Urinary Ducts Research Articles

Histological aspects of the renal sexual segment of Brazilian snakes of the Boidae family.

Snakes represent a wide and diverse group of species and have anatomical particularities, such as the renal sexual segment (RSS), a structure located in the kidneys and formed from the hypertrophy of the urinary ducts and nephrons. This study aims at describing the histological aspects of the RSS of Boa constrictor, Epicrates cenchria and Corallus hortulanus, all of which are Brazilian snake species from the Boidae family. The reproductive system and kidneys of five male specimens of E. cenchria, three male specimens of C. hortulanus and two male specimens of B. constrictor were obtained. Tissue samples were processed histologically and different stains used (Toluidine Blue, Alcian Blue and Periodic Acid Schiff). The histological evaluation of the RSS of E. cenchria, C. hortulanus and B. constrictor shows that the RSS in these species varies when comparing individuals in the reproductive period with those which are not. It also allows for the observation of the segment's secretory activity in animals in the reproductive stage (mature sperm in the lumen of the seminiferous tubules) as well as in those which are not. Finally, the histological evaluation also reveals the variation of the secretion product in individuals in the reproductive period, in those which are not, and also among individuals within the same reproductive stage.

URACHAL ANOMALIES IN CHILDREN (ANALYSIS OF MEDICAL LITERATURE AND OWN OBSERVATIONS)

Currently, a significant number of publications have been accumulated on the disorders of urinary duct, urachus involution. However, the world literature data on the timing of obliteration and the frequency of urachal anomalies vary significantly, which makes it difficult to assess the risk of complications. There is also no consensus on the tactics of management of these patients. This paper analyzes 62 medical sources on the issues of urinary duct involution, disorders of its obliteration, clinical manifestations of urethral complications and treatment of related conditions. The article also presents data of our own observations of 37 patients with various urachal pathology over a ten-year observation period, including 21 (56.76%) children had umbilical fistulas, 14 (37.84%) children - urachal cysts, 2 (5.4%) patients - bladder diverticula. The data of diagnosis and treatment of children with this pathology are presented.Purpose: analysis of medical sources and own data on the diagnosis and treatment of urinary duct pathology in children, highlighting important and practically significant recommendations on problematic issues of this pathology.Conclusions.1. Urachus is an embryonic formation that connects the bladder with the allantois. According to pathological and anatomical studies, impaired obliteration of the urinary duct occurs in approximately 30% of cases.2. The presence of discharge from the umbilicus, recurrent omphalitis, the presence of a tumor-like mass of the anterior abdominal wall, symptoms of urinary tract infection should be indications for targeted examination for possible urethral pathology.3. The main methods of diagnosing the pathology of the urinary duct are ultrasound and fistulography.4. Data on the age involution of urachus, which occurs in the postnatal period, determine the need to choose the treatment tactics in childhood.

ДИАГНОСТИКА ФИСТУЛЫ УРАХУСА У ЖЕРЕБЯТ

In clinical and pathanatomic practice, doctors face a very heterogeneous group of human and animal diseases caused by a violation of the reduction of the urinary duct during embryogenesis. The pathology of urachus is a complex problem of humane and veterinary medicine. We conducted a thorough clinical study of foals who had pathology in the navel area. In case of death, the foal was opened and the organs of the urinary system, the umbilical vein and arteries were examined in detail. It was found that such foals did not have obliteration of the primary urinary duct (urachus) during the embryonic period and its flattening because of separation from the abdominal wall during labor. As a result, urine from the bladder got into the subcutaneous tissue, and then, after the umbilical cord stump fell off, it began to stand out through the umbilical opening. Complications of this pathological condition were edema, uremia, bleeding into the bladder, which led to respiratory arrest.

