First Report of Puccinia psidii Caused Rust Disease Epiphytotic on the Invasive Shrub Rhodomyrtus tomentosa in Florida.

Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Aiton) Hassk. (downy-rose myrtle, family: Myrtaceae), of South Asian origin, is an invasive shrub that has formed monotypic stands in Florida (3). During the winter and spring of 2010 through 2012, a rust disease of epiphytotic proportion was observed on young foliage, stem terminals, and immature fruits of this shrub in natural areas of Martin and Lee counties, Florida. Expanding leaves and succulent stems developed chlorotic flecks on the surface that developed into pustules and ruptured to discharge urediniospores. Symptomatic leaves and stems developed severe necrotic spots and resulted in tissue distortion, defoliation, and stem dieback. Based on symptoms and urediniospore morphology and dimensions (17.7 to 26.1 [22.1 ± 0.3] × 14.7 to 21.1 [17.7 ± 0.2] µm; n = 51) (4), the causal agent was identified as Puccinia psidii Winter; teliospores were not observed in samples since it does not produce these spore stages below 20°C ambient temperature (1). This identification was confirmed by a GenBank BLAST of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences (Accession Nos. KC607876 and KC607877) that showed 99% identity with 42 sequences of P. psidii from diverse host species and locations. P. psidii is believed to be of neotropical origin and has a host range of 129 species in 33 genera within Myrtaceae (2). However, P. psidii caused disease of downy-rose myrtle has not been previously reported in Florida, even though severe infections occurred on another invasive tree, Melaleuca quinquenervia (Cav.) S.F. Blake (3), growing in adjacent areas. In December 2011, urediniospores were collected from downy-rose myrtle, established in aqueous suspension (45,000 spores/ml), and spray inoculated on potted downy-rose myrtle plants (n = 3), which were maintained in 100% ambient humidity, at 20°C, with a 12-h light cycle for 72 h. Plants mock-inoculated with water served as the negative control. Disease symptoms, including chlorotic flecks and raised surfaces, appeared on leaf lamina in 3 to 6 days on P. psidii-inoculated plants, while control plants remained symptomless. Raised surfaces developed into distinct pustules and eventually erupted to discharge urediniospores within 6 to 12 days of inoculation. Tests were repeated once during March and April of 2012 with the same results. The latent and incubation periods reported herein are within the previously reported range for P. psidii (2,4). To our knowledge, this is the first confirmed report of P. psidii epiphytotic on downy-rose myrtle populations in Florida. The recent occurrence of P. psidii epiphytotic on downy-rose myrtle raises critical questions as to why this myrtle rust disease is so severe and widespread on this host after decades of presumed exposure to P. psidii in Florida. Because this rust pathogen has emerged as a major invasive threat to many myrtaceous species around the world, further genotyping and cross-inoculation studies are needed to determine the host specificity and potential origin of the P. psidii isolates derived from downy-rose myrtle (2). References: (1) A. C. Alfenas et al. Australas. Plant Pathol. 32:325, 2003. (2) A. J. Carnegie and J. R. Lidbetter. Australas. Plant Pathol. 41:13, 2012. (3) K. A. Langeland and C. K Burks, eds. Identification and biology of non-native plants in Florida's natural areas. University of Florida, Gainesville, 1998. (4) M. B. Rayachhetry et al. Biol. Contr. 22:38, 2001.

Design of a retroviral-mediated ecdysone-inducible system and its application to the expression profiling of the PTEN tumor suppressor.

We have engineered the ecdysone-inducible mammalian expression system for general retroviral delivery to cultured mammalian cells. We inducibly expressed PTEN in the glioblastoma cell line, U87MG, lacking this gene. Because nearly all cells are recruited on induction, we find both up- and down-regulated genes by cDNA microarray analysis. The changes we see are similar to those observed after treatment with LY294002, an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-OH kinase, fully consistent with the model that PTEN antagonizes phosphatidylinositol 3-OH kinase. Both treatments result in suppressed expression of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta gene and the genes of the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. Our results illustrate the power of using a fully inducible expression system in conjunction with cDNA microarray analysis for exploring gene function.

