bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphological features in human cortical brain microvessels after head injury: A three‐dimensional and immunocytochemical study
Authors: Rodríguez‐Baeza Alfonso , Reina‐de la Torre Francisco , Poca Antonia , Martí Mercè , Garnacho Angel
Published: June 2003

We studied the morphology of cortical microvessels in the brains of 10 patients who had died after receiving a traumatic head injury (THI). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of vascular corrosion casts, confocal microscopy of histological sections after immunocytochemistry, and detection of apoptosis by terminal dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) were used. Microvascular casts showed an angioarchitectonic distribution that was defined as normal according to results obtained in a previous, nontraumatic series of subjects. However, when we compared them with previous works, the cast surface of some of the microvessels showed three types of morphological alterations: longitudinal folds, sunken surfaces with craters, and a significant flattening with reduction of lumen. The vessels that were primarily affected were the arterioles and capillaries of the middle and deep cortical vascular zones. Immunostaining with the monoclonal antibody MAS‐336 against endothelial cells also showed the presence of longitudinal folds with a thinning of the vascular lumen, cytoplasmic round bodies, and a thickening of the endothelial cell membrane. The TUNEL technique revealed a positive staining of some endothelial cells.

The structural alterations we observed indicate that microvessels undergo endothelial cell damage after THI. We suggest that this kind of lesion and the secondary functional injury to the blood–brain barrier (BBB) could play an important role in the development of the secondary lesions that these patients show in the subacute phase. Anat Rec Part A 273A:583–593, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Morphology and histology of chimpanzee primary visual striate cortex indicate that brain reorganization predated brain expansion in early hominid evolution
Authors: Holloway Ralph L. , Broadfield Douglas C. , Yuan Michael S.
Published: June 2003

Human brain evolution is characterized by an overall increase in brain size, cerebral reorganization, and cerebral lateralization. It is generally understood when brain enlargement occurred during human evolution. However, issues concerning cerebral reorganization and hemispheric lateralization are more difficult to determine from brain endocasts, and they are topics of considerable debate. One region of the cerebral cortex that may represent the earliest evidence for brain reorganization is the primary visual cortex (PVC), or area 17 of Brodmann. In nonhuman primates, this region is larger in volume (demarcated anteriorly by the lunate sulcus), and extends further rostrally than it does in modern humans. In early hominid fossil (Australopithecus) endocasts, this region appears to occupy a smaller area compared to that in nonhuman primates. Some have argued that the brain first underwent size expansion prior to reorganization, while others maintain that reorganization predated brain expansion. To help resolve this question, we provide a description of two male, common chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) brains, YN77‐111 and YN92‐115, which clearly display a more posterior lunate sulcal morphology than seen in other chimpanzees. These data show that neurogenetic variability exists in chimpanzees, and that significant differences in organization (e.g., a reduced PVC) can predate brain enlargement. While the human brain has experienced numerous expansion and reorganization events throughout evolution, the data from these two chimpanzees offer significant support for the hypothesis that the neurogenetic basis for brain reorganization was present in our early fossil ancestors (i.e., the australopithecines) prior to brain enlargement. Anat Rec Part A 273A:594–602, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fine structure of soft and hard tissues involved in eye migration in metamorphosing Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)
Authors: Okada Nozomi , Takagi Yasuaki , Tanaka Masaru , Tagawa Masatomo
Published: June 2003

The body of a Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) changes from a symmetrical to an asymmetrical form during metamorphosis. To obtain detailed information on the mechanisms of the migration of the right eye to the left side, soft and hard tissues in the head of larval flounders were examined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Retrorbital vesicles (Rvs) are pairs of sac‐like structures under the eyes. It has been suggested that the asymmetrical development of Rvs, with the right (blind) one being bigger than the left, is the driving force behind eye migration. The present study revealed that the ultrastructure of the Rv sheath is quite similar to that of a lymphatic capillary. Thus, it is possible that the Rv is a part of the lymph system, and is probably related to the secondary vascular system in teleosts. If we assume that the Rv sheath has a high permeability to liquid, similar to lymphatic capillaries, it is not plausible that the active expansion of the Rv pushes the eyeball. On the other hand, the pseudomesial bar (Pb) is a bone that is unique to flounders and is present only on the right (blind) side. At the beginning of eye migration, an aggregation of fibroblast‐like cells is observed in the dermis under the right eye, where the Pb will subsequently be formed. These cells have a well‐developed rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER) and mitochondria, and are probably responsible for formation of the thick layers of collagen fibrils around them. Since it is unlikely that the active expansion of the Rv causes eye migration, the role played by the Pb and its rudiment becomes more significant in right eye migration in the Japanese flounder becomes more significant. Anat Rec Part A 273A:663–668, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anatomical study of the pancreas in the house musk shrew (Suncus murinus), with special reference to the blood supply and innervation
Authors: Yi Shuang‐Qin , Shimokawa Takashi , Akita Keiichi , Ohta Tetsuo , Kayahara Masato , Miwa Koichi , Tanaka Shigenori
Published: June 2003

