Soluble endoglin versus sFlt-1/PlGF ratio: detection of preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome, and FGR in a high-risk cohort.

The angiogenic factors sFlt-1 and PlGF play an established role in the detection of preeclampsia (PE). Recent data suggest that sEng might contribute to the pathogenesis of PE. However, only a few studies so far have addressed its role.This monocentric cross-sectional study of high-risk pregnancies aims to compare the levels of sFlt-1/PlGF ratio and sEng depending on different placental-related adverse pregnancy outcomes. The statistical analysis takes into account Pearson's correlation coefficient between angiogenic factors, the area under the curve estimates (AUCs) for detection, and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%-CIs). The analysis included 206 patients: 60 controls, 90 PE (59 EOPE, 35 LOPE), 94 FGR, and 35 HELLP cases. Some outcomes overlapped because FGR commonly complicated PE and HELLP syndrome. Serum levels of sFlt-1/PlGF and sEng correlated with each other. Higher levels were observed in HELLP syndrome and EOPE cases. AUCs for sFlt-1/PlGF ratio and sEng were, respectively, 0.915 (95%-Cl 0.87-0.96) and 0.872 (95%-Cl 0.81-0.93) in PE, 0.895 (95%-Cl 0.83-0.96) and 0.878 (95%-Cl 0.81-0.95) in HELLP syndrome, 0.891 (95%-Cl 0.84-0.94), and 0.856 (95%-Cl 0.79-0.92) in FGR.aORsfor sFlt-1/PlGF ratio and sEng were, respectively: 2.69 (95%-Cl 1.86-3.9) and 2.33 (95%-Cl 1.59-3.48) in PE, 2.38 (95%-Cl 1.64-3.44) and 2.28 (95%-Cl 1.55-3.4) in FGR, and 2.10 (95%-Cl 1.45-3.05) and 1.88 (95%-Cl 1.31-2.69) in HELLP syndrome. In addition, the aORs between sFlt-1/PlGF and sEng were very similar but higher for PE and FGR than HELLP syndrome.In conclusion,sEng performed similarly to sFlt-1/PlGF to detect placental dysfunctions.

[Surgical urinary diversion in children from war and crisis areas-20-year experience report]. / Operative Harnableitung bei Kindern aus Kriegs- und Krisengebieten ­ 20-jähriger Erfahrungsbericht.

BACKGROUND: Because sick and injured children from war and crisis areas can often only be helped to a limited extent in their countries of origin, those children with the most complex diseases often receive medical treatment in Europe. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To evaluate the postoperative outcome of reconstructive interventions in children from war and crisis areas, an evaluation of the clinic's internal database between 1997 and 2017 was carried out. The operative indication, the surgical procedure, any revisions or conversions and the overall mortality were analyzed. RESULTS: During the above-mentioned period a total of 44 (male: 32, female: 12) children aged 3-14 years from Afghanistan, Angola, Central Asia and the Caucasus were treated. Indications for the reconstructive procedures were bladder exstrophy (n = 23), neurogenic bladder dysfunction (n = 9), penile partial amputation (n = 1) and traumatic bladder dysfunction (n = 11). In 26 children, a conduit was created, 11 children received a sigma rectum pouch and 1 child an ileocecal pouch, while 5 other children received bladder augmentation and 1 child an oral mucosal urethroplasty. In total, 7 revisions or conversions due to ureteral implantation stenoses and recurrent acidosis had to be performed. Five children died in their home country due to acidosis, sepsis, end stage renal failure, accident and social exclusion. CONCLUSION: In the long term 39 of the 44 (88.6%) children live socially integrated in their home country and are regularly monitored by local aid organizations. When choosing the reconstructive intervention, the local conditions must be considered.

[Ureteral stricture as a late complication of radiotherapy : Possible treatment options]. / Radiogene Harnleiterstrikturen : Mögliche Therapieoptionen.

