Homogeneity of a supersaturated solid solution

Extended x-ray absorption fine structures, small-angle x-ray scattering, and atomistic model calculations have been employed to probe the homogeneity of the fcc solution created in Ag-Cu, a classical system demonstrating the extension of solubility across the entire miscibility gap through rapid quenching. Our results reveal that in many cases the supersaturated solutions formed have decomposition features on the scale of 1 nm. Conventional diffraction methods are inadequate in determining the level of supersaturation or the uniformity of such solid solution alloys.

Effects of huangqi jianzhong tang on hematological and biochemical parameters in judo athletes

AIM

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of Huangqi Jianzhong Tang (HQJZT) on hematological and biochemical parameters in judo athletes.

METHODS

Sixteen male and eight female judo athletes in Hsin-Ming senior high school were randomly and stratified divided into control and experimental group, which received placebo and HQJZT respectively during the five-week training program. The measurement of the hematological and biochemical parameters was performed twice, just before and after the training. The data was analyzed with paired-t test and ANOVA.

RESULTS

The values of RBC, Hb, and Hct were obvious decreased after intervention, while the value of GOT, GPT, BUN, and CK was elevated.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated the hematological and biochemical changes were caused by the physical training but not the effects of HQJZT. The HQJZT had no adverse effects on the judo athletes in our study.

Propylthiouracil-induced hemolytic anemia

Propylthiouracil (PTU)-induced hemolytic anemia is extremely rare. We reported a case of Graves' disease with these unusual clinical manifestations. A 41-year-old female presented with recurrent attacks of severe hemolytic anemia after PTU therapy. Sugar water test and erythrocytes osmotic fragility test revealed no cellular membrane defect of red blood cells. Antinuclear antibody, direct and indirect Coombs' tests were all negative and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity was also within normal limits. PTU was not discontinued promptly due to unrecognizableness of such a rare case until two months later with recurrent attacks of severe hemolytic anemia. 1-131 therapy was performed on suspicion of related hemolytic anemia. Unfortunately, challenge of PTU occurred incidentally after discontinuation of PTU followed by severe hemolytic anemia. The diagnosis of PTU-induced hemolytic anemia was established thereafter. A MEDLINE search revealed only one such case reported in English literature. This is the first case report in Taiwan. It should be kept in mind that hemolytic anemia may be a rare complication of PTU therapy.

Catalytic nucleophilic acyl substitution of anhydrides by amphoteric vanadyl triflate

[reaction--see text] Among four vanadyl species examined, vanadyl triflate was the most efficient catalyst to facilitate nucleophilic acyl substitution of anhydrides with a myriad array of alcohols, amines, and thiols in high yields and high chemoselectivity. By using mixed-anhydride technique, one can achieve oleate and peptide syntheses. In marked contrast to common metal triflates, the amphoteric character of the V=O unit in vanadyl species was proven to be responsible for the catalytic profile in this process.

Expression patterns and transcript concentrations of the autosomal DAZL gene in testes of azoospermic men

The DAZ (Deleted in AZoospermia) gene cluster on the Y chromosome is a strong candidate for the azoospermia factor. The DAZ gene was derived from an autosomal homologue, DAZL (DAZ-Like). This study was designed to assess the functional role of DAZL in human spermatogenesis. The expression patterns and mRNA transcript levels of DAZL in the testes of 17 azoospermic men were therefore examined by immunohistochemical staining and quantitative competitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. DAZL protein was expressed in the cytoplasm of primary spermatocytes and weakly in spermatogonia. It was detected in the testicular tissues of all subjects with germ cells present. The copy number of the DAZL transcript in normal spermatogenesis (n = 4), hypospermatogenesis or maturation arrest (n = 6), and Sertoli cell-only syndrome (n = 7) ranged from 1.22 x 10(6) to 1.63 x 10(6) per ng of RNA, 1.19 x 10(5) to 2.82 x 10(5) per ng of RNA and 2.83 x 10(4) to 1.23 x 10(5) per ng of RNA respectively. DAZL transcripts were lower in men with spermatogenic failure, and a significant difference was found between the three groups (P < 0.0001). This study suggests that DAZL may play an important role in the human spermatogenic processes of both mitosis and meiosis.

