bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Marker-Assisted Selection of Tomato Genotypes with the I-2 Gene for Resistance to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici Race 2
Authors: El Mohtar Choaa A. , Atamian Hagop S. , Dagher Rachel B. , Abou-Jawdah Yusuf , Salus Melinda S. , Maxwell Douglas P.
Published: May 2007

Fusarium vascular wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, affects tomatoes worldwide. Development of resistant varieties of tomato would constitute an economically and environmentally sound approach for the management of this disease. Resistance genes to F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici race 1 (I-1 gene) and race 2 (I-2 gene) were mapped to chromosome 11. The I-2 gene cluster includes one functional copy and six nonfunctional homologs of the I-2 gene. This report describes the design of primers based on the functional gene copy and the development of a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based method that has the ability to differentiate I-2 genotypes from genotypes without the I-2 gene. In these trials, 39 of the 40 genotypes tested with known reactions to race 2 gave the expected results. The only exception was the cultivar Plum Crimson carrying the I-3 gene for resistance, which confers resistance to F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici races 1, 2, and 3. This method was validated in three countries and by bioassays.
Fruit Rot Caused by Penicillium italicum on Lemon (Citrus aurantifolia) in Colima, Mexico
Authors: Hernández-Montiel L. G. , Ochoa J. L.
Published: May 2007

Postharvest rotting caused by Penicillium italicum Wermer is responsible for significant economic losses of orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) and lemon (C. limon Burm. f.) worldwide, but until now was not described on lemons (C. aurantifolia (Chistm.) Swingle) in Mexico. During May 2002, we analyzed 400 fruits of lemon collected in the state of Colima, which is the most important lemon producer in Mexico. Rotting and softened areas covered with a white mycelium and blue conidia were observed on approximately 30% of the fruits. Affected tissue was plated onto potato dextrose agar (PDA) for fungal isolation and identification. Following the morphological criteria (1) and the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1), 5.8S, and ITS2 region of the ribosomal DNA (2) (GenBank Accession No. DQ991463), the fungus was identified as P. italicum and deposited in the Colección Microbiana y de Cultivos Celulares CINVESTAV-IPN, México. For the pathogenicity test, the fungus was grown on PDA for 1 week. Four drops (15 μl each) of a sterile water suspension of 106 conidia per ml were placed in four wounds of 3 × 3 × 3 mm produced with a scalpel on the fruit surface. Five plastic boxes with six fruits each were placed in an environmental chamber at 12°C and 90% relative humidity. After 10 days, all fruit rotted in a similar way as naturally infected fruit on trees. Control fruits inoculated with sterile distilled water were symptomless. The test was repeated and the results were similar, confirming Koch's postulates. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the isolation and pathogenicity of P. italicum on lemon (C. aurantifolia) in Colima, Mexico, which may have important implications in fruit quality and storage.

References: (1) Z. Kozakieweicz. IMI Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria. 155, Sheet 1548, 2002. (2) M. J. Pianzzola et al. Plant. Dis. 88:23, 2004.
First Report of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus in Venezuela
Authors: Zambrano K. , Carballo O. , Geraud F. , Chirinos D. , Fernández C. , Marys E.
Published: May 2007

Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), a member of the family Geminiviridae, is a serious production constraint to tomato worldwide. In the new world, the virus had been identified as the causal agent of tomato yellow leaf curl disease in the Caribbean countries of the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Guadeloupe and also in Florida and the Yucatan Peninsula (1). Molecular data from these TYLCV isolates identified the virus as the TYLCV prototype from Israel. During April 2004, tomato plants showing symptoms such as chlorotic leaf edges, upward leaf cupping, leaf mottling, and reduced leaf size indicative of TYLCV were observed in commercial fields in Zulia state, Venezuela. Whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius) were present in the field and appeared to be associated with the disease. Leaf samples from nine symptomatic plants were collected and brought to the lab at Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC) for further analyses. Geminivirus infection of samples was confirmed by PCR amplification with the degenerate primer pair PAL1v1978 and PAR1c494 (2). TYLCV coat protein gene-specific primers KL04-06_TYLCV CP F and KL04-07_TYLCV CP R (3) were used to confirm the diagnosis. These primers amplified the expected 842-bp PCR product from the nine symptomatic samples. One of the resulting amplicons was cloned into the pCR-TOPO vector (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA) and sequenced (GenBank Accession No. DQ302033). Sequence comparison with those available in the NCBI database indicated that the sequenced portion of the genome shared 99% nucleotide identity with the TYLCV mild strain from Portugal (GenBank Accession No. AF105975) and 98% nucleotide identity with the TYLCV mild strain from Spain (GenBank Accession No. AF071228), TYLCV Israel isolate (GenBank Accession No. AM234066), and TYLCV Mexico isolate (GenBank Accession No. DQ631892). To our knowledge, this is the first report of TYLCV infecting tomato crops in South America. Further studies are needed to clarify how TYLCV has been introduced into Venezuela.

