Genetic analysis and intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes of Chinese patients with congenital bilateral absence of vas deferens.

PURPOSE: Congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD) is a major cause of obstructive azoospermia and male factor infertility. CBAVD is mainly caused by mutations in the genes encoding CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) and ADGRG2 (adhesion G protein-coupled receptor G2). This study aimed to describe CFTR and ADGRG2 variations in 46 Chinese CBAVD patients and evaluated sperm retrieval and assisted reproductive technology outcomes. METHODS: The CFTR and ADGRG2 genes were sequenced and analyzed by whole-exome sequencing (WES), and variations were identified by Sanger sequencing. Bioinformatic analysis was performed. We retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of patients undergoing sperm retrieval surgery and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). RESULTS: In total, 35 of 46 (76.09%) patients carried at least one variation in CFTR, but no copy number variants or ADGRG2 variations were found. In addition to the IVS9-5 T allele, there were 27 CFTR variations, of which 4 variations were novel and predicted to be damaging by bioinformatics. Spermatozoa were successfully retrachieved in 46 patients, and 39 of the patients had their own offspring through ICSI. CONCLUSION: There are no obvious hotspot CFTR mutations in Chinese CBAVD patients besides the IVS9-5 T allele. Therefore, WES might be the best detection method, and genetic counseling should be different from that provided to Caucasian populations. After proper counseling, all patients can undergo sperm retrieval from their epididymis or testis, and most of them can have their own children through ICSI.

Genetic mutation analysis of 22 patients with congenital absence of vas deferens: a single-center study†.

Congenital absence of the vas deferens (CAVD), a congenital malformation of the male reproductive system, causes obstructive azoospermia and male infertility. Currently, the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) has been recognized as the main pathogenic gene in CAVD, with some other genes, such as adhesion G-protein-coupled receptor G2 (ADGRG2), solute carrier family 9 isoform 3 (SLC9A3), sodium channel epithelial 1 subunit beta (SCNN1B), and carbonic anhydrase 12 (CA12), being candidate genes in the pathogenesis of CAVD. However, the frequency and spectrum of these mutations, as well as the pathogenic mechanisms of CAVD, have not been fully investigated. Here, we sequenced all genes with potentially pathogenic mutations using next-generation sequencing and verified all identified variants by Sanger sequencing. Further bioinformatic analysis was performed to predict the pathogenicity of mutations. We described the distribution of the p.V470M, poly-T, and TG-repeat CFTR polymorphisms and identified novel missense mutations in the CFTR and SLC9A3 genes, respectively. Taken together, we identified mutations in the CFTR, ADGRG2, SLC9A3, SCNN1B, and CA12 genes in 22 patients with CAVD, thus broadening the genetic spectrum of Chinese patients with CAVD.

Development of a multivariable prediction model for congenital unilateral absence of the vas deferens in male partners of infertile couples.

BACKGROUND: Congenital unilateral absence of vas deferens has been diagnosed in fertile and normozoospermic males and is associated with the risk of unilateral renal absence or cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator mutations; but no prediction model currently exists to diagnose this condition. OBJECTIVES: The study aims to identify clinical and biological variables that may have a predictive value for the diagnosis of congenital unilateral absence of vas deferens in male partners of infertile couples MATERIALS AND METHODS: We designed a retrospective, cross-sectional, case-control study on electronic health records of a single tertiary-care andrological centre collected between 1998 and 2018. We included all subjects diagnosed with congenital unilateral absence of vas deferens using combined scrotal and transrectal ultrasounds. Controls were confirmed free of congenital unilateral absence of vas deferens by the same way. Both groups received standardised exploration procedures. Multivariable logistic regression model was built in a backward stepwise manner. Model performance and calibration were assessed. The study is reported according to TRIPOD statement. RESULTS: We included 69 congenital unilateral absence of vas deferens cases and 78 controls. Cases had a lower semen volume than controls. The congenital unilateral absence of vas deferens risk was associated with history of cryptorchidism and both levels of semen fructose and α-glucosidase. These predictors were confirmed by a random forest algorithm. The area under the curve was 0.886 (95% interval: 0.81-0.92). Calibration was performed with the Hosmer-Lemeshow test (p = 0.88). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: History of cryptorchidism, semen fructose and α-glucosidase were identified as relevant and independent predictors for the diagnosis of congenital unilateral absence of vas deferens. The model enables to identify male patients with a high risk of congenital unilateral absence of vas deferens to whom a transrectal ultrasounds would be proposed to confirm the diagnosis, whatever their semen parameters. It will also help to address the risks of unilateral renal absence and of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator mutations carrying during the management of infertile couples.

