Granuloma anulare als mögliche kutane Paraneoplasie

Die paraneoplastische Variante des Granuloma anulare (GA) ist eine seltene kutane Manifestation einer zugrunde liegenden Malignität, die am häufigsten ein systemisches Lymphom ist. Wir berichten über den Fall eines Patienten mit Urothelkarzinom des Ureters und ca. 2 Jahre später mit Rezidiv-Urothelkarzinom der Harnblase mit disseminiertem und therapierefraktärem GA. Das GA trat nahezu gleichzeitig mit dem Urothelkarzinom auf, nach der Tumorentfernung bildete es sich etwas zurück und verschlechterte sich erneut bei dem Rezidiv des Karzinoms. Die enge zeitliche Korrelation der klinischen Verläufe dieser beiden Krankheiten weist darauf hin, dass ihre Koexistenz mehr als ein zufälliger Befund ist. Dieser Fall hebt hervor, wie wichtig es ist, ein paraneoplastisches GA auszuschließen, besonders in Fällen, in denen die Hautmanifestationen umfangreich und resistent gegen die Behandlung sind.

Versailles Project on Advanced Materials and Standards Interlaboratory Study on Measuring the Thickness and Chemistry of Nanoparticle Coatings Using XPS and LEIS

We report the results of a VAMAS (Versailles Project on Advanced Materials and Standards) inter-laboratory study on the measurement of the shell thickness and chemistry of nanoparticle coatings. Peptide-coated gold particles were supplied to laboratories in two forms: a colloidal suspension in pure water and; particles dried onto a silicon wafer. Participants prepared and analyzed these samples using either X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) or low energy ion scattering (LEIS). Careful data analysis revealed some significant sources of discrepancy, particularly for XPS. Degradation during transportation, storage or sample preparation resulted in a variability in thickness of 53 %. The calculation method chosen by XPS participants contributed a variability of 67 %. However, variability of 12 % was achieved for the samples deposited using a single method and by choosing photoelectron peaks that were not adversely affected by instrumental transmission effects. The study identified a need for more consistency in instrumental transmission functions and relative sensitivity factors, since this contributed a variability of 33 %. The results from the LEIS participants were more consistent, with variability of less than 10 % in thickness and this is mostly due to a common method of data analysis. The calculation was performed using a model developed for uniform, flat films and some participants employed a correction factor to account for the sample geometry, which appears warranted based upon a simulation of LEIS data from one of the participants and comparison to the XPS results.

Versailles Project on Advanced Materials and Standards Interlaboratory Study on Measuring the Thickness and Chemistry of Nanoparticle Coatings Using XPS and LEIS

We report the results of a VAMAS (Versailles Project on Advanced Materials and Standards) inter-laboratory study on the measurement of the shell thickness and chemistry of nanoparticle coatings. Peptide-coated gold particles were supplied to laboratories in two forms: a colloidal suspension in pure water and; particles dried onto a silicon wafer. Participants prepared and analyzed these samples using either X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) or low energy ion scattering (LEIS). Careful data analysis revealed some significant sources of discrepancy, particularly for XPS. Degradation during transportation, storage or sample preparation resulted in a variability in thickness of 53 %. The calculation method chosen by XPS participants contributed a variability of 67 %. However, variability of 12 % was achieved for the samples deposited using a single method and by choosing photoelectron peaks that were not adversely affected by instrumental transmission effects. The study identified a need for more consistency in instrumental transmission functions and relative sensitivity factors, since this contributed a variability of 33 %. The results from the LEIS participants were more consistent, with variability of less than 10 % in thickness and this is mostly due to a common method of data analysis. The calculation was performed using a model developed for uniform, flat films and some participants employed a correction factor to account for the sample geometry, which appears warranted based upon a simulation of LEIS data from one of the participants and comparison to the XPS results.

