bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic analysis of Mexican Criollo cattle populations
Authors: Ulloa‐Arvizu R. , Gayosso‐Vázquez A. , Ramos‐Kuri M. , Estrada F.J. , Montaño M. , Alonso R.A.
Published: September 2008

The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic structure of Mexican Criollo cattle populations using microsatellite genetic markers. DNA samples were collected from 168 animals from four Mexican Criollo cattle populations, geographically isolated in remote areas of Sierra Madre Occidental (West Highlands). Also were included samples from two breeds with Iberian origin: the fighting bull (n = 24) and the milking central American Criollo (n = 24) and one Asiatic breed: Guzerat (n = 32). Genetic analysis consisted of the estimation of the genetic diversity in each population by the allele number and the average expected heterozygosity found in nine microsatellite loci. Furthermore, genetic relationships among the populations were defined by their genetic distances. Our data shows that Mexican cattle populations have a relatively high level of genetic diversity based either on the mean number of alleles (10.2–13.6) and on the expected heterozygosity (0.71–0.85). The degree of observed homozygosity within the Criollo populations was remarkable and probably caused by inbreeding (reduced effective population size) possibly due to reproductive structure within populations. Our data shows that considerable genetic differentiation has been occurred among the Criollo cattle populations in different regions of Mexico.
PMCHAP: a new approach for haplotype inference using nuclear families with only one parent and multiple offspring
Authors: Ding X.D. , Zhang Q. , Simianer H.
Published: September 2008

A new approach is suggested to perform joint haplotype reconstruction and haplotype frequency estimation in families consisting of multiple full sibs where only one parent is genotyped. It can also deal with the mixed data structures with 0 and 1 parent genotyped. The approach is based on the maximum likelihood principle using the expectation‐maximization algorithm and thus combines pedigree information within families and linkage disequilibrium information between families with assumption of no recombination. In a simulation study of single nucleotide polymorphisms, the new algorithm termed PMCHAP (parent multiple children haplotyping) is shown to provide significantly better results than an approximation used so far, especially providing better estimates with increasing family sizes. It will be especially helpful for research in multiparous species like pigs, dogs, fish, and many lab animals where it is easy to collect families with multiple siblings.
Application of individual increase in inbreeding to estimate realized effective sizes from real pedigrees
Authors: Cervantes I. , Goyache F. , Molina A. , Valera M. , Gutiérrez J. P.
Published: September 2008

The objective of this study was to test the performance of a recently proposed methodology for the estimation of realized effective size (Ne) based on individual increase in inbreeding (ΔFi) on several real pedigrees: (a) an experimental mice population; (b) a closed pedigree of fighting bulls; (c) the Spanish Purebred (SPB, Andalusian) horse pedigree; (d) the Carthusian strain of SPB pedigree; (e) the Spanish Arab horse pedigree; and (f) the Spanish Anglo‐Arab horse pedigree. Several reference subpopulations were defined on the basis of generation length in order to consider only animals in the last generation, to assess the influence of the pedigree content on the estimates of Ne. The estimates of realized Ne computed from ΔFi () tended to be higher than those obtained from regression on equivalent generations. The new parameter remained approximately stable when pedigree depth achieved about five equivalent generations. Estimates of take into account the genetic history of the populations, the size of their founder population, and the mating policy or bottlenecks caused by poor use of reproducing individuals. The usefulness of the realized Ne computed from individual increase in inbreeding in real pedigrees is also discussed.
Biological attributes of three introduced parasitoids as natural enemies of fruit flies, genus Anastrepha (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Cancino J. , Ruiz L. , Montoya P. , Harris E.
Published: September 2008

The biological attributes of three introduced species of parasitoids which attack the fruit fly Anastrepha ludens were evaluated. Larvae and eggs of A. ludens were exposed to larval parasitoids Diachasmimorpha longicaudata and D. tryoni and the egg parasitoid Fopius arisanus. Parasitoid longevity and fecundity were determined using larvae and eggs of A. ludens. Likewise, the parasitism rates of these parasitoid species in infested host fruits were recorded. The intrinsic rate of increase for F. arisanus was 0.1019 followed by D. tryoni with a rate of 0.1641 and D. longicaudata with the highest rate of 0.2233. Although F. arisanus females had the highest levels of fecundity, only 50% of them remained alive until reproductive age. These results in combination with the longer generation time (in comparison with D. longicaudata and D. tryoni), can be considered as the most important factors explaining F. arisanus reduced rate of increase. However, we note that oviposition activity caused egg mortality which reduced Anastrepha egg hatch by ca. 20%. This result suggests that F. arisanus has a high potential as a natural enemy of A. ludens, in accordance with our research efforts to develop a new F. arisanus strain specialized for development in Anastrepha eggs. The results show that D. tryoni is not a good candidate for biological control of Anastrepha. Meanwhile, D. longicaudata continues to be the most important exotic parasitoid for suppression of Anastrepha fruit fly populations.
First record of the Red Gum Lerp Psyllid, Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hem.: Psyllidae), in Europe
Authors: Valente C. , Hodkinson I.
Published: September 2008

