Aim  We examine the genetic structure of a fungal polypore, Datronia caperata (Berk.) Ryvarden (Polyporaceae), colonizing white mangrove, Laguncularia racemosa (L.) Gaertn. f. (Combretaceae), of Central America.

Pittosporum undulatum is a potential Australian host of Phytophthora ramorum , the causal agent of sudden oak death in California. It was susceptible and supported sporulation in zoospore inoculations of detached leaves. Susceptibility and sporulation potential were low when compared to Umbellularia californica . Two independent positives were obtained from symptomatic trees in a PCR-based assay using species-specific primers. Foliar symptoms observed on the trees were replicated in the detached leaf inoculations.

Although biopsy remains the ‘gold standard’ for tumour diagnosis and classification the accuracy of such procedures is compromised by tumour heterogeneity. Soft-tissue sarcomas are a particularly heterogeneous group of masses where core needle biopsy has previously been considered too inaccurate and a more invasive excisional approach has been adopted. We present a method for PET and MR guided core biopsy which allows accurate sampling of PET indicated regions and direct comparison of PET and histology findings for validation of novel PET tracers, such as hypoxia markers. We use external markers and a rigid-body algorithm to align PET data with an MR scan acquired before the intervention. The transformation derived from an automated, mutual information based registration of this MR to the interventional MR scene is then applied to the PET data, aligning it with the interventional image, including the track left by the biopsy needle. Histology results from acquired tissue samples can then be correlated with PET. We present phantom and patient data to illustrate the accuracy of this image registration technique, MR sequence information to optimize biopsy track visualization and reduce image artefacts and a complete protocol for the in vivo histological assessment of PET in soft-tissue sarcoma.

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a microaerophilic gram-negative bacterium which colonizes the gastric epithelium of about 50% of the human population. The majority of the infected population, however, never develops clinically significant disease. Only about 10% of infected subjects will eventually develop peptic ulcer disease (PUD) while 1–2% develop gastric malignancy.The biological factors that influence the clinical outcome of H. pylori have been extensively studied. Apart from immunological factors in the host, the bacterial virulence determinants in H. pylori strains are likely to play crucial roles. The vacA gene alleles (m and s region) and cagA gene presence and interleukin-1B (−511 and −31 bases) polymorphisms and Interleukin-1 Antagonist Receptor is a important crucial host factor to development of gastric diseases. Methods: 110 chidren were analyzed by Histology, Urease, and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to determine Helicobacter pylori presence. All children were genotyped by vacA alleles and cagA gene presence and interleukin-1B polymorphisms and all children not infected by bacterium (control group) were genotyped by interleukin-1B polymorphisms Results: Fifty one children were positive by H. pylori infection (46%). Twenty six were diagnostic with chronic gastritis (51%) and twenty five (49%) without chronic gastritis. Genotyping H. pylori vacA alleles and cagA presence with interleukin-1B polymorphisms -511T and -31T did not reveal an association between the presence or absence of in our sample of Brazilian children (p > 0.05). Conclusion: We conclude that the genetic host factor and bacterium virulence genes are for predicting gastric disease, but we found no association of these polymorphisms in Brazilian children infected by Helicobacter pylori. We will be following up on the children; Helicobacter pylori is a chronic infection and can eventually develop complications associated with interleukin-1B polymorphisms.

Results: Mean age of the sample was 53.9 years (SD=15 years), 75% were women, and 33% were African-American. Prevalence of hypertension was 71%, hyperlipidemia 45%, and diabetes 31%. Blood pressure documentation was slightly worse but the management of diastolic blood pressure was significantly better in the EMR period (p<0.0001). In diabetic patients, documentation points that were significant improved in the EMR were foot visualization, monofilament exam, and microalbumin ordering; however, ophthalmology referrals were decreased (all p<0.0001). Conclusion: The EMR showed improvements in most of the documentation points according to the standards of care during the study period. This suggests that implementing an EMR without a reminder system will still result in benefits in documentation and patient management.

s of the British Nuclear Medicine Society autumn meeting 2001 Belfast, UK, 13-14 September 2001

