The PB1 subunit alone can catalyze cRNA synthesis, and the PA subunit in addition to the PB1 subunit is required for viral RNA synthesis in replication of the influenza virus genome.

We indicated that the PB1 and PA subunits of RNA polymerase and nucleoprotein (NP) can support replication of the influenza virus genome as well as transcription to yield uncapped poly(A)(+)-RNA (Y. Nakagawa, N. Kimura, T.

Quality of life and anxiety before and after lung cancer chemotherapy: relationship to patient's personality.

The purpose of the study was to assess the quality of life (QOL) and anxiety in 50 inpatients with primary lung cancer and examine the influence of their personalities on the QOL assessment. We used a psychological personality test to evaluate the patient's personality, then followed the course of QOL and anxiety before and after chemotherapy. To measure QOL, we used Holmes's QOL checklist, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was adopted to estimate the patient's anxiety.

Comparison of three-dimensional and two-dimensional laparoscopic video systems.

The limitations of two-dimensional (2D) video may be overcome by the recent introduction of the three-dimensional (3D) laparoscope and video system. Twenty-two urologic and gynecologic surgeons experienced in laparoscopy were evaluated during a live porcine laboratory session in an advanced course designed to teach laparoscopic retroperitioneal nephrectomy and bladder neck suspension. The surgeons performed dissection of the kidney, securing of the renal vessels, laparoscopic suturing and intracorporeal knot-tying at the bladder neck, and suture clipping of an intracorporeally placed suture at the bladder neck using 2D and 3D equipment.

Comparison of acucise endopyelotomy and endoballoon rupture for management of secondary proximal ureteral stricture in the porcine model.

At this point in time, endopyelotomy is first-line therapy for both primary and secondary adult ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) in many medical centers. However, the potential, albeit small, for significant bleeding with any endoincision of the UPJ has sparked interest in the simple, less morbid technique of endoballoon rupture. To date, no comparative data are available on the effectiveness of these two techniques.

Immunoassay and immunohistology studies of chromogranin A as a neuroendocrine marker in patients with carcinoma of the prostate.

Objectives: Neuroendocrine differentiation in carcinoma of the prostate is characterized by the expression of neuroendocrine cell products such as chromogranin A (CgA). We studied serum levels and tissue staining for CgA in prostate cancer to assess their clinical value.

Methods: In 82 patients with prostate cancer, serum specimens were obtained at diagnosis and studied by both CgA and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) immunoassays.

Inhibition of influenza virus RNA polymerase and nucleoprotein genes expression by unmodified, phosphorothioated, and liposomally encapsulated oligonucleotides.

We have demonstrated that antisense phosphodiester (ODNs) and phosphorothioate oligonucleotides (S-ODNs) inhibit CAT (chloramphenicol acetyltransferase) protein expression in the clone 76 cell line, which is a derivative of the murine C127 cell line. This cell line expresses the influenza virus RNA polymerase and nucleoprotein (NP) genes in response to treatment with dexamethasone. Phosphodiester, phosphorothioate, and liposomally encapsulated oligonucleotides with four target sites (PB1, PB2, PA, and NP) were synthesized and tested for inhibitory effects by a CAT-ELISA assay using the clone 76 cell line.

Laparoscopic Nephrectomy: Retroperitoneal Approach.

Laparoscopic nephrectomy was originally described using a transperitoneal approach. However, detractors have argued that the transperitoneal approach provides a less direct approach to retroperitoneal structures, risks injury to intraperitoneal viscera, and results in a longer postoperative ileus. With the development of a variety of dissecting balloons, retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy has been demonstrated to be safe and efficacious; in particular, small, benign kidneys may be best suited to the retroperitoneal approach.

Acucise endopyelotomy: evolution of a less-invasive technology.

Since its introduction in 1993, the electrosurgical cutting balloon device (Acucise) has been utilized for endopyelotomies by a number of investigators. The fact that the procedure can be performed in a completely retrograde fashion under fluoroscopic guidance without percutaneous access has made Acucise endopyelotomy appealing to many urologists. To date, overall Acucise endopyelotomy success rates ranging from 66% to 84% have been reported.