Establishment of Mortality Risk Prediction Model for Bloodstream Infections in Patients with Hematological Diseases

Backgrounds: In recent years, with the continuous development of treatment for hematological diseases, the remission rate and survival rate of patients have been significantly improved. However, due to the progression of the hematological disease and immunosuppression, the incidence of bloodstream infection was greatly increased in patients with hematological disease. The occurrence of bloodstream infection had many negative effects on patients with hematological diseases, including the increase in mortality, the adding of medical bills, the prolongation of hospitalization period, and so on. West China Hospital is a national center for diagnosing and treating difficult and critical diseases in Western China. In our center, we found that the incidence of bloodstream infection in hematological patients was not low, and it was often one of the common causes of death. So, our purpose was to explore the risk factors for the 30-day death and establish a mortality risk prediction model in patients with bloodstream infections in hematological diseases, to provide evidence for the prevention and treatment of bloodstream infection in hematological diseases. Methods: The clinical data of 412 strains of pathogens of bloodstream infection from patients with hematological diseases were retrospectively collected from June 2015 to June 2020 in the Department of Hematology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University. Statistical analysis was conducted with IBM SPSS Statistics (version 26.0). 70% of the patients were randomly selected as the development group and 30% as the validation group. Results: A total of 338 patients with hematological diseases with positive blood culture were collected and 412 strains of pathogens of bloodstream infection were isolated. The most common primary hematological disease was acute myeloid leukemia, accounting for 44.2%. Among the included cases, the 7-day and 30-day mortality rates of all patients were 5.6% and 32.0%, respectively. All cases were randomly divided into the development group (n = 289) and validation group (n = 123) by 7:3. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that septic shock [P = 0.001, OR = 4.126], albumin < 30g/L [P < 0.001, OR = 3.622], platelets < 30×109/L before infection [P = 0.002, OR = 4.202], bleeding [P = 0.029, OR = 2.308], placement of urinary ducts [P = 0.008, OR = 3.769], and inappropriate empiric antibiotic treatment [P = 0.007, OR = 2.523] were independent risk factors for 30-day death after bloodstream infection in patients with hematological diseases. In the light of the results of multivariate analysis, the equation of risk prediction model of 30-day death for bloodstream infections in patients with hematological diseases was established as follows: P = ea/ (1 + ea), a=-4.172 + (1.417 × septic shock) + (1.287 × albumin < 30g/L) + (1.436 × platelets < 30×109/L before infection) + (0.836 × bleeding) + (1.327 × placement of urinary ducts) + (0.925 × inappropriate empiric antibiotic treatment). The Hosmer-Lemeshow Chi-square test showed P = 0.582, and the area under ROC curve was 0.863±0.022 [95%CI (0.820-0.906)], indicating that the model had a good prediction coincidence and discriminant validity. The model was verified using the data of the validation group, and the results exhibited that the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and coincidence rate were 97.3%, 86.0%, 75.0%, 98.7%, and 89.4%, respectively. Discussion and Conclusions: This study showed that about 32.0% of patients with bloodstream infections died within 30 days, which was consistent with other data reported at home and abroad. In the mortality risk prediction model established in this study, the four risk factors for death included septic shock, albumin < 30g/L, placement of urinary ducts, and inappropriate empirical antibiotic treatment, which have also been reported in other studies. A notable finding in this study was the identification of previously unnoted risk factors for death, including platelets < 30×109/L before infection and bleeding. The prediction model in our study was verified that the model had a good prediction coincidence, discriminant validity, and clinical predictive value, which can provide evidence for clinicians to evaluate the death risk and make individualized treatment plans for patients.

Diagnostics, Treatment of Tumors of the Urinary Duct (Clinical Observations)

