bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genotypic Prevalence of the Adhesin Involved in Diffuse Adherence in Escherichia coli Isolates in Pre‐weaned Pigs with Diarrhoea in Korea
Authors: Ha S.‐K. , Choi C. , Jung K. , Kim J. , Han D. U. , Ha Y. , Lee S.‐D. , Kim S.‐H. , Chae C.
Published: July 2004

A total of 1002 Escherichia coli strains isolated from pre‐weaned pigs with diarrhoea on 1114 swine farms were screened for the presence of the adhesin involved in diffuse adherence (AIDA) gene by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Escherichia coli isolates that carried AIDA genes were also tested by PCR for the detection of five fimbriae (F4, F5, F6, F18 and F41), heat‐stable (STa, STb) and heat‐labile (LT) enterotoxin, enteroaggregative E. coli heat‐stable enterotoxin 1 (EAST1), and Shiga toxin 2 oedema disease (Stx2e) genes. Twenty‐three (2.3%) of the 1002 E. coli isolates carried the gene for AIDA. Among 23 isolates shown to carry genes for AIDA, three carried the AIDA gene as the only shown virulence factor. Other isolates carried other virulence factor genes in addition to AIDA. Four isolates carried genes for at least one of the fimbrial adhesins and enterotoxins. Sixteen isolates carried genes for enterotoxins only. The AIDA may represent an additional virulence determinant in pre‐weaned pigs with diarrhoea.
Clinical and Histopathological Aspects of Naturally Occurring Mastitis Caused by Listeria monocytogenes in Cattle and Ewes
Authors: Winter P. , Schilcher F. , Bagò Z. , Schoder D. , Egerbacher M. , Baumgartner W. , Wagner M.
Published: July 2004

Listeria monocytogenes was isolated from the milk of two cows and two sheep with mastitis in one quarter and one udder half. The animals were observed over a period of 2–12 months. Clinical examination of the udder, bacteriological examinations and determination of somatic cell counts of milk samples were performed monthly. All four cases suffered from a subclinical mastitis characterized by an elevated somatic cell count (0.8–10.1 × 106 cells/ml), a persistent shedding of Listeria and by a normal appearance of the milk. The animals did not show any systemic reaction, but all animals developed an atrophy of the infected mammary gland. Histological examinations revealed a chronic interstitial mastitis with diffuse infiltration of lymphocytes, plasma cells and macrophages. All internal organs showed no abnormalities, no Listeria could be isolated. Listeria could however be isolated from the affected mammary parenchyma and from the mammary lymph node. The results of the bacteriological examination could be confirmed by means of PCR. Using PFGE, all the isolates from the same animal were identical. Immunohistochemical examination of the ovine mammary glands achieved a very strong immunoreactivity for CD5 cells. The mode of infection and the reaction of the immune system's defense of the ovine udders are discussed.
Polymerase Chain Reaction Mediated Identification of Streptococcus uberis and Streptococcus parauberis Using Species‐specific Sequences of the Genes Encoding Superoxide Dismutase A and Chaperonin 60*
Authors: Alber J. , El‐Sayed A. , Lämmler C. , Hassan A. A. , Zschöck M.
Published: July 2004

Streptococcus uberis, a well‐known bacterial pathogen associated with bovine mastitis, appears to be biochemically and serologically almost indistinguishable from the closely related species Streptococcus parauberis. In the present study, species‐specific oligonucleotide primers were designed using internal parts of the genes sodA, encoding superoxide dismutase A, and cpn60 encoding chaperonin 60 of S. uberis and S. parauberis, respectively. The two oligonucleotide primer pairs allowed a rapid and reliable PCR‐mediated identification and differentiation of both species. These studies, performed with S. uberis and S. parauberis reference cultures and clinical isolates from routine diagnostics, revealed that the occurrence of S. parauberis as causative agent of bovine mastitis appears to be rare. In addition the sodA and cpn60 sequence data confirmed that both species could taxonomically be classified to the pyogenic group of genus Streptococcus.
The Cow in Endocrine Focus Before and After Calving
Authors: Kindahl H , Kornmatitsuk B , Gustafsson H
Published: July 2004

Contents

During the period 1 month before and 1 month after parturition in the cow, several events take place. The dam has to be prepared for the impending parturition and the uterus and ovaries must return to a certain stage to be prepared for a new pregnancy. Most of these processes are due to or reflected in endocrine changes. A special interest is of course the status of the foetus –‘foetal well being’. The processes could either be considered as normal in a clinical perspective or as impaired (dystocia, small calves, stillbirth, retained foetal membranes, etc.). The main question for this presentation is if normal and impaired performance could be mirrored in endocrine parameters. Many studies have been performed to follow endocrine changes during the periparturient period in the cow. The following parameters have been shown to be the most important and seem to be the most suitable for an endocrine supervision:Endocrine parameterParameter of:ProgesteroneCorpus luteum, maternal adrenals, placentaProstaglandin (PG) metabolitePlacenta, uterus, inflammationCortisolRegulator of prostaglandin synthesis, stressFree oestrogensPlacenta, ovariesOestrone sulphatePlacenta, calf weightPregnancy‐associated glycoproteins (PAG)Placenta
Regulation of Corpus Luteum‐function in the Bitch
Authors: Hoffmann B , Büsges F , Engel E , Kowalewski MP , Papa P
Published: July 2004

