Three transitions in the RNA polymerase II transcription complex during initiation

We have analyzed transcription initiation by RNA polymerase II (pol II) in a highly efficient in vitro transcription system composed of essentially homogeneous protein preparations. The pol II complex was stalled on adenovirus major late promoter templates at defined positions, and the open region and RNA products of these complexes were examined. The first transition is formation of the open complex, which can be reversed by addition of ATPgammaS. The open region is no longer sensitive to ATPgammaS after formation of a four-nucleotide RNA, which constitutes the second transition. This indicates that the ATP-dependent DNA helicase activity of TFIIH is required to maintain the open region only during formation of the first three phosphodiester bonds. The downstream part of the transcription bubble expands in a continuous motion, but the initially opened region (-9/-2 on the non-template strand) recloses abruptly when transcription reaches register 11. This third transition is accompanied by a switch from abortive to productive RNA synthesis, which implies promoter clearance. Our findings provide a framework to analyze regulation of these specific transitions during transcription initiation by pol II.

Optimization of scFv antibody production in transgenic plants

BACKGROUND

Plants offer various advantages for the production of pharmaceutical proteins over conventional production systems such as bacterial or mammalian cell culture. In order to explore transgenic plants for large-scale production and storage of recombinant antibodies we tried to optimize the accumulation and stability of functionally active single chain Fv (scFv) antibodies in transgenic tobacco plants.

OBJECTIVES

Two different scFv antibodies which were expressed in different plant organs and plant cell compartments have been used for the study. Accumulation levels and antibody properties such as stability and antigen-binding activity were investigated.

STUDY DESIGN

For ubiquitous expression in tobacco plants, transcription of the scFv genes was controlled by the strong cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter. We used seed specific legumin B4 (LeB4) and the unknown seed protein (USP) promoters from Vicia faba for storage organ specific expression.

RESULTS

High accumulation of the two different scFv proteins in transgenic tobacco plants was only achieved by retention of the recombinant antibodies in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Expression levels of scFv antibodies reached up to 4-6.8% of total soluble proteins (TSP) in leaves and up to 3-4% in ripe tobacco seeds. Transgenic tobacco seeds as well as tobacco leaves facilitated stable storage of ER-accumulated scFvs over an extended (seeds) or a short (leaves) period of time. Functionally active scFv proteins could be extracted after harvesting of the leaf material--drying and storage for 1 week at room temperature. Both the amount and the binding activity of the scFv proteins remained unchanged.

CONCLUSION

A plant expression system where the scFv-proteins are targeted in the ER provides not only the highest accumulation level of active single chain Fv antibodies ever reported but also a short- or long-term storage of the foreign protein in the harvested plant material.

Seed-specific immunomodulation of abscisic acid activity induces a developmental switch

A single-chain Fv antibody (scFv) gene, which has previously been used to immunomodulate abscisic acid (ABA) activity in transgenic tobacco to create a 'wilty' phenotype, was put under control of the seed-specific USP promoter from Vicia faba and used to transform tobacco. Transformants were phenotypically similar to wild-type plants apart from their seeds. Anti-ABA scFv embryo development differed markedly from wild-type embryo development. Seeds which accumulated similar levels of a scFv that binds to oxazolone, a hapten absent from plants, developed like wild-type embryos. Anti-ABA scFv embryos developed green cotyledons containing chloroplasts and accumulated photosynthetic pigments but produced less seed storage protein and oil bodies. Anti-ABA scFv seeds germinated precociously if removed from seed capsules during development but were incapable of germination after drying. Total ABA levels were higher than in wild-type seeds but calculated free ABA levels were near-zero until 21 days after pollination. We show for the first time seed-specific immunomodulation and the resulting switch from the seed maturation programme to a germination programme. We conclude that the immunomodulation of hormones can alter the development programme of target organs, allowing the study of the directly blocked endogenous molecules and manipulation of the system concerned.

