Root pressure-volume curve traits capture rootstock drought tolerance.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Living root tissues significantly constrain plant water uptake under drought, but we lack functional traits to feasibly screen diverse plants for variation in the drought responses of these tissues. Water stress causes roots to lose volume and turgor, which are crucial to root structure, hydraulics and growth. Thus, we hypothesized that root pressure-volume (p-v) curve traits, which quantify the effects of water potential on bulk root turgor and volume, would capture differences in rootstock drought tolerance. METHODS: We used a greenhouse experiment to evaluate relationships between root p-v curve traits and gas exchange, whole-plant hydraulic conductance and biomass under drought for eight grapevine rootstocks that varied widely in drought performance in field trials (101-14, 110R, 420A, 5C, 140-Ru, 1103P, Ramsey and Riparia Gloire), grafted to the same scion variety (Vitis vinifera 'Chardonnay'). KEY RESULTS: The traits varied significantly across rootstocks, and droughted vines significantly reduced root turgor loss point (πtlp), osmotic potential at full hydration (πo) and capacitance (C), indicating that roots became less susceptible to turgor loss and volumetric shrinkage. Rootstocks that retained a greater root volume (i.e. a lower C) also maintained more gas exchange under drought. The rootstocks that previous field trials have classified as drought tolerant exhibited significantly lower πtlp, πo and C values in well-watered conditions, but significantly higher πo and πtlp values under water stress, than the varieties classified as drought sensitive. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that acclimation in root p-v curve traits improves gas exchange in persistently dry conditions, potentially through impacts on root hydraulics or root to shoot chemical signalling. However, retaining turgor and volume in previously unstressed roots, as these roots deplete wet soil to moderately negative water potentials, could be more important to drought performance in the deep, highly heterogenous rooting zones which grapevines develop under field conditions.

Morphological and functional changes in the retinotectal system of the pigeon during the early posthatching period.

Anterograde transport of either HRP or wheat germ agglutinin-conjugated HRP was used to study the posthatching development of the retinotectal connection in the pigeon. The functional maturation of the retinotectal system was also investigated by recording electroretinographic (ERG) and tectal evoked (TEP) responses to either flash or pattern stimuli. Two main morphological changes occurred in the retinotectal system during the first 6 days after hatching: an ipsilateral retinofugal component that was present at hatching disappeared and the outer tectal layers were progressively invaded by the contralateral retinofugal axons, which at hatching were limited to the stratum griseum et fibrosum superficiale of the dorsolateral tectal quadrant. During the early posthatching period, at the same developmental stage at which an ERG to unpatterned or patterned stimulation could first be recorded, a visually evoked response could be elicited in the contralateral optic tectum. Therefore, the retina and optic tectum seem to start functioning simultaneously, the limiting factor being the late maturation of photosensitive lamellae in the outer segments of the developing photoreceptors. During the first 20 days posthatching, the retinotectal system undergoes extensive development as revealed by latency and amplitude changes of the visually evoked potentials. We suggest that the pigeon visual system serves as a useful model for studies concerning visual development and plasticity.

Reorganization of visual pathways following posthatching removal of one retina in pigeons.

Organization of visual pathways was studied in 2-month-old pigeons that underwent unilateral retinal removal on either the day of hatching (ERA, i.e., early retinal ablated) or the 9th day after hatching (LRA, i.e., late retinal ablated). A general size reduction of visual areas contralateral to the removed retina was found in ERA pigeons, which additionally showed an altered differentiation of thalamic visual targets as well as a different cytoarchitectonic arrangement of the superficial layers of the optic tectum. No comparable modifications were found in LRA pigeons. The retinal projections of the remaining eye were studied following intraocular injections of 3H-proline. Both in ERA and LRA pigeons, the distribution of retinofugal afferents to primary visual regions contralateral to the injected eye was similar to that of control pigeons. Anomalous ipsilateral projections from the remaining retina to primary retinorecipient regions were found in ERA pigeons only. Effects of early ablation of one retina on second-order visual connections were also studied. Following injections of wheat germ agglutinin-conjugated horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP) into the visual Wulst contralateral to the operated eye, a smaller number of ipsilateral projecting thalamo-Wulst neurons was found as compared with control pigeons. In contrast, the contralateral thalamo-Wulst projections were increased. No changes in thalamo-Wulst projections were found following tracer injections into the opposite Wulst, i.e., ipsilateral to the operated eye. The present study demonstrates a substantial anatomical reorganization of both primary and secondary visual pathways following unilateral retinal removal immediately after hatching, when maturation of the visual system is not yet completed.