Equine Veterinary EducationVolume 14, Issue 2 p. 87-96 Examination of the horse with colic: is it medical or surgical? E. R. Singer, Corresponding Author E. R. Singer Division of Equine Studies, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Chester High Road, Neston, South Wirral CH64 7TE, UK*Division of Equine Studies, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Chester High Road, Neston, South Wirral CH64 7TE, UKSearch for more papers by this authorM. A. Smith, M. A. Smith Division of Equine Studies, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Chester High Road, Neston, South Wirral CH64 7TE, UKSearch for more papers by this author E. R. Singer, Corresponding Author E. R. Singer Division of Equine Studies, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Chester High Road, Neston, South Wirral CH64 7TE, UK*Division of Equine Studies, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Chester High Road, Neston, South Wirral CH64 7TE, UKSearch for more papers by this authorM. A. Smith, M. A. Smith Division of Equine Studies, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Chester High Road, Neston, South Wirral CH64 7TE, UKSearch for more papers by this author First published: 05 January 2010 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3292.2002.tb00147.xCitations: 12AboutPDF ToolsExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onEmailFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat References Arden, W.A. and Stick, J.A. (1988) Serum and peritoneal fluid phosphate concentrations as predictors of major intestinal injury associated with equine colic. J. Am. vet. med. Ass. 193, 927–931. 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s of the Twenty-Ninth Annual Meeting of The British Nuclear Medicine Society. Brighton Conference Centre, 9-11 April 2001. Tuesday 10 April: PHYSICS II Hall A

The aims of this study were to evaluate the uptake of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) in the stumps of patients who have had amputations for soft tissue sarcoma and assess its utility in identifying local recurrence of disease. Sixteen patients who had either an upper or a lower limb amputation were evaluated. FDG PET scans (half body scans to the stump +/- local emission transmission views of the stump) were performed as part of their routine follow-up for evidence of metastases over a number of years (mean = 2.6 years; range 0.25-8 years). Diffuse uptake was found in 10 stumps for up to 18 months post-surgery without any evidence of disease recurrence. Focal areas of uptake were associated with known pressure areas with skin breakdown that could be seen clinically. In the absence of localized clinical changes, these areas represented a recurrence and needed a biopsy.

BACKGROUND:The differentiation of soft tissue sarcoma (STS) from benign masses is difficult owing to their clinical and radiological similarities. Accurate staging is hindered by the large number of sites at which metastases may be found. This study examined the value of whole-body [18F]2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) in patients presenting with soft tissue masses.METHODS:Thirty patients with a soft tissue mass suspected to be malignant were evaluated with FDG PET. The images were evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively for uptake of FDG to determine whether benign lesions could be differentiated from malignant tumours, and for the presence of metastases.RESULTS:Thirty-one masses were removed from 30 patients; 12 were benign and 19 were malignant STSs. Using qualitative assessment of the FDG PET images, all the high-grade STSs (n = 12) were correctly identified, but low-grade STS (n = 7) could not be differentiated from a benign lesion. Using a quantification assessment, there was a 95 per cent sensitivity and a 75 per cent specificity in diagnosing STS. Three patients had metastases at presentation; two were correctly identified by FDG PET.CONCLUSION:FDG PET has a role in distinguishing high-grade STS from low-grade or benign STS and may have a role in staging malignant tumours.

Nonpoint-source pollution has been linked to agricultural practices; however, there is a need for quantitative information describing the effect of specific farming practices on ground and surface water quality. Lack of information at the watershed scale limits our ability to make decisions about the effect of potential changes in either farming practices or landscape management that would enhance water quality. A multidisciplinary study was designed to evaluate the effect of farming practices on subsurface drainage, surface runoff, stream discharge, groundwater, volatilization, and soil processes that influence water quality. Walnut Creek watershed is a 5130-ha intensively cropped area in central Iowa on the Des Moines Lobe landform region. Soils within the watershed are in the Clarion-Nicollet-Webster (Typic Hapludoll-Aquic Hapludoll-Typic Haplaquoll) soil association, and the underlying surficial material is glacial till. Land use is predominantly corn (Zea mays L.)-soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotation. Fertilizer use, herbicide application, tillage practices, and crop selection were obtained through surveys of each field operator. Atrazine [6-chloro-N-ethyl-N'-(1-methylethyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine], cyanazine [2-[ 4-chloro-6-(ethylamino)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl amino]-2-methylpropanenitrile], EPTC [S-ethyl dipropyl carbamothioate], and metolachlor [2-chloro-N-(2-ethyl-6-methylphenyl)-N-(2-methoxy-1-methylethyl)acetamide] are the primary herbicides used within the watershed at rates similar to those for the state. Nitrogen fertilizer was applied as anhydrous ammonia on 60% of the corn fields at an average rate of 153 kg ha -1 for the 1991-1994 period, but the frequency of corn fields receiving <112 kg ha -1 has increased.

Background The aim of this study was to determine how and by which specialties patients with soft tissue sarcoma are investigated and treated within a single large health region and with what outcomes and implications for resource uptake.