Pyruvate decarboxylase from Pisum sativum. Properties, nucleotide and amino acid sequences

To study the molecular structure and function of pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC) from plants the protein was isolated from pea seeds and partially characterised. The active enzyme which occurs in the form of higher oligomers consists of two different subunits appearing in SDS/PAGE and mass spectroscopy experiments. For further experiments, like X-ray crystallography, it was necessary to elucidate the protein sequence. Partial cDNA clones encoding pyruvate decarboxylase from seeds of Pisum sativum cv. Miko have been obtained by means of polymerase chain reaction techniques. The first sequences were found using degenerate oligonucleotide primers designated according to conserved amino acid sequences of known pyruvate decarboxylases. The missing parts of one cDNA were amplified applying the 3'- and 5'-rapid amplification of cDNA ends systems. The amino acid sequence deduced from the entire cDNA sequence displays strong similarity to pyruvate decarboxylases from other organisms, especially from plants. A molecular mass of 64 kDa was calculated for this protein correlating with estimations for the smaller subunit of the oligomeric enzyme. The PCR experiments led to at least three different clones representing the middle part of the PDC cDNA indicating the existence of three isozymes. Two of these isoforms could be confirmed on the protein level by sequencing tryptic peptides. Only anaerobically treated roots showed a positive signal for PDC mRNA in Northern analysis although the cDNA from imbibed seeds was successfully used for PCR.

Expression of a single-chain Fv antibody against abscisic acid creates a wilty phenotype in transgenic tobacco

The plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) participates in the control of several important physiological processes in plants such as stomata regulation, seed dormancy and stress tolerance. A new strategy was developed to study these phenomena by blocking abscisic acid with intracellularly expressed specific single-chain variable fragment (scFv) antibodies. Here evidence is presented that the expression of single-chain Fv antibodies against abscisic acid in the endoplasmic reticulum of transgenic tobacco cells leads to a wilty phenotype. Stomatal conductance is increased at high CO2 concentrations dependent on the level of antibody expression in leaves. Symptoms of abscisic acid deficiency were generated in the transformants although they have even higher levels of abscisic acid than wild-type plants.

High-level production and long-term storage of engineered antibodies in transgenic tobacco seeds

We have used transgenic tobacco seeds to produce large amounts of a functionally active engineered antibody. A gene infusion encoding an antigen-binding single chain Fv protein (scFv) that recognizes the hapten oxazolone was constructed and used as a model. After characterization in a bacterial expression system ,the scFv gene was cloned into a plant expression cassette conferring seed specific expression, and transferred using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, into Nicotiana tabacum. The expressed scFv could be detected in the developing as well as ripe seeds of regenerated transgenic plants, and the functionally active scFv is stabaly deposited and accumulates up to 0.67% of the total soluble seed protein. After storage of ripe transgenic tobacco seeds for one year at room temperature there was no loss of scFv protein or its antigen-binding activity.

Mechanism of activation of a response regulator: interaction of NtrC-P dimers induces ATPase activity

NtrC is the transcriptional activator for nitrogen-regulated promoters and, as a response regulator, belongs to the protein family of two-component systems. The activity of all response regulators is modulated by phosphorylation of the conserved N-terminal receiver domain. Phosphorylation of the dimeric NtrC has two consequences: (i) a strong increase in the cooperative binding of NtrC to two adjacent binding sites and (ii) activation of NtrC as an ATPase. Here we show that phosphorylation of NtrC is not sufficient for activation of NtrC. At low protein concentrations (50 nM), phosphorylated NtrC was only active as an ATPase upon cooperative binding to DNA. At high protein concentrations (above 50 nM), NtrC was active in the absence of DNA, and activation occurred in parallel with the formation of high-molecular-weight aggregates. We infer that activation of NtrC involves an interaction between two NtrC-P dimers and proceeds in two steps. The first step is the phosphorylation of NtrC. The second step is the interaction between two NtrC-P dimers. This interaction induces the conformational change in NtrC-P to the active conformation.

A common switch in activation of the response regulators NtrC and PhoB: phosphorylation induces dimerization of the receiver modules

During signal transduction, response regulators of two-component systems are phosphorylated in a conserved receiver module. Phosphorylation induces activation of the non-conserved output domain. We fused various domains of the response regulators NtrC, PhoB or CheB to the DNA binding domain of lambda repressor. Analysis of these hybrid proteins shows that the receiver modules of NtrC and PhoB are potential dimerization domains. In the unphosphorylated proteins, the ability of the receiver modules to dimerize is masked due to inhibition by their output domains. Inhibition can be relieved in two ways: phosphorylation of the receiver module or deletion of the output domain. In contrast, the receiver module of CheB lacks this ability for dimerization. We propose a model which groups response regulators into two classes. Common to both classes is the interaction between receiver and output domain in the unphosphorylated protein. In class I (e.g. NtrC and PhoB), this interaction leads to the inhibition of the receiver module. Phosphorylation relieves inhibition, thereby inducing activation via dimerization of the receiver modules. In class II (e.g. CheB), the interaction between receiver and output domain results in inhibition of the output domain. Phosphorylation relieves inhibition, thereby activating the output domain.

