bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of silicone breast prostheses on the assessment of body composition by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry
Authors: Madsen  , Lorentzen  , Lauridsen  , Egsmose  , Sørensen
Published: March 2003

We examined the influence of silicone breast prostheses on body composition as assessed by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA). Eighteen women were measured with and without a pair of silicone breast prostheses placed on the upper part of the trunk simulating endogenous implants. Bone area, bone mineral content (BMC), areal bone mineral density (BMD), lean tissue mass (LTM) and fat tissue mass (FTM) of the total body and of the subregions of the body, i.e. the head, trunk, arms and legs, were measured by a Norland XR‐36 DXA scanner. After application of the silicone prostheses, bone area, BMC and BMD of the total body significantly increased by an average of 3·7, 6·6 and 3·4% (P<0·0001), respectively. Total body LTM and FTM were not affected. In the trunk region, changes were more pronounced. Trunk BMC, for example, was overestimated by 17·9% (P<0·0001). The prostheses also influenced measurements of truncal soft tissue composition, with a small but statistically significant overestimation of both LTM (1·1%) and FTM (2·1%) (P<0·05). No changes in bone mass and soft tissue composition were seen in the head, arms and legs. Activation of a high‐density detection software utility provided by the manufacturer had no influence on any of the measurements. We conclude that silicone breast prostheses affect the assessment of body composition by DXA.
Exhaled nitric oxide and its long‐term variation in healthy non‐smoking subjects
Authors: Ekroos H. , Tuominen J. , Sovijärvi A. R. A.
Published: March 2003

Exhaled nitric oxide (NOexp) is an indicator of inflammation in the airways. Reference values obtained from healthy adults or information on long‐term variation of NOexp are not yet available. The aims of this pilot study were to collect values of NOexp from a selected group of healthy adults and to assess their long‐term variation. We studied 26 healthy subjects (age 21–48, 16 male, 10 female) with normal findings in flow‐volume spirometry, pulmonary diffusing capacity, relative amount of blood eosinophils, chest X‐ray and ECG at rest. NOexp was determined according to the European Respiratory Society guidelines during slow expiration against an airflow resistance. The measurements were repeated after 7 (n=13) and 23 days (n=17). The mean value of NOexp (n=26) was 6·9 ng g–1 (95% confidence interval, 6·0–7·9 ng g–1). The upper limit of intra‐individual variation (+2 SD) was 11·9 ng g–1 and the lower limit (–2 SD) 1·9 ng g–1, respectively. The mean (SD) value of NO production (NO output) was 39·1 pmol s–1 (20 pmol s–1). We found no correlation between NOexp and age (r=–0·06, P=0·78) and no association of NOexp with the gender (male vs. female, P=0·40). The intraindividual coefficient of variation (CoV) was 15·8% of NOexp and 20·7% of NO output within the interval of 7 days. CoV was 16·8% of NOexp and 18% of NO output within the interval 23 days. The results suggest that NOexp values over 12 ng g–1 are abnormally high in healthy subjects. According to the results the change of NOexp by 30–35% or more within the interval of 1–3 weeks would be abnormal.
Reproducibility of orthostatic changes in cerebral oxygenation in healthy subjects aged 70 years or older
Authors: Mehagnoul‐Schipper D. J. , Colier W. N. J. M. , Jansen R. W. M. M.
Published: March 2003

In the elderly, standing can frequently be accompanied by blood pressure (BP) changes and cerebral symptoms such as dizziness, fall, or even syncope, but this may vary from day‐to‐day. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the reproducibility of orthostatic responses of cerebral cortical oxygenation and systemic haemodynamics in elderly subjects. In 27 healthy elderly subjects (age 70–84 years), changes in systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), heart rate (HR) and stroke volume (SV) were continuously monitored by Finapres (Finger Arterial Pressure), and changes in oxyhaemoglobin ([O2Hb]) and deoxyhaemoglobin ([HHb]) concentrations were continuously measured over the right frontal cortex by near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) during supine rest and 10 min of active standing on two separate occasions. SBP and DBP increased by 6·7 ± 15·4 mmHg (P<0·05, mean ± SD) and 8·2 ± 6·4 mmHg (P<0·01), respectively, whereas HR increased by 9·5 ± 5·0 bpm (P<0·01) and SV decreased by –8·3 ± 7·4 ml (P<0·01) during standing on the first occasion. [O2Hb] decreased by –3·9 ± 2·9 μmol l–1 (P<0·01), while [HHb] increased by 1·8 ± 2·2 μmol l–1 (P<0·01). Group‐averaged orthostatic changes in cortical oxygenation and systemic haemodynamics were very similar on the two occasions, although an intraindividual variation was found. Cortical oxygenation changes were not accompanied by severe cerebral symptoms. Active standing induced reproducible group‐averaged frontal cortical oxygenation declines in healthy elderly subjects, although an intraindividual day‐to‐day variability was present, possibly related to the variability of orthostatic BP responses. These findings indicate that cerebral autoregulation fails to compensate completely for postural changes in elderly subjects, which might predispose elderly subjects to ischaemic cerebral symptoms.
Influence of right ventricular pre‐ and afterload on right ventricular ejection fraction and preload recruitable stroke work relation
Authors: Burger Wolfram , Jockwig Barbara , Rücker Gerta , Kober Gisbert
Published: March 2003