Neuroactive substances in the developing dorsomedial telencephalon of the pigeon (Columba livia): differential distribution and time course of maturation.

The avian hippocampal formation has previously been shown to contain many of the same neurotransmitters and related enzymes that are found in mammals. In order to determine whether the relatively delayed development of the mammalian hippocampus is typical of other vertebrates, we investigated the maturation of a variety of neuroactive substances in the hippocampal formation of the homing pigeon. The distribution of two transmitter-related enzymes, choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the neurotransmitter GABA, and four neuropeptides (substance P, enkephalin, neuropeptide Y, and somatostatin) was studied by immunohistochemistry in the developing hippocampal complex. The pattern and/or the time course of changes in the distribution of immunoreactivity varied among the different neuroactive substances examined. Immunoreactivity to ChAT and TH was found exclusively in fibers and terminal-like processes, whereas GABA and peptide immunoreactivity was seen in cells and neuropil. Quantitative differences in the density, number, and size of stained cells were assessed by a computer-assisted image analyzer. For the majority of the substances, developmental patterns in the distribution of immunoreactivity differ between the hippocampus proper and the area parahippocampalis, the two major areas that together make up the avian hippocampal complex. The adult pattern of immunoreactivity was generally attained by 3 weeks after hatching. For many of the neuroactive substances found in cell bodies, there was a gradual decrease in the density of immunoreactive cells with a concomitant increase in the density of immunoreactive neuropil. The actual number of stained cells usually increased to a peak at 9 days posthatching and then declined until 3 weeks posthatching, when the adult value was reached. These results are discussed in relation to the advantages that the pigeon hippocampal complex may provide in the study of developmental processes. Parallels with the distribution of the same neuroactive substances in the mammalian hippocampus are used to suggest possible functional similarities between the avian and mammalian hippocampal regions.

Distribution of neuropeptide Y, substance P, and choline acetyltransferase in the developing visual system of the pigeon and effects of unilateral retina removal.

The distribution of three neuroactive substances, neuropeptide Y, substance P, and choline acetyltransferase, was studied by immunocytochemical methods in central visual regions of adult, developing, and ablated pigeon brains. In normal adult brains, neuropeptide Y-positive cells and processes were present in the nucleus pretectalis, the nucleus of the basal optic root, the nucleus of the marginal optic tract, and the visual Wulst. Substance P-positive cells and processes were found in the optic tectum and in the visual Wulst. Stained fibers and terminal-like processes, but no cells, were also observed in several visual thalamic nuclei. Choline acetyltransferase-positive cells and processes were located in the optic tectum, visual Wulst, the nucleus isthmo opticus, nucleus isthmi and certain visual thalamic nuclei. Cholinergic fibers and processes, but no cells, were present in the nucleus principalis precommissuralis, the supraoptic decussation, and the nucleus lentiformis mesencephali, pars magnocellularis. In the course of development, the distribution of immunoreactivity for all three substances was found to vary. These changes often involved either progressive increases or decreases in the density of labeled cells, neuropil and/or terminal-like profiles. Experiments with retina ablated pigeons clearly demonstrated that changes in the normal pattern of immunoreactivity distribution only occurred if the retina was removed immediately after hatching, i.e., before retinofugal connections have been established. The adult pattern of immunoreactivity for all three substances appears to be reached at about the same time that the anatomical and functional maturation of the pigeon visual system is completed. The present results suggest that this temporal correlation reflects the important role that retinal afferents play in the development of these putative peptidergic and cholinergic systems.

Expression of somatostatin subtype 1 receptor in the rabbit retina.

PURPOSE: To detect mRNAs for somatostatin (somatotropin release-inhibiting factor [SRIF]) receptor subtypes 1 to 5 (sst(1) through sst(5)) in rabbit retinas by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and to investigate the distribution of sst(1) by single- and double-label immunocytochemistry. METHODS: Semiquantitative RT-PCR using sst-specific primers from mouse sequences was performed. sst(1) was localized using a polyclonal antiserum directed to human sst(1) in cryostat sections of retinas from either normal or optic nerve-transected animals. Immunolabeled cell sizes and densities were measured in wholemounted retinas using computer-assisted image analysis. Double-label immunofluorescence was performed using the sst(1) antiserum in conjunction with monoclonal antibodies directed to SRIF, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), parvalbumin (PV), or gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). RESULTS: With RT-PCR it was found that all five sst mRNAs were expressed in the rabbit retina, with highest levels of sst(1) mRNA. sst(1) immunolabeling was localized to amacrine cells in the proximal inner nuclear layer (INL) of all retinal regions and to displaced amacrine cells in the ganglion cell layer (GCL) of the ventral retina. Some large sst(1)-immunoreactive (IR) somata were also present in the GCL. They were not observed after optic nerve transection. Double-label immunofluorescence showed sst(1) expression by all TH-IR amacrine cells and by other amacrine cells that were neither PV-IR nor GABA-IR. In addition, sst(1) was expressed by all SRIF-containing displaced amacrine cells. CONCLUSIONS: All five sst mRNAs are expressed in the rabbit retina. The localization of sst(1) suggests that it may mediate SRIF actions onto amacrine (including dopaminergic) and sparse ganglion cells. sst(1) expression in SRIF-IR cells suggests that this receptor may also act as an autoreceptor.

