bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Cochliobolus sativus (Spot Blotch) Isolates Expressing Differential Virulence on Barley Genotypes in Syria
Authors: Arabi M. I. E. , Jawhar M.
Published: September 2004

Spot blotch, caused by Cochliobolus sativus, is a common foliar disease of barley. Information on the variability of virulence in C. sativus is essential for the production of spot‐resistant barley cultivars. The virulence variability of isolates of this pathogen collected from different regions of Syria was evaluated using 10 differential barley genotypes originating from widely dispersed areas. Genotypes showed a continuous range of response from very susceptible to moderately resistant but none was immune to the disease. A cluster analysis indicated that the isolates had distinct differential virulence patterns within the three groups. A mean disease rating of 3.71 was the separation point between avirulent and virulent reactions. The data demonstrated that variation occurred in the virulence of and the resistance level to isolates and among genotypes, respectively. Isolate C41 exhibited distinct differential virulence patterns, high frequency and low variance in all genotypes. To incorporate adequate levels of resistance into future barley genotypes, disease evaluations should be made with C. sativus isolates that express the full spectrum of virulence found in Syria.
Induction of Systemic Resistance to Erysiphe orontii Cast in Tobacco by Application on Roots of an Isolate of Gliocladium roseum Bainier
Authors: Lahoz E. , Contillo R. , Porrone F.
Published: September 2004

Induced systemic resistances (ISR) response is related to several biochemical changes in plants. Gliocladium roseum is a powerful biological control agent (BCA) as first emerged in controlling Botrytis cinerea in strawberry and later on diseases of raspberry and tomato. Enzymatic activities were measured on leaves of tobacco plants inoculated on roots with an isolate of G. roseum. Leaf extracts were analysed for 1,3‐β‐glucanases, 1,4‐β‐glycosidases, chitinases, N‐acetyl‐β‐d‐glucosaminidase and ‐β‐d‐N‐N′‐diacetyl‐chitobiosidase activities; peroxidase isozymes were examined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Plants inoculated with G. roseum showed: (i) an increased activity of 1,3‐β‐glucanases, 1,4‐β‐glycosidases and chitinases; (ii) two new bands and a major expression of two other isoforms in peroxidase isozymes pattern. Bioassays were carried out making a challenge inoculation with Erysiphe orontii on leaves of plants previously treated with Gliocladium on roots. Leaves of these plants showed a reduced number of colonies and less severe symptoms of powdery mildew compared with the control ones. This is the first time that this effect has been demonstrated for G. roseum.
Resistance to Pyrimethanil and other Fungicides in Botrytis cinerea Populations Collected on Vegetable Crops in Spain
Authors: Moyano C. , Gómez V. , Melgarejo P.
Published: September 2004

Forty‐seven greenhouses of vegetable crops were surveyed in south‐eastern Spain at the beginning of the epidemic (January 2000) to compare sensitivity of Botrytis cinerea populations to pyrimethanil (an anilinopyrimidine fungicide) after 4 years of treatment with an unexposed population from a 1992 collection. A standard method to test the sensitivity of B. cinerea to pyrimethanil in a defined minimal medium (1.75 g/l of KH2PO4, 0.75 g/l of MgSO4, 4 g/l of glucose and 4 g/l of gelatine) was used to establish frequency distributions of pyrimethanil sensitivity in both populations. Two different distributions for sensitive and resistant isolates were obtained. ED50 of sensitive isolates in 1992 ranged from 0.05 to 0.5 mg a.i./l (mean ± SE, 0.23 ± 0.02), and 0.04–0.4 mg a.i./l in 2000 (0.11 ± 0.01). ED50 for resistant isolates ranged from 1 to 10 mg a.i./l in both surveys (5 ± 2.64 and 4.25 ± 2.14, in 1992 and 2000, respectively). No resistance build‐up to pyrimethanil was developed in B. cinerea populations after exposition of 4 years to the fungicide. An in vitro monitoring procedure was developed based on testing on one single discriminatory dose of pyrimethanil (established at 0.7 mg a.i./l). Isolates resistant to pyrimethanil in the in vitro assay caused visible lesions on cucumber leaf discs treated with the fungicide. No significant differences in fitness (growth or sporulation) between resistant and sensitive isolates were obtained. The 307 isolates collected in January 2000 were tested in vitro using discriminatory doses to estimate the frequencies of resistance of B. cinerea to benzimidazoles (carbendazim), dicarboximides (procymidone), N‐phenylcarbamates (diethofencarb), and anilinopyrimidines (pyrimethanil). Of the 307 isolates collected, 90% were resistant to benzimidazoles, 77% to dicarboximides, 23% to N‐phenylcarbamates and 12% to anilinopyrimidines (in this case of 165 isolates). Dicarboximide and benzimidazole cross‐resistant isolates were found in each of the surveyed greenhouses and accounted for 65.8%. Fourteen percentage of the population were resistant to dicarboximides, benzimidazoles and N‐phenylcarbamates, and 3% were also resistant to anilinopyrimidines.
RT‐PCR Detection and Molecular Characterization of Prunus necrotic ringspot virus Isolates Occurring in Turkey
Authors: Ulubas C. , Ertunc F.
Published: September 2004

Sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.), sweet cherry (P. avium L.), peach [P. persica (L.) Batsch], nectarine [P. persica (L.) Batsch var. nucipersica (Suckow) C.K. Schneid], apricot (P. armeniaca L.) and plum (P. domestica L.) trees either known to be infected, or shown to be so during a survey of different stone fruit growing regions of Turkey, were tested for the occurrence of Prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV) using double antibody sandwich (DAS)–enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). DAS–ELISA detected virus in only 31 of 486 samples; an additional 20 samples (total infection 51) were found to be infected by PNRSV when RT‐PCR was used. The highest virus incidence occurred in nectarine followed by that in peach. In order to identify specific virus strains, the PCR products amplified from the capsid protein (CP) gene of the 20 isolates selected from different provinces were subjected to restriction fragment length polymorphic (RFLP) analysis. The PCR products were digested by eight different restriction endonucleases. Most of the PNRSV isolates were identified as members of group PV96, but a single isolate was a member of group PV32; none of the isolates belonged to group PE5. Phylogenetic analysis divided the virus isolates into three additional major and three minor groups. No relation was found between the geographic distribution and the grouping of the PNRSV isolates based on RFLP.
A Relationship among Fungicide‐resistant Phenotypes of Botrytis cinerea Based on RAPD Analysis
Authors: Paplomatas E. J. , Pappas A. C. , Antoniadis D.
Published: September 2004

On the basis of the mode of spore germination and mycelial growth on fungicide‐amended media, 200 Botrytis cinerea Pers.:Fr. single spore isolates were classified into six representative groups of resistant phenotypes. Sixty eight isolates were phenylcarbamate highly resistant (PcmHR, wild type), eight were dicarboximide moderately and phenylcarbamate highly resistant (DicMRPCMHR), four were benzimidazole and phenylcarbamate highly resistant (BenHRPcmHR), five were dicarboximide and benzimidazole moderately resistant and phenylcarbamate highly resistant (DicMRBenMRPcmHR), twenty were dicarboximide moderately and benzimidazole highly resistant (DicMRBenHR) and ninety five isolates were benzimidazole highly resistant (BENHR). Two representative isolates of each phenotype were examined by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprint analysis. Relationships among the isolates were determined using the unweighted pair‐group method with arithmetic average (UPGMA) and dendrograms were constructed. Regardless of host, geographical origin and year of the isolation, phylogenetic analysis revealed the clear differentiation of the six phenotypic‐resistant groups classified into three clusters. The first cluster included isolates of the PcmHR phenotype with subdivisions included the wild type, the DicMR and the BenHR phenotypes. The latter two phenotypes maintained their wild type insensitivity to diethofencarb. This first cluster was branching with a second cluster that included the double resistance phenotypes DicMRBenMR and DicMRBenHR. A third cluster, which was most distantly related to the above two included isolates of BenHR only. The presented data show a positive correlation between conventional and molecular techniques in definition of fungicide‐resistant phenotypes and support earlier findings of the genetically based diversity of fungicide resistance.
Establishing prevention, education and community awareness through a comprehensive diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia screening programme: The Smith Island, Maryland, USA experience
Authors: Davidson Michele R
Published: September 2004

Glucose screening is essential in providing early detection for diabetes. Screening for hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia in diabetics can help identify clients at an increased risk for morbidity and mortality. Free health screening clinics, which included components based on the ABCs of Diabetes, were set up on Smith Island, Maryland, USA in January 2001. An extensive health history was performed on each clinic attendee and baseline assessment data were collected. To date, 273 residents have been screened at the clinics. Clinic education adopted from the National Diabetes Education Program was provided to all attendees. This programme provided members of the community with a baseline assessment and general information on diabetes prevention, detection and treatment. Positive lifestyle strategies were introduced within the community. Barriers to future disease prevention were identified during the programme.
Falls risk assessment, multitargeted interventions and the impact on hospital falls
Authors: McFarlane‐Kolb Heather
Published: September 2004

There is an urgent need for inquiry to validate existing scales in the accurate assessment of falls risk. Moreover, where fall prevention projects have targeted specific risk factors of falling, such as cognitive impairment, few have measured the impact of their intervention on fall outcomes. A comparative design compared and described differences in falls data within and between two study cohorts before and after a multitargeted intervention was introduced. A cut‐off score of ≥ 50 using the Morse Scale was a good baseline indicator for accurate identification of fall risk and outcomes verify that the modified Morse Falls Scale, in combination with other risk factors, more accurately profiled fall risk among this population. Fall incidence among the intervention cohort did not increase significantly despite a rise in the number of hospital admissions and a significantly higher reported fall risk potential.
The effectiveness of a multidisciplinary pain management programme managing chronic pain
Authors: Dysvik Elin , Guttormsen Vinsnes Anne , Eikeland Ole‐Johan
Published: September 2004

