A micro RNA mediates shoot control of root branching.

Plants extract mineral nutrients from the soil, or from interactions with mutualistic soil microbes via their root systems. Adapting root architecture to nutrient availability enables efficient resource utilization, particularly in patchy and dynamic environments. Root growth responses to soil nitrogen levels are shoot-mediated, but the identity of shoot-derived mobile signals regulating root growth responses has remained enigmatic.

Quantum filtering and discrimination between sets of Boolean functions.

In quantum state filtering one wants to determine whether an unknown quantum state, which is chosen from a known set of states, [|psi(1)>, em leader,|psi(N)>], is either a specific state, say |psi(1)>, or one of the remaining states, [|psi(2)>, em leader,|psi(N)>]. We present the optimal solution to this problem, in terms of generalized measurements, for the case that the filtering is required to be unambiguous. As an application, we propose an efficient, probabilistic quantum algorithm for distinguishing between sets of Boolean functions, which is a generalization of the Deutsch-Jozsa algorithm.

Overexpression of Wnt target genes in adenomas of familial adenomatous polyposis patients.

Germline mutations within the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene, a key member of the Wnt signalling pathway, have been shown to cause adenoma development in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), a dominantly inherited predisposition to colorectal cancer. Although it has been suggested for several years that alterations within the Wnt pathway are the underlying events for the development of colorectal adenomas in FAP patients, no detailed analysis of the gene expressions of Wnt pathway members has been available in fresh colorectal tissue of FAP patients, so far. Thus, we investigated potential differences in the expressions of APC and its Wnt partners conductin, beta-catenin, cyclin D1, and c-myc in normal colorectal mucosa and matched adenoma tissue of 14 FAP patients using real-time quantitative PCR.

Soluble tissue actor interferes with angiostatin-mediated inhibition of endothelial cell proliferation by lysine-specific interaction with plasminogen kringle domains.

Experimental and clinical data suggest that tissue factor (TF), the major initiator of blood coagulation cascade, as well as proteases and components of the fibrinolytic system are involved in tumor growth at least in some solid tumors via effects on angiogenesis. Whereas the pro- and anti-angiogenic effects of the plasminogen/plasmin system and plasminogen kringle domains, respectively, are well characterized, the pathways responsible for the pro-angiogenic properties of TF remain poorly understood. To learn more about the biological significance of the recently described binding of plasminogen to the extracellular domain of TF, we examined the effects of soluble TF (sTF) on angiostatin-inhibited proliferation of endothelial cells.

Prevalence of postcholecystectomy symptoms: long-term outcome after open versus laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

After cholecystectomy a certain number of patients continue to suffer from abdominal symptoms or develop such symptoms postoperatively. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of postcholecystectomy symptoms with open cholecystectomy during the prelaparoscopic era and those with laparoscopic cholecystectomy 4 years after introduction of the laparoscopic technique. Between July 1988 and June 1989 a total of 163 consecutive patients with elective open cholecystectomy and between September 1994 and August 1995 a total of 234 consecutive patients with elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were prospectively evaluated using a standard questionnaire about preoperative symptoms, diagnostic modalities, and intraoperative findings.

The learning curve of laparoscopic cholecystectomy and changes in indications: one institutions's experience with 2,650 cholecystectomies.

Purpose: In a prospective series of 2,650 consecutive patients undergoing cholecystectomy, we analyzed the learning curve since the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in terms of operating time, conversion rate, morbidity, mortality, and consequent changes in indications for either laparoscopic or open cholecystectomy (OC).

Patients And Methods: Between July 1990 and June 1997, LC was performed in 1,929 patients (73%), 203 of whom (7.5%) had to be converted to OC, while 518 patients (19.

Effect of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors on extracellular matrix expression in human vascular smooth muscle cells.

Clinical studies have shown that treatment with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors can stabilize atherosclerotic plaques and slow their progression. One determinant of plaque stability and size is the composition of the vascular extracellular matrix. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors on the expression of major components of the vascular extracellular matrix in smooth muscle cells.

Mutations in the pilz group genes disrupt the microtubule cytoskeleton and uncouple cell cycle progression from cell division in Arabidopsis embryo and endosperm.

Organised cell division and expansion play important roles in plant embryogenesis. To address their cellular basis, we have analysed Arabidopsis abnormal-embryo mutants which were isolated for their characteristic phenotype: mutant embryos are small, mushroom-shaped ("pilz") and consist of only one or few large cells each containing one or more variably enlarged nuclei and often cell wall stubs. These 23 mutants represent four genes, PFIFFERLING, HALLIMASCH, CHAMPIGNON, and PORCINO, which map to different chromosomes.

