Disclosure of incidental findings in cancer genomic research: investigators' perceptions on obligations and barriers.

Although there has been significant research surrounding incidental findings (IFs), the guidelines and information provided to investigators remain unspecific, unclear, and often generalize the course of action to everyone in the field. We explored the perceptions and experiences of investigators regarding the return of IFs in genetic research. Researchers and clinician-researchers were invited to participate in semi-structured telephone interviews in Quebec and Ontario. Twenty professionals participated, and thematic analysis was used to analyze the transcriptions. Four contextual elements emerged: (i) degree of significance of results, (ii) respect for persons, (iii) infrastructure implications, and (iv) professional responsibilities. Our findings demonstrate that all investigators raised similar contextual elements surrounding the return of IFs. However, some nuances in participants' experiences of the understanding of professional responsibilities also emerged. Because of the existing nuances, a one-size-fits-all approach is inappropriate, suggesting that context ought to be considered in decisions about IFs.

A neglected gland: a review of Cowper's gland.

Cowper's glands are pea sized glands present inferior to the prostate gland in the male reproductive system. They produce thick clear mucus prior to ejaculation that drains into the spongy urethra. Though it is well established that the function of the Cowper's gland secretions is to neutralize traces of acidic urine in the urethra, knowledge regarding the various lesions and associated complications of this gland is scarce. This review provides a comprehensive report on the development, function and various lesions associated with Cowper's gland.

Use of Quantitative PCR Diagnostics to Identify Tolerance and Resistance to Verticillium dahliae in Potato.

A potato breeding population was evaluated for the presence of tolerance and resistance to Verticillium dahliae. Clones were ranked as susceptible or moderately and highly resistant based on symptom expression, and a species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay was used to determine the Verticillium biomass in the bases of stems. A clone was designated as tolerant if the amount of fungus present in the host tissue was equal to or greater than the collective average amount for all clones in the symptom category above. Tolerant and resistant clones were identified in all trials, but the expression of tolerance was usually unstable across runs. The fungus was detected in some symptomless plants; on the other hand, some symptomatic plants were found to be pathogen-free. These observations emphasize the necessity of accurate quantification of the pathogen biomass in potato during Verticillium resistance breeding programs.

Synthesis, characterization and cytotoxicity of new platinum(IV) axial carboxylate complexes: crystal structure of potential antitumor agent [PtIV(trans-1R,2R-diaminocyclohexane)trans(acetate)2Cl2].

A series of new platinum(IV) complexes of the type [PtIV(DACH)trans(L)2Cl2] (where DACH = trans-1R,2R-diaminocyclohexane, and L = acetate, propionate, butyrate, valerate, hexanoate, or heptanoate) bearing the carboxylate groups in the axial positions have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, and 195Pt NMR spectroscopy. The crystal structure of the analogue [PtIV(DACH)trans(acetate)2Cl2] was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction method. There were two crystallographically independent molecules, both of which lie on crystallographic two-fold axes. The bond lengths and bond angles of both the molecules were the same within the experimental error. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2, with a = 11.180(2) A, b = 14.736(3) A, c = 10.644(2) A, beta = 112.38(3) degrees, Z = 4 and R = 0.0336, based upon a total of 1648 collected reflections. In this complex, the platinum had a slightly distorted octahedron geometry owing to the presence of a geometrically strained five-member ring. The two adjacent corners of the platinum plane were occupied by the two amino nitrogens of DACH, whereas the other two equatorial positions were occupied by two chloride ions. The remaining two axial positions were occupied by the oxygens of acetate ligands. The DACH ring was in a chair configuration. An intricate network of intermolecular hydrogen bonds held the crystal lattice together. These analogues were evaluated in vitro and demonstrated cytotoxic activity against the human ovarian 2008 tumor cell line (IC50 = 0.001-0.06 microM). Structure-activity study revealed that activity was highest for the analogue where L = butyrate.

A preliminary comparison of plasma fibrinogen concentrations, leukocyte numbers and erythrocyte sedimentation rate as non-specific indicators of inflammatory conditions in buffalo (Bubalis bubalis).

The plasma fibrinogen concentration (Fib), total leukocyte count (TLC), neutrophil, lymphocyte and monocyte numbers, and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were determined in 153 buffaloes suffering from different clinical conditions. Fib increased significantly (p < 0.05) in chronic mastitis, pyrexia, pyometra, cutaneous abscesses, tail gangrene and acute indigestion, whereas in most of the other conditions studied it varied non-significantly. TLC increased significantly in chronic mastitis, pyrexia, endometritis, cutaneous abscesses and infected skin wounds. An increase in neutrophils was associated with an increased TLC. Numbers of lymphocytes varied non-significantly in most of the conditions. Monocytes decreased significantly in most of the acute conditions. ESR was significantly elevated in all clinical conditions. Significantly increased mean Fib values in the different conditions varied from 703 +/- 119 to 725 +/- 140 mg/dl, while the maximum individual value was 1510 mg/dl in a case of cutaneous myiasis. The significantly increased mean TLC ranged from 9.48 +/- 2.91 to 11.1 +/- 3.5 x 10(3)/microliter, while it was 21.7 x 10(3)/microliter in a case of meningitis. ESR values in sick buffaloes varied from 57 to 111 mm in the first hour.

Tumour in a giant bladder diverticulum: a case report and review of literature.

We report an unusual case of a transitional cell carcinoma arising in a bladder diverticulum presenting as a giant abdominal mass and acute urinary retention. We have reviewed the literature and discuss the aetiology, diagnosis, and treatment of tumours arising in vesical diverticula.

