Cross-talk between inflammation,coagulation/fibrinolysis and vascular access in hemodialysis patients

This work aimed to study the association between fibrinolytic/endothelial cell function and inflammatory markers in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) and recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) therapies, and its relationship with the type of vascular access (VA) used for the HD procedure. As fibrinolytic/endothelial cell function markers we evaluated plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and D-dimers, and as inflammatory markers; C-reactive protein (CRP), soluble interleukin (IL)-2 receptor (s-IL2R), IL-6 and serum albumin levels. The study was performed in 50 CKD patients undergoing regular HD, 11 with a central venous dialysis catheter (CVC) and 39 with an arteriovenous fistula (AVF), and in 25 healthy controls. Compared to controls, CKD patients presented with significantly higher levels of CRP, s-IL2R, IL-6 and D-dimers, and significantly lower levels of PAI-1. The tPA/PAI-1 ratio was significantly higher in CKD patients. We also found statistical significant correlations in CKD patients between D-dimerslevels and inflammatory markers: CRP, albumin, s-IL2R and IL-6. When comparing the two groups of CKD patients, we found that those with a CVC presented statistically significant lower levels of hemoglobin concentration and albumin, and higher levels of CRP, IL-6, D-dimers and tPA. Our results showed an association between fibrinolytic/ endothelial cell function and increased inflammatory markers in CKD patients. The increased levels of Ddimer, tPA and inflammatory markers in CKD patients using a CVC, led us to propose a relationship between the type of VA chosen for HD, and the risk of thrombogenesis.

CLN2/TPP1 deficiency: the novel mutation IVS7-10A>G causes intron retention and is associated with a mild disease phenotype

The classical form of late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (LINCL) is a childhood hereditary neurodegenerative disease usually fatal in the first decade of life. The underlying gene, CLN2, encodes the lysosomal soluble enzyme tripeptidyl-peptidase 1 (TPP1). In a Portuguese patient with juvenile form of the disease, the histochemical study revealed the presence of curvilinear inclusions typical of LINCL. In vitro TPP1 activity was deficient in patient's cells. CLN2 gene analysis revealed the transition IVS7-10A>G (g.4196A>G) in both alleles. In silico analysis suggested that A-to-G change in the A-rich region of intron 7 could cause aberrant splicing of exon 8 by creating a novel acceptor splice site. However, because the wild-type acceptor of intron 7 is weak and it was not apparently affected, the severity of this mutation could not be established through sequencing data of gDNA. Normal level of spliced CLN2/mRNA was observed in patient's fibroblasts. In the cDNA, the 9-nt retention of intronic sequence (c.886_887ins9) was observed. The mutation is predicted to result in a protein with three extra amino acids between proline 295 and glycine 296. In patient's fibroblasts the level of mutant CLN2p was reduced to about 60% but the migration pattern was similar to the wild-type protein, suggesting that it was correctly targeted to the lysosomes. Taken together, these findings suggest that the first "ag" is selected for splicing and the mutant protein must retain some residual catalytic activity, thus explaining the late onset and the delayed progression of the disease.

Regulation of ATR-dependent pathways by the FHA domain containing protein SNIP1

The forkhead associated (FHA) domain-containing protein Smad nuclear interacting protein 1 (SNIP1) has multiple cellular functions, including the ability to interact with DNA-binding transcription factors and transcriptional coactivators. Moreover, we have demonstrated previously that SNIP1 regulates cyclin D1 expression and promoter activity. Here, we identify a new function for SNIP1 as a regulator of ATR checkpoint kinase-dependent pathways in human U-2 OS osteosarcoma cells: SNIP1 is required for p53 induction in response to ultraviolet light treatment and selectively regulates the phosphorylation of known ATR target proteins, including p53, Chk1 and the histone variant H2AX. These activities are independent of its ability to regulate cyclin D1 expression. Significantly, SNIP1 is also required for ATR-dependent functions of the human p14(ARF) tumour suppressor, including its ability to modulate the activity of the RelA(p65) NF-kappaB subunit. This, together with its other described functions, suggests that SNIP1 could have an important role during tumorigenesis and cancer therapy.