The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the effects of a multidisciplinary pain management programme on coping, health‐related quality of life and pain intensity. Seventy‐six outpatients suffering from chronic pain completed this eight‐week programme with the primary aims to increase coping, as measured by the Ways of Coping Checklist, and health‐related quality of life, as measured by the Short Form‐36 Health Survey. Therapeutic dialogues and education, combined with physical activity, were given in order to increase understanding of and attention to non‐medical factors that might affect pain perception. The programme was active, time‐limited and structured on the basis of multidisciplinary pain management programmes based on a cognitive–behavioural approach. The findings suggest that this programme has the potential to improve coping skills and health‐related quality of life. Additionally, pain intensity, as measured by the Visual Analogue Scale, was reduced. Age and disability were revealed as the prominent predictors of change after treatment. The differences in this sample indicated that the drop‐outs tended to be older and reported more health problems, although these findings were non‐significant. Clinical and research implications are discussed.
Delay in surgery for acute appendicitis
Authors: Maroju Nanda K. , Robinson Smile S. , Sistla Sarath C. , Narasimhan Raghavan , Sahai Ajit
Published: September 2004

Background:  The present study investigates the effect of delay in appendicectomy on the outcome of surgery and also examines the contribution of patient and physician related delay to the stage of appendicitis.

Methods:  During a 12‐month period, 114 consecutive adult patients undergoing appendicectomy for acute appendicitis were monitored prospectively. Time of onset of symptoms, presentation to the hospital, surgery consultation, decision to operate and starting of surgery were all noted. The stage of the appendicitis was identified based on operative findings and pathology reports. Postoperative events were recorded. The stage of appendicitis and outcome were related to the prehospital and in‐hospital delay of each patient.

Results:  There were three (2.6%) normal, 62 (54.4%) early inflamed and 49 (43%) cases of advanced appendicitis. The total delay from onset of symptoms to performance of appendicectomy was 2.4 times longer in the advanced appendicitis group than in the early inflamed appendicitis group. There was no significant difference in the in‐hospital delay between the two groups. Delay in the resumption of oral feed and total hospital stay were significantly higher in the advanced appendicitis group.

Conclusions:  The present prospective study concludes that morbidity caused by acute appendicitis correlates directly with delay in treatment. In the majority of cases the delay in treatment is predominantly caused by patient related factors. The negative appendicectomy rate can be reduced by close observation of cases with clinical uncertainty without increasing the morbidity.
Local recurrence following surgical treatment for carcinoma of the lower rectum
Authors: Polglase Adrian L. , Grodski Simon F. , Tremayne Ann B. , Chee Justin B. L. , Bhathal Prithi S.
Published: September 2004

Background:  The present paper examines the local recurrence rate following surgical treatment for carcinoma of the lower rectum with principally blunt dissection directed at tumour‐specific mesorectal excision (including total mesorectal excision when appropriate).

Methods:  During the period April 1987−December 1999, 123 consecutive resections for carcinoma of the middle and distal thirds of the rectum were performed. The patients had low anterior resection, ultra low anterior resection or abdomino‐perineal resection. Ninety‐six eligible patients underwent curative resection. The mean follow‐up period was 66.8 months ±44.3 (range 3−176 months). Data were available on all patients having been prospectively registered and retrospectively collated and computer coded.

Results:  The overall rate of local recurrence was 5.2% (four recurrences following ultra low anterior resection and one following abdomino‐perineal resection. No local recurrence occurred after low anterior resections.). Local recurrences occurred between 16 and 52 months from the time of resection, and the cumulative risk of developing local recurrence at 5 years for all patients was 7.6%. The overall 5‐year cancer specific survival of the 96 patients was 80.8%, and the overall probability of being disease free at 5 years, including both local and distal recurrence, was 71.8%.

Conclusion:  The results of the present series confirm the safety of careful blunt techniques combined with sharp dissection for rectal mobilization along fascial planes resulting in extraction of an oncologic package with tumour‐specific mesorectal excision (or total mesorectal excision when appropriate).
Resources for managing trauma in rural New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Wong Kenneth , Petchell Jeffrey
Published: September 2004

Background:  Trauma bypass is not always appropriate in the management of rural trauma because of the large distances and travel times. Rural hospitals in New South Wales, Australia are an essential component of the statewide integrated trauma system. The present study profiles the trauma resources of base hospitals in rural New South Wales.

Methods:  A structured questionnaire, addressed to the ‘Director, Emergency Department’ was distributed to all rural base hospitals in New South Wales. Follow‐up telephone interviews were administered to complete data collection.

Results:  Fourteen hospitals were identified. General and orthopaedic surgeons provided trauma care in all hospitals. Forty‐three per cent of hospitals had resident subspecialty surgeons. Fifty per cent of hospitals had a formal hospital trauma team. In the remaining hospitals, the most common reason (86%) stated for the absence of a formal trauma team was a lack of personnel to provide 24 h immediate response to all trauma presentations. Seventy‐one per cent of hospitals are staffed by a single doctor after hours. All hospitals had 24 h access to plain radiography and blood products. 86% had 24 h access to ultrasound and computed tomography, although always on an ‘on‐call’ basis after hours. All hospitals had the capability to maintain ventilated patients, averaging two ventilated beds per hospital. An average of two trauma patients per hospital per month is transferred to a larger institution. Sixty‐four per cent of hospitals participated in a trauma retrievals for their surrounding areas. Seventy‐one per cent of hospitals engaged in quality assurance activities regarding trauma outcomes.