When right ventricular (RV) afterload is abnormally increased, it correlates inversely with right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF). We tested, whether this would be different with normal afterload. Additionally, we investigated whether previous studies on the slope of RV preload recruitable stroke work (SW) relation, which used rather non‐physiological measures to change RV preload, could be transferred to more physiological loading conditions. RV volumes were determined by thermodilution in 16 patients with stable coronary artery disease and normal pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) at rest. Pre‐ and afterload were varied by body posture, nitroglycerin (NTG) application and by exercise at different body positions. At rest, the change from recumbent to sitting position decreased PAP, cardiac index (Ci), RV diastolic and systolic volumes, and RVEF. Additionally, mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP) correlated positively with both RVEF and cardiac index. After correction for mathematical coupling, the RV preload recruitable SW relation was: right ventricular stroke work index (RVSWi) (103 erg m–2)= 8·1 × (RV end‐diastolic volume index −4·9), with n=96, r=0·57, P≤0·001. Exercise abolished this correlation and led to an inverse correlation between RV end‐systolic volume (ESV) and RVSW. In conclusion, (i) RVEF correlates positively with RV afterload when afterload varies within normal range; (ii) the slope of the RV preload recruitable SW relation, which is obtained at steady state under normal loading conditions, is substantially flatter than previously described for dynamic changes of RV preload. With increasing afterload, preload loses its determining effect on RV performance, while afterload becomes more important. This puts earlier assumptions of an afterload independent RV preload recruitable SW relation into question.
Tracheal sounds and airflow dynamics in surgically treated unilateral vocal fold paralysis
Authors: Saarinen A. , Rihkanen H. , Malmberg L. P. , Pekkanen L. , Sovijärvi A. R. A.
Published: March 2003

The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in tracheal sounds and airflow dynamics in patients who underwent surgical medialization of a unilaterally paralysed vocal fold. Ten adults with unilateral vocal fold paralysis but no history of pulmonary diseases were included. Vocal fold medialization was performed by an injection of autologous fascia into the paralysed vocal fold. Recording of tracheal sounds, flow‐volume spirometry and body plethysmography were carried out before and 4–14 months after the operation. The mean number of inspiratory wheezes per respiratory cycle increased from 0·02 (range 0–0·10) to 0·42 (range 0–0·86) and the mean number of expiratory wheezes per respiratory cycle from 0·03 (range 0–0·20) to 0·36 (range 0–0·89). The increment was statistically significant (P=0·03 and P=0·04, respectively). The mean expiratory sound amplitude, in terms of root mean square (RMS), increased from 31·5 dB (range 24·0–38·0) to 34·9 dB (range 25–42) (P=0·03) and the average peak inspiratory flow (PIF) decreased from 4·63 l s–1 (range 2·84–7·51) to 4·03 l s–1 (range 2·27–6·68) (P=0·01). The results indicate that when the paralysed vocal fold is brought into midline by a surgical procedure, the prevalence of inspiratory and expiratory wheezes increases and sound intensity rises. According to this preliminary data tracheal sound analysis gives additional information for the assessment of the subtle changes in the larynx.
Atrioventricular conduction: a determinant for the manifestation of ventricular preexcitation in patients with Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome
Authors: Liu Shaowen , Olsson S. Bertil , Hertervig Eva , Kongstad Ole , Yuan Shiwen
Published: March 2003