Ureteral strictures are uncommon complications of radiotherapy which are often recognized late. Their consequences range from harmless dilatation of the ureter to loss of renal function and potential life-threatening urosepsis.Therapy of radiogenic ureteral stricture is a challenging task for every urologist. Several surgical strategies including minimally invasive procedures, reconstruction and partial or complete replacement of the ureter are available.This article provides an overview of the various options in the treatment of radiogenic stricture of the ureter, focusing on the use of ileum and colon segments for ureteral substitution.

Towards an open grapevine information system.

Viticulture, like other fields of agriculture, is currently facing important challenges that will be addressed only through sustained, dedicated and coordinated research. Although the methods used in biology have evolved tremendously in recent years and now involve the routine production of large data sets of varied nature, in many domains of study, including grapevine research, there is a need to improve the findability, accessibility, interoperability and reusability (FAIR-ness) of these data. Considering the heterogeneous nature of the data produced, the transnational nature of the scientific community and the experience gained elsewhere, we have formed an open working group, in the framework of the International Grapevine Genome Program (www.vitaceae.org), to construct a coordinated federation of information systems holding grapevine data distributed around the world, providing an integrated set of interfaces supporting advanced data modeling, rich semantic integration and the next generation of data mining tools. To achieve this goal, it will be critical to develop, implement and adopt appropriate standards for data annotation and formatting. The development of this system, the GrapeIS, linking genotypes to phenotypes, and scientific research to agronomical and oeneological data, should provide new insights into grape biology, and allow the development of new varieties to meet the challenges of biotic and abiotic stress, environmental change, and consumer demand.

[Radical prostatectomy in a certified prostate cancer center: medical treatment and outcome]. / Radikale Prostatektomie in einem zertifizierten Prostatakarzinom-Zentrum : Medizinische Behandlungs- und Ergebnisqualität.

INTRODUCTION: Open radical prostatectomy (RPE) is a standardized surgical technique with good oncologic/functional results. Nevertheless, the postoperative quality of life can be affected significantly by urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Consequently, data of postoperative health-related quality of life come increasingly into public interest. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This paper aims to evaluate the quality of care after radical RPE at a certified prostate cancer center. The oncological outcome, rate of complications, reintervention and transfusions as well as the rate of continence and potency of a total collective of nearly 400 patients was obtained in a standardized manner between January 2008 and June 2012 using the clinic's internal tumor documentation system and commonly used, validated questionnaires. Due to consistent methodology, partial results can finally be compared with data prior to establishment of the prostate cancer center. RESULTS: This study is the first German report demonstrating an improvement of treatment results in a certified prostate cancer center. The rate of complications, reintervention, transfusions, and R1 status were significantly lower than in the precenter era. The evaluation of potency is sobering compared to current published literature, whereas satisfactory results were obtained for continency. DISCUSSION: Evaluation of the data contributes to the quality of treatment and outcome of certified prostate cancer centers and allows reliable decision-making and honest patient education in the future.

Inheritance of downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) and anthracnose (Sphaceloma ampelinum) resistance in grapevines.

Downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) and anthracnose (Sphaceloma ampelinum) are two of the major diseases of most grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivars grown in Thailand. Therefore, breeding grapevines for improved downy mildew and anthracnose resistance is crucial. Factorial crosses were made between three downy mildew and/or anthracnose resistant lines ('NY88.0517.01', 'NY65.0550.04', and 'NY65.0551.05'; male parents) and two or three susceptible cultivars of V. vinifera ('Black Queen', 'Carolina Black Rose', and/or 'Italia'; female parents). F1 hybrid seedlings were evaluated for downy mildew and anthracnose resistance using a detached/excised leaf assay. For both diseases, the general combining ability (GCA) variance among male parents was significant, while the variance of GCA among females and the specific combining ability (SCA) variance were not significant, indicating the prevalence of additive over non-additive gene actions. The estimated narrow sense heritabilities of downy mildew and anthracnose resistance were 55.6 and 79.2%, respectively, suggesting that downy mildew/anthracnose resistance gene(s) were highly heritable. The 'Carolina Black Rose x NY65.0550.04' cross combination is recommended for future use.