Effects of a hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier (HBOC-201) on coagulation testing

Polymerized bovine hemoglobin (HBOC-201) is currently under investigation as an alternative to blood banked human red cells. Due to the dark red, hemolyzed appearance of HBOC-201, we sought to describe the effects of HBOC-201 on coagulation analyzers that perform prothrombin times (PT), activated partial thromboplastin times, fibrinogen, and antithrombin. Pooled normal plasma was combined with HBOC-201 to achieve plasma hemoglobin levels of 1.4, 2.6 3.8, 4.8, and 6.2 g/dL. Results for each test from HBOC-201 prepared plasmas were compared to saline matched controls. Two consecutive absolute result differences of > 10% between saline controls and HBOC-201 samples were used for determining interference on test accuracy by the concentration of HBOC-201. Mechanical detection methods (fibrometer, STA, CS-190) and the MDA-180 were less affected by increasing levels of HBOC-201 than optical detection devices for all test parameters.

Inner ear localization of mRNA and protein products of COCH, mutated in the sensorineural deafness and vestibular disorder, DFNA9

Missense mutations in the COCH gene, which is expressed preferentially at high levels in the inner ear, cause the autosomal dominant sensorineural deafness and vestibular disorder, DFNA9 (OMIM 601369). By in situ hybridization of mouse and human inner ear sections, we find high-level expression of COCH mRNA in the fibrocytes of the spiral limbus and of the spiral ligament in the cochlea, and in the fibrocytes of the connective tissue stroma underlying the sensory epithelium of the crista ampullaris of the semicircular canals. A polyclonal antibody against the human COCH protein product, cochlin, was raised against the N-terminal 135 amino acid residues of cochlin, corresponding to the Limulus factor C-homology (cochFCH) domain; this domain harbors all five known point mutations in DFNA9. On western blots of human fetal cochlear extracts, anti-cochlin reacts with a cochlin band of the predicted full-length size as well as a smaller isoform. Immunohistochemistry performed with anti-cochlin shows staining predominantly in the regions of the fibrocytes of the spiral limbus and of the spiral ligament in mouse and in human fetal and adult tissue sections. These sites correspond to those areas that express COCH mRNA as determined by in situ hybridization, and to the regions of the inner ear which show histological abnormalities in DFNA9. The fibrocytes expressing mRNA and protein products of COCH are the very cell types which are either absent or markedly reduced and replaced by eosinophilic acellular material in temporal bone sections of individuals affected with DFNA9.

Distinct CD8 T cell functions mediate susceptibility to histoplasmosis during chronic viral infection

It has long been recognized that some viral infections result in generalized immune suppression. In acute infections, this period of suppressed immunity is relatively short. However, chronic infections associated with a prolonged period of immune suppression present far greater risks. Here, we examined the role of CD8 T cell responses following viral infection in immunity to systemic histoplasmosis. Although wild-type mice with systemic histoplasmosis were able to control the infection, those simultaneously infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus clone 13 showed reduced immunity with greater fungal burden and high mortality. The immune suppression was associated with loss of CD4 T cells and B cells, generalized splenic atrophy, and inability to mount a granulomatous response. Removing the anti-viral CD8 T cells in the coinfected mice enabled them to reduce the fungal burden and survive the infection. Their lymphoid organs were replenished with CD4 T and B cells. In contrast to wild-type mice, perforin-deficient mice infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus clone 13 and Histoplasma showed an absence of immunopathology, but the animals still died. These results show that CD8 T cells can suppress immunity through different mechanisms; although immunopathology is perforin-dependent, lethality is perforin-independent.

Extravesical cryosurgical approach for VX2 bladder tumor in rabbits

This study characterized the VX2 bladder cancer model in rabbits and tested the feasibility of treating bladder cancer by extravesical cryosurgery. After the growth characteristics of the VX2 bladder tumor model were determined, the VX2 tumor was inoculated into rabbits at the dome of the bladder. One week later, three freeze/thaw cycles were followed by immediate surgical repair. The control group underwent a sham operation without freezing. When the VX2 tumor is injected into the bladder wall, invasion and central necrosis occurred within I week, lymphatic metastases by 2 weeks, and lung metastases by 3 weeks after inoculation. By 4 weeks, all control rabbits had large VX2 tumors in their bladders and advanced lung metastases. Nine of the ten rabbits in the cryosurgical group had mild to moderate degrees of lung metastases, and six of them had relatively small local recurrences. One rabbit had no tumor in the bladder and only microscopic lung metastasis. The extravesical approach to cryosurgery employing bladder inversion is well tolerated. Cryosurgery exhibits modest efficacy in treating local tumors and delaying lung metastasis in this aggressive tumor model.