Piroxicam fast-dissolving dosage form in the treatment of patients with acute low back pain.

An open-label, noncomparative study of the efficacy and tolerability of a once-daily piroxicam fast-dissolving dosage form (FDDF) comprised 157 patients aged 15 to 76 years (56.7% men) with acute low back pain of not more than 48 hours' duration. Patients received 40-mg piroxicam FDDF once daily for the first 2 days and 20 mg once daily for up to a total of 14 days of treatment. Fifteen investigators in three countries examined patients at baseline and at follow-up visits on days 4, 8, and 15. All efficacy assessments-including general low back pain; pain on sitting, standing, and walking; overall severity of night pain; duration of morning stiffness; lumbosacral tenderness on moderate pressure; modified Schober test of ability to bend forward; restriction of passive motion; length of time to resumption of an activity impaired by back pain; and overall restriction of back motion-demonstrated statistically significant improvements from baseline at each follow-up visit. Relief of pain, noted 30 minutes after the first dose, was maintained for the 24-hour dosing interval during the first 3 days. At visit 4, after piroxicam FDDF treatment had been completed, the number of patients being assessed had declined by half, principally because the resolution of symptoms had prompted discontinuation of the study drug. At the end of the treatment, 82.9% of patients evaluated the efficacy of piroxicam FDDF as good or excellent and investigators rated efficacy as good or excellent in 85.6% of patients. Tolerability was also rated highly, with 91% of patients characterizing piroxicam FDDF treatment as good or excellent, and investigators rating the treatment as good or excellent in 92% of patients. In all, 12.7% of the patients experienced drug-related adverse events, most frequently involving the gastrointestinal system. Drug-related adverse experiences prompted discontinuation of the study medication in five (3.2%) patients. These results suggest that the newly developed dosage form, piroxicam FDDF, administered in a dosage of 40 mg/d for the first 2 days and 20 mg/d thereafter (for up to 14 days), is effective and well tolerated in the treatment of patients with acute low back pain.

Postnatal development of somatostatin 2A (sst2A) receptors expression in the rabbit retina.

In the retina, somatostatin (SRIF) acts as a neuromodulator by interacting with specific SRIF subtype (sst) receptors. Aim of this investigation was to determine the cellular localization of the sst2A receptor isoform in the postnatal rabbit retina. Receptor immunoreactivity was localized using the antiserum K-230, directed to the C-terminus of the human sst2A receptor. In the postnatal rabbit retina, sst2A receptors were abundantly expressed without significant regional differences. They were localized predominantly to rod bipolar cells, identified with a protein kinase C (PKC) antibody, to amacrine cells, some of which also containing tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and to presumed rare horizontal cells. Quantitative analysis showed that sst2A-immunoreactive (-IR) bipolar and amacrine cells reached their maximum density and absolute number at the time of eye opening, when the expression pattern of sst2A receptors was similar to that in adult retinas. In the adult retina, 68% of the PKC-IR rod bipolars and 34% of the TH-IR amacrine cells were observed to also express sst2A receptors. The appearance of sst2A receptor immunolabeling prior to eye opening and the developmental profile of sst2A receptor expression are compatible with a role of SRIF in the maturation of retinal circuitries. The partial expression of sst2A receptors in PKC-IR rod bipolar cells and in TH-IR amacrine cells may suggest some type of heterogeneity within these cell populations.

Transient somatostatin-immunoreactive ganglion cells in the developing rat retina.