Quality of life in patients awaiting lung transplant: cystic fibrosis versus other end-stage lung diseases.

The symptoms associated with chronic lung disease can impair quality of life and psychosocial functioning. The purpose of the present study was to provide a thorough baseline assessment of quality of life in patients with end-stage lung disease and being evaluated for transplant; and to assess potential differences in quality of life between patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and those with other types of end-stage lung disease (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)). We evaluated 58 patients with CF and 52 patients with other types of end-stage lung disease who were recruited for this study during an assessment of their candidacy for lung transplant. Subjects completed a battery of questionnaires that assessed demographic factors (including work and educational status), the presence of psychological distress (anxiety and depression), availability of social support, coping styles, and physical functioning. Despite significant impairment in physical functioning in the areas of recreation, household activities, sleep, and ambulation, other indices of life quality suggested good adaptation in the majority of patients. Also, quality of life differed for patients with CF and for those with other types of end-stage lung disease. Patients with CF were more likely to be working, had lower levels of anxiety and higher levels of social support, and used more functional coping strategies than did patients with other end-stage lung disease. These results highlight the fact that patients with different types of lung disease may require different psychosocial services as they await transplant. These findings also raise the question of whether there is a difference in quality of life after transplant between patients with CF and those with other types of lung disease.

Early experience with clinical indicators in surgery.

BACKGROUND: In 1997 a set of 53 clinical indicators developed by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) and the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) Care Evaluation Programme (CEP), was introduced into the ACHS Evaluation and Quality Improvement Programme (EQuIP). The clinical indicators covered 20 different conditions or procedures for eight specialty groups and were designed to act as flags to possible problems in surgical care. METHODS: The development process took several years and included a literature review, field testing, and revision of the indicators prior to approval by the College council. In their first year 155 health-care organizations (HCO) addressed the indicators and this rose to 210 in 1998. Data were received from all states and both public and private facilities. RESULTS: The collected data for 1997 and 1998 for some of the indicators revealed rates which were comparable with those reported in the international literature. For example, the rates of bile duct injury in laparoscopic cholecystectomy were 0.7 and 0.53%, respectively; the mortality rates for coronary artery graft surgery were 2.5 and 2.1%, respectively; the mortality rates after elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair were 2.5 and 3.7%, respectively; and the post-tonsillectomy reactionary haemorrhage rates were 0.9 and 1.3%, respectively. Results for some indicators differed appreciably from other reports, flagging the need for further investigation; for example, the negative histology rates for appendectomy in children were 18.6 and 21.2%, respectively, and the rates for completeness of excision of malignant skin tumours were 90.7 and 90%, respectively. The significance of these figures, however, depends upon validation of the data and their reliability and reproducibility. Because reliability can be finally determined only at the hospital level they are of limited value for broader comparison. CONCLUSION: The process of review established for the indicator set has led to refinement of some indicators through improvement of definitions, and to a considerable reduction in the number of indicators to 29 (covering 18 procedures), for the second version of the indicators (which was introduced for use from January 1999). The clinical indicator programme, as it has with other disciplines, hopefully will provide a stimulus to the modification and improvement of surgical practice. Clinician ownership should enhance the collection of reliable data and hence their usefulness.

The ACHS Care Evaluation Program: a decade of achievement. Australian Council on Healthcare Standards.

