bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genomics of natural bird populations: a gene‐based set of reference markers evenly spread across the avian genome
Authors: BACKSTRÖM NICLAS , FAGERBERG SOFIE , ELLEGREN HANS
Published: October 2007

Although there is growing interest to take genomics into the complex realms of natural populations, there is a general shortage of genomic resources and tools available for wild species. This applies not at least to birds, for which genomic approaches should be helpful to questions such as adaptation, speciation and population genetics. In this study, we describe a genome‐wide reference set of conserved avian gene markers, broadly applicable across birds. By aligning protein‐coding sequences from the recently assembled chicken genome with orthologous sequences in zebra finch, we identified particularly conserved exonic regions flanking introns of suitable size for subsequent amplification and sequencing. Primers were designed for 242 gene markers evenly distributed across the chicken genome, with a mean inter‐marker interval of 4.2 Mb. Between 78% and 93% of the markers amplified a specific product in five species tested (chicken, peregrine falcon, collared flycatcher, great reed warbler and blue tit). Two hundred markers were sequenced in collared flycatcher, yielding a total of 122.41 kb of genomic DNA sequence (12096 bp coding sequence and 110 314 bp noncoding). Intron size of collared flycatcher and chicken was highly correlated, as was GC content. A polymorphism screening using these markers in a panel of 10 unrelated collared flycatchers identified 871 single nucleotide polymorphisms (π = 0.0029) and 33 indels (mainly very short). Avian genome characteristics such as uniform genome size and low rate of syntenic rearrangements suggest that this marker set will find broad utility as a genome‐wide reference resource for molecular ecological and population genomic analysis of birds. We envision that it will be particularly useful for obtaining large‐scale orthologous targets in different species — important in, for instance, phylogenetics — and for large‐scale identification of evenly distributed single nucleotide polymorphisms needed in linkage mapping or in studies of gene flow and hybridization.
Food selection and nutritional ecology of woodlice in Central Chile
Authors: CATALÁN TAMARA P. , LARDIES MARCO A. , BOZINOVIC FRANCISCO
Published: October 2007

Abstract Phenotypic flexibility in food selection and digestive efficiency in response is examined in relation to variations in food quality in a detritivorous species of Mediterranean ecosystems, the woodlouse Porcellio laevis Latreille (Isopoda: Oniscidea). It is hypothesized that diet selection should show a positive correlation between diet quality and digestive efficiency. The studied plants are isocaloric but exhibit significant differences in terms of nitrogen, carbon and fibre content. The observations appear to support the hypothesis that these isopods show compensatory feeding behaviour when feeding on poor diets. Contrary to expectation, a dietary effect on relative growth rate is not observed. It is concluded that behavioural skills associated with diet selection and physiological flexibility may allow P.laevis to satisfy and maintain equivalent nutritional levels during exposure to different diet qualities. In general, it appears that physiological flexibility plays an important role in determining nutritional balance in P.laevis, which can be of great benefit in the highly seasonal environment that it inhabits.
Identification of a novel allele HLA‐A*3117 in the Chinese cord blood donor
Authors: Yan L.‐X. , Zhu F.‐M. , Zhang W.
Published: October 2007

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐A*3117 was different from A*310102 by a single nucleotide substitution, resulting in amino acid changes from Asp to Asn at codon 74.
Description of three new HLA‐A*02 subtypes in Caucasians: A*0281, A*0289 and A*9224
Authors: Balas A. , Alonso‐Nieto M. , Sánchez‐Gordo F. , García‐Sánchez F. , Vicario J. L.
Published: October 2007

Three new HLA‐A*02 alleles were completely characterized by sequencing‐based typing (SBT). A*0281 and A*9224 showed eight clustered amino acid differences into the Bw4/Bw6 epitope at positions 74–83, regarding A*02010101. Both disclosed the same Bw4 motif described for A*25 and A*32 alleles. A*9224 has an additional mismatch at residue 265 (G>V) in the α3 domain, which has not been reported for any other human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecule. HLA‐A*0289 differed from A*02010101 in the conserved amino acid residue 192 (H>Q).
Effect of donor pneumoperitoneum on early allograft perfusion following renal transplantation in pediatric patients: An intraoperative Doppler ultrasound study
Authors: Dave S. , Farhat W. , Pace K. , Navarro O. , Hebert D. , Khoury A.E.
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  Decreased perfusion and trauma during laparoscopic harvesting are proposed causative factors for DGF and rejection in children following renal transplantation with laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) allograft. We performed a retrospective review of 11 children who underwent LDN transplant and 11 preceding patients who underwent ODN transplant. Intraoperative DUS findings, creatinine values and clearance, time to nadir creatinine and AR episodes were compared. There were no significant differences in the BMI, vascular anatomy, side of nephrectomy, or warm ischemia time in the two groups. Mean follow‐up duration was 11.4 and 30.4 months in LDN and ODN groups. DUS showed initial turbulent flow in five of the LDN and four of the ODN group with an average RI of 0.59 and 0.66 in the ODN and LDN groups, respectively (NS). Three patients in the ODN group had an abnormal RI compared to none in the LDN group (p = 0.034). The creatinine values, creatinine clearances (at 24 h, one, four wk and last follow‐up) and AR episodes were similar in both groups. Pneumoperitoneum during LDN does not appear to have an adverse impact on early graft reperfusion.
Seizures in children after kidney transplantation: Has the risk changed and can we predict who is at greatest risk?
Authors: Hamiwka Lorie D. , Midgley Julian P. , Hamiwka Lorraine A.
Published: October 2007