The relation between the atrioventricular conduction properties of the atrioventricular node and the anterograde conduction ability over the accessory pathway in the Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome has never been studied. Atrioventricular nodal characteristics were studied in 285 patients with manifest and 204 with concealed accessory pathway who underwent radiofrequency ablation, and compared with 146 controls. First and second degree atrioventricular block was observed in 13 (5%) preexcitation patients after ablation, compared with none in concealed accessory pathway (P=0·001) and control patients (P=0·006). The atrial‐His intervals in preexcitation patients (88 ± 20 ms) was significantly longer than in concealed accessory pathway (76 ± 15 ms, P<0·0001) and control patients (77 ± 15 ms, P=0·0007), as was PR intervals (165 ± 25 versus 149 ± 20 and 150 ± 21 ms, P<0·0001, respectively) even after excluding those with atrioventricular block. Significant differences in PR and atrial‐His intervals were not observed between concealed accessory pathway and control patients. More preexcitation patients had ventriculoatrial dissociation than had patients in the other groups. The results indicate that atrioventricular block is not uncommon in preexcitation patients and a relatively long atrioventricular conduction time is an electrophysiological prerequisite for the manifestation of preexcitation in the Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome.
Isoresistive dynamometer measurement of trunk muscle velocity at different angular phases of flexion and extension
Authors: Surakka J. , Alanen E. , Aunola S. , Karppi S.‐L.
Published: March 2003

Isoresistive trunk muscle dynamometer is a potentially useful piece of equipment in evaluation of trunk muscle velocity, but to date, studies analysing the possibilities and limitations of such measurements are scarce. The aim of this study was to analyse the trunk muscle velocity in repetitive flexion and extension movements at three different angular phases, using an isoresistive trunk muscle dynamometer, and to assess the reliability of the measurements. The study population consisted of 120 healthy, sedentary men and women who volunteered for the study. The measurements were carried out before and after a 22‐week training intervention programme. The results show that the peak velocities of the phases between 15 and 35° in flexion and 20–0° in extension (i.e. the second phases) correlated highly (r=0·99 in flexion and in extension) with the peak velocity of the whole movement ranging from −5 to 55° in flexion and 40 to −20° in extension. Correlations were high, both before and after the intervention. The LISREL model analysis showed high reliability of measurement for the second angular phases (in flexion and extension). According to the model, the correlation between the first and second measurement (with a 22‐week training intervention in between) was 0·78 in flexion and 0·81 in extension. In conclusion, the angular phases from 15 to 35° in flexion and from 20 to 0° in extension represent the peak velocity of the whole movement. Negative residual correlations between the first and last angular phases in the LISREL model reflect the way of performing the movement: the faster the start the slower the end, and vice versa.
Heart rate variability and its determinants in patients with severe or mild essential hypertension
Authors: Mussalo Hanna , Vanninen Esko , Ikäheimo Risto , Laitinen Tomi , Laakso Markku , Länsimies Esko , Hartikainen Juha
Published: March 2003

How cardiac autonomic nervous control is related to the severity of essential hypertension in patients receiving long‐term antihypertensive therapy is not well known. The aim of this study was to examine heart rate variability (HRV), a non‐invasive measure of cardiac autonomic function, in patients with long‐term and medically treated mild and severe essential hypertension and healthy control subjects, and to assess the clinical determinants of HRV in these patients. Thirty‐four patients with severe essential hypertension (SEHT) and 29 with mild essential hypertension (MEHT) as well as healthy age‐ and sex‐matched control subjects were studied. HRV was assessed from 10 min ECG‐recordings during paced (0·2 Hz) breathing at rest and expressed as time and frequency domain measures. In the SEHT group time (SDNN, RMSSD) and frequency domain measures (total power, low‐frequency (LF) power and high‐frequency (HF) power of HRV in absolute units, and LF and HF power of HRV in normalized units) of HRV were significantly lower when compared with those of the control group. The MEHT and control groups did not differ from each other with respect to time or frequency domain measures of HRV. Comparison between the hypertensive groups showed that SDNN, total power, LF power and HF power were lower in the SEHT group compared with the MEHT group (P<0·05 for all). Among hypertensive patients RR‐interval, age, gender, systolic finger blood pressure and diastolic office blood pressure as well as 24‐h blood pressure were significant determinants of HRV. In conclusion, we found that the severity of chronic essential hypertension seems to be related to the severity of impairment of cardiac autonomic control.
Heart failure and neuroendocrine activation: diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic perspectives
Authors: Kjær Andreas , Hesse Birger
Published: March 2003