In 1989 the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) embarked on a programme to develop acute health care clinical indicators in conjunction with the Australian medical colleges. Through a carefully structured stepwise process this collaboration established a 'World first' in 1993 with the introduction of the first set of indicators into the ACHS Accreditation programme. The programme remains unique in the formal involvement of providers in the development process and in the scope of the clinical areas covered in acute health care. From the year 2000 there will be 18 sets (and over 200 indicators) from which health care organisations (HCOs) can choose to monitor the major services they provide. There remains no compulsion to address a specific number of indicators. The growth of the programme has been considerable with more than half of the nations' acute HCOs reporting their clinical indicator data (twice yearly) and it provides a reflection of the care given for the majority of patient separations in acute care. This reporting process allows HCOs to receive feedback on the aggregate results together with comparative peer group information for each indicator they address. In addition to numerous publications in peer reviewed journals an annual aggregate report, 'the Measurement of Care in Australian Hospitals' is published. It reports both qualitative and quantitative data on all indicator sets for the preceding year. Validity of the indicators is strengthened each year with a review process and reliability and reproducibility of the data can now be demonstrated. The clinical response to the indicators has been overwhelming and there is now documented evidence of numerous actions taken by HCOs to improve both the processes and the outcomes of patient care. The nation wide database can be expected to reflect trends in care over the next few years. The process of indicator refinement, however, will continue and it is likely that a reduction in the total number of indicators will occur with a core group of the more 'robust' indicators remaining. Further directions in indicator development are likely to be in the area of multidisciplinary care and in the assessment of longer-term outcomes. In addition to measures of the quality of care, hopefully, in time, health care providers will also take part in the establishment of measures of the appropriateness of that care.

Acute circulatory and respiratory collapse in obstetrical patients: a case report and review of the literature.

Venous air embolism is the entrapment of air into the venous system producing signs and symptoms due to obstruction of pulmonary arterial blood flow. We present a healthy, 27-year-old, full-term parturient admitted for postdate induction of labor. Cesarean delivery was required following fetal distress. During delivery, the mother became bradycardic and required advanced cardiac life support for resuscitation. Serial hemoglobin values, electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, and a magnetic resonance image of the head were all normal. No fetal squamous cells were found in the patient's blood. She required 6 days of ventilation, was successfully extubated, and was discharged 14 days after the cesarean delivery. The differential diagnosis in this patient's care centered on a pulmonary embolic event. Thromboembolism was unlikely, based upon the patient's rapid clinical improvement without definitive therapy for thrombotic disease or detection of peripheral thrombosis. Amniotic fluid embolus was unlikely, although not excluded, by the absence of fetal cells in the maternal circulation and the lack of an accompanying intravascular coagulopathy. Air embolism may occur in up to 50% of women undergoing cesarean delivery. A lethal embolism may follow a bolus of 3 to 5 mL/kg of air. Chief among the many symptoms of air embolism are tachypnea, chest pain, and gasping. The diagnosis may be facilitated by precordial Doppler monitoring, transesophageal echocardiography, or by the identification of air when aspirating from a right heart catheter. Management includes optimum patient positioning, aspiration of air, discontinuation of nitrous oxide, administration of 100% oxygen, and flooding the surgical site with saline to avoid further air entry. Preventive strategies are also discussed.

Cellular mechanisms of intestine regeneration in the sea cucumber, Holothuria glaberrima Selenka (Holothuroidea:Echinodermata).

Echinoderms are the deuterostome group with the most striking capacity to regenerate lost body parts. In particular, members of the class Holothuroidea are able to regenerate most of their internal organs following a typical evisceration process. Such formation of new viscera in an adult organism provides a unique model to study the process of organogenesis. We have studied this process in the sea cucumber Holothuria glabberrima by describing the spatial and temporal pattern of cellular events that occur during intestine regeneration following chemically induced evisceration. Regeneration begins as a thickening of the mesenteries that supported the autotomized organs to the body wall. The mesenterial thickening consists of tissues where most of the cellular populations found in the normal intestine are already present. However, the cell numbers differ, particularly those of hemocytes and amoebocytes, suggesting that some of these cells play an important role in the formation of the solid rod of hypertrophic mesentery that characterizes the intestinal primordia. The appearance of the luminal epithelium, together with the formation of the lumen, occurs during the second week of regeneration by proliferation and extensive migration of cells from the esophagus and cloacal ends into the thickenings. At this stage all tissue layers are present, but it takes an additional week for them to exhibit the proportions typical of the normal organ. Cell division, as determined by BrdU labeling, mainly occurs in the coelomic epithelia of the hypertrophic mesentery and in the regenerating luminal epithelium. Our study provides evidence that the process of new organ formation in holothurians can be described as an intermediate process showing characteristics of both epimorphic and morphallactic phenomena.