Tratamiento de la estrechez del meato uretral por balanitis xerótica obliterante: resultados a largo plazo empleando meatoplastia de Malone / Treatment of urethral meatus stenosis due to Balanitis xerotic obliterans. Long term results using the meatoplasty of Malone

Objetivo: Presentar nuestra experiencia en el tratamiento de estenosis severa localizada en el meato uretral en niños y adultos con balanitis xerótica obliterante. Material y métodos: Un total de 21 pacientes con una edad promedio de 41,7 (7-75) años fueron operados en un período de 5 años utilizando la técnica de meatoplastia según Malone. El seguimiento postoperatorio medio fue 40,8 (6-54) meses. El procedimiento quirúrgico consistió en una pequeña incisión ventral del meato uretral seguida por una meatotomía dorsal profunda, corrigiendo el defecto estético a nivel del glande a través de una sutura en «V» invertida. La evaluación postoperatoria fue realizada en todos los pacientes a través de encuesta escrita que informaba de los resultados funcionales y estéticos de la técnica quirúrgica. Resultados: No se registraron complicaciones postoperatorias, ni tampoco recidiva de la estenosis uretral. Dieciocho pacientes (85,7%) respondieron el cuestionario de evaluación postoperatoria, todos muy satisfechos con el resultado funcional conseguido. Quince de ellos (83,3%) refirieron estar también muy satisfechos con el resultado estético de dicha técnica. Conclusión: La meatoplastia según Malone es una buena alternativa para el tratamiento de la estenosis de meato uretral. Es una técnica fácil, que puede realizarse rápidamente. Evita llevar a cabo un meato hipospádico y consigue buenos resultados postoperatorios (AU)

Objective: To present our experience in the treatment of severe stenosis of the external urinary meatus in male children and adults with balanitis xerotic obliterans. Materials and Methods: A total of 21 patients were operated on in a 5-year period, using the meatoplasty technique of Malone. Mean patient age was 41.7 years (range 7-75). Mean postoperative follow-up was 40.8 months (range 6-54). The surgical procedure consisted in making a small ventral incision of the urethral meatus with an extensive dorsal meatotomy, correcting the esthetic defect of the gland with an inverted V-shaped relieving incision. The postoperative evaluation was performed in every patient by written questionnaire informing about the functional and cosmetic results of the surgical technique. Results: No post-surgical complications or recurrences of the urethral stenosis were recorded. A total of 18 patients (85.7%) replied to the post-surgical questionnaire. All were very satisfied with the functional result. Fifteen (83.3%) were also very satisfied with the cosmetic results of the technique. Conclusion: The meatoplasty of Malone is a good alternative for the treatment of urethral meatal stenosis. It is an easy and rapid-to-perform technique. It avoids creating a hypospadiac meatus and achieves good postoperative results (AU)

[Treatment of urethral meatus stenosis due to Balanitis xerotic obliterans. Long term results using the meatoplasty of Malone]. / Tratamiento de la estrechez del meato uretral por balanitis xerótica obliterante: resultados a largo plazo empleando meatoplastia de Malone.

OBJECTIVE: To present our experience in the treatment of severe stenosis of the external urinary meatus in male children and adults with balanitis xerotic obliterans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 21 patients were operated on in a 5-year period, using the meatoplasty technique of Malone. Mean patient age was 41.7 years (range 7-75). Mean postoperative follow-up was 40.8 months (range 6-54). The surgical procedure consisted in making a small ventral incision of the urethral meatus with an extensive dorsal meatotomy, correcting the esthetic defect of the gland with an inverted V-shaped relieving incision. The postoperative evaluation was performed in every patient by written questionnaire informing about the functional and cosmetic results of the surgical technique. RESULTS: No post-surgical complications or recurrences of the urethral stenosis were recorded. A total of 18 patients (85.7%) replied to the post-surgical questionnaire. All were very satisfied with the functional result. Fifteen (83.3%) were also very satisfied with the cosmetic results of the technique. CONCLUSION: The meatoplasty of Malone is a good alternative for the treatment of urethral meatal stenosis. It is an easy and rapid-to-perform technique. It avoids creating a hypospadiac meatus and achieves good postoperative results.

