Conserving biodiversity in production landscapes.

Alternative land uses make different contributions to the conservation of biodiversity and have different implementation and management costs. Conservation planning analyses to date have generally assumed that land is either protected or unprotected, and that the unprotected portion does not contribute to conservation goals. We develop and apply a new planning approach that explicitly accounts for the contribution of a diverse range of land uses to achieving conservation goals. Using East Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo) as a case study, we prioritize investments in alternative conservation strategies and account for the relative contribution of land uses ranging from production forest to well-managed protected areas. We employ data on the distribution of mammals and assign species-specific conservation targets to achieve equitable protection by accounting for life history characteristics and home range sizes. The relative sensitivity of each species to forest degradation determines the contribution of each land use to achieving targets. We compare the cost effectiveness of our approach to a plan that considers only the contribution of protected areas to biodiversity conservation, and to a plan that assumes that the cost of conservation is represented by only the opportunity costs of conservation to the timber industry. Our preliminary results will require further development and substantial stakeholder engagement prior to implementation; nonetheless we reveal that, by accounting for the contribution of unprotected land, we can obtain more refined estimates of the costs of conservation. Using traditional planning approaches would overestimate the cost of achieving the conservation targets by an order of magnitude. Our approach reveals not only where to invest, but which strategies to invest in, in order to effectively and efficiently conserve biodiversity.

Defects of DNA mismatch repair in human prostate cancer.

Loss of mismatch repair (MMR) function leads to the accumulation of errors that normally occur during DNA replication, resulting in genetic instability. Germ-line mutations of MMR genes in the patients with hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer lead to inactivation of MMR protein functions, and the defects of MMR are well correlated to the high rate of microsatellite instability in their tumors. Previous studies (T. Uchida, et al. Oncogene, 10: 1019-1022, 1995; S. Egawa, et al. Cancer RES:, 55: 2418-2421, 1995; J. M. Cunningham, et al. Cancer RES:, 56: 4475-4482, 1996; X. Gao, et al. Oncogene, 9: 2999-3003, 1994; H. Rohrbach, et al. Prostate, 40: 20-27, 1999) have shown that genetic instability (chromosomal and microsatellite instability) is detectable in human prostate cancer. To elucidate the role of MMR genes in the tumorigenesis of prostate cancer, we evaluated the expression of these genes in human cancer cell lines and in tumor specimens. Using Western blot analysis, we detected loss among MSH2, MLH1, PMS2, and PMS1 proteins in DU145, LNCaP, p69SV40T, M2182, and M12 cells. In addition, genomic instability in the prostate cell lines including DU145, PC3, LNCaP, p67SV40T, M2182, and M12 was detected by a microsatellite mutation assay. Significantly, immunohistochemical analysis of prostatic tissue revealed the reduction or absence of MMR protein expression in the epithelium of prostate tumor foci compared with normal adjacent prostate tissue. In contrast to hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, characterized by defects predominantly in MLH1 and MSH2, the samples we examined showed more tumor foci with loss of PMS1 and PMS2. PMS1, which is only expressed in the basal cells in normal glands, is conspicuously absent in most prostate cancer. From these results, we conclude that there are defects of MMR genes in human prostate cancer.

Urologic complication of laparoscopic appendectomy.

Abscess formation after a ruptured appendix is a well-known phenomenon. Extra-abdominal complications are somewhat rare. Here we present an unusual urologic complication in a case of a perforated appendix and abdominal sepsis.

Synthesis and evaluation of a series of 3,5-disubstituted benzisoxazole-4,7-diones. Potent radiosensitizers in vitro.

A series of 3,5-disubstituted-2,1-benzisoxazole-4,7-diones was synthesized and evaluated as radiosensitizers both in vitro and in vivo. These compounds were designed as non-nitro electron-affinic agents in an effort to alleviate some of the toxicities seen with the 2-nitroimidazole radiosensitizers evaluated in the clinic. Several compounds in this series were potent radiosensitizers in vitro, with sensitizer enhancement ratios of 2.0-2.3 at concentrations less than 0.5 mM. Compounds with potent in vitro activity were also evaluated in vivo. However, none of these compounds showed radiosensitizing activity in vivo. The reduction potentials of these compounds were determined by cyclic voltammetry and compared to other electron-affinic radiosensitizers. In general, the reduction potentials of this series of compounds was slightly more positive than the 2-nitroimidazoles, but they fell within the range postulated as acceptable to yield in vivo activity. The results suggest that factors other than reduction potential may be responsible for the lack of in vivo radiosensitizing activity observed for this class of radiosensitizers.