The important neuroendocrine systems involved in heart failure are reviewed with special emphasis on their possible role in pathophysiology and their relation to prognostic and diagnostic information. Plasma levels of noradrenaline (NA), renin, vasopressin, endothelin‐1, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) are all elevated in heart failure. Activity of the sympathetic nervous system as reflected by NA is correlated to mortality and seems to possess independent prognostic information. Several studies have now documented the beneficial effect of β‐blockade in chronic heart failure (CHF). Renin seems to be a poor prognostic marker in CHF possibly because of the interference with diuretic treatment, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)‐inhibitors and angiotensin II antagonist, and probably also because of the significance of tissue renin‐angiotensin system (RAS), poorly reflected by plasma renin. On the other hand, several large‐scale trials with ACE‐inhibitors and angiotensin II antagonists have demonstrated reduced mortality and morbidity in CHF. Plasma vasopressin does not seem to possess prognostic information but testing of non‐peptide antagonists is ongoing. Endothelin‐1 seems to have independent prognostic information and endothelin receptor antagonists may represent a therapeutic possibility. The natriuretic peptides ANP and BNP are correlated to prognosis and possess independent information. Brain natriuretic peptide and N‐terminal ANP seem to increase early, i.e. in asymptomatic heart failure. Plasma BNP being more stable than ANP is therefore a promising measure of left ventricular dysfunction. Increase in ANP and BNP, potentially beneficial, may be achieved by administration of neutral endopeptidase inhibitors, at present an unsettled therapeutic possibility. Several cytokines are increased in heart failure and especially TNF‐α has drawn attention. Experimental studies suggest that TNF‐α is important in the pathophysiology of heart failure and preliminary studies indicate that inhibition of TNF‐α seems to be a possible therapeutic approach. Thus, neuroendocrine markers seem to (i) have a role in diagnosis and classification of heart failure, (ii) be useful in providing a ‘neuroendocrine profile’ which enlightens different aspects of heart failure, and therefore (iii) in the future probably will be valuable in the choice of medical treatment of the individual patient. In addition to β‐blockers, ACE‐inhibitors and angiotensin II antagonists several new drugs based on neuroendocrine modification are on their way and might become important in the future.
Reference values for the physical work capacity on a bicycle ergometer for women between 20 and 80 years of age
Authors: Farazdaghi Gholam Reza , Wohlfart Björn
Published: March 2003

A sample of women (n=87) uniformly distributed in age (20–80 years) was randomly selected from the municipal population register and conventional clinical exercise tests were performed on a bicycle. The load started at 30 W and increased (5 W/30 s) until exhaustion. Care was taken to perform a maximum exercise test. The women were required to be cardiovascularly healthy and not on regular medication to be included in the study. The maximum work load was found to be dependent on age and height. The following equation described the maximum load. Max load (W)=(137·7 * Height (m) – 23·1)/(1 + exp (0·064 * (Age (years) – 75·9))). The upper and lower limits of the reference interval were 120 and 80% of the predicted load, respectively. The upper and lower limits for maximum heart rate were 110 and 90% of the maximum heart rate given by 190·2/(1 + exp (0·0453 * (Age – 107·5))). The reference value for maximum systolic blood pressure was taken as the interval between the two lines 153·3 + 0·281 * Age and 172·0 + 1·13 * Age. The reference values presented for work capacity are higher than those normally used in Sweden.
Immunocytochemical detection of prognostic markers in breast cancer; technical considerations
Authors: Kuenen‐Boumeester V. , Timmermans A. M. , de Bruijn E. M. C. A. , Henzen‐Logmans S. C.
Published: March 2003

Immunocytochemical detection of prognostic markers in breast cancer; technical considerations

The purpose of this study was to establish a good technical procedure for immunocytochemical (IC) staining of prognostic markers in breast cancer specimens. The influence of various preparation, fixation and storage methods on ER, P53 and Ki‐67 IC staining was assessed, using cells of two breast cancer cell lines T47D (ER/P53+) and ZR‐75‐ER (ER+, P53−). In addition we searched for a suitable transport medium. Depending on the technical procedure, great variations in expression of the tested antigens were found. Cytospins fixed and stored according to the Abbott method gave the best results. Histocon appeared to be the medium of choice. A good concordance of IC and immunohistochemical (IH) results was found when the adopted method was tested on material of 10 breast cancers. This study underlines the importance of quality controlled standardization of cell processing, fixation and storage of fine needle aspiration (FNA) aspirates in order to obtain reproducible and consistent IC results.
Screening for the 21st century: learning from the past
Authors: Raffle A. E.
Published: March 2003