[Increasing frequency of bariatric surgery interventions since replacement of gastroplasty by laparoscopic gastric banding in the treatment of morbid obesity].

Between 1984 and 1996 we performed a Mason gastroplasty for the treatment of morbid obesity: 14 patients (average age 40 (26-48) years, body mass index (BMI) 48 (37-71) kg/m2, excessive body weight 67 (41-116) kg). Since the end of 1996 we now apply adjustable laparoscopic gastric banding (lab band): 73 patients (average age 39 (22-64) years, BMI 45 (32-69) kg/m2, excessive body weight 66 (41-116) kg). We compared the early and late results of both methods.

[CA19-9 has no value as a tumor marker in obstructive jaundice].

In the differential diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, CA19-9 appears to be the most sensitive and specific marker currently in use. In the absence of jaundice and at levels greater than 1000 U/ml, the specificity is almost 100%. Levels higher than 1000 U/ml are very uncommon for benign diseases.

[Postcholecystectomy complaints one year after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Results of a prospective study of 253 patients].

Aims: We studied the nature and frequency of symptoms 1 year after laparoscopic cholecystectomy in order to define pre- and perioperative factors that influence the long-term outcome.

Method: Between September 1994 and August 1995 we prospectively evaluated 268 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy using a standard questionnaire. After an average of 16 months (12-25 months) the patients were asked about their symptoms using a similar questionnaire by telephone or were followed up clinically if necessary.

[Hemorrhagic pseudocysts and pseudoaneurysms in pancreatitis. Diagnosis and therapy].

Acute hemorrhage from pseudocysts and pseudoaneurysms is a threatening complication of chronic pancreatitis. Whilst surgical intervention still has high perioperative mortality (16.8%), transcatheter arterial embolization is becoming more frequently used for suitable cases and appears to have lower mortality (6.

[The Vollmer hook--a new abdominal retractor].

Here, we present the so-called "Vollmer retractor", which can be fixed on to the operating table. It allows an optimal transference of the traction force on to the border of the wound, both in upper and lower abdominal interventions. In this way, as shown by our recent experience, we gain an optimal view of the subdiaphragmatic area and into the small pelvis.

[Meckel lithiasis. A rare complication of a Meckel's diverticulum].

History And Clinical Findings: Acute abdominal pain, radiating to the right and left lower abdomen with pain on abdominal pressure developed in a 67-year-old man. There were questionable signs of peritonitis.

Investigations: Leukocytosis (20,000/microliter) and a high level of C-reactive protein (177 mg/l) were found.

[Results of anal sphincteroplasty in fecal incontinence--significance of intra-anal ultrasound imaging].

Unlabelled: The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical, manometric and endosonographic results of overlapping sphincteroplasty for traumatic sphincter defects documented by endosonography.

Patients And Method: We performed an overlap repair in 10 women aged 34 to 68 with fecal incontinence due to sphincter defects after obstetric (n = 8) or iatrogenic (n = 2) trauma. The fecal incontinence was graded using the Miller Score (0-18 points).

[11 cases of anal Bowen's disease].

Bowen's disease of the anal region is a rare, slow-growing, intraepidermal squamous-cell carcinoma (carcinoma in situ). If surgical excision is incomplete, there is a risk of subsequent development of malignancy and metastasis. Between 1980 and 1995 we treated 11 patients (8 female, 3 male) with anal Bowen's disease.

[Surgery of inguinal hernia in Switzerland in 1994. A survey of 142 teaching clinics in Switzerland].

With a response rate of 60.6% to a questionnaire sent out in 1994 it is possible to give an overview of the situation in hernia surgery at the 142 surgical clinics of Switzerland. In general, regional anesthesia is the preferred method (67.

[Preperitoneal prosthesis implantation in surgical management of recurrent inguinal hernia. Retrospective evaluation of our results 1989-1994].

Recurrent inguinal hernia represents a great problem in surgery given the frequency of this operation, with a recurrence rate of 0.5-8%. Re-recurrence after repair without implantation of a prosthesis occurs in 1-23% of cases.

[Treatment of rectum adenoma. Retrospective study of the treatment of inpatients (1987-1991)].

In carrying out an evaluation prior to acquisition of equipment for transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM), we wished to examine current concepts in the treatment of rectal adenoma, i.e.: What form of surgery was chosen in relation to the dimension and localization of the adenoma? Should the indications for the particular procedure be changed to render it less invasive? Should the new endoscopic surgical method TEM be introduced? 134 inpatients covering a 5-year period were evaluated.

[Initial results with laparoscopic fundoplication].

17 patients underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease not responding to medical treatment. Conversion to laparotomy was necessarily due to large paraesophageal hiatus hernia (3) or severe peri-esophagitis (1) in 4 patients. There was no perioperative morbidity or mortality.