Abstract: Children undergoing kidney transplantation are at increased risk for symptomatic seizures with a previously reported incidence of approximately 20%. Little data exist to help predict which children may be at risk. We retrospectively reviewed all children who underwent kidney transplantation evaluation at our center between October 1993 and August 2007 and identified 41 children who had an EEG prior to transplant. Demographic data as well as the following were collected: immunosuppressive medications, developmental status, history of seizures, family history of seizures, post‐transplant seizures and EEG results. EEGs were classified as normal or abnormal. Prior to transplantation, one child had a history of febrile seizures and six experienced afebrile seizures. Nine (22%) children identified had an abnormal EEG prior to transplant. In eight cases the EEG was non‐epileptiform and in one case was epileptiform. Abnormal EEGs did not correlate with a family history of seizures. Delayed development was noted in seven children and was not associated with an epileptiform EEG. Following kidney transplantation, no child experienced a seizure. Our single center study suggests that current rates of seizures following kidney transplantation are lower than previously reported and that routine EEG as part of the pretransplant evaluation in these children is of limited use to predict those at risk.
Genetic diversity of Lophodermium piceae in South Finland
Authors: Müller M. M. , Valjakka R. , Hantula J.
Published: October 2007

Lophodermium piceae, the dominant needle endophyte of Norway spruce (Picea abies), is known to be extremely diverse. This work aimed to test the possible occurrence of cryptic species within the morphological species L. piceae. Genetic variation in 36 South Finnish L. piceae isolates originating from six localities was investigated by comparing DNA sequences of three genetic markers. One of the markers was the internal transcribed sequence (ITS) of the ribosomal DNA and the other two (LP1 and LP2) were based on sequence characterized amplified regions designed for L. piceae. The LP2 marker could be detected only from isolates of L. piceae but not from 20 other ascomycete species tested. This sequence, therefore, is considered as a species‐specific marker for L. piceae. For comparison, ITS sequences of isolates representing two other Lophodermium species, L. pinastri and L. seditiosum, were also investigated. In a neighbor‐joining analysis of ITS sequences all L. piceae isolates fell into one cluster, which was clearly separate from those of L. pinastri and L. seditiosum. Dendrograms of the three markers were incongruent indicating that the L. piceae population examined consisted of a single phylogenetic species. No geographical differentiation was observed. Our results confirm that L. piceae is a genetically highly diverse endophytic species.
Genetic variation in Heterobasidion abietinum populations detected with the M13 minisatellite marker
Authors: Zamponi L. , Paffetti D. , Tegli S. , ŁAkomy P. , Capretti P.
Published: October 2007

Amplification profiles of the M13 minisatellite core sequence from 47 isolates of Heterobasidion annosum s.l., collected mostly from Abies alba in different European countries, were analysed in comparison with profiles of four isolates of H. annosum s.s. and three isolates of H. parviporum. Genetic variation within and among groups of populations was studied by analysis of molecular variance. A dendrogram constructed with the Neighbor‐Joining method differentiated the three species from each other. Isolates of H. abietinum from Balkan peninsula, Italian peninsula and French Pyrenees each separated into clusters according to geographical origin. Such clear geographic clustering was not detected among isolates from central Europe. The variations between H. abietinum isolates in relation to the migration history of Abies are discussed.
Study of Induced Systemic Resistance in Cicer arietinum L. due to Nonpathogenic Fusarium oxysporum Using a Modified Split Root Technique
Authors: Kaur R. , Singh Rama S.
Published: October 2007

Three nonpathogenic fungal isolates of Fusarium oxysporum, Fo52 from India and Fo47 and Fo47b10 from France, were evaluated for the induction of systemic resistance in host plants against a highly pathogenic strain of F. oxysporum f. sp. ciceri causing wilt of chickpea (Cicer arietinum). Two bioassays – a modified split‐root system and whole‐plant method – were conducted separately, in which the pathogen and three nonpathogenic Fusarium isolates were not in direct contact. All the three nonpathogenic isolates induced systemic resistance in chickpea, which was evident from the significantly reduced wilt incidence after 30–60 days of pathogen inoculations. Isolate Fo52 which was a local isolate from India and Fo47 from France were equally effective in controlling wilt incidence and can be used as biocontrol agents against chickpea wilt.
Application of the Glutaraldehyde Test in Cattle
Authors: Metzner M. , Horber J. , Rademacher G. , Klee W.
Published: October 2007

In a cohort study involving 62 cows from an experimental farm, the kinetics of the glutaraldehyde test (GAT) according to Sandholm (1974) was examined by testing samples of EDTA blood, lithium heparinate blood, serum, and plasma taken at various intervals. Total protein was measured in serum, and fibrinogen was determined in plasma. Gamma globulin was measured by electrophoresis. All glutaraldehyde tests were performed in duplicates, and the relation of the two results was used as measurement of precision. Optimal cut‐off of the GAT time was determined as the zenith of the sum of sensitivity and specificity of various intervals for detecting combinations of gamma globulin and fibrinogen levels above 32 g/l. Precision was the best in EDTA blood. The relation between coagulation time and gamma globulin plus fibrinogen is best described by an exponential curve. The maximum value for the sum of sensitivity and specificity was found at 7 and 8 min. Seven days was the shortest interval observed between a negative test result (>15 min) and a strongly positive test result (<3 min). Twenty‐one days was the shortest interval observed between a strongly positive test result and a negative test result. EDTA blood should be used for the GAT. A cut‐off of 8 min yields the highest efficiency. Test results must be viewed in light of clinical findings.
Evaluation of Serum Osteocalcin and CTX‐I in Ardenner Horses with Special Reference to Juvenile Interphalangeal Joint Disease
Authors: Pastoret V. , Carstanjen B. , Lejeune J.‐P. , Farnir F. , Remy B. , Reginster J.‐Y. , Serteyn D. , Gabriel A.
Published: October 2007

