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Proximal End (proximal + end)
Selected AbstractsDynamic compartmentalization of protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor Q at the proximal end of stereocilia: Implication of myosin VI-based transportCYTOSKELETON, Issue 7 2008Hirofumi Sakaguchi Abstract Hair cell stereocilia are apical membrane protrusions filled with uniformly polarized actin filament bundles. Protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor Q (PTPRQ), a membrane protein with extracellular fibronectin repeats has been shown to localize at the stereocilia base and the apical hair cell surface, and to be essential for stereocilia integrity. We analyzed the distribution of PTPRQ and a possible mechanism for its compartmentalization. Using immunofluorescence we demonstrate that PTPRQ is compartmentalized at the stereocilia base with a decaying gradient from base to apex. This distribution can be explained by a model of transport directed toward the stereocilia base, which counteracts diffusion of the molecules. By mathematical analysis, we show that this counter transport is consistent with the minus end-directed movement of myosin VI along the stereocilia actin filaments. Myosin VI is localized at the stereocilia base, and exogenously expressed myosin VI and PTPRQ colocalize in the perinuclear endosomes in COS-7 cells. In myosin VI-deficient mice, PTPRQ is distributed along the entire stereocilia. PTPRQ-deficient mice show a pattern of stereocilia disruption that is similar to that reported in myosin VI-deficient mice, where the predominant features are loss of tapered base, and fusion of adjacent stereocilia. Thin section and freeze-etching electron microscopy showed that localization of PTPRQ coincides with the presence of a dense cell surface coat. Our results suggest that PTPRQ and myosin VI form a complex that dynamically maintains the organization of the cell surface coat at the stereocilia base and helps maintain the structure of the overall stereocilia bundle. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2008. Published 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] ENDOSCOPIC DEFINITION OF ESOPHAGOGASTRIC JUNCTION FOR DIAGNOSIS OF BARRETT'S ESOPHAGUS: IMPORTANCE OF SYSTEMATIC EDUCATION AND TRAININGDIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY, Issue 4 2009Norihisa Ishimura The diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus (BE) requires an accurate recognition of the columnar-lined esophagus at endoscopy. However, a universally accepted standardized endoscopic grading system of BE was lacking prior to the development of the Prague ,circumferential and maximal' criteria. In this system, the landmark for the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) is the proximal end of the gastric folds, not the distal end of the palisade vessels, which are used to endoscopically identify the EGJ in Japan. Although the circumferential and maximal criteria are clinically relevant, an important shortcoming of this system may be failure to identify short-segment BE, a lesion that is found frequently in the Japanese. To compare the diagnostic yield for BE when using the palisade vessels versus gastric folds as a landmark for the EGJ, we evaluated interobserver diagnostic concordance. The endoscopic identification of the EGJ using both landmarks resulted in unacceptably low kappa coefficients of reliability. However, there was a statistically significant improvement after the participants were thoroughly trained in identification of the EGJ during the endoscopic study. Although it remains controversial which landmark is better for the endoscopic diagnosis of BE, it is important to systematically educate and train endoscopists in order to improve diagnostic consistency in patients with BE. [source] A new endoscopic technique for suspension of esophageal prosthesis for refractory caustic esophageal stricturesDISEASES OF THE ESOPHAGUS, Issue 3 2008E. Ancona SUMMARY., There is no clear consensus concerning the best endoscopic treatment of benign refractory esophageal strictures due to caustic ingestion. Different procedures are currently used: frequent multiple dilations, retrievable self-expanding stent, nasogastric intubation and surgery. We describe a new technique to fix a suspended esophageal silicone prosthesis to the neck in benign esophageal strictures; this permits us to avoid the frequent risk of migration of the expandable metallic or plastic stents. Under general anesthesia a rigid esophagoscope was placed in the patient's hypopharynx. Using transillumination from the optical device, the patient's neck was pierced with a needle. A n.0 monofilament surgical wire was pushed into the needle, grasped by a standard foreign body forceps through the esophagoscope and pulled out of the mouth (as in percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy procedure). After tying the proximal end of the silicone prosthesis with the wire, it was placed through the strictures under endoscopic view. This procedure was successfully utilized in four patients suffering from benign refractory esophageal strictures due to caustic ingestion. The prosthesis and its suspension from the neck were well-tolerated