The influence of harvesting technique on endothelial preservation in saphenous veins.

To study optimal conditions of preparation of saphenous veins as coronary artery bypass grafts, segments of saphenous veins were obtained from 29 consecutive patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. The saphenous vein segments were divided into three groups. In Group I, 10 saphenous vein segments were harvested using a "no-touch" technique without any other preparation aids. In Group II, 10 saphenous vein segments were removed while distended at 70-120 mm Hg with a balanced pH electrolyte solution at 37 degrees C. In Group III, consisting of 10 saphenous vein segments, nitroglycerin (1 microgram/ml) was added to the distending solution used in Group II. Samples of saphenous vein were assessed in a blind study using light and scanning electron microscopy to estimate endothelial cell preservation by the three harvest techniques. Saphenous veins receiving only a no-touch dissection technique without distention solution (Group I) revealed significantly better endothelial preservation (P less than 0.005). The administration of distention solution alone, or with nitroglycerin, to saphenous veins in situ using our operative technique during harvest does not appear to protect endothelial-integrity and may be harmful.     

Prostasomes: current concepts

BACKGROUND: Prostasomes are membranous vesicles secreted by prostate gland, and they contain large amounts of cholesterol, sphingomyelin, calcium, and several enzymes. Prostasomes are involved in a number of biological functions. At ejaculation, these prostasomes are expelled with prostate secretions and are to be found in the seminal plasma as seminal prostasomes, which facilitate sperm function in various ways. METHODS: In this review, we discuss the structural and functional role of prostasomes, the various enzyme systems associated with these vesicles, and the biological role prostasomes play in male reproduction. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Prostasomes are pluripotent and well-organized organelles secreted by the prostate gland. Prostasomes are ascribed to have many physiologiocal functions, the primary function being enhancement of sperm capacity. The several enzyme systems, small signaling molecules, and neuroendocrine markers associated with prostasomes reveal the complex nature of these vesicles in regulating sperm viability and vitality. The functional significance of these molecules that regulate complex pathways in these small vesicles is still a matter of dogma. Critical evaluation of the biological processes associated with prostasomes might be helpful in modeling new contraceptive agents, improving the techniques of in vitro fertilization, and in furthering our understanding and treatment of male factor infertility.     

Octylcyanoacrylate versus polyurethane for treatment of burns in swine: a randomized trial

In order to determine whether the enhanced reepithelialization of second-degree burns treated with octylcyanoacrylate (OCA) was due to its occlusive nature we compared reepithelialization (REP) and infection rates of second degree burns treated with OCA and polyurethane film (Tegaderm) in swine. Forty-four standardized partial thickness burns were created by applying an aluminum bar preheated to 80 degrees C to the backs of pigs for 20 s and randomly treated with OCA or Tegaderm. Full thickness biopsies were taken at 7, 10 and 14 days for blinded histopathological evaluation of rates of infection and reepithelialization. T-tests and chi(2) tests were used for group comparisons. There were no between group difference in the rates of reepithelialization and infection. All wounds were reepithelialized by day 14 and there were no infections in either group. We conclude that treatment of partial thickness burns with OCA spray or Tegaderm results in similar rates of reepithelialization and infection, suggesting that the beneficial effects of OCA on reepithelialization are due to its occlusive nature.     

Contents Volume 32 No. 1 (2000) Section One: International Urology and Nephrology

Table of Contents

Contents Volume 32 No. 1 (2000) Section One: International Urology and Nephrology     

Effect of a cognitive behavioral intervention on reducing symptom severity during chemotherapy.

PURPOSE: To describe a randomized trial of a cognitive behavioral intervention on reducing symptom severity among patients diagnosed with solid tumors and undergoing a first course of chemotherapy and to determine whether the intervention had an additive or interactive effect on symptom severity in the presence of supportive care medications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients (N = 237) were accrued from comprehensive and community cancer centers, interviewed, and randomly assigned to either the experimental intervention (n = 118) or conventional care (n = 119). A symptom severity index, based on summed severity scores across 15 symptoms, was the primary outcome. Each patient's site of cancer, stage at diagnosis, chemotherapy protocols, and use of supportive medications were learned from medical records. RESULTS: Groups were equivalent at baseline, and attrition by characteristics by group was not different. The proportion of patients not receiving chemotherapy at 10 and 20 weeks did not differ by group. At the 10- and 20-week observations, there was a significant interaction between the experimental group and baseline symptom severity. Patients in the experimental group who entered the trial with higher symptom severity reported significantly lower severity at 10 and 20 weeks. Controlling for chemotherapy treatment status at follow-up and supportive care medications did not alter the effect of the experimental intervention. CONCLUSION: Compared with conventional care alone, the experimental intervention was effective among patients who entered the trial with higher levels of symptom severity. Age, sex, site or stage of cancer, and supportive medications did not modify the effect of this cognitive behavioral intervention on symptom severity.     