To examine the macroscopic structure, blood supply, and innervation of the pancreas in the house musk shrew (Suncus murinus), we performed gross anatomical dissection and whole‐mount immunostaining of the autonomic nerve of Suncus pancreases based on neurofilament protein (NFP) immunoreactivity. The adult Suncus pancreas is clearly separated into right and left lobes that are not fused. The right lobe of the Suncus pancreas is located in the dorsum of the duodenum and to the right of the common bile duct independently. The right lobe is supplied by branches of the superior mesenteric artery, and is innervated by branches that originate from the superior mesenteric plexus and run along the arterial branches of the superior mesenteric artery. The left lobe occupies 9/10 of the entire pancreas and is located to the left of the common bile duct. It is supplied mainly by branches of the splenic and common hepatic arteries, and is innervated by branches that originate from the celiac plexus and run along the splenic and common hepatic arteries. According to previous studies on the blood supply and innervation of the human pancreas, the right and left lobes of the Suncus pancreas correspond to the pancreatic parts derived from the ventral and dorsal pancreatic buds. The current results suggest that the Suncus pancreas is a suitable experimental model for studying the development of the human pancreas. Anat Rec Part A 273A:630–635, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distribution of MHC II (+) cells in skin of the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus): An initial investigation of dolphin dendritic cells
Authors: Zabka Tanja S. , Romano Tracy A.
Published: June 2003

The skin is an important tissue of the immune system; however, little is known about immune cells in dolphin skin, and very few cetacean‐specific immunoreagents are available for investigative purposes. Therefore, in this study immunohistochemistry techniques were used with species‐specific and non‐species‐specific antibodies to characterize immune cells, primarily focusing on Langerhans cells, in skin from the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). An antibody to human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules labeled cells with a dendritic‐like morphology. The immunophenotype, morphology, and distribution of some of these cells are consistent with those of Langerhans cells. The cells were predominantly found in dermal papillae, primarily along the epidermal–dermal junction. Thus, the location of these cells was somewhat different from that in terrestrial mammals. Other MHC II (+) cells of varying morphology were observed deeper in the dermis, with a perivascular concentration, and had characteristics of macrophages and dermal dendritic cells. There was no immunostaining with cetacean‐specific CD2 or CD21. In diseased skin, a subjective increase of MHC II (+) cells, most notably in the superficial skin layers, was associated with an ulcerative dermatitis. A few CD2 (+) cells were also present. Differences between dolphins and terrestrial mammals in terms of morphology, mechanisms of response to insult and repair, and environmental challenges may explain the modified distribution of MHC II (+) cells in dolphin skin. An elucidation of the immune cells in cetacean skin will contribute to our understanding of the evolution of functional adaptations to various environments, facilitate diagnosis of skin diseases, and define the potential for intradermal administration of vaccines and other immunotherapeutics. Anat Rec Part A 273A:636–647, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Worldwide survey among polyposis registries of surgical management of severe duodenal adenomatosis in familial adenomatous polyposis
Authors: de Vos tot Nederveen Cappel W H , Järvinen H J , Björk J , Berk T , Griffioen G , Vasen H F A
Published: June 2003

Background

The lifetime risk of developing duodenal cancer in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is about 5 per cent. When and to what extent surgical intervention should be undertaken to prevent death from invasive carcinoma is controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of various surgical treatments for cancer and severe duodenal adenomatosis.

Methods

A questionnaire was mailed to the members of the Leeds Castle Polyposis Group to obtain data on patients with FAP, treated for duodenal cancer or severe duodenal adenomatosis after 1990.

Results

Sixty-nine patients were included. The indication for surgery was invasive cancer in 13 patients, of whom six died from metastatic disease. Fifty-six patients were initially treated for severe duodenal adenomatosis, five (9 per cent) of whom died from metastatic disease (P = 0·002). In surviving patients, adenomas recurred after ampullectomy (six of eight, at mean follow-up of 11 months), after duodenotomy with polypectomy (17 of 21, at mean 29 months) and after pancreatoduodenectomy (six of 25, at mean 47 months). None of six patients who underwent a pancreas-sparing duodenectomy had recurrence of adenoma (mean follow-up 11 months).

Conclusion

Surgery for duodenal adenomatosis should take place before endoscopic biopsy reveals invasive cancer. Even after extensive surgical procedures, small bowel adenomas may occur, emphasizing the need for chemoprevention.
Adult small intestinal transplantation in England and Wales
Authors: Middleton S J , Pollard S , Friend P J , Watson C , Calne R Y , Davies M , Cameron E A B , Gimson A E , Bradley J A , Shaffer J , Jamieson N V
Published: June 2003

Background

In 1996 two transplantation centres in the UK were commissioned by the National Specialist Commissioning Advisory Group for England and Wales to assess small intestinal transplantation in adults. The joint experience of the two centres is presented.

Methods

Patients with irreversible small intestinal failure and complications of parenteral nutrition, and those with abdominal disease requiring extensive visceral resection, were assessed as candidates and where appropriate listed for surgery.