until removal (mean duration 4 months). A postoperative transitory myositis was diagnosed in only one patient. One of the most frequent complications of esophageal prostheses in refractory esophageal strictures due to caustic ingestion is distal migration. Different solutions were proposed. For example the suspension of a wire coming from the nose and then fixed behind the ear. This solution is not considered optimal because of patient complaints and moreover the aesthetic aspect is compromised. The procedure we utilized in four patients utilized the setting of a silicone tube hanging from the neck in a way similar to that of endoscopic pharyngostomy. This solution is a valid alternative both for quality of life and for functional results. [source] SINE insertion polymorphism on the X chromosome differentiates Anopheles gambiae molecular formsINSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, Issue 4 2005M. J. Barnes Abstract Polymorphic SINE insertions can be useful markers for assessing population structure and differentiation. Maque is a family of SINE elements which, based on bioinformatic analysis, was suggested to have been active recently in Anopheles gambiae, the major vector of malaria. Here, we report the development of polymorphic Maque insertions as population genetic markers in A. gambiae, and the use of these markers to better characterize divergence on the X chromosome between A. gambiae M and S molecular forms in populations from Burkina Faso and Mali. Our data are consistent with the recent activity of Maque. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that at least two recently active lineages may have a role in mediating genome evolution. We found differences in element insertion frequency and sequence between the M and S populations analysed. Significant differentiation was observed between these two groups across a 6 Mb region at the proximal (centromeric) end of the X chromosome. Locus-specific FST values ranged from 0.14 to 1.00 in this region, yet were not significantly different from zero in more distal locations on the X chromosome; the trend was consistent in populations from both geographical locales suggesting that differentiation is not due to local adaptation. Strong differentiation between M and S at the proximal end of the X chromosome, but not outside this region, suggests the action of selection counteracting limited gene flow between these taxa and supports their characterization as incipient species. [source] Dynamic Analysis of Tendon Driven Robotic MechanismsJOURNAL OF FIELD ROBOTICS (FORMERLY JOURNAL OF ROBOTIC SYSTEMS), Issue 5 2003Jyh-Jone Lee In this paper, a systematic methodology for the dynamic analysis of tendon-driven robotic mechanisms is presented. The approach utilizes the recursive Newton-Euler equations to compute the kinematic and dynamic equations of all links that locate on the transmission line of a tendon-driven robotic mechanism. The inertias of the intermediate links in the mechanism are taken into account. It is shown that the dynamic equations can be established in a recursive manner from the end-effector links toward the proximal links and can be solved at the proximal end without the need of solving the simultaneous system equations. The joint reaction forces and the tension in each segment of tendon can be also obtained. The methodology can be applied to both endless and open-ended tendon drives. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] DOSE-DEPENDENT EFFECT OF LUMINAL BUTYRATE ON EPITHELIAL PROLIFERATION IN THE DISTAL COLON OF RATSJOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 2001S Sengupta Butyrate, a major product of bacterial fermentation of dietary fibre, is trophic to the colonic epithelium, when deprived of dietary fibre or faecal stream. However, the dose,response relationship of butyrate to this trophic effect is not known. The mechanism of this effect is still debated and how it relates to the antitumorigenic action of butyrate is unclear. Aim, To characterise the dose,response relationship of the effect of butyrate delivered topically to the distal colon on fibre-deprived atrophic colonic epithelium in rats. Methods, Sixty-four male Sprague,Dawley rats were maintained on a fibre-free AIN 93G diet for 3 weeks to induce mucosal atrophy in the colon. The rats then underwent laparotomy for colonic intubation, in which a polyethylene tube was positioned at the proximal end of the distal colon via a caecotomy. After recovering from surgery, they were randomly divided into five groups, which were given for 4 days twice daily infusions of 0.5 mL butyrate at doses of 0, 10, 20, 40 or 80 mm (at which complete reversal of atrophy has been previously observed). Prior to sacrifice, the rats were injected intraperitoneally with vincristine to induce mitotic arrest. Crypt column heights and mitotic arrests were quantified by light microscopy. Results, All treatment groups were healthy and stress-free. The mucosa of vehicle-infused rats was atrophic (mean 38 cells/crypt). Effects of twice daily infusions of butyrate were first observed on cell proliferation (number of mitotic arrests per crypt column) at 10 mm, and increased linearly to 80 mm. Crypt column height increased linearly