two orifices and 5 mm in those with a single orifice. There was no bile leak or biliary stricture associated with the biliary reconstruction over a median 5-month follow-up. There were two cases of bile leakage from the cut hepatic surface. ConclusionThe microscopic technique reduced early biliary complications. However, further technical advances are needed to decrease the time consumptions for the procedure.

Model of Heat Exchangers for Waste Heat Recovery from Diesel Engine Exhaust for Thermoelectric Power Generation

The performance and operating characteristics of a hypothetical thermoelectric generator system designed to extract waste heat from the exhaust of a medium-duty turbocharged diesel engine were modeled. The finite-difference model consisted of two integrated submodels: a heat exchanger model and a thermoelectric device model. The heat exchanger model specified a rectangular cross-sectional geometry with liquid coolant on the cold side, and accounted for the difference between the heat transfer rate from the exhaust and that to the coolant. With the spatial variation of the thermoelectric properties accounted for, the thermoelectric device model calculated the hot-side and cold-side heat flux for the temperature boundary conditions given for the thermoelectric elements, iterating until temperature and heat flux boundary conditions satisfied the convection conditions for both exhaust and coolant, and heat transfer in the thermoelectric device. A downhill simplex method was used to optimize the parameters that affected the electrical power output, including the thermoelectric leg height, thermoelectric n-type to p-type leg area ratio, thermoelectric leg area to void area ratio, load electrical resistance, exhaust duct height, coolant duct height, fin spacing in the exhaust duct, location in the engine exhaust system, and number of flow paths within the constrained package volume. The calculation results showed that the configuration with 32 straight fins was optimal across the 30-cm-wide duct for the case of a single duct with total height of 5.5 cm. In addition, three counterflow parallel ducts or flow paths were found to be an optimum number for the given size constraint of 5.5 cm total height, and parallel ducts with counterflow were a better configuration than serpentine flow. Based on the reported thermoelectric properties of MnSi1.75 and Mg2Si0.5Sn0.5, the maximum net electrical power achieved for the three parallel flow paths in a counterflow arrangement was 1.06 kW for package volume of 16.5 L and exhaust flow enthalpy flux of 122 kW.

T2* relaxation times of intraductal murine mammary cancer, invasive mammary cancer, and normal mammary gland

This study investigates the feasibility of T(2)∗ to be a diagnostic indicator of early breast cancer in a mouse model. T(2)∗ is sensitive to susceptibility effects due to local inhomogeneity of the magnetic field, e.g., caused by hemosiderin or deoxyhemoglobin. In these mouse models, unlike in patients, the characteristics of single mammary ducts containing pure intraductal cancer can be evaluated. The C3(1)SV40Tag mouse model of breast cancer (n = 11) and normal FVB∕N mice (n = 6) were used to measure T(2)∗ of normal mammary gland tissue, intraepithelial neoplasia, invasive cancers, mammary lymph nodes, and muscle. MRI experiments were performed on a 9.4T animal scanner. High resolution (117 microns) axial 2D multislice gradient echo images with fat suppression were acquired first to identify inguinal mammary gland. Then a multislice multigradient echo pulse sequence with and without fat suppression were performed over the inguinal mammary gland. The modulus of a complex double exponential decay detected by the multigradient echo sequence was used to fit the absolute proton free induction decay averaged over a region of interest to determine the T(2)∗ of water and fat signals. The measured T(2)∗ values of tumor and muscle are similar (∼15 ms), and almost twice that of lymph nodes (∼8 ms). There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.03) between T(2)∗ in normal mammary tissue (13.7 ± 2.9 ms) and intraductal cancers (11 ± 2.0 ms) when a fat suppression pulse was applied. These are the first reported T(2)∗ measurements from single mammary ducts. The results demonstrated that T(2)∗ measurements may have utility for identifying early pre-invasive cancers in mouse models. This may inspire similar research for patients using T(2)∗ for diagnostic imaging of early breast cancer.