Zum Mikrowellenspektrum des Pyridazins

The rotational spectrum of pyridazine in the vibrational ground state is reported for the parent species and three isotopically substituted species. The rs coordinates of the ring atoms have been reliably determined with the exception of the α coordinate of the Cl and the C4 atoms which is obviously too small for the application of KRAITCHMAN’S equations. The dipole moment was calculated from the STARK effect as μα=4.22 D. The quadrupole coupling constants, from hfs measurements, are χαα=— 4.64, χbb=1.38, χcc=3.27 MHz. The only non-diagonal quadrupole coupling tensor element has been less accurately determined from the variation of the hfs upon rotation of the principal axes system by isotopic substitution of one N15 nucleus.

OECD/NEA International Common Cause Failure Data Exchange (ICDE) Project – insights and lessons learnt

Events initiated by common-cause-failure (CCF) can significantly affect the availability and reliability of nuclear power plant safety systems. In recognition of this, CCF data are systematically collected and analysed in the International Common-Cause Data Exchange (ICDE) Project, which was initiated in August 1994. Since April 1998, the NEA has formally operated the project. Currently eleven countries participate in the project. The ICDE collects all events where two or more identical, redundant components of a group, fulfilling the same function, have failed or were impaired due to a shared cause (ICDE events). Complete CCFs, i.e. failure of all identical, redundant components in the group due to a shared cause are an important subset of the collected data. Currently, data exchange and analysis covers the following components: centrifugal pumps, diesel generators, motor-operated valves, safety and relief valves, check valves, reactor protection system components (level measurement, control rod drives, etc), circuit breakers, and batteries. The main findings of the ICDE reports issued by 2005 show averaged over all components that about two thirds of all complete CCF events involve faulty actions by plant personnel and contractors. The single largest contribution is from faulty testing and maintenance work due to deficient and/or incomplete procedures. Other important causes are insufficient testing and requalification of components or systems after maintenance, repair, modifications or backfitting work, as well as operator errors of commission. The probability that a reported ICDE event is a complete CCF decreases strongly with increasing number of redundant components, demonstrating the effectiveness of redundancy as a powerful defence against CCFs. However, complete CCFs cannot be completely prevented by high redundancy only.

The OECD FIRE database

Realistic modelling of fire scenarios is still difficult due to the scarcity of reliable data needed for deterministic and probabilistic fire safety analysis. Therefore, it has been recognized as highly important to establish a fire event database on an international level. In consequence, several member countries of the Nuclear Energy Agency of the OECD have decided in 2000 to establish the International Fire Data Exchange Project (OECD FIRE) to encourage multilateral co-operation in the collection and analysis of data related to fire events at nuclear power plants. This paper presents the OECD FIRE project objectives, work scope and current status of the OECD FIRE database after 3 years of operation as well as first preliminary statistical insights gained from the collected data.

Study of the risk of heavy metal transfer to homoeopathic mother tinctures

To assess the risk of heavy metal contamination of homoeopathic mother tinctures, 9 plant species and 1 fungus used in the manufacture of homoeopathic medicaments were investigated. Mother tinctures were prepared according to the manufacturing procedures described in the European Pharmacopoeia. The original herbal drug and the material processed during production were analysed for their cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) content. The plant components were harvested from 2 sites contaminated by different heavy metal exposure pathways and compared with reference material from Deutsche Homöopathie-Union (DHU). It was confirmed that in all cases a significant depletion of all heavy metals studied occurred during manufacture of the mother tincture, regardless of the starting material used. In all cases, most of the heavy metal content was retained in the press cake; low levels only were detected in the mother tincture. None of the mother tinctures of plant origin exceeded the required limits, not even those of plant starting materials originating from highly contaminated sites. Substantial heavy metal concentrations could only be detected in the mother tincture of the fungus Amanita muscaria, calculated from the dry weight of the starting material. According to the results obtained, a risk-based approach to heavy metal assessment is suggested where permanent control is focused on the heavy metals accumulating in organisms such as fungi.

Evaluation of antirotavirus activity of flavonoids

Flavonoids are dietary components and the most ubiquitous phenolic compounds found in nature, showing a range of pharmacological activities including antiviral action. This study describes the antiviral screening of 60 different flavones and flavonols against human rotavirus (Wa-1 strain) as well as their cytotoxicity in MA104 cells. Cytotoxicity was investigated by cell morphology assessment and antirotavirus activity by cytopathic effect inhibition. Results were expressed as CC₅₀ and IC₅₀, respectively, in order to calculate the selectivity index (SI = CC₅₀/IC₅₀) of each compound. Structure–activity relationships (SAR) were proposed based on antirotavirus activity.