Conclusions:  Formal responses to major trauma in rural base hospitals in New South Wales are often restricted by a lack of specialist medical personnel. Nevertheless, the majority of hospitals have the resources to manage major trauma.
A 23‐hour care centre model for the management of surgical patients
Authors: Ryan Richard , Davoren Judith , Grant Helen , Delbridge Leigh
Published: September 2004

Background:  Much of the emphasis on gaining efficiencies in surgical care have, to date, focused on increasing day only (DO) facilities and increasing the utilization of day of surgery admissions (DOSA) for longer stay cases. However, for the majority of cases requiring surgery, both elective and acute, the episode of care can generally be delivered within an envelope of 23 h during which time patients require only pain relief and monitoring in a supervised setting until fit for discharge. The aim of the present study was to evaluate a pilot of a 23‐h care centre at a principal referral hospital.

Methods:  A 23‐h care centre was established at a principal referral hospital in January 2003 in association with an existing DO and DOSA facility. All patients, both emergency and elective as well as surgical and medical, who fitted the following criteria were admitted as ‘23‐h patients’ to the centre: absolute expectation of discharge within 24 h; preadmission screening by a nurse screener (if elective); agreed clinical guidelines in place; agreement to protocol‐based, nurse‐initiated discharge. Outcomes were evaluated after 3 months. Existing admission criteria for DO and DOSA patients were maintained.

Results:  Over 3 months, 1601 patients utilized the 23‐h care centre as follows: 593 DO patients, 410 DOSA patients and 598 23‐h patients. Transfers from the emergency department constituted 47% of all 23‐h patients. Utilization varied with the departments of hand surgery, ear, nose and throat/head and neck surgery, and gastrointestinal surgery all managing more than 55% of their operative workload as 23‐h patients (excluding DO and DOSA patients). Excluding inappropriate admissions, overall discharge compliance was 83%. Three departments achieved the compliance benchmark of 90% of admitted patients discharged within 23 h. Only 1% of patients discharged required referral back to the emergency department, with a further 2% being reviewed by their general practitioner.

Conclusion:  The 23‐h care centre model, incorporating DO, DOSA and 23‐h patients, offers a workable system of healthcare delivery for patients who do not require a prolonged stay in hospital including, potentially, the majority of surgical patients.
Re‐operation for hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Liew Victor , Gough Ian R. , Nolan Gregory , Fryar Barry
Published: September 2004

Introduction:  Re‐operation for hyperparathyroidism (HPT) represents a challenge for experienced endocrine surgeons. The present study reviews the technical and pathological factors for failure of initial surgery and identifies strategies to approach re‐operative parathyroidectomy.

Methods:  Clinical details, operation notes, pathology, localization studies and complications for re‐operative cases performed by three surgeons were reviewed.

Results:   Over a 10‐year period there were 40 re‐operative cases with a 98% success rate. There were 31 patients with primary HPT, 21 with persistent primary (PP) and 10 with recurrent primary (RP). Multigland disease (MGD) was present in 19 of the 31 (61%) primary HPT cases. The culprit gland was ectopic in 14 cases, at a normal location in 10 and there was regrowth at previously excised sites or remnant disease in 10.

There were nine patients with secondary HPT, four with persistent secondary (PS) and five with recurrent secondary (RS). The culprit gland was ectopic in five, at a normal location in four and regrowth at a previously excised site in two.

Pre‐operative investigations were employed in all cases and the most helpful were sestamibi scan (S) and selective venous sampling (SVS) for parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentration. True positive localizations for S was in 20 of 34 cases (59%), SVS in seven of nine (78%), computed tomography (CT) in seven of 17 (41%) and ultrasound scan (USS) in 10 of 28 (36%).

Conclusions:  Re‐operative parathyroidectomy can be performed by experienced surgeons with a very high success rate and minimal complications.
Endovascular treatment of epistaxis
Authors: Vokes David E. , McIvor Nicholas P. , Wattie W. John , Chaplin John M. , Morton Randall P.
Published: September 2004

Aim:  Embolization of external carotid vessels in the treatment of intractable epistaxis is not well documented in Australasia. The aim of the present retrospective study was to audit our experience with the technique, and to compare it with other centres.

Methods:  Retrospective review.

Results:  Twenty‐nine embolizations were performed in 28 patients. Embolization was successful in 24 out of 28 patients (86%). Three patients required ligation of the anterior ethmoidal arteries, one of whom subsequently underwent successful repeat embolization. There were minor complications in 6/29 procedures (21%), and no major complications.

Conclusion:  Our outcomes compare favourably with those of larger centres. Embolization is an effective tool in the management of patients with intractable epistaxis.
Antiproliferative effects of low molecular weight heparin
Authors: Fletcher John P. , Ao Peng Y. , Hawthorne Wayne J.
Published: September 2004

Aim:  To investigate the effect of low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) on the inhibition of intimal hyperplasia (IH) developing in prosthetic vascular patch graft implanted into sheep carotid artery.

