Identification of the Transcription Factor ATF3 as a Direct and Indirect Regulator of the LDLR.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a complex, multifactorial disease caused, in particular, by inflammation and cholesterol metabolism. At the molecular level, the role of tissue-specific signaling pathways leading to CAD is still largely unexplored. This study relied on two main resources: (1) genes with impact on atherosclerosis/CAD, and (2) liver-specific transcriptome analyses from human and mouse studies.

[Hematuria: which algorithm for an effective diagnostic strategy?].

Microscopic hematuria is common in medical practice; its prevalence in the adult population varies between 2.5 and 13%. Currently available data are insufficient to determine an algorithm based on evidence of the most effective diagnostic strategy of hematuria.

Seminal carnitine concentration in obstructive azoospermia.

Seminal carnitine levels were studied in 67 patients with obstructive azoospermia. In 25 patients a bilateral vasectomy had been performed previously and for refertilization a vasovasostomy was performed. In the remaining 42 men the occlusion was located within the epididymis.

[Surgical refertilization following vasectomy--an increasing need].

Surgical refertilization by vaso-vasostomy, taking place a long time after vasectomy, gains increasing importance in men whose partnership condition has changed since the time of sterilization. Apart from the surgical technique, the length of time between vasectomy and vaso-vasostomy, the age of the patient and immunological factors are of importance for the success of the vaso-vasostomy, that is the procreation of sound children. From the view of the surgical technique the single-layered anastomosis without splinting, carried out with magnifying glasses, produces satisfactory results comparable to those of more complicated techniques (operation microscope).