A five year study comparing early retirements on medical grounds in ambulance personnel with those in other groups of health service staff. Part II: Causes of retirements.

The objective of this study was to compare morbidity between ambulance staff and other groups of health service workers, to facilitate planning of occupational health (OH) services. A retrospective study of employees of the Eastern Health and Social Services Board, Northern Ireland was conducted. Subject were 181 men and 353 women assessed at OH between 1988-92 and found eligible (on the basis of permanent incapacity) to apply for early retirement on medical grounds (EROMG). When causes of retirement were looked at it was found that musculoskeletal, circulatory and mental disorders were most common in all groups (overall making up three-quarters of retirements). Differences in causes of retirements between different groups of workers were not found to be statistically significant, but when male staff were compared ambulance staff showed the highest proportion of retirements due to circulatory disorders. Retirements due to musculoskeletal disorders occurred after shorter service than those due to mental disorders and those due to mental disorders occurred after shorter service than those due to circulatory disorders; these findings achieved statistical significance. In comparison with previous studies this study showed the highest proportion of ambulance retirements due to mental disorders, with an unexpectedly high proportion being related to alcohol problems. Occupational health services for ambulance staff would be best targeted towards facilitating the development of physical fitness and rehabilitation programmes, and health promotional activities such as training in stress management.

Substrate selectivity of mouse N-acetyltransferases 1, 2, and 3 expressed in COS-1 cells.

Two human acetyl-CoA:arylamine N-acetyltransferases (NAT1 and NAT2) have been identified. Therapeutic and carcinogenic agents that are substrates for these isoenzymes (including isoniazid, sulfamethazine, p-aminobenzoic acid, 5-aminosalicyclic acid, and 2-aminofluorene) have been used to evaluate the role of the N-acetylation polymorphisms of NAT1 and NAT2 in the treatment of disease and differential risk of various cancers among individuals of differing acetylator phenotypes. The mouse is frequently used as a model of the human acetylator polymorphism. As three Nat isoenzymes have been identified in mouse, it is necessary to determine the selectivity of mouse Nats toward common NAT substrates. In the present study, Nat1*, Nat2*8, and Nat3* were expressed in COS-1 cells, and their substrate selectivity was evaluated with various substrates. Under the conditions used, mouse Nat2 had 20-, 2.4-, and 5.4-fold higher catalytic activity for p-aminobenzoic acid, 5-aminosalicylic acid, and 2-aminofluorene, respectively, than Nat1. Isoniazid N-acetylation was catalyzed only by mouse Nat1. For the substrates tested in this study, mouse Nat3 exhibited activity only toward 5-aminosalicylic acid and only at 1/20 the activity shown by Nat2. In addition, p-aminobenzoylglutamate, the first endogenous NAT substrate identified, was selective for mouse Nat2. These results further support the functional analogy of mouse Nat2 and human NAT1.

A five-year study comparing early retirements on medical grounds in ambulance personnel with those in other groups of health service staff. Part I: Incidences of retirements.