Methods:  A gelatin sealed Dacron patch graft was implanted into the common carotid artery of sheep, which were then allocated to a control group (n = 10) or to one of four treatment groups (each group n = 10) receiving either a low dose (LD) or high dose (HD) of one of two LMWH (enoxaparin 1 or 2 mg/kg/day, dalteparin 100 or 200 units/kg/day) administered subcutaneously for 4 weeks. Anti‐activated factor X and activated partial thromboplastin time were assayed from blood collected prior to and at 1 and 2 h after LMWH administration on days 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28. Animals were killed on day 28 after taking blood samples prior to, then at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24 h following the last injection. Grafts were collected for analysis and measurements of intimal thickness obtained under light microscopy from eight transverse sections of each grafted artery aided by computer image analysis. An IH index was calculated by dividing the area of IH (mm2) by the width of the graft (mm).

Results:  Intimal hyperplasia index measurements (mean ± SD) were: controls 0.574 ± 0.077, LD enoxaparin 0.471 ± 0.056, LD dalteparin 0.404 ± 0.025, HD enoxaparin 0.398 ± 0.068, HD dalteparin 0.332 ± 0.048. The reductions in IH index compared to controls were significant (P < 0.05) for both LD and HD dalteparin and for HD enoxaparin.

Conclusion:  Both LMWH dalteparin and enoxaparin reduced the amount of IH formation with dalteparin showing a greater effect in the present animal study. The possibility that different LMWH might exert differing antiproliferative effects requires further investigation.
Evidence‐based update of chemotherapy options for metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Damjanovic Dragan , Thompson Paul , Findlay Michael P. N.
Published: September 2004

Colorectal carcinoma is one of the most common malignancies in the Western world. Although fluorouracil (5‐FU) has been used for over 40 years, only in the last decade has its value been recognized in the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer. Early randomized studies explored the best possible doses and schedules of 5‐FU and its modulators such as folinic acid or leucovorin (LV) in combination with respect to efficacy and side‐effects. The development of oral fluoropyrimidines, in particular capecitabine, has made chemotherapy further accessible and acceptable.

The introduction of newer cytotoxics irinotecan and oxaliplatin has achieved a significant improvement in survival rates with manageable toxicity. With appropriate selection of patients and proper sequencing of currently most efficient regimens, median survival durations of around 20 months can now be reached. Novel targeted therapies (bevacizumab, cetuximab and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) inhibitors) in combination with most efficient chemotherapy regimens will probably push the median survival beyond the 2‐year mark.

The present article is an overview of most important studies that have substantially changed the approach to metastatic colorectal cancer and have given the patients and clinicians a wider range of options for treating this illness.
Small bowel tumours: a 10 year experience in four sydney teaching hospitals
Authors: Rangiah David S. , Cox Michael , Richardson Mark , Tompsett Elizabeth , Crawford Michael
Published: September 2004

Background:  Small bowel tumours are uncommon and can have a long delay prior to diagnosis. The present study aims to compare the use of computed tomography (CT) and contrast small bowel series (SBS) in their diagnosis and to outline the clinical features of small bowel tumours.

Methods:  A retrospective, case note study was conducted between 1990 and 2000 in four Sydney teaching hospitals. The data collected included clinical features, investigations and tumour characteristics.

Results:  One hundred and sixty‐six people with small bowel tumours were identified (91 malignant; 75 benign). Malignant tumours consisted of adenocarcinomas (31%), carcinoid tumours (12%), lymphomas (7%) and leiomyosarcomas (5%). Benign tumours consisted of adenomas (22%), hamartomas (13%), leiomyomas (4%), inflammatory polyps (4%) and hyperplastic polyps (2%) and a benign schwannoma (1%). Adenocarcinomas were mainly located in the duodenum (P < 0.001) and carcinoid tumours in the ileum (P < 0.001). Malignant tumours were associated with a higher proportion of symptoms (P < 0.01), signs (P < 0.001) and episodes of small bowel obstruction (P < 0.01). Abdominal CT scans demonstrated a greater sensitivity (87.7%) than SBS (72.9%) with a slightly improved sensitivity when both investigations were used (89.3%). Abdominal ultrasound had a lower sensitivity than both of the above investigations of 65%. Gastroduodenoscopy had a sensitivity of 90% for diagnosing duodenal tumours.

Operative procedures were performed on 92 patients with a preoperative diagnosis made in 77%. Metastatic spread of malignant tumours was evident in 46%. The sites of spread were to lymph nodes (23%), liver (21%) and distant locations (2%) at diagnosis.