Pathogenesis of myocardial fibrosis in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR)

The pathomechanisms of myocardial fibrosis are incompletely understood. Coronary microvessels (MV), interstitial reactions and focal myocardial lesions characterized by morphological signs of ischaemia were found in 39 spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR) and 33 control rats aged 3, 13, 27, 52 and 78 weeks, using new morphological preparations and measuring methods. In the developing phase of spontaneous hypertension (SH) the numerical and area densities (developed for up to 13 weeks) of MV were lower than at 3 weeks and lower than control. The same was true for the fibrotic tissue density. However, all values were increased in the manifest phase of SH (27-78 weeks). The increase in interstitial tissue is topologically and causally related to pathological MV reactions that represent morphologically chronically increased contractions. Small MV that mostly elude detection with conventional staining methods are of particular importance. The first phase of manifest SH (27th-52nd week) is characterized by a generalized development of myocardial fibrosis; the late phase (52nd-78th week) by a reinforced localized fibrosis that is attributable to the enhanced progression of focal ischaemic myocardial lesions. The septal region is not included in this phase. Thus, in the two phases of manifest SH, the pathomechanisms responsible for the development of myocardial fibrosis must be different.

Ileal conduit urinary diversion 16 months before renal transplantation in a case of non-functioning lower urinary tract

The case history of a cadaveric kidney graft recipient with complete non-functioning of the lower urinary tract is reported. An ileal conduit was formed 16 months prior to transplantation. The graft ureter was implanted into the conduit without any problems, graft functioning was excellent, and no surgical, metabolic, or infectious complications occurred during the 18-month follow-up period.

Automated histomorphometry of interstitial reactions in the heart

A method is presented suitable to measure changes in area densities of the total Sirius red-stained interstitial tissue in longitudinal sections of rat hearts by means of computer-aided image analysis considering at the same time the behavior of six regions and changes in the percentage of thick connective tissue fibers in the total interstitial tissue. Verification tests were directed to the influences of preparation, adjustment of the grey-level thresholds, and identification of the various regions, to marginal conditions of measurement and the investigators. The reliability of the method with acceptable total errors is demonstrated.

Hygroma renale: pararenal lymphatic cysts associated with renin-dependent hypertension (Page kidney). Case report on bilateral cysts and successful therapy by marsupialization

A total of 42 cases of large symptomatic parapelvic or pararenal lymphatic cysts has been reported since 1890, of which 54% were associated with hypertension and 14% were bilateral. We report on a patient in whom during a 3-month period abdominal pain and distention developed successively on both sides associated with hypertension. Initially, ultrasound and computerized tomography revealed a large multicystic pararenal lymphatic mass on the right side and small parapelvic hilus lesions on the left side. Two months after resection and marsupialization of the large cyst on the right side the small hilus lesions on the left side developed into large pararenal cysts requiring the same therapeutic measures. Hypertension was reversible after surgery in both instances; at the second operation high preoperative and lower postoperative renin activity, active renin, total renin, aldosterone and atrial natriuretic factor in plasma were noted. Immunoreactive active and total renin levels in the lymph fluid were elevated, a finding that may be explained by the renal origin of the lymph. Marsupialization is a kidney preserving measure that reverses all symptoms of large pararenal cysts, including Page kidney hypertension.

A complex ensemble of cis-regulatory elements controls the expression of a Vicia faba non-storage seed protein gene

We have identified cis-regulatory elements within the 5'-upstream region of a Vicia faba non-storage seed protein gene, called usp, by studying the expression of usp-promoter deletion fragments fused to reporter genes in transgenic tobacco seeds. 0.4 kb of usp upstream sequence contain at least six, but probably more, distinct cis-regulatory elements which are responsible for seemingly all quantitative, spatial and temporal aspects of expression. Expression-increasing and -decreasing elements are interspersed and include an AT-rich sequence, a G-box element and a CATGCATG motif. The latter acts as a negative element in contrast to what has been found for the same motif in legumin- and vicilin-type seed storage protein gene promoters. Seed specificity of expression is mainly determined by the -68/+51 region which confers, however, only very low levels of expression. The data support the combinatorial model of promoter function.