Relationship of sperm motility with clinical outcome of percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration-intracytoplasmic sperm injection in infertile males with congenital domestic absence of vas deferens: a retrospective study.

Congenital domestic absence of vas deferens (CBAVD) is a common factor in male infertility, and percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) combined with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a primary clinical treatment, but the effect of the sperm obtained on pregnancy outcome remains to be explored. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between sperm motility with clinical outcome of PESA-ICSI in infertile males with CBAVD. A cohort of 110 couples was enrolled. In total, 76 infertile males were included in the high motility group, while the remaining 34 males were placed in the low motility group. Clinical pregnancy, embryo implantation rate and live birth rate were included as the primary outcome. After all follow-ups, we found that the high motility group achieved higher normal fertilization rates, cleavage rates, transplantable embryo rates and high-quality embryo rates than those in low motility group (normal fertilization rate, 78.2 ± 11.7% vs. 70.5 ± 10.2%, P = 0.003; cleavage rate, 97.1 ± 2.9% vs. 92.3 ± 3.0%, P = 0.000; transplantable embryo rate, 66.8 ± 14.9% vs. 58.6 ± 12.6%, P = 0.009 and high-quality embryo rate, 49.9 ± 10.5% vs. 40.5 ± 11.2%, P = 0.000). Additionally, compared with the low motility group, the clinical pregnancy rates, embryo implantation rates, and live birth rates in the high motility group were significantly increased (pregnancy rate, 61.8% vs. 26.5%, P = 0.009; embryo implantation rate, 36.5% vs. 18.0%, P = 0.044; live birth rate, 55.3% vs. 17.6%, P = 0.000). We concluded that the motility of sperm obtained by PESA affected the clinical outcome of ICSI in infertile males with CBAVD.

Diagnóstico diferencial del megaprepucio congénito: relevancia terapéutica y pronóstica / Differential diagnosis of congenital megaprepuce: therapeutic and prognostic relevance

El megaprepucio congénito es una patología urológica propia dela infancia que puede ser fácilmente confundida con otras entidadesclínicas como la fimosis fisiológica o el pene enterrado. Debido al riesgode complicaciones asociadas, principalmente de carácter infeccioso uobstructivo con afectación del tracto urinario superior, es importanteincidir en su correcto diagnóstico de cara a ofertar un tratamiento precoz.Presentamos tres casos de megaprepucio congénito, diagnosticados eintervenidos en nuestro servicio durante el periodo comprendido entreenero de 2019 y mayo de 2020, describiéndose el diagnóstico, la tera-péutica empleada y la evolución clínica.

Congenital megaprepuce is a urological pathology typical ofchildhood. It can be easily mistaken for other clinical entities such asphysiological phimosis or buried penis. Owing to the risk of associ-ated complications – primarily infectious and obstructive complications,with upper urinary tract involvement –, achieving an accurate diagnosisproves particularly significant for early treatment initiation. We presentthree cases of congenital megaprepuce diagnosed and operated on atour department from January 2019 to May 2020. Diagnosis, therapy,and clinical progression are described.

[Gene mutations in congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens: An update].

Congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD) is a congenital malformation of the male reproductive system and one of the important causes of obstructive azoospermia and male infertility. It is currently recognized that the main cause of CBAVD is the mutation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene (CFTR). And the mutations of adhesion G protein-coupled receptor G2 (ADGRG2), solute carrier family 9 isoform 3 (SLC9A3) and other genes are also found to be involved in the development and progression of CBAVD. A reasonable CBAVD molecular diagnosis process combined with assisted reproductive technology is currently the most effective method for the diagnosis and treatment of CBAVD, but the offspring of the patient may face the risk of hereditary inheritance. This article focuses on the pathogenesis of CFTR, ADGRG2 and SLC9A3 causing CBAVD, and aims to provide some new ideas for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of CBAVD and CBAVD-related genetic counseling.

Gastrointestinal and genitourinary toxicity profiles of metformin versus placebo in men with prostate cancer receiving prostate radiotherapy: interim toxicity results of a double-blinded, multicenter, phase II randomized controlled trial.

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) used for prostate cancer (PCa) management is associated with metabolic and anthropometric toxicity. Metformin given concurrent to ADT is hypothesized to counteract these changes. This planned interim analysis reports the gastrointestinal and genitourinary toxicity profiles of PCa patients receiving ADT and prostate/pelvic radiotherapy plus metformin versus placebo as part of a phase 2 randomized controlled trial. Men with intermediate or high-risk PCa were randomized 1:1 to metformin versus placebo. Both groups were given ADT for 18-36 months with minimum 2-month neoadjuvant phase prior to radiotherapy. Acute gastrointestinal and genitourinary toxicities were quantified using CTCAE v4.0. Differences in ≥ grade 2 toxicities by treatment were assessed by chi-squared test. 83 patients were enrolled with 44 patients randomized to placebo and 39 randomized to metformin. There were no significant differences at any time point in ≥ grade 2 gastrointestinal toxicities or overall gastrointestinal toxicity. Overall ≥ grade 2 gastrointestinal toxicity was low prior to radiotherapy (7.9% (placebo) vs. 3.1% (metformin), p = 0.39) and at the end of radiotherapy (2.8% (placebo) vs 3.1% (metformin), p = 0.64). There were no differences in overall ≥ grade 2 genitourinary toxicity between treatment arms (19.0% (placebo) vs. 9.4% (metformin), p = 0.30). Metformin added to radiotherapy and ADT did not increase rates of ≥ grade 2 gastrointestinal or genitourinary toxicity and is generally safe and well-tolerated.

Systematic examination of the cardiopulmonary, urogenital, muscular and gastrointestinal parasites of the Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) in Denmark, a protected species recovering from a dramatic decline.

The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) is a protected species in Denmark and at present, the population is recovering due to conservation efforts. The Danish otters are mainly found in the continental part of Denmark (Jutland), but establishment in the main islands (Fyn and Zealand) has been observed. While there is a lack of systematic studies on the parasite fauna of otters in Denmark, this study aims to screen otters for their parasite fauna, especially those of zoonotic and/or veterinary importance. Thirty-three otter carcasses, road-killed (n = 30), found dead (n = 2) and shot (n = 1), were collected between June 2013 and May 2014 and examined for cardiopulmonary, urogenital, gastrointestinal, and muscle helminths by post mortem examination. Faecal samples were analysed by modified concentration McMaster technique and direct immunofluorescence test for Giardia and Cryptosporidium. At least one parasite was found in 75.8% of animals. The parasite fauna included 13 species, consisting of five nematodes: Molineus patens (30.3%), Aonchotheca putorii (27.3%), Strongyloides sp. (24.2%), Physaloptera sp. (12.1%), Eucoleus aerophilus (10.0%); one cestode: Schistocephalus solidius (6.1%); four trematodes: Metorchis bilis (33.3%), Isthimiophora melis (15.2%), Cryptocotyle sp. (3.0%), Plagiorchis sp. (3.0%); one acanthocephalan: Acanthocephalus ranae (18.2%); and two protozoans: Giardia spp. (3.1%), and Eimeria spp. (3.1%). The study showed that otters carry parasites of zoonotic and veterinary importance. Many of these parasites can also infect native carnivores and birds, and the distribution of these parasites may be affected if the otter population continue to increase in Denmark.