Results

Thirty-six patients were assessed for small intestinal transplantation and, of these, 14 underwent surgery. Twelve patients survived the transplantation procedure. Of these, seven patients were alive at 1 year, five at 3 years and three at 5 years. Three patients remain alive. Patient and graft survival improved with experience; the 1-year survival rate improved in the last 4 years of this experience from 43 to 57 per cent, and the 3-year survival rate from 29 to 43 per cent.

Conclusion

Small intestinal transplantation is associated with a high mortality rate but may benefit carefully selected patients in whom conservative management is likely to carry a greater mortality rate.
Male gender adversely affects survival following surgery for colorectal cancer
Authors: McArdle C S , McMillan D C , Hole D J
Published: June 2003

Background

Previous studies have suggested that survival following surgery for colorectal cancer is better in women than men. However, the findings were inconsistent and few studies adjusted for case-mix. The aim of the present study was to establish whether there were gender differences in survival following surgery for colorectal cancer after adjusting for case-mix.

Methods

Some 3200 patients who underwent resection for colorectal cancer between 1991 and 1994 in 11 hospitals in Scotland were included in the study. Five-year survival rates, and the corresponding hazard ratios, adjusted for age, mode of presentation, site of tumour, the nature of surgery and Dukes stage, were calculated for men and women.

Results

Overall survival at 5 years was higher in women than men, in those with colonic tumours, those who underwent elective surgery and those who underwent apparently curative resection (all P < 0·001). Cancer-specific survival at 5 years was also higher in women (P = 0·008) and those who underwent elective surgery (P < 0·001). The adjusted hazard ratios, for women relative to men following curative resection, were 0·76 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 0·68 to 0·85) (P < 0·001) for overall survival and 0·84 (95 per cent c.i. 0·73 to 0·98) (P = 0·021) for cancer-specific survival.

Conclusion

Following apparently curative resection for colorectal cancer and after adjusting for case-mix, there was an excess of both cancer-related and intercurrent deaths in men.
Adverse association of oesophageal atresia and cleft lip and palate
Authors: Spitz L , Yang X , Pierro A , Kiely E M , Drake D
Published: June 2003

A combination associated with high morbidity and mortality
Treatment with Met-RANTES reduces lung injury in caerulein-induced pancreatitis
Authors: Bhatia M , Proudfoot A E I , Wells T N C , Christmas S , Neoptolemos J P , Slavin J
Published: June 2003

Background

Severe acute pancreatitis leads to a systemic inflammatory response characterized by widespread leucocyte activation and, as a consequence, distant lung injury. In CC chemokines the first two cysteine residues are adjacent to each other. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Met-RANTES, a CC chemokine receptor antagonist, on pancreatic inflammation and lung injury in caerulein-induced acute pancreatitis in mice.

Methods

Acute pancreatitis was induced in mice by hourly intraperitoneal injection of caerulein. Met-RANTES was administered either 30 min before or 1 h after starting caerulein injections, and pancreatic inflammation and lung injury were assessed. There were five groups of eight mice each including controls.

Results

Treatment with Met-RANTES had little effect on caerulein-induced pancreatic damage. Met-RANTES, however, reduced lung injury when given either before administration of caerulein (mean(s.e.m.) lung myeloperoxidase (MPO) 1·47(0·19) versus 3·70(0·86)-fold increase over control, P = 0·024; mean(s.e.m.) microvascular permeability 1·15(0·05) versus 3·57(0·63) lavage to plasma fluorescein isothiocyanate-labelled albumin fluorescence ratio (L/P) per cent, P = 0·002) or after caerulein administration (lung MPO 1·96(0·27) versus 3·65(0·63)-fold increase over control, P = 0·029; microvascular permeability 0·94(0·04) versus 2·85(0·34) L/P per cent, P < 0·001).

Conclusion

Treatment with Met-RANTES reduces lung damage associated with caerulein-induced pancreatitis in mice. Chemokine receptor antagonists may be of use for the treatment of the systemic complications of acute pancreatitis.
Natural course of acquired undescended testis in boys
Authors: Hack W W M , Meijer R W , van der Voort-Doedens L M , Bos S D , Haasnoot K
Published: June 2003

Background

Although orchidopexy is commonly performed for acquired undescended testis, therapy is still controversial. A prospective study on the natural course of acquired undescended testis in boys was initiated.

Methods

At present, the study includes 63 boys with 74 acquired undescended testes in whom treatment and follow-up has been completed. In 15 boys with 20 acquired undescended testes, orchidopexy was performed before the onset of puberty, mainly at the request of the parents. In the remaining 48 boys with 54 acquired undescended testes, the onset of puberty was awaited. Of these, four boys with four acquired undescended testes were lost to follow-up.

Results

In 42 of 50 boys the testis descended spontaneously at puberty with a testicular volume appropriate for age. In the remaining eight boys the testis failed to descend at puberty and orchidopexy was performed.

