Lineage-specific evolution of zona pellucida genes in fish.

The zona pellucida (ZP) protein constitutes the egg envelope, which surrounds the vertebrate embryo. We performed a comprehensive study on the molecular evolution of ZP genes in Teleostei by cloning and analyzing the expression of ZP genes in fish of Anguilliformes in Elopomorpha, Osteoglossiformes in Osteoglossomorpha, and Clupeiformes in Otocephala to cover unsurveyed fish groups in Teleostei. The present results confirmed findings from our previous reports that the principal organ of ZP gene expression changed from ovary to liver in the common ancestors of Clupeocephala.

Long-term chronological changes in renal function and functional renal volume after nephron-sparing surgery: A prospective observational study.

Objectives: To investigate long-term chronological changes in functional renal volume and renal function after nephron-sparing surgery, and factors that contribute to the progression of postoperative chronic kidney disease.

Methods: A total of 80 patients who underwent nephron-sparing surgery were enrolled in this prospective observational study. The renal function deterioration group was defined as patients whose estimated glomerular filtration rate at 5 postoperative years decreased by ≥20% relative to that before surgery.

Estimated functional renal parenchymal volume predicts the split renal function following renal surgery.

Purpose: The change in functional renal volume (FRV) has an absolute influence on renal function after nephrectomy (Nx) or nephron-sparing surgery (NSS). In this study, we prospectively examined whether the postoperative renal function following Nx and NSS could be accurately predicted and assessed the reproducibility of our newly developed 3-D image reconstruction system (Kashihara) to measure the FRV.

Methods: We enrolled 98 patients who underwent Nx and 41 patients who underwent NSS from April 2006 to September 2009 to predict postoperative FRV and renal function.

Risk factors affecting third molar autotransplantation during 5 and 10 years.

The aim of this study was to investigate risk factors affecting 5- and 10-year survival in autotransplantation of third molars with complete root formation at dental clinics. Participating dentists were requested to provide information on transplantations performed between 1 January 1990 and 31 December 2009. After data screening and elimination, 183 teeth in 171 men aged 20-72 years (mean, 44.

Follow-up study of unilateral renal function after nephrectomy assessed by glomerular filtration rate per functional renal volume.

Background: To evaluate the clinical usefulness of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) divided by functional renal volume (FRV) measured by three-dimensional image reconstruction (eGFR/FRV) for the prediction of functional outcomes after nephrectomy.

Methods: Eighty-three patients who underwent nephrectomy were enrolled. The FRV of each patient was measured before surgery.