The levels of epithelial anchor proteins ß-catenin and zona occludens-1 are altered by E7 of human papillomaviruses 5 and 8.

Infection with viruses of the genus Betapapillomavirus, ß-human papillomaviruses (ß-HPV), is implicated in the development of non-melanoma skin cancer. This was first evidenced for HPV5 and HPV8 in patients with the skin disease epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV). The relocalization of the junctional bridging proteins ß-catenin and zona occludens-1 (ZO-1) from the adherens and tight junctions are common processes of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) associated with tumour invasion. Here, we report that ß-catenin and ZO-1 are strongly upregulated by the E7 oncoproteins of HPV5 and HPV8 in keratinocytes grown in organotypic skin cultures. Although the membrane-tethered form of ß-catenin was elevated, no signs of ß-catenin activity within the canonical Wnt signalling pathway could be detected. The upregulation of ß-catenin and ZO-1 could also be confirmed in the skin of HPV8 transgenic mice as well as in cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas of EV patients. These data provide the first evidence that ß-catenin and ZO-1 are direct targets of E7 of the oncogenic ß-HPV types 5 and 8. The ability to deregulate these epithelial junction proteins may contribute to the oncogenic potential of these viruses in human skin.

Linkage of data from diverse data sources (LDS): a data combination model provides clinical data of corresponding specimens in biobanking information system.

To provide sufficient clinical data for corresponding specimens from diverse databases established before the implementation of biobanks for research purposes with respect to data privacy regulations. For this purpose, we developed a data model called "linkage of data from diverse data sources (LDS)". The data model was developed to merge clinical data from an existing local database with biospecimen repository data in our serum bank for uro-oncology. This concept combines two data models based on XML: the first stores information required to connect multiple data sources and retrieve clinical data, and the second provides a data architecture to acquire clinical and repository data. All data were anonymized and encrypted using the Advanced Encryption Standard. X.509 certificates were applied to secure data access. Furthermore, we tested the feasibility of implementing these models in the information management system for biobanking. The data concept can provide clinical and repository data of biospecimens. Only authorized receivers can access these data. Sensitive and personal data are not accessible by the data receivers. The data receiver cannot backtrack to the individual donor using the data model. The acquired data can be converted into a text file format supported by familiar statistical software. Supplementary tools were implemented to generate and view XML documents based on these data models. This data model provides an effective approach to distribute clinical and repository data from different data sources to enable data analysis compliant with data privacy regulations.

Urodynamic effect of 80 watt photoselective laser vaporization of the prostate.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the analysis was to measure the pressure-flow urodynamic changes following GreenLight(™) laser vaporization of the prostate based on pressure-flow studies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-two patients suffering from voiding dysfunction due to lower urinary tract symptoms underwent potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser vaporization. A pressure-flow study was performed at baseline and at 3 months postoperatively. Symptoms and quality of life (QoL) were assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and questions regarding sexuality were assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). RESULTS: IPSS and QoL scores changed from 24 and 5 at baseline to 6 and 2 at 3 months, respectively. The initial median prostate volume was 35 ml (range 16-60 ml), the median maximum uroflow (Q max) was 9.2 ml/s (4-14.9 ml/s) and the median postvoiding residual urine was 80 ml (20-400 ml) (95% confidence interval 89.14, 135.44). The median IPSS and QoL score were significantly improved (p < 0.001). There was a significant decrease in median detrusor pressure at Q max from 83.1 to 40.45 cmH2O, and the median obstruction grade according to Schäfer's classification was also decreased significantly, from 4 to 1 postoperatively. CONCLUSION: This study showed that significant deobstruction can be demonstrated using a pressure-flow study at 3 months postoperatively.