Identifying Signs and Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in a Men's Health Clinic: The Utility of Home Sleep Apnea Testing During COVID-19.

The objective of the study was to identify symptoms of men presenting for an outpatient urology visit that prompted referral for a Home Sleep Apnea Test (HSAT) to assess for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by a single provider. To assess the proportion of patients referred for the HSAT who underwent the test and, out of these patients, the proportion of men diagnosed with sleep apnea, we performed a retrospective chart review of men 18-99 years old seen by a single provider in the Department of Urology referred for an HSAT to evaluate for presenting symptoms. Patients with a prior diagnosis of OSA were excluded. Eighteen patients were identified (mean age at time of referral 51 + SD 13 years). Half of patients reported erectile dysfunction/concerns, 56% reported nocturia, 44% had been diagnosed with testosterone deficiency, and 39% reported low libido. Nearly all (89%) of patients snored, all reported fatigue, 56% were over the age of 50, 44% had a BMI >35, and 78% had hypertension. Twelve patients completed the HSAT, all of whom were diagnosed with OSA for which continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy was initiated. Men presenting with genitourinary concerns to an outpatient urology clinic may also have OSA. About half of included patients reported genitourinary concerns. Hundred percent of patients who completed their sleep study were diagnosed with OSA. Genitourinary concerns, in addition to signs and symptoms commonly associated with OSA, should prompt consideration of sleep apnea evaluation.

Stereotactic body radiation therapy for Japanese patients with localized prostate cancer: 2-year results and predictive factors for acute genitourinary toxicities.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to report the 2-year results of stereotactic body radiation therapy for prostate cancer and identify the clinical and dosimetric factors that predict acute genitourinary toxicities. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with non-metastatic prostate cancer treated at Toyota Memorial Hospital between 2017 and 2020. The patients were treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy with a total dose of 36.25 Gy in five fractions on consecutive weekdays. While low-risk patients received radiotherapy alone, intermediate- to high-risk patients also received androgen deprivation therapy. RESULTS: We analysed a total of 104 patients, including 10, 60 and 34 low-, intermediate- and high-risk patients, respectively. The median follow-up duration was 2 years. We did not observe biochemical/clinical recurrence, distant metastasis or death from prostate cancer. One patient died of another cause. Grade 2 acute genitourinary toxicity was observed in 40 (38%) patients. Age (P = 0.021), genitourinary toxicity of grade ≥1 at baseline (P = 0.023) and bladder mean dose (P = 0.047) were significantly associated with the incidence of grade 2 acute genitourinary toxicity. The cut-off value of 65 years for age and 10.3 Gy for the bladder mean dose were considered the most appropriate. Grade 2 acute gastrointestinal toxicity was observed in five (5%) patients. None of the patients experienced grade ≥3 acute or late toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: Stereotactic body radiation therapy is feasible for Japanese patients with prostate cancer, with acceptable acute toxicity. Age, genitourinary toxicity at baseline and bladder mean dose predict grade 2 acute genitourinary toxicity.

Infección urinaria nosocomial y microorganismos implicados / Nosocomial urinary infection and implicated microorganisms

Introducción: Las infecciones urinarias nosocomiales constituyen una complicación frecuente e importante problema de salud debido complicaciones y recidivas frecuentes. Se pretende identificar los microorganismos implicados en las infecciones urinarias nosocomiales, su relación con el uso de sonda y estancia hospitalaria. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo­retrospectivo. Se revisaron bases de vigilancia epidemiológica restringiendo a infección de vías urinarias de origen hospitalario; se describieron las características generales y se exploraron diferencias entre los tiempos de estancia por microorganismo por Kluskal Wallis para un nivel de significancia del 95%. Resultados: Se encontraron 167 de infección de vías urinarias de origen hospitalario, la mediana de edad fue de 75 años; la mayoría de género femenino (58%), 34,1% asociadas al uso de sonda; 10% fallecieron en la hospitalización, la mayoría provenían de la unidad de cuidados intensivos adultos. El microorganismo más frecuentemente aislado fue Escherichia coli (46,1%); los pacientes aportaron una mediana de estancia de 20 días. Se encontraron diferencias significativas en los tiempos de estancia por microorganismo aislado en infección urinaria asociada a sonda, el microorganismo relacionado con los mayores tiempos de estancia fue Proteus mirabillis; el resto de diferencias no fueron significativas. Conclusiones: El microorganismo más frecuentemente aislado fue Escherichia coli, el Proteus mirabillis se encontró fue el más relacionado con uso sonda y tiempo de estancia, se requieren estudios adicionales para determinar asociaciones entre la estancia hospitalaria y fenotipos de resistencia, los protocolos de tratamiento empírico disponibles a la fecha, concuerdan los microorganismos aislados.