The peptide somatostatin (SRIF) is likely to play important roles in neuronal differentiation and maturation. In the mammalian retina, it is reported to be expressed by populations of amacrine and/or displaced amacrine cells and, in some species, by some ganglion cells. Previous studies have shown that in the rat retina the maturation of somatostatinergic systems encompasses late prenatal and early postnatal periods, suggesting a role of SRIF in maturative events of the retina. SRIF-expressing ganglion cells have not been reported in the rat retina at any developmental age. In the present study, we re-evaluated the postnatal development of SRIF-containing neurons of the rat retina focusing on the analysis of SRIF-containing cells in the ganglion cell layer (GCL), to test the possibility that SRIF is expressed by some ganglion cells during development. To this aim we combined immunocytochemical staining of SRIF-positive neurons with retrograde tracing of ganglion cell bodies through Fluoro-Gold injections into the superior colliculus. Double-labelling experiments revealed the presence of SRIF-containing ganglion cells at postnatal day (PND) 10. They accounted for 14% of the total SRIF-containing cells in the GCL. Such double-labelled cells were not observed either before (PND 7) or after (PND 15 and PND 45) this period. This transient expression of SRIF in retinal ganglion cells suggests that SRIF may be a factor regulating the maturation of retinocollicular projections in a restricted period of postnatal development.

Chronic exposure to either somatostatin (SS) or octreotide, a long-lasting SS analogue, affects SS expression in the postnatal visual cortex of the rat.

The peptide somatostatin (SS) is widely distributed in the mammalian brain where it modulates neuronal activity through interactions with specific membrane-bound receptor subtypes (ssts). Five different ssts were characterized so far (sst1-5) and their selective agonists were developed on the basis of their binding specificity. SS and ssts are transiently expressed in the developing brain, suggesting a functional role of somatostatinergic systems in neuronal maturation. In the present study, we investigated the effects of chronic exposure to either the SS synthetic analogue, SS-14 or octreotide (a long-acting sst2-preferring analogue) on the maturation of SS-immunoreactivity (-ir) in the primary visual cortex of the rat. SS-ir maturation was investigated both by an evaluation of the number of SS-immunoreactive cells and by radioimmunoassay (RIA) to measure the levels of SS in the postnatal visual cortex. In the visual cortex of normal rats, the number of SS-positive cells markedly increased during the second postnatal week and then significantly decreased until the adult value was reached at the third week. Early and repeated intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injections of either SS-14 or octreotide prevented the increase in the number of SS-positive cells, with adult values reached at the end of the first postnatal week. Similarly, administration of either SS-14 or octreotide significantly decreased the SS content of the visual cortex, measured at the end of the second postnatal week. These results show that high local concentrations of either SS-14 or octreotide interfere with SS expression in developing cortical neurons in a restricted postnatal period.

The electroretinogram of the little owl (Athene noctua).

Electroretinographic responses (ERGs) have been recorded from the cornea of the little owl (Athene noctua) in response to single light flashes and to alternating sinusoidal gratings (pattern) at different levels of light adaptation. Both flash- and pattern-evoked ERGs show scotopic as well as photopic components. The pattern evoked ERG is spatially tuned with tuning functions which shift towards lower frequencies by reducing the mean luminance. The retinal acuity is about 6 c/deg at 2.3 log cd/m2 and decreases progressively by reducing the mean luminance. No pattern ERG can be recorded beyond -6.7 log cd/m2 at any spatial frequency. The pattern ERG amplitude decreases progressively by reducing the contrast. The extrapolated contrast threshold is about 1%. Acuity and contrast sensitivity ERG values are in the range of those obtained by operant techniques in other species with duplex retinae such as owls and cats.

[Proglumetacin: a flexible and broad-spectrum antirheumatic agent]. / Proglumetacina: antireumatico flessibile e ad ampio spettro.

Fifty-five patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or spondyloarthritis, joint pain and other rheumatic-inflammatory disorders were treated with proglumetacin, at different doses, during 3-60 days. Assessment of therapeutic efficacy indicated 88.9% of good results. Joint pain progressively decreased during the whole period of observation. Tolerance was considered good or very good in 78% of patients.

The neuroethology of cognitive maps: contributions from research on the hippocampus and homing pigeon navigation.