[Lichen sclerosus in conjunction with meatal stenosis. Prospective 4-year report on meatotomy according to Malone]. / Lichen sclerosus mit Meatusstenose. Prospektiver 4-Jahres-Bericht über die plastische Meatotomie nach Malone.

A novel technique is reported to relieve stenosis of the external urinary meatus in men and boys with lichen sclerosus. A total of 21 patients underwent the new operation of Malone in a 4-year period. The mean patient age was 41.7 years (range: 7-75 years) and mean follow-up was 3.4 years (6 months to 4.1 years). The procedure combines a small ventral with an extensive dorsal meatotomy and ends with an inverted V-shaped relieving incision to correct puckering caused by dorsal meatotomy. Patients were mailed a questionnaire asking if they were pleased with the functional and cosmetic results There were no complications or recurrences. A total of 18 patients replied to the questionnaires. All patients were pleased with the functional and 15 were satisfied with the cosmetic results. The technique relieves stenosis of the external urinary meatus in the short term.It is rapid and easy to perform, avoids a hypospadiac meatus and provides good results.

[Ureteric reconstruction with reconfigured ileal segments according to Yang-Monti. A 4-year prospective report]. / Harnleiterrekonstruktion mit rekonfigurierten Ileumsegmenten nach Yang-Monti. Prospektiver 4-Jahres-Bericht.

BACKGROUND: We report on 4 years experience with ileal ureteric replacement using the Yang-Monti procedure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From April 2001 to January 2009 reconfigured ileal segments were used for total (in 16) or partial (in 2) substitution of the ureter in 18 patients (mean age 47.4 years) with functional ureteric loss secondary to radiogenic or iatrogenic conditions. An antireflux implantation into the native bladder was done in 16 patients. All patients were followed prospectively according to a standardized protocol. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 4.2 years (0.5-8 years). There were no perioperative deaths. Ultrasound controls showed an improvement of the upper tract dilatation in 11, a constant finding in 5 and a worsening in 2 cases. All of the treated renal units had evidence of improved renal function in ten and stabilization in eight patients. Neither a metabolic complication nor mucous obstruction was observed. Minor short-term complications, mainly febrile urinary tract infection and paralytic ileus, occurred in 50% and long-term complications, infections and hernia in 22%. CONCLUSIONS: The ileal ureteral substitute with reconfigured segments offers distinct advantages. A short bowel segment is used with the consequent absence of metabolic complications and excessive mucous production. It allows construction of an ileal ureter with a suitable cross-sectional diameter without any need for tailoring and makes it possible to use an antireflux technique. The intermediate results are encouraging.

High-efficiency biolistic co-transformation and regeneration of 'Chardonnay' (Vitis vinifera L.) containing npt-II and antimicrobial peptide genes.

A reliable and efficient system for transformation and regeneration of 'Chardonnay' (Vitis vinifera L.) plants via microprojectile bombardment was developed. Improvements over the previous biolistic transformation system included: (1) the use of gold particles for bombardment; (2) step-wise selection at 10 then 15 mg/l kanamycin; and (3) embryo induction at 27 degrees C. Embryogenic cell cultures were either bombarded with pBI426, which contains the reporter gene gus (uidA) coding for beta-glucuronidase (GUS), or were co-bombarded with pSAN237 carrying the npt-II (neomycin phosphotransferase II) selectable marker gene, and a second plasmid with an antimicrobial peptide gene. A large number of transient (7,883 +/- 1,928) and stable (46 +/- 32) blue spots per plate at 2 and 95 days after bombardment, respectively, were obtained according to GUS expression analyses. A total of 447 putative transgenic embryos was harvested from 84 bombarded plates. From these embryos, 242 (54%) were regenerated into plants within the first year of the experiment. Southern blot analyses confirmed integration of the transgenes into the grape genome. Co-transformation was tested with four separate antimicrobial constructs. The co-transformation frequency of unlinked genes was 48% as measured by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and 56% as estimated by dot blot hybridization. Expression of the gus gene, and PCR and Southern blot analyses of npt-II and antimicrobial genes from regenerated plants document stable transformation of 'Chardonnay' and establish the parameters for highly-efficient biolistic transformation in V. vinifera.