References: (1) J. E. Polston and P. K. Anderson. Plant Dis. 81:1358, 1997. (2) M. R. Rojas et al. Plant Dis. 77:340, 1993. (3) K. S. Ling et al. Plant Dis. 90:379, 2006.
First Report of Aloe Root and Stem Rot in China Caused by Fusarium solani
Authors: Ji G. , Wei L. , He Y. , Wu Y.
Published: May 2007

During the springs of 2003 and 2004, a serious outbreak of root and stem disease occurred on Aloe barbadensis L. grown in commercial fields in Yuanjiang, Yunnan Province, Southwest China. The disease began with brown root rots that advanced to collars and stems, followed by internal decay of the lower stem. Diseased tissue samples collected from plants in different fields were surface disinfested and plated on potato dextrose agar (PDA). A Fusarium species was consistently isolated, and pure cultures were established by initiating new cultures with single spores. Grayish white and fluffy mycelium with a deep violet-blue pigment developed on PDA agar, with a growth rate of 3.4 cm in 3 days, and a dark, blue-green mass of confluent sporodochia or pionnotes covering the central part of the culture. Microconidia in false heads on long phialides were abundant when initially isolated but were infrequent in later cultures. Microconidia were generally single celled, oval to kidney shaped, and 8 to 16 × 2.5 to 4 μm. Macroconidia were abundant, cylindrical, slightly curved with blunt and rounded apical cells, and foot-shaped or notched basal cells, and mostly three to four septate, 27 to 50 × 3.6 to 5.7 μm. Chlamydospores were sparse, single or in short chains, thick walled, and 7 to 10 μm in diameter. This description corresponds to Fusarium solani (Mart.) Appel & Wollenw. emend. Snyd. & Hans as described by Nelson et al. (1). Inoculations with F. solani were made by dipping healthy aloe roots into a 300-ml suspension of 3 × 105 conidia/ml. Control plants were dipped in sterile water. All plants were potted in soil and kept in a greenhouse (2). After 30 days, all inoculated plants developed root rots followed by collar and stem rots that were similar to those observed in the field. Cultures of F. solani were reisolated from the diseased plants and identification was confirmed by conidial characteristics. No symptoms were observed on the control plants. Tests were repeated with similar results. In China, the Yunnan Province produces one-third of all aloe grown and this disease has a major impact on production. Aloe is grown in certified organic fields and chemical pesticides are not used. To our knowledge, this is the first report of F. solani causing root and stem rot of A. barbadensis.

References: (1) P. E. Nelson et al. Fusarium Species: An Illustrated Manual for Identification. Pennsylvania State University Press, University Park, PA, 1983. (2) X. Ruan et al. Pages 211–215 in: Phytopathology Laboratory of Yunnan Province. Vol. 2. Y. Y. Shengfu, ed. Yunnan Science and Technology Press, Kunming, Yunnan, China, 1998.
Wood ants use resin to protect themselves against pathogens
Authors: Chapuisat Michel , Oppliger Anne , Magliano Pasqualina , Christe Philippe
Published: May 2007

Social life is generally associated with an increased exposure to pathogens and parasites, due to factors such as high population density, frequent physical contact and the use of perennial nest sites. However, sociality also permits the evolution of new collective behavioural defences. Wood ants,Formica paralugubris, commonly bring back pieces of solidified coniferous resin to their nest. Many birds and a few mammals also incorporate green plant material into their nests. Collecting plant material rich in volatile compounds might be an efficient way to fight bacteria and fungi. However, no study has demonstrated that this behaviour has a positive effect on survival. Here, we provide the first experimental evidence that animals using plant compounds with antibacterial and antifungal properties survive better when exposed to detrimental micro-organisms. The presence of resin strongly improves the survival ofF. paralugubrisadults and larvae exposed to the bacteriaPseudomonas fluorescens, and the survival of larvae exposed to the entomopathogenic fungusMetarhizium anisopliae. These results show that wood ants capitalize on the chemical defences which have evolved in plants to collectively protect themselves against pathogens.
Spatial and temporal variability across life's hierarchies in the terrestrial Antarctic
Authors: Chown Steven L , Convey Peter
Published: May 2007

Antarctica and its surrounding islands lie at one extreme of global variation in diversity. Typically, these regions are characterized as being species poor and having simple food webs. Here, we show that terrestrial systems in the region are nonetheless characterized by substantial spatial and temporal variations at virtually all of the levels of the genealogical and ecological hierarchies which have been thoroughly investigated. Spatial variation at the individual and population levels has been documented in a variety of genetic studies, and in mosses it appears that UV-B radiation might be responsible for within-clump mutagenesis. At the species level, modern molecular methods have revealed considerable endemism of the Antarctic biota, questioning ideas that small organisms are likely to be ubiquitous and the taxa to which they belong species poor. At the biogeographic level, much of the relatively small ice-free area of Antarctica remains unsurveyed making analyses difficult. Nonetheless, it is clear that a major biogeographic discontinuity separates the Antarctic Peninsula and continental Antarctica, here named the ‘Gressitt Line’. Across the Southern Ocean islands, patterns are clearer, and energy availability is an important correlate of indigenous and exotic species richness, while human visitor numbers explain much of the variation in the latter too. Temporal variation at the individual level has much to do with phenotypic plasticity, and considerable life-history and physiological plasticity seems to be a characteristic of Antarctic terrestrial species. Environmental unpredictability is an important driver of this trait and has significantly influenced life histories across the region and probably throughout much of the temperate Southern Hemisphere. Rapid climate change-related alterations in the range and abundance of several Antarctic and sub-Antarctic populations have taken place over the past several decades. In many sub-Antarctic locations, these have been exacerbated by direct and indirect effects of invasive alien species. Interactions between climate change and invasion seem set to become one of the most significant conservation problems in the Antarctic. We conclude that despite the substantial body of work on the terrestrial biodiversity of the Antarctic, investigations of interactions between hierarchical levels remain scarce. Moreover, little of the available information is being integrated into terrestrial conservation planning, which lags far behind in this region by comparison with most others.
Awareness of and adherence to cancer screening guidelines among health professionals in Japan
Authors: Hamashima Chisato , Saito Hiroshi , Sobue Tomotaka
Published: May 2007

