Factors influencing the efficiency of generating genetically engineered pigs by nuclear transfer: multi-factorial analysis of a large data set

Background: Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) using genetically engineered donor cells is currently the most widely used strategy to generate tailored pig models for biomedical research. Although this approach facilitates a similar spectrum of genetic modifications as in rodent models, the outcome in terms of live cloned piglets is quite variable. In this study, we aimed at a comprehensive analysis of environmental and experimental factors that are substantially influencing the efficiency of generating genetically engineered pigs. Based on a considerably large data set from 274 SCNT experiments (in total 18,649 reconstructed embryos transferred into 193 recipients), performed over a period of three years, we assessed the relative contribution of season, type of genetic modification, donor cell source, number of cloning rounds, and pre-selection of cloned embryos for early development to the cloning efficiency. Results: 109 (56%) recipients became pregnant and 85 (78%) of them gave birth to offspring. Out of 318 cloned piglets, 243 (76%) were alive, but only 97 (40%) were clinically healthy and showed normal development. The proportion of stillborn piglets was 24% (75/318), and another 31% (100/318) of the cloned piglets died soon after birth. The overall cloning efficiency, defined as the number of offspring born per SCNT embryos transferred, including only recipients that delivered, was 3.95%. SCNT experiments performed during winter using fetal fibroblasts or kidney cells after additive gene transfer resulted in the highest number of live and healthy offspring, while two or more rounds of cloning and nuclear transfer experiments performed during summer decreased the number of healthy offspring. Conclusion: Although the effects of individual factors may be different between various laboratories, our results and analysis strategy will help to identify and optimize the factors, which are most critical to cloning success in programs aiming at the generation of genetically engineered pig models

Standardized modified colposuspension – mid-term results of prospective studies in one centre

Introduction Burch colposuspension is still estimated as a ‘gold standard’ by the Cochrane Collaboration Group in the treatment of operative stress urinary incontinence (SUI) Some urogynecologists agree with this statement, some argue that Burch colposuspension should no longer be used. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate mid-term effects and patient’s satisfaction with standardized modified colposuspension performed in one centre. Material and Methods Modified colposuspension was performed after standardization by 2 trained gynaecologists in 354 women. Data collected from 227 women were added to the final analysis of mid-term results. Average time from the operation to mid-term visit was 19 months (range 9–36 months). Results At mid-term visit, 86.3% of patients were cured. There was no case of post-void urine residual over 100 ml. Pain near the operated region was reported by 1 woman from agricultural region. No one reported negative impact of modified colposuspension on sexual activity or dyspareunia. Conclusions Modified colposuspension according to the E. Petri technique seems to be an operation that is safe and well-tolerated by women with preoperative stress urinary incontinence and paravaginal defect without urodynamic signs of ISD in mid-term observation

60-GHz-Multimode-Chip-Satz und Demonstrator (EASY-A/IHP) : Schlussbericht

[no abstract available

An International Urogynecological Association (IUGA)/International Continence Society (ICS) joint report on the terminology for female pelvic floor dysfunction

Next to existing terminology of the lower urinary tract, due to its increasing complexity, the terminology for pelvic floor dysfunction in women may be better updated by a female-specific approach and clinically based consensus report. This report combines the input of members of the Standardization and Terminology Committees of two International Organizations, the International Urogynecological Association (IUGA) and the International Continence Society (ICS), assisted at intervals by many external referees. Appropriate core clinical categories and a subclassification were developed to give an alphanumeric coding to each definition. An extensive process of 15 rounds of internal and external review was developed to exhaustively examine each definition, with decision-making by collective opinion (consensus). A terminology report for female pelvic floor dysfunction, encompassing over 250 separate definitions, has been developed. It is clinically based with the six most common diagnoses defined. Clarity and user-friendliness have been key aims to make it interpretable by practitioners and trainees in all the different specialty groups involved in female pelvic floor dysfunction. Female-specific imaging (ultrasound, radiology, and MRI) has been a major addition while appropriate figures have been included to supplement and help clarify the text. Ongoing review is not only anticipated but will be required to keep the document updated and as widely acceptable as possible. A consensus-based terminology report for female pelvic floor dysfunction has been produced aimed at being a significant aid to clinical practice and a stimulus for research

International Urogynecological Association (IUGA)/International Continence Society (ICS) joint terminology and classification of the complications related to native tissue female pelvic floor surgery

Introduction and Hypothesis A terminology and standardized classification has yet to be developed for those complications related to native tissue female pelvic floor surgery. Methods: This report on the terminology and classification combines the input of members of the Standardization and Terminology Committees of two International Organizations, the International Urogynecological Association (IUGA) and the International Continence Society (ICS) and a Joint IUGA/ ICS Working Group on Complications Terminology, assisted at intervals by many external referees. A process of rounds of internal and external review took place with decision- making by collective opinion (consensus). Results: A terminology and classification of complications related to native tissue female pelvic floor surgery has been developed, with the classification based on category (C), time (T), and site (S) classes and divisions, that should encompass all conceivable scenarios for describing operative complications and healing abnormalities. The CTS code for each complication, involving three (or four) letters and three numerals, is likely to be very suitable for any surgical audit or registry, particularly one that is procedure- specific. Users of the classification have been assisted by case examples, color charts, and online aids (www. icsoffice. org/ ntcomplication). Conclusions: A consensus- based terminology and classification report for complications in native tissue female pelvic floor surgery has been produced. It is aimed at being a significant aid to clinical practice and particularly to research. Neurourol. Urodynam. 31: 406-414, 2012. (C) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc