Finishing the euchromatic sequence of the human genome

The sequence of the human genome encodes the genetic instructions for human physiology, as well as rich information about human evolution. In 2001, the International Human Genome Sequencing Consortium reported a draft sequence of the euchromatic portion of the human genome. Since then, the international collaboration has worked to convert this draft into a genome sequence with high accuracy and nearly complete coverage. Here, we report the result of this finishing process. The current genome sequence (Build 35) contains 2.85 billion nucleotides interrupted by only 341 gaps. It covers ∼99% of the euchromatic genome and is accurate to an error rate of ∼1 event per 100,000 bases. Many of the remaining euchromatic gaps are associated with segmental duplications and will require focused work with new methods. The near-complete sequence, the first for a vertebrate, greatly improves the precision of biological analyses of the human genome including studies of gene number, birth and death. Notably, the human enome seems to encode only 20,000-25,000 protein-coding genes. The genome sequence reported here should serve as a firm foundation for biomedical research in the decades ahead

Penile prosthesis implantation technique for patients with a neophallus

Introduction and objective: Erectile function is an important goal for many patients post-phalloplasty. Our objective is to demonstrate a technique for placement of a single-cylinder inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) in patients with a neophallus. Surgical procedure: IPP placement is performed 1-2 years post-phalloplasty for optimal return of sensation and vascularization. The patient voids preoperatively. Since the bladder is emptied immediately before surgery, we opt not to place a catheter in the potentially tortuous urethra and place the reservoir as early as possible to avoid significant bladder filling, which decreases the risk of bladder injury. Cefazolin and Gentamicin are administered preoperatively and a low concentration Chlorhexidine Gluconate solution is used for irrigation. An infrapubic incision is made and dissection is carried down to the pubic symphysis. The reservoir is placed in the midline prevesical space. Sharp dissection is used to develop a space in the dorsal midline of the neophallus opposite the neourethra, which is palpable without a catheter, prior to sequential distal dilation. After measuring proximally and distally, the appropriately sized device is selected and modified with a shortened, blunted tip and proximal synthetic graft. Previously placed 3–0 FiberWire anchoring sutures on the pubic bone are secured to the proximal aspect of the device. The device is then inflated to facilitate placement into the dilated space distally before tying down the sutures. Pump placement proceeds contralateral to the vascular pedicle in the most dependent aspect of the neoscrotum. Once the tubing is connected, device cycling is performed to ensure proper placement and functioning. Results: Patients are discharged the same day with the device 60% inflated. Sexual activity may occur as early as 8 weeks postoperatively. Complications are seen in up to 40% of patients. Conclusion: Continued improvements in devices and techniques are necessary to decrease complications and improve surgical outcomes as more patients pursue IPP placement post-phalloplasty

Randomized clinical study of SilvaSorb gel in comparison to Silvadene silver sulfadiazine cream in the management of partial-thickness burns.

This prospective, randomized study assessed the clinical, microbiological, and patient comfort characteristics of two silver-based topical agents in the management of partial-thickness burn wounds. Pediatric patients were randomly assigned to treatment with either SilvaSorb Gel (Medline Industries, Munedelein, IL) or Silvadene silver sulfadiazine cream (King Pharmaceuticals, Bristol, TN) for up to 21 days or to the point of full reepithelialization of the wound. Inclusion criteria were patients ranging in age from 2 months to 18 years with TBSA ranging from 1 up to 40%. A total of 24 patients were enrolled and completed the study. Findings demonstrated that the use of SilvaSorb Gel was associated with less pain and greater patient satisfaction when compared with Silvadene. No statistically significant differences were found when assessing the rate of infection, time to reepithelialization, or the number of dressings changes required during treatment. The reduction of pain and improved overall patient satisfaction with the use of SilvaSorb Gel compared with Silvadene indicates an important role for SilvaSorb Gel in treatment of partial-thickness burns in a pediatric population

Combining Breast Reduction Techniques to Treat Gigantomastia in Ghana

Summary:. In this presentation of 2 consecutive cases of symptomatic juvenile breast hypertrophy in Ghana, we review the patient presentation, workup, and discuss outcomes following a combined technique of inferior pedicle stump with free nipple graft reduction mammoplasty. Surgical goals for treatment of gigantomastia were 2-fold: to resect adequate tissue to obtain symptomatic relief with improved quality of life, while avoiding a flat, boxy-appearing breast shape