Introduction: The nosocomial urinary tract infections are a common complication and a major health problem due to complications and frequent recurrences. It aims to identify microorganisms involved in nosocomial urinary infections, their relationship with the use of probe and hospital stay. Materials & methods: A descriptive retrospective study. Surveillance bases restricting urinary tract infections hospital origins were reviewed; general characteristics were described and differences between the lengths of time of stay were screened by microorganism Kluskal Wallis for a significance level of 95%. Results: 167 urinary tract infections were found of hospital origin, the median age was found to be of 75; most females (58%), 34.1% associated with the use of probe; 10% died in the hospital, most came from the adult intensive care unit. The most frequently isolated microorganism was Escherichia coli (46.1%); patients contributed a median stay of 20 days. Significant differences in length of stay by microorganism isolated in catheter-associated urinary tract infection was found, the microorganism related to the greatest length of stay was Proteus mirabilis; the remaining differences were not significant. Conclusions: The most frequently isolated microorganism was Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis was found to be related to probe the use and length of stay, additional studies are required to determine associations between hospital stay and resistance phenotypes empirical treatment protocols available to the date, consistent microorganisms isolated.

Are Urogenital Symptoms Caused by Sexually Transmitted Infections and Colonizing Bacteria?

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and colonizing bacteria in relation to urogenital symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, patients visiting the STI clinic at Umeå University Hospital were asked for symptoms and condom use. Samples from 759 patients (465 male and 294 female) were analyzed for 4 STIs (Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Mycoplasma genitalium) and 3 colonizing bacteria (Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma parvum, and Ureaplasma urealyticum). RESULTS: Chlamydia trachomatis prevalence was 11% among women and 9.5% among men. Neisseria gonorrhoeae prevalence was 0.7% among women and 0.9% among men. Mycoplasma genitalium was found in 11% and 5.6% of women and men, respectively. Asymptomatic men and women had similar distribution patterns of microorganisms as those with urogenital symptoms, with the exceptions of Neisseria gonorrhoeae- and Mycoplasma genitalium-infected men who declared symptoms more frequently. Of 158 men with urogenital symptoms, 55% were test-negative. Of 129 women with urogenital symptoms, 12% were test-negative. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals a complex picture, where a large number of multi-positive tests made it complicated to correlate urogenital symptoms with microorganisms. A high number of test-negative but symptomatic patients indicate a need of searching for additional pathogens.

Genitourinary Emergencies in Older Adults.

Older adults are frequently seen in the emergency department for genitourinary complaints, necessitating that emergency physicians are adept at managing a myriad of genitourinary emergencies. Geriatric patients may present with acute kidney injury, hematuria, or a urinary infection and aspects of how managing these presentations differs from their younger counterparts is emphasized. Older adults may also present with acute urinary retention or urinary incontinence as a result of genitourinary pathology or other systemic etiologies. Finally, genital complaints as they pertain to older adults are briefly highlighted with emphasis on emergent management and appropriate referrals.