Laparoscopic extirpation of renal cell cancer: feasibility, questions, and concerns.

Laparoscopic nephrectomy for benign disease has become an increasingly popular alternative to open surgery as more urologists gain confidence in their laparoscopic skills. However, the idea of laparoscopic extirpation of renal cell cancer caused significant concerns over the adequacy of surgical resection margins, trocar site seeding, and potential tumor spillage. The present chapter is the result of 5 year's experience with laparoscopic nephrectomy for renal tumor.

Endourologic management of stone-bearing excluded calices: contrasting case reports.

Calculi in a noncommunicating or excluded calix may be associated with infection, pain, and focal renal damage. Some authors have recommended removal of these calculi and reestablishment of the pelvicaliceal communication, either by dilation of the infundibulum or creation of a neoinfundibulum, in order to prevent recurrent stone formation and infection. Herein, we report two patients with stones in a completely excluded calix, one after repeated courses of shockwave lithotripsy for a staghorn calculus and the other after recurrent pyelonephritis.

Laparoscopy for adult polycystic kidney disease: a promising alternative.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of laparoscopy in managing patients with abdominal symptoms from autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). From April 1993 to July 1995, four patients with ADPKD underwent seven laparoscopic procedures: five cyst decortications were performed in two patients using a laparoscopic ultrasound unit and two laparoscopic nephrectomies were performed in two patients with end-stage renal failure. The mean operative time was 207 minutes for laparoscopic cyst decortication and 272 minutes for laparoscopic nephrectomy.

Molecular dissection of influenza virus RNA polymerase: PB1 subunit alone is able to catalyze RNA synthesis.

Influenza virus RNA polymerase with the subunit structure PB1-PB2-PA is involved in both transcription and replication of the RNA genome. Enzyme reconstitution experiments indicated that all three P proteins are required for RNA synthesis in vitro (Kobayashi, et al. Virus Res 22, 235-245, 1992).

Interferon modulates the messenger RNA of G1-controlling genes to suppress the G1-to-S transition in Daudi cells.

Interferon (IFN) is one of the potent antiproliferative cytokines and is used to treat some selected cancers. IFN arrests the growth of Burkitt Lymphoma derived cell line Daudi cells in the G1 phase. G1-to-S progression is controlled by positive and negative regulatory genes.

Laparoscopic nephropexy: Washington University experience.

Purpose: We evaluated the efficacy of laparoscopic nephropexy for symptomatic nephroptosis.

Materials And Methods: We performed laparoscopic right nephropexy in 6 patients who presented with symptomatic nephroptosis documented by radiographic studies and/or renal scans. In the first patient Gerota's fascia was secured to the peritoneal reflection of the line of Toldt using tacking clips.

Percutaneous electrovaporization of upper tract transitional cell carcinoma in patients with functionally solitary kidneys.

Objectives: We present the first reported experience using percutaneous electrovaporization with both a rollerball and the VaporTrode electrode of large upper tract transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) in 2 individuals with functionally solitary kidneys.

Methods: Under general anesthesia and in the prone position, 2 patients underwent electrovaporization of upper tract TCC through upper pole percutaneous access. Using either a rollerball (Case 1) or the VaporTrode (Case 2) electrode at 200 W pure cutting current, the tumors were completely vaporized.

Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy of middle ureteral stones: are ureteral stents necessary?

Objectives: To ascertain whether insertion of a ureteral stent improves the outcome of middle ureteral (overlying the pelvic bone) stones treated with extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL).

Methods: Thirty-three patients with middle ureteral stones were treated with ESWL at our institution between October 1991 and October 1994. Twenty-six patients were available for follow-up; 14 patients were treated with stent bypass, 8 were treated in situ, and 4 patients were treated after percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN).

Washington University experience with extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy of pancreatic duct calculi.

Objectives: To ascertain the effectiveness and safety of extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for pancreatic calculi.

Methods: Fourteen ESWL treatments were performed in 12 patients with chronic pancreatitis.

Results: Fragmentation was perceptible after 13 of 14 treatments.