Conclusion

The preliminary results of this study indicate that spontaneous descent at puberty commonly occurs in boys with acquired undescended testes, with testicular volume appropriate for age. It is suggested that surgical intervention before onset of puberty may not always be necessary in acquired undescended testis.
Regional cerebral blood flow in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism before and after successful parathyroidectomy
Authors: Mjåland O , Normann E , Halvorsen E , Rynning S , Egeland T
Published: June 2003

Background

Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is used to study cerebral blood flow and cerebral metabolism in various neuropsychiatric disorders. Reduced regional cerebral blood flow has been demonstrated in patients with depression and chronic fatigue, symptoms that are common in primary hyperparathyroidism. The aim of this study was to reveal possible changes in regional cerebral blood flow in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism before and after operative treatment.

Methods

This was a prospective study of regional cerebral blood flow in 16 consecutive women of median age 72 (range 50–82) years using SPECT with 99mTc-labelled hexamethylpropylenamine-oxime. The measurements were performed before and 2, 4 and 12 months after parathyroidectomy. The Montgomery and Åsberg depression rating scale (MADRS) depression score was used as a parallel clinical test.

Results

Reduced (pathological) regional cerebral blood flow was seen before operation in 14 patients, 13 with a solitary adenoma and one with double adenoma. After surgery, this improved to normal values in 13, but was further reduced in one. In two patients with preoperative normal regional cerebral blood flow, both of whom were asymptomatic and had diffuse hyperplasia, a slight reduction was demonstrated. Eight patients had a pathological preoperative MADRS score, which normalized in seven after surgical treatment.

Conclusion

The finding of reduced regional cerebral blood flow in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism followed by significant improvement after operation might influence the case for surgical treatment.
Randomized clinical trial of the effect of microemulsion cyclosporin and tacrolimus on renal allograft fibrosis
Authors: Murphy G J , Waller J R , Sandford R S , Furness P N , Nicholson M L
Published: June 2003

Background

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of Neoral® cyclosporin- and tacrolimus-based therapy on the development of renal allograft fibrosis (chronic allograft nephropathy; CAN) in a prospective randomized trial.

Methods

A total of 102 patients undergoing renal transplantation were randomized to immunosuppression with either microemulsion cyclosporin (Neoral®; 15 mg per kg per day adjusted to whole-blood trough concentrations of 200–300 ng/ml) or tacrolimus (0·2 mg per kg per day adjusted to whole-blood trough levels of 8–15 ng/ml) in conjunction with steroids, or at a lower dose (7 mg per kg per day and 0·1 mg per kg per day respectively) with the addition of azathioprine for non-heart-beating renal transplant recipients. Renal transplant interstitial fibrosis was quantified using computerized histomorphometric measurement of picrosirius red-stained 1-year protocol renal transplant biopsies. Levels of interstitial fibrosis were compared in relation to observed efficacy and toxicity profiles of the two drugs.

Results

There was a significant increase in allograft interstitial fibrosis in the patients treated with Neoral® compared with those given tacrolimus. There was no significant difference in the demographic characteristics between the patient groups or in the incidence of acute rejection (Neoral® 36 per cent versus tacrolimus 35 per cent) or steroid-resistant rejection (both 10 per cent) between the two drugs. There was a higher incidence of insulin resistance in the tacrolimus group (post-transplant diabetes mellitus, glucose tolerance testing) but this was not statistically significant. Neoral® was associated with a significant increase in total cholesterol (P = 0·030) and low-density lipoprotein (P = 0·021) levels, which persisted throughout the study period.

Conclusion

Despite equivalent efficacy and pretransplantation risk factors for CAN, Neoral® was associated with increased allograft fibrosis and significantly higher serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels compared with tacrolimus.
Role of endoscopic ultrasonography in screening and treatment of pancreatic endocrine tumours in asymptomatic patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1
Authors: Gauger P G , Scheiman J M , Wamsteker E-J , Richards M L , Doherty G M , Thompson N W
Published: June 2003

Background

Patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 1 risk premature death from pancreatic endocrine tumours (PETs). Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is the most sensitive imaging modality for small PETs. A screening and therapeutic approach for asymptomatic patients is delineated in which EUS plays a pivotal role.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of 15 patients with MEN-1 but with no symptoms of a PET. All patients underwent serum hormone measurement, including gastrin, and EUS. The findings were used to facilitate operative treatment.

Results

Six of 15 patients had a normal basal gastrin level and nine had a raised level. EUS demonstrated PETs in 14 patients and identified multiple lesions in 12. There was no predictive relationship between age or gastrin level and the number or size of PETs discovered. Thirteen patients have undergone enucleation or resection of PETs and two remain under observation. Nine of the 13 patients underwent transduodenal exploration to excise gastrinoma(s). One patient had lymph node metastases found at operation. There was no death. Self-limiting pancreatic fistula in five patients and biliary fistula in one.

Conclusion

Early and aggressive screening using EUS identifies PETs in asymptomatic patients with MEN-1. Detection of tumours at an early stage, before the development of symptoms, lymph node metastases or liver metastases, may facilitate prompt surgical intervention and improve prognosis.
Tele-manipulator robots in surgery
Authors: Rockall T A , Darzi A W
Published: June 2003

Future promise, but expensive
Telemedicine in surgery
Authors: Eadie L H , Seifalian A M , Davidson B R
Published: June 2003

Background

Telemedicine is influencing surgical training, allows mentoring, proctoring and teleconferencing, and is increasingly being applied to carry out remote surgical procedures. A systematic review of the telemedicine systems available, along with a critical appraisal of their application, potential and limitations in the surgical field, has been undertaken.