Despite low prevalence in the population, urachus tumors are of clinical interest because some of them may be malignant with a high degree of aggression. The most common malignant tumor of urachus is mucinous adenocarcinoma (MA). In the absence of reliable MA biomarkers, careful evaluation of clinical data is essential to determine the risk of its presence and radical treatment. The objective: a comparative analysis of complaints, symptoms, instrumental / imaging data and treatment results in patients with MA and benign tumor of the urachus. Materials and methods. We report three clinical cases of urachus tumors (2 malignant and 1 benign), which were detected among patients of the Institute of Urology of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine for the period from 2016 to 2020. Standard preoperative examination of patients included: collection of complaints, medical history, physical examination (including palpation of the abdomen in the umbilical and hypogastral areas), general clinical laboratory tests, ultrasound, urethrocystoscopy with TUR biopsy (2 patients), imaging (CT in 2, MRI in 1). All patients underwent surgical treatment: laparoscopic removal of urachus with resection of the bladder within the “healthy tissues”. The postoperative follow-up period lasted from 1 to 33 months. Results. In 2 patients (man and woman) according to the results of pathohistological examination of the surgical material was detected MA, in 1 man – leiofibromyoma (LFM). MA was clinically manifested by macrohematuria – 2 (100%) and low back pain – 1 (50%). Pollakiuria and discomfort in the bladder area were observedIn case of LFM. Palpation did not allow to diagnose urachus tumor in any of the patients. On MRI scans, MA was defined as a soft tissue formation with uneven clear contours, with moderate enhancement by contrast, cystic component and calcification, located in the urachus area. On CT scans – as a heterogeneous neoplasm at the apex of the bladder with endo- and exophytic components. Instead, LFM was identified as a soft tissue formation (+34 .. +50 .. +70 units H) with predominantly endophytic growth, which accumulates contrast in the arterial and venous phases. At cystoscopy MA has the form of a papillary neoplasm in the area of the apex of the bladder on the type of “cauliflower”, while LFM has no papillary component. After laparoscopic removal of urachus with wedge-shaped resection of the bladder for a period of 1 to 33 months, cystoscopy did not reveal recurrence of tumors. Conclusions. In the absence of reliable biomarkers, clinical characteristics remain the only “tool” that can predict the risk of MA. Compared with benign tumors of urachus, the characteristic clinical signs of MA are: macrohematuria, exophytic growth, the appearance of “cauliflower” on cystoscopy, the presence of calcifications and cysts in the structure. Even with high aggression potential of MA (low-grade tumors), laparoscopic removal of urachus with resection of the bladder within the “healthy tissues” at an early stage can provide a fairly long recurrence-free period (up to 33 months). Further research is needed to develop MA biomarkers.

A case report of non-functional ectopic left kidney obstructing the right kidney in crossed fused kidneys: A rare entity

Introduction and importanceCrossed fused renal ectopia is a rare congenital condition that might pose some diagnostic and therapeutic challenges to clinicians. We report a patient with a non-functional crossed fused ectopic left kidney that obstructed the orthotopic kidney in a rarely observed situation.Case presentationA 68-year-old male presented a right flank pain with fever. The diagnosis of right obstructive pyelonephritis was dressed, after biological and radiological investigations. The obstacle was a crossed ectopic left kidney in its inferior variety. The ectopic kidney was non-functional as result of an obstructive ureteral calculus. The patient had right ureteral stenting with a double-J catheter. Three months later, left nephrectomy was performed by lumbotomy. Per operative difficulties were mainly the infiltration of peri renal fat, the anarchic vascularization and the multiple small pedicles of the ectopic kidney that was also malrotated with the hilum facing anteriorly. Postoperative recovery was uneventful and the patient left the hospital after three days.Clinical discussionCrossed Fused renal ectopy is rare. As shown in this case, the ectopic kidney might cause damage to the orthotopic kidney, by compression to urinary ducts. Surgery is the main treatment option. Some difficulties related to aberrant vascularization and possible malrotation is to preview.ConclusionCrossed fused renal ectopia is uncommon renal anomaly, mostly asymptomatic. However, it may be responsible of some complications, sometimes severe. Surgery can be delicate due to vascular complexity.

Pathology of the urachus. History of the issue and current state of the problem

Based on the analysis of literature sources, modern data are presented on the nosological structure of urachus diseases in adults and children, diagnostic methods, as well as treatment tactics for various anatomical variants of anomalies in the development of the urinary duct. A modern classification of urachal malformations caused by disorders of its obliteration is presented. Various modifications of the laparoscopic approach are considered for the most common types of this pathology. The reasons for the development of malignant neoplasms from the urachus tissue, including in the gender aspect, are described, and a comparative assessment of the methods of surgical treatment of urachus tumors is given.

Cadaveric study of arterial renal anatomy and its surgical implications in partial nephrectomy.