Chromosome doubling via tuber disc culture in dihaploid potato as determined by confocal microscopy.

The potential of tuber disc culture for chromosome doubling was investigated in somaclonal populations of four dihaploid genotypes and one tetraploid cultivar of potato (Solanum tuberosum). Laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) was used for rapid determination of the ploidy level based on the number of chloroplasts in stomatal guard cells of leaves. Factorial analysis of chloroplast number in 58 clones and two leaf types showed that somaclones were clearly divided in two groups. Clones with 5-7 chloroplasts per cell as observed in tuber derived diploid controls were classified as 2X (not doubled), while those with 9-14 chloroplasts resembled the tuber derived tetraploid controls and were considered 4X (doubled). A high frequency of spontaneous chromosome doubling, 42% - 50%, was detected in 3 dihaploid genotypes, whereas no doubling was observed in one of the dihaploids as well as the tetraploid cultivar Yukon Gold. Effects of leaf type on chloroplast number was also significant. The middle leaf showed significantly higher chloroplast number than the younger leaves.

Operative prostatomy: an aid to urethral anastomosis. A preliminary report.

Prostatomy is a technique that may be utilized during radical prostatectomy and bowel substitution for end stage bladder disease to preserve the urethral segment, thereby facilitating subsequent anastomosis. Although it is not applicable to all stages of prostate cancer, the technique involves a progressive longitudinal incision in the anterior prostate from the bladder neck to the proximal apex of the prostate until the divergence of the lateral lobes is visualized, thereby allowing precise identification of the entire supra-diaphragmatic urethra. This permits maximal preservation of the urethra to improve the likelihood of continence.

Unusual presentation of metastatic carcinoma of prostate.

An unusual case of metastatic carcinoma of prostate, which presented as a huge abdominal mass and responded extremely well to endocrine therapy, is presented. The literature is reviewed.

A new technique for the repair of pediatric hydroceles.

The major difficulties encountered in the surgical correction of pediatric communicating hydroceles are separating the hernial sac from the spermatic vessels and vas, and identifying the anatomical location of the internal inguinal ring. The passage of a pediatric Foley catheter through the hernial sac via a high scrotal incision greatly expedites this surgery. Herein, we describe a new surgical technique and discuss its merits.

Volvulus of cecum following simple nephrectomy.

We report a case of intestinal obstruction secondary to cecal volvulus following a palliative nephrectomy. Cecal volvulus and other causes of acute abdomen should be considered in postoperative patients who develop adynamic ileus undergoing retroperitoneal surgery.

Seminoma in an atrophic testis.

A rare case of a seminoma developing in an atrophic testis is described and the role of testicular atrophy in tumorigenesis is discussed.

Urinoma--a rare presentation of carcinoma of the bladder.

Urinoma as a presenting sign of carcinoma of the bladder, as occurred in this case, is rare. Aspiration of the cystic mass under sonography and chemistry of the fluid confirmed the diagnosis. The inferior extension of the urinoma on CT scan confirmed the gradual fading of Gerota's fascia into the retroperitoneum. Abdominal mass in the form of a urinoma is an uncommon presentation and only a few documented cases are reported in the literature. This case illustrates that the Gerota's fascia fades inferiorly into the retroperitoneum.

Metastases to the penis from renal cell carcinoma.

Extensive venous communication among the pelvic, lumbar, penile and left renal veins may cause metastasis to the genitalia from left renal adenocarcinoma. To prevent this, we propose that during radical nephrectomy the spermatic and, lumbar veins be ligated immediately following the ligation of the renal artery and vein.

Delayed urinary fistula following abdominal perineal resection of rectum and anal canal.

Genitourinary dysfunction is one of the major complications of abdominal perineal resection. The onset may be in the remote postoperative period. We report a rare case of late perineal urinary fistula and pelvic urinoma which occurred 3 months following surgery.

Interposition of the prepuce into the external urethral meatus. A case report.

An unusual case of preputial interposition into the external urethral meatus resulting from urethral catheterization is presented. The importance of adequate care of an indwelling catheter is emphasized.

Unusual foreign body in the urethra.

Numerous cases of intraurethral foreign bodies of great variety and unusual nature have been reported. Such foreign bodies are usually introduced for sexual stimulation and/or during an intoxicated or confused state. Resulting symptoms usually involve the urinary frequency, dysuria, nocturia, hematuria, gross bleeding per urethra, difficulty in voiding, or complete urinary retention. Depending on the type of foreign body and its location, various methods of removal have been described, including meatotomy, cystoscopy, internal or external urethrotomy, suprapubic cystostomy, Fogarty catheterization, and injection of solvents. The most frequent complications are urethritis, urethral tear with periurethral abscess and/or fistula, hemorrhage, and urethral diverticuli. We report a case of an intraurethral fishhook with its complications and treatment. The diagnosis should be considered in high-risk patients with lower and urinary tract signs and symptoms.

Extravasation in ureteral tumours.

Extravasation of contrast medium following retrograde pyelography may occur when excessive pressure is used during injection of the contrast medium, direct trauma during manipulation of the ureteral catheter or pre-existing ureteral disease. Extravasation of contrast medium occurring in a ureteral tumour is rare. A case where extravasation of contrast medium was observed during retrograde pyelography due to extensive invasion of the ureter by a primary ureteral tumour is reported.

Internal drainage of lymphocele by a pedicled omental flap.

An unusual case of huge pelvic and retroperitoneal lymphocele following bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy is presented. The lymphocele was successfully managed by the procedure of internal drainage with pedicled omental flap.