Since 1998 in Japan, guidelines for cancer screening programs have been developed and revised by a research group funded by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. However, little is known about health professionals’ awareness of and adherence to the cancer screening guidelines. Surveys were conducted by mailing questionnaires to two target groups of health professionals: local government officers of municipal cancer screening programs of 3327 municipalities in 47 prefectures (local government officers group; n = 3327) and councilors of an academic society dealing with a mass survey of gastroenterological cancer (expert group; n = 195). The questionnaire contained questions dealing with: (1) awareness of and adherence to the cancer screening guidelines published in 2001, and (2) basic knowledge of and attitude towards cancer screening. We compared the responses of the two groups. The response rate in both groups was approximately 65%. Over 70% of the respondents were aware of the cancer screening guidelines. However, 20% of the local government officers and 35% of the experts thought that non‐recommended methods could be used for population‐based screening. Fifty‐six percent of the local government officers and 76% of the experts responded that there was no problem with using non‐recommended methods for opportunistic screening. Almost all health professionals believed that screening was ‘almost always a good idea’. Although the two groups’ backgrounds differed, both did not sufficiently understand the evidence‐based approach for cancer screening. To properly conduct evidence‐based cancer screening, it is necessary that health professionals have an appropriate understanding of the guidelines. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 1241–1247)
Fine needle aspiration cytology of salivary gland lesions
Authors: YOUNG J. A. , SMALLMAN L. A. , THOMPSON H. , PROOPS D. W. , JOHNSON A. P.
Published: May 2007

Eighty‐eight fine needle aspirates from 79 salivary gland lesions in 77 patients were examined. The overall diagnostic sensitivity was 84% and the specificity 98.41%. When the 14 unsatisfactory specimens were excluded the sensitivity rose to 95.45%. Correct identification of the disease process was possible in nearly 80% of cases with a final benign diagnosis. The histological tumour type was correctly predicted in 75% of the malignancies. In the others the cytological diagnosis was anaplastic malignant neoplasm.
Audit of fine needle aspiration cytology of 120 renal lesions
Authors: LEIMAN G.
Published: May 2007

Solid renal masses in 120 patients were assessed by percutaneous fine needle aspiration cytology, performed under radiographic guidance. Follow‐up was obtained in all but seven cases. Diagnostic sensitivity for 83 tumours in the series was 91.6%, while two false positive reports resulted in a specificity of 93.8%. Positive and negative predictive values were 97.4% and 81.1% respectively. One advantage of the procedure was the ability to cell type neoplasms accurately, which enabled administration of pre‐operative chemotherapy in childhood tumours, and selection of appropriate surgical procedures in adults. The technique offered a non‐surgical means of confirming primary renal tumours in patients presenting initially with distant metastases, and documenting renal secondaries in cases with malignancy at other sites. The diagnosis of benign or inflammatory lesions permitted institution of definitive therapy.
Cytopathology of malignant mesothelioma. Reappraisal of the diagnostic value of collagen cores
Authors: DELAHAYE M. , de JONG A. A. W. , VERSNEL M. A. , HOOGSTEDEN H. C. , TEELING P. , KWAST T. H. van der
Published: May 2007

The identification of malignant mesothelial cells in cytological smears prepared from serous effusions is still hampered by the lack of features specific for mesothelial differentiation. We examined the diagnostic value of collagen cores within clusters of tumour cells in cytological smears prepared from effusions from 43 patients with malignant mesothelioma and of 62 cases of metastatic adenocarcinoma. In Giemsa‐stained smears collagen cores were detected in 51% of the cases of malignant mesothelioma and in none of the smears with metastatic adenocarcinoma. Using the Azan stain, collagen cores were detected in 64% of the malignant mesotheliomas and 4% of the adenocarcinomas. Immunoelectron microscopy demonstrated that the collagen cores are largely composed of collagen type III fibrils and some elastin embedded in a homogenous extracellular matrix. It can be concluded that the presence of collagen cores within clusters of tumour cells is highly suggestive of mesothelial differentiation and a common finding in malignant mesothelioma.
Human papillomavirus infection in the cervix of pregnant females in Hong Kong
Authors: COLLINS R. J. , NGAN H. Y. S. , HSU C. , CHEUNG A. , KING P. , PUN T. C. , MA H. K. , SRIVASTAVA G.
Published: May 2007