Contents

Functional lifespan of the corpus luteum (CL) in non‐pregnant dogs exceeds that of pregnant animals and may last for more than 80 days. Prolactin and LH act luteotropic, however, luteolytic mechanisms are poorly understood. Other than in life stock there is no uterine luteolysine and it was postulated that local paracrine/autocrine mechanisms might play a major role. In following this hypothesis the present investigations have clearly demonstrated that up‐regulation of prostaglandin synthesis in the CL as indicated by the expression of cyclo‐oxygenase II occurs with its formation and not regression, pointing towards a luteotropic rather than luteolytic action. Throughout dioestrus luteal and other cells of the CL express the oestrogen (ERα) and progesterone receptor (PR). While ERα expression was not cycle‐related, PR concentrations were high in the early and late‐luteal phase and a regulatory role of both steroids on CL‐function is assumed. As in other species also in the dog the immune system seems to participate in the mechanisms regulating CL‐function as an increased presence of lymphocytes within the CL could be detected at the beginning [CD4‐ CD8‐, major histocompatibility complex (MHC)II‐antigen expressing cells] and during the latter half of dioestrus (CD8‐ and MHCII‐antigen expressing cells). Thus, leucocyte‐derived cytokines may be important and the expression of the mRNA for interleukin (IL)8, IL10, IL12, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)α and transforming growth factor (TGF) β1 was observed throughout dioestrus. Electron microscopy confirmed the slow process of luteolysis; first distinct signs of degeneration were seen on day 60, accompanied by some apoptotic events. From these data it is concluded that luteal regression as monitored by the gradual decrease of systemic progesterone concentrations in the dog is not an actively regulated but rather a permissive process. Immune‐mediated events may play a key role. Changes in the vascular supply, as indicated by the expression of endoglin, seem to be of lower importance.
Regulation of Corpus Luteum Function in Cattle – an Overview
Authors: Schams D , Berisha B
Published: July 2004

Contents

The corpus luteum (CL) is a transient reproductive gland that produces progesterone (P), required for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. Although the regulation of bovine luteal function has been studied for several decades, many of the regulatory mechanisms involved are incompletely understood. We are far from understanding how these complex mechanisms function in unison. The purpose of this overview is to stress important steps of regulation during the lifetime of CL. In the first part, the importance and regulation of angiogenesis and blood flow during CL formation is described. The results underline the importance of growth factors especially of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF A) and basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF‐2) for development and completion of a dense network of capillaries. In the second part, the regulation of function by endocrine/paracrine‐ and autocrine‐acting regulators is discussed. There is now more evidence that besides the main endocrine hormones LH and GH local regulators as growth factors, peptides, steroids and prostaglandins are important modulators of luteal function. During early CL development until mid‐luteal stage oxytocin, prostaglandins and P itself stimulate luteal cell proliferation and function supported by the luteotropic action of a number of growth factors. The still high mRNA expression, protein concentration and localization of growth factors [VEGF, FGF‐1, FGF‐2, insulin‐like growth factors (IGFs)] in the cytoplasm of luteal cells during mid‐luteal stage suggest maintenance (survival) functions for growth factors. In the absence of pregnancy regression (luteolysis) of CL occurs. Progesterone itself regulates the length of the oestrous cycle by influencing the timing of the luteolytic signal prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) from the endometrium. The cascade of mediators afterwards is very complex and still not well‐elucidated. Evidence is given for participation of blood flow, inflammatory cytokines, vasoactive peptides (angiotensin II and endothelin‐1), reactive oxygen species, angiogenic growth factors (VEGFs, FGFs, IGFs) and decrease of the classical luteotropic components as LH‐R, GH‐R, P450scc and 3β‐HSD. Despite of differences in methodology and interpretations, progress has been made and will continue to be made.
Transverse sinus septum: A new aetiology of idiopathic intracranial hypertension?
Authors: Subramaniam Rathan M , Tress Brian M , King John O , Eizenberg Norm , Mitchell Peter J
Published: July 2004

A venographic cryptic stenosis at the junction of middle and lateral third of the transverse sinus has been observed in patients suffering from idiopathic intracranial hypertension. After reviewing the anatomical and embryological literature of the transverse sinus, 20 transverse sinuses were explored (in a pilot study of 10 human cadavers) in order to determine the anatomical basis of this stenosis. The presence of septa of varying sizes was observed. We conclude that the presence of a large septum is one of the causes of venographic cryptic stenosis observed in these patients and might be one of the aetiological factors involved in idiopathic intracranial hypertension.
Tissue harmonic imaging in the evaluation of acute pancreatitis
Authors: Garg Mandeep , Sandhu Manavjit , Sood Bimal , Lal Anupam , Suri Sudha , Bhasin Deepak
Published: July 2004