The eucalypt‐feeding psyllid Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hom.: Psyllidae), an Australian insect, is reported for the first time in Europe. It was initially detected in Portugal and Spain, in September 2007, on Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn. At present, G. brimblecombei has only been found associated with E. camaldulensis and E. tereticornis Smith, being apparently absent from E. globulus Labill., the main eucalypt species planted on the Iberian Peninsula. Generalist predators, such as ants, spiders and ladybeetles, were observed in trees attacked by G. brimblecombei, but no psyllid parasitoids were detected.
Life‐history evolution of an invasive tephritid
Authors: Diamantidis A. D. , Carey J. R. , Papadopoulos N. T.
Published: September 2008

Natural selection and genetic drift may cause divergence in several life‐history and behavioural traits among populations of cosmopolitan insect species that have evolved in allopatry. The Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) represents a unique model to address questions on the evolution of life history because of its (1) wide geographical distribution, (2) known invasion history and well studied population genetics, and (3) significance as an important model in demographic research. We summarize recent data of common garden experiments studying demographic and behavioural traits of medfly biotypes obtained from Greece, Portugal, Kenya, Brazil, Guatemala and Hawaii. These results reveal differences among the above populations in major demographic traits, such as longevity and reproduction schedule, and behavioural ones, such as male sexual signalling. In all biotypes and under constant laboratory conditions males outlived females. However, the gender gap in longevity differed a great deal among biotypes. Considering female longevity medfly biotypes obtained from Guatemala, Kenya and Hawaii are classified as short lived, and those from Greece, Portugal and Brazil as long lived. Nevertheless, taking into consideration male longevity, Kenyan and Hawaiian flies are grouped with Greek, Brazilian and Portuguese (long lived) and only Guatemalan males are classified as short lived. We also reviewed biological and behavioural data derived from wild medfly populations, and combined them with existing information on the Mediterranean fruit fly population genetics and global invasion history aiming at understanding shifts in demographic and behavioural traits in this important pest.
Patterns of unsuccessful shell‐crushing predation along a tidal gradient in two geographically separated salt marshes
Authors: Dietl Gregory P. , Alexander Richard R.
Published: September 2008

Gradients in salt marsh ecosystems that result from reduced tidal inundation time in the high marsh offer an opportunity to assess the importance of predation as a selective agent (indexed by the time‐averaged record of unsuccessful predation, which integrates potentially confounding short‐term – inter‐seasonal and inter‐annual – fluctuations in predation pressure). Spatial patterns in selection pressure are expected to decrease landward from the seaward edge of the marsh. Interaction between shell‐breaking predators and their snail prey, Littoraria irrorata, however, generated a pattern in the frequency of sublethal injury (shell repair), standardized for snail size, that did not follow this simple, single‐variable prediction of decreasing repair frequencies with distance from the seaward edge of the marsh, based on inundation time alone. Patterns of repair frequency increased landward from the seaward edge of the marsh, only declining as predicted after a zone of dense stands of salt marsh grass. The interaction of tidal inundation time and primary habitat structure (e.g. physical vegetative barriers to dispersion of predators into the marsh) is hypothesized to shape selection gradients in salt marshes, as inferred from the record of unsuccessful predation.
Seminal Plasma Proteins and Sperm Resistance to Stress
Authors: Muiño‐Blanco T , Pérez‐Pé R , Cebrián‐Pérez JA
Published: September 2008

Contents

The role of seminal plasma (SP) in mammalian sperm function remains largely a matter of speculation as both inhibitory and stimulating effects have been found. Specific components of SP, particularly proteins, are adsorbed onto the surface of ejaculated sperm as they pass through the male and female reproductive tracts. These sperm coating components seem to have the important function of maintaining the stability of the membrane up to the process of capacitation (decapacitation factors). Therefore, they must be removed, modified or masked before the spermatozoa undergo the acrosome reaction, an essential process for successful fertilization. It is well known that low temperatures alter the function of spermatozoa. Cold shock results in the destabilization of sperm membranes and impairment of sperm function, and it is also well known that ram spermatozoa are more sensitive to cold‐shock stress than those of other species. The addition of SP proteins to spermatozoa before and/or after cooling is able to minimize cryoinjury effects. The major proteins in ram SP which are able to protect and repair the cold‐shock damage to sperm contain fibronectin‐II domains. The significance of this domain and the role of these proteins in sperm capacitation and gamete interaction are discussed.
Embryonic Stem Cells in Cattle
Authors: Muñoz M , Díez C , Caamaño JN , Jouneau A , Hue I , Gómez E
Published: September 2008

Contents

Because of the potential use of embryonic stem cells (ESC), especially for genetic modifications, there is great interest in establishing domestic animals‐related ESCs. Unfortunately, despite considerable efforts, validated ESC lines in species other than mice and primates are yet to be isolated. In this paper, we will summarize the current knowledge on bovine ESCs in an attempt to understand why derivation of domestic animal ESC is still unsuccessful and we will discuss some promising future approaches.
Consequences of In Vitro Culture Conditions on Embryo Development and Quality
Authors: Rizos D , Clemente M , Bermejo‐Alvarez P , De La Fuente J , Lonergan P , Gutiérrez‐Adán A
Published: September 2008