Routine cytological examination and HPV‐DNA probing were performed on cervical cells obtained from 215 pregnant Chinese females. The procedure utilized the specific binding of a mixture of complementary [32P]‐labelled RNA probes to membrane‐bound target HPV DNA types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33 and 35. Positive results for HPV‐DNA were obtained in 11/215 (5%) of the cases. The cervical smears were routinely processed and in 3/215 (1.5%) cases a cytological diagnosis of wart virus infection was made. All three were included in the 11 probe‐positive cases. Using similar molecular biological techniques, pregnant Western females have an incidence of HPV infection of the cervix which is up to five times that of the present series. This is an unexpected finding in view of the fact that the incidence of cervical cancer is higher in Chinese women than American women.
The Cervex: an ectocervical brush sampler
Authors: WADDELL C. A. , ROLLASON T. P. , AMARILLI J. M. , CULLIMORE J. , McCONKEY C. C.
Published: May 2007

The performance of a new ectocervical brush sampler—the Cervex—was compared with the Ayre spatula in 280 paired cervical smears. The Cervex smears were superior in quality of spread, transformation zone sampling in all degrees of cervical patency and in detection of histologically proven epithelial abnormalities, with a false negative rate of 10.9% compared with 20% for the Ayre. Improvement in predictive value was noted in atrophic samples, with increased cellularity and transformation zone representation. Difficulty has been encountered in obtaining adequate samples from the older woman and from those with iatrogenic scarring of the cervix. Although two‐sampler techniques may be used, submission of high quality pancervical material from a single sampler onto one slide is economically and organizationally attractive. The Cervex seems capable of producing such samples and deserves further evaluation for routine screening.
Peripheral neuroectodermal tumour (neuroepithelioma) of the thoracopulmonary region: light and electron microscopic cytology
Authors: TACCAGNI G. L. , TERRENI M. R. , DEL MASCHIO A. , NICOLETTI G. , CANTABONI A.
Published: May 2007

We describe a case of peripheral neuroectodermal tumour of the thoracopulmonary region diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology. Light microscope examination revealed numerous small tumour cells arranged in large irregular aggregates occasionally delimiting empty vascular‐type spaces or forming rosette‐like structures. Cytologically the tumour cells showed a marked degree of nuclear anaplasia, scanty cytoplasm and long thin cytoplasmic processes. Electron microscopy revealed cells with characteristics of neuroectodermal differentiation.
A microglandular adenosis‐like lesion simulating tubular adenocarcinoma of the breast. A case report with cytological and histological appearances
Authors: EVANS A. T. , HUSSEIN K. A. H.
Published: May 2007

Although rare, microglandular adenosis of the breast is well recognized as a benign lesion which mimics tubular adenocarcinoma. In this paper we present a case of a complex microglandular adenosis‐like lesion which was thought to be suggestive of tubular adenocarcinoma by fine needle aspiration cytology. The problem of the cytological distinction of microglandular adenosis from tubular adenocarcinoma is discussed.
Fine needle aspiration cytology in a case of florid gynaecomastia
Authors: CHANG A. R.
Published: May 2007

A case of gynaecomastia examined by fine needle aspiration cytology is reported. The pitfalls in trying to obtain a cytological diagnosis in the florid proliferative stage of the disease are detailed together with an account of the natural history.
Does Microhistology Improve the Cytological Diagnosis of Liver and Pancreatic Tumours?
Authors: STRACHURA J. , TOMASZEWSKA R. , PIETRON M. , KULIG J.
Published: May 2007

Guided percutaneous fine needle aspiration cytodiagnosis of the liver, retroperitoneum and pancreas was performed in 197 patients. In 42 cases, material left after the smears were prepared was embedded in paraffin wax for histological examination. Six liver tumours and seven pancreatic tumours were identified in this material. In two cases the diagnosis of liver cell carcinoma was made only after microhistological examination. Re‐examination of the cytological material in both cases disclosed features of liver cell carcinoma which were underestimated in the first examination and diagnosed only broadly as cancer cells. On the other hand, in another case cancer cells were present only in the smear and absent in the microhistological preparation. Diagnosis of pancreatic tumours was generally not improved by microhistological examination. In one case cancer cells were present only in the cytological material. In another case a cytological diagnosis of suspected cancer was confirmed as adenocarcinoma by microhistology. the diagnosis of non‐neoplastic material in the remaining 29 cases were identical by cytopathology and microhistology. It is concluded that the microhistology of needle aspirate material complements cytological examination and can refine diagnosis although it increases cost.
Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of the Breast: Factors Affecting Sensitivity
Authors: BROWN L. A. , COGHILL S. B.
Published: May 2007

At Northampton General Hospital a pathologist takes, stains and immediately reports aspirates at a fine needle aspiration clinic which is run in conjunction with a busy surgical breast clinic. the effect of various factors on the sensitivity of the technique have been quantified. Small tumour size, certain types of tumour and lesions difficult to palpate are causes of reduced sensitivity. Acellular samples had little effect on sensitivity. In this clinic trainee aspirators achieved good results early in their experience. After one year each had improved to the level of an experienced aspirator.
C‐Myc Expression In Exfoliated Cells In Serous Effusions
Authors: TAWFIK M. S. , COLEMAN D. V.
Published: May 2007

In an attempt to improve the discrimination between benign and malignant cells in pleural and peritoneal fluids, 32 effusions were investigated for c‐myc expression. Smears were prepared from cells harvested from the fluids for immunocytochemical staining to identify the presence of c‐myc protein. Recombinant DNA technology (Northern blotting, slot blotting and in situ hybridization) was used to detect c‐myc mRNA. No significant difference in expression of c‐myc was noted in benign or malignant effusions.