from 20 mm to 80 mm, at which a mean of 45 cells/crypt were observed (the number usually observed in chow-fed healthy rats). The mitotic index (number of mitotic arrests per 100 crypt cells) also increased linearly from 10 mm. Conclusions, Butyrate's trophic effect showed a linear dose,dependent relationship. Although a maximal effect was not convincingly demonstrated, the results indicate that very small amounts of butyrate are required to affect epithelial proliferation. Since much higher luminal delivery is required to suppress tumorigenesis in this model, the mechanism by which butyrate exerts its trophic and antitumorigenic effects are likely to be different. [source] Towards development of a nonhuman primate model of carpal tunnel syndrome: Performance of a voluntary, repetitive pinching task induces median mononeuropathy in Macaca fascicularisJOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH, Issue 6 2007Carolyn M. Sommerich Abstract This study investigated changes in median sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) over several weeks of exposure to a voluntary, moderately forceful, repetitive pinching task performed for food rewards by a small sample of young adult female monkeys (Macaca fascicularis). SNCV, derived from peak latency, decreased significantly in the working hands of three of the four subjects. The overall decline in NCV was 25%,31% from baseline. There was no decrease in SNCV in the contralateral, nonworking hands. Several weeks after being removed from the task, SNCV returned to within 87%,100% of baseline. MRI showed enlargement of the affected nerves near the proximal end of the carpal tunnel, at the time of maximal SNCV slowing. This new animal model demonstrates a temporally unambiguous relationship between exposure to a moderately forceful, repetitive manual task and development of median mononeuropathy at the wrist, and recovery of SNCV following termination of task exposure. This study contributes to the pattern of evidence of a causal relationship between manual work, median mononeuropathy, and carpal tunnel syndrome in humans. In the future, this new animal model could be used to characterize dose,response relationships between risk factors and carpal tunnel syndrome. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 25: 713,724, 2007 [source] THE , SUBUNITS OF PHYCOERYTHRIN FROM A RED ALGA: POSITION IN PHYCOBILISOMES AND SEQUENCE CHARACTERIZATIONJOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY, Issue 1 2001Kirk E. Apt Aglaothamnion neglectum Feldman-Mazoyer has two , subunits, ,31 and ,33, that are associated with phycoerythrin in the light-harvesting phycobilisomes. We demonstrate that these subunits are spatially separated within the phycobilisome, with the ,31 subunit present at the distal end of phycobilisome rods and the ,33 subunit present on the proximal end. These subunits are thought to link phycoerythrin hexamers together in the rod substructure, serving a role analogous to that of linker polypeptides of cyanobacteria (although unlike the cyanobacterial linker polypeptides they are chromophorylated). The sequencing of tryptic polypeptides of the , subunits enabled us to prepare oligonucleotides encoding different regions of ,31. These oligonucleotides were used as primers to generate a probe for isolating a ,31 cDNA clone. Characterization of the cDNA clone predicts a polypeptide of 280 amino acids with a 42 amino acid presequence that is characteristic of a transit peptide, the peptide that targets proteins to chloroplasts of vascular plants. The ,31 subunit has 50% similarity to the previously characterized ,33 subunit but has no identifiable similarity to functionally related polypeptides present in cyanobacterial phycobilisomes or to any other polypeptides in the databases. A repeat of 95 amino acids is present in the red algal , subunit sequences, suggesting that these proteins were generated by a gene duplication followed by fusion of the duplicate sequences. [source] Fine structure and formation of the eggshell in scorpionfly Panorpa liui Hua (Mecoptera: Panorpidae)MICROSCOPY RESEARCH AND TECHNIQUE, Issue 7 2009Na Ma Abstract The morphology and formation of the eggshell in the scorpionfly Panorpa liui Hua were examined with light microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. During oogenesis of the scorpionfly, the follicle cells multiply by mitotic divisions and diversify into four morphologically distinct subpopulations, three of which are engaged in the eggshell formation and mold various parts of chorion. The eggshell consists of three layers: An inner vitelline membrane, an outer chorion, and a precursor extrachorion. The chorion constitutes a very compact endochorion, a rough fibrillar exochorion, and a polygonal meshwork of elevated ridges. At proximal end of ovarioles the chorion of matured oocyte is covered with a loose membrane, which might be the remnant of follicle cells. The jelly substance, which acts as lubricant to protect the oviducts and ovulated eggs during ovulation, might add to the top of polygonal ridges as the outermost extrachorion after oviposition. The eggshell formation process in Panorpa is tentatively proposed. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Reverse flow facial artery as recipient vessel for perforator flapsMICROSURGERY, Issue 6 2009D.D.S., Frank Hölzle M.D., Ph.D. In perforator flaps, anastomosis between flap and recipient vessels in the neck area is often difficult due to small vessel diameter and short pedicle. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the retrograde flow of the distal, paramandibular part of the facial artery would provide sufficient pressure and size to perfuse perforator flaps. Before and after occlusion of the contralateral facial artery, retrograde and anterograde arterial pressure was measured on both sides of the facial artery in 50 patients. The values were compared with the mean systemic arterial pressure. Diameters of facial arteries in the paramandibular region and perforator flap vessels were evaluated by morphometry. Arterial pressure in the distal facial artery with retrograde flow was 76% of the systemic arterial pressure. The latter equaled approximately the anterograde arterial pressure in the proximal end of the facial artery. Mean arterial pressure of the facial arteries decreased after proximal occlusion of the contralateral facial artery, which was not significant (P = 0.09). Mean diameter of the distal facial arteries in the mandibular region was 1.6 mm (range 1.3,2.2 mm; standard deviation 0.3 mm; n = 50), that of the perforator flap arteries 1.3 mm (0.9,2.6 mm; 0.4 mm; n = 20). Facial arteries, based on reverse flow, successfully supported all 20 perforator flaps. Retrograde pulsatile flow in the distal facial artery sustains perforator flaps even if the contralateral facial artery is occluded. Proximity of the distal facial arteries to the defect compensates for short pedicles. Matching diameters of the arteries are ideal for end-to-end anastomosis. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2009. [source] Simple Access to the Coronary Venous System for Left Ventricular PacingPACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 9 2003DANY E. SAYAD Implantation of the LV lead for biventricular pacing can be challenging, time consuming, and often requires extensive fluoroscopy time. A conventional diagnostic 5 Fr left Amplatz catheter was used to cannulate the coronary sinus in 15 consecutive patients undergoing implantation of a biventricular pacemaker. When the coronary sinus was cannulated, the proximal end of the Amplatz catheter was cut and the coronary sinus sheath was passed over the Amplatz catheter that was then removed. Coronary sinus cannulation was achieved in all 15 patients with a mean fluoroscopy time of3.34 ± 1.9 minutes. Subsequent implantation of a biventricular pacemaker was successful and free of complications in all the 15 patients. (PACE 2003; 26:1856,1858) [source] Pacemaker Lead Extraction with the Needle's Eye Snare for Countertraction via a Femoral ApproachPACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 7 2002DIDIER KLUG KLUG, D., et al.: Pacemaker Lead Extraction with the Needle's Eye Snare for Countertraction via a Femoral Approach. Femoral approach pacemaker lead extraction is described as a safe and efficacious procedure. When the lead can not be removed from its myocardial insertion, the "Needle's eye snare" has become available, and it allows a femoral approach traction associated with a countertraction . Between May 1998 and May 2000, 222 lead extraction procedures were performed in 99 patients using the femoral approach. This article reports the results of the 70 lead extractions requiring the use of the Needle's eye snare for femoral approach countertraction in 39 patients with a total of 82 leads. The indications were infection, accufix leads and lead dysfunction in 56, 1 and 6 leads, respectively. The age of the leads was 113 ± 56 months. Sixty-one (87.2%) leads were successfully extracted, the extraction was incomplete in 3 (4.3%) cases and failed in 6 (8.5%) cases. The failures were due to leads totally excluded from the venous flow for four leads, the impossibility of advancing the 16 Fr long sheath through the right and left iliac veins for one lead and one traction induced a nontolerated ventricular arrhythmia. In these cases, an extraction by a simple upper traction had been attempted in another center several months before. The complications included two deaths and one transient ischemia of the right inferior limb. Despite the selection of a series of leads for which an extraction by a simple traction on the proximal end of the lead was impossible or unsuccessful, femoral countertraction seems to be a safe and efficacious procedure. The failure of this technique occurred in patients with damaged leads due to a previous extraction procedure performed in centers with limited experience in lead extraction. [source] Systemic effect of Fructus Psoraleae extract on bone in micePHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 10 2010Ricky W. K. Wong Abstract Fructus Psoraleae extract is used in China for the treatment of bone diseases. The objective of the study was to investigate the systemic effect of Fructus Psoraleae extract consumption on bone histomorphology. Sixteen 8-week-old male BALB/c mice were divided into control and experimental groups. In the control group, eight mice were fed daily with distilled water. In the experimental group, eight mice were fed daily with distilled water mixed with Fructus Psoraleae extract. The mice were kept for 5 weeks and then killed. Using micro-computed tomography, 20 micro-tomographic slices with a separation of 0.25,mm were acquired to cover the proximal end of the left tibia of each mouse. Quantitative morphometry of the bone structure was performed. The results showed that consumption of Fructus Psoraleae extract significantly increased the bone volume/tissue volume ratio by 11.8%. The bone trabeculae increased by 7.1% in thickness so that the bone density was increased. To conclude, Fructus Psoraleae extract taken orally increases bone density and alters bone histomorphology. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Systemic effect of crude extract from rhizome of Drynaria fortunei on bone formation in micePHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 4 2006Ricky W. K. Wong Abstract The structure of the bones of mice with and without consumption of Gusuibu extracts were compared. Twenty 8-week-old male BALB/c mice were divided into two groups. In the control group ten mice were daily fed a normal diet and distilled water for drinking. In the Gusuibu group ten mice were daily fed a normal diet and distilled water mixed with Gusuibu extract for drinking. The mice were kept for 5 weeks and were then killed. Using micro-computed tomography, 20 micro-tomographic slices with an increment of 0.25 mm were acquired to cover the proximal end of the left tibia of each mouse. Quantitative morphometry of the bone structure was performed. The results showed that consumption of Gusuibu extract increased the bone volume/tissue volume ratio by 6.45%. The bone trabeculae were increased by 10.00% in number so that the bone density was increased. To conclude, Gusuibu extract taken orally increased bone density. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] In vivo magnetic resonance imaging of xylem vessel contents in woody lianasPLANT CELL & ENVIRONMENT, Issue 8 2003M. J. CLEARWATER ABSTRACT Previous reports suggest that in some plant species the refilling of embolized xylem vessels can occur while negative pressure exists in the xylem. The aim of this experiment was to use non-destructive nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to study the dynamics of xylem cavitation and embolism repair in-vivo. Serial 1H-MRI was used to monitor the contents of xylem vessels in stems of two dicotyledonous (Actinidia deliciosa and Actinidia chinensis, kiwifruit) and one monocotyledonous (Ripogonum scandens, supplejack) species of woody liana. The configuration of the horizontal wide bore magnet and probe allowed the imaging of woody stems up to 20 mm in diameter. Tests using excised stems confirmed that the image resolution of 78 µm and digital image subtraction could be used to detect the emptying and refilling of individual vessels. Imaging was conducted on both intact plants and excised shoots connected to a water supply. In the case of Ripogonum the excised shoots were long enough to allow the distal end of the shoot, including all leaves, to be exposed to ambient conditions outside the building while the proximal end was inside the MRI magnet. In total, six stems were monitored for 240 h while the shoots were subjected to treatments that included light and dark periods, water stress followed by re-watering, and the covering of all leaves to prevent transpiration. The sudden emptying of water-filled vessels occurred frequently while xylem water potential was low (below ,0.5 MPa for Actinidia, ,1.0 MPa for Ripogonum), and less frequently after xylem water potential approached zero at the end of water-stress treatments. No refilling of empty vessels was observed at any time in any of the species examined. It is concluded that embolism repair under negative pressure does not occur in the species examined here. Embolism repair may be more likely in species with narrower xylem vessels, but further experiments are required with other species before it can be concluded that repair during transpiration is a widespread phenomenon. [source] Skeleton-based active catheter navigationTHE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ROBOTICS AND COMPUTER ASSISTED SURGERY, Issue 2 2009Yili Fu Abstract Background The emergence of the active catheter has prompted the development of catheterization in minimally invasive surgery. However, it is still operated using only the physician's vision; information supplied by the guiding image and tracking sensors has not been fully utilized. Methods In order to supply the active catheter with more useful information for automatic navigation, we extract the skeleton of blood vessels by means of an improved distance transform method, and then present the crucial geometric information determining navigation. With the help of tracking sensors' position and pose information, two operations, advancement in the proximal end and direction selection in the distal end, are alternately implemented to insert the active catheter into a target blood vessel. Results The skeleton of the aortic arch reconstructed from slice images is extracted fast and automatically. A navigation path is generated on the skeleton by manually selecting the start and target points, and smoothed with the cubic cardinal spline curve. Crucial geometric information determining navigation is presented, as well as requirements for the catheter entering the target blood vessel. Using a shape memory alloy active catheter integrated with magnetic sensors, an experiment is carried out in a vascular model, in which the catheter is successfully inserted from the ascending aorta, via the aortic arch, into the brachiocephalic trunk. Conclusions The navigation strategy proposed in this paper is feasible and has the advantage of increasing the automation of catheterization, enhancing the manoeuvrability of the active catheter and providing the guiding image with desirable interactivity. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The identification of QTL that affect the fatty acid composition of milk on sheep chromosome 11ANIMAL GENETICS, Issue 3 2010M. García-Fernández Summary In this work, we analysed 11 genetic markers localized on OAR11 in a commercial population of Spanish Churra sheep to detect QTL that underlie milk fatty acid (FA) composition traits. Following a daughter design, we analysed 799 ewes distributed in 15 half-sib families. Eight microsatellite markers and three novel SNPs identified in two genes related to fatty acid metabolism, acetyl-CoA carboxylase , (ACACA) and fatty acid synthase (FASN), were genotyped in the whole population under study. The phenotypic traits considered in the study included 22 measurements related to the FA composition of the milk and three other milk production traits (milk protein percentage, milk fat percentage and milk yield). Across-family regression analysis revealed four significant QTL at the 5% chromosome-wise level influencing contents of capric acid (C10:0), lauric acid (C12:0), linoleic conjugated acid (CLA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) respectively. The peaks of the QTL affecting C10:0 and PUFA contents in milk map close to the FASN gene, which has been evaluated as a putative positional candidate for these QTL. The QTL influencing C12:0 content reaches its maximum significance at 58 cM, close to the gene coding for the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide. We were not able to find any candidate genes related to fat metabolism at the QTL influencing CLA content, which is located at the proximal end of the chromosome. Further research efforts will be needed to confirm and refine the QTL locations reported here. [source] Genomic structure and gene order of swine chromosome 7q1.1,q1.2ANIMAL GENETICS, Issue 1 2006M. Tanaka Summary To clarify the structure of the porcine genomic region that contains quantitative trait loci (QTL) related to fat, we constructed a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) contig of the region from DST to SRPK1 on porcine chromosome 7 and performed low-redundancy ,skim' shotgun sequencing of the clones that composed a minimum tiling path of the contig. This analysis revealed that the gene order from VPS52 to SRPK1 is conserved between human and swine and that comparison with the human sequence identified a rearrangement in the swine genome at the proximal end of VPS52. Analysis of the nucleotide sequences of three BAC clones that included the rearrangement point demonstrated that COL21A1 and DST, which were not present in the corresponding human region, were located adjacent to the rearrangement point. These results provide useful information about the genomic region containing QTL for fat in pigs and help to clarify the structure of the so-called ,extended-class II' region distal to the porcine major histocompatibility complex class II region. [source] 84 One year results of a French, multicentre, prospective clinical study of act® (adjustable continence therapy) for the treatment of female of stress urinary incontinence due to intrinsic sphincter deficiencyBJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 2006E. CHARTIER KASTLER Introduction:, This Prospective, multicentre clinical investigation sought to assess the feasibility and efficacy of the adjustable balloons ACT® for treatment of female Stress Urinary Incontinence SUI with ISD. Materials and Methods:, The ACT® implant consists of a two-lumen conduit of variable length with an expandable silicone balloon (0.5,8 cc) on the proximal end and a distal subcutaneous titanium port. Two balloons were placed periurethrally at the bladder neck. Continence rate (no leakage during direct visual stress test with 250 ml placed in the bladder), improvement, failures, quality of life (I-QoL) and morbidity were assessed. Results:, Sixty-seven patients (62 ± 9.8-years-old) were implanted in France during 75 procedures (8 revisions). Average follow-up was 12 months. At baseline, urethral closure pressure was 22.5 ± 10.8 cm H2Oand 39 patients (58%) had previously undergone at least one surgery for SUI. Continence increased from 0% at baseline to 57% at1 year and I-QoL improved from 39.4 ± 19 at baseline to 63.7 ± 23.3 at one year. Balloon adjustment was required in 64% of patients. Complications included erosion (11%), spontaneously resolved retention (2%) and infection (4%). Conclusion:, ACT® offers a viable alternative