Contents

Despite major efforts directed at improving the yield of blastocysts from immature oocytes in vitro, the quality of such blastocysts continually lags behind that of blastocysts produced in vivo. These differences are manifested at the level of morphology, metabolism, gene expression and cryotolerance, and may have a knock‐on effect further along the developmental axis. Evidence suggesting that in vitro culture conditions, while capable of producing blastocysts in relatively high numbers, are far from optimal with deficiencies being manifested in terms of abnormally large offspring. It is clear nowadays that modification of the post‐fertilization culture environment in vitro can improve blastocyst quality to some extent.
Sperm Cryopreservation in Brown Bear (Ursus arctos): Preliminary Aspects
Authors: Anel L , Álvarez M , Martínez‐Pastor F , Gomes S , Nicolás M , Mata M , Martínez AF , Borragán S , Anel E , De Paz P
Published: September 2008

Contents

The development of sperm cryopreservation procedures in brown bear is the basis for establishing a specific genetic resource bank aimed at the preservation of a Cantabric brown bear population, which is seriously threatened. Several issues complicate the development of these cryopreservation procedures: lack of previous specific studies, a high incidence of urospermia and spermagglutination observed in bear ejaculates. Moreover, the availability of individuals for research from these threatened populations is problematic. In the case of the Cantabric brown bear, we have used males from other populations, but of the same species, as surrogates, to carry out a direct extrapolation of the results. Urospermia – Moreover, 70% of the ejaculates are urine contaminated and spermagglutination have a detrimental effect on post‐thawing cell quality recovery in this species. Considering the high value of these samples (autochthonous population with few individuals), a pre‐selection of the ejaculates is not a viable alternative. Preventive methods reducing the mentioned detrimental effects need to be developed. On the basis of previous data, we can suppose that bear spermatozoa resist freezing injuries well. Nevertheless, because of the scarcity of this information, it is necessary to conduct further research on bear semen freezing under field conditions. Epidydimal spermatozoa can be important for genetic resource banking of threatened populations and thus specific cryobiological protocols need to be assayed. To date, 168 brown bear ejaculates have been frozen by the ITRA‐ULE group at the University of León (Spain) in the development of methodologies for the preservation of brown bear sperm.
RANZCR 2006 Peer review audit instrument
Authors: Toohey J , Shakespeare TP , Morgan G
Published: September 2008

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College Radiologists (RANZCR) continuing professional development programme incorporates audit with feedback as one important activity. The 2004 audit tool improves radiation oncologist practice quality; however, the instrument is designed to be regularly refined. To refine the 2004 audit tool and present the new instrument we incorporated comments and suggestions from: (i) the auditor and radiation oncologist from the single machine unit trial; (ii) members of RANZCR Post‐Fellowship Education Committee; (iii) New South Wales Department of Health mandatory prescription requirements; and (iv) the International Atomic Energy Agency audit tool. In July 2006, the revised instrument was designed then endorsed by Post‐Fellowship Education Committee. Important changes include: (i) combining criteria which separately scored documentation and correctness for similar items; (ii) scoring treatment schedule more explicitly; (iii) separating target volume coverage and critical structure dose; (iv) altering performance criteria scoring to be sensitive to peer review when no consensus can be reached; and (v) strengthening instructions for use and notes to improve comprehension and acceptance. The refined 2006 instrument should be more user‐friendly while increasing its usefulness.
Importance of daily electronic portal imaging in radiotherapy*
Authors: Bell LJ , Shakespeare TP , Willis A
Published: September 2008

An audit was conducted on 20 randomly selected patients who had daily electronic portal imaging during the course of their radiotherapy treatment. The daily images were reviewed to determine whether they were within tolerance according to departmental protocol. If they were not, the actions that were taken were documented. Four treatment areas (spine, chest, breast and prostate) were compared among five patients belonging to each of these categories. The patients were also categorized according to their treatment intent (radical or palliative). A total of 889 electronic portal images of 475 fractions were audited and 33.5% of all fractions were outside tolerance. It was found that 95% of patients needed an action during their treatment and 80% of the patients needed a treatment centre move during the course of their treatment. We found that errors occurred throughout the treatment and it was not possible to predict patients who could have daily imaging omitted. Concordance between radiation therapists and radiation oncologists for identification of error was also investigated. Despite the use of familiar electronic portal imaging protocols, image reviewers (radiation therapists and radiation oncologists) disagreed in interpretation 10% of the time. Our results support the hypothesis that daily imaging may be a useful tool for patients undergoing radiotherapy and that imaging may be ideally carried out before each fraction. Image assessments would be ideally carried out by a team approach, with all images reviewed by both radiation therapists and radiation oncologists. This approach has significant resource implications and may require review of current Medicare and Health Program Grant reimbursements.
Multidetector CT pulmonary angiography features of pulmonary embolus
Authors: Hoang JK , Lee WK , Hennessy OF
Published: September 2008