Although the results are inconclusive, the recombinant DNA technology developed for this research could be used to investigate the expression of other oncogenes in cytological material.
Detection of Human Polyomavirus Dna In Papanicolaou Stained Smears of Urinary Sediment By In Situ Hybridization
Authors: IWA N. , KOBAYASHI T. K. , YUTANI C.
Published: May 2007

Papanicolaou stained smears of urinary sediment containing inclusion bearing urothelial cells suggestive of human polyomavirus infection were destained and reprocessed for in situ hybridization using a biotinylated probe for human polyomavirus DNA. Seven slides were processed in this way. A hybridization signal for viral DNA was noted in each case, even in smears that had previously been stored for 11 years. This simple and rapid non‐radioactive detection system is a valuable supplement to routine urinary cytology for the definitive diagnosis of this virus infection.
The Cytological Diagnosis of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Using A Silk Swab Stick
Authors: LAU S. K. , HSU C. S. , SHAM J. S. T. , WEI W. I.
Published: May 2007

A prospective study was carried out to investigate the efficacy of exfoliative cytology for the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Exfoliated nasopharyngeal cells were collected from patients with a clinical suspicion of carcinoma by scraping the nasopharyngeal mucosa with a piece of silk wrapped around one end of a wooden stick. Ninety‐eight patients were investigated in this manner, and the results of cytological investigation compared with the histological findings. the sensitivity of cytological investigation was 71% and the overall accuracy was 86%. the combined use of cytology and serology as a method of screening for nasopharyngeal carcinomas is discussed.
The Cytological Prediction of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia In Colposcopically Directed Biopsies
Authors: PARHAM D. M. , WIREDU E. K. , HUSSEIN K. A.
Published: May 2007

The tissue sections and preceding cervical smears of 1262 women who had colposcopic cervical biopsies were reviewed and the reports correlated. Close correlation between the cytological and histological findings, to within one histological grade of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), was noted in 86% of cases. However, the biopsy was negative, or contained evidence of wart virus infection only, in 24% of cases where dyskaryotic cells had been observed in the cervical smear. of particular concern was the fact that negative histological findings were recorded in 13% of cases where the smear contained cells showing a moderate dyskaryosis and in 1.26% of cases where the smear showed severe dyskaryosis. This suggests that colposcopically directed biopsies do not always reflect the underlying pathological changes in the cervix. Management of these cases is discussed.

In 45 women with a normal cervical smear prior to biopsy, histology revealed seven cases of CIN 3 and one case of invasive squamous carcinoma. This indicates that referral for colposcopy is advisable whenever there is clinical suspicion of cancer, even if the cervical smear report is normal.
Rapid Cervical Cytology Screening
Authors: BAKER A. , MELCHER D. H.
Published: May 2007

2030 Papanicolaou‐stained cervical smears were submitted for rapid screening prior to routine screening; 30 seconds were allowed for each slide, and those thought to be abnormal were identified. the results were compared with those of conventional screening. All severe and moderately dyskaryotic cases were detected by the rapid technique, as were the majority of mild dyskaryosis and borderline cases. When a laboratory has a backlog it may be worth rapid‐screening all slides in addition to routine screening, so that patients most at risk can receive prompt treatment.
Fine Needle Aspiration of Adrenal Myelolipoma: A Case Report
Authors: BELEZINI E. , DASKALOPOULOU D. , MARKIDOU S.
Published: May 2007

A case of an adrenal myelolipoma in a 50‐year‐old woman with endometrial carcinoma is described. the diagnosis was established by computed tomography‐guided fine needle aspiration, which is particularly useful for the pre‐operative evaluation of adrenal tumours in asymptomatic, high‐risk or cancer patients. the criteria used to distinguish extra‐adrenal myelolipomas from mass‐forming extramedullary haematopoiesis are discussed.
Extranodal Multilobated B‐Cell Lymphoma: Diagnosis By Fine Needle Aspiration
Authors: SAUTER G. , HURWITZ N. , GUDAT F. , KLEIBER B. , LAENG H. , DALQUEN P.
Published: May 2007

Malignant lymphoma with multilobated nuclei is a rare variant of follicle centre cell lymphoma. We describe a 34‐year‐old patient who initially presented with enlarged cervical and inguinal lymph nodes due to a histologically proven centroblastic‐centrocytic lymphoma. Two years later, she developed a soft tissue mass in the gluteal area and malignant lymphoma with multilobated nuclei was diagnosed on fine needle aspiration.
Brush cytology technique in the detection of oesophageal carcinoma in the asymptomatic, high risk subject; a pilot survey
Authors: LAZARUS C. , JASKIEWICZ K. , SUMERUK R. A. , NAINKIN J.
Published: May 2007

This study assesses the reliability of abrasive brush cytology in the diagnosis of early cancer of the oesophagus among asymptomatic rural Ciskeians. an inexpensive locally manufactured brush biopsy capsule was used to obtain cytological material from 1336 subjects; 59% of them were brushed a second time. the technique appears to have a high sensitivity (90%) and specificity (99.9%). Three of five asymptomatic subjects diagnosed as having early oesophageal cancer refused further treatment, indicating the importance of health education as a prerequisite to the introduction of a screening programme for oesophageal cancer.
The Lensman Microscope: Tool Or Toy?
Authors: COGHILL S. B.
Published: May 2007

