51 research outputs found
A calibrated diversity assay for nucleic acid libraries using DiStRO—a Diversity Standard of Random Oligonucleotides
We have determined diversities exceeding 1012 different sequences in an annealing and melting assay using synthetic randomized oligonucleotides as a standard. For such high diversities, the annealing kinetics differ from those observed for low diversities, favouring the remelting curve after annealing as the best indicator of complexity. Direct comparisons of nucleic acid pools obtained from an aptamer selection demonstrate that even highly complex populations can be evaluated by using DiStRO, without the need of complicated calculations
Sequence–structure relationships in RNA loops: establishing the basis for loop homology modeling
The specific function of RNA molecules frequently resides in their seemingly unstructured loop regions. We performed a systematic analysis of RNA loops extracted from experimentally determined three-dimensional structures of RNA molecules. A comprehensive loop-structure data set was created and organized into distinct clusters based on structural and sequence similarity. We detected clear evidence of the hallmark of homology present in the sequence–structure relationships in loops. Loops differing by <25% in sequence identity fold into very similar structures. Thus, our results support the application of homology modeling for RNA loop model building. We established a threshold that may guide the sequence divergence-based selection of template structures for RNA loop homology modeling. Of all possible sequences that are, under the assumption of isosteric relationships, theoretically compatible with actual sequences observed in RNA structures, only a small fraction is contained in the Rfam database of RNA sequences and classes implying that the actual RNA loop space may consist of a limited number of unique loop structures and conserved sequences. The loop-structure data sets are made available via an online database, RLooM. RLooM also offers functionalities for the modeling of RNA loop structures in support of RNA engineering and design efforts
Xanthogranulomatous Pyelonephritis with Staghorn Calculus, Acute Gangrenous Appendicitis and Enterocolitis: A Multidisciplinary Challenge of Kidney-Preserving Conservative Therapy
Significance of Dynamic Pore PressureVariations - Comparison of Observations on Mud Volcanoes on the Costa Rica Margin and in the Gulf of Cadiz
Research in the cooperative research center (SFB) 574 "Volatiles and Fluids in Subduction Zones" at the University Kiel focuses on volatile and fluid exchange processes at subduction zones. These have a significant impact on the long-term geochemical evolution of the hydrosphere and atmosphere. In the SFB 574 working area off Central America more than 120 mud volcanoes, mud diapirs and cold seeps have been identified and sampled. To better understand the internal dynamics of these structures and the temporal variability of fluid expulsion an in-situ tool for monitoring shallow pore pressure variations was devised. The tool (PWPL) monitors pore pressure variations along a 2m profile in the shallow subsurface using a stinger with 4 pressure ports. Positioned with a video-guided lander the stinger is gently pushed into the seafloor where it remains for several weeks or months in autonomous mode before being retrieved. While particular emphasis was placed on the convergent margin of Central America, mud volcanoes in other tectonic settings suitable for long-term observations of fluid flux are used for comparison. Here we will present data and interpretations from two mud volcanoes off Costa Rica and in the Gulf of Cadiz where we have conducted successful tests. Pore pressure data from short-term tests on Mound 11 on the continental slope off Costa Rica are compared with new results from a long-term (3-month) campaign on the Captain Arutjunov deep water mud volcano in the Gulf of Cadiz. Rates of fluid flow at both structures have been thoroughly characterized and quantified with geochemical methods providing a frame of reference for judging the significance of dynamic pore pressure variations
Medical Expulsive Therapy for Ureterolithiasis: The EAU Recommendations in 2016
Medical expulsive therapy (MET), in particular alpha-blockers, have been
recommended as supportive medication if observational treatment of a
ureteral stone was an option. Over the years, a considerable number of
randomized controlled trials (RCT) as well as several meta-analyses have
been published on MET, supporting the use of a-blockers. However,
several recently published high quality, large, placebo-controlled
randomized trials raised serious doubts about the effectiveness of
alpha-blockers. The contradictory results of meta-analyses of small RCTs
versus the findings of large, well conducted multicenter trials show the
methodological vulnerability of meta-analyses, in particular if small
single center, lower quality, papers have been included. Small single
center trials, for instance, tend to show larger treatment effects
compared to multicenter RCTs. It also shows the responsibility of
careful planning when conducting a RCT. Trial registration as a
prerequisite for approval by ethics committees could in addition
minimize publication bias. Weighting the current evidence on whether to
use MET, or not, it seems that in distal ureteral stones larger than 5
mm, there may be a potential therapeutic benefit for the use of
alpha-blockers. Patients should be informed about the possible, but as
yet unproven benefit of using alpha-blockers in this situation, as well
as their off-label use and potential side effects. (C) 2016 European
Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved
Tract Sizes in Miniaturized Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A Systematic Review from the European Association of Urology Urolithiasis Guidelines Panel
Context: Miniaturized instruments for percutaneous nephrolithotomy
(PNL), utilizing tracts sized <= 22 Fr, have been developed in an effort
to reduce the morbidity and increase the efficiency of stone removal
compared with standard PNL (> 22 Fr).