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life‐threatening condition. Multidetector CT pulmonary angiography is currently the imaging method of choice for the detection of PE. The aim of this pictorial essay is to review the appearances of PE on multidetector CT pulmonary angiography, including signs that differentiate acute and chronic PE and markers of severity. The features of a non‐diagnostic study and pitfalls leading to a false‐positive or false‐negative study are presented.
Imaging of craniofacial fibrous dysplasia
Authors: Lisle DA , Monsour PAJ , Maskiell CD
Published: September 2008

Fibrous dysplasia is a relatively common disorder of bone. It may affect the bones of the face and skull and, in so doing, produce a wide variety of clinical presentations. Plain film assessment of craniofacial fibrous dysplasia may be difficult because of varying appearances and complex, overlapping structures. The MRI appearances of fibrous dysplasia are often non‐specific and may be confusing. Findings on CT are also variable, but more commonly lead to a specific diagnosis. This is because of the characteristic ground‐glass appearance of woven bone, seen on CT in most if not all cases of craniofacial fibrous dysplasia.
Diagnostic accuracy of CT angiography in acute gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Chua AE , Ridley LJ
Published: September 2008

The aim of the study was to carry out a systematic review determining the accuracy of CT angiography in the diagnosis of acute gastrointestinal bleeding. A search of published work in Medline and manual searching of reference lists of articles was conducted. Studies were included if they compared CT angiography to a reference standard of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, colonoscopy, angiography or surgery in the diagnosis of acute gastrointestinal bleeding. Eight published studies evaluating 129 patients were included. Data were used to form 2 × 2 tables. Computed tomography angiography showed pooled sensitivity of 86% (95% confidence interval 78–92%) and specificity of 95% (95% confidence interval 76–100%), without showing significant heterogeneity (χ2 = 3.5, P = 0.6) and (χ2 = 5.4, P = 0.6), respectively. Summary receiver operating characteristic analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.93. Computed tomography angiography is accurate in the diagnosis of acute gastrointestinal bleeding and can show the precise location and aetiology of bleeding, thereby directing further management. Strong recommendations for use of CT cannot be made from this review because of the methodological limitations and further large prospective studies are needed to define the role of CT in acute gastrointestinal bleeding.
Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis and the role of gadolinium contrast media
Authors: Van Der Molen AJ
Published: September 2008

Nephrogenic system fibrosis is a rare disease affecting patients with severe renal insufficiency or dialysis. Its aetiology is incompletely understood. Evidence is growing that gadolinium contrast media is a major risk factor, whereby risk increases with larger cumulative doses. The role of other risk factors, such as inflammation or electrolyte disturbances, is less clear. All published cases to date received gadodiamide, gadopentetate or gadoversetamide, which are considered to be less stable due to a linear molecular structure. The aetiological significance of stability differences between the non‐ionic linear, ionic linear and macrocyclic agents remains to be shown. For prevention, strict indications for MRI in risk patients can be combined with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or European Medicines Agency (EMEA) guidelines. These recommend checking for renal impairment by history or laboratory tests. The FDA recommends avoidance of all gadolinium contrast media in patients with renal insufficiency grades 4 and 5 (glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min per 1.73 m2) or any grade of acute renal failure in liver transplantation patients or candidates. The EMEA differentiates between agents and advises avoidance of only gadodiamide and gadopentetate in the same patient categories. Other gadolinium contrast media should only be used after careful consideration of risks versus benefits. Post‐procedural haemodialysis is only indicated in patients on regular dialysis.
Functional CT in a rabbit model: Evaluation of the perfusion characteristics before and after Ar‐He cryoablation therapy
Authors: Sun C , Liu C , Wang X‐m , Chen J , Wang D , Merges R
Published: September 2008

The objective of this study was to investigate the perfusion characteristics of rabbit liver tumours before and after Ar‐He (argon–helium) cryoablation using functional CT and to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Ar‐He cryoablation. VX‐2 tumour was implanted into the livers of 30 New Zealand white rabbits. Two weeks after tumour implantation, Ar‐He cryoablation was performed on these rabbits. Functional CT was performed on the rabbits before and after treatment on days 1, 5, 14, 21 and 35. In the meantime, five rabbits were killed, and the livers were removed for histopathological examination at each of the time points mentioned above. Perfusion characteristics of the tumour and hot spot, such as blood flow (BF), blood volume (BV) and permeability, were analysed based on multislice CT. Histopathological studies corresponding to functional CT were observed, and the therapeutic effects (whether the tumour disappeared completely or still remained) were judged. The two‐tailed student’s t‐test was used to compare the differences between the effect of pre‐ and post‐Ar‐He cryoablation treatment on tumour perfusion parameters. After cryoablation treatment, the number of tumours exhibiting complete necrosis was 13 (52%), and their perfusion parameters, such as BF, BV and permeability values, were significantly lower than those before treatment (P < 0.05, P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). After treatment, the number of incomplete necrotic tumours was 12 (48%). In the earlier stage (within 14 days of treatment), the whole tumour perfusion parameters of BF, BV and permeability were significantly lower than those before treatment (P < 0.05). In the late stage (more than 14 days of treatment), the whole tumour perfusion parameters of BF, BV and permeability were not significantly different compared with the pretreatment results (P > 0.05). The hot spot perfusion parameters of incomplete necrotic tumours, such as BF, BV and permeability values, showed no significant differences compared with pretreatment (P > 0.05). Functional CT can measure the perfusion characteristics of hepatic tumours and is consistent with histopathological changes in the tumour after Ar‐He cryoablation. Functional CT might also be accurate in judging the therapeutic effect of Ar‐He cryoablation.
Upright stereotactic vacuum‐assisted needle biopsy of suspicious breast microcalcifications
Authors: Sim LSJ , Kei PL
Published: September 2008