Method

Medline, Ovid and internet searches were carried out using the keywords ‘telesurgery’, ‘telepresence surgery’ and ‘telemedicine and surgery’, along with hand searches of the two peer-reviewed telesurgery journals.

Results

Telementoring and teleconferencing have been used widely for surgical teaching and training. Two clinical telesurgery systems are currently available and have been trialled in patients undergoing a variety of operations including cholecystectomy, coronary artery bypass, prostatectomy and gastroplasty. Most studies have reported successful outcomes but with prolonged operating times. In 2002 the first long-distance telesurgery procedure was successfully performed.

Conclusion

Telemedicine has huge potential to alter surgical practice but improvements are required in telesurgical technology with respect to tactile feedback, instrumentation, telecommunication speed and availability. Issues of liability, legislation, cost and benefit require clarification. The future of telemedicine in surgery may lie in facilitating complex minimally invasive techniques.
Accuracy of fine-needle aspiration cytology in patients with radiation-induced thyroid neoplasms
Authors: Kikuchi S , Perrier N D , Ituarte P H G , Treseler P A , Siperstein A E , Duh Q-Y , Greenspan F S , Clark O H
Published: June 2003

Background

Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is useful for selecting patients with thyroid nodules for thyroidectomy. Its value in patients who have been exposed to low-dose therapeutic radiation is questionable because these patients have an increased risk of multifocal benign and malignant tumours, and thyroid cancer is common in such patients.

Methods

Between 1960 and 1999, 171 patients with one or more thyroid nodules who had a history of exposure to radiation underwent operation; 49 of these patients had preoperative FNAC. The cytology results in these 49 patients were compared with those of an age- and sex-matched control group of patients with thyroid nodules who did not have a history of radiation exposure.

Results

Of those who had been exposed to radiation, six of 20 patients with ‘benign’ cytology by FNAC and six of 16 patients with ‘suspicious’ cytology had thyroid cancer. All 13 specimens considered to be malignant on FNAC were indeed malignant. There was a higher rate of false-negative cytological examinations among patients with a history of irradiation that in those without.

Conclusion

FNAC of thyroid nodules in patients with a history of irradiation is not as accurate as that in non-irradiated patients, primarily because of coexisting occult thyroid cancers.
Systematic review of the safety and effectiveness of methods used to establish pneumoperitoneum in laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Merlin T L , Hiller J E , Maddern G J , Jamieson G G , Brown A R , Kolbe A
Published: June 2003

Background

A systematic review was conducted to determine which of the methods of obtaining peritoneal access and establishing pneumoperitoneum is the safest and most effective.

Methods

Studies that met the inclusion criteria were identified from six bibliographic databases up to May 2002, the internet, hand-searches and reference lists. They were critically appraised using a validated checklist and data were extracted using standardized protocols.

Results

Meta-analysis of prospective, non-randomized studies of open versus closed (needle/trocar) access indicated a trend during open access towards a reduced risk of major complications (pooled relative risk (RRp) 0·30, 95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 0·09 to 1·03). Open access was also associated with a trend towards a reduced risk of access-site herniation (RRp 0·21, 95 per cent c.i. 0·04 to 1·03) and, in non-obese patients, a 57 per cent reduced risk of minor complications (RRp 0·43, 95 per cent c.i. 0·20 to 0·92) and a trend for fewer conversions to laparotomy (RRp 0·21, 95 per cent c.i. 0·04 to 1·17). Data on major complications in studies of direct trocar versus needle/trocar access were inconclusive. Minor complications in randomized controlled trials were fewer with direct trocar access (RRp 0·19, 95 per cent c.i. 0·09 to 0·40), predominantly owing to a reduction in extraperitoneal insufflation.

Conclusion

The evidence on the comparative safety and effectiveness of the different access methods was not definitive, but there were trends in the data that merit further exploration.
Sentinel lymph node mapping in colorectal cancer
Authors: Mulsow J , Winter D C , O'Keane J C , O'Connell P R
Published: June 2003

Background

Ultrastaging, by serial sectioning combined with immunohistochemical techniques, improves detection of lymph node micrometastases. Sentinel lymph node mapping and retrieval provides a representative node(s) to facilitate ultrastaging. The impact on staging of carcinoma of the colon and rectum in all series emphasizes the importance of this technique in cancer management. Now the challenge is to determine the biological relevance and prognostic implications.

Methods

The electronic literature (1966 to present) on sentinel node mapping in carcinoma of the colon and rectum was reviewed. Further references were obtained by cross-referencing from key articles.

Results

Lymphatic mapping appears to be readily applicable to colorectal cancer and identifies those lymph nodes most likely to harbour metastases. Sentinel node mapping carries a false-negative rate of approximately 10 per cent in larger studies, but will also potentially upstage a proportion of patients from node negative to node positive following the detection of micrometastases. The prognostic implication of these micrometastases requires further evaluation.