The objective of this study was to compare morbidity between ambulance staff and other groups of health service workers, to facilitate planning of occupational health (OH) services. A retrospective study of employees of The Eastern Health and Social Services Board, Northern Ireland was conducted. Subjects were 181 men and 353 women assessed at OH between 1988-92 and found eligible (on the basis of permanent incapacity) to apply for early retirement on medical grounds (EROMG). Ambulance personnel showed a high rate of EROMG (55.9/1,000 per annum) both compared with previous ambulance studies (5.7-22.5/1,000), and with other groups in the present study (manual 24.8/1,000, nursing 5.9/1,000 and non-manual 2.6/1,000). Indirect standardization was used to correct for age-sex differences between groups, by deriving standardized early retirement ratios (SERR). Ambulance and manual staff showed high SERRs (636, CI = 558-714 and 164, CI = 149-179), whereas nursing and non-manual staff showed low SERRs (91, CI = 75-107 and 38, CI = 25-52), (all results except that for nursing staff being significant at p < 0.001). There is evidence that ambulance staff are a group with high morbidity, and thus deserving of particular attention in terms of preventative and health promotional activities. Other issues requiring consideration in relation to ambulance staff are redeployment and lowering of the retirement age.

Characterization of a hormone response element in the mouse N-acetyltransferase 2 (Nat2*) promoter.

Multiple variant alleles of the human arylamine N-acetyltransferase genes, NAT1* and NAT2*, alter the capacity of individuals to metabolize arylamines by N-acetylation. Although biochemical and genetic studies have improved our understanding of the molecular basis of the acetylation polymorphism in humans and other mammals, regulation of NAT* gene expression is not understood. In the present study, a segment of the 5'-untranslated region of mouse Nat2* was sequenced and characterized. Primer extension analysis and RNase protection assays exposed multiple transcription initiation sites located 112 to 151 bases upstream of the translational start site. Computer sequence analysis revealed a promoter-like region located within the region 530 bases upstream of the translational start site consisting of TATA boxes, upstream promoter elements such as a CAAT box and Sp1 binding site, regulatory elements such as a palindromic hormone response element (HRE), and enhancer regions such as an AP-1 transcription factor binding site. Transient expression of CAT reporter constructs of the mouse Nat2*-palindromic HRE demonstrated positive regulation of the HSV-thymidine kinase 1 (tk1) promoter and induced the expression of chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT). This induction was initiated by the addition of hormones such as 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) or dexamethasone and was entirely dependent on the presence of androgen or glucocorticoid receptors, respectively. Together with recent discoveries regarding the effects of testosterone on the expression of Nat2* in mouse kidney during development, the findings reported in this article suggest that the HRE found in the promoter region of Nat2* is a potential candidate for the mediation of androgenic regulation of Nat2* in mouse kidney.

PTEN, a putative protein tyrosine phosphatase gene mutated in human brain, breast, and prostate cancer.

Mapping of homozygous deletions on human chromosome 10q23 has led to the isolation of a candidate tumor suppressor gene, PTEN, that appears to be mutated at considerable frequency in human cancers. In preliminary screens, mutations of PTEN were detected in 31% (13/42) of glioblastoma cell lines and xenografts, 100% (4/4) of prostate cancer cell lines, 6% (4/65) of breast cancer cell lines and xenografts, and 17% (3/18) of primary glioblastomas. The predicted PTEN product has a protein tyrosine phosphatase domain and extensive homology to tensin, a protein that interacts with actin filaments at focal adhesions. These homologies suggest that PTEN may suppress tumor cell growth by antagonizing protein tyrosine kinases and may regulate tumor cell invasion and metastasis through interactions at focal adhesions.

Reduction of infectious complications and costs using temporary subcutaneous implantation of PD catheters.