Bioinformatics and mass spectrometry for microorganism identification: proteome-wide post-translational modifications and database search algorithms for characterization of intact H. pylori

MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry has been coupled with Internet-based proteome database search algorithms in an approach for direct microorganism identification. This approach is applied here to characterize intact H. pylori (strain 26695) Gram-negative bacteria, the most ubiquitous human pathogen. A procedure for including a specific and common posttranslational modification, N-terminal Met cleavage, in the search algorithm is described. Accounting for posttranslational modifications in putative protein biomarkers improves the identification reliability by at least an order of magnitude. The influence of other factors, such as number of detected biomarker peaks, proteome size, spectral calibration, and mass accuracy, on the microorganism identification success rate is illustrated as well.

AZFa candidate gene deletions in Taiwanese patients with spermatogenic failure

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Deletions of the azoospermia factor subregion a (AZFa) genes in proximal Yq11 are not frequently reported. The majority of AZFa deletions are thought to be associated with more severe testicular phenotypes, such as Sertoli cell-only syndrome. There is a lack of data on AZFa gene deletions in East Asian populations. In this study, we investigated the deletion status of AZFa genes in Taiwanese men with spermatogenic failure.

METHODS

One hundred and eighty-three consecutive men with severe oligozoospermia or non-obstructive azoospermia were enrolled in this study. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed using primers specific to four AZFa genes: AZFaT1, DFFRY, DBY, and UTY. Sequence-tagged site markers (sY740, sY630, sY86, sY85, sY87, sY709, and sY88) were used to define the position of deletions. One hundred and twenty fertile men with normal spermatogenesis were enrolled as controls.

RESULTS

Of the 183 patients, two showed single AZFa gene deletions, resulting in an overall frequency of 1.1%. One of these two patients had DFFRY deletion and the other had DBY deletion; their testicular phenotypes were Sertoli cell-only syndrome and hypospermatogenesis, respectively. Neither patient had deletions extending from AZFa through AZFb or AZFc.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that AZFa gene deletion is infrequent in Taiwanese patients with severe oligozoospermia or non-obstructive azoospermia.

ASSESS-3: a randomised, double-blind, flexible-dose clinical trial of the efficacy and safety of oral sildenafil in the treatment of men with erectile dysfunction in Taiwan

The efficacy and safety of sildenafil were evaluated in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, flexible-dose study in Taiwanese men aged 26 to 80 y with erectile dysfunction (ED) of broad-spectrum aetiology and more than 6 months' duration. A total of 236 patients were randomised at six medical centres in Taiwan to receive either sildenafil (50 mg initially increased if necessary to 100 mg or decreased to 25 mg depending on efficacy and toleration) (n=119) or matching placebo (n=117) taken on an 'as needed' basis 1 h prior to anticipated sexual activity for a period of 12 weeks. At the end of 12 weeks, the primary efficacy variables relating to the achievement and maintenance of erections sufficient for sexual intercourse, and the secondary efficacy variables, which included: (1) the five separate domains of sexual functioning of the IIEF (International Index of Erectile Function) scale, (2) the percentage of successful intercourse attempts; and (3) a global assessment of erections, were all statistically significantly improved by sildenafil in comparison with placebo (P<0.0001). Treatment-related adverse events occurred in 43.7% of patients receiving sildenafil and 18.8% receiving placebo. The most common adverse events with sildenafil were flushing, dizziness and headache (25.2, 6.7 and 5.9% of patients, respectively), and most were mild in nature. The efficacy and safety of sildenafil in the population of Taiwanese men appears similar to that reported in other studies in western populations.