Stereotactic core needle biopsy is a useful technique for evaluation of suspicious breast microcalcifications. The development of the 11‐G vacuum‐assisted biopsy system offers another method of minimally invasive biopsy carried out on a conventional mammography unit. We evaluate its usefulness, efficacy and safety in Asian women. Vacuum‐assisted biopsy was carried out through the lateral approach using an add‐on stereotactic device attached to a mammography unit. One hundred and five lesions were sampled in 97 patients. Excisional biopsy was subsequently Carried out for diagnosis of atypical ductal hyperplasia or carcinoma in high‐risk patients. Patients with benign diagnosis underwent mammographic follow up. The technical success rate was 97%. An average of 13.5 tissue cores were retrieved for each lesion. The histopathological result obtained from mammotome was benign in 84.8% and malignant in 15.2%. The benign microcalcifications were predominantly fibrocystic change (n = 42) whereas the malignant microcalcifications included ductal carcinoma in situ (n = 15) and invasive carcinoma (n = 1). Twenty‐two patients underwent subsequent open surgical biopsy but no underestimation of disease was seen. Only two patients had vasovagal syncope and three others felt unwell during the biopsy. Nine patients had small haematomas, which resolved spontaneously. Vacuum‐assisted biopsy carried out on an upright stereotactic mammography unit is a safe and effective method for evaluation of suspicious microcalcifications.
Radiation protection to the eye and thyroid during diagnostic cerebral angiography: A phantom study
Authors: Shortt CP , Malone L , Thornton J , Brennan P , Lee MJ
Published: September 2008

We measured radiation doses to the eye and thyroid during diagnostic cerebral angiography to assess the effectiveness of bismuth and lead shields at dose reduction. Phantom head angiographic studies were performed with bismuth (study 1) and lead shields (study 2). In study 1 (12 phantoms), thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD) were placed over the eyes and thyroid in three groups: (i) no shields (four phantoms); (ii) anterior bismuth shields (four phantoms) and (iii) anterior and posterior bismuth shields (four phantoms). In a second study (eight phantoms), lead shields were placed over the thyroid only and TLD dose measurements obtained in two groups: (i) no shielding (four phantoms) and (ii) thyroid lead shielding (four phantoms). A standard 4‐vessel cerebral angiogram was performed on each phantom. Study 1 (bismuth shields) showed higher doses to the eyes compared with thyroid (mean 13.03 vs 5.98 mSv, P < 0.001) and a higher eye dose on the X‐ray tube side. Overall, the use of bismuth shielding did not significantly reduce dose to either eyes or thyroid in the measured TLD positions. In study 2, a significant thyroid dose reduction was found with the use of lead shields (47%, mean 2.46 vs 4.62 mSv, P < 0.001). Considerable doses to the eyes and thyroid highlight the need for increased awareness of patient protection. Eye shielding is impractical and interferes with diagnostic capability. Thyroid lead shielding yields significant protection to the thyroid, is not in the field of view and should be used routinely.
Direct percutaneous puncture embolization of a peripancreatic pseudoaneurysm presenting with haemosuccus pancreaticus
Authors: Santiagu S , Gananadha S , Harrington TJ , Samra JS
Published: September 2008

Haemosuccus pancreaticus is a rare cause of gastrointestinal haemorrhage. It is commonly due to a pseudoaneurysm in a setting of chronic pancreatitis. Treatment of aneurysms has traditionally been surgery; however, recently percutaneous radiological intervention has achieved good results with minimum morbidity and mortality. Transcatheter embolization of aneurysms is an effective treatment option. However, not all aneurysms are accessible through this route. We describe a technique of direct puncture embolization of a pseudoaneurysm causing haemosuccus pancreaticus.
Small islet cell tumour in the pancreas: Diagnostic value of diffusion‐weighted MRI
Authors: Nishie A , Obuchi M , Howe J , Dahmoush L , Stolpen A
Published: September 2008

We present a case of a small islet cell tumour that was clearly depicted on diffusion‐weighted imaging using a free breathing approach and discuss the diagnostic value of this sequence.
Basal cell carcinoma of the nose: An Australian and New Zealand Radiation Oncology patterns‐of‐practice study
Authors: Veness MJ , Chong L , Tiver K , Gebski V
Published: September 2008