Conclusions:  Malignant small bowel tumours are more likely to produce symptoms and signs than benign tumours, particularly caused by small bowel obstruction. Abdominal CT is the best radiological investigation for small bowel tumours and has a slight complimentary effect with SBS in improving the chances of detection. Gastroduodenoscopy remains the best investigation of duodenal tumours.
Presynaptic source of quantal size variability at GABAergic synapses in rat hippocampal neurons in culture
Authors: Barberis Andrea , Petrini Enrica Maria , Cherubini Enrico
Published: September 2004

The variability of quantal size depends on both presynaptic (profile of the neurotransmitter concentration in the cleft) and postsynaptic (number and gating properties of postsynaptic receptors) factors. Here we have examined the possibility that at nonsaturated synapses in cultured hippocampal neurons, changes in both the transmitter concentration peak and its clearance from the synaptic cleft may influence the variability of spontaneous miniature synaptic GABAergic currents (mIPSCs). We found that, in contrast to the slow‐off GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline, fast‐off competitive antagonists such as SR‐95103 and TPMPA differentially blocked small and large mIPSCs. In the presence of flurazepam, a drug believed to increase the affinity of GABA for GABAAR, small mIPSCs were enhanced more efficiently than large events. Moreover, the addition of dextran, which increases the viscosity of the extracellular fluid, preferentially increased small mIPSCs with respect to large ones. These observations suggest that changes in the concentration peak and the speed of GABA clearance in the cleft may be an important source of synaptic variability. The study of the correlation between peak amplitude and kinetics of mIPSCs allowed determination of the relative contribution of transmitter peak concentration vs. time of GABA clearance. Small synaptic responses were associated with fast onset and decay kinetics while large amplitude currents were asociated with slow kinetics, indicating a crucial role for GABA synaptic clearance in variability of mIPSCs. By using model simulations we were able to estimate the range of variability of both the concentration and the speed of clearance of the GABA transient in the synaptic cleft.
Topographic distribution of direct and hippocampus‐ mediated entorhinal cortex activity evoked by olfactory tract stimulation
Authors: Gnatkovsky Vadym , Uva Laura , De Curtis Marco
Published: September 2004

Olfactory information is central for memory‐related functions, such as recognition and spatial orientation. To understand the role of olfaction in learning and memory, the distribution and propagation of olfactory tract‐driven activity in the parahippocampal region needs to be characterized. We recently demonstrated that repetitive stimulation of the olfactory tract in the isolated guinea pig brain preparation induces an early direct activation of the rostrolateral entorhinal region followed by a delayed response in the medial entorhinal cortex (EC), preceded by the interposed activation of the hippocampus. In the present study we performed a detailed topographic analysis of both the early and the delayed entorhinal responses induced by patterned stimulation of the lateral olfactory tract in the isolated guinea pig brain. Bi‐dimensional maps of EC activity recorded at 128 recording sites with 4 × 4 matrix electrodes (410 µm interlead separation) sequentially placed in eight different positions, showed (i) an early (onset at 16.09 ± 1.2 ms) low amplitude potential mediated by the monosynaptic LOT input, followed by (ii) an associative potential in the rostral EC which originates from the piriform cortex (onset at 33.2 ± 2.3 ms), and (iii) a delayed potential dependent on the previous activation of the hippocampus. The sharp component of the delayed response had an onset latency between 52 and 63 ms and was followed by a slow wave. Laminar profile analysis demonstrated that in the caudomedial EC the delayed response was associated with two distinct current sinks located in deep and in superficial layers, whereas in the rostrolateral EC a small‐amplitude sink could be detected in the superficial layers exclusively. The present report demonstrates that the output generated by the hippocampal activation is unevenly distributed across different EC subregions and indicates that exclusively the medial and caudal divisions receive a deep‐layer input from the hippocampus. In the rostrolateral EC, specific network interactions may be generated by the convergence of the direct olfactory input and the olfaction‐driven hippocampal output.
Functional connectivity between somatosensory and visual cortex in early blind humans
Authors: Wittenberg George F. , Werhahn Konrad J. , Wassermann Eric M. , Herscovitch Peter , Cohen Leonardo G.
Published: September 2004

Crossmodal plasticity occurs when loss of input in one sensory modality leads to reorganization in brain representations of other sensory modalities. In congenital blindness the visual cortex becomes responsive to somatosensory input such as occurs during Braille reading. The route by which somatosensory information reaches the visual cortex is not known. Here, we used repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to probe the connection between primary somatosensory cortex (S1) and early visual cortex (V1 and neighboring areas), combining rTMS with positron emission tomography (PET). We applied stimulation over S1 in sighted, early blind and late blind individuals. Baseline regional cerebral blood flow in occipital cortex was highest in early blind and lowest in late blind individuals. Only the early blind group showed significant activation of early visual areas when rTMS was delivered over S1. This activation was significantly higher in early than in late blind, but not relative to sighted controls. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that tactile information may reach early visual areas in early blind humans through cortico‐cortical pathways, possibly supporting enhanced tactile information processing.
Lack of α‐synuclein does not alter apoptosis of neonatal catecholaminergic neurons
Authors: Stefanis Leonidas , Wang Qiaohong , Oo Tinmarla , Lang‐Rollin Isabelle , Burke Robert E. , Dauer William T.
Published: September 2004

