Penile ectopic testis: experience of an adolescent

This report describes a case of a penile ectopic testis a 14 years old. The condition had been present since birth. Social reasons hampered earlier referral for appropriate medical care. There had been progressive penile development, in association with a swelling, and normal secondary sexual characteristics. The scrotum was well developed on the right side. The right testis and spermatic cord were normal in size and position. The left scrotum was empty. There was an ovoid mass (the left testis) at the right (contralateral), dorsal, proximal half of the penile shaft. It was normal in size with a palpable spermatic cord. An ultrasound scan confirmed these findings. Surgical exploration and mobilization of the ectopic testis was done through a left inguinal incision. A gubernaculum was present. Colle’s fascia of the left scrotum was dissected. A left scrotal incision was used to anchor (orchidopexy) the left testis in a sub-Dartos pouch. Postoperative recovery was normal. It was concluded that a penile ectopic testis, normal in size, may present during adolescence. The condition is correctible though there is need for screening and early detection in children through national Health Policy interventions.East and Central African Journal of Surgery. 2011 Nov/ December;16 (3

Community-acquired soft-tissue pyogenic abscesses in Mulago hospital, Kampala: Bacteria isolated and antibiotic sensitivity

Background: Clinical practice, for a long time, has dwelt on study and management of pyogenic abscesses without distinction between nosocomial and community-acquired types. This study aimed at identifying the bacteria isolated from community-acquired acute subcutaneous and soft tissue pyogenic abscesses. It also determined their sensitivity to a wide range of antibiotics. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted in Mulago hospital, between August and December, 2011. Consecutive, convenient sampling was used to attain a sample size of 130 subjects, with all age groups eligible. They were treated for the abscesses by incision and drainage. The pus was subjected to bacterial culturing and drug sensitivity testing. Data was analysed using STATA version 11.2. Results: The median age was 21.6 years; with females constituting 43.9%, and 10.8% were HIV positive persons. The predominant organism isolated was Staphylococcus aureus (53.9%), followed by coliform organisms (14-1%). Mixed infections, mostly with Staphylococcus aureus, constituted 8.6%. Staphylococcus aureus was most susceptible to ciprofloxacin and showed greatest resistance to chloramphenicol. Coliform organisms were most susceptible amikacin and showed greatest resistance to augmentin. Conclusions: The predominant bacterium isolated from these pyogenic abscesses is Staphylococcus aureus. It is most susceptible to ciprofloxacin and resistant to chloramphenicol. There is benefit in conducting a larger study with more antibiotic sensitivity tests and specific bacterial type dentification. Recommendations can then be made for appropriate antibiotic policies

Genomic Designing for Climate-Smart Tomato

Tomato is the first vegetable consumed in the world. It is grown in very different conditions and areas, mainly in field for processing tomatoes while fresh-market tomatoes are often produced in greenhouses. Tomato faces many environmental stresses, both biotic and abiotic. Today many new genomic resources are available allowing an acceleration of the genetic progress. In this chapter, we will first present the main challenges to breed climate-smart tomatoes. The breeding objectives relative to productivity, fruit quality, and adaptation to environmental stresses will be presented with a special focus on how climate change is impacting these objectives. In the second part, the genetic and genomic resources available will be presented. Then, traditional and molecular breeding techniques will be discussed. A special focus will then be presented on ecophysiological modeling, which could constitute an important strategy to define new ideotypes adapted to breeding objectives. Finally, we will illustrate how new biotechnological tools are implemented and could be used to breed climate-smart tomatoes