Analysis of Salmonella enteritidis strains isolated from food-poisoning cases in Taiwan by pulsed field gel electrophoresis, plasmid profile and phage typing

AIMS

To establish the molecular typing data for Salmonella enteritidis due to its increasing role in Salmonella infections in Taiwan.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Sixty-three Salm. enteritidis strains isolated from related and unrelated patients suffering from food-borne poisoning during 1991-97 were collected and subjected to pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), plasmid analysis and phage typing. For PFGE, XbaI, SpeI and NotI restriction enzymes were used for chromosomal DNA digestion. The results showed that, for these 63 Salmonella strains, 10 PFGE pattern combinations were found. Of these, pattern X3 S3 N3 was the major subtype, since 46 strains isolated from different locations at different times during 1991-97 showed this PFGE pattern. Plasmid analysis showed only three plasmid profiles and phage typing showed that most of the Salmonella strains were of the phage type PT4.

CONCLUSION

Most of the Salm. enteritidis strains circulating in Taiwan are of very similar genetic types or are highly related and that strains of PFGE pattern X3 S3 N3 are the prevalent and recirculating strains of Salm. enteritidis which caused food-poisoning cases in Taiwan in 1991-97.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study provides information that in Salmonella infection, certain subtypes of Salm. enteritidis should be scrutinized.

Transurethral microwave thermotherapy for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia: long-term durability with Prostcare

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the long-term durability of transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) with Prostcare for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From August 1993 to July 1994, a total of 65 patients with symptomatic BPH who underwent TUMT using the Prostcare apparatus (Bruker Spectospin, Wissembourg, France) with low-energy protocol (maximal power 52 W) were enrolled into a short-term evaluation. Subsequent follow-up information was collected in July 1999. If patients had had any further therapy for BPH, the date of retreatment was considered as an endpoint of TUMT efficacy. If no further therapy for BPH had been needed, they were re-assessed for overall satisfaction.

RESULTS

The median follow-up period was 49 months. Twenty patients were excluded for various reasons, including 17 with loss of follow-up and 3 with new diseases that could affect the voiding status. Thirty-eight (84.4%) of 45 valuable patients had received further therapy for BPH, including medication (n = 21, 46.7%), and endoscopic surgery (n = 17, 37.7%). The times to pharmacologic or endoscopic retreatment after TUMT were 8.9+/-11.1 and 23.0+/-14.4 months, respectively (p = 0.0003, log rank test). Only 7 (15.5%) patients had no further treatment, with 3 having satisfactory improvements, but 4 feel dissatisfied yet not needing any further therapy. In addition, 2 patients complained of erectile dysfunction after TUMT and 1 was diagnosed with prostate cancer 50 months after TUMT. In addition, there was no significant difference for all baseline values among three groups with no retreatment or retreatment with medication or endoscopic surgery.

CONCLUSION

At the 5-year follow-up, the long-term durability of low-energy TUMT with Prostcare is only exhibited in a few patients and the overall retreatment rate was 84.4%. Thus, patient should be informed of the high probability of supplementary treatment after TUMT.

Chromogenic assay measuring opsonophagocytic killing capacities of antipneumococcal antisera

Assays measuring opsonophagocytic killing capacity of immune sera are good surrogate assays for assessing pneumococcal vaccine responses, but they are tedious to perform primarily because the enumeration of surviving bacteria requires the counting of individual bacterial colonies. To overcome this limitation, we have developed a simple and rapid chromogenic assay for estimating the number of surviving bacteria. In this method, the conventional opsonophagocytic killing assays were performed in microtiter wells with differentiated HL-60 cells as phagocytes. At the end of the assay the reaction mixture was cultured for an additional 4.5 h to increase the number of bacteria. After the short culture, XTT (3,3'-[1[(phenylamino)carbonyl]-3,4-tetrazolium]-bis[4-methoxy-6-nitro] benzene sulfonic acid hydrate) and coenzyme Q were added to the wells and the optical density at 450 nm was measured. Our study shows that changes in the optical density were proportional to the number of CFU of live bacteria in the wells. Also, the number of bacteria at the end of the 4.5-h culture was found to be proportional to the original number of bacteria in the wells. When the performance of the chromogenic assay was evaluated by measuring the opsonizing titers of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 6B and 19F, the sensitivity and precision of the new method were similar to those of the conventional opsonization assay employing the colony counting method. Furthermore, the results of this chromogenic assay obtained with 33 human sera correlate well with those obtained with the conventional colony counting method (R > 0.90) for the two serotypes (6B and 19F). Thus, this simple chromogenic assay would be useful in rapidly measuring the capacities of antisera to opsonize pneumococci.