Patients with a basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the nose may be recommended radiotherapy (RT) with a wide variation in techniques and prescribed dose fractionation schedules between clinicians. The aim of this study was to ascertain variability in the patterns of practice among Australian and New Zealand radiation oncologists (ROs) when treating BCC arising on the nose. A postal survey was sent to 222 practising ANZ ROs detailing 12 different clinical scenarios of a BCC arising on the nose. The treatment selected for each scenario was analysed according to clinician’s attitudes, training, experience and the availability of resources. The response rate was 74% (165/222) with 90 respondents treating non‐melanoma skin cancer. Training was perceived to have a marked influence on treatment practice by most (79%). In total, 72% of ROs were ‘very certain’ in their choice of a dose fractionation schedule for obtaining local control and 61% for a satisfactory cosmetic outcome, respectively. Most (76%) favoured low‐voltage photons over electrons as the optimal method of treatment, although for certain clinical scenarios most would use electrons. Dose fractionation schedules were highly variable with a lower total dose and hypofractionation favoured for older patients. Low‐voltage photons were favoured for the T1 BCC and electrons for the T2 and T4 BCC. Nearly one‐third of the ROs chose megavoltage photons for the T4 lesion. There is marked variation in treatment practices in terms of recommending RT over other treatment options, the choice of RT method, the dose fractionation schedule, the extent of field margins and the point of dose prescription.
Phantom measurements and computed estimates of breast dose with radiotherapy for Hodgkin’s lymphoma: Dose reduction with the use of the involved field*
Authors: Wirth A , Kron T , Wittwer H , Sullivan K , Sorell G , Cramb J
Published: September 2008

The risk of breast cancer following radiotherapy for Hodgkin’s lymphoma appears to be dose related. In this study we compared breast dose in an anthropomorphic phantom for conventional ‘mantle’; upper mediastinal/bilateral neck (minimantle) and unilateral neck fields, and evaluated the accuracy of computer planned dose estimates for out‐of‐field doses. For each field, computer‐planned breast dose (CPD) estimates were compared with thermoluminescence dosimetry measurements in five locations within ‘breast tissue’. CPD were also compared with ion chamber measurements in a slab phantom. Measured dose and CPD were within 20% of each other up to approximately 10 cm from the field edge. Beyond 10 cm, the CPD underestimated dose by a factor of 2 or more. The mini‐mantle reduced the breast dose by a factor of approximately 10 compared with the mantle treatment. Treating the neck field lowered the breast dose by a further 50% or more. Modern involved‐field radiotherapy for lymphoma substantially reduces breast dose compared with mantle fields. Computer dosimetery underestimated dose at larger distances from the field. This needs to be considered if computer dosimetery is used to estimate breast dose and, by extrapolation, breast cancer risk.
Functional analysis of synaptotagmin gene regulatory regions in two distantly related ascidian species
Authors: Matsumoto Jun , Katsuyama You , Ohtsuka Yukio , Lemaire Patrick , Okamura Yasushi
Published: September 2008

We have studied the structure and function of a promoter region of the Halocynthia synaptotagmin (Hr‐Syt) gene, which is abundantly expressed in neuronal cells. Our previous analysis suggested that the expression of Hr‐Syt is regulated by at least one epidermal and two neuronal regulatory regions. In this study, the regulatory regions of Hr‐Syt promoter were further characterized by using two species of ascidians, Halocynthia roretzi and Ciona intestinalis embryos. A putative GATA transcription factor binding site in the epidermal regulatory region has ectodermal enhancer activity in the Halocynthia embryo. Neuronal expression of Hr‐Syt was regulated by multiple redundant enhancer regions. Among these enhancer regions, a 200‐bp (–2900/–2700) region drove the reporter expression in neurons in both species of ascidian. Although the synaptotagmin promoter sequences did not show overall similarity between Hr‐Syt and Ciona synaptotagmin (Ci‐Syt), 5′‐upsteream two short sequences of Ci‐Syt have similarity to the –2766/–2732 region of the Hr‐Syt promoter. The homeodomain binding sites in this region are required for the neuronal enhancer activity. These results suggest that GATA and homeodomain transcription factors regulate the expression of synaptotagmin.
In vitro response of primary human bone marrow stromal cells to recombinant human bone morphogenic protein‐2 in the early and late stages of osteoblast differentiation
Authors: Kim In Sook , Song Yoon Mi , Cho Tae Hyung , Park Yong Doo , Lee Kyu Back , Noh Insup , Weber Franz , Hwang Soon Jung
Published: September 2008

A number of factors must be added to human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs) in vitro to induce osteogenesis, including ascorbic acid (AA), β‐glycerophosphate (GP), and dexamethasone (Dex). Bone morphogenic protein (BMP)‐2 is an osteoinductive factor that can commit stromal cells to differentiate into osteoblasts. However, it is still not clear whether the addition of BMP‐2 alone in vitro can induce hBMSCs to complete osteoblast differentiation, resulting in matrix mineralization. This study compares the effects of BMP‐2 and Dex, alone and combined, on the early and late stages of hBMSC differentiation. We found that BMP‐2 causes a significant induction of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in hBMSCs, with a transcriptional upregulation of known BMP‐2‐responsive genes, and the stable expression of cbfa1 in the nucleus and the regions surrounding the nucleus in the early phase of osteoblast differentiation. However, continuous treatment with BMP‐2 alone at doses ranging from 100 to 300 ng/mL results in a less efficient enhancement of in vitro matrix mineralization, despite a significant induction of ALP activity at a concentration of 100 ng/mL. Our results reflect how the effects of BMP‐2 on hBMSCs can vary depending on the stage of osteoblast differentiation, and highlight the need to understand the role of BMP‐2 in primary hBMSCs derived from diverse sources in order to increase the efficiency of using BMP‐2 in osteoinductive therapies.
Current application of confocal endomicroscopy in gastrointestinal disorders
Authors: Nguyen Nam Q , Leong Rupert WL
Published: September 2008

