Genetic diversity and differentiation patterns in Micromeria from the Canary Islands are congruent with multiple colonization dynamics and the establishment of species syngameons.

BACKGROUND: Especially on islands closer to the mainland, such as the Canary Islands, different lineages that originated by multiple colonization events could have merged by hybridization, which then could have promoted radiation events (Herben et al., J Ecol 93: 572-575, 2005; Saunders and Gibson, J Ecol 93: 649-652, 2005; Caujapé-Castells, Jesters, red queens, boomerangs and surfers: a molecular outlook on the diversity of the Canarian endemic flora, 2011). This is an alternative to the scenario where evolution is mostly driven by drift (Silvertown, J Ecol 92: 168-173, 2004; Silvertown et al., J Ecol 93: 653-657, 2005). In the former case hybridization should be reflected in the genetic structure and diversity patterns of island species. In the present work we investigate Micromeria from the Canary Islands by extensively studying their phylogeographic pattern based on 15 microsatellite loci and 945 samples. These results are interpreted according to the hypotheses outlined above. RESULTS: Genetic structure assessment allowed us to genetically differentiate most Micromeria species and supported their current classification. We found that populations on younger islands were significantly more genetically diverse and less differentiated than those on older islands. Moreover, we found that genetic distance on younger islands was in accordance with an isolation-by-distance pattern, while on the older islands this was not the case. We also found evidence of introgression among species and islands. CONCLUSIONS: These results are congruent with a scenario of multiple colonizations during the expansion onto new islands. Hybridization contributes to the grouping of multiple lineages into highly diverse populations. Thus, in our case, islands receive several colonization events from different sources, which are combined into sink populations. This mechanism is in accordance with the surfing syngameon hypothesis. Contrary to the surfing syngameon current form, our results may reflect a slightly different effect: hybridization might always be related to colonization within the archipelago as well, making initial genetic diversity to be high to begin with. Thus the emergence of new islands promotes multiple colonization events, contributing to the establishment of hybrid swarms that may enhance adaptive ability and radiation events. With time, population sizes grow and niches start to fill. Consequently, gene-flow is not as effective at maintaining the species syngameon, which allows genetic differentiation and reproductive isolation to be established between species. This process contributes to an even further decrease in gene-flow between species.

Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K: altered pattern of expression associated with diagnosis and prognosis of prostate cancer.

Using proteomic analysis of the nuclear matrix (NM), we found that heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNP K), a member of the hnRNP family with pleiotropic functions, was differentially expressed in prostate cancer (PCa) tissues. This study aimed to characterise the expression of hnRNP K and its subcellular localisation in PCa, utilising immunohistochemical and quantitative western blot techniques. Furthermore, the hnRNP K expression was studied in human PCa cell lines in order to determine its modulation by bicalutamide, the anti-androgen widely used in PCa therapy. Immunohistochemical staining of paraffin-embedded tissues showed that hnRNP K was overexpressed in PCa, where it was localised both in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus. Staining of non-tumour tissues showed exclusively nuclear localisation and a less intense or absent signal. Immunoblot analysis demonstrated that the hnRNP K level within the NM was higher in PCa compared with non-tumour tissues and closely correlated with Gleason score (P=0.008). Higher expression within the NM was significantly (P=0.032) associated with poor prognosis. In two-dimensional western blot analysis hnRNP K presented several isoforms; the one with pI 5.1 was the most differently expressed between non-tumour and PCa tissues. Preliminary results indicate that hnRNP K can be modulated in vitro by a non-steroidal anti-androgen. Taken together, our findings suggest that hnRNP K has potential implications at the diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic levels in PCa.

Magnetic coupling to the advanced Virgo payloads and its impact on the low frequency sensitivity.

We study the electromagnetic coupling of the Advanced Virgo (AdV) input mirror payload in response to a slowly time-varying magnetic field. As the problem is not amenable to analytical solution, we employ and validate a finite element (FE) analysis approach. The FE model is built to represent as faithfully as possible the real object, and it has been validated by comparison with experimental measurements. The intent is to estimate the induced currents and the magnetic field in the neighbourhood of the payload. The procedure found 21 equivalent electrical configurations that are compatible with the measurements. These have been used to compute the magnetic noise contribution to the total AdV strain noise. At the current stage of development, AdV seems to be unaffected by magnetic noise, but we foresee a non-negligible coupling once AdV reaches the design sensitivity.