3D thermo-fluid MHD simulation of single straight channel flow in LLCB TBM

India is developing lead lithium cooled ceramic breeder (LLCB) blanket for its DEMO fusion reactor. The mock-up blanket (TBM), using this concept, will be tested in ITER for its tritium breeding and high-grade heat extraction efficiency. In this TBM, pressurized helium is used to remove the heat from first wall, top and bottom plates of TBM. The Pb–Li is used to extract heat from the breeder zones. The flow of Pb–Li with average velocity 0.1m/s inside the channel can be significantly modified due to MHD effects, which arise because of the presence of strong toroidal magnetic field. A numerical approach is established to capture this flow modification at higher Hartmann numbers (≥20,000). As a validation part of the developed code, MHD phenomenon is studied in 2-D square geometry and numerically obtained velocity profile is compared with available Hunt's analytical results. Thermo-fluid MHD analysis using this code, has been carried out for single rectangular duct of LLCB TBM. The heat transfer has been studied by keeping hot breeders at both sides of the flow channel. The results suggest modification in steady state MHD velocity profile as the liquid flows along the flow length. However, the temperature in various zone remains well within the maximum allowable limit.

Biliary complications after right lobe living donor liver transplantation: a single-centre experience

BackgroundBiliary complications that developed after right lobe liver transplantation from living donors were studied in a single centre. MethodsFrom 2004 to 2010, 200 consecutive living donor right lobe liver transplantations were performed. The database was evaluated retrospectively. Biliary complications were diagnosed according to clinical, biochemical and radiological tests. The number of biliary ducts in the transplanted graft, the surgical techniques used for anastomosis, biliary strictures and bile leakage rates were analysed. ResultsOf a total of 200 grafts, 117 invloved a single bile duct, 77 had two bile ducts and in six grafts there were three bile ducts. In 166 transplants, the anastomosis was performed as a single duct to duct, in 21 transplants double duct to ducts, in one transplant, three duct to ducts and in 12 transplants as a Roux-en-Y reconstruction. In all, 40 bile leakages (20%) and 17 biliary strictures (8.5%) were observed in 49 patients resulting in a total of 57 biliary complications (28.5%). Seventeen patients were re-operated (12 as a result of bile leakages and five owing to biliary strictures). ConclusionIdentification of more than one biliary orifice in the graft resulted in an increase in the complication rates. In grafts containing multiple orifices, performing multiple duct-to-duct (DD) or Roux-en-Y anastomoses led to a lower number of complications.

Upgrade of a transverse ventilation system in a bi-directional tunnel

The Karavanke tunnel forms an important link between Slovenia and Austria. The almost 8 km long tunnel is operated with bi-directional traffic and does not have dedicated escape routes. Moreover, the ventilation in case of fire does not satisfy requirements of the EU Directive 2004/54/EC that specifies the minimum requirements for tunnels in the trans-European road network. The paper present results of the research conducted regarding the possibility of upgrade the existing system in order to reach the required level of safety at lower costs possible. It is shown that with simple but novel adaptations of the ventilation system, a sizeable increase in the overall level of safety can be achieved. The methodology applied is a combination of a simple pipe model for tunnel ventilation and for detailed fluid dynamics analysis the CFD model is used. The existing ventilation system that in fire ventilation extracts smoke from a single duct is replaced with the smoke extraction from both ducts applying four axial fans. The analysis is focused on air/smoke flow through the vents and ducts and on pressure drops calculated over the length of the ventilation duct and its influence on the total flow. The change of the flow condition also has influence on ventilation fan operation point that is investigated in the paper as well.

