Role of Emx2 in the development of the reciprocal connectivity between cortex and thalamus

Emx2 knockout mice appear to show a shift in the areal identity in the cerebral cortex , which is matched with altered distribution of thalamocortical projections (Bishop et al. [2000] Science 288:344-349; Mallamaci et al. [2000] Nat Neurosci. 3:679-686) [corrected]. We have examined the early establishment of these projections to understand how the altered Emx2 expression results in changes in their cortical targeting. We used carbocyanine dye tracing to visualize thalamocortical and corticofugal projections as well as immunohistochemistry for L1 and TAG-1, respective markers of the two axonal systems, in wild-type, heterozygote, and null mutant for Emx2 at embryonic (E) ages ranging from E13.5 to E18.5. These tracing studies demonstrated that, in Emx2 knockout mice, a large proportion of early thalamocortical projections were misrouted at the border between the diencephalon and telencephalon. This abnormality was associated with displaced connectivity of the internal capsule cells at the diencephalic-telencephalic junction. Interestingly, most of the aberrant thalamic projections compensated for the ventral entry to the telencephalon and still ascended to the cortex. Although this early targeting abnormality is associated with the altered Emx2 expression pattern in the cortex, it most probably occurs independently from it, and is related to earlier guidance defects at the diencephalic-telencephalic boundary. These defects might result in the altered and delayed arrival of thalamic projections to the cortex and, thus, contribute to the shifted thalamocortical matching previously observed in the Emx2 knockout mice.     

Dexamethasone and adrenocorticotropin suppress prolactin secretion in humans

It has been demonstrated that the regulatory pathways mediating basal and/or stimulus-induced prolactin (PRL) release in mammals are highly sensitive to adrenal corticoid inhibitory influence. We have investigated the effect of four different doses of dexamethasone (DEX) and the effect of adrenocorticotropin on PRL secretion in 197 patients (169 female, 28 male; age: 18–66 yr) with suspected hypercortisolemia—but only those with a normal glucocorticoid suppression test were involved in the study—and in 66 female patients (age: 18–39 yr) with suspected adrenocorticotropin-dependent hyper-androgenism. Overnight (1 mg), low-dose (0.5 mg every 6 h for 2 d), high-dose (2 mg every 6 h for 2 d), and long-lasting administration of DEX (0.5 mg every 6 h for 5 d) resulted in a significant decrease in PRL levels compared to the baseline. Similarly, a reduction in PRL levels could be detected following injection of adrenocorticotropin (250 μg). In hyperprolactinemic patients, the DEX-induced increase in PRL (ΔPRL, expressed in percentage of baseline) was significantly larger compared with normoprolactinemic subjects in all groups except those who received high-dose DEX) or adrenocorticotropin. These data clearly indicate that the secretory function of PRL cells in humans is sensitive to changes in the activity of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis in a dose-dependent manner.     

Hand-assisted laparoscopic technique (HALS) in colorectal surgery (Case reports and review of the literature)

Hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) is a new technique in which the surgeon's hand is introduced to the abdominal cavity through a mini-laparotomy, while pneumoperitoneum is maintained. We describe the technique of HALS used successfully in the treatment of two patients of colorectal disease. We describe current literature and our initial clinical experience. Our conclusion is that, besides colorectal surgery, HALS technique may prove useful for other abdominal procedures as well; however its real value should be estimated in prospective randomized trials.     

Combined postoperative treatment of malignant supratentorial gliomas with vincristine sulphate and radiotherapy

Summary The results of combined irradiation and intravenous Vincristine therapy applied to 18 malignant glioma patients after operation and reoperation are reported. Histological examination of the first 15 tumours showed that 12 were glioblastomas and 3 malignant astrocytomas. Tumours removed by reoperation were glioblastomas.Combination therapy consisted of the immediate postoperative administration of 6–12 mg VCR (0.08–0.1 mg/kg) over an 8–14 days period followed by 2 courses of telecobalt irradiation giving a total dose of 5,000 rads. Most patients received a second course of 8–12 mg VCR 6 months after surgery. The total dose of VCR was 15–22 mg. Irreversible toxic effects were not observed.The results obtained with combination therapy were somewhat better than those achieved with radiotherapy alone. The mean survival time was 9 months. Patients lived after re-operation for at least as long as they had after a first operation. Death did not occur within a period of 6 months following surgery.     

Effect of the DNA isolation method on the results of multiple fluorescent PCR and DNA fragment analysis

INTRODUCTION: The quality of the nucleic acids has tremendous effects on the results of molecular diagnostic tests. METHODS: The authors have isolated DNA from amniotic fluid samples by using rezin-binding and silica adsorption methods. In the case of the rezin-binding technique they used both frozen and fresh samples. The quality of the isolated DNA was compared by fluorescent PCR and DNA fragment analysis. RESULTS: With the use of the rezin-binding method on frozen samples the authors obtained more PCR fragments following the fluorescent PCR amplification. The gender and the aneuploidy screening is easier from the electrophoretogramms using better quality DNA. Out of the three studied DNA isolation method the silica adsorption seemed to be the best for the fluorescent-PCR and DNA fragment analysis. DISCUSSION: The authors found the silica adsorption method is more suitable for DNA isolation from amniotic fluids for fluorescent PCR and DNA fragment analysis amplification. They suppose silica adsorption DNA isolation results in a total removal of the PCR inhibitors.     

Our experiences with nephrectomy with special emphasis on using biocompatible materials

We performed 43 open partial nephrectomies with different indications between 1996 and 2004, most of them (29) for renal cancer. We used different types of biocompatible materials for haemostasis. We describe our own recommendations and what is described in literature.