[Analysis of a putative protection against free radicals by grape derivatives (Vitis vinifera L. Cv. Tannat) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae]

The aim of this work was to analyse a possible genome protection provided by a grape derivative (Tannat wine) in yeast cell populations exposed to H2O2. Haploid and diploid strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae were used as eukaryotic model. Cell samples were exposed to H2O2 in a nutrient medium. Chromosomal DNA was analysed after isolation and separation by pulsed field electrophoresis. Double strand breaks were determined by laser densitometry and application of Poisson distribution. Both haploid and diploid cells showed H2O2 dose dependent DNA fractionation, as well as an increase of lethal -and mutation- events. Upon combination of the Tannat wine and H2O2 a significant decrease of double strand breaks was observed, in association with an increase in surviving fractions. No mutagenic effect was observed after wine exposure. Part of the observations regarding protective wine effect were simulated by exposure to high concentrations of alpha-tocopherol. Present results indicate that a grape derivative could act as a genome protector increasing cell survival probabilities. Among others, the involved molecular targets could be components of transduction redox cascades as well as DNA repair enzymes.

Erythropoietin levels in the different clinical forms of hereditary spherocytosis

Erythropoietin (EPO), the main growth factor responsible for the regulation of red blood cell production, may be overproduced when blood loss or haemolysis occurs. Patients with mild hereditary spherocytosis (HS) are able to maintain normal haemoglobin concentration, whereas typical and severe HS patients develop an anaemic state. Splenectomy usually reverses anaemia. We aimed to clarify the role of EPO in the response to enhanced spherocyte destruction, and to look for a linkage with the broad clinical spectra of HS. EPO levels, reticulocyte count and production index (RPI), other parameters used to classify HS and the protein deficiencies underlying HS were evaluated in previously diagnosed unsplenectomised (n = 24) and splenectomised (n = 10) patients presenting mild, typical or severe HS. A significant increase in EPO was observed in all unsplenectomised HS patients. In the mild form, a significant correlation of EPO with reticulocyte count and RPI was observed; however, this correlation disappeared in typical HS patients. Splenectomised HS patients presented a correction in EPO levels in all forms of HS, although the reticulocyte count and RPI sustained slightly higher values. Our data show HS as a disease linked to an overproduction of EPO, according to the severity of the disease; however, a disturbance in erythropoiesis seems to occur in typical HS. Moreover, splenectomy leads to a correction in the EPO levels.

Protein deficiency balance as a predictor of clinical outcome in hereditary spherocytosis

Vertical and horizontal interactions between membrane constituents account for integrity, strength and deformability of the erythrocyte. Disruption of vertical interactions caused by membrane protein deficiencies in hereditary spherocytosis (HS), favor membrane vesiculation with development of spherocytic cells. Our aim was to evaluate the hematological and clinical presentation of HS according to the type and amount of protein deficiency. We studied 81 Portuguese individuals, 71 belonging to 21 families plus 10 unrelated subjects, and found that 51 of them were HS patients. Patients were classified as presenting mild, typical or severe HS, according to laboratory results and clinical follow-up. We performed screening tests and the standardized electrophoretic membrane protein analysis to identify and quantify protein deficiencies. We found band 3 and ankyrin deficiencies as the major causes for HS. The ratios between the value of the primary and/or secondary protein deficiencies showed significantly different values according to the severity of HS, and a significant inverse correlation with the severity of HS was observed. In mild HS, the ratios between protein deficiencies reflected equivalent protein deficiencies, while an unbalance was observed in typical HS, which was enhanced in severe HS. Our data suggest that the relative quantification of each major membrane protein and of the ratios between the values of protein deficiencies may be helpful in providing additional data about the clinical outcome of HS.

Genetic exchange across a hybrid zone within the Iberian endemic golden-striped salamander, Chioglossa lusitanica

The study of hybrid zones resulting from Pleistocene vicariance is central in examining the potential of genetically diverged evolutionary units either to introgress and merge or to proceed with further isolation. The hybrid zone between two mitochondrial lineages of Chioglossa lusitanica is located near the Mondego River in Central Portugal. We used mitochondrial and nuclear diagnostic markers to conduct a formal statistical analysis of the Chioglossa hybrid zone in the context of tension zone theory. Key results are: (i) cline centres are not coincident for all markers, with average widths of ca. 2-15 km; (ii) heterozygote deficit was not observed across loci near the transect centre; (iii) associations of parental allele combinations ('linkage disequilibrium'R) were not detected either across loci or across the transect. These observations suggest that the Chioglossa hybrid zone is not a tension zone with strong selection against hybrids but instead one shaped mostly by neutral mixing. The patterns uncovered suggest a complex history of populations over a small scale that may be common in southern Pleistocene refugia.

Coexistence of congenital red cell pyruvate kinase and band 3 deficiency

The authors report the case of a 9-year-old Caucasian girl, born in northern Portugal, with chronic nonspherocytic haemolytic anaemia and without family history of anaemia. The aethiological study of this anaemia revealed pyruvate kinase deficiency (PKD), because of two previously described mutations (426Arg-->Trp and 510Arg-->Gln). Since the blood smear revealed features not fully compatible with PKD diagnosis, additional tests were performed for the propositus and her parents, namely red blood cell membrane protein analysis. A decrease in proteins band 3 (15%) and 4.2 (18%) was found in the propositus. Her father presented only a decrease in band 3 (11%). Coexistence of PKD and erythrocyte membrane proteins deficiency in the same patient is very uncommon. Our findings suggest that a careful blood smear observation may lead to the identification of a combined deficiency in erythrocyte membrane proteins and enzymopathies.

Recombinant mistletoe lectin induces p53-independent apoptosis in tumour cells and cooperates with ionising radiation

Mistletoe extracts are used as alternative cancer treatment in addition to standard chemotherapy and radiation treatment and have an immunostimulatory and pain-relieving effect. A direct antitumour effect of mistletoe extracts against tumour cells of lymphoid origin has been linked to the D-galactoside-specific mistletoe lectin I. In this study, we investigated the cellular effect of bacterially expressed, recombinant mistletoe lectin alone or in combination with ionising radiation in a genetically defined p53-wild-type and p53-deficient E1A/ras-transformed murine tumour cells system. Downregulation of the proliferative activity and cell killing by recombinant mistletoe lectin occurred in a clear dose response (0.1-1 ng ml(-1)). Induction of apoptosis was p53-independent, but apoptosis-associated factor-1-dependent. Cellular treatment with lectin in combination with ionising radiation resulted in both p53-wild-type and p53-deficient tumour cells in an at least additive, antiproliferative effect and enhanced activation of caspase-3. Combined treatment with ionising radiation and lectin revealed a similar cytotoxic effect in human, p53-mutated adenocarcinoma cells. Thus, recombinant mistletoe lectin alone and in combination with ionising radiation bypasses often prevalent apoptotic deficiencies in treatment-resistant tumour cells.

Predicting prostate specific antigen outcome preoperatively in the prostate specific antigen era

PURPOSE

We evaluated the ability of previously defined risk groups to predict prostate specific antigen (PSA) outcome 10 years after radical prostatectomy in patients diagnosed with clinically localized prostate cancer during the PSA era.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 1989 and 2000, 2,127 men with clinically localized prostate cancer underwent radical prostatectomy, including 1,027 at Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (study cohort) and 1,100 at Brigham and Women's Hospital (validation cohort). Cox regression analysis was done to calculate the relative risk of PSA failure with the 95% confidence interval (CI) in patients at intermediate and high versus low risk. The Kaplan-Meier actuarial method was used to estimate PSA outcome 10 years after radical prostatectomy.