Value of selective parathormone radioimmunoassay in primary hyperparathyroidism.

Nine cases of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) in patients with urinary calculi are reported and discussed. Selective venous catheterization and parathormone (PTH) radioimmunoassay confirmed the diagnosis in all cases, preoperatively discriminated between adenoma and diffuse parathyroid hyperplasia, and permitted exact preoperative localization of 5 of 7 adenomas. The interest of the urologist in PHP and the usefulness of selective PTH radioimmunoassay are discussed and emphasized.

Usefulness of preoperative transcatheter embolization in kidney tumors.

In recent years preoperative transcatheter embolization has been used widely in the management of kidney tumors. However, the effective clinical usefulness of this method has not yet been proved. Forty cases of kidney tumors treated by preoperative embolization and radical nephrectomy are reviewed and compared with a homogeneous group of patients who did not undergo preoperative embolization. Intraoperative blood loss, postoperative complication, and survival rate were statistically evaluated according to tumor stage. Advantages and disadvantages of preoperative transcatheter embolization of kidney tumors are reviewed.

Retroperitoneal and pelvic extraperitoneal laparoscopy: an international perspective.

OBJECTIVES: To assess technical preferences and current practice trends of retroperitoneal and pelvic extraperitoneal laparoscopy. METHODS: A questionnaire survey of 36 selected urologic laparoscopic centers worldwide was performed. RESULTS: Twenty-four centers (67%) responded. Overall, 3988 laparoscopic procedures were reported: transperitoneal approach (n = 2945) and retroperitoneal/extraperitoneal approach (n = 1043). Retroperitoneoscopic/extraperitoneoscopic procedures included adrenalectomy (n = 74), nephrectomy (n = 299), ureteral procedures (n = 166), pelvic lymph node dissection (n = 197), bladder neck suspension (n = 210), varix ligation (n = 91), and lumbar sympathectomy (n = 6). Mean number of total laparoscopic procedures performed in 1995 per center was 41 (range 5 to 86). Major complications occurred in 49 (4.7%) patients and included visceral complications in 26 (2.5%) patients and vascular complications in 23 (2.2%). Open conversion was performed in 69 (6.6%) patients, electively in 41 and emergently in 28 (visceral injuries, n = 16; vascular injuries, n = 1 2). Retroperitoneoscopy/extraperitoneoscopy is gaining in acceptance worldwide: in 1993, the mean estimated ratio of transperitoneal laparoscopic cases versus retroperitoneoscopic/ extraperitoneoscopic cases per center was 74:26; however, in 1996 the ratio was 49:51. CONCLUSIONS: Retroperitoneoscopy and pelvic extraperitoneoscopy are important adjuncts to the laparoscopic armamentarium in urologic surgery. The overall major complication rate associated with retroperitoneoscopy/extraperitoneoscopy was 4.7%.

Monolateral tubulovasostomy. Report of four cases.

After conventional vasoepididymostony, the epididymal lumen may become occluded or obstructed, resulting in recurring azoospermia. Recently, two-layer direct anastomosis has been advocated on the basis of experimental models of tubulovasostomy performed in rats. Monolateral tubulovasostomy was performed in four cases under 16-40 times magnification. Nylon or 11/0 Vycril was used as suture material for the internal layer of the anastomosis, and 10/0 Ethilon was used for the external layer. After three and six months, semen samples were evaluated for sperm count and motility. The presence of spermatozoa in all the samples confirmed 100% patency of the duct. Three patients had a number of spermatozoa compatible with fertility, and one pregnancy occurred.

Tubulovasostomy in the rat. A new experimental model.

Tubular patency is the primary concern in the evaluation of procedures for epididymovasostomy. The epididymal lumen easily becomes occluded or obstructed, with the resulting recurrence of azoospermia. Recently, two-layer direct anastomosis has been advocated. The aim of the present study was to present an experimental model of tubulovasostomy in the rat. Microsurgery was performed in 18 rats (16-40 X magnification). Suture material used was 11/0 Vycryl or nylon for the internal layer of the anastomosis and 10/0 Ethilon for the external layer. After 6 and 12 weeks, semen samples were obtained by electroejaculation and evaluated for sperm count and motility.