for the treatment of SUI in female with ISD. The implantation is a minimally invasive and efficient procedure and stable over time therapy for patients with severe SUI with ISD. Implantation can be done under local anaesthesia. The positioning of ACT® treatment versus artificial urinary sphincter still needs to be determined. [source] Fukuititan nipponensis, A New Titanosauriform Sauropod from the Early Cretaceous Tetori Group of Fukui Prefecture, JapanACTA GEOLOGICA SINICA (ENGLISH EDITION), Issue 3 2010Yoichi AZUMA Abstract: A titanosauriform dinosaur: Fukuititan nipponensis gen. et sp. nov. is erected based on the incomplete skeleton. It is characterized by elongated asymmetric tooth crown with a weak or absent labial groove and without lingual concavity; stalk-like epipophysis of cervical vertebra; the transverse width of the proximal end of the humerus approximately 32% of the humerus length; metacarpal longer, approximately 48% of the radius and the distal end of the ischia slightly expanded. It represents the first relatively complete titanosauriform skeleton found from Japan. The discovery of Fukuititan indicates that the diversity and geographical distribution of Titanosauriformes are much higher than the previous thought. [source] Non-sutured fixation of cochlear implants using a minimally-invasive approachCLINICAL OTOLARYNGOLOGY, Issue 3 2008C. Loh Keypoints ,,The minimal invasive techniques have become the main stay of the surgical approach for the cochlear implant. ,,Securing the implant with sutures can be challenging due to the limited access and awkward operating angle. ,,We have developed a non-sutured technique to secure the implant by placing and securing the proximal end of the electrode into a bony groove. ,,Our series supports the notion that the technique is suitable for implant cases in which the patient's age is older than 18 months. [source] Electron microscopy evaluation of block needle-related trauma to the tibial nerveACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 4 2010K. S. MACDONALD Background: Direct puncture by a needle is a risk factor for nerve damage. This investigation used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to attempt to visualize the damage caused by different needles. Method: A 15 cm section of the tibial nerve was removed from the ankle of a patient undergoing below-the-knee amputation. The nerve specimen was punctured perpendicular to the fibers once by each of four needles: an insulated 22 G short-beveled (30°), a 25 G long-beveled Quincke spinal needle, an 18 G Tuohy, and a 25 G Whitacre pencil point. The distal and proximal ends on either side of the needles were marked and the nerve was sectioned into 0.5 cm pieces. Each sample was preserved and then prepared for SEM. The needle tract was observed for evidence of mechanical damage at magnifications between × 47 and × 102 using SEM. Results: The epineurium, perineurium, fascicles, endoneurium, and vessels were identified in each sample. In both the short-beveled and the Whitacre samples, all fascicles along with the surrounding perineurium were intact. In both the Tuohy and the Quincke samples, obvious transection of fascicles and disruption of the perineurium were observed. Conclusions: This investigation suggests that both the Tuohy and the Quincke needles may be more likely to cause trauma to the tibial nerve than either the short-beveled or the Whitacre needles. [source] Ultrastructure of the biflagellate gametes of Collinsiella cava (Ulvophyceae, Chlorophyta)PHYCOLOGICAL RESEARCH, Issue 2 2000Takeshi Nakayama SUMMARY The fine structure of the biflagellate gametes of Collinsiella cava (Yendo) Printz was investigated in detail to clarify the species's taxonomic and phylo-genetic position. Gametes are covered by small square scales with no distinct substructure. The chloroplast of the gamete includes an eyespot comprised of two layers of globules, and a pyrenoid that is traversed by one or a few thylakoids. Basal bodies overlap at their proximal ends and are offset in a counterclockwise orientation. Each basal body has a small bipartite terminal cap, a prominent proximal sheath comprised of two unequal subunits and a circular element situated at the cartwheel portion. A distal fibre, a connecting fibre and linkage between proximal sheaths connect the two basal bodies. Microtubular roots are comprised of two dexter (d) roots, subtended by the system I fibre, and two sinister (s) roots. Gametes have a single rhizoplast which extends parallel to one of the two d roots and extends to the mating structure. The ultrastructure of Collinsiella gametes is very similar to that of Mono-stroma and other members of the Ulotrichales, Ulvophyceae, and we concluded that the genus Collinsiella should be treated as a member of the Monostromat-aceae. The planozygote has four basal bodies, eight microtubular roots and two eyespots always situated at the same face of the cell. From observations of the planozygotes, the position of the mating structure relative to the flagellar apparatus is not consistent, but converse, between two mating types. A comparison of the location of the mating structure in Chlamydomonas and other green algae is presented. [source] | ||||||||||||||||