RESULTS

Compared with low risk patients (stages T1c to 2a disease, PSA 10 ng./ml. or less and Gleason score 6 or less) the relative risk of PSA failure in those at intermediate (stage T2b disease or PSA greater than 10 to 20 ng./ml. or less, or Gleason score 7) and high (stage T2c disease, or PSA greater than 20 ng./ml. or Gleason score 8 or greater) risk was 3.8 (95% CI 2.6 to 5.7) and 9.6 (95% CI 6.6 to 13.9) in the study cohort, and 3.3 (95% CI 2.3 to 4.8) and 6.3 (95% CI 4.3 to 9.4) in the validation cohort. The 10-year PSA failure-free survival rate in the 1,020 patients in the low, 693 in the intermediate and 414 in the high risk groups was 83%, 46% and 29%, respectively (p <0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on 10-year actuarial estimates of PSA outcome after radical prostatectomy 3 groups of patients were identified using preoperative PSA, biopsy Gleason score and 1992 clinical T category.

Reproductive parameters and efficiency of inseminators in dairy farms in Portugal

This study was carried out to determine the reproductive efficiency indices of one of the largest dairy co-operatives of northern Portugal, using data from 1980 to 1998. Records were made available by the computerized National Recording System. Age at first calving was 32.0 +/- 6.0 months. Mean calving to first AI interval was 95.4 +/- 30.0 days, and calving to conception intervals decreased (p < 0.05) from 176.9 +/- 4.5 to 148.1 +/- 5.6 days from the first to the fourth/fifth parturitions, respectively. Calving intervals decreased (p < 0.05) from 418.1 +/- 3.4 to 392.5 +/- 7.0 days from the first to fourth/fifth parturitions, respectively. Mean non-return rates at 90 days for first inseminations was 71.7 +/- 6.5% and mean calving rates at first insemination was 51.4 +/- 8.1%. There were significant differences (p < 0.001) in the inseminators' efficiency, measured by both non-return and calving rates at first AI, with differences between the best and worst results of 13.3 and 16.1% for non-return and calving rates, respectively. The ranking of the inseminators did not coincide when their efficiency was measured by either non-return or calving rates. The mean number of inseminations per pregnancy (pregnant cows only) was 1.4 +/- 0.7 with significant (p < 0.001) differences among herds. The mean heat detection rate was 38.1 +/- 16.9%, with highly significant (p < 0.001) differences among farms (ranging from 14.2 to 60.8%). Negative (p < 0.001) correlations were found between heat detection rate and calving to first AI, calving to conception and calving intervals. The meaning of these indexes for assessment of reproductive efficiency in the studied system, is discussed.

The phosphatidylinositide 3'-kinase/Akt survival pathway is a target for the anticancer and radiosensitizing agent PKC412, an inhibitor of protein kinase C

Activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase (PI3K)/Akt survival pathway protects against apoptotic stress stimuli. Therefore, compounds that down-regulate this pathway are of clinical interest for single and combined anticancer treatment modalities. Here we demonstrate that the cytotoxic effect of the protein kinase C (PKC)-inhibitor N-benzoylated staurosporine (PKC412) is mediated via the PI3K/Akt pathway. Dose-dependent down-regulation of the proliferative activity, activation of the apoptotic machinery, and cell killing by PKC412 (0-1 microM) in Rat1a-fibroblasts and H-ras-oncogene-transformed fibroblasts correlated with a decrease of Akt phosphorylation and a reduced phosphorylation of the endogenous Akt-substrate GSK3-alpha. Expression of the dominant-active myristoylated form of Akt abrogated this cytotoxic effect of PKC412. Experiments with Apaf-1-deficient cells revealed that PKC412-induced cytotoxicity depends on an intact apoptosome but that the decrease of Akt phosphorylation is not attributable to apoptosis execution. Comparative experiments indicate that PKC412 and the parent-compound staurosporine down-regulate this survival pathway upstream or at the level of Akt but by a different mechanism than the PI3K-inhibitor LY294002. Furthermore, inhibition of this pathway by PKC412 is relevant for sensitization to ionizing radiation. These results demonstrate the specific role of this signaling pathway for the PKC412-mediated down-regulation of an apoptotic threshold and its cytotoxicity.

