Purkinje cell degeneration (pcd) is a neurological mutation in the mouse that causes male sterility, but not female sterility. In order to assess the effects of this mutation on spermiogenesis, the structure of the testis and of epididymal spermatozoa was examined by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. In the mutant males, the sperm count was reduced, sperm were nonmotile, and 93% of the sperm were characterized by structural abnormalities of the head, the tail, or both. In the testes of mutant mice, Sertoli cell structure was normal, as were also the early stages of spermiogenesis. However, the elongating and maturing spermatids were characterized by abnormally shaped heads and tails with extraneous and ectopic outer dense fibers. These defects were common in the testes of the mutant mice and rare in the testes of the littermate control mice. It was concluded that the structural abnormalities of the pcd sperm occurred during spermiogenesis and were not due to degeneration of the sperm in the epididymis. These structural abnormalities are similar to those found in all other reported male sterile mutants of the mouse; therefore, although they are caused by the expression of the pcd gene, they are not unique to the expression of this gene.

Background/Aims: The rate of urinary tract infection (UTI) after pelvic reconstructive surgery ranges from 9 to 48% and the most common uropathogen is Escherichia coli (E. coli). The aim of the study is to identify the predominant uro-pathogen from urine cultures in women undergoing pelvic reconstructive surgery. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on women who underwent pelvic reconstructive surgery at a tertiary care center from July 2013 to June 2015. Data was collected from each postoperative visit to evaluate urinary tract symptoms, culture results and treatment in the 3-month postoperative interval. Results: There were 880 cases reviewed (mean age of 59.6 years) during the study period. The most common organism in positive cultures was E. coli after surgery. The total UTI rate was 11.3%. Patients discharged with a Foley catheter had a UTI rate of 65.6% (p = 0.003). Diabetes, neurologic disease, tobacco use, recurrent UTIs and breast or gynecologic cancers had no significant association with UTI after surgery. Conclusion: The most common organism identified is E. coli. Almost 12% of patients will develop a UTI after pelvic reconstructive surgery. The results of this study can influence management of lower urinary tract symptoms in the postoperative period.

Aims Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is defined as a noncyclical pain that has duration of at least 6 months and can lead to decreased quality of life and physical performance. The pain can be attributed to problems in the pelvic organs and/or problems in related systems, and possible psycho‐social attributes may contribute to the manifestation. Due to the complex nature, CPP syndromes are multifactorial and the terminology needs to reflect the setting. Methods The current review is a synthesis of key aspects of the recent International Continence Society Standardization for Terminology in CPP Syndromes. Results Nine domains can be used for a detailed description of CPP. They include four domains specific to the pelvic organs (lower urinary tract, female genital, male genital, gastrointestinal), two related to other sources of pain which may be perceived in the pelvis (musculoskeletal, neurological) and three which may influence the response to the pain or its impact on the individual (psychological, sexual, and comorbidities). For an individual patient with CPP, each domain should be reviewed in terms of symptoms and signs, noting that positive findings could reflect either a primary cause or a secondary consequence. The findings will guide further evaluations and subsequent treatment. Conclusion We present a synthesis of the standard for terminology in CPP syndromes in women and men, which serves as a systematic framework to consider possible sources of pain (pelvic organs or other sources) and the individual responses and impact.