Partial nephrectomy is gaining, nowadays, more interest in oncologic kidney surgery. This type of surgery requires the good knowledge of vascular renal anatomy to make it safe and to guarantee good functional and oncological outcomes. This paper exposes the clinical implication of the arterial renal anatomy in nephron-sparing surgery. This is a cadaveric study of 71 human kidneys performed at Charles Nicolle mortuary. The right and left kidneys with surrounding tissues were removed en bloc with the adjacent part of the aorta and inferior vena cava, cleared and studied. Colored resin was injected in each artery, vein, and urinary ducts, with a specific color code for each structure. Corrosion technique was used to eliminate the surrounding tissue, leaving only the colored resin matrix. The Ternon anatomic classification of the inferior polar artery, based on its emergence point was used. Multiple renal arteries were noted in 9.85% of casts. Anterior and posterior division of main renal artery was found in 95.7% of cases. Posterior segmental artery crossed posteriorly the upper caliceal infundibulum and the renal pelvis in 93% of cases. The upper renal pole was vascularized by an apical segmental artery in 16.9% of cases and a superior polar artery in one case (1.4%). The mid pole of the kidney was supplied by a unique anterior branch and a single posterior branch in 40% of cases. Inferior polar artery was found in 52 casts (73.23%). Type I of Ternon was found in 6 casts (11.53%), Type II in 25 cases (48.07%), Type III in 19 cases (36.53%), Type IV in 2 cases (3.84%), and type V in 13 casts (25%). Renal vascular anatomy presents large variations. Good knowledge of the segmental arterial anatomy of the kidney is a primordial to a safe partial nephrectomy. Good preoperative vascular mapping can be of great help for the surgeon.

Study of the correlation between levels of TNF-α and MCP-1 in plasma and tissues of rats infected with pseudomonas aeruginosa

For the importance of the infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa which result in serious illness and the complications that may exceed more than one organ of the body, this study was carried using laboratory animals, rats as a model for the mammals’ animals to detect the levels of TNF-α and MCP-1 in plasma and tissues and the histopathological effects that can be caused by these bacteria in several organs, lung, liver, spleen, kidney and heart. Methods: In this study, we used 24 rats, 12 untreated (negative) group and 12 treated group that injected intrapertonally with Pseudomonas aeruginosa suspension for two periods (1 and 7 days). At the end of experimental period, animals were sacrificed, blood samples were collected and dissected each of lung, liver, spleen, kidney and heart to determine the level of TNF-α and MCP-1 in the plasma and tissues in addition to investigate the histopathological changes. Results: Rats infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa caused a significant increase in the levels of TNF-α and MCP-1 in the plasma and studied organs tissues in comparison with negative rats. In addition to investigate the positive correlation between TNF-α and MCP-1 levels in both plasma and tissues. Light microscopic examination appeared the structural changes in all studied organs of animal infected with P. aeruginosa for two periods and this change was more acute in 7 days of treated compared with untreated groups, where have normal structure. In lung, infiltrations of inflammatory cells in addition to necrosis and hemorrhage of respiratory units. Liver sections characterized by irregularity architecture structure with congestion of central vein. Also, we proved abnormal texture of spleen tissue and proliferation in central germination of white pulp. In addition to dilation in parts of urinary duct in kidney, including glomerular collapse, infiltration of lymphocytes. For heart, there is a disorganization of myocardium tissues. While all organs slices of negative groups were normal. Conclusions: We conclude from the results of the current study that the infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa can elevate inflammation in most organs of the body by induce over expression of TNF-α and MCP-1, which is reflected negatively on the performance of the function and thus the overall health of the body.

Case Report of Successful Treatment of a Huge Gastric Bezoar by Electrohydraulic Lithotripsy, a Practiced Instrument in a New Fashion

Introduction: Gastric bezoars are formed by accumulation of non - digestible material in the stomach. They are found mostly in patients with delayed gastric emptying or special psychiatric diseases. Therapeutic options are medical dissolution therapy and endoscopic techniques. Surgery options are kept for refractory or emergency cases. Case Presentation: We report 2 cases of successful non surgery, endoscopic treatment of huge gastric bezoars, which were refractory to medical dissolution therapy and conventional endoscopic techniques such as bezoar fragmentation by polypectomy snare, Basket, Argon Plasma Coagulation device, and different types of foreign body retrieval forceps. In June 2015 and September 2017 in the Namazi hospital (Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran) bezoars fragmentation were conducted successfully by electrohydraulic lithotripsy catheter (Nortech Aoutolith and copy, Northgate technologies, INC.) under direct visualization during the endoscopy. This instrument is primarily designed to crush urinary tract and bile ducts stones avoiding open surgery. Taking the advantages of its capabilities, we used electrohydraulic lithotripsy catheter for huge gastric bezoar fragmentation. Conclusions: In the endoscopic treatment refractory gastric bezoars, electrohydraulic lithotripsy can be used as an excellent alternative option to surgery. This technique is safe, feasible, and uncomplicated without any need for surgery.