To evaluate the role of tissue harmonic imaging (THI) in acute pancreatitis, and to compare its findings with conventional grey‐scale sonography and contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CECT) scan, we evaluated 25 patients diagnosed with acute pancreatitis on clinical examination and laboratory findings. Conventional grey‐scale ultrasound followed by tissue harmonic sonography was done on the same machine followed by a CECT within 12 h of the ultrasound examination. The present study showed that sonograms obtained with THI were of much better quality than those obtained conventionally, especially for the pancreatic tail. The benefits of harmonic imaging were more apparent in obese patients and in others whose body habitus was unfavourable for sonography. In the assessment of pancreatic image quality, grey‐scale imaging had an accuracy of 60, 80 and 28% in relation to the head, body and tail, respectively. In comparison, THI had a far higher accuracy of 80, 92 and 60% in relation to the head, body and tail, respectively, with the superiority being most obvious in the pancreatic tail region. There were no cases in which tissue harmonic sonography provided less information than conventional sonography. However, CECT scan remained the best modality in all patients for the evaluation of acute pancreatitis. It showed superior demonstration of all the morphological changes, ranging from minimal pancreatic oedema to extensive fluid collections, necrosis and the haemorrhage that developed in fulminant severe pancreatitis. Our experience thus suggests that THI cannot replace CT scan as the gold standard in the assessment of acute pancreatitis, as it is poor in evaluating the pancreatic tail, cannot clearly distinguish phlegmon from necrosis, and is inferior to CT in the assessment of the complications of acute pancreatitis.
Multislice computed tomography angiography of the abdominal arteries: Comparison between computed tomography angiography and digital subtraction angiography findings in 52 cases
Authors: Stueckle Christoph A , Haegele Kerstin F , Jendreck Martin , Zipser Marie C , Kirchner Johannes , Kickuth Ralph , Liermann Dieter
Published: July 2004

Since the introduction of multislice CT scanners, CT angiography (CTA) has become a powerful tool for imaging the vascular system. We compare conventional angiography to CTA in the diagnosis of morphological changes in the abdominal aorta and its branches. A retrospective analysis of 52 patients who underwent both multislice CT angiography (MSCTA) and digital subtraction angiography before surgical treatment is presented. All CT examinations were performed after administration of 100 mL contrast medium with a collimation of 4 × 1 mm and a pitch of 7. A standardized evaluation of the axial, multiplanar and 3D reconstructions was performed by two experienced radiologists. Stenoses were classified as high‐grade and low‐grade, and aneurysms, occlusions and arteriosclerosis were evaluated. The CTA findings were compared with conventional angiography. All aneurysms, occlusions, stenoses and calcifications were diagnosed correctly by CTA in axial and multiplanar projections (sensitivity 1.0; specificity 1.0). The degree of stenosis was overestimated in three cases when using axial projections. Three‐dimensional volume‐rendered CTA showed a sensitivity of 0.91 for aneurysms, 0.82 for stenoses, 0.75 for occlusions and 0.77 for calcifications. The specificity was 1.0 in all cases. Multislice CT angiography seems to be similar to conventional digital subtraction angiography for abdominal vessels if multiplanar projections are used.
Specificity and sensitivity of chest radiographs in the diagnosis of paediatric pulmonary tuberculosis and the value of additional high‐kilovolt radiographs
Authors: De Villiers Richard VP , Andronikou Savvas , Van de Westhuizen Stephan
Published: July 2004

Tuberculosis (TB) remains the most common notifiable infectious disease in South Africa. The diagnosis of pulmonary TB in children is often very difficult because of the non‐specific radiological signs and inter‐observer variation in the interpretation of radiographs. The frontal high‐kilovolt (kV) radiograph has been used to assess the effect of TB adenopathy on the tracheobronchial tree and to detect endobronchial lesions. The aims of the present study were to assess the specificity and sensitivity of chest radiographs in the diagnosis of pulmonary TB and to assess whether the addition of the high‐kV radiograph affects these parameters.

The study group consisted of paediatric patients suspected of having pulmonary TB over a 6‐year period. These patients had clinical, bacteriological and radiographic examinations. Radiographs were examined by one experienced radiologist in two sittings separated by a 6‐week interval. On the first sitting, only standard radiographs were examined and, on the second sitting, these were supplemented with high‐kV radiographs. Differences in the detection of each recognized radiological feature of pulmonary TB before and after the addition of the high‐kV film were analysed for statistical significance.

The frequency of radiographic findings in our study compared favourably with other reports. No statistically significant differences for the detection of radiographic features consistent with pulmonary TB, or for the diagnosis of pulmonary TB, were demonstrated between the two sittings. Specificity increased from 74.4% to 86.6% with the addition of the high‐kV view and sensitivity remained constant at 38.8%.

The present study does not support the routine use of the frontal high‐kV radiograph for the diagnosis of pulmonary TB. This paper also confirms the findings of others, that standard chest radiographs are a poor indicator of pulmonary TB in children.
Aneurysmal bone cyst of the temporal bone
Authors: Buxi Tarvinder BS , Sud Seema , Vohra Rakesh , Sud Aditi , Singh Satnam
Published: July 2004

Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) of the temporal bone is rare. The nature of the underlying disorder that converted into the ABC might, however, be difficult to ascertain on imaging as well as on histopathology. The unusual CT and MRI findings in a case of ABC of the temporal bone are presented. This had transdural intracerebral spread with a large component of solid enhancing matrix but no peripheral calcific rim. The patient was an adult of 45 years with a history of headache for more than 1 year.
Imaging of the symptomatic type II accessory navicular bone
Authors: Mosel Leigh D , Kat Evelyn , Voyvodic Frank
Published: July 2004

