Peter S. Albert

Molecular Analyte Profiling of the Early Events and Tissue Conditioning Following Intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guerin Therapy in Patients With Superficial Bladder Cancer

PURPOSE We characterized the innate immune response to intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin therapy using a systems approach based on proteomic and cytometric screens. MATERIALS AND METHODS Blood and urine were collected from patients receiving intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin therapy before, and 2 and 4 hours after bacillus Calmette-Guerin treatment, at the first and third instillation. Proteomic and cytometry based screens were performed. RESULTS Molecular analyte profiling revealed a prime/boost pattern to the innate response to intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin. We identified 36 statistically significant changes in the proteins induced during the third instillation compared to the initial treatment. These analytes were classified into 3 categories of 1) plasma proteins that leaked into the urine, 2) cytokines/chemokines produced locally during the first hours of inflammation and 3) other innate molecules that modulate the bladder microenvironment. To characterize the marked increase in the inflammatory response after multiple treatments we evaluated the cells present in the urine and again a prime/boost response was revealed. For the locally produced analytes it was possible to define the cell source(s) and, thus, provide a first generation map of what occurs during the initial phase of bacillus Calmette-Guerin therapy. CONCLUSIONS This study provides in vivo information concerning the ability of bacillus Calmette-Guerin to sensitize the tissue microenvironment to enhance innate responses and establishes a framework for improving vaccination strategies while decreasing adverse events.

Retroperitoneal leiomyomapresenting as prostatic mass

Abstract A case of retrovesical retroperitoneal leiomyoma presenting as a prostatic mass isreported. This tumor is rarely found in the retroperitoneum and is even rarer in the retrovesical space.

The Nitrofurans as Sperm-Immobilizing Agents their Tissue Toxicity, and their Clinical Application in Vasectomy * †

Nitrofurantoin sodium and nitorfurazone, in certain critical concentrations, have the ability to immobilize spermatozoa. In this study, this effect was consisitent with both 5:1, and 10:1 dilutions. Histologic examination of the effects of these drugs as intraoperative vas irrigants revealed no apparent tissue toxicity in the guinea pig. Clinically, we found intraoperative vas irrigation with both of these nontoxic drugs to be of value in attaining azoospermia immediately postvasectomy. Therefore, they appear to be useful supplements to vasectomy.

Nitrofurazone: Vas irrigation as adjunct in vasectomy

Intraoperative vas irrigation with nitrofurazone utilized in a 1-mg/ml concentration can cause immediate sterility postoperatively. This irrigation procedure adds little time to the standard vasectomy and can easily be performed as an outpatient office procedure, minimizing time-consuming postoperative semen analyses. Moreover, in developing countries where postoperative vasectomy follow-up may be more difficult to obtain and may even be nonexistent, this procedure would provide an additional positive factor in an attempt to ensure sterility.

The nitrofurans as sperm immobilizing agents.

In certain critical concentrations nitrofurantoin sodium and nitrofurazone cause sperm immobilization. Intraoperative was irrigation with these solutions in 16 patients produced sterility in the immediate postoperative period. This procedure minimizes time-consuming postoperative sperm analyses. Moreover, in underdeveloped countries where postoperative followup is difficult to obtain, this procedure would provide an additional positive factor in an attempt to ensure sterility.

Nitrofurazone: vas irrigation as an adjunct in vasectomy.

Intraoperative nitrofurazone vas injection has been utilized to hasten sterility in the immediate postoperative period. Clinically 100 outpatient vasectomies were performed in which nitrofurazone was utilized in a 1 mg. per milliliter concentration to irrigate the distal (penile) vas segment resulting in early attainment of azoospermia postoperatively in 90 per cent of the patients.

Transitional-cell carcinoma of prostate An enigma

Abstract Three cases of transitional-cell carcinoma of the prostate are reported. Ductular cells do not appear to be influenced by altering their hormonal milieu, and the biologic potential of this tumor is still unknown. Judgment must be reserved on recommended therapy: whether or not radical or transurethral surgery is more efficacious, since not enough cases are available for statistical analysis.

Effect of vasectomy on guinea pig testes

Abstract The effects of vasectomy on the guinea pig testes were histologically assessed at weekly intervals. Degenerative changes were seen at eight weeks postvasectomy which were noted to be completely reversed in the sixteen-week specimens.

Fracture of Pearman penile implant

Abstract A case of fracture of a penile prosthesis is reported. The importance of using the proper shaft length without utilizing a long proximal soft segment is emphasized.

Papillary cystadenocarcinoma in horseshoe kidney

Abstract A case of papillary cystadenocarcinoma in a horseshoe kidney is presented—the first reported to date.