Confocal endomicroscopy (CEM) is a recent advancement in imaging technology that incorporates a confocal laser microscope into the tip of a flexible endoscope. The 1000‐fold magnification and high resolution allows for real time in vivo histology or “virtual biopsies” of the gastrointestinal tract mucosa. CEM has the capability to instantaneously diagnose intra‐epithelial neoplasia during endoscopy, alone or in combination with a “red‐flag” technique, such as chromoendoscopy. Therefore, there is clinical utility in the surveillance or diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus, gastric intestinal metaplasia and cancer, longstanding ulcerative colitis, and colonic neoplasia. Furthermore, CEM also appears to be useful in the evaluation of coeliac disease, microscopic colitis, and in diagnosing Helicobacter pylori chronic gastritis. This review examines the current available data on the utility of this new technology in clinical gastroenterology and its potential impact in the future.
Polymorphisms of interleukin‐1 and interleukin‐2 genes in patients with gastric cancer in Korea
Authors: Shin Woon Geon , Jang Ji Sun , Kim Hyoung Su , Kim Sung Jung , Kim Kyung Ho , Jang Myoung Kuk , Lee Jin Heon , Kim Ha Jung , Kim Hak Yang
Published: September 2008

Background and Aim:  Interleukin (IL)‐1 gene polymorphism has been reported to be associated with the increment of gastric cancer (GC) and the decrement of duodenal ulcers (DU). In addition, IL‐2 is known to induce Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)‐associated gastric atrophy, but it is not known whether IL‐2 gene polymorphism increases the risk of GC (GC) or peptic ulcer diseases. Therefore, we compared the genotypes of IL‐1B, IL‐1RN, and IL‐2 gene polymorphisms with risk of gastric ulcers (GU), GC, and DU in Korean patients.

Methods:  In total, 116 GU, 122 GC, and 104 DU patients were included consecutively and compared with 100 healthy controls. Polymorphisms of the IL‐1B‐511/‐31 gene, the penta‐allelic variable number of tandem repeats of the IL‐1RN gene, and the IL‐2‐330 gene were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction with restriction fragment length polymorphism or confronting two‐pair primers methods.

Results:  The age–sex‐adjusted odds ratios (OR) for the IL‐1B‐511 T genotype relative to the C/C genotype (OR = 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.41–1.65), IL‐1RN*2 genotype relative to the L/L genotype (OR = 0.85, 95% CI 0.41–1.78), and IL‐2‐330 T genotype relative to the G/G genotype (OR = 1.94, 95% CI 0.76–4.96) were not increased in GC. There was also no significant difference in the genotypes of these cytokine polymorphisms between the study group (GU or DU) and control group. In addition, genotypic frequency was not associated with H. pylori positivity and histological type of GC.

Conclusion:  IL‐1B‐511, IL‐1RN, and IL‐2 genetic polymorphisms were not important contributors to the pathogenesis of GU, GC, and DU in Korean patients.
Inhibition of plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 expression by siRNA in rat hepatic stellate cells
Authors: Hu Ping‐Fang , Zhu Ying‐Wei , Zhong Wei , Chen Yue‐Xiang , Lin Yong , Zhang Xin , Yin Chuan , Yue Hai‐Yan , Xie Wei‐Fen
Published: September 2008

Background and Aim:  The plasminogen activator/plasmin system is known to regulate the extracellular matrix turnover. The aim of this study was to detect the role of plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) during liver fibrogenesis and investigate the functional effects of PAI‐1 gene silencing in rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) using small interfering RNA (siRNA).

Methods:  Hepatic fibrosis in rats was induced through serial subcutaneously injections of CCl4 and the expression of PAI‐1 was detected by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PAI‐1 siRNA molecules were constructed and transiently transfected into HSC‐T6 using the cell suspension transfection method. The pSUPER RNA interfering system was used to establish the HSC stable cell line pSUPER‐shPAI. Expression of alpha‐smooth muscle actin, transforming growth factor‐beta, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases‐1, and collagen types I and III were evaluated by real‐time PCR. Cell proliferation and the cell cycle were determined by the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) method and flow cytometry. Collagen content in HSCs supernatant was evaluated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results:  The results showed that PAI‐1 was upregulated during liver fibrosis, and its expression was closely correlated with the deposition of collagens. SiRNA molecules were successfully transfected into HSCs and induced inhibition of PAI‐1 expression time dependently. Moreover, PAI‐1 siRNA treatment downregulated alpha‐smooth muscle actin, transforming growth factor‐beta, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases‐1 expression, and inhibited collagen types I and III synthesis both at the mRNA and protein level in transiently and stably transfected HSCs.