α‐Synuclein is an abundant neuronal protein of uncertain function linked to Parkinson's disease. Numerous studies have proposed an antiapoptotic function for α‐synuclein, based on overexpression experiments in cell lines. To explore whether α‐synuclein has such a physiological function, we assessed the response of wild type or α‐synuclein null neonatal mouse sympathetic neurons to nerve growth factor deprivation, a well‐characterized stimulus of neuronal apoptosis. There was no difference in the rate of neuronal loss, neuronal apoptosis, or c‐jun phosphorylation. Furthermore, the absence of α‐synuclein did not alter the magnitude of naturally occurring cell deathin vivoin substantia nigra pars compacta. Therefore, α‐synuclein is unlikely to play a significant role in apoptotic signalling in catecholaminergic neurons of the neonatal nervous system.
Changes in expression of PACAP in rat sensory neurons in response to sciatic nerve compression
Authors: Pettersson L. M. E. , Dahlin L. B. , Danielsen N.
Published: September 2004

In the present study, expression of pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide (PACAP) in rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and sciatic nerve following experimental sciatic nerve compression was studied with the use of quantitative immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. Previously, we have investigated changes in PACAP expression after nerve transection and, here, the far more frequently encountered condition of nerve compression injury is examined. Nerve compression was performed unilaterally on the rat sciatic nerve, at mid‐thigh level, by application of a narrow silicone tube around the nerve for 3, 7, 14 or 28 days, respectively. We detect a statistically significant upregulation in the number and density of PACAP mRNA expression in both small and large DRG neurons in response to nerve compression. An increased number of PACAP‐immunoreactive neurons is also found in the ipsilateral DRG. In addition, PACAP immunoreactivity is observed in the compressed sciatic nerve segment and adjacent nerve tissue after nerve compression. The present findings can be compared with previous studies where we have shown that PACAP expression is upregulated in DRG; in response to peripheral inflammation (primarily in small–medium neurons), and after axotomy (dramatic upregulation in medium–large neurons). In view of the recent findings of an increased PACAP expression in DRG after nerve compression, as well as the previous findings of a modulation of PACAP expression in response to axotomy and inflammation, it is likely that PACAP is also involved in the modulation of the response to peripheral nerve compression.
NxfandFbxo33: novel seizure‐responsive genes in mice
Authors: Flood Warren D. , Moyer Robert W. , Tsykin Anna , Sutherland Grant R. , Koblar Simon A.
Published: September 2004

Much is understood about the response of the brain to seizure but little is known in relation to the underlying molecular mechanisms involved. We used microarray technology to investigate the complex genetic response of the brain to generalized seizure. For this investigation a seizure‐specific mouse brain cDNA library was generated and spotted onto microarray slides with the aim of increasing the likelihood of identifying novel genes responsive to seizure. Microarray analysis was performed on mouse hippocampus 1 h after generalized seizure pharmacologically induced by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ). Using the custom microarray slides, six genes were identified as being up‐regulated in this seizure model and results were validated by real‐time PCR. Four of the seizure‐responsive genes had previously‐reported roles in apoptosis, proliferation or differentiation of neural cells. Two of the genes were novel andin situhybridization analysis demonstrated heightened mRNA expression in the hippocampus 1 h following generalized convulsive seizure, in a pattern which is typical for other activity‐dependant genes expressed in this structure. In addition to being up‐regulated postseizure, the genes described in this paper appear to be expressed normally in the adult hippocampus and during development.
Magnetic resonance imaging reveals neuronal degeneration in the brainstem of the superoxide dismutase 1G93A G1H transgenic mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Zang Da Wei , Yang Qing , Wang Hong Xin , Egan Gary , Lopes Elizabeth C , Cheema Surindar S
Published: September 2004

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is becoming the preferred neuroimaging modality for the diagnosis of human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). A useful animal model of ALS is the superoxide dismutase 1G93A G1H transgenic mouse, which shows many of the clinico‐pathological features of the human condition. We have employed a 4.7‐Tesla MRI instrument to determine whether a noninvasive imaging approach can reveal pathological changes in the nervous system of this animal model. Our T2‐weighted MRI revealed consistent changes in brain and brainstem of these mice. Hyperintensities, indicative of neuropathology, were observed in several areas including the nucleus ambiguus, facial nucleus, trigeminal motor nucleus, rostroventrolateral reticular nucleus, lateral paragigantocellular nucleus and the substantia nigra. Histology analysis including neuronal counts of the imaged brains confirmed the T2‐weighted MRI findings. Enlarged ventricles and hypointense striations, indicative of global atrophy, were also observed in the brain and cerebellum. This atrophy was confirmed by fresh brain weight data. The extensive global degeneration involving multiple structures suggests a multisystem disease that is similar to human ALS.
A multi‐sample design for assessing the comedolytic activity of topical products
Authors: Knaggs H. , Santanastasio H. , Bowman J. , Pagnoni A.
Published: September 2004

Synopsis

Background:  Facial comedolytic studies allow testing of a maximum of two products. The upper back provides a larger area with a more uniform distribution of microcomedones for comedolytic studies.

Objective:  To design a multi‐sample method for assessing comedolytic activity of topical products on the back. The effect of season on product discrimination was also explored.

Methods:  Three cleansing formulations (products B, C and D), a negative water control and 0.025% Retin‐A® cream (positive control) were tested. Seven subjects were recruited in summer and nine in fall. Products were applied for 8 weeks, comedolysis was assessed by visually evaluating cyanoacrylate follicular biopsies taken at baseline and post‐treatment.