Accessory ossicles of the foot are commonly mistaken for fractures. The accessory navicular is one of the most common accessory ossicles of the foot. There is a higher incidence in women and the finding might be bilateral in 50−90%. This entity is usually asymptomatic, although populations with medial foot pain have a higher prevalence. Three types of accessory navicular bone have been described. The type II accessory navicular is the most commonly symptomatic variant with localized chronic or acute on chronic medial foot pain and tenderness with associated inflammation of overlying soft tissues. Plain radiographic identification of the accessory navicular is insufficient to attribute symptomatology. Ultrasound allows for comparison with the asymptomatic side and localization of pain. Bone scintigraphy has a high sensitivity but positive findings lack specificity. Magnetic resonance imaging is of high diagnostic value for demonstrating both bone marrow and soft tissue oedema.
‘When measurements mean action’ decision models for portal image review to eliminate systematic set‐up errors
Authors: Wratten Christopher R , Denham James W , Kron Tomas , O'Brien Peter , Hamilton Christopher S
Published: July 2004

The aim of the present paper is to evaluate how the use of decision models in the review of portal images can eliminate systematic set‐up errors during conformal therapy. Sixteen patients undergoing four‐field irradiation of prostate cancer have had daily portal images obtained during the first two treatment weeks and weekly thereafter. The magnitude of random and systematic variations has been calculated by comparison of the portal image with the reference simulator images using the two‐dimensional decision model embodied in the Hotelling's evaluation process (HEP). Random day‐to‐day set‐up variation was small in this group of patients. Systematic errors were, however, common. In 15 of 16 patients, one or more errors of >2 mm were diagnosed at some stage during treatment. Sixteen of the 23 errors were between 2 and 4 mm. Although there were examples of oversensitivity of the HEP in three cases, and one instance of undersensitivity, the HEP proved highly sensitive to the small (2−4 mm) systematic errors that must be eliminated during high precision radiotherapy. The HEP has proven valuable in diagnosing very small (<4 mm) errors. When combined with the potential for rapid diagnosis of larger (>4 mm) systematic errors using one‐dimensional decision models, HEP can eliminate the majority of systematic errors during the first 2 treatment weeks.
Fatal paradoxical pulmonary air embolism complicating percutaneous computed tomography‐guided needle biopsy of the lung
Authors: Chakravarti Rajesh , Singh Virendra , Isaac Rethish , John M Joseph
Published: July 2004

A 63‐year‐old man with left upper zone haziness on chest X‐ray and an infiltrative lesion with a pleural mass in the left upper lobe on CT scan was scheduled for CT‐guided percutaneous trans‐thoracic needle biopsy. During the procedure, the patient had massive haemoptysis and cardiorespiratory arrest and could not be revived. Post‐mortem CT showed air in the right atrium, right ventricle, pulmonary artery and also in the left atrium and aorta. A discussion on paradoxical air embolism following percutaneous trans‐thoracic needle biopsy is presented.
Renal infarction secondary to a subcapsular haematoma following percutaneous renal biopsy
Authors: Mackie Gavin C , Davies Peter F , Challis David R , Middleton Ian S
Published: July 2004

We present the case of post‐biopsy subcapsular haematoma leading to infarction of the kidney. This is a very uncommon complication of percutaneous renal biopsy. The radiological findings in this case are shown, highlighting the sonographic finding of the renal interlobar arteries having reversed flow in diastole in connection with very high resistance because of compression by a subcapsular haematoma. Although reversed diastolic flow has been well described in renal vein thrombosis, we know of no case report of this finding in association with severe ischaemia of the kidney due to tamponade.
False‐positive breast screening due to fat necrosis following mammography
Authors: Cawson Jennifer N , Malara Frank A
Published: July 2004

Traumatic fat necrosis can result in a spectrum of imaging appearances that range from characteristically benign to those indistinguishable from malignancy. In such cases, biopsy might be required for diagnosis. The present case demonstrates a suspicious mammographic mass lesion appearing following a haematoma caused by a previous screening mammogram.
Unilateral lumbosacral facet joint dislocation without associated fracture
Authors: Stuart Ranald M , Song Swithin J
Published: July 2004

In the lumbosacral spine, unilateral facet joint dislocation is an infrequent injury, which is often associated with fractures at the involved or other lumbar levels. The rare occurrence of unilateral lumbosacral facet joint dislocation without any associated fractures is presented with CT and MRI, and surgical correlation. To our knowledge, cross‐sectional imaging of this injury has not previously been described in the published literature.
Carcinoma of the anal canal: a local experience and review of the literature
Authors: Wong Shirley , Gibbs Peter , Chao Michael , Jones Ian , McLaughlin Steve , Tjandra Joe , Faragher Ian , Green Michael
Published: July 2004

Background:  Through the 1970s patients presenting with anal canal carcinoma were managed with a surgical approach − abdomino‐perineal resection. Since then, the pioneering work of Nigro et al. and a series of large clinical trials have clearly demonstrated that combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy result in greater local control, colostomy‐free survival and increase in overall patient survival. The aim of the present study is to determine how widely the combined modality approach has been adopted in routine clinical practice and what outcomes are achieved in this setting.

Methods:  All patients with anal cancer treated at three tertiary referral centres over an 11‐year period (1991−2001) were identified. Data were collected by a retrospective record review.

Results:  Our search identified a total of 50 patients: 22 men and 28 women, with a median age of 62 years. Four patients had metastatic disease diagnosed at presentation. Nine patients (18%) were at least 75 years of age and three were known to be HIV positive. Median potential follow up is 52 months. Of the 46 patients treated for cure, 38 received a combination of chemotherapy and radiation, with 79% achieving a complete response. Efficacy was maintained in treated elderly patients (≥75 years). The 5‐year survival of the 38 patients with local or locoregional disease who received combined chemoradiation modality was 63%.