We describe the clinicopathologic features of four cases of ancient hematoma occurring in the tensor fascia lata and perifascial tissue that clinically and radiologically mimicked aggressive soft tissue neoplasms. The lesions arose in three men and one woman, aged between 31 and 61 years. In three cases, an injury to the affected site had been noted 18 months, 19 years, and 20 years beforehand, respectively. At presentation, these deep-seated and enlarging lesions were highly suggestive of soft tissue sarcomas. Three lesions were treated by excision of an intramuscular or perifascial mass; in one case, repeated incomplete excisions were performed. Grossly, in three cases a well-circumscribed, fusiform mass with a soft cystic center and a fibrous pseudocapsule was described. Histologically, blood clot, fibrin, and predominant amorphous debris were seen in the central cavities; in three cases, the fibrous pseudocapsule contained clumped, eosinophilic, amorphous debris surrounded by a prominent xanthogranulomatous inflammatory infiltrate with numerous, multinucleated, foreign body-type, giant cells. Additionally, cholesterol clefts, areas of hemorrhage and dystrophic calcification, hemosiderin deposits, and cellular scar tissue were seen. Follow-up information revealed no evidence of recurrence or secondary infection in the three cases treated by local or wide excision; in the case in which incomplete excision was performed, continuous symptomatic growth was noted. Pathologic features of ancient hematomas are similar, if not identical, to those hematomas described previously as calcific myonecrosis, chronic expanding hematoma or posttraumatic cyst of soft tissues; we propose instead the term ancient hematoma. The reason for the commonly very long delay between the initiating trauma and presentation is uncertain.

Achieving sustainable development requires partnership between all sections of society, including SMEs. Local government organisations have a responsibility to promote sustainability; however, despite enthusiastic activity in the UK, it has proved difficult to involve the SME sector. Raising awareness through education and training is one of the first steps to improved environmental performance and Local Authorities are well placed to help provide appropriate programmes. The ENVIRONMATICS Project at Business Link Hertfordshire, backed by Hertfordshire County Council and the University of Hertfordshire, has attracted funding from the European Social Fund (ESF) ADAPT programme. An environmental management training programme aimed specifically at the SME sector has been established, and is integrated into other business training. The training course has been running since April 1996 and has a full compliment of participants. There is now a waiting list for the next intake. The success of the Project has been due largely to the partnership approach, embracing expert organisations, and thereby increasing the relevance and credibility of the training programme. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

The effects of extensive sward management and patch size on the persistence and colonization of gaps in sown swards was examined by creating gaps of five different sizes (2·3, 7, 10, 14 and 19 cm in diameter) in four different sward treatments: a fertilized sward grazed to 4 cm, i.e. relatively intensive management, and three extensively managed unfertilized swards, which were not grazed or grazed to 4 cm or 8 cm. The swards were originally sown with ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and white clover (Trifolium repens L.), but had developed differences in species composition as a result of the management treatments imposed 2 years before and during the experiment. Light quality measurements, i.e. red‐far red (R/FR) ratio, were used to determine when the light environment in the gaps no longer differed from that in control, uncut patches and this was used as an estimate of gap persistence. Persistence of gaps depended on both sward management and gap size. Gaps disappeared most rapidly in the ungrazed sward and fertilized 4‐cm sward, and most slowly in the unfertilized 8‐cm sward. Small gaps persisted for up to 2 weeks in all but 8‐cm swards, whereas larger gaps were estimated to persist for up to 20–25 weeks in unfertilized, grazed swards. There was no evidence that the number of grass or dicotyledonous species increased in the gaps compared with the control areas. There were significant positive linear relationships between the vegetation that developed in gaps and that in the control, uncut patches, reflecting the different species composition of the established sward of the grazed (grass‐dominant) and ungrazed (Ranunculus repens‐dominant) treatments. For total grass dry matter and tiller numbers, as well as L. perenne tiller numbers, there was a small, but significant, effect of both patch size and sward management on the slopes of the regressions between the controls and gaps. The results are discussed in relation to the potential for species composition of sown swards to change as a result of gap creation.

Under the technical assistance programme of the Environmental Know How Fund, an environmental management training course, based on British Standard BS 7750 (BSI, 1994), was developed and delivered to local government, environmental regulators and industry in Kamensk-Uralsky, Russia. The case study approach to training middle managers incorporated environmental reviews of workshops within three large industrial plants. One such environmental review is described here to illustrate problems and fundamental differences in integrating Western and Former Soviet Union (FSU) principles on management, legislation and pollution control. The paper considers whether current pollution measures and environmental auditing procedures would satisfy the needs of the international community funding and trading with Russian industry, and concludes that a structured environmental management system (EMS) approach is required. There is little doubt about the benefits of implementing an EMS, both in terms of pollution reduction and overall cost savings; however, the crucial first step of the EMS approach, commitment from top management has yet to be established. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.