Fluoreszenz-in-situ-Hybridisierung in der humangenetischen Diagnostik

Die humangenetische Diagnostik umfasst eine Vielzahl von Verfahren, die sich aufgrund ihrer spezifischen Einsatzbedingungen und Anwendungsmöglichkeiten gegenseitig ergänzen. Mit der stetigen Entwicklung neuer Methoden ist es sinnvoll und notwendig, etablierte Techniken auf den Prüfstand zu stellen. Die Fluoreszenz-in-situ-Hybridisierung (FISH) ist eine Standardmethode in der genetischen Diagnostik und Forschung. Abhängig vom Design der Sonden ist es möglich, ganz individuell DNA-Abschnitte oder auch das gesamte Genom im Fluoreszenzmikroskop in Metaphasechromosomen, in Interphasezellkernen, in Gewebeschnitten oder in lebenden Zellen sichtbar zu machen. Besonders häufig wird die FISH-Technik in der humangenetischen Diagnostik für die Darstellung und Analyse von Mikrodeletionen, Translokationen, Inversionen und Insertionen, also von Strukturaberrationen der Chromosomen, sowie für die Charakterisierung von Markerchromosomen, zur Kartierung von Chromosomenbruchpunkten und zum Aneuploidiescreening im „pränatalen FISH-Schnelltest“ eingesetzt. Die Stärke der Methode liegt dabei in der Untersuchung einzelner Zellen, sodass auch genetisch heterogene Zellpopulationen (Mosaike) im untersuchten Gewebe mit hoher Sicherheit festgestellt oder ausgeschlossen werden können. Außerdem ist es möglich, die morphologischen und immunologischen Eigenschaften der Zellen bei der Auswertung zu berücksichtigen, sodass genetische Veränderungen bestimmten Zellarten zugeordnet werden können.

Comparison of once-weekly and twice-weekly strength training in older adults

BACKGROUND

Strength training has been shown to benefit the health and function of older adults.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether one set of exercises performed once a week was as effective in increasing muscle strength as training twice a week.

METHODS

18 subjects (7 women and 11 men) aged 65-79 years were randomly assigned to two groups. Both groups performed one set of exercises to muscular fatigue; group 1 trained 1 day/week and group 2 trained 2 days/week on three lower and three upper body exercises for 9 weeks. The data were analysed using a mixed model 2 x 2 analysis of variance.

RESULTS

A significant main effect of time (p<0.001), but not group, on one-repetition maximum scores was observed. No significant interaction was observed between time and group and therefore no difference in strength changes between training once a week versus twice a week after 9 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

One set of exercises performed once weekly to muscle fatigue improved strength as well as twice a week in the older adult. Our results provide information that will assist in designing strength-training programmes that are more time and cost efficient in producing health and fitness benefits for older adults.

Microphthalmia with linear skin defects syndrome (MLS): a male with a mosaic paracentric inversion of Xp

The microphthalmia with linear skin defects syndrome (MLS) is an X-linked dominant disorder with male lethality. In the majority of the patients reported, the MLS syndrome is caused by segmental monosomy of the Xp22.3 region. To date, five male patients with MLS and 46,XX karyotype ("XX males") have been described. Here we report on the first male case with MLS and an XY complement. The patient showed agenesis of the corpus callosum, histiocytoid cardiomyopathy, and lactic acidosis but no microphthalmia, and carried a mosaic subtle inversion of the short arm of the X chromosome in 15% of his peripheral blood lymphocytes, 46,Y,inv(X)(p22.13 approximately 22.2p22.32 approximately 22.33)[49]/46,XY[271]. By fluorescence IN SITU hybridization (FISH), we showed that YAC 225H10 spans the breakpoint in Xp22.3. End-sequencing and database analysis revealed a YAC insert of at least 416 kb containing the genes HCCS and AMELX, and exons 2-16 of ARHGAP6. Molecular cytogenetic data suggest that the Xp22.3 inversion breakpoint is located in intron 1 of ARHGAP6, the gene encoding the Rho GTPase activating protein 6. Future molecular studies in karyotypically normal female MLS patients to detect submicroscopic rearrangements including the ARHGAP6 gene as well as mutation screening of ARHGAP6 in patients with no obvious chromosomal rearrangements will clarify the role of this gene in MLS syndrome.