The first aim of this study was to establish a profile of age‐related normal serum concentrations of osteocalcin (OC) in Ardenner horses. For this first part, blood samples from 49 healthy Ardenner horses were collected. The second aim was to study two biochemical markers of bone metabolism, OC and a carboxy‐terminal cross‐linking telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX‐I), in 30 young Ardenner horses during 1 year. Amongst them, 17 showed lesions of juvenile degenerative joint disease in the distal forelimbs. A specific radioimmunoassay for equine OC was used to measure the serum concentration of the marker. The serum concentration of CTX‐I was measured using a commercially available human assay validated for use in the horse. The effect of age, sex, season and health status (with or without lesions) was assessed. Levels of OC fall between birth and the adult stage: this decrease being most marked between birth and 1 year of age. This age‐related decrease of OC was confirmed in the 30 young Ardenner horses, but CTX‐I levels remained constant in this group. The Levels of the two markers changed significantly with the season with higher concentrations during the winter. No significant difference was shown either between the two sexes or between the two health statuses.
Melanosis in a Holstein Heifer
Authors: Oruç E.
Published: October 2007

A case of Melanosis in a Holstein heifer is described in this report. Many of the visceral organs, diaphragm and skeletal muscles have got dark‐brown to black and diffuse pigmentation in different diameters on their surfaces and cuts. Microscopically, brown to black coloured pigment containing cells were detected in the heart, lung, liver, spleen and muscle tissues. After depigmentation process, it was seen that the normal histological structure of the organ disappeared in these pigmented region. There were large, vesicular and macrophage‐like cells with small nuclei. In immunohistochemical staining, HMB45 was strongly positive in many tissues.
Minipigs and Potbellied Pigs as Pets in the Veterinary Practice – A Retrospective Study
Authors: Sipos W. , Schmoll F. , Stumpf I.
Published: October 2007

Minipigs have become popular pets in recent years. Therefore, an increasing number of veterinarians are being challenged by specific problems of these animals. This retrospective study gives an overview on the diagnoses and therapeutic interventions of the patients submitted to the clinic for swine at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna during the last 6 years (n = 48). Most frequently, colic symptoms of the gastro‐intestinal tract (n = 12) and orthopaedic locomotion disorders (n = 10), mainly due to accidents or long claws, could be observed, followed by urogenital tract and skin disorders (n = 4 each). Therapeutic interventions are discussed with regard to medical aspects as well as statutory provisions.
Partial Antagonization of Midazolam‐Medetomidine‐Ketamine in Cats – Atipamezole versus combined Atipamezole and Flumazenil
Authors: Ebner J. , Wehr U. , Baumgartner C. , Erhardt W. , Henke J.
Published: October 2007

Two different methods, administered both subcutaneously and intravenously, to reverse intramuscular midazolam‐medetomidine‐ketamine, are evaluated. Eighteen cats were anaesthetized twice each 5 min after premedication with atropine 0.04 mg/kg using midazolam 0.5 mg/kg, medetomidine 0.02 mg/kg and ketamine 2.0 mg/kg intramuscularly in one syringe. Because this study was conducted in co‐operation with a dental prophylaxis project, cats had to be immobilized for approximately 1 h. Therefore, anaesthesia was prolonged with propofol to effect, if necessary. After 68 ± 11 min on average, immobilization was partially reversed by either atipamezole 0.05 mg/kg subcutaneously (group A/SC,n = 7) or intravenously (group A/IV,n = 10), or by atipamezole 0.05 mg/kg and flumazenil 0.05 mg/kg subcutaneously (group AF/SC,n = 10) or intravenously (group AF/IV,n = 9), respectively. These four groups were additionally compared with a non‐reversed group. Recovery time and total time of immobilization (until cats regained a standing position) were not significantly shortened using the antagonists. However, unconsciousness and sedation (expressed through parameters like the time taken to head lifting, crawling, sitting and the return of righting reflex) were significantly shortened by the antagonists, especially if administered intravenously. Abnormal behaviour, such as vocalization, licking, hyperaesthesia, restlessness or salivation, was observed in all groups. However, excitation and hyperaesthesia were not observed in group AF/IV, whereas in this group only intensified salivation occurred. The addition of flumazenil showed no significant difference to atipamezole alone, but subcutaneous administration of atipamezole alone was not sufficient in the dosage used to show an advantage compared to non‐reversed cats.
Use of Quantitative Analysis as a Method for Differentiation between Canine Cutaneous Apocrine Adenomas and Apocrine Carcinomas on Cytological Smears
Authors: Simeonov R. S. , Simeonova G. P.
Published: October 2007