Urogenital function following robotic and laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery: meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Mixed results are reported on clinical and cancer outcomes in laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery (LRCS) compared with robotic rectal cancer surgery (RRCS). However, more favourable functional outcomes are reported following RRCS. This study compared urinary and sexual function following RRCS and LRCS in male and female patients. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of urinary and sexual function after RRCS and LRCS was performed following PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines, and registered prospectively with PROSPERO (ID:CRD42020164285). The functional outcome reporting tools most commonly included: the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Mean scores and changes in mean scores from baseline were analysed using RevMan version 5.3. RESULTS: Ten studies were included reporting on 1286 patients. Some 672 patients underwent LRCS, of whom 380 (56.5 per cent) were men and 116 (17.3 per cent) were women (gender not specified in 176 patients, 26.2 per cent). A total of 614 patients underwent RRCS, of whom 356 (58.0 per cent) were men and 83 (13.5 per cent) were women (gender not specified in 175 patients, 28.5 per cent). Regarding urinary function in men at 6 months after surgery, IPSS scores were significantly better in the RRCS group than in the LRCS group (mean difference (MD) -1.36, 95 per cent c.i. -2.31 to -0.40; P = 0.005), a trend that persisted at 12 months (MD -1.08, -1.85 to -0.30; P = 0.007). ΔIIEF scores significantly favoured RRCS at 6 months [MD -3.11 (95%CI -5.77, -0.44) P <0.021] and 12 months [MD -2.76 (95%CI -3.63, -1.88) P <0.001] post-operatively. Mixed urinary and sexual function outcomes were reported for women. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis identified more favourable urinary and erectile function in men who undergo robotic compared with conventional laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer. Outcomes in women did not identify a consistently more favourable outcome in either group. As robotic rectal cancer surgery may offer more favourable functional outcomes it should be considered and discussed with patients.

Specific urogenital disease information-revealing male genital votive offerings dedicated to gods in ancient age sanctuary medicine / Información en los votivos de órganos genitales masculinos sobre enfermedades urogenitales, en las ofrendas a dioses en la antigua medicina para la sanación

OBJECTIVES: The people of ancient age appealed to sanctuaries of different gods and goddesses they believed to have healing powers and consecrated anatomical votive offerings representing their sick or healed organs. Male genital organ votives were also present among these votives. In this article, male genital organ votive offerings presented to gods and goddesses were examined and the votives giving information about the diseases they indicated were revealed in contemporary medicine. METHODS: Information available in written resources on ancient medicine and diseases was reviewed. Main sanctuary healing centers in Anatolia (Asia Minor), Greece and Italy which concurrently hosted similar civilizations were investigated. Male genital organ shaped anatomical votive samples in national and foreign medical history and archaeology museums, galleries and special collections were investigated and examined. RESULTS: It was observed that most male genital organ votives had a healthy and normal structure and didn’t provide any specific information on a urogenital disease. But it was also observed that some votives among genital organ votives consecrated by sick individuals to gods demonstrated some urogenital diseases and conditions. Among this very limited number of genital votives providing disease information, votives indicating phimosis, hypospadias, varicocele, penile hemangioma or condylama, Peyronie’s disease or penile curvature, genital hidradenitis suppurativa, condition of pubic hair and erectile condition of penis were detected. CONCLUSIONS: As proofs of seeking a remedy for diseases or recovering from diseases, anatomical organ votives are very important to understand ancient sanctuary medicine. Among male genital organ votives, very limited number of samples providing specific information on diseases provided us important information so that we can understand some ancient age diseases