Study on Chemical Composition of Urinary and Salivary Gland Stones in Relationship with Laboratory Parameters and Lifestyle Habits of Patients with Lithiasis

Lithiasis is a disease with increasing incidence, may occur in the urinary tract, salivary glands and bile ducts. Genetic susceptibility, diet, low fluid intake, endocrine disorders, infections and other factors can influence the development of the disease and its recurrences. The aim of the study was to reveal the relationship between chemical composition of the stones, lifestyle and dietary habits and the results of laboratory analysis in patients with urinary tract and salivary gland lithiasis. The data of 258 patients with urinary tract and salivary gland lithiasis collected between September 2009 � May 2016 were studied. The subjects were from the Urology and Oral Surgery Hospital, and from the Marmed and Procardia medical units in Tirgu Mures. We evaluated the lifestyle habits using a questionnaire, microscopical examination, size measurement and chemical analysis of the stones were made and we processed the results of urinary strip analysis and sediment. In a subgroup of patients (48 samples) calciuria, phosphaturia, serum uric acid, calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase and parathormone (PTH) levels were determined; in case of pathological values calcitonin measurement and endocrinology consultation were performed. The most frequent composition was the combination of calcium oxalate and phosphate in case of both urinary and salivary gland stones, in several uroliths we detected uric acid/xanthine crystals, rarely cystine and carbonate were found. The incidence of hematuria and leukocyturia exceeded 70%. Excessive calcium intake was observed in the diet of the several patients having calcium oxalate stones. In the subgroup tested for biochemical and hormonal analyses we found increased serum PTH concentration in 20.83% of the patients. Some of the subjects had pathological serum calcium, uric acid and alkaline phosphatase results, or the elimination of minerals in the urine was out of the normal range. We found pathological laboratory results in several patients suffering from lithiasis. Proper diet and medical treatment in many cases could prevent the recurrences of stone formation, but first a complex investigation of the patients is necessary to adapt the treatment plan to individual requirements.

IgG4-related retroperitoneal fibrosis: a newly characterized disease.

Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) is a rare disease characterized by chronic, nonspecific inflammatory and sclerotic or fibrotic tissue in the periaortic or periiliac retroperitoneum that encases adjacent structures. There will be a series of clinical manifestations once the proliferated fibrous tissues encase the abdominal aorta, iliac arteries and urinary duct. RPF is generally divided into two types: idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis (IRPF) without identified pathogenesis, making up about two-thirds of cases, and secondary retroperitoneal fibrosis. Recent studies on Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) reveal that abundant infiltration of IgG4 positive plasma cells is found in biopsies on the mass of RPF of some IRPF patients, which is identified as one spectrum of IgG4-RD and is named IgG4-related RPF. IgG4-related RPF is often misdiagnosed as retroperitoneal visceral malignancy and is treated with surgery. In addition, because of its good response to glucocorticoid, early detection and treatment is important. We review the definition, epidemiology, clinical features, diagnostic criteria, treatment and prognosis of IgG4-related RPF in this article to raise awareness of this newly characterized disease.

Effect of long-term treatment with Kanefron® H on the risk factors of the urinary system, associated with idiopathic calcium urolithiasis

Urolithiasis - nephrolithiasis, causes the formation of calculi in the kidneys and efferent urinary ducts due to the substances that form calculi. Idiopathic calcium urolithiasis - the most common form of the disease. Modern herbal medicine can play an important role in primary and secondary prevention of stone formation. Combination Kanefron® herbal drug H (drops: Centaurii herba, 1,8 g / 100 mL; Levistici radix, 1,8 g / 100 mL; Rosmarini folium, 1,8 g / 100 mL; Bionorica SE, Neumarkt / Germany) approved as a drug of vegetable origin. The aim of this study was to investigate risk factors for renal stone formation and activity in patients with idiopathic calcium urolithiasis during long herbal medicine. Thirty-two patients with idiopathic calcium urolithiasis received a daily dose of the drug plant 50 drops three times a day for two months. In another study, 18 patients with similar inclusion criteria were treated for 4 months. In both treatment groups receiving combination herbal preparation contributed to the increase in diuresis and increasing the pH of urine. Within 1 month after treatment, the stone formation (UFL) have improved, which is considered a lower risk. Compared with the 2 = month follow-up in patients who received 4 = monthly treatment, noted a significant improvement in the observed indicators. Adverse events were observed.