The experience of using the Lensman microscope for 1 year indicates that this inexpensive, pocket‐sized instrument, which can be used at the bedside or in the out‐patients department, can assess the quality of needle aspirates although it is not suitable for making definitive cytological diagnoses.
Cytological Evaluation of the Effect of Tamoxifen In Premenopausal and Post‐Menopausal Women With Primary Breast Cancer By Analysis of the Karyopyknotic Indices of Vaginal Smears
Authors: ATHANASSIADOU P. P. , KYRKOU K. A. , ANTONIADES L. G. , ATHANASSIADES P. H.
Published: May 2007

The influence of Tamoxifen on the vaginal epithelium of 33 premenopausal and 99 post‐menopausal women with primary advanced breast cancer was investigated. the karyopyknotic index (KPI) values were assessed before starting therapy and at monthly intervals during therapy with Tamoxifen. A decrease in the KPI in menstruating women and a slight but definite increase in KPI values in post‐menopausal women were observed.
A Quality Control System Involving Peer Review of Abnormal Cervical Smears
Authors: PALLI D. , CONFORTINI M. , BIGGERI A. , RUSSO A. , CARIAGGI P. , CAROZZI F. , MINUTI P. A.
Published: May 2007

An internal quality control system which is used in the centralized cytology laboratory of a population‐based cervical cancer screening programme in Florence is described. It includes a peer review procedure. Abnormal cervical smears are circulated among all the cytologists and a consensus on the final diagnosis is reached. This daily procedure is designed to evaluate the performance of each cytologist and of the laboratory as a whole but can also be considered a valuable training opportunity. During an 18‐month period 1197 smears were reviewed by 15 readers using a reporting form with six main categories of reporting (from ‘regative’ to ‘invasive carcinoma’), plus an ‘unsatisfactory’ category. Overall the concordance between the 15 cytologists, assessed using the kappa statistic (range 0.46–0.71; median 0.60), was good. the level of agreement increased when a weighted kappa statistic (range 0.55–0.78; median 0.68) was used. Kappa values were also calculated for specific categories and suggested an increasing concordance with increasing severity of the lesions, the categories of ‘severe dysplasia’ and ‘invasive carcinoma’ showing the highest agreement. the poor results for the ‘moderate dysplasia’ confirmed the need for combining this group with the ‘severe dysplasia’, as proposed in the Bethesda system.
Comparison of Planimetry and Image Analysis For the Discrimination Between Normal and Abnormal Cells In Cytological Smears of Suspicious Lesions of the Oral Cavity
Authors: COWPE J. G. , OGDEN G. R. , GREEN M. W.
Published: May 2007

Light microscope analysis of cytological smears of suspicious lesions of the oral cavity is used as a method for detecting early cancer in the oral cavity. the sensitivity of this approach can be improved by quantitative analysis of the cells in the cytological smears.

We have compared the efficiency of planimetry and the Vids V system of image analysis, as quantitative methods for discriminating between normal and abnormal cells in cytological smears of suspicious lesions in the oral cavity. Both methods detected an increase in nuclear area and a decrease in cytoplasmic area in abnormal epithelial cells from dysplastic lesions of increasing severity. However, image analysis was better able to discriminate between benign and malignant cells on the basis of nuclear size. Thus the Vids V system of image analysis is more appropriate than planimetry for quantitative analysis of cytological smears from the oral cavity.
Atypical Mesothelial Cells Associated With Eosinophilic Pleural Effusions: Nuclear Dna Content and Immunocytochemical Staining Reaction With Epithelial Markers
Authors: KOBAYASHI T. K. , GOTOH T. , NAKANO K. , KANAGAWA Y. , KIMURA T. , SATO T.
Published: May 2007

The nuclear DNA contents of atypical mesothelial cells from five patients who had an eosinophilic pleural effusion (EPE) were studied by the use of DAPI (4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole dihydrochloride) DNA staining. Analysis of the nuclear DNA content revealed a polyploid pattern, with a major peak in the tetraploid region. Using an immunocytochemical technique, the atypical mesothelial cells showed a positive reaction for cytokeratin. In contrast carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was always negative in these cells. It is suggested that the atypical mesothelial cells with EPE had a higher rate of proliferation than did the normal mesothelial cells.
The Evaluation and Interpretation of Cervical Cytology: Application of the Likelihood Ratio Concept
Authors: GIARD R. W. M. , HERMANS J.
Published: May 2007

The Papanicolaou smear (Pap test), used for the detection and prevention of neoplastic lesions of the cervix, is known to have both false negative and false positive results. Proper handling of the diagnostic uncertainty resulting from these errors demands quantification of flaws. Traditionally, sensitivity, specificity and predictive values are used for that aim. In this study another approach is advocated, namely the use of the likelihood ratio. For cervical cytology this ratio is the quotient of the probability of a Pap class within the diseased population to the probability of that same Pap class within the non‐diseased group. This approach enables the characterization of each Pap class separately, and is therefore much better for clinical interpretation of the result. It is also a superior approach for quality assessment.
Patients With Various Types of Human Papillomavirus: Covariation and Diagnostic Relevance of Cytological Findings In Papanicolaou Smears
Authors: TANAKA H. , CHUA K.‐L. , LINDH E. , HJERPE A.
Published: May 2007