Monoclonal antibodies specific for Neisseria meningitidis group B polysaccharide and their peptide mimotopes

From five mice immunized with Escherichia coli K1 bacteria, we produced 12 immunoglobulin M hybridomas secreting monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) that bind to Neisseria meningitidis group B (NMGB). The 12 MAbs also bound the capsular polysaccharide (PS) of E. coli K1 [which, like NMGB, is alpha(2-8)-linked polysialic acid (PSA)] and bound to EV36, a nonpathogenic E. coli K-12 strain producing alpha(2-8) PSA. Except for HmenB5, which cross-reacted with N. meningitidis group C, none of the MAbs bound to N. meningitidis groups A, C, and Y. Of the 12 MAbs, 6 were autoantibodies as defined by binding to CHP-134, a neuroblastoma cell line expressing short-chain alpha(2-8) PSA; five of these MAbs killed NMGB in the presence of rabbit complement, and two also killed NMGB with human complement. The other six MAbs, however, were nonautoreactive; all killed NMGB with rabbit complement, and five killed NMGB with human complement. To obtain peptide mimotopes of NMGB PS, four of the nonautoreactive MAbs (HmenB2, HmenB3, HmenB13, and HmenB14) were used to screen two types of phage libraries, one with a linear peptide of 7 amino acids and the other with a circular peptide of 7 amino acids inserted between two linked cysteines. We obtained 86 phage clones that bound to the screening MAb in the absence but not in the presence of E. coli K1 PSA in solution. The clones contained 31 linear and 4 circular mimotopes expressing unique sequences. These mimotopes nonrandomly expressed amino acids and were different from previously described mimotopes for NMGB PS. The new mimotopes may be useful in producing a vaccine(s) capable of eliciting anti-NMGB antibodies not reactive with neuronal tissue.

Age-associated changes in collagen content and its subtypes within rat corpora cavernosa with computerized histomorphometric analysis

OBJECTIVES

To study the age-associated changes in the percentage of collagen and subtypes I, III, and IV within the corpora cavernosa in a rat model.

METHODS

The corpora cavernosa tissues were obtained from 30 male Wistar rats at three different ages. Processed with Masson's trichrome staining for collagen and with immunohistochemical staining for the collagen subtypes, the values of the collagen percentage, the percentage of area, and relative proportion of each collagen subtype within the rat corpora cavernosa were measured using an automatic image analysis system. The relationships between an increase in age and these parameters were analyzed.

RESULTS

The percentage of collagen within the corpora cavernosa was higher in the old rats (80 weeks) than in the young (20 weeks) and intermediate-age (40 weeks) rats (P = 0.02 and P = 0.25, respectively) and significantly increased with age (P = 0.021). The values of the percentage of area of collagen subtypes III and IV also increased significantly with age (P = 0.039 and P = 0.019, respectively). The value of the percentage of area of collagen subtype I was not significantly increased (P = 0.159). Also, no significant differences were found in the relative proportions of all three collagen subtypes with age among the three age groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The percentages of collagen within rat corpora cavernosa significantly increased, but not strongly, with age, especially collagen subtypes III and IV. However, the relative proportion of each subtype did not change with age. Therefore, we conclude that the amount of collagen may only partly contribute to erectile dysfunction in the aging process of the rat.

Correlations between osteocalcin content, degree of mineralization, and mechanical properties of C. carpio rib bone

Osteocalcin is one of the most abundant noncollagenous proteins in bone. It is strongly associated with the mineral phase of bone, and has long been associated as a marker of bone turnover. However, its relationship to bone composition, strength, and structure is unclear. Carp rib bone is an excellent model for the study, because osteocalcin represents almost 60% of the total extractable noncollagenous proteins found in it. Because of the abundance of osteocalcin relative to other extractable proteins, any changes in the properties of carp rib bone would be more likely influenced by the osteocalcin concentration. To test the hypotheses that the concentration of osteocalcin is reflected in other properties of bone, the correlations between the osteocalcin concentration and the mineral content, microstructural properties, and physical characteristics of the bone mineral crystals were determined utilizing radioimmunoassay (RIA), spectrophotometry, nanoindentation, and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) techniques, respectively. Osteocalcin concentration was found to be correlated to the molar Ca/P ratio and inversely correlated to the elastic modulus and hardness in the longitudinal plane. This study provides evidence for a putative relationship between the concentration of osteocalcin and the microstructural mechanical properties of bone. Correlations were also found between the mechanical properties in the longitudinal plane and both the phosphate content and the molar Ca/P ratio. However, no relationships could be identified between osteocalcin concentration and several parameters of bone crystals, as determined by SAXS.