Morphology of the urogenital papilla and its component ducts in Astyanax altiparanae Garutti &amp; Britski, 2000 (Characiformes: Characidae)

The histological description of the urogenital papilla is an important tool to comprehension of the reproductive mechanisms in fish, as well as a pre-requisite to germ cell transplantation in adult fish, besides to be a good biological indicator to environmental changes. Was performed the histological description of the urogenital papilla and its component ducts in the tetra Astyanax altiparanae. The genital and urinay ducts pass separately throughout most part of its extension, joining in a single duct before opening. In males this opening is asymmetric and seems to have double origin, being completely surrounded by striated muscle fibers, while in females it is symmetric and the muscle fibers does not surround it totally. Spermatic duct and oviduct undergo changes throughout their extension, mainly in the morphology of the surrounding epithelium. In the spermatic duct, squamous epithelial cells change to columnar and cuboid with possible secretory activity, close to testes. In the oviduct, anteriorly epithelial cells are also squamous, however, close to ovary there are lamellae composed by a pseudostratified epithelium with columnar and cuboid cells. The urinary duct is highly similar for both sexes presenting globoid cells, which description is known in mammals, however, rare in fish.

Detection of E. coli O157:H7 and Shigella dysenteriae toxins in clinical samples by PCR-ELISA

Shiga toxin producing bacteria are potential causes of serious human disease such as hemorrhagic colitis, severe inflammations of ileocolonic regions of gastrointestinal tract, thrombocytopenia, septicemia, malignant disorders in urinary ducts, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Shiga toxin 1 (stx1), shiga toxin 2 (stx2), or a combination of both are responsible for most clinical symptoms of these diseases. A lot of methods have been developed so far to detect shiga toxins such as cell culture, ELISA, and RFPLA, but due to high costs and labor time in addition to low sensitivity, they have not received much attention. In this study, PCR-ELISA method was used to detect genes encoding shiga toxins1 and 2 (stx1 and stx2). To detect stx1 and stx2 genes, two primer pairs were designed for Multiplex-PCR then PCR-ELISA. PCR products (490 and 275, respectively) were subsequently verified by sequencing. Sensitivity and specificity of PCR-ELISA method were determined by using genome serial dilution and Enterobacteria strains. PCR-ELISA method used in this study proved to be a rapid and precise approach to detect different types of shiga toxins and can be used to detect bacterial genes encoding shiga toxins.

Syntopical peculiarities of internal female genital organs and the rectum in the second trimester of pregnancy

The research is devoted to topical issues of modern medicine – the laws of perinatal morphogenesis and the establishment of anatomical standards of the perinatal period. By means of classical methods of anatomical study the structural features and correlative interrelations of internal female genital organs and the rectum on 17 specimens of fetuses aged 4-6 months. It has been found that the rectum touches with its front surface the bladder, the urinary ducts, intestinal surface of the uterus, the rear surface of the vagina. In most cases at the beginning the fetal period the uterus is in a vertical position. The slope of the uterus to the sides may be determined by the length of the round ligaments of the uterus. Previable fetuses are characterized by the rising position of the ovaries and fallopian tubes and their location along the straight and sigmoid colon.

Isolation, culture, and transplantation of muscle satellite cells.

Muscle satellite cells are a stem cell population required for postnatal skeletal muscle development and regeneration, accounting for 2-5% of sublaminal nuclei in muscle fibers. In adult muscle, satellite cells are normally mitotically quiescent. Following injury, however, satellite cells initiate cellular proliferation to produce myoblasts, their progenies, to mediate the regeneration of muscle. Transplantation of satellite cell-derived myoblasts has been widely studied as a possible therapy for several regenerative diseases including muscular dystrophy, heart failure, and urological dysfunction. Myoblast transplantation into dystrophic skeletal muscle, infarcted heart, and dysfunctioning urinary ducts has shown that engrafted myoblasts can differentiate into muscle fibers in the host tissues and display partial functional improvement in these diseases. Therefore, the development of efficient purification methods of quiescent satellite cells from skeletal muscle, as well as the establishment of satellite cell-derived myoblast cultures and transplantation methods for myoblasts, are essential for understanding the molecular mechanisms behind satellite cell self-renewal, activation, and differentiation. Additionally, the development of cell-based therapies for muscular dystrophy and other regenerative diseases are also dependent upon these factors. However, current prospective purification methods of quiescent satellite cells require the use of expensive fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) machines. Here, we present a new method for the rapid, economical, and reliable purification of quiescent satellite cells from adult mouse skeletal muscle by enzymatic dissociation followed by magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS). Following isolation of pure quiescent satellite cells, these cells can be cultured to obtain large numbers of myoblasts after several passages. These freshly isolated quiescent satellite cells or ex vivo expanded myoblasts can be transplanted into cardiotoxin (CTX)-induced regenerating mouse skeletal muscle to examine the contribution of donor-derived cells to regenerating muscle fibers, as well as to satellite cell compartments for the examination of self-renewal activities.