Headspace solid phase microextraction (SPME) analysis of flavor compounds in wines. Effect of the matrix volatile composition in the relative response factors in a wine model

The application of headspace solid phase microextraction (SPME) for flavor analysis has been studied. Headspace SPME sampling was tested for nine common wine flavor compounds in 10% (v/v) aqueous ethanol: linalool, nerol, geraniol, 3-methyl-1-butanol, hexanol, 2-phenylethanol, ethyl hexanoate, ethyl octanoate, and ethyl decanoate. The chemical groups (monoterpenoids, aliphatic and aromatic alcohols, and esters) showed specific behavior in SPME analysis. SPME sampling parameters were optimized for these components. Relative response factors (RRFs), which establish the relationship between the concentration of the compound in the matrix liquid solution and the GC peak area, were estimated for all compounds. Log(10)(RRF) varied from 0 (3-methyl-1-butanol) to 3 (ethyl decanoate), according to their molecular weight. Quantification by SPME was shown to be highly dependent on the matrix composition; the compounds with higher RRF were the less affected. As a consequence, the data obtained with this methodology should be used taking into consideration these limitations, as shown in the analysis of four monovarietal Bairrada white wines (Arinto, Bical, Cerceal, and Maria Gomes).

Estimating the impact on prostate cancer mortality of incorporating prostate-specific antigen testing into screening

OBJECTIVES

Whether early detection using prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and digital rectal examination (DRE) compared with DRE alone will reduce prostate cancer mortality awaits the results of ongoing prospective randomized trials. However, the impact that early detection could have on prostate cancer-specific survival can be estimated by assuming that PSA failure after radical prostatectomy (RP) will translate into death from prostate cancer.

METHODS

The study population consisted of 1274 men with clinically localized prostate cancer who underwent RP in Boston, Massachusetts or Philadelphia, Pennsylvania between 1989 and 2000 and had a preoperative PSA level greater than 4 but not more than 10 ng/mL. The primary endpoint was actuarial freedom from PSA failure (defined as PSA outcome).

RESULTS

The relative risk of PSA failure after RP for patients diagnosed with a PSA of greater than 4 to 5, 5 to 6, 6 to 7, or 7 to 8 ng/mL compared with greater than 8 up to 10 ng/mL was 0.3 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.2 to 0.5), 0.5 (95% CI 0.4 to 0.8), 0.6 (95% CI 0.4 to 0.9), or 0.9 (95% CI 0.6 to 1.3), respectively. On the basis of the estimates of the 5-year PSA outcome, patients with a biopsy Gleason score of 5 or 6 (781 of 1274; 61%) consistently benefited from RP performed when the PSA at diagnosis was greater than 4 to 7 ng/mL compared with greater than 8 to 10 ng/mL (93% versus 78%, P <0.0001). A benefit to early detection was not found for the vast majority (266 of 312; 88%) of patients who had a biopsy Gleason score of 7 or higher.

CONCLUSIONS

Early detection using both PSA and DRE-based screening may benefit men who present with biopsy Gleason score 5 or 6 prostate cancer and a PSA level greater than 4 to 7 ng/mL compared with greater than 8 up to 10 ng/mL. This finding awaits validation from ongoing prospective randomized trials.