Eight canine cutaneous adenomas and eight canine cutaneous carcinomas were analysed by computer‐assisted nuclear morphometry in Hemacolor‐stained cytological specimens. In each case, the nuclei of at least 100 neoplastic cells were measured, and the mean nuclear area (MNA), mean nuclear perimeter (MNP), mean nuclear diameter (MND) and nuclear roundness (NR) were calculated. The results indicated an increase in the mean values of investigated parameters from canine cutaneous apocrine adenomas (MNA, 75.65 ± 2.22; MNP, 31.05 ± 0.55; MND, 9.62 ± 0.14; NR, 1.10 ± 0.009) to canine cutaneous apocrine carcinomas (MNA, 88.78 ± 11.29; MNP, 34.38 ± 2.43; MND, 10.43 ± 0.76; NR, 1.21 ± 0.07). The statistical analysis revealed statistically significant differences between benign and malignant neoplastic cells (P < 0.01). The statistical differences between investigated parameters (P < 0.01) were also found between the metastasizing apocrine carcinomas and all other examined carcinomas. The results indicated that the computerized morphometry could be used as an effective auxiliary tool for differential diagnosis between canine cutaneous adenomas and carcinomas on cytological smears.
Evaluation of Haematological, Biochemical and Histopathological Parameters of Transgenic Rabbits
Authors: Jurcik R. , Suvegova K. , Hanusova E. , Massanyi P. , Ryban L. , Chrenek P.
Published: October 2007

The aim of our study was to compare the hFVIII mRNA expression in different organs, pathological changes and selected haematological and biochemical blood parameters between transgenic and non‐transgenic rabbits from F3 generation. Selected physiological parameters of 3‐ to 4‐month‐old transgenic rabbits from F3 generation carrying human factor VIII gene (hFVIII) were analysed and compared with those of non‐transgenic ones. Before slaughtering, the blood for haematological and biochemical analysis was taken from the central ear artery. Pathological and histological examination of vital organs and RT‐PCR analysis of several tissue organs of transgenic and non‐transgenic animals were performed after slaughtering. Except for the mammary gland tissue, slight hfVIII mRNA expression in the spleen, lung and brain and none expression in the liver, kidney, skeletal muscle and heart of rabbits were recorded. pathological examination of vital organs showed some pathological changes in both transgenic and non‐transgenic rabbits which were confirmed by histological qualitative evaluations. Statistically significant lower values of blood haemoglobin in blood of transgenic (11.86 ± 0.86) animals compared with non‐transgenic (12.41 ± 1.02, P < 0.05) ones and lower parameters of HCT (39.22 ± 2.44 versus 40.89 ± 2.26, P < 0.01) in blood of transgenic rabbits were observed. Parameters of WBC, RBC and PLT showed no significant differences between the analysed groups. All biochemical serum parameters of transgenic rabbits were higher in comparison with non‐transgenic ones. Significant differences were found in the concentration of the urea, AST and GMT between transgenic and non‐transgenic animals (P < 0.001) and in the total protein content, the difference was significant at P < 0.05. In conclusion, our results showed that no considerable impact on the general health was found in transgenic rabbits.
Polymorphic Microsatellite Markers for Genetic Analysis of Collagen Genes in Suspected Collagenopathies in Dogs
Authors: Temwichitr J. , Hazewinkel H. A. W. , Van Hagen M. A. , Leegwater P. A. J.
Published: October 2007

Defects in collagen proteins cause a variety of disorders in humans. It can be expected that collagen gene mutations are involved in collagenopathies in dogs. The collagen genes COL3A1, COL5A1, COL5A2, COL6A1, COL6A3, COL9A1, COL9A2, COL9A3, COL10A1 and COL11A1 were identified on the canine genome based on the homology with the human genes. Simple sequence repeats (microsatellites) were found in the chromosomal regions of these genes and investigated for polymorphism in Labrador Retrievers, Bernese Mountain dogs, Boxer dogs and German Shepherd dogs by PCR and subsequent detection of the DNA products. Nine informative microsatellite markers were identified. The markers closely situated to COL9A1, COL9A2 and COL9A3 were used to investigate the involvement of the genes in cranial cruciate ligament rupture in Boxer dogs. It was found that these genes are probably not involved in this abnormality. The markers described here will be useful for a candidate gene approach of suspected collagenopathies specific to dog breeds.
Normal Values and Incidence of Cardiorespiratory Complications in Dogs During General Anaesthesia. A Review of 1281 Cases
Authors: Redondo J. I. , Rubio M. , Soler G. , Serra I. , Soler C. , Gómez‐Villamandos R. J.
Published: October 2007

This paper describes the cardiorespiratory variables and the incidence of anaesthetic complications in dogs. For this, a retrospective study of 1281 anaesthesias was performed. Heart rate (HR), non‐invasive mean arterial (MAP), systolic (SP) and diastolic pressures (DP), invasive mean arterial (IMAP), systolic (ISP) and diastolic pressures (IDP), central venous pressure (CVP), respiratory rate (RR), tidal volume (VT), minute volume (VM), end‐tidal CO2(EtCO2), arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2), temperature (T) and death are reported. Data were described both globally and separately for each ASA (American Society of Anaesthesiologists classification) status. Ananovaand a Tukey’s test were used for comparing the different ASA status’ values (α = 0.05). During anaesthetic maintenance, the mean ± SD of the studied variables were: HR: 91 ± 27 bpm. MAP: 86 ± 24 mmHg. IMAP: 80 ± 22 mmHg. SP: 114 ± 25 mmHg. ISP: 109 ± 26 mmHg. DP: 67 ± 23 mmHg. IDP: 66 ± 22 mmHg. CVP: 5 ±3 mmHg. RR: 19 ± 11 rpm. VT: 14 ± 7 ml/kg. VM: 191 ± 93 ml/kg/min. EtCO2: 40 ± 8 mmHg. T: 37.1 ± 1.7°C. ASA III and ASA IV patients, compared with those with ASA I, showed higher values of HR, RR, VTand VMand lower in IMAP, CVP, EtCO2, SpO2and T. The most frequent complications were bradycardia (36.3% of the patients), hypotension (37.9%), hypoventilation (63.4%), hypoxia (16.4%), hypothermia (4.8%) and death (0.9%). Cardiorespiratory complications frequently occur in dogs during general anaesthesia.
Ultrasonographic Characteristics of Abdominal and Thoracic Abscesses in Cattle and Buffaloes
Authors: Mohamed T. , Oikawa S.
Published: October 2007