A gene controlling sex in grapevines placed on a molecular marker-based genetic map.

Genetic maps of Vitis (2n = 38) have been constructed from an interspecific hybrid population of 58 seedlings of the cross 'Horizon' ('Seyval' x 'Schuyler') x Illinois 547-1 (V. cinerea B9 x V. rupestris B38). The maps were initially constructed based on 277 RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA) markers using a double-pseudotestcross strategy. Subsequently, 25 microsatellites, 4 CAPS (cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence), and 12 AFLP (amplified fragment length polymorphism) markers were added to the maps. Another 120 markers, mostly those segregating 3:1, were also assigned but not positioned on the linkage groups in the two maps. The 'Horizon' map consisted of 153 markers covering 1199 cM, with an average map distance of 7.6 cM between markers. The Illinois 547-1 map had 179 markers covering 1470 cM, with an average map distance of 8.1 cM. There were 20 linkage groups in each map, one more than the basic number of chromosomes in grapes. Ten linkage groups in each map were identified as homologous using 16 microsatellite and 2 CAPS markers polymorphic in both parents. A single locus controlling sex in grapes mapped close to a microsatellite marker. These maps provide enough coverage of the genome for QTL (quantitative trait loci) analysis and as a starting point for positional gene cloning in grapes.

Transgenic plantlets of 'Chancellor' grapevine (Vitis sp.) from biolistic transformation of embryogenic cell suspensions.

Transgenic plantlets of 'Chancellor' grapevine (Vitis L. complex interspecific hybrid) were produced via biolistic transformation. Embryogenic cell suspensions were bombarded with 1 µm tungsten particles coated with pBI426 which encodes a fusion peptide between ß-glucuronidase (GUS) and neomycin phosphotransferase II (NPTII). The fusion peptide is under the control of a double 35S Cauliflower Mosaic Virus promoter and a leader sequence from Alfalfa Mosaic Virus. The cells were placed on kanamycin-containing media (10, 25 or 50 mg/l) 2 d after bombardment. Activated charcoal reduced cell browning. Embryos were first observed on selective media 14-29 weeks after bombardment. More than 1600 clusters of embryos were germinated and/or assayed for GUS. Of 621 embryos assayed for GUS expression, 182 (29.3%) were positive. PCR confirmed the presence of the NPTII gene in all 5 GUS-positive and 2 GUS-negative (bombarded) embryos tested. In germination experiments, 15% of the embryo clusters produced at least one plant with normal shoot growth. Of 164 normal plants assayed for GUS expression, 37 (22.6%) were positive. The NPTII gene was amplified by PCR in 1 (of 1) GUS-positive and 4 (of 5) GUS-negative bombarded plants, but not in non-bombarded control plants. Southern blotting confirmed integration of the NPTII gene in all 3 of the GUS and PCR-NPTII positive plants tested. Biolistics is an efficient method for transformation of 'Chancellor' and should be applicable to other important grape cultivars.

A molecular marker based linkage map of Vitis.

Genetic linkage maps of Vitis (2n = 38) have been constructed from a single interspecific hybrid grape population (60 seedlings) of 'Cayuga White' X 'Aurore'. The maps were primarily based on 422 RAPD markers but also included 16 RFLP and isozyme markers. These maps had an average distance of 6.1 cM between markers and were developed using a double-pseudotestcross strategy. The 'Cayuga White' map had 214 markers covering 1196 cM and that of 'Aurore' spanned over 1477 cM with 225 markers. The 'Cayuga White' map consisted of 20 linkage groups, whereas 22 linkage groups comprised the 'Aurore' map. The number of groups reduced to 19, as in some instances two or more groups from one parent showed homology with a single group from the other parent on the basis of markers heterozygous in both parents. Each linkage group ranged in size from 14 to 135 cM in 'Aurore' and from 14 to 124 cM in 'Cayuga White'. These maps provide enough coverage of the genome to allow quantitative trait locus analysis and map-based gene cloning.