Conclusions:  This study suggests a significant functional role for PAI‐1 in the development of liver fibrosis and that downregulating PAI‐1 expression might present as a potential strategy to treat liver fibrosis.
Expression of a splice variant of CXCR3 in Crohn's disease patients; indication for a lymphocyte—epithelial cell interaction
Authors: Manousou Pinelopi , Kolios George , Drygiannakis Ioannis , Pyrovolaki Katerina , Bourikas Leonidas , Papadaki Helen A. , Kouroumalis Elias
Published: September 2008

Background and Aim:  T‐lymphocyte migration is implicated in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). CXC chemokines MIG, IP‐10, and I‐TAC act by binding to CXCR3 receptor on T‐lymphocytes. We investigated the role of these chemokines and their receptor in patients with UC, CD, and normal controls (NC).

Methods:  Chemokine expression and serum levels were examined in colonic biopsies from patients and NC using reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. HT‐29 and Caco2 colonic epithelial cells were studied following in vitro stimulation with proinflammatory (Th1) and Th2‐derived cytokines. CXCR3 receptor expression was assessed in CD3+ peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) from patients and NC and in stimulated Jurkat leukaemia cells, using RT‐PCR and flow cytometry.

Results:  Full size CXCR3 mRNA (FS) expression was found in CD3+ PBL from controls and UC, but not from CD patients. In contrast, CD3+ PBL from CD patients showed a marked mRNA expression of the spliced variant CXCR3 (TV). This finding explains the high expression of CXCR3 on CD3+ PBL from CD patients in flow cytometry. Increased chemokine expression and production was found in colonic biopsies and serum from CD compared to UC patients and controls. Stimulation of epithelial cells with proinflammatory cytokines significantly induced chemokine production. The addition of Th2 cytokines had an inhibitory effect. Stimulation of Jurkat cells with cytokines and supernatant conditioned media from epithelial cells induced CXCR3TV expression.

Conclusions:  These data demonstrate that PBL from CD patients express a spliced variant of the CXCR3 receptor and suggest a role for the colonic epithelial cells in T‐lymphocyte migration in intestinal inflammation.
Clinical course linkage among different priapism subtypes: Dilemma in the management strategies
Authors: Hisasue Shin‐ichi , Kobayashi Ko , Kato Ryuichi , Hashimoto Kohei , Yamashita Shinichi , Takahashi Satoshi , Masumori Naoya , Tsukamoto Taiji
Published: September 2008

Objectives:  Priapism is a rare condition whose management differs according to the etiology. We report the clinical course of three forms of priapism to assess the feasibility and safety of recent management strategies.

Methods:  The study included eight patients complaining of persistent erection for ≥4 h who were treated in our institution between January 1996 and July 2007.

Results:  Overall, we categorized 12 cases of priapism in eight patients divided as follows: five cases of ischemic priapism (IP), three of stuttering priapism (SP), and four of non‐ischemic priapism (NIP). Two of five IP patients needed a shunt procedure, which led to the subsequent erectile dysfunction. The other three were treated successfully with a corporal injection of sympathomimetic agents and subsequently suffered from SP. One of the three SP patients suffered from mimicked NIP with increased arterial blood flow during the initial treatment for IP. Four of the NIP patients including the mimicked one achieved complete detumescence, through arterial embolization in two and conservative management in two.

Conclusions:  Current management seems effective and safe in the short‐term. However, the long‐term outcome of the treatment for IP is still disappointing. Careful long‐term observation is needed for an appropriate management.
Helicobacter pylori infection detected by 14C‐Urea breath test is associated with iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women
Authors: Mulayim Barıs , Celik Nilufer Y. , Yanık Filiz F.
Published: September 2008

Aims:  To determine whether there is a relationship between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, iron deficiency anemia and thrombocytopenia in pregnant women.

Methods:  Hemoglobin and ferritin levels and platelet counts of pregnant women were measured during the third trimester. H. pylori infection was determined using a 14C‐urea breath test (14C‐UBT) after delivery. Statistical analyses were determined with a Mann–Whitney U‐test and the χ2 test. Statistical significance was determined with a P‐value less than .05.

Results:  Seventy‐two of 117 women had positive results on the 14C‐UBT. Overall, 27 of 117 pregnant women had anemia (23.1%), and all them were in the H. pylori‐positive group; 18 of 27 (66.7%) had iron deficiency anemia. Median hemoglobin levels and neonatal body weights were 12.0 g/dL vs 12.0 g/dL and 3320.0 grams vs 3520.0 grams in the H. pylori‐positive and negative groups, respectively. Serum hemoglobin and ferritin levels and neonatal body weight were found to be lower in the anemic group compared with the non‐anemic group among H. pylori‐infected women (P = 0.0001, P = 0.02, P = 0.008, respectively). There were no statistically significant differences with regard to gestational thrombocytopenia between the H. pylori‐positive and H. pylori‐negative groups (P = 0.532).

Conclusions:  Our study indicates that there is a strong relationship between H. pylori infection and iron deficiency anemia in women with uncomplicated pregnancy. However, an association between H. pylori infection and thrombocytopenia was not found.