Individual variation of cortical surface area asymmetries

Asymmetries in the size of cortical regions are regularly associated with functional lateralization. Assessment of cortical asymmetry is often confounded by measurement artifact and a lack of information about the normal variance of asymmetry in regions that are functionally symmetric. In order to measure hemispheric asymmetries in the surface area of cortical gyri, magnetic resonance (MR) images were acquired from 10 normal, right-handed males. Computer representations of the cortical surface in all 20 hemispheres were reconstructed from the images by first creating a white matter model and then 'inflating' it to approximate the cortical surface. The advantage of this approach is that it accurately models the deep sulci as well as the cortical surface. Surface area measurements of the whole hemisphere, the postcentral and the cingulate gyrus were collected from each subject. For each region an asymmetry score was computed based on the difference in the surface area of the left and right regions. Many subjects showed asymmetries in these two gyri; however, the mean asymmetry scores were never significantly asymmetric. The large variability of individual asymmetry scores indicates that cortical asymmetries may be present even in the absence of clear functional asymmetry. An understanding of the degree of asymmetry in structures that do not show clear functional lateralization is critical for interpreting data gathered from cortical regions that are functionally asymmetric.      

Carcinoma of the colon: irradiation by delayed split whole-abdominal technique

Locally advanced and recurrent colon cancer was treated by irradiating first the pelvis and two hours later the upper abdomen. Curative treatment consisted of 4,000-5,000 rad (40-50 Gy) in 200-rad (2-Gy) fractions to the pelvis and 3,000 rad (30 Gy) in 150-rad (1.5-Gy) fractions to the upper abdomen. Palliative treatment consisted of 2,100 rad (21 Gy) in 300-rad (3-Gy) fractions to the liver, 3,000 rad (30 Gy) in 150-rad (1.5-Gy) fractions to the upper abdomen, and 4,000-5,000 rad (40-50 Gy) in 200-rad (2-Gy) fractions to the pelvis. Treatment was tolerated well, and acute toxicity was limited. Seven of the 11 patients treated curatively remain free of abdominal disease after 10-35 months; median survival among 9 patients treated palliatively was 9 months.     

ANAPHYLACTOID RESPONSE TO THIOPENTONE

A case is reported of anaphylactoid response to thiopentone,used for the induction of anaesthesia for cystoscopy in a 56-year-oldwoman. The dose precipitating this reaction was only 50 mg andthe patient had no previous history of any allergic tendency.A full recovery was made, though gastrointestinal disturbancespersisted for several days. The treatment, differential diagnosis,investigations and recommendations for subsequent anaestheticmanagement are discussed. ^*Now at Edgware General Hospital, Edgware,Middlesex. 1     

防御素的抗肿瘤研究

当代肿瘤的治疗仍有许多问题未能解决防御素引入肿瘤墓因治疗已成为一个有前景的新途径.防御素(defensins)是存在于哺乳动物多形核中性粒细胞、巨噬细胞、小肠Peneth细胞中的一组同源性很高的生物多肤类,由29一34