[Surgical techniques in renal transplantation]

Surgical techniques in renal transplantation are standardized and have remained basically unchanged for the last 50 years. A limited pool of donor organs is still an unsolved problem. Therefore, marginal organs are also used. Sophisticated techniques are used in children and in cases with vascular problems or complications. Laparoscopic techniques are emerging in renal transplantation. The article provides an overview on current technical standards of renal transplantation and potential surgical and urological complications. We report the results of our own renal transplantation program with special emphasis on vascular techniques, pediatric transplantation, and the management of complications. Special case reports are included.

[Follow-up in kidney transplantation. Which complications are likely?]

Kidney transplantations are being performed in every increasing numbers, and, in addition to specialist centres, nephrologists, general practitioners and urologists are more frequently being involved in the provision of aftercare. The major urological complications seen after transplantation include ureteral stenosis and necrosis, incontinence and impotence, lymphoceles, arterial stenosis, infections of the urinary tract and adnexa, as well as--the most serious complication--malignant tumours. In addition, the immunosuppression required by these patients is often associated with secondary disorders such as hypertension, steroid-related diabetes, hyperlipidemia and infections. Against the background of progressive organic deficiency it is of particular importance to identify such complications and to treat them adequately, or to prevent them from occurring, thus ensuring the longest possible survival of transplant and patient and improved quality of life.

[Kidney transplantation in the elderly]

As the number of both elderly patients suffering from end-stage renal disease and of elderly donors is increasing, Eurotransplant has started the Eurotransplant Senior Program (ESP). New strategies for treatment of patients who need dialysis and improved screening methods allow renal transplantation even in elderly patients. Improved immunosuppressive protocols for older recipients lead to higher patient survival rates and improved quality of life.

Copper corrosion by-product release in long-term stagnation experiments

The effect of long-term stagnation on copper corrosion by-product release and corrosion rates was studied in pipe-rigs according to the German standard DIN 50931, Part 1. The analysis of the water phase was supplemented by surface analysis of corrosion scales. Copper concentration during stagnation did not follow a solubility process. The characteristic curves obtained can be explained by subsequent copper release and copper refixation processes. Oxygen consumption can be described by the first-order kinetic rate law. The corrosion scales consisted of cuprite (Cu2O) and malachite (CuCO3 x Cu(OH)2). Malachite grew in well-defined crystals during stagnation, served as sink for dissolved copper and did not protect the pipe against corrosion attack. Copper concentrations measured after long-term stagnation (up to 122 h) correspond to the solubility of malachite in the testwater.

[Post-traumatic and postoperative asymptomatic urinoma. 2 case reports]

A urinoma is a collection of extravasated urine developing after injury to the urinary tract, almost always asymptomatic, but requiring urgent surgical treatment. A Medline search for the term urinoma in publications appearing between 1996 and 1998, turned up only two reports describing an asymptomatic course. We now describe two cases of urinomas that remained asymptomatic over a period of four months. Although initially misinterpreted, a subsequent revisionary operation nevertheless resulted in a cure. In case 1, the urinoma appeared after an operation to treat recurrent rectal cancer; in case 2, the causal mechanism was an avulsed ureter. Treatment is orientated to the location (intra- or retroperitoneal) and extent of the injury, and comprises temporary stenting, drainage and, where necessary, plastic reconstruction. Even in the absence of a clinical correlate, any urinary retention newly discovered on ultrasonography must be investigated by uroradiography.

[Retinoscopy. A multi-media teaching program on CD]

INTRODUCTION

Retinoscopy is a classical method to determine the refraction of the eye by observing the dynamics of reflexes and varying the experimental parameters until a specific reflex (neutralisation point) is observed. Until now photographs and geometrical drawings of the different ray tracings have been commonly used to visualise the pathways. We intend to use new media such as video and CD to offer the students a better understanding of retinoscopy.