Isolation, Culture, and Transplantation of Muscle Satellite Cells

Muscle satellite cells are a stem cell population required for postnatal skeletal muscle development and regeneration, accounting for 2-5% of sublaminal nuclei in muscle fibers. In adult muscle, satellite cells are normally mitotically quiescent. Following injury, however, satellite cells initiate cellular proliferation to produce myoblasts, their progenies, to mediate the regeneration of muscle. Transplantation of satellite cell-derived myoblasts has been widely studied as a possible therapy for several regenerative diseases including muscular dystrophy, heart failure, and urological dysfunction. Myoblast transplantation into dystrophic skeletal muscle, infarcted heart, and dysfunctioning urinary ducts has shown that engrafted myoblasts can differentiate into muscle fibers in the host tissues and display partial functional improvement in these diseases. Therefore, the development of efficient purification methods of quiescent satellite cells from skeletal muscle, as well as the establishment of satellite cell-derived myoblast cultures and transplantation methods for myoblasts, are essential for understanding the molecular mechanisms behind satellite cell self-renewal, activation, and differentiation. Additionally, the development of cell-based therapies for muscular dystrophy and other regenerative diseases are also dependent upon these factors. However, current prospective purification methods of quiescent satellite cells require the use of expensive fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) machines. Here, we present a new method for the rapid, economical, and reliable purification of quiescent satellite cells from adult mouse skeletal muscle by enzymatic dissociation followed by magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS). Following isolation of pure quiescent satellite cells, these cells can be cultured to obtain large numbers of myoblasts after several passages. These freshly isolated quiescent satellite cells or ex vivo expanded myoblasts can be transplanted into cardiotoxin (CTX)-induced regenerating mouse skeletal muscle to examine the contribution of donor-derived cells to regenerating muscle fibers, as well as to satellite cell compartments for the examination of self-renewal activities.

Inducing sex reversal of the urogenital system of marsupials

Marsupials differ from eutherian mammals in their reproductive strategy of delivering a highly altricial young after a short gestation. The young, with its undeveloped organ systems completes its development post-natally, usually within a pouch. The young is dependent on milk with a composition that varies through lactation to support its growth and changing needs as it matures over a lengthy period. Gonadal differentiation occurs after birth, providing a unique opportunity to examine the effects of hormonal manipulations on its sexual differentiation of the highly accessible young. In marsupials a difference in the migration of the urinary ducts around the genital ducts from eutherian mammals results in the unique tammar reproductive tract which has three vaginae and two cervices, and two distinctly separate uteri. In the tammar wallaby, a small member of the kangaroo family, we showed that virilisation of the Wolffian duct, prostate and phallus depends on an alternate androgen pathway, which has now been shown to be important for virilisation in humans. Through hormonal manipulations over differing time periods we have achieved sex reversal of both ovaries and testes, germ cells, genital ducts, prostate and phallus. Whilst we understand many of the mechanisms behind sexual differentiation there are still many lessons to be learned from understanding how sex reversal is achieved by using a model such as the tammar wallaby. This will help guide investigations into the major questions of how and why sex determination is achieved in other species. This review discusses the control and development of the marsupial urogenital system, largely drawn from our studies in the tammar wallaby and our ability to manipulate this system to induce sex reversal.

A Study of Electrohydraulic and Electric Pulse Methods of Contact Lithotripsy

The efficiency of the electrohydraulic and electric pulse methods of contact lithotripsy is comparatively discussed. The risk of stone migration to upper urinary ducts was assessed in case of electrohydraulic, electric pulse, or pneumatic lithotripsy.