Ureterocele containing calcified stone

We describe here an uncommon case of simple ureterocele containing calcified stone, that was successfully treated.     

Paratesticular papillary mesothelioma

A case of uncommon paratesticular mesothelioma in a young patient is presented. Its questionable malignancy, as well as the method of treatment are discussed.     

Different Roles of N-Terminal and C-Terminal Domains in Calmodulin for Activation of Bacillus anthracis Edema Factor

Bacillus anthracis adenylyl cyclase toxin edema factor (EF) is one component of the anthrax toxin and is essential for establishing anthrax disease. EF activation by the eukaryotic Ca²⁺-sensor calmodulin (CaM) leads to massive cAMP production resulting in edema. cAMP also inhibits the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-oxidase, thus reducing production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) used for host defense in activated neutrophils and thereby facilitating bacterial growth. Methionine (Met) residues in CaM, important for interactions between CaM and its binding partners, can be oxidized by ROS. We investigated the impact of site-specific oxidation of Met in CaM on EF activation using thirteen CaM-mutants (CaM-mut) with Met to leucine (Leu) substitutions. EF activation shows high resistance to oxidative modifications in CaM. An intact structure in the C-terminal region of oxidized CaM is sufficient for major EF activation despite altered secondary structure in the N-terminal region associated with Met oxidation. The secondary structures of CaM-mut were determined and described in previous studies from our group. Thus, excess cAMP production and the associated impairment of host defence may be afforded even under oxidative conditions in activated neutrophils.     

The yeast peptide-methionine sulfoxide reductase functions as an antioxidant in vivo

A gene homologous to methionine sulfoxide reductase (msrA) was identified as the predicted ORF (cosmid 9379) in chromosome V of Saccharomyces cerevisiae encoding a protein of 184 amino acids. The corresponding protein has been expressed in Escherichia coli and purified to homogeneity. The recombinant yeast MsrA possessed the same substrate specificity as the other known MsrA enzymes from mammalian and bacterial cells. Interruption of the yeast gene resulted in a null mutant, ΔmsrA::URA3 strain, which totally lost its cellular MsrA activity and was shown to be more sensitive to oxidative stress in comparison to its wild-type parent strain. Furthermore, high levels of free and protein-bound methionine sulfoxide were detected in extracts of msrA mutant cells relative to their wild-type parent cells, under various oxidative stresses. These findings show that MsrA is responsible for the reduction of methionine sulfoxide in vivo as well as in vitro in eukaryotic cells. Also, the results support the proposition that MsrA possess an antioxidant function. The ability of MsrA to repair oxidative damage in vivo may be of singular importance if methionine residues serve as antioxidants.     

Salivary bacteria and oral health status in medicated and non-medicated children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Objectives

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a childhood neurological disorder. Studies have shown that children with ADHD are more prone to caries than those without. The study investigated children diagnosed with ADHD, both with and without pharmacological intervention, and the following: DMFT\dmft, plaque index (PI), mutans streptococci (MS) levels, lactobacilli (LB) levels, salivary flow, salivary buffer capacity, oral hygiene, and diet.

Study design

DMFT/dmft index, PI, MS and LB levels, salivary flow, and salivary buffer capacity were examined in three groups of children: ADHD1—diagnosed with ADHD with no pharmacological intervention (N?=?31), ADHD2—treated with medications for ADHD (N?=?30), and a healthy control group (N?=?30). Diet and oral health habits were assessed through questionnaires completed by parents.

Results

There were no differences in the DMFT/dmft index, MS and LB counts, salivary buffer capacity, and parent reported diet and oral health behavior between the three groups. Children with ADHD demonstrated a higher plaque index.

Conclusions

Although children with ADHD did not report different diet and oral health behavior from children without ADHD, this group had significantly higher levels of plaque than the control group, which combined with hyposalivation may be a risk factor for caries at an older age.

Clinical relevance

Medicated and non-medicated ADHD children were similar to control children in their caries rate, MS and LB counts, salivary buffer capacity, and diet and oral health behavior. They differed in the amount of plaque found on their teeth. As a group, ADHD children demonstrated hyposalivation compared with the control.     

Methionine sulfoxide reductase (MsrA) is a regulator of antioxidant defense and lifespan in mammals

Oxidation of proteins by reactive oxygen species is associated with aging, oxidative stress, and many diseases. Although free and protein-bound methionine residues are particularly sensitive to oxidation to methionine sulfoxide derivatives, these oxidations are readily repaired by the action of methionine sulfoxide reductase (MsrA). To gain a better understanding of the biological roles of MsrA in metabolism, we have created a strain of mouse that lacks the MsrA gene. Compared with the wild type, this mutant: (i) exhibits enhanced sensitivity to oxidative stress (exposure to 100% oxygen); (ii) has a shorter lifespan under both normal and hyperoxic conditions; (iii) develops an atypical (tip-toe) walking pattern after 6 months of age; (iv) accumulates higher tissue levels of oxidized protein (carbonyl derivatives) under oxidative stress; and (v) is less able to up-regulate expression of thioredoxin reductase under oxidative stress. It thus seems that MsrA may play an important role in aging and neurological disorders.     

Bone anchored sling for the treatment of post-prostatectomy incontinence

PURPOSE: This ongoing study evaluates the safety and efficacy of a new minimally invasive sling procedure for treating post-prostatectomy incontinence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 16 men 56 to 74 years old (mean age 67) underwent the procedure using the Straight-In bone anchoring system. Time after prostatectomy was 1.5 to 5 years (mean 2.5). Of the 16 patients 14 had urodynamically confirmed stress urinary incontinence, while 2 had mixed incontinence with stress incontinence and detrusor instability. The procedure is performed with the patient in the lithotomy position using a perineal approach. Four miniature bone screws with pre-attached pairs of No. 1 polypropylene sutures are placed directly into the medial aspect of the inferior rami of the pubic bone. A pair of bone anchors is placed just below the symphysis on each side, and the second pair is inserted 3 to 4 cm. lower. To support the bulbar urethra a gelatin coated polyethylene terephthalate trapezoid shaped sling or cadaveric fascia lata is tied to the pubic bone using the 4 pairs of sutures attached to the bone anchors. Urethral resistance is increased to 30 to 50 cm. water above baseline pressure. RESULTS: Followup was 4 to 20 months (mean 12.2). Of the 14 men with the preoperative urodynamic diagnosis of genuine stress incontinence 12 were cured of incontinence, defined as subjectively dry with no or only 1 pad used daily for security without any episode of leakage, while 2 were improved subjectively with a decrease of 50% or more in pads daily. Two other patients with the preoperative diagnosis of mixed urinary incontinence were improved. Postoperatively urodynamic study in these patients revealed resolved stress incontinence but persistent urge urinary incontinence. They responded to anticholinergics and are completely dry. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were minimal with no erosion, infection or osseous complications. CONCLUSIONS: This new minimally invasive male sling procedure is safe and efficacious. Adjusting sling tension by measuring urethral resistance results in a low rate of over correction and failure. Further experience is needed to establish this procedure as treatment for post-prostatectomy incontinence.