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in the genital tract is associated with a number of cytological changes which are accepted as standard criteria for a cytological diagnosis. We evaluated the covariation and diagnostic accuracy of these criteria in 210 patients, i.e. 150 cases who were positive for HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33 or 35, and 60 cases who were HPV‐negative by simultaneous Southern blot analysis. This was done by re‐examining cervical smears obtained at the same time, without knowing the results of the Southern blot analysis, for the presence of koilocytosis, dyskeratosis‐parakeratosis, nuclear smudging, hyperchromasia, binucleation, multinucleation, karyorrhexis and macrocytosis. We found that all these cytological changes correlated with the presence of an HPV infection. However, analysis of variance showed that koilocytosis, dyskeratosis‐parakeratosis and karyorrhexis were of particular diagnostic value, while the other features provided little or no additional information. By omitting these features and making the diagnosis when two out of three of the key criteria, i.e. koilocytosis, dyskeratosis‐parakeratosis and karyorrhexis were present, we diagnosed HPV infection with a specificity of 100% in 36% of the 150 cases, which were positive by Southern blot analysis. the various HPV types produced different morphological patterns which may reflect differences in action on the host cell. In the individual patient, however, such differences in cytology do not provide a sound basis for distinguishing between viral types.
Cellular Differences Between True Negative and False Negative Papanicolaou Smears
Authors: MITCHELL H. , MEDLEY G.
Published: May 2007

A matched case‐control study of 123 false negative Papanicolaou smears and 488 true negative Papanicolaou smears was undertaken to determine the association between the types of cells present on the smear and the correctness of the cytology report. the false negative slides were significantly more likely to include endocervical columnar cells than the true negative slides (odds ratio 1.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.21–3.01). No statistically significant difference in metaplastic cell status was evident (odds ratio 1.48, 95% CI 0.95–2.30). When considered together, metaplastic and/or columnar cells were significantly more likely to be present in false negative smears than in true negative smears (odds ratio 1.87, 95% CI 1.13–3.08). the implications of these findings for improving the accuracy of cervical cytology for the detection of precancerous lesions are discussed.
An Experience With Ultrasonically Guided Liver Aspirates From South India
Authors: SHARIFF S. , THOMAS J. A. , KALIAPERUMAL V. G.
Published: May 2007

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) was performed on 102 hepatic lesions under ultrasound control. Eighty‐eight lesions were solid and 14 were cystic. Ninety aspirates provided adequate material for cytodiagnosis. Aspirates from the solid lesions were assessed for the presence or absence of 20 cytological features. It was found that on a univariate statistical analysis, 11 of the features were significantly associated with hepatocellular carcinomas. Five of these 11 were considered diagnostic of the lesion on a step‐wise multiple linear regression analysis. Two other features (not included among the 11) were found to be significantly associated with metastatic neoplasms. Cystic lesions were diagnosed as being either abscesses, hydatid cysts or congenital cysts. the physical appearance of the cyst fluid proved to be of diagnostic value in many cases.
Cytology of Bronchoalveolar Lavage In Some Rare Pulmonary Disorders: Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis and Amiodarone Pulmonary Toxicity
Authors: MERMOLJA M. , ROTT T. , DEBELJAK A.
Published: May 2007

Cytological patterns of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) and amiodarone pulmonary toxicity (APT) are presented together with light and electron microscopy (EM). the differential cell count of BAL in both diseases is similar in that alveolar macrophages predominate. However, the cytology of PAP is characterized by scanty macrophages and alveolar epithelial cells in abundant periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS)‐positive extracellular material. the gross appearance of the BAL fluid is therefore opaque. In contrast, the cytology of APT is characterized by foamy alveolar macrophages with numerous lamellar bodies in their cytoplasm, and the BAL fluid is clear.
Quality assurance in cervical cancer screening
Authors: GIFFORD C. , COLEMAN D. V.
Published: May 2007

Objectives. to examine the effectiveness of introducing External Quality Assessment (EQA) into all laboratories which undertake gynaecological cytopathology. to assess pathologists and cytotechnologists regularly for their competence to screen cervical smears, regardless of their standing in the laboratory hierarchy or their experience of gynaecological cytopathology.

Methods. Each participant was asked to screen and report on 10 slides during a 2 h period. the assessment was carried out by a facilitator under the direction of a specially appointed EQA Committee. A maximum score of 20 points was awarded for a completely correct set of answers. A minus score was awarded for a missed abnormal smear. Seventeen pathology laboratories in North West Thames Regional Health Authority participated; 146 cytologists were assessed.

Results. A pilot and four rounds of EQA have been completed and a total 5350 smears examined. Out of 2568 dyskaryotic (abnormal) smears screened, 0.7% were not identified correctly. of the 146 cytologists taking part in the assessment, 95% achieved a score of 17 or more. Three participants were identified who did not reach an acceptable level of competence and appropriate remedial action was taken.