Objective: We systematically reviewed all available evidence on the
efficacy and safety of miniaturized PNL for removing renal calculi.
Evidence acquisition: The review was performed according to the
Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses
statement. Since it was not possible to perform a meta-analysis, the
data were summarized in a narrative synthesis.
Evidence synthesis: After screening 2945 abstracts, 18 studies were
included (two randomized controlled trials [RCTs], six nonrandomized
comparative studies, and 10 case series). Thirteen studies were
full-text articles and five were only available as congress abstracts.
The size of tracts used in miniaturized procedures ranged from 22 Fr to
4.8 Fr. The largest mean stone size treated using small instruments was
980 mm(2). Stone-free rates were comparable in miniaturized and standard
PNL procedures. Procedures performed with small instruments tended to be
associated with significantly lower blood loss, while the procedure
duration tended to be significantly longer. Other complications were not
notably different between PNL types. Study designs and populations were
heterogeneous. Study limitations included selection and outcome
reporting bias, as well as a lack of information on relevant confounding
factors.
Conclusions: The studies suggest that miniaturized PNL is at least as
efficacious and safe as standard PNL for the removal of renal calculi.
However, the quality of the evidence was poor, drawn mainly from small
studies, the majority of which were single-arm case series, and only two
of which were RCTs. Furthermore, the tract sizes used and types of
stones treated were heterogeneous. Hence, the risks of bias and
confounding were high, highlighting the need for more reliable data from
RCTs.
Patient summary: Removing kidney stones via percutaneous nephrolithotomy
(PNL) using smaller sized instruments (mini-PNL) appears to be as
effective and safe as using larger (traditional) instruments, but more
clinical research is needed. (C) 2017 European Association of Urology.
Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved
What are the Benefits and Harms of Ureteroscopy Compared with Shock-wave Lithotripsy in the Treatment of Upper Ureteral Stones? : A Systematic Review
Funding/Support and role of the sponsor: None.Peer reviewedPostprintPostprintPostprintPostprintPostprintPostprintPostprintPostprintPostprintPostprin
What are the Benefits and Harms of Ureteroscopy Compared with Shock-wave Lithotripsy in the Treatment of Upper Ureteral Stones? A Systematic Review
Context: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) and ureteroscopy
(URS), with or without intracorporeal lithotripsy, are the most common
treatments for upper ureteric stones. With advances in technology, it is
unclear which treatment is most effective and/or safest.
Objective: To systematically review literature reporting benefits and
harms of SWL and URS in the management of upper ureteric stones.
Evidence acquisition: Databases including Medline, Embase, and the
Cochrane library were searched from January 2000 to November 2014. All
randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-randomised controlled trials,
and nonrandomised studies comparing any subtype or variation of URS and
SWL were included. The primary benefit outcome was stone-free rate
(SFR). The primary harm outcome was complications. Secondary outcomes
included retreatment rate, need for secondary, and/or adjunctive
procedures. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess RCTs, and
an extended version was used to assess nonrandomised studies. Grading of
Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation was used to
assess the quality of evidence.
Evidence synthesis: Five thousand-three hundred and eighty abstracts and
387 full-text articles were screened. Forty-seven studies met inclusion
criteria; 19 (39.6%) were RCTs. No studies on children met inclusion
criteria. URS and SWL were compared in 22 studies (4 RCTs, 1
quasi-randomised controlled trial, and 17 nonrandomised studies).
Meta-analyses were inappropriate due to data heterogeneity. SFR favoured
URS in 9/22 studies. Retreatment rates were higher for SWL compared with
URS in all studies but one. Longer hospital stay and adjunctive
procedures (most commonly the insertion of a JJ stent) were more common
when primary treatment was URS. Complications were reported in 11 out of
22 studies. In eight studies, it was possible to report this as a
Clavien-Dindo Grade. Higher complication rates across all grades were
reported for URS compared with SWL. For intragroup (intra-SWL and
intra-URS) comparative studies, 25 met the inclusion criteria. These
studies varied greatly in outcomes measured with data being
heterogeneous.
Conclusions: Compared with SWL, URS was associated with a significantly
greater SFR up to 4 wk but the difference was not significant at 3 mo in
the included studies. URS was associated with fewer retreatments and
need for secondary procedures, but with a higher need for adjunctive
procedures, greater complication rates, and longer hospital stay.
Patient summary: In this paper, the relative benefits and harms of the
two most commonly offered treatment options for urinary stones located
in the upper ureter were reviewed. We found that both treatments are
safe and effective options that should be offered based on individual
patient circumstances and preferences. (C) 2017 European Association of
Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved
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