Key targets for the execution of radiation-induced tumor cell apoptosis: the role of p53 and caspases

In many human hematologic and solid malignancies, intrinsic or acquired treatment resistance remains a major obstacle for successful cancer therapy. The molecular understanding of how tumor cells respond to chemotherapy and ionizing radiation is rapidly evolving. Induction of programmed cell death, apoptosis, is one important strategy for successful cancer therapy. This has been shown convincingly for oncogene-transformed normal cells as well as tumor cells of lymphoid origin. However, the relevance of apoptosis in solid human malignancies is less clear. Loss of apoptosis might be linked to specific mutations in the often tissue-specific apoptotic pathways due to aberrations in the stress-related signal transduction cascades. Restoration of a dysfunctional apoptotic program in cancer tissue where apoptosis has been identified as an important mechanism for tissue homeostasis is one rational approach for innovative cancer therapy. In this review, we focus on the relevance of the tumor suppressor p53 for apoptosis-induction and successful cancer therapy outlining the importance of an intact caspase machinery for apoptosis execution. Strategies are discussed to overcome treatment resistance and a high apoptotic threshold in human malignancies where apoptosis is the dominant mode of cell death and the status of p53 is an important determinant for apoptosis induction.

Differential p53-dependent mechanism of radiosensitization in vitro and in vivo by the protein kinase C-specific inhibitor PKC412

The cellular response to ionizing radiation is governed by the DNA-damage recognition process but is also modulated by cytoplasmic signal transduction cascades that are part of the cellular stress response. Growth-promoting protein kinase C activity antagonizes irradiation-induced cell death, and, therefore, protein kinase C inhibitors might be potent radiosensitizers. The antiproliferative and radiosensitizing effect of the novel N-benzoylated staurosporine analogue PKC412 was tested in vitro against genetically defined p53-wild type (+/+) and p53-deficient (-/-) murine fibrosarcoma cells and in vivo against radioresistant p53-/- murine fibrosarcoma and human colon adenocarcinoma tumor xenograft (SW480, p53-mutated). PKC412 sensitized both p53+/+ and p53-/- tumor cells in vitro and in vivo for treatment with ionizing radiation but with a different mechanism of radiosensitization depending on the p53 status. In p53+/+, cells combined treatment with PKC412 and ionizing radiation drastically induced apoptotic cell death, whereas no apoptosis induction could be observed in p53-deficient cells in vitro and in histological tumor sections. Combined treatment resulted in an increased G2 cell cycle distribution in p53-/- cells at PKC412 concentrations that did not alter cell cycle distribution when applied alone. In vivo, a minimal treatment regimen during 4 consecutive days of PKC412 (4 x 100 mg/kg) in combination with ionizing radiation (4 x 3 Gy) exerted a substantial tumor growth delay for both p53-disfunctional tumor xenografts and showed that the clinically relevant protein kinase C inhibitor PKC412 is a promising new radiosensitizer with a potentially broad therapeutic window.

Aroma potential of two bairrada white grape varieties: Maria Gomes and Bical

Maria Gomes and Bical are the main white grape varieties in Portuguese Bairrada Appellation, which represent 80% and 15%, respectively, of white vineyard. To estimate their aroma potentialities, free and potential volatile components from the musts were examined. The free volatile components were extracted using a liquid-liquid continuous method and were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The potential volatile compounds were determined after elimination of the free components by heat and enzymatic treatments. Principal component analysis was used to establish relations between the compounds and the varieties and also the form (free or in potential). Maria Gomes has 11.5 mg/L volatile compounds, of which 33% are in free form; Bical has 4.4 mg/L volatile compounds, of which 46% are in free form. A total of 59 compounds was identified and quantified. In Maria Gomes, the sum of the terpenoids is within the perception limits for hotrienol (0.21 mg/L) and linalool (0.20 mg/L). In Bical, benzyl alcohol and phenylethylethanol represent 20% of the volatile compounds. Considering that the volatile composition pattern of Maria Gomes and Bical varieties are different, wine-making technologies should be developed specifically for each variety.