Conclusion

Further follow-up to assess the prognostic significance of micrometastases in colorectal cancer is required before the staging benefits of sentinel node mapping can have therapeutic implications.
A comparison of video-assisted thoracoscopic oesophagectomy and radical lymph node dissection for squamous cell cancer of the oesophagus with open operation
Authors: Osugi H , Takemura M , Higashino M , Takada N , Lee S , Kinoshita H
Published: June 2003

The original article to which this erratum refers was published in British Journal of Surgery 2003; 90: 108–113.
Identification of spinal neurons involved in the urethrogenital reflex in the female rat
Authors: Marson Lesley , Cai Rong , Makhanova Natalia
Published: June 2003

The urethrogenital (UG) reflex is a spinal sexual reflex that consists of autonomic and somatic nerve activity and vaginal, uterine, and anal sphincter contractions. The UG reflex is under tonic descending inhibition by neurons in the region of the nucleus paragigantocellularis (nPGi). The location of spinal neurons activated by the UG reflex was examined in the female rat using the immediate early gene, c‐fos. In addition, the descending inputs from the nPGi onto fos‐activated neurons was examined using the anterograde tracer biotin dextran amine injected into the nPGi. The UG reflex resulted in a significant increase in fos‐positive nuclei in segments T12–S1, compared with experimental controls in which the UG reflex was not activated. Spinal circuits involved in the UG reflex include neurons relaying afferent information from the pudendal sensory nerve, in the dorsal horn and medial cord of L5–S1. Efferent output includes preganglionic neurons located in the lateral gray of L5–S1 and lateral and medial gray of T13–L2. Spinal interneurons involved in the UG reflex were found close to the preganglionic neurons and in the dorsal horn and intermediate and medial gray of T12–S1. NPGi inputs were found primarily on the autonomic efferents and interneurons in the medial and intermediate gray. These studies demonstrate multisegmental spinal circuits activated with the UG reflex and demonstrate that the descending inhibition from the nPGi is by means of preganglionic and somatic efferents and spinal interneurons closely associated with the efferent output. J. Comp. Neurol. 462:355–370, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cholinergic neuropathology in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: German Dwight C. , Yazdani Umar , Speciale Samuel G. , Pasbakhsh Parichehr , Games Dora , Liang Chang‐Lin
Published: June 2003

Transgenic mice overexpressing mutant human amyloid precursor protein (PDAPP mice) develop several Alzheimer's disease (AD)–like lesions including an age‐related accumulation of amyloid‐β (Aβ)–containing neuritic plaques. Although aged, heterozygous PDAPP mice also exhibit synaptic and glial cell changes characteristic of AD pathology, no evidence of widespread neuronal loss has been observed. The present study sought to determine whether homozygous PDAPP mice, which express very high levels of Aβ peptide, exhibit AD‐like cholinergic degenerative changes, and whether the changes parallel the deposition of Aβ plaques. Mice were examined at 2 and 4 months and at 1 and 2 years of age. There was an age‐related increase in the density of Aβ plaques in the cortex and hippocampus of the PDAPP animals; at 4 months of age there were very few plaques, and at 2 years there was a very high density of plaques. There was an age‐related reduction in the density of cholinergic nerve terminals in the cerebral cortex; at 2 months there was a normal density of nerve terminals, but as early as age 4 months there was an approximately 50% reduction. However, at age 2 years there was no difference in the number or size of basal forebrain cholinergic somata compared with 2‐month‐old PDAPP mice. These data indicated that the homozygous PDAPP mouse exhibits cholinergic nerve terminal degenerative pathology and that the cortical neurodegenerative changes occur before the deposition of Aβ‐containing neuritic plaques. J. Comp. Neurol. 462:371–381, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Two epochs in the development of γ‐aminobutyric acidergic neurons in the ferret thalamus
Authors: Hayes Shawn G. , Murray Karl D. , Jones Edward G.
Published: June 2003

These studies chart the development of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)‐ergic neurons in the three divisions of the thalamus (ventral thalamus, dorsal thalamus, and epithalamus). GABAergic neurons were identified by in situ hybridization to localize mRNA for 67‐kDa glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD67) and related to the morphological maturation of the thalamus in fetal and postnatal brains and to expression of transcription factors Gbx‐2 and Tbr‐1. Origins of GABAergic neurons were sought in in vitro slice preparations incubated in bromodeoxyuridine or injected with a carbocyanine dye. GABA neurons of ventral thalamus (reticular nucleus, ventral lateral geniculate nucleus, zona incerta, and nucleus of the fields of Forel) and of epithalamus appear at least 14 days before those intrinsic to dorsal thalamus. Ventral thalamus GABA cells are derived from a region connecting the ventricular zone of the third ventricle to the caudal ganglionic eminence. This region is delimited ventrally by the Tbr‐1‐expressing prethalamic eminence and dorsally by the Gbx‐2‐expressing part of the dorsal thalamus. GABA neurons of epithalamus are derived from the embryonic pretectum. Neurons continue to be added to the ventral thalamus, perireticular nucleus, entopeduncular nucleus, and substantia nigra from the ganglionic eminence as development proceeds. GAD67‐expressing cells of dorsal thalamus become detectable only at birth and populate the thalamus from posterior to anterior over the first week of life. Although a very small number reaches the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus from the caudal ganglionic eminence, there is no obvious new source of proliferating neurons at this stage. Intrinsic GABA cells of dorsal thalamus may, therefore, derive from an early generated population of cells that turns on a GABAergic phenotype only late in development. J. Comp. Neurol. 463:45–65, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ascending sensory, but not other long‐tract axons, regenerate into the connective tissue matrix that forms at the site of a spinal cord injury in mice
Authors: Inman Denise M. , Steward Oswald
Published: June 2003