METHODS

With the aid of appropriate experimental devices, retinoscopal reflexes of artificial and human eyes are recorded on video. The video sequences are converted in computer files and together with computer animations of the geometrical ray tracings, text files and audio sequences, they are stored in a suitable CBT-programme.

RESULTS

The systematically prepared computer compatible contents offer a modern individually controllable method to perform the instruction programme by multimedia. The CBT-program and the specific files are stored on CDs or can be distributed on the internet. A collection of retinoscopy records of patients, some with extraordinary reflex phenomena is also available.

DISCUSSION

Video and animation procedures are more suitable for matching the dynamic phenomena on retinoscopy than photographs or drawings as they offer a more direct basis for understanding of the sometimes difficult processes of retinoscopy. The collection of recorded reflexes also offers the direct visualised experience of particular patient findings such as the appearance in context of implanted spherical and aspherical intraocular lenses or the irregularities of the optic system of eyes with keratokonus.

A possible noninvasive method for the detection of bladder cancer in patients: microsatellite analysis of free DNA in urine and blood

Six microsatellite markers were selected to detect shifts or loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in urine, serum, and plasma samples of 44 bladder cancer patients. After centrifugation at 15,000 g, we used supernatants for DNA analysis only. Tumor specimens were obtained by transurethral resection (TUR). Genetic alterations were detected in 33 of the 44 bladder tumors (75%). After polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA was detectable in 96% of all body fluid samples. Twenty-six percent of the detected microsatellite alterations of free DNA were tumor-specific, but 82% of all microsatellite changes of the tumors could be detected in body fluids. The study indicates that the simultaneous and multiple investigations of highly specific microsatellite markers could have a clinical relevance as a noninvasive tool for diagnosis and screening of bladder cancer. However, new ways for the sensitive DNA isolation of body fluids are needed.

How accurate is diagnostic imaging in determination of size and multifocality of renal cell carcinoma as a prerequisite for nephron-sparing surgery?

BACKGROUND

The indication for elective nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is under discussion in the urological literature. The main problem of NSS is the multifocality of RCC. The presented study was performed to asses the accuracy of pre- and intraoperative ultrasound (US), and computerized tomography (CT) in determination of tumor size and detection of multifocal lesions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Tumor size was measured by preoperative US and CT and compared with the tumor diameters in gross sections of the neoplastic kidneys. Multifocality was determined by 3-mm step sectioning of the nephrectomy specimen, and the results were correlated with preoperative US and CT on the one hand, and the ex situ sonography of the nephrectomized kidney on the other hand.

RESULTS

US and CT show similar results in the determination of the tumor size. In only 22.9%, preoperative US and CT were able to detect multifocal tumors. Ex situ sonography had a sensitivity of 40.0% and a specificity of 87.2% in this regard.

CONCLUSIONS

In preparation for nephron-sparing surgery of renal cell carcinoma, neither preoperative routine imaging, nor intraoperative ultrasound can safely predict multifocal lesions of renal cell carcinoma.

Coincidence of induratio penis plastica and erectile dysfunction

There are still diverse management options in Peyronie's disease and diverse opinions about the coincidence of Peyronie's disease and erectile dysfunction (ED) as well. The connection between Peyronie's disease and ED has been proved by some articles, but on the other hand authors have refused this fact. We found ED in about 30% of our patients suffering from Peyronie's disease. We have investigated 61 patients with Peyronie's disease. A diagnostic pattern for evaluation of angulation and ED are proposed. The tunica albuginea plication technique was used in 35 patients with good results. In our investigation we cannot find any coincidence of Peyronie's disease with ED.