Six cows and five buffaloes with abdominal and thoracic abscesses were examined clinically and ultrasonographically. There was a wide range of clinical signs and at least 50% of the animals exhibited dull demeanour, anorexia, abdominal pain, recurrent tympany and/or weight loss. Three cases of abdominal abscesses were imaged in the left ventral abdomen between the rumen and abdominal wall, two cases were imaged at the xiphoid cartilage near the reticular wall and one case was imaged on the right ventral abdomen between the jejunum and right abdominal wall. Four cases of thoracic abscesses were imaged in the third intercostal space on the left side; however, one case of abscess was imaged in the fourth intercostal space, also on the left side. The content of the abscess was echogenic in eight animals and anechoic in three. In three animals, the content of the abscess was partitioned by echogenic septae. In two cows, the echogenic content of the abscess was surrounded by a narrow rim of anechoic fluid. The diameters of the abscesses were 5–10 cm in three cows, 11–15 cm in seven cows and >15 cm in one cow. In every case, the diagnosis was confirmed by centesis and aspiration of the abscess, which yielded purulent material. There were biochemical data of hypoalbuminaemia and hyperglobulinaemia and 90% of tested animals had neutrophilia. Five cows were examined at slaughter, where the ultrasonographic diagnosis was confirmed.
Developmental Changes of Protein Profiles in the Embryonic Sanhuang Chicken Liver
Authors: Jianzhen H. , Haitian M. , Liming Y. , Sixiang Z.
Published: October 2007

Understanding embryonic liver development bears the potential to provide important insights into treatments and preventative strategies for paediatric liver disease. Using Sanhuang (SH) chicken as a model system, we sought to identify the proteomic changes associated with embryonic liver development using differential display of proteins with two‐dimensional (2‐D) polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization–time of flight (MALDI‐TOF) mass spectrometry analysis. Embryonic livers from 200 SH chicken embryos were isolated on days 9, 14 and 19 during incubation and also immediately after hatching. Six hundred and two protein spots were displayed on 2‐D gels stained with colloidal Coomassie brilliant blue, of which, 25 protein spots were found to have changes up to threefold in abundance during development. We identified these spots using MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry and found 23 of 25 proteins to be associated with carbohydrate metabolism, cell division, lipid metabolism and signal transduction. Our results provide insight into the biochemical events taking place during the development of SH chicken embryonic liver and highlight the value of proteomics in characterizing complex biochemical processes. Furthermore, the proteome maps may facilitate future studies addressing the effects of genetic and environmental factors and related studies on the development and quality of chicken embryonic liver.
Determination of the Depth of Excision Using a Dermatome (Aesculap®) to Export all Hair Follicle Bulbs from a Donor Site in the Dog
Authors: Pin D. , Cachon T. , Carozzo C.
Published: October 2007

The aim of the study was to determine the depth of excision using a dermatome to excise all hair follicle bulbs from the donor site. Partial‐thickness skin samples of different depth, ranging from 0.4 to 1 mm, were excised using a dermatome (Aesculap®) from the dorsal aspect of the trunk of the dog. Biopsies, using a 6‐mm biopsy punch, were performed in the centre of each donor site and excised sample. They were processed routinely for histological examination and the aspect of the hair follicles was observed. Split‐thickness skin grafts of ≥0.7 mm deep performed with a dermatome contain the entire hair follicle.
Diagnostic labelling of autism spectrum disorders in NSW
Authors: Williams Katrina , Tuck Marshall , Helmer Megan , Bartak Lawrence , Mellis Craig , Peat Jennifer K ,   the Autism Spectrum Disorder Steering Group
Published: October 2007

Aim:  To describe the use of diagnostic labels by clinicians for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and calculate the label‐specific and overall agreement between diagnostic labels and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – Fourth Edition (DSM‐IV) diagnoses provided by the same clinician.

Methods:  State‐wide active surveillance was used to ascertain children newly recognised with one or more DSM‐IV criteria for autistic disorder aged 0–15 years (incident cases) in New South Wales (NSW) between July 1999 and December 2000. Clinicians were asked to supply a diagnostic label and then complete DSM‐IV criteria for each child reported.

Results:  Questionnaires with diagnostic label and DSM‐IV criteria were returned for 348 children. The agreement between labels used and diagnosis based on DSM‐IV classification system was the highest for autism (97%) and lower for labels of Asperger disorder, pervasive developmental disorder – not otherwise specified or atypical autism (27%). Kappa overall agreement was 0.31. Level of agreement between label and DSM‐IV diagnosis was similar for questionnaires completed by multidisciplinary teams, psychiatrists, paediatricians and psychologists working as part of a team.