A limited number of authors have demonstrated that temporary subcutaneous implantation of peritoneal dialysis catheters ("Moncrief") reduces infectious complications and increases catheter life expectancy. Two operations are required to use the Moncrief catheter as compared to only one operation when peritoneal dialysis catheters are exteriorized for immediate use ("Updike"). The questions arise, then, are these findings reproducible and which catheter is the most cost-effective? In an effort to support these premises, a retrospective review of 195 patients who received peritoneal dialysis catheters from 1991 to 1995 was undertaken. Demographics, complications, life expectancy analysis, and costs were compared between Moncrief and Updike catheters. There were no significant differences between the groups, and comparisons revealed a clinically evident and statistically significant decrease in the incidence of infections with Moncrief catheters. At both one- and two-year follow-up, Moncrief catheters demonstrated a significant increase in longevity as compared to the Updike catheters. Cost comparisons between the catheter systems revealed that if patients were not undergoing immediate dialysis, placement of a Moncrief catheter was more cost-effective. Conversely, if the patient was currently undergoing dialysis, placement of an Updike catheter was more cost-effective. However, sensitivity analysis revealed that shorter exteriorization times would make the Moncrief catheter the more cost-effective choice in this patient population. In conclusion, temporary subcutaneous implantation of peritoneal dialysis catheters significantly decreases the incidence of infectious complications, increases catheter life expectancy, and is the cost-effective choice for patients who will undergo peritoneal dialysis.

Bone density determinants in elderly women: a twin study.

This cross-sectional twin study examined the influence of constitutional, lifestyle, and genetic factors on bone mineral density (BMD) in elderly women. BMD, at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, Ward's triangle, total hip, and total forearm, total body bone mineral content (BMC), and lean mass and fat mass were measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry in 69 volunteer female twin pairs (37 monozygotic [MZ], 32 dizygotic [DZ]) aged 60-89 years. Height and weight were measured. Medical history and lifetime tobacco and alcohol use were determined by questionnaire. In terms of within-pair differences, lean mass was independently associated with BMD at all sites. In contrast, fat mass was not associated with BMD at any site once allowance had been made for lean mass. Lifetime tobacco use was independently associated with BMD at the lumbar spine, total hip, and forearm. Total body BMC was independently predicted by lean mass, fat mass, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption. Age and the above independently predictive body composition and lifestyle factors accounted for 20-33% of variation in BMD. After allowing for these covariates, MZ and DZ correlations were consistent with about 75% of residual variation in BMD at the nonforearm sites being determined by genetic factors. For total body BMC, the covariates explained 75% of total variation, and genetic factors 76% of the residual variation. Therefore, at the proximal femur and lumbar spine, after taking into account the relation of BMD with lean mass and smoking, genetic factors appear to play a substantial role in explaining variation in BMD in elderly women.

Depth of penetration of the neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser in the human prostate and clinical results of high-dose laser energy in 50 patients.

We evaluated the treatment of the human prostate with the Nd:YAG laser using a Cytocare Prolase II fiber. We utilized this first in 12 patients prior to radical prostatectomy and then appropriately serially sectioned the prostate to measure the depth of penetration. The studies clearly revealed that 60 W of power and 60 s of pulse duration gave the most consistent depth of penetration in the human prostate model. This depth of penetration averaged 2 cm in the glands that were removed. At the same time there was absolutely no evidence of damage to the neurovascular bundle or to the capsule of the prostate using the above-mentioned dosimetry regime. This study was then transferred to our initial experience in treating 50 patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy and obstructive voiding symptoms. The first 25 patients were also treated with so-called spot radiation of the prostate, whereas the second 25 patients were treated by total photoirradiation of all visible endoscopic tissue. The results reveal that both groups of patients had a fairly highly satisfactory result as measured objectively with American Urological Association (AUA) symptom scores and uroflow studies. In the latter group (photoirradiation of all visible endoscopic tissue) a significantly higher dose of laser energy was utilized and a smaller failure rate was noted on a long-term basis in patients who subsequently came to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) because of failure of the laser procedure.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Differential CNS expression of alternative mRNA isoforms of the mammalian genes encoding cAMP-specific phosphodiesterases.