Results:  In all data sets (summer, fall and combined), sites treated with Retin‐A® had a significantly lower number of microcomedones as compared to the negative water control. In addition, cleansers B and D showed a significant reduction from baseline in the fall and combined (summer and fall) data, but not in summer data alone indicating different responses to treatment during the year.

Conclusions:  The design was sensitive enough to detect differences between cleansing formulations under normal washing conditions. Reduced sensitivity observed during summer suggests hot humid conditions may decrease the comedolytic performance of topical products.
The penetration enhancement and the lipolytic effects of TAT–GKH, both in in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo
Authors: Lim J. , Chang M. , Park S. , Kang N. , Song Y. , Kang Y.‐S. , Cho W.‐G.
Published: September 2004

It was demonstrated that the trans‐activating transcriptional activator (TAT) protein from HIV‐1 could enter cells when added to the surrounding media. TAT peptide chemically attached to various proteins was able to deliver these proteins to various cells and even at high levels in heart and spleen tissues in mice. In this study, the tri‐peptide GKH (glycine–lysine–histidine) derived from the parathyroid hormone, which is known as a lipolytic peptide, was attached to 9‐poly lysine (TAT) to be used as a cosmetic ingredient for eye‐bag care product. When glycerol is released, expressed as the extracellular glycerol concentration (the so‐called lipolysis index), TAT–GKH at 10−5m induces a maximal lipolytic effect of approximately 41.5% in epididymal adipocytes isolated from rats, compared with basal lipolysis. In a microdialysis study, TAT–GKH was perfused into epididymal adipose tissues of anaesthetized rats in increasing concentrations in a Ringer solution. The glycerol concentration in each dialysate was measured using an ultra‐sensitive radiometric method. The perfusion of TAT–GKH induced a lipolytic effect. A penetration study showed that TAT–GKH resulted in a sevenfold higher penetration into excised hairless mice skin than GKH. An in vivo study showed that a TAT–GKH containing emulsion had a better effect upon the relative volume reduction of eye bag after 28 days of application on 22 healthy female volunteers than the placebo.

It was therefore concluded that TAT–GKH increased skin penetration, which resulted in enhanced lipolytic effects in in vitro, ex vivo and in volume reduction of eye‐bags in in vivo studies.
Comparison of the biomechanical and biosynthetic behavior of normal human fibroblasts and fibroblasts from a forehead wrinkle
Authors: Jouandeaud M. , Viennet C. , Bordes S. , Closs B. , Humbert P.
Published: September 2004

Wrinkles are the most obvious expression of skin aging and are manifested by numerous changes in the organization and structure of the dermis. To better understand if this tissue modification could be linked to a modification of cell function, contractile and synthesis capacities of normal aged human fibroblasts and those obtained from a biopsy of a forehead wrinkle were studied and compared. The capacity of fibroblasts to adhere to the collagen network and to maintain a three‐dimensional structure of the dermis was studied using a three‐dimensional model of a collagen gel. The metabolic activity of both cell types was determined immunochemically by quantifying collagen I synthesis. Human fibroblasts from the wrinkle contracted the collagen gel less than normal aged human fibroblasts and synthesized less collagen I. The results show that the metabolic activity of aging fibroblasts decelerates and that aging fibroblasts lose their capacity to adhere to collagen fibers, thus limiting the possibility of organizing dermal tissue.

The potential of an active ingredient to compensate for the reduction of metabolic activity and to restore the contractile capacity of fibroblasts from the wrinkle was investigated. This effect was compared with a reference molecule, vitamin C.
Investigating the relationship between the hair fiber proteome and hair quality
Authors: Heywood D.M. , Vrettou C. , Wood J. , Hill J. , Casey S. , Cornwell P.A.
Published: September 2004

Many hair characteristics (e.g. color and curl) are genetically determined. Here, we investigated whether hair quality is also genetically controlled and related to differences in hair composition. Female, Caucasian subjects (n = 292) were recruited into this study and segmented by self‐perceived hair quality and by permanent colorant usage. Hair fibers were collected and characterized by amino acid analysis, dry tensile elastic modulus testing and two‐dimensional electrophoresis of hair protein extracts.

Protein analysis revealed a string of 66 kDa proteins that correlated with hair of high quality. Loss of low molecular weight (14–29 kDa) proteins increased with colorant usage, particularly in hair of low quality. Amino acid analysis showed that the levels of serine and threonine across all the subjects followed bimodal frequency distributions suggestive of a genetic influence. Overall, data suggested that perception of quality was linked to high serine and threonine levels. In addition, where hair was colored, quality was associated with lower cysteic acid levels. Lower cysteic acid levels were not linked to lower colorant usage and our data suggest that high quality hair may be more resistant to colorant damage. Elastic modulus was significantly higher in hair of higher quality (4.65 GPa) compared to all medium and low quality hair combined (4.3 GPa), P < 0.02. This suggests a link between altered hair composition and mechanical properties. In conclusion, the composition and mechanical properties of hair have been linked to hair quality. We hypothesize that hair quality is thus likely to be genetically determined. Understanding of the links between hair composition and its properties could be utilized in the future for designing products targeted to each individual's hair make‐up, and for producing diagnostic tools for determining hair quality.