Conclusion:  A lack of agreement between the diagnostic labelling used by clinicians and diagnosis based on DSM‐IV criteria indicates a lack of consistency in diagnostic communication that is necessary to provide best clinical care, appropriate services and relevant information to parents and carers.
OPTIMIZING THE APPROACH TO PATIENTS WITH POTENTIALLY RESECTABLE LIVER METASTASES FROM COLORECTAL CANCER
Authors: Lim Elgene , Thomson Benjamin N. J. , Heinze Stefan , Chao Michael , Gunawardana Dishan , Gibbs Peter
Published: October 2007

Liver metastases are a common event in colorectal carcinoma. Significant advances have been made in managing these patients in the last decade, including improvements in staging and surgical techniques, an increasing armamentarium of chemotherapeutics and multiple local ablative techniques. While combination chemotherapy significantly improves median patient survival, surgical resection provides the only prospect of cure and is the focus of this review. Interpretation of published work in this field is challenging, particularly as there is no consensus to what is resectable disease. Of particular interest recently has been the use of neoadjuvant treatment for downstaging and downsizing disease in patients with initially unresectable liver metastases, in the hope of response leading to potentially curative surgery. This review summarizes the recent developments and consensus guidelines in the areas of staging, chemotherapy, local ablative techniques, radiation therapy and surgery, emphasizing the multidisciplinary approach to this disease and ongoing controversies in this field and examines the changing paradigms in the management of colorectal hepatic metastases.
LAPAROSCOPIC HEPATECTOMY, A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: Laurence Jerome M. , Lam Vincent W. T. , Langcake Mary E. , Hollands Michael J. , Crawford Michael D. , Pleass Henry C. C.
Published: October 2007

This systematic review was undertaken to assess the published evidence for the safety, feasibility and reproducibility of laparoscopic liver resection. A computerized search of the Medline and Embase databases identified 28 non‐duplicated studies including 703 patients in whom laparoscopic hepatectomy was attempted. Pooled data were examined for information on the patients, lesions, complications and outcome. The most common procedures were wedge resection (35.1%), segmentectomy (21.7%) and left lateral segmentectomy (20.9%). Formal right hepatectomy constituted less than 4% of the reported resections. The conversion and complication rates were 8.1% and 17.6%, respectively. The mortality rate over all these studies was 0.8% and the median (range) hospital stay 7.8 days (2–15.3 days). Eight case–control studies were analysed and although some identified significant reductions in‐hospital stay, time to first ambulation after surgery and blood loss, none showed a reduction in complication or mortality rate for laparoscopically carried out resections. It is clear that certain types of laparoscopic resection are feasible and safe when carried out by appropriately skilled surgeons. Further work is needed to determine whether these conclusions can be generalized to include formal right hepatectomy.
FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMES FOLLOWING TOTAL LARYNGOPHARYNGECTOMY
Authors: Iseli Tim A. , Agar Nicholas J. M. , Dunemann Catherine , Lyons Bernard M.
Published: October 2007

Background:  Despite increasing use of laryngeal preserving protocols, laryngopharyngectomy remains the gold standard treatment for locally advanced hypopharyngeal and upper oesophageal tumours and for salvage following failed chemoradiotherapy. Nevertheless, improved perioperative medical care and experience in reconstruction have reduced mortality and improved functional outcomes.

Methods:  All patients undergoing total laryngopharyngectomy between July 2001 and July 2006 were prospectively recorded in a head and neck database. Demographics and functional outcomes were recorded.

Results:  Eighteen patients underwent laryngopharyngectomies with 5 having failed chemoradiotherapy and 13 presented with locally advanced tumours. Patients were reconstructed using free jejunal interposition if the lower anastomosis was in the neck (50%). They developed early fistulas (33%), late strictures (33%) and 44% spoke with a tracheo‐oesophageal puncture, the rest with an electrolarynx. If the lower anastomosis was below the manubrium, patients required a gastric pull‐up (38.9%). Gastric pull‐up patients had fewer fistulas but more number of chest complications. More gastric pull‐up patients tolerated solid diet and 43% managed oesophageal speech, the remainder using an electrolarynx. Overall, 88.9% of jejunums and 100% of gastric pull‐ups tolerated oral alimentation and 100% used verbal communication. During a mean follow up of 34 months, 7 patients (38.9%) died; four patients died of local recurrence, two of distant metastases and one of unrelated causes.

Conclusion:  Surgical treatment of neoplasms of the hypopharynx and cervical oesophagus is technically demanding and involves careful postoperative care to manage complications. Despite having a poor tumour‐related prognosis, laryngopharyngectomy may be carried out in selected patients with low mortality and acceptable functional and survival results.
PATHOLOGY REPORTING OF RESECTED COLORECTAL CANCERS IN NEW SOUTH WALES IN 2000
Authors: Chapuis Pierre H. , Chan Charles , Lin Betty P. C. , Armstrong Katie , Armstrong Bruce , Spigelman Allan D. , O’Connell Dianne , Leong David , Dent Owen F.
Published: October 2007

Background:  The aim of this study was to determine the extent to which pathology reporting of colorectal cancers notified to the New South Wales Central Cancer Registry during 2000 conformed to guidelines promulgated by the National Health and Medical Research Council.

Methods:  De‐identified reports for 2233 resected specimens of primary invasive colorectal carcinoma were coded according to a standardized system to compile information on 28 clinical and pathology features. An overall score for each report was calculated by computing the number out of 13 essential features specified in the guidelines for which data had been recorded explicitly and unambiguously in the report.