Nuclear DNA content of Vitis species, cultivars, and other genera of the Vitaceae.

The nuclear DNA content was analyzed in Vitis species, hybrid cultivars, and genera of the Vitaceae using flow cytometry. Significant variation was found among Vitis species, hybrids, and other genera of the Vitaceae (Ampelopsis and Parthenocissus). DNA content was estimated to range from 0.98 to 1.05 pg/2C within V. labrusca (ns) and 0.86 to 1.00 pg/2C within V. vinifera (ns). Genotypes from Vitis and Parthenocissus were similar in nuclear DNA content (approximately 1.00 pg/2C) whereas they differed significantly from Ampelopsis (1.39 pg/2C). No correlation between DNA content and the center of origin of genotypes of the Vitaceae was noted. Based on the present study, the Vitis genome size is 475 Mbp, 96% of which is non-coding. Knowledge of DNA content is useful in order to understand the complexity of the Vitis genome and to establish a relationship between the genetic and physical map for map-based cloning.

Phosphinothricin stimulates somatic embryogenesis in grape (Vitis sp. L.).

The effect of phosphinothricin concentration on embryo production from an embryogenic callus of 'Chancellor' (Vitis L. complex interspecific hybrid) was tested. Embryogenic callus was cultured on medium supplemented with nine phosphinothricin concentrations (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 5, and 10 mg/l). The highest number of embryos per plate was observed at 0.5 mg/l phosphinothricin. The use of phosphinothricin to stimulate embryo production did not affect embryo germination and plantlet formation. Three germination techniques were compared. Embryo dehydration or growth on Transfergelsolidified medium gave higher germination rates than chilling treatments. Most germinated somatic embryos produced secondary embryos from the hypocotyl after a few weeks of culture. Regardless of the germination technique, the plantlet conversion rate was very low.

Leucine aminopeptidase: an inducible component of the defense response in Lycopersicon esculentum (tomato).

A leucine aminopeptidase (EC 3.4.11.1) cDNA clone (DR57) that was induced in response to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (P.s. tomato) infection was isolated using a subtractive hybridization-enriched cDNA probe. Genomic DNA blot analysis showed that the tomato genome had two leucine aminopeptidase genes. The levels of DR57 mRNAs after P.s. tomato infection and mechanical wounding were determined in two inbred tomato lines that exhibit susceptibility and resistance to P.s. tomato. DR57 mRNAs were detected 12 hours after infection and 4 hours after wounding. Furthermore, DR57 mRNAs were systemically induced in response to wounding. DR57 mRNAs were induced in leaves after Spodoptera littoralis feeding but were not detected in detached leaf controls. Possible roles for the DR57 leucine aminopeptidase in the defense reactions are discussed.

Optimization of biolistic transformation of embryogenic grape cell suspensions.

Embryogenic suspensions of 'Chancellor' (Vitis L. complex interspecific hybrid) were bombarded with tungsten particles coated with plasmid pBI426 encoding ß-glucuronidase (GUS) and neomycin phosphotransferase (NPTII) which results in kanamycin resistance. Two d after bombardment, cultures were placed on semi-solid medium containing either 8.6 or 17.2 µM kanamycin. Factors that affect biolistic transformation rates were studied. Tungsten microprojectiles with a mean diameter of 1.07 µm (M10) resulted in more transient gene expression than 0.771 µm diameter particles. Using M10 particles, helium pressures of 1000 and 1200 psi yielded more GUS-expressing colonies per plate than did 800 psi 2 d following bombardment. The number of transformants present after 34 d was not affected by the helium pressure. The distance between the particle launch site and the target cells, and the number of days between the last cell subculture and bombardment, did not affect the numbers of transient and long term GUS expressing colonies. The addition of 3 g/l of activated charcoal to the post-bombardment medium increased long term GUS expression four fold. Wrapping the plates after bombardment with Parafilm increased long term GUS expression three fold compared with plates wrapped with a porous venting tape. With up to 850 transformed callus colonies per plate 23 d after bombardment, the biolistic device holds much promise as a method to achieve stable transformation of grapevines.