Effect of PD 128763, a new potent inhibitor of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, on X-ray-induced cellular recovery processes in Chinese hamster V79 cells.

The modifying effects of PD 128763 (3,4-dihydro-5-methyl-1(2H)-isoquinolinone), a potent inhibitor of poly(adenosine-diphosphate (ADP)-ribose) polymerase, on radiation-induced cell killing were examined in Chinese hamster V79 cells. This compound has an IC50 value against the purified enzyme approximately 50X lower than 3-aminobenzamide (3-AB), a widely used specific inhibitor of the enzyme. Exposure of exponentially growing cells to a noncytotoxic concentration (0.5 mM) of PD 128763 for 2 h immediately following X irradiation increased their radiation sensitivity, modifying both the shoulder and the slope of the survival curve. When recovery from sublethal damage and potentially lethal damage was examined in exponential and plateau-phase cells, respectively, postirradiation incubation with 0.5 mM PD 128763 was found not only to inhibit both these processes fully, but also to enhance further the level of radiation-induced cell killing. This is in contrast to the slight effect seen with the less potent inhibitor, 3-AB. The results presented suggest that the mechanism of radiosensitization by PD 128763 is related to the potent inhibition of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase by this compound.

Dihydroisoquinolinones: the design and synthesis of a new series of potent inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase.

A series of dihydroisoquinolinones, formally rigid analogs of 3-substituted benzamides, and a series of 2,3-disubstituted benzamides were synthesized and evaluated as inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. The results indicated that the orientation of the amide with respect to the substituent on the aromatic ring was critical for optimum inhibitory activity. Selected compounds were also evaluated for their ability to modify the radiation response of mammalian cells to ionizing radiation. A number of the 5-substituted dihydroisoquinolinones, which were very potent inhibitors of the enzyme, were able to enhance the lethal effects of ionizing radiation in mammalian cells, as measured by changes in the survival curve parameters Do and/or Dq.

Effect of prenatal ethanol administration on the urogenital system of mice.

The purpose of the present series of studies was to determine whether an obstruction in the urogenital system or vesicoureteral reflux (reflux, the retrograde passage of urine from the bladder into the kidney) existed in mice prenatally exposed to ethanol which might account for the high incidence of hydronephrosis and hydroureter observed. In order to examine these possibilities, indigo carmine was injected into the bladder of 19-day fetuses previously exposed to ethanol on Day 10 of gestation and the presence of hydronephrosis and/or reflux determined. As expected, we found a greatly increased incidence of hydronephrosis and hydroureter. In addition, there was a significant increase in reflux in the ethanol-treated mice. The incidence of reflux appeared to be related to the severity of the hydronephrosis observed, though cases of hydronephrosis without reflux and reflux without hydronephrosis were found. These data suggest both hypotheses may be salient and that a multiplicity of urogenital abnormalities are found following prenatal ethanol exposure.

Benzothiopyranoindazoles, a new class of chromophore modified anthracenedione anticancer agents. Synthesis and activity against murine leukemias.

The synthesis of the benzothiopyranoindazoles, a new class of chromophore modified anthracenediones related to mitoxantrone, is described. In this structural class the quinone moiety, which is believed to be responsible for the cardiotoxicity of the anthracyclines, has been designed out. The synthesis of the benzothiopyranoindazoles was carried out by a multistep sequence from requisite 1-chloro-4-nitro-9H-thioxanthen-9-one precursors. Reaction with a monoalkylhydrazine gave a 5-nitrobenzothiopyranoindazole adduct, which was catalytically reduced to a corresponding C-5 anilino intermediate. Alkylation of 7 with a requisite X(CH2)nNR1R2 (X = Cl, Br; R1, R2 = H, alkyl, acyl; n = 2,3) provided target "two-armed" benzothiopyranoindazoles or A-ring methoxy and/or side chain acyl intermediates, which could be converted to 3 by appropriate deprotection methodologies. Alternatively, certain target compounds 3 were synthesized by reaction of 7 with appropriately functionalized glycine precursors under Schotten-Bauman or BOP chloride condensation conditions to provide C-5 acylamino intermediates, followed by Red-Al reduction and deprotection steps. Described also is the synthesis of selected benzothiopyranoindazole congeners with proximal acylamino side chains at C-5 and B-ring sulfone functionality at S-6. Potent activity was demonstrated against murine L1210 leukemia in vitro (IC50 = 10(-7)-10(-9) M) as well as against P388 leukemia in vivo over a wide range of structural variants. In general, activity against the P388 line was maximized by (a) a basic side chain at N-2 and a dibasic side chain at C-5 with primary or secondary distal amine substitution, (b) certain patterns of A-ring hydroxylation with 8-OH and 9-OH most favorable, and (c) sulfide oxidation state at S-6. Besides having curative activity against the P388 line, the more active compounds were curative against murine B-16 melanoma in vivo. On the basis of their exceptional broad-spectrum in vivo anticancer activity, selected compounds in this series have been chosen for development toward clinical trials.