Comparison of newer laparoscopic port closure techniques in the porcine model.

Obtaining a precise fascial closure of larger laparoscopic port sites presents an ongoing challenge for even the most experienced laparoscopic surgeons. To this end, we evaluated five new methods for closing laparoscopic port sites and compared these with the standard technique of a hand-sutured repair using a 0 absorbable suture in the pig. The new devices studied were the Carter-Thomason Needle-Point Suture Passer (CTNSP), the eXit Disposable Puncture Closure (EDPC) device, the Maciol suture needle (MSN) set, the Endoclose suture carrier, and a nonpropreitary technique using a long 14-gauge Angiocatheter and a looped Prolene suture.

Laparoscopic pyeloplasty for secondary ureteropelvic junction obstruction: preliminary experience.

Objectives: To identify whether laparoscopic pyeloplasty is a reasonable treatment option for secondary ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction.

Methods: Since March 1994, we have performed laparoscopic pyeloplasties for secondary UPJ obstruction on 4 symptomatic patients ranging in age from 26 to 39 years. Prior failed procedures included antegrade endopyelotomies (3) and acucise endopyelotomies (3).

Laparoscopic pneumodissection: initial clinical experience.

Objectives: We evaluated the efficacy of a new laparoscopic dissecting instrument that fires intermittent bursts of high-pressure carbon dioxide to separate tissue along natural planes.

Methods: The pneumodissector (PD) was used in 2 patients undergoing laparoscopic procedures. Serum creatinine and bicarbonate were measured before and after the procedure, and arterial blood gases were measured before, during, and after use of the PD.

[Transformation into chronic myelomonocytic leukemia in a patient with primary myelofibrosis associated with severe hypoplasia: report of an autopsy case].

A 70-year-old male was admitted because of anemia in September 1989, and primary myelofibrosis was diagnosed based on the presence of leukoerythroblastosis, a normal chromosomal analysis and pathological findings of fibrosis in bone marrow. Although he was anemic, he did not require any treatment for two years. Then his hematological status deteriorated to severe pancytopenia, and the marrow biopsy revealed marked hypoplasia with fatty replacement and scattered fibrosis.

A macrolide antibiotic, roxithromycin, inhibits the growth of human myeloid leukemia HL60 cells by producing multinucleate cells.

The antiproliferative effect of roxithromycin (RXM) was studied using human myeloid leukemia HL60 cells. RXM inhibited the growth of HL60 cells in a concentration-dependent manner, and significantly inhibited growth at concentrations above 75 microM. This growth inhibition was not associated with specific cell cycle arrest and DNA synthesis was not impaired.

Subcutaneous urinary diversion utilizing a nephrovesical stent: a superior alternative to long-term external drainage?

Objectives: The use of external percutaneous nephrostomy drainage in patients with end-stage ureteral obstruction in whom ureteral stenting has failed presents significant compromises in the patient's quality of life. Toward this end, we present the initial experience in the United States with an intracorporeal nephrovesical stent.

Methods: We performed successful subcutaneous urinary diversion in 2 patients with malignant, metastatic periureteral obstruction.

The RNA polymerase PB2 subunit is not required for replication of the influenza virus genome but is involved in capped mRNA synthesis.

An established cell line, clone 64, in which the expression of the RNA polymerase PB1 and PA subunit genes and the nucleoprotein (NP) gene but not the PB2 subunit gene of influenza virus can be induced by the addition of dexamethasone, was used to analyze the replication and transcription machineries of the influenza virus. Both NS-CATc and NS-CATv, the chimeric nonstructural protein chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (NS-CAT) RNAs in the sense and antisense orientations positioned between the 5'- and 3'-terminal sequences of influenza virus RNA segment 8 (the NS gene), respectively, can be transcribed into the corresponding complementary-strand RNA in clone 64 cells only when treated with dexamethasone. Although sense-strand poly(A)+ CAT RNA was detected in the dexamethasone-treated clone 64 cells transfected with NS-CATv RNA, CAT activity was not detected in these cells and the isolated poly(A)+ CAT RNA was inert in an in vitro translation system.