Porcine OGN and ASPN: mapping, polymorphisms and use for quantitative trait loci identification for growth and carcass traits in a Meishan x Piétrain intercross.

The porcine orthologues of human chromosome HSA9q22.31 genes osteoglycin (OGN) and asporin (ASPN) were mapped to porcine chromosome SSC3 using linkage analysis and a somatic cell hybrid panel. This mapping was refined to SSC3q11 using fluorescence in situ hybridization. These results confirm the existence of a small conserved synteny group between SSC3 and HSA9. Polymorphisms were revealed in both genes, including a pentanucleotide microsatellite (SCZ003) in OGN and two single nucleotide polymorphisms (AM181682.1:g.780G>T and AM181682.1:g.825T>C) in ASPN. The two genes were included in a set of markers for quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping on SSC3 in the Hohenheim Meishan x Piétrain F2 family. Major QTL for growth and carcass traits were centred in the ASPN-SW902 region.

Retrocaval ureter with ureteral carcinoma.

The authors report a rare congenital anomaly, retrocaval ureter (RCU) with carcinoma. The patient had recurrent pyelonephritis, hematuria and renal colic. Urography shows no function on right side. Abdominal ultrasound revealed marked right hydronephrosis. Antegrade ureterography through nephrostomy revealed a RCU. Helical C.T. confirmed the RCU and also revealed a defect in contrast medium in the upper ureter. We performed percutaneus antegrade nephro-ureteroscopy and found carcinoma of the retrocaval ureter. This may be the first case of tumor in the RCU. We did not find any other in the literature. (Fig. 3, Ref. 14.).

Speedy elimination of ureterolithiasis in lower part of ureters with the alpha 1-blocker--Tamsulosin.

BACKGROUND: Alpha-I blockers decrease the tension and release the spasm of smooth muscles and thus lessen the obstruction and irritation symptoms in the lower urinary tract (LUTS). They make a faster passing of calculi from the terminal part of the ureters possible. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to objectively assess the improvement of difficulties caused by obstructions in ureterolithiasis localized in the lower part of the ureters of 104 randomly chosen patients (pts.) in a double-blind study. METHODS: During a period of 2 and half years (June 1999-January 2002) 104 pts. suffering from ureterolithiasis of the lower urinary tract were treated and observed. Patients were divided into two groups: A (n:53; later only 51 were evaluated) which was subjected to standard treatment and group B (n:51) where the standard treatment was supplemented by the alpha-1 blocker. As alpha-1 blocker one capsule of Tamsulosin/OMNIC 0.4/ was administered daily. RESULTS: With alpha-1 blocker, we have registered a more speedy passing of calculi from the terminal parts of ureters in 17.6% of pts. Recurrence of renal colics was less frequent and occurred in one of eight pts. as compared with group A (without the alpha-1 blocker) where a recurrence of the renal colic was observed in about every fifth pts. In group A (n:51), 62.8% of the pts. passed the calculi, whereas in group B (n:51), where standard treatment was supplemented by the administration of the alpha-1 blocker Tamsulosin, this percentage increased to 80.4%. CONCLUSION: The treatment by alpha-1 blockers considerably decreased not only LUTS but also helped to accelerate the passing of minor calculi from the terminal parts of the ureters of 80.4% of pts. It seems that alpha-1 blockers potentiate the spasmoanalgetic action of drugs used in standard methods of treatment.

Fournier's gangrene: can aggressive treatment save life?

Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a rapidly progressive, fulminant infection of the scrotum, perineum and the abdominal wall. FG is caused by synergic aerobic and anaerobic organisms. Modern surgical series report mortality of up to 67%. This originally rare disease has become more frequent. Aggressive treatment including antibiotics, antigangrenous serum, and treatment of all accompanied diseases and disorders can be successful. Treatment also includes debridement and plastic corrections. Authors describe management of 8 patients with FG. Treatment of FG and all accompanied diseases was in all cases successful. Treatment costs of this kind of patients were approximately 20 times higher than treatment of patients with other urologic diseases.

'Hot flush', an unpleasant symptom accompanying antiandrogen therapy of prostatic cancer and its treatment by cyproterone acetate.

From 1995 to 1997 the authors have assessed 31 patients with histologically verified advanced carcinoma of the prostate (CaP) and the ensuing symptom of 'hot flush'. Patients underwent transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), bilateral orchiectomy (OE) and combined androgen blockade (CAB) by the administration of non-steroid antiadrogens. The authors present the mechanism of the genesis of the 'hot flush' symptom as well as its subjective manifestations, methods of laboratory monitoring as well as their experience with the treatment of this symptom. 50 mg tablets cyproterone acetate administered twice daily or Androcur depot 300 mg i.m. inj. once in 14 days were the main factors in the treatment of 'hot flushes' which reduced subjective difficulties in 80.6% of the patients studied.