[Perineal ectopic testis]

The case of a 24-year-old patient is presented who was erroneously presumed to have unilateral testicular aplasia following inguinal exploration in early childhood. At the age of 24 years he underwent surgery for a soft perineal mass, which was found to be perineal testicular ectopia associated with a congenital hernia. Histological examination of the excised testicle revealed atrophy of the germinal epithelium. A survey of the literature yielded approximately 175 more cases of perineal testicular ectopia. This is the most frequent from of testicular ectopia with a relative incidence of less than 1% of all cases of undescended testes. Ectopic testes seem only to differ from undescended testes in terms of topography. Little difference can be observed in terms of histology or the incidence of concomitant hernias.

Transplantation of a horseshoe kidney en bloc: report of a case

Transplantation of a horseshoe kidney rarely has been reported. We report a case of successful en bloc transplantation of a horseshoe kidney. The kidney could not be divided because of a complex vascular situation in the isthmus region. The recipient was discharged from our hospital with normal kidney function 12 days postoperatively. We recommend the use of kidneys with anatomical malformations for transplantation.

[DTIC: effect on fibrinolysis and thrombocyte function]

Pathogenesis of Budd-Chiari-syndrome, under treatment e.g. of malignant melanoma with DTIC (dacarbacin) is still unknown. In our investigations we could not find any hint for the hypothesis that Budd-Chiari-syndrome under DTIC is caused by hemostaseological impairment.

Effects of angiotensin II and ACTH on normal and tumourous human adrenocortical cells

Isolated adrenocortical cells from 6 patients with a 'normal' zona fasciculata, 4 patients with a 'normal' zona glomerulosa, and tumour cells from 1 adrenocortical adenoma and 1 carcinoma were incubated with and without increasing concentrations of ACTH 1-24 (10(-13) M to 10(-9) M) or Asp1-Ile5-angiotensin II (10(-11) M to 10(-7) M). In 4/5 'normal' cases, cortisol was clearly stimulated by 10(-13) M ACTH. The maximum of the dose-response curve (5-fold stimulation) was reached at 10(-10) M ACTH. Angiotensin II (AII) started to stimulate 'normal' cells at 10(-11) M with a maximum (2-fold stimulation) at 10(-9) M. Aldosterone production by 'normal' cells was less markedly stimulated by ACTH and AII, although the threshold doses for both peptides were similar to those of the cortisol response curves. The cells of the adrenocortical adenoma from a patient with Cushing's syndrome produced large amounts of cortisol and small amounts of aldosterone, both steroids being clearly stimulated by ACTH and AII. The adrenocortical carcinoma cells produced small amounts of cortisol and no aldosterone. Cortisol production responded to ACTH, but not to AII. The results suggest that an activated renin-angiotensin system may stimulate the zona fasciculata, since 10(-11) M AII (= 10 pg AII/ml) is a normal plasma AII concentration on an unrestricted diet. Clinical evidence supporting this thesis is reviewed. However, cortisol production itself will rarely be increased by AII in vivo, since a down-regulation of ACTH would occur.

[Long-term results after kidney transplantation]

In this investigation, our own long-term results after kidney transplantation were compared with those in literature, and the influence of recent findings on the survival rate of patients and transplants was analyzed. In 217 kidney transplant patients, the 5 and 9-year-patient survival rate was calculated at 58% and 45% respectively. The 9-year-transplant function rate was 38%. Analogous results can be derived from collective international and European statistics. The long-term patient survival rate after successful transplantation shows better results than comparable statistics of hemodialysis treatment. Analysis of the results fractionated into the years 1970 to 1974, 1975 to 1977 and 1978 to 1981 shows a continuous improvement in the survival rate of patients and transplants. This improvement of results can be attributed to the reduction of surgical complications with increasing experience and particularly to knowledge recently gained in the field of transplantation immunology (compatibility in the HLA-A/B and -DR system, preoperative blood transfusions) and immunosuppression (reduction of steroid doses, supplementary ATG and cyclosporin A medication).