Videoendoscopically assisted transvaginal radical cystectomy.

We describe our experience of anterior pelvic exenteration for bladder cancer in women using a combined transvaginal and laparoscopic approach. The feasibility of videoendoscopically assisted transvaginal cystectomy was demonstrated several years ago, but the indications have been greatly reduced by the spreading use of orthotopic neobladders in women. Moreover, nulliparous patients or patients with vaginal atresia are not suitable for this technique, even if the specimen can also be retrieved through the minilaparotomy used for performing urinary diversion. In the last 3 years, we have performed only four additional cases. Nevetheless, the results are satisfactory. We did not have any major intraoperative complication. Patients were discharged after 7 to 11 days (average 8.6 days) without any postoperative complications. The minimum survival was 13 months, and four patients are still alive. The operation itself is not easy and therefore can be offered only by centers where videoendosurgery has already entered common clinical practice.

Laparoscopic bilateral cutaneous ureterostomy for palliation of ureteral obstruction caused by advanced pelvic cancer.

In cases of advanced urologic malignancies with impairment of renal function secondary to tumor infiltration in high-risk patients, the possibility of performing a laparoscopic instead of an open cutaneous ureterostomy should be considered. We performed laparoscopic cutaneous ureterostomy in three male patients, two with prostate cancer and one with bladder cancer, and in one female patient with uterine cancer. Five operative ports were used. The ureters were identified, dissected, severed, and passed through two 10-mm ports; and cutaneous ureterostomies were performed in the usual manner. The mean operative time was 96 minutes. Patients were discharged after 5 to 7 (mean 6) days. The two patients with prostate cancer are now in treatment with GnRH analogues with a follow-up of 3 and 7 months. The patient with bladder cancer underwent palliative radiotherapy and is well after 6 months. The patient with uterine cancer has stable disease after 3 months. Laparoscopic urinary diversion causes less discomfort and has a low complication rate and may be the first-choice diversion in patients with advanced cancer who have a life expectancy longer than 6 months.

Heat-expansible permanent intraurethral stents for benign prostatic hyperplasia and urethral strictures.

We report our experience with the insertion of a new thermoexpansible permanent intraurethral stent, the Memotherm. We treated 49 patients, 25 with benign prostic hyperplasia (BPH), 21 with recurrent urethral strictures (2 cervicourethral and 18 bulbar and 1 of a vescicourethral anastomosis after radical prostatectomy), and 3 with sphincterotomies (2 for dyssynergia and 1 with incontinence plus stenosis). The patients' ages ranged from 24 to 84 (mean 59.7) years. In all patients, stent insertion was achieved without any operative problem. In two patients, stents were removed (one in the BPH group and one in the urethral stricture group), and at long-term follow-up, we have seen two patients with severe mucosal hyperplasia.

Urolume in urethral stenosis: Italian Club of Minimally Invasive Urology experience.

A multicenter study of the patients in whom the Urolume has been implanted has been among the actions undertaken by the Italian Club of Minimally Invasive Urology (UMICLUB). For each patient, a computer information format has been prepared containing evaluation data related to the preoperative period, the endoscopic procedure, and follow-up. The collected data were computerized through unifunctional and multifunctional analysis. Of the 82 patients recruited, 76 were followed for a period ranging from 1 to 40 months. Urinoflow results dramatically improved after implantation of the endoprosthesis: peak flow rates increased by 310%, while mean flow rates increased by 294%. Incontinence and dribbling were found in 4% and 20% of the patients, respectively, and were independent of the distance between the external sphincter and the Urolume prosthesis and of the stent number and length. The cross-data elaboration seems to indicate a statistically significant relation between urethral preparation before Urolume implantation and stricture recurrence, with recurrence being more frequent after dilation. Significant correlations have not been noticed between stenosis etiology, urinary infection, type of anesthesia, and recurrence; between the type of anesthesia, stent length, and duration of hospitalization; or between stent number and position and pain. The impact of the Urolume prosthesis on sexual activity was marginal by all three measures considered (pain during erection, coitus, and ejaculation).