Novel mutations in the Factor VII gene of Taiwanese Factor VII-deficient patients

The genetic defects of four Taiwanese patients with factor VII (FVII) deficiency were studied. FVII activity and antigen levels were < 1 u/dl and 125.7 u/dl (patient I), < 1 u/dl and < 1 u/dl (patient II), 3.4 u/dl and 5.9 u/dl (patient III), and 1.2 u/dl and 30.4 u/dl (patient IV) respectively. The 5' flanking region, and all exons and junctions were amplified using polymerase chain reaction and sequenced. Patient I was homozygous for a 10824C-->A transversion with Pro303-->Thr mutation in exon 8. In patient II, a heterozygous transversion, 9007+1G-->T at the IVS6, a heterozygous decanucleotide insertion polymorphism at -323 (both mutations present in his father) and a heterozygous deletion, del TC (26-27) in exon 1A (originating from his mother) were identified. Patient III had a homozygous 10961T-->G transversion with His348-->Gln mutation in exon 8. Patient IV had a heterozygous 10902T-->G transversion with Cys329-->Gly mutation in exon 8 (transmitted to her second son) and a heterozygous decanucleotide insertion polymorphism at -323 (transmitted to her third son). All but one of the FVII gene mutations detected in the four patients have not been previously reported. In conclusion, four novel mutations of the FVII gene in Taiwanese, including two missense mutations in exon 8, one point mutation at the exon 6 splice site and one deletion in exon 1A, were identified.

Transurethral microwave thermotherapy for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia: short-term experience with Prostcare

PURPOSE

To assess our short-term experience with transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From August 1993 through July 1994, in total 65 patients with symptomatic BPH were enrolled into this study. The patients' ages ranged from 56 to 95 years with a mean of 70 years. Under local anesthesia with intraurethral instillation of Xylocaine jelly only, all patients received one session of TUMT for up to 60 min with Prostcare equipment. Uroflowmetry was performed and international prostatic symptom score (IPSS) determined before 3 and 6 months after TUMT for assessment of efficacy. All adverse events were recorded and evaluated for clinical relevance.

RESULTS

At 3 and 6 months following TUMT, the mean IPSS decreased from 19.7 +/- 6.8 (baseline) to 12.8 +/- 8.2 (-46%) and to 15.5 +/- 9.0 (-21%), respectively; the maximal urine flow rate at 3 and 6 months increased from 9.1 +/- 4.8 ml/s (baseline) to 11.0 +/- 4.9 ml/s (+21%) and to 10.9 +/- 5.6 ml/s (+19%), respectively. During TUMT, burning sensation was the most frequent complaint (38.5%), followed by urethral discomfort (29.2%) and urgency (9.2%). Two patients (3.1%) interrupted TUMT, because of intolerable pain. Following TUMT micturition pain (73.8%) and gross hematuria (45.9%) were the most adverse events. Most of these adverse events disappeared within 2 weeks. One patient suffered from skin erosion over the penoscrotal junction 1 week later. None had retrograde ejaculation; 1 patient complained of erectile dysfunction.

CONCLUSION

Although the efficacy of TUMT with Prostcare became less prominent 6 months after TUMT, TUMT was still a tolerable, safe alternative treatment of BPH, especially in patients who were not suitable for transurethral resection of the prostate or anesthesia.

Successful testicular sperm extraction and paternity in an azoospermic man after bilateral postpubertal orchiopexy

Postpubertal orchiopexy is usually considered a cosmetic operation and unlikely to have any effect on fertility. We describe a 32-year-old patient with bilateral undescended testes who underwent bilateral orchiopexy at 18 years of age. He presented with primary infertility and azoospermia. After fertility counseling, testicular sperm extraction in conjunction with intracytoplasmic sperm injection was performed. A few spermatozoa were recovered and produced a fertilization rate of 42.9%. Pregnancy resulted and a healthy baby girl was delivered. We suggest that orchiopexy be recommended in infertile men with bilateral cryptorchidism, and that testicular sperm extraction be recommended if azoospermia persists after surgery.