Alimentary Canal of the Adult Blow Fly,Chrysomya megacephala(F.) (Diptera: Calliphoridae)—Part I: Ultrastructure of Salivary Glands

The salivary gland ultrastructure of the adult male blow fly, Chrysomya megacephala (F.) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), was investigated at the ultrastructural level using light microscopy (LM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The salivary glands are paired structures composed of a single median deferent duct bifurcated into two long, narrow efferent ducts connected to the coiled tubular glands. The SEM image of the gland surface revealed that the basal lamina is relatively smooth in general, but the whole surface appeared as a trace of rough swollen insertion by intense tracheal ramification. Ultrastructurally, the salivary gland is enclosed within the basal lamina, and interdigitation cytoplasmic extensions were apparent between the adjacent gland cells. The basement membrane appeared infoldings that is similar to the complex of the labyrinth channel. The cytoplasm characteristic of the gland revealed high activity, based on the abundance of noticeable secretory granules, either singly or in an aggregated reservoir. In addition, mitochondria were found to intersperse among rich parallel of arrays rough endoplasmic reticulum. Thick cuticle, which was well-delineated and electron dense, apically lined the gland compartments, with discontinuity of the double-layer cuticle revealing a trace of secretion discharged into the lumen. Gross anatomy of the adult salivary gland was markedly different from that of the third instar of the same species, and structural dissimilarity is discussed briefly.

Synchronous Bilateral Male Breast Cancer: A Case Report

Synchronous bilateral breast cancer is extremely rare in men and has not, up to date, been reported in Korea. A 54-year-old man presented with a palpable mass in the right breast. The right nipple was retracted and bilateral axillary accessory breasts and nipples were present. On physical examination, a 2 cm-sized mass was palpated directly under the right nipple, and, with squeezing, bloody discharge developed in a single duct of the left nipple. There was no palpable mass in the left breast, and axillary lymph nodes were not palpable. Physical examination of external genitalia revealed a unilateral undescended testis on the left side. Synchronous bilateral breast cancer was diagnosed using mammography, ultrasonography, and core-needle biopsy. Histopathological examination revealed invasive ductal carcinoma in the right breast and ductal carcinoma in situ in the left breast. Bilateral total mastectomy, sentinel lymph node biopsy, and excision of accessory breasts in the axilla were performed.

Living donor liver hilar variations: surgical approaches and implications

Varied vascular and biliary anatomies are common in the liver. Living donor hepatectomy requires precise recognition of the hilar anatomy. This study was undertaken to study donor vascular and biliary tract variations, surgical approaches and implications in living liver transplant patients. Two hundred living donor liver transplantations were performed at our institution between 2004 and 2009. All donors were evaluated by volumetric computerized tomography (CT), CT angiography and magnetic resonance cholangiography in the preoperative period. Intraoperative ultrasonography and cholangiography were carried out. Arterial, portal and biliary anatomies were classified according to the Michels, Cheng and Huang criteria. Classical hepatic arterial anatomy was observed in 129 (64.5%) of the 200 donors. Fifteen percent of the donors had variation in the portal vein. Normal biliary anatomy was found in 126 (63%) donors, and biliary tract variation in 70% of donors with portal vein variations. In recipients with single duct biliary anastomosis, 16 (14.4%) developed biliary leak, and 9 (8.1%) developed biliary stricture; however more than one biliary anastomosis increased recipient biliary complications. Donor vascular variations did not increase recipient vascular complications. Variant anatomy was not associated with an increase in donor morbidity. Living donor liver transplantation provides information about variant hilar anatomy. The success of the procedure depends on a careful approach to anatomical variations. When the deceased donor supply is inadequate, living donor transplantation is a life-saving alternative and is safe for the donor and recipient, even if the donor has variant hilar anatomy.

Prophylactic and Therapeutic Mastectomy in BRCA Mutation Carriers: Can the Nipple Be Preserved?