Conclusions:  Overall this series demonstrates that combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy has been adopted as standard treatment with outcome data similar to those reported in the randomized clinical trials. Where possible elderly patients should receive combined modality therapy.
Systematic reaction to electrolytic treatment of pig livers in vivo
Authors: Berry David , Garcea Giuseppe , Chong Chillton , Silman Eric , Finch Guy , Dennison Ashley , Maddern Guy J.
Published: July 2004

Background:  Only a minority of secondary liver tumours are amenable to segmental resection and as a result, considerable research has been focused on developing ablative methods to destroy liver metastases. Many of these methods are limited by the development of a systemic inflammatory response mediated by cytokines such as interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α). The aim of the present study was to determine if a systemic reaction occurred following electrolytic treatment of pig livers in vivo, by measuring biochemical indices of liver function and cytokines such as IL‐8 and TNF‐α.

Methods:  Seventeen white domestic pigs were subjected to varying electrolytic doses ranging from 100 C to 800 C. Blood samples were taken at hourly intervals before, during and after electrolysis. Blood parameters measured included markers of liver enzyme activity; albumin, alkaline phosphatase, gammaglutaryl transferase and aspartate transaminase. Cytokine response to electrolysis was measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays for IL‐8 and TNF‐α.

Results:  Aspartate transaminase levels showed a clear and progressive rise post‐electrolysis peaking at 2 h post‐procedure. IL‐8 and TNF‐α levels showed only very mild variation with no significant response to electrolysis. This lack of association was borne out regardless of the electrolytic dose administered.

Conclusion:  Electrolysis is not accompanied by a significant systemic inflammatory response, reducing the risk of systemic inflammatory response, acute respiratory distress syndrome and other immune response mediated end‐organ damage. Follow‐up studies are needed in human trials.
Combined radioguided occult lesion and sentinel node localization for breast cancer
Authors: Kim Joon , Chung David , Spillane Andrew
Published: July 2004

Introduction:  The incidence of non‐palpable breast lesions requiring intraoperative localization has greatly increased, particularly because of the widespread use of mammographic screening. These lesions have previously been localized preoperatively using hook‐wire or carbon track techniques. In the era of increasing acceptance of sentinel node biopsy (SNB) a separate procedure would be required for sentinel node localization (SNL). The present study describes an experience with ultrasound guided radionucleotide occult lesion localization (ROLL) as a reliable alternative that enables SNL synchronously.

Methods:  Twenty‐two patients with proven breast malignancy on core biopsy were enrolled in the present study. Preoperatively, technetium‐99m was injected around the lesion under radiological guidance. A γ‐probe was then used to locate the lesion and guide its surgical removal. Complete excision was then confirmed immediately by verifying minimal residual radioactivity in the cavity wall tissue. Appropriate SNB then proceeded.

Results:  The primary breast lesion was identified in all cases except in one, where the radiotracer was injected into the wrong site, giving a miss rate of 1/22 (4.5%). The average size of the tumour was 13 mm (range 6−22 mm) and the closest margins ranged from 0 (1 patient) to 22 mm (mean 7 mm). Two patients had inadequate margins and required further excision giving a re‐excision rate of 2/21 (9.5%). SNB specimens included a median of 3.7 nodes/patient

Conclusion:  Radionucleotide occult lesion localization/SNL is a simple, accurate and reliable method of combining localization of impalpable breast lesions with the localization required for SNB. The miss and re‐excision rates compare favourably with the needle‐wire systems and carbon tracking techniques. There are significant resource efficiency and time advantages.
Is procalcitonin a reliable marker for the diagnosis of infected pancreatic necrosis?
Authors: Yonetci Nadir , Sungurtekin Ugur , Oruc Nevin , Yilmaz Mustafa , Sungurtekin Hulya , Kaleli Ilknur , Kaptanoglu Bunyamin , Yuce Gul , Ozutemiz Omer
Published: July 2004

Background:  Infected necrosis in acute pancreatitis is the main factor in determining the prognosis of the disease. Early and accurate diagnosis of infected pancreatic necrosis might decrease mortality. The aim of the present study is to identify a reliable marker for the onset infection in three different experimentally induced pancreatitis models.

Methods:  Ninety female Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into nine groups. In three different experimental models, including cerulein induced acute oedematous pancreatitis (AEP), sterile pancreatic necrosis due to taurocholate‐induced acute pancreatitis (SPN) and infected pancreatic necrosis taurocholate‐induced acute pancreatitis (IPN). Serum levels of procalcitonin (PCT), C‐reactive protein (CRP), tumour necrosis factor a (TNF‐α), interleukin 6 (IL‐6) and interleukin 8 (IL‐8), amylase were measured. The degree of pancreatic damage also evaluated pathologically.

Results:  Procalcitonin levels were increased significantly in AEP, SPN and IPN compared to control groups (P < 0.05). PCT and IL‐6 level were the highest in the IPN group (P < 0.05). Serum amylase, CRP, TNF‐α, IL‐2, and IL‐8 levels were similar between IPN and SPN groups (P > 0.05), but higher than in other groups. The results of histological evaluation also correlated with the advent of the disease.