[Value of computer tomography in the staging of bladder and prostatic cancer]

In carcinomas of the urinary bladder we regard a humpy contour of the outer wall of the bladder as a transmural growth of the tumour, i.e. stage T4. A retraction of the wall or a plateau phenomenon was assigned to an intramural infiltration (stage T2 or T3). Contrary to the caudal lymphography in several cases changes in the nodes of the iliaca interna-group could be proved. The computer tomography seems to prove in such cases, in which the arteriography of the urinary bladder could not fulfil the expectations (9, 10). The results illustrate that by means of the methods chosen by us a delimitation of early invasive form paravesically growing vesical tumours is possible (12, 17, 18). In the classification of the carcinoma of the prostate the computer tomography does not give more essential informations in comparison to the rectal palpation, the vesiculography and the lymphography. The distinction of a normal prostate from the benign or malignant tumour tissue is not successful, since there are no specific differences in density. Particularly the tumour infiltration into the seminal vesicles could not be established early enough (7, 13). In the estimation of regional settlements of lymphatic nodes the statements are above all based on controls of the course, only a few cases could be ascertained histologically. In these cases it is necessary to keep in mind that in the computer tomography only lymphatic nodes from a diameter of 1.5-2 cm are recognizable. Since the computer tomography is a non-invasive method, it can be used for the pre- and postoperative diagnostics as well for controls of the course in tumour diseases of the lower urinary tract (2, 8, 20). However, no evidence can be made on the dignity of the spacial demands.

Determination of auto-antibodies against spermatozoa in experimental cryptorchism

In 70% of the patients with unilateral retentio testis the normal descended testicle shows damage in spermiogenesis too. The formation of auto-antibodies is considered as a possible cause. In rats with artificial uni- and bilateral cryptorchism, this mechanism was examined. The presence of auto-antibodies against spermatozoa could be proven by indirect immunofluorescence. After uni- and bilateral intra-abdominal displacement of the testicles, this phenomenon takes place after the 3rd month post-operatively, shows the maximum of titers after 6 months and decreases towards the 9th month post-operatively. An animal model is presented, suitable for the study of immunological processes in unilateral gonadal diseases.

[Indications, technique and results in treatment of hypospadias (author's transl)]

Surgical indications and results are reported in a 66 patients. The very suitable methods for distal hypospadias repair according to Hoffmann-Hall and Dettmar with their advantages are presented as a supplement to the genial method of Meyer-Burgdorff and Denis Browne. A schematic procedure is described for choosing the preferred method od operation, as illustrated by our good results.

[Comparative statistic of complications in openprostatectomy and transurethral resection (author's transl)]

On the basis of the case material of 1049 patients, the advantages and disadvantages of enucleation and the transurethral resection of the prostatic adenoma are compared. There are no significant differences in the lethality of the operation. Although at present preference is generally given to the transurethral resection, this procedure appears less favorable to us with regard to the intraoperative complications as well as late complications of urethral strictures, during long-term follow-up.

[Determination of auto-antibodies against spermatozoa after vasectomy and epididymectomy by indirect immunofluorescence (author's transl)]

As a result of successful recanalization of the vas deferens, a low pregnancy rate has been observed. The formation of auto-antibodies is considered as cause. In vasectomized and epididymectomized rats, the presence of auto-antibodies against spermatozoa was proven by indirect immunofluorescence. After uni- and/or bilateral obstruction of the vasa, the formation of antibodies against spermatozoa takes place which - after 2 months - proves to be permanent for 9 months, then showing a decreased titre. An animal model is presented suitable for the study of immunological processes in unilateral gonadal diseases.

Comparative analysis of the results of suspension-urethroplasty according to Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz and of urethrovesicopexy with adhesive

A comparative analysis is presented of the results of adhesive urethrovesicopexy and the conventional suspension method according to Marshall, Marchetti and Krantz. It appears that the results are less favorable when compared to those mentioned in the literature, and no doubt attributable to the difficult differential diagnosis of stress and urge incontinence. The adhesive method supplies significantly less favorable results than the conventional method according to Marshall, Marchetti and Krantz.

[Experimental studies on the reaction of the vas deferens to different traumata]

In animal experiments the reaction of the ductus deferens to various traumata was studied. The investigations performed on 115 rats were to clarify the following problems: 1. Can a transient trauma, as occurring during preparation or roentgenographic visualization, cause a luminal obstruction? 2. How can vasectomy be done safely in such a manner that chances for a later vasovasotomy are not reduced more than necessary? The findings permit the following conclusions: 1. The surgical exposure of the ductus deferens as well as the checking of its permeability by means of x-ray contrast medium do not lead to a luminal obliteration when performed appropriately under surgical conditions in the course of a vasovasotomy. 2. Sterilization is achieved by partial vasoresection combined with intravasal fulguration. However, the ductus deferens remains understroyed not far from the defect; therefore, after resection of the scarred area a vasovasostomy would still be successful.