[Transcatheter hypogastric embolization in life-threatening bladder hemorrages: immediate and long-term results (author's transl)]. / Die Embolisation der Arteria iliaca interna bei Karzinomen mit lebensbedrohlichen Blasenblutungen: Sofort- und Langzeitergebnisse.

Transcatheter embolization of the hypogastric arteries has become a more and more largely used therapeutic approach in mastering unrestrainable hemorrages in bladder cancer patients. In this paper the Authors report their experience with this method based on 9 cases, which could be followed for 1 year or until patient's death. The immediate and long-term results are presented and discussed. The Authors conclude that transcatheter hypogastric embolization is the best non-invasive method to handle neoplastic pelvic hemorrages.

[Monodose aztreonam in the prevention of infection after extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy. Theoretical premises]. / L'aztreonam in monodose nella profilassi delle infezioni dopo ESWL. Premesse teoriche.

A series of 905 patients suffering from renal calculosis and treated with ESWL is considered and the indications for antibiotic treatment with prophylactic or prolonged aztreonam reviewed: 1) for calculi with sterile urine or occasionally infected with I.S.T. less than 200, monodose prophylaxis is certainly advantageous; 2) for calculi with sterile urine or occasionally infected with I.S.T. between 200 and 500, prolonged antibiotic cover is useful; 3) for calculi with chronic infection or with I.S.T. greater than 500, prolonged target antibiotic therapy is necessary; 4) aztreonam is an effective drug for both monodose prophylaxis and for cover treatment. In more complex cases, an antibiogram indication is necessary.

Microsurgery in urology.

Microsurgery is becoming increasingly widely accepted in the field of urology, and microsurgical training well become an integral part of the programs for Residents in University Schools of Urology. In this paper we outline the present clinical application of microsurgery in urology and perspectives, for example: workbench surgery, testis transplantation, vasovasostomy, revascularization for impotence, penis replantation, microsurgery of the urinary tract.

Temporary embolization in urological practice: myth or reality?

Clot embolization through percutaneous transcatheter technique has proved to be a highly effective and reliable method for stopping bleeding from renal or pelvic areas. The recanalization of the embolized vessels is constant and the recovery of the renal function quite satisfactory. In case of priapism temporary embolization may be very useful in selected cases.

Immediate and long-term results of parathyroid autotransplantation in primary hyperparathyroidism.

The authors review the experience of total parathyroidectomy with microsurgical autotransplantation with reference to the long-term results. This method--after further control investigations--may be envisaged for making a definitive evaluation of the results.

Acute hyperparathyroidism successfully treated by total parathyroidectomy and parathyroid autotransplantation.

Acute hyperparathyroidism occurs infrequently and sometimes represents a diagnostic problem in urological patients. We report a case of acute hyperparathyroidism successfully treated by total parathyroidectomy and parathyroid autotransplantation.

[PTH radioimmunoassay on selective venous samplings as a method of localization of parathyroid adenomas in primary hyperparathyroidism (author's transl)]. / Die selektive Parathormonbestimmung als Lokalisationsmittel der Nebenschilddrüsenadenome beim primären Hyperparathyreoidismus.

Preoperative localization of parathyroid adenomas by various methods is today in increasing clinical use. The practical value of the methods is discussed, with particular reference to the PTH radioimmunoassay on selective venous samplings, which is the most reliable. The authors report on their 38 cases with suspected primary hyperparathyroidism during the last six years.

[Brisk postoperative bleeding in a solitary kidney successfully treated by temporary clot embolization (author's transl)]. / Hémorragie rénale massive post-opératoire traitée avec succès par embolisation percutanée "temporaire".

The so called temporary embolization by percutaneous injection of autologous clot can be envisaged as the method of choice in selected cases of massive renal bleeding. The goals of this technique are to occlude the bleeding vessels until a satisfactory hemostasis is achieved and to preserve as far as possible the renal parenchyma by adopting a completely reabsorbable embolic material as the autologous clot. After a review of the literature a case is presented where a temporary embolization was performed in a young woman with brisk postoperative bleeding in a solitary kidney. The procedure was successful and the renal function was not impaired.