Conclusion:  Procalcitonin and IL‐6 acts as reliable acute phase reactant in an experimental model of AEP, SPN and IPN in the rat. PCT and IL‐6 combination might be surrogate marker of infected pancreatic necrosis and should be preferred to other markers assay especially in severe pancreatitis.
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma: dismal outcome despite current treatment approach
Authors: Veness Michael J. , Porter Guy S. , Morgan Gary J.
Published: July 2004

Background:  Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) accounts for <5% of all thyroid malignancies and is one of the most aggressive malignancies known. Survival is limited to months and death is often caused by uncontrolled neck disease. There is evidence that multimodality treatment, incorporating surgery (Sx), external beam radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy (CT), might enhance local control and improve survival.

Methods:  Between 1979 and 2002, 18 patients with ATC were referred to the multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Service, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia. The aim of the present study is to report on the treatment and outcome of these patients. Survival was calculated from the time of diagnosis until death using the Kaplan−Meier method.

Results:  Median age at diagnosis was 72 years (29−92 years) in 12 women and six men. Five patients had distant metastases at diagnosis. Seven patients were treated with various combinations of Sx, RT and/or CT. Ten patients received a single modality, including three undergoing a total thyroidectomy. Many patients died from local disease progression. Only one patient received triple modality treatment (Sx/RT/CT), surviving 26 months, and maintaining local control until death. Sixteen patients died from disease with a median survival of 6.2 months (0.3−56.8 months).

Conclusion:  Most patients with ATC are incurable; however, a multimodality approach incorporating Sx and RT ± CT, in selected individuals, might improve local control and extend survival.
Epidemiological changes in colorectal cancer in Shiraz, Iran: 1980−2000
Authors: Hosseini Seyed Vahid , Izadpanah Ahmad , Yarmohammadi Hooman
Published: July 2004

Background:  The present study was performed to determine trends in colorectal cancer rates over the past two decades (1970−80 vs 1990−2000) with in a main referral centre in Shiraz, Iran.

Methods:  The Cancer Registry data on all colorectal cancer cases from 1970 to 2000 in Shiraz, Iran, were analysed. Demographic characteristics, clinical features, cancer site and type and stage of cancer were compared in the populations of two different decades.

Results:  The age‐adjusted incidence of colorectal cancer per 100 000 population per year increased in men from a mean annual incidence of 1.61 in the decade 1970−80 to 4.2 in 1990−2000 (P < 0.05), and in women from 2.35 to 2.72 (P < 0.05). In 1970−80, patients over 60 years had 62.5% of all the colorectal cancers, which decreased to 30% in 1990−2000 (P < 0.05). The distribution of right and left sided cancers were almost equal and showed no significant difference between the two decades (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:  A marked increase in the incidence of colorectal cancer has been shown in Shiraz. Also, the marked increase in the incidence of colorectal cancer in the 40−60‐year‐old age group shown in the present study necessitates a more detailed work‐up in younger age group patients.
Bifurcation analysis of the Hobson short fatigue crack growth law
Authors: YANG X. , SEED G. M.
Published: July 2004

A bifurcation analysis of the Hobson short fatigue crack growth law is presented. The analysis reveals that, although the growth law is non‐linear, it contains no bifurcation points.
Quadratic damage rule in random loading case
Authors: KOŠÚT J.
Published: July 2004

The simple mathematical structure of the quadratic damage rule (QDR) enables mathematical expression of the failure condition in the case of random loading. Random loading after modified rainflow analysis is considered as a random marked point process. Moments of the damage distribution can be expressed by use of ensemble averages. A condition for validity of the first damage moment solution is formulated. The QDR damage first moment solution involves failure predictions for both stationary and non‐stationary loadings. In these cases, final fracture conditions suitable for practical use are derived. QDR predicts fatigue lives that are always shorter than the linear damage rule (LDR) in the case of stationary loading with short interval of statistical dependence of random variables. QDR appears to be a suitable additional engineering tool for random loading fatigue life predictions considering loading sequence and loading level interactions.
Weight functions and stress intensity factors for quarter‐elliptical corner cracks in fastener holes
Authors: CHEN Q. , WANG X.
Published: July 2004

Approximate weight functions for a quarter‐elliptical crack in a fastener hole were derived from a general weight function form and two reference stress intensity factors. Closed‐form expressions were obtained for the coefficients of the weight functions. The derived weight functions were validated against numerical data by comparison of stress intensity factors calculated for several nonlinear stress fields. Good agreements were achieved. These derived weight functions are valid for the geometric range of 0.5 ≤a/c≤ 1.5 and 0 ≤a/t≤ 0.8 and R/t= 0.5; and are given in forms suitable for computer numerical integration. The weight functions appear to be particularly suitable for fatigue crack growth prediction of corner cracks in fastener holes and fracture analysis of such cracks in complex stress fields.
Somatodendritic minicolumns of output neurons in the rat visual cortex
Authors: Vercelli Alessandro E. , Garbossa Diego , Curtetti Roberta , Innocenti Giorgio M.
Published: July 2004