[The diagnostic value of radiological, nuclear medicine and biochemical methods for detection of bone metastases in carcinoma of the prostate (author's transl)]

785 combined diagnostic procedures are reported which were carried out on 353 patients with microscopically proven carcinoma of the prostate in order to detect metastases. X-ray films of the thorax, spine and pelvis were taken. Also bone-scintigraphy was done with 87MSr or 99MTc-polyphosphate. Additionally the alcaline, acid and prostate phosphatases were determined. A diagnostic coincidence between radiological results and bone-scan was found in 95.1% of cases. The bone-scan was false negative in 3.7%. Only in 1.2% metastases were detected earlier by the bone-scan than by x-ray examinations. Referring to the number of studies identical results were found. In roentgenologically detected metastases an increased serum level of the alcaline phosphatase was found in 61%, of the acid phosphatase in 31% and of the prostate-phosphatase in 25%.

[Experiences with various antireflux operations (author's transl)]

One hundred and thirty-eight antireflux operations in 94 patients are reported from 1964 to 1974. Bischoff's method was used 44 times with 63% successful results; Lich/Grégoir's method 38 times with 77% success; and Politano/Leadbetter's method 50 times with 92% success. Indications are briefly investigated.

[Results of radical perineal prostatectomy: 14 years' experience (author's transl)]

One hundred radical perineal prostatectomies are reported, which were performed during the past 14 years. In this series were 36 patients with stage C carcinomas, which could not be operated radically by total prostatectomy. This shows the difficulties in preoperative staging of these tumors. In spite of doing routinely a vesiculography and a lymphography these tumors were frequently undervalued. The 5-year survival rates, being 66.6% in stage A/B and C carcinomas correspond nearly to the results of Belt. The postoperative incontinence rate was 10%. Only two patients retained their potency. There were no postoperative mortalities.

[Epididymal tumors (author's transl)]

Six cases of benign primary epididymal tumor have been investigated in our patients. The tumor size fluctuated between 3 and 35 mm in diameter. Frequency, histology and medical development are described. The majority of epididymal tumors (53%) is comprised of so-called adenomatoid tumors of benign nature and their histogenesis is being discussed. The difficulties of differential diagnosis are pointed out. Since malignity exists in 26% of the cases, the surgical exposure and diagnosis by frozen section is being postulated, when suspicion of epididymal tumor becomes evident.

[Echinococcal infection of the kidney (author's transl)]

800 echinococcal infections of the kidney have been described in the world literature, nevertheless, here this disease is very rare. As a result of increasing tourism and employment of workers coming from endemic areas, the morbidity rises and the clinical picture gains in importance. A review has been made of epidemiology, life cycle and symptomatology of the cystic echinococcus and the diagnosis, differential diagnosis and therapy of this parasitosis has been discussed with reference to two misdiagnosed cases from our own patients.

[Comparative investigations in closing nephrotomies with conventional suturing technique and dura ribbons (author's transl)]

On 13 rabbits total longitudinal nephrotomies were performed on both kidneys. On the right side the margins of the parenchyma were sutured together with figure eight sutures. On the left, the nephrotomies were closed by tying ribbons of human dura around the kidney. Excretory urograms after 4-8 months showed no differences on both sides. On histological examination there was no difference of the scars. After roentgenological and histological criteria there are no advantages by closing kidney wounds with dura ribbons versus conventional suturing technique.

[Lyophilized pig bladder as a partial bladder wall substitute (author's transl)]

Lyophilized pig bladder was used as partial replacement of the urinary bladder wall on 22 rabbits. This material is not suitable for this purpose. Lyophilized pig bladder shows no advantages compared to human dura as a bladder wall substitute.

[Experience with a one-stage hypospadias repair (author's transl)]

33 single-stage hypospadias repairs are reported, which were performed within 2 years. The operative technique is described. In two cases, fistulas developed and required operative treatment. The average follow-up was 13.5 months. 28 cases showed good functional and cosmetical results. Three cases required additional surgery to improve the cosmetical result. The Allen-Spence-Hoffman-Hall one-stage technique has proved to be suitable to correct a distal hypospadias without chordee.

Replacement of tunica albuginea of corpus cavernosum penis using human dura. Experimental study on dogs

The tunica albuginea of corpus cavernosum penis was excised and replaced with human dura in experiments on 11 dogs. The surface of the implant epithelialized within three weeks, and later the implant was replaced by autologous tissue with no scarring and shrinkage. After resection of placques in Peyronie's disease the tunica albuginea can be replaced with specially treated human dura.