The rich ethological tradition that characterizes the homing behavior of pigeons offers an excellent opportunity to examine the importance of the hippocampal formation for the regulation of spatial cognitive mechanisms. The present review summarizes both anatomical and behavioral data obtained in researches on the pigeon hippocampal formation that have been performed over the last 12 years. Pathway connection studies and investigations on the neurochemical organization of the avian hippocampal formation show that this structure shares many similarities with the mammalian hippocampus and provide the basis for structural as well as functional homology. The initial research on the role of the hippocampal formation in the homing behavior showed that this brain structure is likely to be involved in phenomena of spatial cognition. Therefore, the homing behavior of pigeons has been extensively used as an experimental model to investigate the role of the hippocampal formation in spatial cognition related to a naturally occurring behavior. These studies have revealed that the hippocampal formation plays a fundamental role in the learning of a navigational map based on atmospheric odors, but it doesn't seem to be involved in the operation of such a map. In contrast, both the learning and the operation of a navigational map based on the recognition of familiar landmarks require a functional hippocampal formation. Further investigations indicated that these functions of the hippocampal formation are mediated by its involvement in the use of the sun compass, and suggested that the hippocampal formation plays a fundamental role in a cognitive process in which the sun compass is specifically used to learn about the location of stimuli in space. The studies reviewed in the present paper have provided a considerable amount of experimental data both on the anatomical/neurochemical organization of the avian hippocampal formation and on the role played by this brain structure in spatial cognition. The future development of these researches will need to consider the contribution to hippocampal function of specific transmitter systems that are involved in hippocampal circuitry. In particular, the afferent cholinergic system and some of the peptidergic systems intrinsic to the hippocampal formation deserve particular attention in view of their possible involvement in the acquisition and/or operation of spatial cognitive abilities by homing pigeons.

Posterior sternoclavicular inveterate dislocation.

The authors report a case of posterior inveterate sternoclavicular dislocation, which came to their observation after tangential resection of the clavicle. They discuss the surgical technique of reduction and stabilization and clinical results. CT scan was the method most-suited to evaluate dislocation of the clavicle.

Snapping hip: etiopathogenesis and surgical treatment.

Snapping hip is a polymorphous pathology the genesis of which is multifactorial, characterized by a snapping sensation which may be painful, and occurring during movement of the hip or during walking. Clinical and instrumental diagnosis for an accurate etiopathogenetic classification is essential to correct surgical treatment, that must be reserved only for cases with painful symptoms and with disorders in walking. The authors provide a classification system of the syndrome, describing four different varieties of the pathology and relative surgical treatment.

Transverse fracture of the second sacral vertebra: description of a clinical case.

The authors report a rare case of transverse fracture of the second sacral vertebra that was isolated, with neurologic deficit, and treated conservatively by reduction opposing the trauma mechanism, and immobilization in plaster. After 22 months there was good neurologic recovery, although some perineal sensory disorders persisted, as did sexual deficit. This method is believed to be a valid one as an alternative to surgery, which is difficult, and not without complications.

Anterior recurrent dislocation of shoulder treated by the Latarjet technique: our experience.

Transposition of the coracoid process in the preglenoid site according to the Latarjet method in 15 cases of anterior recurrent dislocation of shoulder is reported. Indications, surgical stages, and results are discussed with emphasis on the simplicity of surgery followed by nearly complete functional recovery and rapid resumption of professional and sports activity.

Femoral osteotomy in the treatment of adult dysplastic hip.

The authors define the current role of femoral osteotomy in the treatment of the sequelae of congenital hip dysplasia (CHD) in the adult in light of the increasing orientation towards prosthetization. They report a personal philosophy on the subject after analyzing the criteria on which are based indications for osteotomy, the various types of osteotomy, the influence of osteotomy on other skeletal regions, the problems of prosthetization on osteotomy, and expectations concerning of the quality of the life of the patients submitted to osteotomy.

An evaluation of some leukocytary phenotypes in subjects with evolutive primary coxarthrosis and in subjects with hip prostheses.

The authors examined 52 patients (36 females and 16 males) of whom 15 affected with evolutive primary coxarthrosis, 27 with hip prostheses for 4 to 13 years, and 10 with a prosthetic implant which was not tolerated. A method of indirect immunofluorescence with monoclonal antibodies against specific antigens of the cellular surface was used to typify the T-lymphocytic subpopulations (T-helper/inducer and T-suppressor/cytotoxic), the activated mononucleate cells (DR+), and the B-lymphocytes and monocytes. A good correlation between the imbalances in the T-lymphocytic subpopulations, an increase in the activated mononucleate cells (principally due to T-lymphocytes) and the tolerance of the implant were observed. Based on the results obtained, the authors hypothesize the possibility of using the typing of T-lymphocytes and activated mononucleate cells, together with other biohumoral parameters, as indicators of periprosthetic tissue phologosis.

Lumbar nerve root compression caused by herniated intradiscal gas: description of a clinical case with recurrence.

The authors report a rare case of recurrence of lumbar nerve root compression caused by herniated intradiscal gas treated surgically with resolution of pain symptoms. They describe the possible causes of the formation of gaseous material reported in the literature. They believe that to avoid recurrence it is important to associated removal of the hernia with complete emptying of the disc and resection of the posterior longitudinal ligament.