The apical dendrites of the pyramidal neurons of the cerebral cortex form radial bundles in all species and areas. Using microtubule‐associated protein (MAP)2 immunostaining and Voronoi tessellation analysis in the rat visual cortex, we obtained objective criteria to define dendritic bundles in tangential sections: in supragranular layers of the rat visual cortex we found bundles of 6–6.4 dendrites, at a density of 1929 bundles/mm2 and a centre‐to‐centre distance of 27 µm. Using lipophilic tracers to label different pyramidal cell populations, based on the same criteria as in MAP2‐immunostained material, we found that in the rat visual cortex the bundles consist of neurons with specific targets. Neurons projecting to the ipsi‐ or contralateral cortex form bundles together and with neurons projecting to the striatum, but not with those projecting to the superior colliculus, dorsal division of the lateral geniculate nucleus or through the cerebral peduncle. The latter neurons form bundles with neurons projecting to the striatum. Thus, the cerebral cortex is organized in minicolumns of output neurons visible at the earliest ages studied (P3), which might have a higher probability of being interconnected than those outside.
Disruption of hippocampal CA3 network: effects on episodic‐like memory processing in C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Daumas Stéphanie , Halley Hélène , Lassalle Jean‐Michel
Published: July 2004

Lesion studies have demonstrated the prominent role of the hippocampus in spatial and contextual learning. To better understand how contextual information is processed in the CA3 region during learning, we focused on the CA3 autoassociative network hypothesis. We took advantage of a particularity of the mossy fibre (MF) synapses, i.e. their high zinc concentration, to reversibly disrupt the afferent MF pathway by microinfusions of an intracellular (DEDTC) or an extracellular (CaEDTA) zinc chelator into the CA3 area of the dorsal hippocampus of mice. Disruption of the CA3 network significantly impaired the acquisition and the consolidation of contextual fear conditioning, whereas contextual retrieval was unaffected. These results also suggest a heterogeneity between the cognitive processes underlying spatial and contextual memory that might be linked to the specific involvement of free zinc in contextual information processing.
Quantitative effects produced by modifications of neuronal activity on the size of GABAA receptor clusters in hippocampal slice cultures
Authors: Marty Serge , Wehrlé Rosine , Fritschy Jean‐Marc , Sotelo Constantino
Published: July 2004

The number and strength of GABAergic synapses needs to be precisely adjusted for adequate control of excitatory activity. We investigated to what extent the size of GABAA receptor clusters at inhibitory synapses is under the regulation of neuronal activity. Slices from P7 rat hippocampus were cultured for 13 days in the presence of bicuculline or 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP) to increase neuronal activity, or DNQX to decrease activity. The changes provoked by these treatments on clusters immunoreactive for the α1 and α2 subunits of the GABAA receptor or gephyrin were quantitatively evaluated. While an increase in activity augmented the density of these clusters, a decrease in activity provoked, in contrast, a decrease in their density. An inverse regulation was observed for the size of individual clusters. Bicuculline and 4‐AP decreased whilst DNQX increased the mean size of the clusters. When the pharmacological treatments were applied for 2 days instead of 2 weeks, no effects on the size of the clusters were observed. The variations in the mean size of individual clusters were mainly due to changes in the number of small clusters. Finally, a regulation of the size of GABAA receptor clusters occurred during development in vivo, with a decrease of the mean size of the clusters between P7 and P21. This physiological change was also the result of an increase in the number of small clusters. These results indicate that neuronal activity regulates the mean size of GABAA receptor‐ and gephyrin‐immunoreactive clusters by modifying specifically the number of synapses with small clusters of receptors.
Cell‐type‐specific splicing of KChIP4 mRNA correlates with slower kinetics of A‐type current
Authors: Baranauskas Gytis
Published: July 2004

In neurons, rapidly inactivating A‐type potassium currents regulate repetitive firing and sensitivity to synaptic inputs both in the soma and in the dendrites. It has been established that Kv4 family subunits with several modifying proteins such as KChIPs are responsible for A‐type current in most neurons. However, it is not clear which of these modifying proteins are responsible for the observed difference in the properties of A‐type currents in the neurons. For example, in globus pallidus (GP) and basal forebrain (BF) neurons in rats, A‐type current possesses a slowly inactivating (τ > 80 ms) component of inactivation that is absent in the currents obtained from striatal cholinergic interneurons (StrI) and hippocampal area CA1 pyramidal neurons (HIP). It has been shown that KChIP4 splice variant A but not splice variant B can increase inactivation rates of Kv4 current to > 100 ms in Xenopus oocytes. We tested the hypothesis that cell‐specific expression of KChIP4A is responsible for the slow inactivation of A‐type current in these neurons. Employing single‐cell RT‐PCR in acutely dissociated rat neurons, KChIP4A mRNA was detected in 12/14 GP cells and in 12/14 BF neurons whereas it was not detected in any StrI or HIP cells. By contrast, the KChIP4 splice variant B was detected in all four types of cells. Moreover, deactivation rates at −100 mV were slower in BF and GP cells than in StrI and HIP neurons as expected, owing to the presence KChIP4A in BF and GP neurons. These data are consistent with our initial hypothesis.
Induced visual illusions and gamma oscillations in human primary visual cortex
Authors: Adjamian Peyman , Holliday Ian E. , Barnes Gareth R. , Hillebrand Arjan , Hadjipapas Avgis , Singh Krish D.
Published: July 2004