Mice exhibit a unique wound healing response following spinal cord injury in which the lesion site fills in with a connective tissue matrix. Previous studies have revealed that axons grow into this matrix, but the source of the axons remained unknown. The present study assesses whether any of these axons were the result of long tract regeneration. C57Bl/6 mice received crush injuries and were allowed to survive for 6 weeks to 7 months. Biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) was injected into the somato‐motor cortex to trace descending corticospinal tract (CST) axons, into the midbrain to label descending brainstem pathways including the rubrospinal and reticulospinal tracts, or into the L5 dorsal root ganglion to trace ascending projections of first‐order sensory neurons. Spinal cords from other mice were prepared for immunocytochemistry using antibodies against neurofilament protein (NF), 5‐HT to reveal descending serotonergic axons, calcitonin gene‐related protein (CGRP) to reveal ascending sensory axons, and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) to assess the distribution of molecules that are inhibitory to axon growth. NF immunostaining revealed axons in the connective tissue matrix at the lesion site, confirming previous studies that used protargol staining. CST axons did not enter the connective tissue matrix, but did sprout extensively in segments adjacent to the injury site. Rubrospinal and reticulospinal tract axons also did not grow into the lesion site. 5‐HT‐positive axons extended to the edge of the lesion, and a few axons followed astrocyte processes into the margins of the lesion site. In contrast to the other pathways, BDA‐labeled ascending sensory axons did extend into and arborized extensively within the connective tissue matrix, although the subgroup of ascending axons that are positive for CGRP did not. These results indicate that the connective tissue matrix is permissive for regeneration of some classes of ascending sensory axons but not for other axonal systems. J. Comp. Neurol. 462:431–449, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Numerical stability of unsteady stream‐function vorticity calculations
Authors: Sousa E. , Sobey I. J.
Published: June 2003

The stability of a numerical solution of the Navier–Stokes equations is usually approached by con‐ sidering the numerical stability of a discretized advection–diffusion equation for either a velocity component, or in the case of two‐dimensional flow, the vorticity. Stability restrictions for discretized advection–diffusion equations are a very serious constraint, particularly when a mesh is refined in an explicit scheme, so an accurate understanding of the numerical stability of a discretization procedure is often of equal or greater practical importance than concerns with accuracy. The stream‐function vorticity formulation provides two equations, one an advection–diffusion equation for vorticity and the other a Poisson equation between the vorticity and the stream‐function. These two equations are usually not coupled when considering numerical stability. The relation between the stream‐function and the vorticity is linear and so has, in principle, an exact inverse. This allows an algebraic method to link the interior and the boundary vorticity into a single iteration scheme. In this work, we derive a global time‐iteration matrix for the combined system. When applied to a model problem, this matrix formulation shows differences between the numerical stability of the full system equations and that of the discretized advection–diffusion equation alone. It also gives an indication of how the wall vorticity discretization affects stability. Despite the added algebraic complexity, it is straightforward to use MATLAB to carry out all the matrix operations. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A three dimensional surface‐to‐surface projection algorithm for non‐coincident domains
Authors: Heinstein M. W. , Laursen T. A.
Published: June 2003

A numerical procedure is outlined to achieve the least squares projection of a finite dimensional representation from one surface to another in three dimensions. Although the applications of such an algorithm are many, the specific problem considered is the mortar tying of dissimilarly meshed grids in large deformation solid mechanics. The algorithm includes a nearest neighbour search, a systematic subdivision of the surface of intersection into smooth subdomains (termed segments), and a robust numerical quadrature scheme for evaluation of the spatial integrals defining the mortar projection. The procedure outlined, while discussed for the mesh tying problem, is directly applicable to the study of contact‐impact. Published in 2003 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solving singularly perturbed Riccati equation with Mathematica
Authors: Mikhailov M. D.
Published: June 2003

An exponentially fitted finite‐difference scheme of order one for singularly perturbed Riccati equation has been presented and tested on three problems in this journal (Selvakumar K. Commun. Numer. Meth. Engng 1997; 13: 1–12). This note demonstrates the superiority of Mathematica in solving the same problems. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Evaluating convective heat transfer coefficients from a given set of data by using Mathematica
Authors: Mikhailov M. D.
Published: June 2003

Mathematica software system is used to solve the problem considered by Jambunathan et al. (Int. J. Heat Mass Transfer 1996; 39: 2329–2332), where a neural network is applied to predict heat transfer coefficients from a given set of experimentally obtained data. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the behaviour of the ANM continuation in the presence of bifurcations
Authors: Baguet S. , Cochelin B.
Published: June 2003