Prognostic significance of mutations in the p53 gene in superficial bladder cancer

Bladder tumors as the most common urologic malignancy present mostly as superficial transitional cell carcinoma. Many patients with superficial bladder cancer have a good prognosis, however, may develop recurrences or progress to muscle invasive or metastatic disease. It is therefore important to find new markers associated with the biological behaviour of an individual tumor for identifying patients at risk for disease progression. Previous reports on the prognostic significance of p53 alterations in bladder tumors revealed conflicting results. The aim of our study was to evaluate p53 mutation analysis as an effective concept for the characterization of subsets of superficial bladder tumors differing in biological aggressiveness. Screening 66 amplified DNA from micro-dissected tumor cells by direct genomic sequencing p53 alterations were detected in 12%. We found no association between p53 status and tumor stage but a tendency to a higher mutation rate in more malignant tumors (G2 and G3) compared to G1 tumors and a higher recurrence rate in patients with a p53 mutation in the primary tumor after 24 months follow-up. We conclude a general low incidence of p53 mutations in superficial bladder cancer. Detectable p53 damage might be related to a more aggressive phenotype and a higher recurrence risk. Our results are discussed in the context of other studies reviewed from 1995-2000.

[Where are the limits? From institution to deinstitutionalization exemplified in Saarland]

In 1998, the 1876 founded "preussische Provinzialirrenanstalt", a large asylum in Merzig (Germany), was closed down. Instead several psychiatric departments were founded in the rural county ("Bundesland"). On the asylum's former area in Merzig a new and modern general hospital including a psychiatric department was established. The present article will show up the former psychiatric hospital's genuine working fields, treating violent, self-harming and mental ill people needing help. It will describe in a differentiating way how the new services for the different groups of mental ill persons run: Decentralized general psychiatric care in defined regional areas (without forensic patients), central treatment for the forensic patients, regional care for people with mental retardation. In completion of this network there exist regional solutions for the themes "living in a own home", "Working and occupation" and "day-structuring". In conclusion, deinstitutionalization will not have any limits, despite of a few exceptions, if the limits of institutional thinking can be overcome.

[Modern follow-up strategies for the treatment of patients with superficial bladder carcinoma]

In this retrospective study the efficacy of tumor dispensaire in patients with superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder was investigated in a population of 246 patients. Special attention was payed to follow up cystoscopy. Furthermore our goal was to identify and confirm prognostic factors relevant to recurrence rate and tumor progression. After transurethral resection 241 patients suffering from superficial bladder cancer were enclosed. The first of them were diagnosed in 1984 with a mean follow up range of 6.1 years and a minimum of 1 year. The evaluation was closed in 1995. The 1-year recurrence free rate of all cases amounts to 60%, whereas 42% of patients with a pT1-primary tumor and 45% with a pTa-primum developed a relapse within 2 years after the first diagnosis. All in all more than 50% of all recurrent tumors occurred within the first two years if illness. Patients with pTa and pT1 tumor are progressed in 10.7% and 18%. In 8% we saw lymphogen metastases in patients with pT1 carcinoma. 149 patients (62%) were followed up exactly (+/- 1 cystoscopy) according to the investigation schedule. More than +/- 3 aberrant cystoscopies contrary to the follow up instructions happened very seldom. Prognostic factors to be found of significance for tumor progression and recurrence risk are: tumor staging and grading, multiplicity in occurrence, period of time between first diagnosis and first relapse, associated dysplasia or carcinoma in situ. Chest X-ray and urography should be performed in accordance to the patients individual clinical situation, not routinely (2 cases of pulmonary metastasis occurred after pT1G2-3 tumor progression in 496 regular chest X-rays and 1 ureter tumor was diagnosed by routine urography). As a main result of our investigation we defined two groups of patients with superficial bladder cancer: a "low risk" group (pTa, G1-2, late recurrence (> 2 yrs.) and a "high risk" group (pT1, G3, early recurrence (< 2 yrs.), multifocal occurrence). Group 1 ("low risk") should be followed up for 5 years and group 2 ("high risk") for 10 years. Cystoscopic investigations are scheduled with regard to the group risk of recurrence and tumor progression. For patients of both groups the need of chest X-ray and urography should be evaluated individually.