Use of a bleeding time determination in the evaluation of unexplained hematuria.

Although von Willebrand's disease is an unusual cause of gross hematuria in children, it is readily treatable with fresh frozen plasma or cryoprecipitate. We present 2 cases of recurrent, painless gross hematuria owing to this congenital factor VIII deficiency disorder. In each case the diagnosis was suggested first by the finding of a prolonged bleeding time. We suggest that the bleeding time determination be included as part of the screening hemostatic studies used in the evaluation of unexplained hematuria.

Anthrapyrazole anticancer agents. Synthesis and structure-activity relationships against murine leukemias.

Chromophore modification of the anthracenediones related to mitoxantrone in an attempt to provide agents with diminished or no cardiotoxicity has resulted in a novel class of DNA binders, the anthrapyrazoles. Their synthesis was carried out by a two-stage condensation sequence starting from requisite 1,4- or 1,5-dichloro-9,10-anthracenedione precursors. Reaction with a monoalkylhydrazine gave a chloroanthrapyrazole intermediate whose subsequent condensation with primary or secondary alkylamines provided the target "two-armed" anthrapyrazoles. A-ring 7,10-dihydroxy anthrapyrazoles were derived from amine condensation with intermediate 5-chloro-7,10-dihydroxyanthrapyrazoles or, alternatively, from intermediate 5-chloro-7,10-bis(benzyloxy)anthrapyrazoles followed by hydrogenolysis of the benzyl protecting groups to provide the target compounds. Potent in vitro activity was demonstrated against murine L1210 leukemia in vitro (IC50 = 10(-7)-10(-8) M) as well as against P388 leukemia in vivo over a wide range of structural variants. In general, activity against the P388 line was maximized by basic side chains at N-2 and C-5, two to three carbon spacers between proximal and distal nitrogens of the side chain, and A-ring hydroxylation. Besides having curative activity against the P388 line, the more active compounds were curative against murine B-16 melanoma in vivo. On the basis of their exceptional in vivo anticancer activity, A-ring dihydroxy compounds 71 and 74 reported in this study have been selected for development toward clinical trials.

Posterior urethral valves: an update and review.

Here, in a comprehensive review of an important pediatric problem, the authors discuss the embryology, the clinical and radiological features, the complications and the management of posterior urethral valves.

Novel bis[1,6-dihydro-6,6-dimethyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamines] as antitrypanosomal agents.

A series of novel 1,1'-(4,1-phenylene)bis [1,6-dihydro-6,6-dimethyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamines] was prepared and evaluated for activity against Trypanosoma rhodesiense in mice. The importance of the bis structure and the nature of the spacer between the two phenyl rings for optimal activity have been revealed. The potent parenteral activity of several analogues within this series as well as preliminary indication of oral activity lends encouragement to further development of this structural class.

Primary renal candidiasis in two preterm neonates. Report of cases and review of literature on renal candidiasis in infancy.

Primary renal candidiasis and hydronephrosis were diagnosed in two premature neonates in whom systemic hypertension developed. The clinical course in these patients and in 16 patients with renal candidiasis described in the literature indicated that prematurity, use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, and use of intravenous (IV) catheters are predisposing factors. Anuria and flank mass were the initial manifestations in the reviewed cases. Only four of the 16 patients survived following either antifungal therapy or nephrectomy. Both of our patients survived after antifungal therapy with amphotericin B and flucytosine for systemic effect as well as topical instillation of amphotericin B solution via a nephrostomy. We believe that a high index of suspicion in infants at risk and early institution of antifungal therapy for systemic as well as topical effect can improve the outcome in infants with renal candidiasis.

Percutaneous nephrostomy in the treatment of renal calculi.

We have described two cases of nonoperative removal of obstructing ureteral calculi via a percutaneously placed nephrostomy. Nephrectomy or excessive operative morbidity and mortality may thus be avoided in patients at high risk. Although the number of patients who have been treated in this manner is small, the results are encouraging.

Primary leiomyosarcoma of the ureter: a case report with electron microscopy.

We report the twelfth case of primary leiomyosarcoma of the ureter, which is also the first such case studied with transmission electron microscopy. The clinical appearance of this case was that of acute urinary obstruction.