Results:  The overall score ranged from 3 to 13 features with a mean of 9. No more than 7 features were reported explicitly in just less than one quarter of the reports and no more than 10 in three quarters. There were only 110 reports (4.9%) that included all features. Information on direct spread and nodal metastasis was well reported; resection margins less so. Many reports lacked information on metastases beyond the operative field, the involvement of deep or circumferential resection margins and tumour stage.

Conclusion:  In some respects pathology reports of resected colorectal cancer specimens displayed a high level of completeness. Some important features, however, were poorly described. Reporting could be improved if surgeons were to use a standardized form to convey clinical information to the pathologist and if pathologists were to report in a structured or synoptic format, explicitly recording the presence or absence of each feature in a standard list.
FRACTIONAL LENGTHENING OF FOREARM EXTENSORS FOR RESISTANT LATERAL EPICONDYLITIS
Authors: Wang Allan W. , Erak Sani
Published: October 2007

Background:  This study presents the surgical technique of fractional lengthening of extensor carpi radialis brevis, extensor digitorum communis and the superficial head of supinator, for chronic lateral epicondylitis. The anatomical basis for this surgical approach is reviewed. The results of surgical treatment in a consecutive series of patients with severe chronic lateral epicondylitis are reviewed.

Methods:  Twenty‐one elbows in 17 subjects underwent surgery. All elbows had severe resistant symptoms, unresponsive to a minimum 6 months (mean 14 months) of a non‐operative treatment protocol. All elbows showed either tendonopathy or a partial tear in the common extensor tendon origin at preoperative imaging.

Results:  All subjects were examined at a minimum of 1 year after surgery. The mean visual analogue pain (VAS) score reduced from 7.6 (maximum 10) preoperatively to 1.3 postoperatively (P < 0.01). The mean preoperative ability to carry out normal work duties reduced from 4.3 (maximum 5) preoperatively to 1.5 postoperatively (P < 0.01). Grip strength improved or remained equivalent following surgery. The mean VAS for patient satisfaction with surgery was 8.8 (maximum score 10). Using the Roles and Maudsley classification, 14 patients (82%) were rated good or excellent. Three subjects were rated fair or poor, were undergoing treatment for other pathology in the ipsilateral extremity and had ongoing compensation claims.

Conclusion:  Fractional lengthening of forearm extensors is effective treatment for severe and chronic lateral epicondylitis. Outcomes following fractional lengthening surgery are less predictable when other pathology in the upper extremity requires concomitant treatment.
THE IMPACT OF SYNOPTIC CYTOLOGY REPORTING ON FINE‐NEEDLE ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY OF THYROID NODULES
Authors: Tsan Cyril J. L. , Serpell Jonathan W. , Poh Yeo Y.
Published: October 2007

Background:  Fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is integral to the diagnosis and management of patients with thyroid nodules. We introduced synoptic cytology reporting for thyroid nodules in 2004. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of synoptic cytology reporting in our institution.

Methods:  A comparative study of two 2‐year periods (1 August 2002 to 1 August 2004 and 2 August 2004 to 2 August 2006) before and after the introduction of synoptic reporting was conducted from a prospectively collected database of patients presented with thyroid nodules. The only change during these periods was the format of FNAC reporting. We used the same radiological practice and cytopathology service throughout the study period. All patients are still being followed up.

Results:  There were a total of 660 patients. Of these, 376 were operated and 284 non‐operated. The female to male ratio was 7:1. Comparing the two periods, the overall FNAC sensitivities were 60% versus 79.1%; specificities, 83.7% versus 79.4%; accuracy, 76% versus 79.3%; false‐positive result, 16.3% versus 20.6% and false‐negative result, 40% versus 20.9%. The non‐diagnostic rates were 7.4% versus 3.15%. FNAC prompted surgery in 66.7% versus 100% in carcinoma and 56.4% versus 73.6% in adenoma. A benign FNAC prompted surgery in 15% versus 19.8% of cases. There was no thyroid cancer detected in the current follow up.

Conclusions:  Synoptic cytology reporting has resulted in an overall improvement in all measures of the tests. It is a simple and effective tool to use. Synoptic cytology reporting is therefore recommended for all endocrine surgical units.
COLORECTAL CANCER MANAGEMENT IN THE PROVINCIAL NEW ZEALAND SETTING OF NELSON
Authors: O’Grady Gregory , Secker Adrian
Published: October 2007

Background:  Colorectal cancer surgery, and rectal surgery in particular, has benefited from increased regionalization and subspecialization. With increasing focus on dedicated colorectal units in tertiary centres, the role of smaller provincial hospitals in colorectal cancer surgery has been of topical interest. Little data of relevance to this issue are available from provincial centres in New Zealand. The present study determines the workload and outcomes of a general surgeon with a colorectal subspecialty interest operating in the provincial New Zealand setting of Nelson.

Methods:  A retrospective review of consecutive case notes was conducted for the period January 2000 to December 2004, including all colorectal cancer patients managed by the relevant surgeon. The complete management pathway was evaluated.

Results:  One hundred and fifty colorectal cancers were managed; 133 operations were conducted, including 41 anterior resections and 13 abdominoperineal (AP) resections. Of these operations, 91% were scheduled and 9% were emergencies. The postoperative mortality rate was 0.8% and unplanned return‐to‐theatre rate 3.1%. Anastomotic leak occurred in 4.6%, all after anterior resection (anterior resection rate: 12.2%). Two were ‘major’ leaks, requiring return to theatre. The local recurrence rate following anterior resection was 7.3% at a median follow‐up duration of 31 months.