Effect of flavonol derivatives on the carrageenin-induced paw edema in the rat and inhibition of cyclooxygenase-1 and 5-lipoxygenase in vitro

Alkoxyflavonols were synthesized by the Algar-Flynn-Oyamada (AFO) cyclization of chalcones. Hydroxyflavonols were prepared by dealkylation of methoxyflavonols by refluxing in hydroiodic acid. The alkoxyflavonols 3-hydroxy-2-(2,3,4-trimethoxyphenyl)-4H-chromen-4-one (6), 2-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-3-hydroxy-4H-chromen-4-one (7), 2-(4-butoxyphenyl)-3-hydroxy-4H-chromen-4-one (10), and 2-(3-n-butoxyphenyl)-3-hydroxy-4H-chromen-4-one (11) as well as the trihydroxy derivative 3-hydroxy-2-(3,4,5-trihydroxyphenyl)-4H-chromen-4-one (18) displayed high anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenin-induced rat paw edema. Additionally, the inhibition of enzymes of the arachidonic acid cascade by the derivatives was investigated in vitro. In contrast to the natural compound quercetin, the compounds were more potent inhibiting cyclooxygenase-1 than 5-lipoxygenase except for 3-hydroxy-7-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4H-chromen-4-one (5). No correlation between the anti-inflammatory activity in the rat paw edema test and the inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase or cyclooxygenase-1 could be observed. In conclusion, the present results suggest that other effects than inhibition of these enzymes of the arachidonic acid cascade are important for the anti-inflammatory activity of the investigated alkoxyflavonols.

The correlation of p53 protein overexpression and p53 antibodies in serum of patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder

BACKGROUND

Mutations of p53 gene were demonstrated in many solid tumors with varying frequency. We analyzed the relationship between p53 protein expression in bladder cancer tissue, p53 autoantibodies in serum and the clinical course of 32 patients with and 10 patients without transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the 32 patients studied, bladder cancer was diagnosed as pTaG1-2 in 8 cases, pT1G2 in 6, pT1G3 in 7, pT2G2-3 in 7, pT3G2-3 in 3 and pT4 in 1 patient. Anti-p53 antibodies were detected by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Immunohistochemical staining was performed using a standardized alkaline phosphatase monoclonal anti-alkaline phosphatase method. To prove the statistical significance of tumor grading and staging, the Kruskal-Wallis test was applied (p < 0.01). The mean follow-up was 26 months.

RESULTS

We found 12.5% p53 autoantibody-positive sera without a statistically significant correlation with tumor grade (p = 0.0569) and category (p = 0.612). Three of 4 patients who had p53 autoantibody-positive sera died within 9 months. All of these sera-positive patients had p53 protein-positive tumor tissue. Control sera were all negative for p53 autoantibodies.

CONCLUSION

This study shows a strong relationship between p53 protein overexpression and the occurrence of p53 autoantibody in bladder cancer. The expression of p53 autoantibodies seems to be an event in cases of bladder cancer with an unfavorable tumor-specific outcome. Because of the small number of cases and the short follow-up time, further quantitative studies will hopefully demonstrate whether this might be of prognostic importance.

DNA sequence of the fowl adenovirus serotype 10 short fiber gene

The complete nucleotide sequence and map location of the short fiber gene of fowl adenovirus serotype 10 (FAV-10) strain CFA20 was determined. The coding sequence of the short fiber gene was found to be 1383 bp, encoding a putative polypeptide of 461 amino acids. The gene was located between 69.2 to 71.7 map units on the FAV-10 genome. A consensus splice acceptor site was located 30 bp upstream of the putative translation start codon and a polyA recognition sequence was located 24 bp downstream of the translation stop codon, signaling the end of late transcription unit five.

Penoscrotal inversion, hypospadias, imperforate anus, facial anomalies, and developmental delay: definition of a new clinical syndrome

We describe a 2-month-old boy with penoscrotal inversion, hypospadias, imperforate anus, facial anomalies, developmental retardation, and a subtelomeric deletion of chromosome 13q. His phenotype with anogenital malformations and characteristic facies closely resembled two unrelated patients with minute deletions of chromosome 13q who we reported earlier. In addition, he had unilateral renal agenesis. We propose that these patients represent a clinically recognizable, novel chromosomal microdeletion syndrome. The findings indicate the presence of a major gene(s) on chromosome 13q33.2qter that regulate(s) the migration and development of ano-reno-genital cells and organs. We speculate that mutations of this developmental gene(s) may also result in more frequent congenital malformations (isolated hypospadias, uterus bicornis, unilateral renal agenesis). Additional studies are needed to further delineate the genetic defect.