Conclusion. the EQA scheme detected unacceptable levels of performance which can be quickly rectified. Participation of 100% has been maintained on a voluntary basis, and 4 years experience of the scheme confirms that a very high standard of screening prevails in the Region. the study illustrates that voluntary self‐regulation is acceptable in the NHS, and the introduction of similar EQA schemes on a national scale will go a long way to establishing confidence in the cervical cancer screening programme.
Computer‐assisted primary screening of cervical smears using the PAPNET method: comparison with conventional screening and evaluation of the role of the cytologist
Authors: OUWERKERK‐NOORDAM E. , BOON M. E. , BECK S.
Published: May 2007

The PAPNET method is an interactive computer‐assisted screening procedure. the diagnostician selects the abnormal video tiles out of the 128 and decides which smears need additional light microscopy. the original diagnoses of 1494 archival smears were compared with the PAPNET analysis of the same smears. the general trend observed was that the PAPNET‐assisted diagnoses were of a higher grade than those assigned by the primary screener, thus less cases were signed out as negative. In addition, the PAPNET method was used for primary screening of 2971 randomly selected smears, whilst in the same period 5797 smears were conventionally screened. Using the PAPNET method, significantly fewer smears were signed out as negative. Seventy‐three percent of the cases were diagnosed on the basis of the information provided by the 128 video tiles, 11% had to be screened completely by the light microscope, and the remaining cases needed additional light microscopy of a part of the smear. As a result, PAPNET‐assisted screening was approximately two times faster. the great advantage of the method is that it is much less tiring for the eyes than conventional screening, making fatigue‐related errors less likely, and if a smear contains only a few abnormal cells, these are easier to find.
Scrape cytology in the diagnosis of Paget's disease of the breast
Authors: LUCAROTTI M. E. , DUNN J. M. , WEBB A. J.
Published: May 2007

Eczema of the nipple is an important symptom presenting to the general surgeon in the out‐patient department. the diagnosis of Paget's disease of the nipple has traditionally been made by incision biopsy necessitating at least a local anaesthetic. We present 14 patients with nipple skin change, in whom the technique of scrape cytology was used to identify patients with Paget's disease. In our series eight cases of Paget's disease were successfully identified by scrape cytology with no false negatives or positives. We suggest that this is a quick, easy, non‐invasive method of screening eczema of the nipple in the out‐patient clinic.
Involving the General Practitioner In Screening For Cervical Cancer
Authors: BOON M. E. , BECK S. , WIJSMAN‐GROOTENDORST A.
Published: May 2007

In the Leiden region, the cervical cancer screening programme for the age group 35–54 years shifted in 1989 from one in which the smears were taken by specially trained paramedical personnel in health centres to a programme where the general practitioner is the smear taker. Hence, it is possible to compare the results of the two types of screening to evaluate whether involvement of general practitioners leads to better uptake of screening. In the 6 year period evaluated in this paper, the 3‐yearly cytological rate per thousand for severe dysplasia or worse increased from 1.00 to 3.40; when stratified by age the positive rates were significantly higher. the histological rate per thousand for severe dysplasia increased from 0.60 to 2.09, and for carcinoma in situ from 0.35 to 1.36. All six invasive carcinomata were detected in the GP programme (0.31%). the general practitioner is clearly more able to attract the ‘high‐risk’groups.

Dans la reéion de Leiden, le programme de dépistage du cancer du col pour les tranches d'âge de 35–54 ans a été modifié en 1989. Le programme était initialement basé sur des frottis faits dans des centres de santé, par un personnel paramédical ayant suivi une formation particulière. Après 1989, le médecin généraliste est devenu le préleveur. II est done possible de comparer les résultats de ces 2 types de dépistage et d'apprécier si la participation des médecins généralistes a pour conséquence un meilleur dépistage. Au cours de la période d'étude, les taux pour 1000 de positivité cytologique pour les lésions graves (de type dysplasie sévère et plus) et par période de 3 ans ont augmenté de 1,00 à 3,40. Lorsque l'on stratifie sur l'âge, les taux de cas positifs sont significativement supérieurs. Le taux histologique des dysplasies sévères pour 1000 passe de 0,60 à 2,09 et celui du carcinome in situ de 0,35 à 1,36. Les 6 cas de carcinome invasif ont été détectés par le programme impliquant les médecins généralistes (0,31%). II est clair que le médecin généraliste est mieux placé pour dépister les patientes à“haut risque”.

Im Bezirk von Leiden wurden die Abstriche der 35‐ bis 54 jährigen vor 1989 von speziell ausgebildeten Hilfskräften in Gesundheitszentren hergestellt, während diese Aufgabe dann von den Allgemeinmedizinern übernommen wurde. Dies erlaubt einen Vergleich zwische den Präparaten von zwei jeweils 3 Jahre umfassenden Perioden. Der Anteil schwerer Dysplasien und stärkerer Veränderungen nahm von 1.00 auf 3.40 pro Tausend zu. Der histologische Anteil der schweren Dysplasien erhöhte sich von 0.60 auf 2.09 und der der Carcinomata in situ von 0.35 auf 1.36. Alle 6 nachgewiesenen invasiven Carcinome wurden in den Abstrichen der Allgemeinmediziner entdeckt (0.31%o). Damit ist klar, daß die Allgemeinmediziner die Risikogruppen besser zu erfassen vermögen.