To study alternative splicing and tissue-specific expression of the mammalian genes encoding type-IV cAMP-specific phosphodiesterases, which are homologs of the dnc learning and memory gene of Drosophila melanogaster, we cloned seven cDNAs from four rat loci (PDE1, PDE2, PDE3 and PDE4) homologous to dnc. The deduced amino-acid sequences of the proteins encoded by the rat loci were shown to have a 1:1 correspondence with those encoded by the four human dnc homologs. The proteins encoded by at least one cDNA from each of the four rat loci contained novel N-terminal upstream conserved regions (UCR1 and UCR2), described previously in proteins encoded by the human dnc homologs and by dnc. cDNAs from three of the rat loci (PDE2, PDE3 and PDE4) had a structure consistent with alternative splicing of the 5' coding regions of their respective mRNAs. UCR1, and in one case a portion of UCR2, were absent in one of the alternatively spliced transcripts from these three loci. RNase protection analysis showed that the rat PDE3 and PDE4 loci were each expressed at relatively constant levels in multiple regions of the brain, while PDE2 transcripts were more abundant in temporal cortex and brainstem. One of the alternatively spliced mRNAs from the PDE4 locus was relatively more abundant in temporal cortex and cerebellum. One alternatively spliced transcript from the PDE3 locus was expressed more abundantly in parietal cortex. Both of the alternatively spliced transcripts from the human DPDE4 locus (the homolog of rat PDE4) were expressed in temporal cortex.

Depth of penetration of the neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser in the human prostate at various dosimetry.

OBJECTIVE: To determine depth of thermal penetration by the neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser at various dosimetry in the human prostate and to compare results of two techniques of laser application, single spot versus whole tissue photoirradiation. METHODS: Twelve men with Stage T2 (B) cancer of the prostate consented to laser prostatectomy immediately prior to a planned radical prostatectomy. In the first 3 patients (group I) the prostate was treated with the Nd:YAG laser in one spot area of each lobe. The next 9 patients underwent photoirradiation of all endoscopically visible tissues on one side of the prostate at different dosimetries: 60 W at sixty seconds (group II), 50 W at sixty seconds (group III), and 40 W at ninety seconds (group IV). Depth of laser penetration was measured from both histologic and gross evaluations of removed specimens within twenty-four hours. RESULTS: Thermal necrosis in group I showed an inconsistent depth of penetration even with the same amount of laser energy. Groups II, III, and IV all demonstrated clearly demarcated areas of thermal necrosis. Group II showed the greatest depth of laser effect among all groups, with a mean depth of 1.75 cm. No laser effect is detected near the true capsule of the prostate on any specimen. CONCLUSIONS: High dosage laser energy application at 60 W and sixty seconds of pulse duration with the whole tissue treatment provide the greatest depth of penetration in the human prostate while maintaining safety for the capsular area.

A Peanut Nodule Lectin in Infected Cells and in Vacuoles and the Extracellular Matrix of Nodule Parenchyma.

Root nodules on peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) accumulate a galactose/lactose-binding lectin that is similar, but not identical, to the major seed lectin in peanut. The function of the peanut nodule lectin (PNL) is not known. In the current study, we have investigated the location of lectin in the nodule using immunogold labeling and enzyme-linked immunosorbant assays (ELISA). Lectin was most abundant in the nodule parenchyma, where it accumulated in vacuoles, suggesting a possible role as a vegetative storage protein. Lectin was also detected in the extracellular matrix in the nodule parenchyma, a location that corresponds to the tissue layer forming a barrier to oxygen diffusion. The potential for interactions between PNL and other cell wall components, including a previously described high-molecular weight glycoprotein that co-localizes with PNL, is discussed. Within infected cells, lectin was not detectable by immunogold labeling within the cytoplasm, but light labeling was suggestive of lectin localization within the symbiosome lumen. Analysis of fractionated symbiosomes by the more sensitive ELISA technique confirmed that lectin was present within the symbiosome, but was not bound to bacteroids. Our results indicate that PNL probably plays several roles in this nitrogen-fixing symbiosis.