OBJETIVOS: Los habitantes de la era antigua acudían a santuarios de distintos dioses con la creencia de que éstos tenían poderes curativos y les entregaban ofrendas votivas de partes anatómicas enfermas, bien para que fueran sanados o como ofrenda una vez sanados. Entre estas ofrendas votivas encontramos órganos reproductores masculinos. En este artículo se han revisado y examinado estas ofrendas votivas de órganos reproductores masculinos y de ello se ha podido obtener información sobre enfermedades que existen en la medicina contemporánea. MÉTODOS: La información presente en escritos de medicina ancestral y enfermedades se revisó. Los principales santuarios de sanación en Anatolia (Asia Menor), Grecia e Italia que de forma concurrente tuvieron diferentes civilizaciones, fueron investigadas. La forma del órgano genital masculino en muestras votivas de historia de la medicina nacional y extranjera, museos arqueológicos, galerías y colecciones especiales, fueron investigadas y examinadas. RESULTADOS: Se observa que la mayoría de votivos de órganos genitales masculinos tenían una forma natural y sana y no proporcionaban ninguna información especial respecto a enfermedades urogenitales. Aunque también se observó que algunos votivos de individuos enfermos a dioses si presentaban algunas enfermedades urogenitales y condiciones especiales. Entre los votivos enfermos, encontramos votivos con fimosis, hipospadias, varicocele, hemangioma peneanos y condilomas, enfermedad de Peyronie o curvatura peneana, hidradenitis genital supurativa, desarrollo de pelo púbico y condiciones eréctiles del pene. CONCLUSIONES: Como prueba del interés por encontrar un remedio a las enfermedades o recuperarse de enfermedades, los votivos de órganos anatómicos fueron muy importantes para entender la medicina antigua. Entre todas estas ofrendas votivas de órganos genitales, a pesar de que un número muy limitado de ellas nos ha proporcionado información concreta sobre enfermedades, la información obtenida en ellas ha sido crucial para entender algunas de las enfermedades de la edad antigua

Urinary Microbiome and its Correlation with Disorders of the Genitourinary System.

PURPOSE: Until recently, the urine of healthy individuals was assumed to be sterile. However, improvement of bacterial detection methods has debunked this assumption. Recent studies have shown that the bladder contains microbiomes, which are not detectable under standard conditions. In this review, we aimed to present an overview of the published literature regarding the relationship between urinary microbiota and functional disorders of the genitourinary system. METHODS: We searched Medline, PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane library and Scopus to identify RCTs published, with MeSH and free keywords including microbiota, bladder pain syndrome, prostatitis, kidney stone disease, and bladder cancer until September 2020. Randomized controlled trials investigating microbiome and lower urinary tract symptoms were included. Non-randomized trials, cross-over trials and pooled studies were excluded. The articles were critically appraised by two reviewers. CONCLUSION: The urine microbiome is a newly introduced concept, which has attracted the attention of medical researchers. Since its recent introduction, researchers have conducted many fruitful studies on this phenomenon, changing our perspective toward the role of bacteria in the urinary tract and our perception of the genitourinary system health. RESULT: A deeper understanding of the urinary microbiome can help us to develop more efficient methods for restoring the microbiota to a healthy composition and providing symptom relief. Modification of the urinary microbiome without antibiotic use can be a possible venue for future research.

Chlamydia trachomatis intra-bacterial and total plasmid copy number in clinical urogenital samples.

Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) increases its plasmid numbers when stressed, as occurs in clinical trachoma samples. Most CT tests target the plasmid to increase the test sensitivity, but some only target the chromosome. We investigated clinical urogenital samples for total plasmid copy numbers to assess its diagnostic value and intra-bacterial plasmid copy numbers to assess its natural variation. Both plasmid and chromosome copies were quantified using qPCR, and the plasmid:chromosome ratio (PCr) calculated in two cohorts: (1) 383 urogenital samples for the total PCR (tPCr), and (2) 42 vaginal swabs, with one half treated with propium-monoazide (PMA) to prevent the quantification of extracellular DNA and the other half untreated to allow for both tPCr and intra-bacterial PCr (iPCr) quantification. Mann-Whitney U tests compared PCr between samples, in relation to age and gender. Cohort 1: tPCr varied greatly (1-677, median 16). Median tPCr was significantly higher in urines than vaginal swabs (32 vs. 11, p < 0.001). Cohort 2: iPCr was more stable than tPCr (range 0.1-3 vs. 1-11). To conclude, tPCr in urogenital samples was much more variable than previously described. Transport time and temperature influences DNA degradation, impacting chromosomal DNA more than plasmids and urine more than vaginal samples. Data supports a plasmid target in CT screening assays to increase clinical sensitivity.