Preclinical evaluation of 2-[4-(7-chloro-2-quinoxalinyloxy)phenoxy]-propionic acid as a modulator of etoposide in human Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia xenograft model.

We have previously reported that XK469 (2-[4-(7-chloro-2-quinoxalinyloxyphenoxy]-propionic acid) enhances topo IIalpha expression in WSU-WM cells in vitro [E. Mensah-Osman et al., Mol. Cancer Ther., 1: 1321-1326, 2002]. To test the hypothesis that XK469-induced expression of topo IIalpha sensitizes WSU-WM cells to the topo IIalpha inhibitor etoposide (VP-16), we investigated the antitumor effects of XK469 and VP-16 in vivo, using the WSU-WM SCID xenograft model. Individual dosages of XK469 at 20-60 mg/kg/injection i.v. for a maximum-tolerated dose of 240 mg/kg were achievable in SCID mice. Simultaneous administration of a subtherapeutic dose of XK469 (20 mg/kg) and VP-16 at its maximum-tolerated dose of 15 mg/kg proved to be highly toxic and lethal. However, daily sequential treatment of XK469 given i.v. via tail vein at 20 mg/kg for a total of 120 mg/kg, followed 7 h later by VP-16 i.p. at 15 mg/kg for a total of 90 mg/kg, had no significant toxicity in SCID mice. The sequential treatment was associated with enhanced antitumor activity. Tumor growth inhibition T/C, tumor growth delay T-C, and log(10) kill for XK469 alone were 61%, 3 days and 0.46; VP-16 alone 6%, 12 days and 1.83, respectively; whereas the sequential administration of both agents gave a T/C value of 0%, T-C value of 23 days and a log(10) kill of 3.5. On the basis of these animal results, we conclude that the sequential treatment of WSU-WM tumors with XK469 and VP-16 was highly active. The study supports our in vitro observation that XK469 potentiates VP-16 activity. The sequential use of both agents resulted in clinically significant antitumor activity in the WM model.     

F(2)-isoprostanes mediate high glucose-induced TGF-beta synthesis and glomerular proteinuria in experimental type I diabetes

BACKGROUND: The recently discovered arachidonic acid derivatives, isoprostanes, are increased in pathological conditions associated with oxidative stress, such as diabetes. No role has yet been described for isoprostanes during the development of diabetic nephropathy. Cell culture in high ambient glucose has been used as a model in elucidating cellular mechanisms underlying diabetic nephropathy. Among the growth factors involved in the effect of high glucose, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) has been described as playing a key role in the development of nephropathy. METHODS: Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were supplemented in their diet with the antioxidant vitamin E (1000 U/kg diet). Blood and urine samples were taken to determine renal function and isoprostane concentration, as determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Glomerular mesangial and endothelial cells were cultured in high ambient glucose to determine the synthesis of isoprostanes and the role of isoprostanes in high glucose-induced synthesis of TGF-beta. RESULTS: Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats had marked increases in plasma levels and urinary excretion rates of F(2)-isoprostanes. Dietary supplementation with vitamin E normalized (plasma) and reduced (urine) isoprostane levels and, surprisingly, improved proteinuria and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. High ambient glucose increased F(2)-isoprostane synthesis in glomerular endothelial and mesangial cells in culture. Incubation of glomerular cells with F(2)-isoprostanes stimulated the production of TGF-beta. CONCLUSIONS: Increased F(2)-isoprostane synthesis during diabetes appears to be responsible in part for the increase in renal TGF-beta, a well-known mediator of diabetic nephropathy.     

Laser incisional surgery

Soft tissue surgery is more efficient, and sometimes more effective, using laser incisional surgery as opposed to standard techniques. The modern generation of lasers produces soft tissue incisions with a minimum amount of thermal damage at wound edges. The transition to laser incisional surgery requires a knowledge of methods, maneuvers, and safety information.     

Validity and reliability of a modified qualitative dietary fat index in low-income, overweight, African American adolescent girls

This study evaluated the validity and reliability of a modified qualitative dietary fat index questionnaire (QFQ) in an adolescent minority population. The QFQ was administered to study participants twice over a 2-week period, and data were compared with mean values from three 24-hour recalls. Fifty-seven low-income, overweight, African American adolescent girls, aged 11 to 17 years, were recruited from 7 public housing developments in Atlanta, Georgia. To determine validity, the total QFQ score was compared with the mean values of total fat, percentage of energy from fat, and total energy from three 24-hour recalls within 2 weeks of first administration of the QFQ. Reliability was tested in a subsample (n=22) by comparing total QFQ scores administered 2 weeks apart. total fat was significantly correlated (r=0.31, p<.05) with the QFQ score. Total energy (r=20.23) and percentage of energy from fat (r= -0.23) were not significantly correlated with the QFQ score. The test-retest QFQ scores were significantly correlated (r=0.54, p<.01). The data suggest that additional modifications are needed to make the QFQ more appropriate for low-income, overweight, African American adolescent girls. J Am Diet Assoc. 2000;100;1525-1529.