The human testis-specific proteome defined by transcriptomics and antibody-based profiling.

The testis' function is to produce haploid germ cells necessary for reproduction. Here we have combined a genome-wide transcriptomics analysis with immunohistochemistry-based protein profiling to characterize the molecular components of the testis. Deep sequencing (RNA-Seq) of normal human testicular tissue from seven individuals was performed and compared with 26 other normal human tissue types. All 20 050 putative human genes were classified into categories based on expression patterns. The analysis shows that testis is the tissue with the most tissue-specific genes by far. More than 1000 genes show a testis-enriched expression pattern in testis when compared with all other analyzed tissues. Highly testis enriched genes were further characterized with respect to protein localization within the testis, such as spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids, sperm, Sertoli cells and Leydig cells. Here we present an immunohistochemistry-based analysis, showing the localization of corresponding proteins in different cell types and various stages of spermatogenesis, for 62 genes expressed at >50-fold higher levels in testis when compared with other tissues. A large fraction of these genes were unexpectedly expressed in early stages of spermatogenesis. In conclusion, we have applied a genome-wide analysis to identify the human testis-specific proteome using transcriptomics and antibody-based protein profiling, providing lists of genes expressed in a tissue-enriched manner in the testis. The majority of these genes and proteins were previously poorly characterised in terms of localization and function, and our list provides an important starting point to increase our molecular understanding of human reproductive biology and disease.

Activity of ancient RTE retroposons during the evolution of cows, spiral-horned antelopes, and Nilgais (Bovinae).

In the genome of Artiodactyla (cow, sheep, pigs, camels, and whales), a major retroposon group originated from a presumable horizontal transfer of BovB, a retrotransposon-like element retroposon, between 52 and 70 million years ago. Since then, BovB retroposons have proliferated and today occupy a quarter of the cow's genome sequence. The BovB-related short interspersed elements (SINEs) were used for resolving the phylogeny of Bovinae (cows, spiral-horned antelopes, and nilgais) and their relatives. In silico screening of 55,000 intronic retroposon insertions in the cow genome and experimental validation of 126 introns resulted in 29 informative retroposon markers for resolving bovine evolutionary relationships. A transposition-in-transposition analysis identifies three different phases of SINE activity and show how BovB elements have expanded in the cattle genome.

Lund Stroke Register: hospitalization pattern and yield of different screening methods for first-ever stroke.

OBJECTIVES: To explore case ascertainment, hospitalization, characteristics of both hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients in a population-based group of stroke patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One-year screening in Lund-Orup district for first-ever strokes using multiple prospective and retrospective methods. RESULTS: A total of 456 patients with first-ever stroke (n = 412 prospective screening methods, n = 17 primary care, n = 12 hospital registers, n = 10 death register, n = 2 autopsy registers, n = 3 other). Hospitalization proportion within 14 days was 84%. Patients sent home from emergency unit (n = 36) were often males (75%), had low 28-day case-fatality (0%), and less severe strokes (median National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score 2 vs 4 for all). Patients managed solely within primary care (n = 18) were elderly (median age 89 vs 77 years for all), resided in nursing homes (86% vs 8% for all) and had high 28-day-case-fatality (61%). CONCLUSIONS: Hospitalization was lower than expected. Two main categories of patients were not hospitalized: elderly patients at nursing homes with high case-fatality and patients with mild stroke.

Prevalence and intensity of pain after stroke: a population based study focusing on patients' perspectives.

OBJECTIVE: To determine prevalence and intensity of pain after stroke, focusing on patients' perspectives. METHODS: During a one year period, 416 first-ever stroke patients were included in the population based Lund Stroke Register. After 4 and 16 months (median), 297 patients (98% of survivors) were followed up. Worst pain intensity during the previous 48 hours was assessed on a visual analogue scale (VAS), range 0 to 100: a score of 0 to 30 was defined as no or mild pain; 40 to 100 as moderate to severe pain. NIH stroke scale (NIHSS) score and HbA1c were assessed at baseline. At 16 months, screening for depression was done using the geriatric depression scale (GDS-20), and cognition with the mini-mental state examination (MMSE). Predictors of pain were determined by multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Moderate to severe pain was reported by 96 patients (32%) after four months (VAS median=60). Predictors of pain were younger age (p=0.01), female sex (p=0.006), higher NIHSS score (p<0.001), and raised HbA1c (p=0.001) at stroke onset. At 16 months, only 62 patients (21%) had moderate to severe pain, but pain intensity was more severe (median VAS score=70; p<0.016). Higher pain intensity correlated with female sex, worse GDS-20 score, better MMSE score, and raised HbA1c. Pain was persistent in 47%, disturbed sleep in 58%, and required rest for relief in 40% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Although prevalence of pain after stroke decreased with time, after 16 months 21% had moderate to severe pain. Late pain after stroke was on average more severe, and profoundly affected the patients' wellbeing.

A novel constrained acetabular liner design with increased range of motion.

One treatment strategy for recurrent dislocation after total hip arthroplasty is the use of a constrained acetabular component. A major drawback of currently available constrained components is the limited range of motion (ROM). We present a novel constrained component that employs a monopolar, highly cross-linked polyethylene liner with cutouts oriented to allow increased ROM, while maintaining constraint against dislocation. ROM and lever-out tests comparing this novel design with a conventional constrained component showed that the cutaway monopolar component allowed ROM substantially greater than a currently available design. The lever-out torque for the cutaway monopolar constrained component was 243% higher than the conventional constrained component. This novel constrained acetabular component offers promise for providing excellent constraint against dislocation, while maintaining a wide ROM.

Postoperative course after total hip arthroplasty: wound drainage versus no drainage.

This retrospective study of 364 patients with total hip replacements performed between 1985 and 1990 showed no benefit in the use of drains and found an increased rate of transfusion associated with the use of drains. The two study groups (171 patients with two closed-wound suction drains in the wound and 193 patients closed without drains) differed in the type but not in the rate of wound problems; the drained group had more drainage at the port site, whereas the undrained group had more ecchymosis and swelling. There was no significant difference between the groups in operative blood loss; however, the drained group did require transfusions significantly more often than the undrained group (98 of 171 [57.3%] as opposed to 83 of 193 [43%], respectively). Of the patients requiring transfusions, patients with wound drains required significantly more blood than those without drains (1.12 versus 0.62 transfusions per patient for men; 1.73 versus 1.03 transfusions per patient for women).