The asymptotic‐numerical method (ANM) is a path following technique which is based on high order power series expansions. In this paper, we analyse its behaviour when it is applied to the continuation of a branch with bifurcation points. We show that when the starting point of the continuation is near a bifurcation, the radius of convergence of the power series is exactly the distance from the starting point to the bifurcation. This leads to an accumulation of small steps around the bifurcation point. This phenomenon is related to the presence of inevitable imperfections in the FE models. We also explain that, depending on the maximal tolerated residual error (out‐of‐balance error), the ANM continuation may continue to follow the fundamental path or it may turn onto the bifurcated path without applying any branch switching technique. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Integration algorithms for planar anisotropic shells with isotropic and kinematic hardening at finite strains
Authors: Han Chung‐Souk , Lee Myoung‐Gyu , Chung Kwansoo , Wagoner R. H.
Published: June 2003

An elasto‐plastic formulation at finite strains was considered with isotropic and kinematic hardening and anisotropic yield functions. In order to find a simple but thermomechanically consistent continuum mechanical basis for stress integration algorithms of shell problems, evolution equations of the plastic strain rate and internal variables were derived. This was performed in the stress‐free intermediate configuration with the Mandel stress and corresponding back stress tensors. The resulting relations were then transformed into the current configuration and restricted to small elastic strains. For an algorithmic treatment of this material formulation for shell problems, the kinematic hardening was reformulated in stress‐related terms to obtain a set of equations for planar anisotropic elasto‐plastic materials. Finally, an updated iterative treatment for the elasto‐plastic shell at finite strains was derived utilizing the cutting plane algorithm. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the optimization of a Gabor filter‐based feature extractor for handwritten character recognition
Authors: Uchimura Shunji , Watanabe Masanori , Hamamoto Yoshihiko
Published: June 2003

In order to use the Gabor feature extraction system in the real world, the problem of optimizing the Gabor parameters must be resolved. In the conventional optimization method, several candidates are prepared, the error rate for them is found through experimentation, and the parameters which give the lowest recognition error rates are taken to be optimal values. However, in the conventional method, setting the candidate values so that they are certain to include optimal values is a common problem. In this paper, the authors evaluate from the standpoint of the optimalness of the solutions and computational burden the optimization methods (two‐stage conventional method, response surface method, and energy function method) that address the problems of the conventional method. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 3, 86(12): 27–37, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjc.10140
Chemical composition of the essential oils of Astrodaucus orientalis (L.) Drude leaves and seeds
Authors: Mirza M. , Baher Nik Z. , Dini M.
Published: June 2003

The essential oils of Astrodaucus orientalis (L.) Drude leaves and seeds growing wild in Iran were examined by GC and GC–MS. The composition of the seed oil sample was compared with that of the leaf oil. Twenty‐six compounds were identiﬁed in both the leaf and the seed oil. Although the composition of the seed oil was similar to that of the leaf oil, quantitative differences in concentration of some constituents were observed. The major components of the leaf oil were fenchyl acetate (44.5%) and α‐pinene (21.6%) but the major constituents of the seed oil were myrcene (47.7%) and β‐pinene (21.8%). The seed oil was found to contain lower amounts of bornyl acetate, germacrene D and δ‐cadinene than the leaf oil. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Learning networks in health and Parkinson's disease: Reproducibility and treatment effects
Authors: Carbon Maren , Ghilardi Maria Felice , Feigin Andrew , Fukuda Masafumi , Silvestri Giulia , Mentis Marc J. , Ghez Claude , Moeller James R. , Eidelberg David
Published: June 2003

In a previous H215O/PET study of motor sequence learning, we used principal components analysis (PCA) of region of interest (ROI) data to identify performance‐related activation patterns in normal subjects and patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). In the present study, we determined whether these patterns predicted learning performance in subsequent normal and untreated PD cohorts. Using a voxel‐based PCA approach, we correlated the changes in network activity that occurred during antiparkinsonian treatment and their relationship to learning performance. We found that the previously identified ROI‐based patterns correlated with learning performance in the prospective normal (P< 0.01) and untreated PD (P< 0.05) cohorts. Voxel analysis revealed that target retrieval was related to a network characterized by bilateral activation of the dorsolateral prefrontal, premotor and anterior cingulate cortex, the precuneus, and the occipital association areas as well as the right ventral prefrontal and inferior parietal regions. Target acquisition was associated with a different network involving activation of the caudate, putamen, and right dentate nucleus, as well as the left ventral prefrontal and inferior parietal areas. Antiparkinsonian therapy gave rise to changes in retrieval performance that correlated with network modulation (P< 0.01). Increases in network activation and learning performance occurred with internal pallidal deep brain stimulation (GPi DBS); decrements in these measures were present with levodopa. Our findings suggest that network analysis of activation data can provide stable descriptors of learning performance. Network quantification can provide an objective means of assessing the effects of therapy on cognitive functioning in neurodegenerative disorders. Hum. Brain Mapping 11:197–211, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.