Use of nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) is increasing. We sought to look at the role of NSM in BRCA mutation carriers. Tissue from women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation who underwent mastectomy between March 1987 and June 2009 at a single institution was reviewed. The entire nipple-areolar complex (NAC) was excised and histologically evaluated. The presence of terminal duct lobular units (TDLUs) and premalignant or malignant lesions in the NAC was noted. Sixty-two NACs from 33 women (25 BRCA1, 8 BRCA2) were studied. TDLUs were present in 15 (24%) NAC specimens. No evidence of atypical hyperplasia, carcinoma in situ, or invasive carcinoma was found in any of the 33 prophylactic mastectomy specimens. Among the 29 breasts with cancer and available tissue, 2 (7%) had malignant findings and 1 (3%) had atypia in the NAC. One woman who underwent bilateral mastectomy for bilateral invasive carcinoma had one nipple with tumor within lymphatics, and her contralateral nipple had atypical lobular hyperplasia. A second woman had ductal carcinoma in situ involving a single major lactiferous duct. The probability of nipple involvement by premalignant or malignant lesions in the NAC of BRCA mutation carriers is low at time of prophylactic mastectomy, but higher (10%) in women undergoing therapeutic mastectomy. NSM may be appropriate and oncologically safe for selected women with BRCA mutations. However, 24% of NACs contained TDLUs, with only 8% found in the nipple papilla; the significance of this for long-term risk is unknown.

Skene’s gland revisited: function, dysfunction and the G spot

Despite Skene’s gland being described over 300 years ago, and the frequent performance of surgery on and around these glands, it is remarkable how little we know about what they do and potential problems associated with them. Infection in these glands was described with gonorrhoeal infection in 1672 by Regnier de Graaf (1641–1693), which was long before Skene [1] described them in 1880. Controversy exists on the function of Skene’s glands, their role in sexual function, female orgasm and ejaculation, and even their anatomy. What is their role in the causation of urogynecological symptoms such as urethral pain and sexual dysfunction? Urogynaecological surgery in this area is commonplace for the treatment of urethral or paraurethral pathology, urinary incontinence or vaginal prolapse. What effect can this have on their function and sexual function more generally? In a histopathological study Wernert et al. [2] described Skene’s gland as a group of glands arranged in long ductal structures situated in the caudal two thirds of the urethra “mainly in the dorsal and lateral mucosal stroma but extending in some cases to the smooth musculature of the septum urethrovaginale”. These glands are not always present and were found in only two thirds of the 33 women they studied. They are “tubuloaveolar formations on long ductal structures” and resemble male prostate glands prior to puberty and androgenic stimulation. They contain prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) on immunostaining [2]. A more recent study [3] has confirmed the presence of prostate-specific antigen reactivity in the paraurethral tissues and in the “superficial layer of the female secretory (luminal) cells of the female prostatic glands and membranes of secretory and basal cells and membranes of cells of pseudostratified columnar epithelium of the ducts”. These ductal structures run longitudinally around the distal urethra located on the anterior vaginal wall. The literature is unclear on whether the glands open through a single or multiple orifices either into the distal urethra (similar to the male prostate) or a single duct orifice onto the left and right sides of the external urethral orifice. However it is my experience in asymptomatic women (Fig. 1) or where there is infection and abscess formation (Fig. 2), there is a single duct external to the urethral meatus. The distal urethra and vagina have an intimate relationship with the clitoris, both anatomically and functionally. The clitoris consists of an exterior glans, a midline densely neural nonerectile structure that is continuous with the erectile tissue of the paired bulbs and crura, which surround the distal urethra and vagina. The distal urethra, vagina and clitoris have a shared vasculature and nerve supply (the dorsal nerve to the clitoris) and form a tissue cluster described by O’Connell et al. [4] as the “locus of female sexual function and orgasm”. These tissues around the distal urethra become engorged with sexual arousal, but there is debate whether secretions are produced during coitus by Skene’s gland, or if ejaculation with orgasm occurs, similar to the male prostate. Heath [5] proposed that a large amount of lubricating fluid can be secreted from this gland similar to a “female ejaculation" when stimulated from inside the vagina and to such an extent that it can be mistaken for urine and coital urinary incontinence. If this does occur, it is an uncommon cause Related articles can be found at doi:10.1007/s00192-011-1461-9 and doi:10.1007/s00192-011-1488-y.