Protein kinase C inhibitor and irradiation-induced apoptosis: relevance of the cytochrome c-mediated caspase-9 death pathway

Caspases are a family of cysteine proteases that constitute the apoptotic cell death machinery. We report the importance of the cytochrome c-mediated caspase-9 death pathway for radiosensitization by the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors staurosporine (STP) and PKC-412. In our genetically defined tumor cells, treatment with low doses of STP or the conventional PKC-specific inhibitor PKC-412 in combination with irradiation (5 Gy) potently reduced viability, enhanced mitochondrial cytochrome c release into the cytosol, and specifically stimulated the initiator caspase-9. Whereas treatment with each agent alone had a minimal effect, combined treatment resulted in enhanced caspase-3 activation. This was prevented by broad-range and specific caspase-9 inhibitors and absent in caspase-9-deficient cells. The tumor suppressor p53 was required for apoptosis induction by combined treatment but was dispensable for dose-dependent STP-induced caspase activation. These results demonstrate the requirement for an intact caspase-9 pathway for apoptosis-based radiosensitization by PKC inhibitors and show that STP induces apoptosis independent of p53.

The impact of the biopsy Gleason score on PSA outcome for prostate cancer patients with PSA < or = 10 ng/ml and T1c,2a: implications for patient selection for prostate-only therapy

PURPOSE

This study was performed to determine the ability of the biopsy Gleason score, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, and the 1992 American Joint Commission on Cancer (AJCC) clinical T-stage for predicting time to postoperative PSA failure for patients with a PSA < or =10 ng/ml and T1c or T2a disease. Specific attention is given to the patient subgroup with biopsy Gleason 3 + 4 vs. 4 + 3.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A concordance map of the biopsy and prostatectomy Gleason grades and a clinical-pathologic correlation of the PSA, biopsy Gleason score, and 1992 AJCC T-stage and pathologic stage were performed. A Cox regression multivariable analysis was used to evaluate the ability of the biopsy Gleason score, PSA, and 1992 AJCC T-stage to predict time to PSA failure for 457 men managed with a radical prostatectomy (RP).

RESULTS

The absence of prostatectomy Gleason grade 4 or 5 disease was noted in 71%, 50%, and 11% of patients with biopsy Gleason score 2-6, 3 + 4, and > or =4 + 3 disease respectively while pathologic evidence of seminal vesicle invasion was noted in 2%, 4%, and 17% of these patients respectively. Estimates of 5-year PSA failure-free survival rates were not statistically different for patients with biopsy Gleason score 2-6 vs. 3 + 4 (79% vs. 81%; p = 0.93), but were significantly different for patients having biopsy Gleason score 2-6 vs. 4 + 3 (79% vs. 62%; p = 0.04) or 2-6 vs. 8-10 (79% vs. 18%; p = 0.0001) prostate cancer.

CONCLUSION

Based on the pathologic stage and PSA control data following RP, patients with biopsy Gleason 3 + 4 disease and PSA < or =10 ng/ml and 1992 AJCC T1c or T2a disease may be suitable candidates for radiation therapy directed at the prostate only.

Tamsulosin palliates radiation-induced urethritis in patients with prostate cancer: results of a pilot study

PURPOSE

A pilot study was performed to determine the effectiveness of Flomax (tamsulosin HCl) in the management of acute radiation urethritis in prostate cancer patients undergoing conformal external beam radiation therapy (RT). Potential predictors of response to Flomax were evaluated.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

From January 1998 to April 1998, 26 consecutive patients who developed symptoms of radiation urethritis while undergoing RT for prostate cancer were treated with Flomax, a superselective alpha1A-adrenergic antagonist. A genitourinary review of systems served as the instrument used to assess baseline urinary function and treatment response.