Influence of gamma irradiation and storage on apheresis platelets

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Gamma irradiation of platelet concentrates to prevent graft-versus-host disease may inactivate contaminated lymphocytes and subsequently inhibit the synthesis of cytokines in the apheresis platelets during storage. We investigated the influence of irradiation and storage on apheresis platelets collected with the COBE Spectra or Fenwal CS-3000 Plus systems.

METHODS

Eleven units of apheresis platelets were collected with a COBE Spectra cell separator and another 11 units with a Fenwal CS-3000 Plus system. Each unit of apheresis platelets was divided into two equal parts: one was irradiated with 3000 cGy directly after blood donation, and the other served as a control. Cell counts, platelet activation marker CD62 antigen, blood gas values, and supernatant concentrations of K+, Na+, lactate, glucose, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were determined in paired samples on the day of collection (day 0) and after 5 days of storage (day 5).

RESULTS

No significant differences in white cell counts or TNF-alpha concentrations were noted between the irradiated and control platelets on day 0 or day 5, whereas the mean proportion of platelets expressing CD62P (22.65% vs 25%, p = 0.014) and the mean IL-1 beta (45.55 pg/mL vs 52.75 pg/mL, p = 0.004) and IL-8 concentrations (10.68 pg/mL vs 13.07 pg/mL, p = 0.015) were significantly lower in irradiated than control platelets on day 5. The 5-day storage significantly increased the mean proportion of platelets expressing CD62P (25.00% vs 15.02%, p = 0.008), mean PO2 (116.34 mm Hg vs 98.07 mm Hg, p = 0.002), and mean concentrations of K+ (3.30 mmol/L vs 3.06 mmol/L, p < 0.001), lactate (15.12 mmol/L vs 3.23 mmol/L, p < 0.001), IL-1 beta (52.75 pg/mL vs 29.73 pg/mL, p = 0.001), and IL-8 (13.07 pg/mL vs 3.62 pg/mL, p < 0.001). Five-day storage also significantly decreased white cell count (0.18 x 10(8) vs 0.74 x 10(8), p < 0.001), PCO2 (19.38 mm Hg vs 50.51 mm Hg, p < 0.001), and concentrations of HCO3- (10.36 mmol/L vs 21.34 mmol/L, p < 0.001) and glucose (193.37 mg/dL vs 309.18 mg/dL, p < 0.001). Platelet counts and concentrations of IL-1 beta, IL-8, and TNF-alpha on day 0 did not differ significantly between control apheresis platelets collected with the Fenwal CS-3000 Plus and those collected with COBE Spectra. The mean white cell count (1.29 x 10(8) vs 0.19 x 10(8), p = 0.002) and the proportion of platelets expressing CD62P (24.71% vs 7.09%, p < 0.001) on day 0, however, were significantly higher in the platelets collected with the Fenwal CS3000-Plus than in those collected with the COBE Spectra.

CONCLUSIONS

Gamma irradiation of apheresis platelets inhibits the expression of platelet CD62P and the secretion of IL-1 beta and IL-8 after 5 days' storage.

Factor V Arg306 --> Gly mutation is not associated with activated protein C resistance and is rare in Taiwanese Chinese

Polymerase chain reaction amplification followed by BstOI enzyme digestion and DNA sequencing was employed to detect the mutation of factor V gene. The subjects consisted of 105 venous thrombophilic patients and 183 healthy controls. Only one patient was found to have factor V Arg306 --> Gly mutation, his elder son also had an identical mutation. None of the healthy subjects studied had Arg306 --> Thr mutation. The rare event of factor V Arg306 --> Gly mutation in patients and controls suggest that this mutation is not associated with increased risk of venous thrombosis. Conventional, modified and extended activated protein C (APC) resistance assays in this patient and his family members clearly showed that factor V Arg306 --> Gly mutation is not associated with APC resistance (APC sensitivity ratio <2). In conclusion, factor V Arg306 --> Gly mutation is rare in Taiwanese Chinese and not associated with APC resistance, it is possibly not a risk factor for venous thrombophilic thrombosis.