Conclusions:  Incidence is such that high‐volume colorectal surgery is possible even in a smaller New Zealand province. Surgical practice and outcomes withstood comparison to published results – a broad general surgical case mix and low‐volume hospital environment were not significant barriers to quality of colorectal care. Provincial colorectal cancer management remains an important resource for patients living outside major New Zealand centres.
Residual stress influence on fatigue lifetimes of electroplated AISI 4340 high strength steel
Authors: VOORWALD H. J. C. , ROCHA P. C. F. , CIOFFI M. O. H. , COSTA M. Y. P.
Published: October 2007

Residual stresses play an important role in the fatigue lives of structural engineering components. In the case of near surface tensile residual stresses, the initiation and propagation phases of fatigue process are accelerated; on the other hand, compressive residual stresses close to the surface may increase fatigue life. In both decorative and functional applications, chromium electroplating results in excellent wear and corrosion resistance. However, it is well known that it reduces the fatigue strength of a component. This is due to high tensile internal stresses and microcrack density. Efforts to improve hard chromium properties have increased in recent years. In this study, the effect of a nickel layer sulphamate process, as simple layer and interlayer, on fatigue strength of hard chromium electroplated AISI 4340 steel hardness – HRc 53, was analysed. The analysis was performed by rotating bending fatigue tests on AISI 4340 steel specimens with the following experimental groups: base material, hard chromium electroplated, sulphamate nickel electroplated, sulphamate nickel interlayer on hard chromium electroplated and electroless nickel interlayer on hard chromium electroplated. Results showed a decrease in fatigue strength in coated specimens and that both nickel plating interlayers were responsible for the increase in fatigue life of AISI 4340 chromium electroplated steel. The shot peening pre‐treatment was efficient in reducing fatigue loss in the alternatives studied.
Support‐induced restraint effect of thin‐walled tube in a steam generator subjected to combined pressure and bending load
Authors: KIM H.‐S. , JIN T.‐E. , CHANG Y.‐S. , KIM Y.‐J. , CHUNG H.‐S.
Published: October 2007

The restraint effects of support plates on limit load (LL) are evaluated for thin‐walled tubes subjected to combined internal pressure and bending loads. To achieve this goal, three‐dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) analyses assuming elastic‐perfectly plastic material behaviour are carried out for tubes with various sizes of circumferential cracks. Two crack locations, both the top of the tube sheet (TTS) and transition regions, where circumferential cracks have been found in many steam generators during operation, are considered. FE analysis results show that LLs for the circumferential cracks are significantly affected by the boundary conditions of the tube and that the resulting LL solutions can be simply applied to the practical integrity assessment of steam generator tubes, because the comparison between experimental data and FE analysis results shows a good agreement.
Strength recovery of machined Al2O3/SiC composite ceramics by crack healing
Authors: ONO M. , NAKAO W. , TAKAHASHI K. , ANDO K.
Published: October 2007

Alumina is used in various fields as a machine component. However, it has a low fracture toughness, which is a weakness. Thus, countless cracks may be initiated randomly by machining, and these cracks decrease the component's mechanical properties and reliability. To overcome this problem, a crack‐healing ability could be a very useful technology.

In this study, Al2O3/SiC composite was sintered. This alumina exhibits excellent crack‐healing ability. Small specimens for a bending test were made from the Al2O3/SiC. A semicircular groove was machined using a diamond ball‐drill. The machining reduced the local fracture stress from approximately 820–300 MPa. The machined specimens were crack‐healed under various conditions. The fracture stress of these specimens after crack healing was evaluated systematically from room temperature (RT) to 1573 K. It was found that the local fracture stress of the machined specimen recovered almost completely after crack healing. Therefore, it was concluded that crack healing could be an effective method for improving the structural integrity of machined alumina and reducing machining costs.
Distinct contributions of frontal areas to emotion and social behaviour in the rat
Authors: Rudebeck Peter H. , Walton Mark E. , Millette Benjamin H. P. , Shirley Elizabeth , Rushworth Matthew F. S. , Bannerman David M.
Published: October 2007

Although the lesions of patients with impaired social behaviour encompass both orbitofrontal and anterior cingulate cortex (OFC and ACC), attempts to model such impairments in animals have focused on the OFC. However, recent neuroimaging attempts to identify the neural correlates of social interaction have emphasized the relative importance of ACC. Here we report the effect of circumscribed excitotoxic lesions of either OFC or ACC on ethological, unconditioned tests of emotion and social behaviour in the Lister hooded rat. OFC lesions altered emotional responsiveness to stimuli in non‐social, fear‐inducing situations (hyponeophagia test), and produced a small but statistically significant increase in aggression to other rats, but did not compromise other aspects of social interaction and appraisal. ACC lesions did, however, affect the utilization of social information. Specifically, ACC lesions diminished interest in other individuals and caused a relative reduction in memory for social stimuli. Whereas normal animals habituated to repeated presentations of the same individual, the poor performance of ACC animals entailed continued higher levels of responsiveness to repeated presentations of the same individual. The ACC impairment cannot simply be attributed to a general reduction in arousal, or a general impairment in recognition memory. Neither lesion affected anxiety per se (successive alleys test). Further analyses were conducted to investigate whether the changes in aggressive and social behaviour were related to different aspects of decision‐making. Although the relationship between changes in social interaction and decision‐making after ACC lesions is unclear, OFC impairments in emotionality were correlated with increased impulsive choice.