RESULTS

The initial response rate to Flomax was 62% (16/26) at the 0.4 mg level and 60% (6/10) at the 0.8 mg level. Half of the 16 patients who initially responded to 0.4 mg subsequently progressed. Three-fourths of those patients who progressed, however, achieved a durable response with the 0.8 mg dose. Therefore urinary symptoms were ultimately controlled in 77% (20/26) of the patients. After correcting for the testing of multiple hypotheses (n = 5), the presence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) approached statistical significance for predicting the initial response to the 0.4 mg dose of Flomax (78% vs. 25%, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

Flomax appears to be effective in relieving the symptoms of radiation urethritis. A Phase II trial is justified and in progress.

Ceramide induces cytochrome c release from isolated mitochondria. Importance of mitochondrial redox state

In the present study we show that N-acetylsphingosine (C2-ceramide), N-hexanoylsphingosine (C6-ceramide), and, to a much lesser extent, C2-dihydroceramide induce cytochrome c (cyto c) release from isolated rat liver mitochondria. Ceramide-induced cyto c release is prevented by preincubation of mitochondria with a low concentration (40 nM) of Bcl-2. The release takes place when cyto c is oxidized but not when it is reduced. Upon cyto c loss, mitochondrial oxygen consumption, mitochondrial transmembrane potential (Delta Psi), and Ca2+ retention are diminished. Incubation with Bcl-2 prevents, and addition of cyto c reverses the alteration of these mitochondrial functions. In ATP-energized mitochondria, ceramides do not alter Delta Psi, neither when cyto c is oxidized nor when it is reduced, ruling out a nonspecific disturbance by ceramides of mitochondrial membrane integrity. Furthermore, ceramides decrease the reducibility of cyto c. We conclude that the apoptogenic properties of ceramides are in part mediated via their interaction with mitochondrial cyto c followed by its release and that the redox state of cyto c influences its detachment by ceramide from the inner mitochondrial membrane.

Application of an Electronic Aroma Sensing System to Cork Stopper Quality Control

Cork odors were characterized using an electronic aroma sensing system. The electronic system is a compact, benchtop instrument comprising a sensor array, signal processing hardware, a measurement algorithm, and a pattern classification system. The sensor array responds to the presence of aroma volatile compounds by changes in their electrical properties. Resistance changes are displayed as a histogram, which is a fingerprint of the aroma being analyzed. Five different cork odors were studied: NE, which is considered as standard cork odor; CO, exhibiting the pleasant boiled cork odor (it is also considered as a good odor); PO, corresponding to rotten odor; and B and BO, representing moldy and very intensely moldy odors, respectively. This electronic aroma sensing system could discriminate quickly and objectively between acceptable odor and the unacceptable taint. Characterization and selection of a subset of sensors were performed. A relation between sensors and specific odors was established. The system, once trained with representative acceptable and unacceptable samples, could be used as a simple quality control tool and incorporated into the normal quality control procedures for each batch of product, by providing real-time analysis of a sample overall aroma.

13C solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared studies of the thermal decomposition of cork

The thermal decomposition of cork has been studied by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and 13C solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy with cross-polarization and magic-angle spinning (CP-MAS), high-power 1H decoupling (HPDEC) and cross-polarization depolarization-polarization (CPDP). Waxes and other soluble components of cork begin to decompose at ca. 150 degrees C. This is accompanied by partial decomposition of suberin, probably initiated at the points of attachment to the cell wall. The carbohydrates begin to decompose at ca. 200 degrees C. The decomposition of lignin begins at 250-300 degrees C, while suberin undergoes further degradation. Significant amounts of coke are formed in the process. At 400 degrees C cork has been transformed into coke with traces of partially decomposed suberin. The thermal decomposition of cork is dependent on the calcination time, particularly in the 200-350 degrees C range.

Biphasic effects of morphine on locomotor activity in hamsters

Two experiments investigated the dose and time related effects of morphine sulfate on the running wheel activity of golden Syrian hamsters. Compared with saline controls, a low dose (5 mg/kg) increased locomotor activity, whereas high doses (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg) produced an initial dose-related depression in activity, a gradual dose-related recovery and finally a period of hyperactivity. The results are discussed in terms of similar biphasic effects of morphine observed in rats.