Using magnetoencephalography, we studied the spatiotemporal properties of cortical responses in terms of event‐related synchronization and event‐related desynchronization to a range of stripe patterns in subjects with no neurological disorders. These stripes are known for their tendency to induce a range of abnormal sensations, such as illusions, nausea, dizziness, headache and attacks of pattern‐sensitive epilepsy. The optimal stimulus must have specific physical properties, and maximum abnormalities occur at specific spatial frequency and contrast. Despite individual differences in the severity of discomfort experienced, psychophysical studies have shown that most observers experience some degree of visual anomaly on viewing such patterns. In a separate experiment, subjects reported the incidence of illusions and discomfort to each pattern. We found maximal cortical power in the gamma range (30–60 Hz) confined to the region of the primary visual cortex in response to patterns of 2–4 cycles per degree, peaking at 3 cycles per degree. This coincides with the peak of mean illusions and discomfort, also maximal for patterns of 2–4 cycles per degree. We show that gamma band activity in V1 is a narrow band function of spatial frequency. We hypothesize that the intrinsic properties of gamma oscillations may underlie visual discomfort and play a role in the onset of seizures.
A novel role for polyamines in adult neurogenesis in rodent brain
Authors: Malaterre Jordane , Strambi Colette , Aouane Aïcha , Strambi Alain , Rougon Geneviève , Cayre Myriam
Published: July 2004

Although neurogenesis in the adult is known to be regulated by various internal cues such as hormones, growth factors and cell‐adherence molecules, downstream elements underlying their action at the cellular level still remain unclear. We previously showed in an insect model that polyamines (putrescine, spermidine and spermine) play specific roles in adult brain neurogenesis. Here, we demonstrate their involvement in the regulation of secondary neurogenesis in the rodent brain. Using neurosphere assays, we show that putrescine addition stimulates neural progenitor proliferation. Furthermore, in vivo depletion of putrescine by specific and irreversible inhibition of ornithine decarboxylase, the first key enzyme of the polyamine synthesis pathway, induces a consistent decrease in neural progenitor cell proliferation in the two neurogenic areas, the dentate gyrus and the subventricular zone. The present study reveals common mechanisms underlying birth of new neurons in vertebrate and invertebrate species.
Influence of the hippocampus on interneurons of the rat prefrontal cortex
Authors: Tierney Patrick L. , Dégenètais Eric , Thierry Anne‐Marie , Glowinski Jacques , Gioanni Yves
Published: July 2004

The hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC), two structures implicated in learning and memory processes, are linked by a direct hippocampo‐prefrontal pathway. It has been shown that PFC pyramidal cells receive monosynaptic excitatory inputs from the hippocampus and, in this study, we sought to determine the influence of the hippocampus on PFC interneurons in anesthetized rats. Extracellular recordings were coupled to juxtacellular injections of neurobiotin or biotinylated dextran amine to morphologically differentiate interneurons from pyramidal cells. In all cases, the action potentials of labeled interneurons were of shorter duration (< 0.70 ms) than those of identified pyramidal cells (> 0.70 ms). Single pulse stimulation of the hippocampal CA1/subiculum region induced an excitatory response in 70% of recorded interneurons in the prelimbic and medial‐orbital areas of the PFC. In contrast to the one to two action potentials generated by pyramidal cells, an important group of interneurons fired a burst of action potentials in response to hippocampal stimulation. A large proportion of these excitatory responses was probably monosynaptic as their latency is consistent with the conduction time of the hippocampo‐prefrontal pathway. In addition, when both a pyramidal cell and an interneuron were simultaneously recorded and both responded to stimulation, the interneuron consistently fired before the pyramidal cell. In conclusion, the hippocampus exerts a direct excitatory influence on PFC interneurons and is thus capable of feedforward inhibition of pyramidal cells. Hippocampal output is spatially and temporally focalized via this inhibitory process and consequently could facilitate the synchronization of a specific subset of PFC neurons with hippocampal activity.
Peripheral noxious stimulation induces phosphorylation of the NMDA receptor NR1 subunit at the PKC‐dependent site, serine‐896, in spinal cord dorsal horn neurons
Authors: Brenner Gary J. , Ji Ru‐Rong , Shaffer Sebastian , Woolf Clifford J.
Published: July 2004

The N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) contributes to central sensitization in the spinal cord and the generation of pain hypersensitivity. NMDAR function is modulated by post‐translational modifications including phosphorylation, and this is proposed to underlie its involvement in the production of pain hypersensitivity in the spinal cord. We now show that a noxious heat stimulus applied to the rat hindpaw induces phosphorylation of the NMDAR NR1 subunit at a protein kinase C (PKC)‐dependent site, serine‐896, in superficial dorsal horn neurons. Phosphorylation of NR1 serine‐896 is essentially absent in the superficial dorsal horn laminae of naïve rats, but there is rapid (< 2 min) induction following a noxious but not innocuous heat stimulus. The number of pNR1‐immunoreactive neuronal profiles in the superficial dorsal horn peaks 30 min after noxious heat stimulation and persists for up to 1 h. pNR1serine896 induction occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum, suggesting that it contributes to trafficking of the receptor from intracellular stores to the membrane. The phosphorylation of the subunit is attenuated by intrathecal injection of the NMDAR antagonist, MK801, suggesting that the NMDAR is involved via a feed‐forward mechanism in its own phosphorylation. The pNR1serine896‐positive neurons are highly co‐localized with PKCdelta and only rarely with PKCgamma. These data provide evidence for an activity‐dependent NMDAR phosphorylation at the PKC‐dependent site, serine‐896, in spinal cord dorsal horn neurons initiated by peripheral noxious stimuli.