Introduction

In 1986 I took on the public health responsibility for the cervical screening service in Avon. Like many others, I understood screening to be a simple, highly effective, and inexpensive way of stopping people getting cancer. The only problem so far as I was aware was in making sure those most at risk took up the opportunity to be screened. The more involved I became with screening, however, the more I was obliged to modify this view. In summary, I was confronted with two problems. The Avon cervical screening service—thanks to contributions from many individuals over the previous two decades—was already well organized and population coverage was already high. Why then were women still dying from cancer of the cervix? Why also was there a substantial and rising number of women requiring colposcopic investigation for screen‐detected abnormality when, according to screening theory, the ‘prevalence’ pool should have been cleared and the rate of newly detected ‘incident’ abnormalities should equate to the incidence of serious disease?
Are women sufficiently well informed to provide valid consent for the cervical smear test?
Authors: Slater D. N.
Published: March 2003

Are women sufficiently well informed to provide valid consent for the cervical smear test?

Three hundred women attending colposcopy for the first time, following an abnormal cervical smear, were invited to fill in a questionnaire. This covered aspects of their understanding of the cervical smear test and the NHS Cervical Screening Programme (NHSCSP). In addition, it covered aspects of consent to the test. The response rate was 83%. Seventy percent thought that the NHSCSP is working well and 72% were aware that probably over 3000 cases of cervical cancer per year are being saved by the NHSCSP. However, 55% did not know that the death rate from cervical cancer is decreasing. 96% were aware that the main reason for a cervical smear is to prevent the development of cervical cancer, by finding early treatable abnormalities. Similarly, 94% were aware that the presence of abnormal cells on a cervical smear indicated a possible but not definitive indication of cervical precancer or cancer. Disappointingly, only 5% had seen the new NHSCSP information poster on the cervical smear test and only 44% had been given written information about the test. Consent for the test in 59% of women had been implied rather than expressed and 30% of women providing expressed consent had signed to that effect. In 42% of women, the smear taker or a doctor had failed to discuss the reason for having a cervical smear and had not explained about its advantages and limitations. In 72%, the smear taker or doctor had not explained that the cervical smear test can never be 100% accurate and that some laboratory errors are unavoidable. It is likely that women attending for colposcopy are a highly motivated cohort in relation to their understanding of the cervical smear test and the NHSCSP. Accordingly, understanding in the more general female population is likely to be considerably less. It would appear that women are often suboptimally informed to provide valid consent for the cervical smear test.
Quantitative cytological assessment of Ki67 and AgNORs using computer‐digitized image analysis of four clinicopathological breast lesions
Authors: Zaitoun A. M. , Ebbs S. R.
Published: March 2003

Quantitative cytological assessment of Ki67 and AgNORs using computer‐digitized image analysis of four clinicopathological breast lesions

Analysis of silver‐stained proteins associated with nucleolar organiser regions (AgNORs) is proposed as a marker of cellular proliferation. This study describes the application of AgNORs and Ki67 in breast lesions.

Sixty‐one cases including fibroadenoma (FA), fibrocystic disease (FCD), ductal carcinomain situ(DCIS) and invasive carcinoma (IC) were studied by image analysis to evaluate quantitative changes in AgNORs in both Ki67‐positive, and Ki67‐negative smears. The Ki67 index was assessed. Morphometric features of cell nuclei and AgNORs were determined by digitized computer image analysis (Prodit 5.2).

The growth fraction was 5.08 for FA, 5.71 for FCD, 16.75 for DCIS and 23.26 for IC. The mean nuclear area was significantly higher in malignant cells than those of fibroadenoma and fibrocystic disease.

In Ki67‐positive cells the total area, long axis and number of AgNORs increased progressively across disease groups. Eccentricity of AgNORs and AgNORs: nuclear area ratios were significantly increased in malignant breast lesion in comparison with benign lesion in Ki67 positive cells.

In Ki67 negative cells, the highest value of AgNORs was observed in DCIS. The AgNORs: nuclear area ratio demonstrated a statistically significant trend across the disease groups.

This study demonstrates that the growth fraction, mean nuclear area and selected AgNORs features have potential for differentiating benign from malignant breast tumours.
p53 Protein expression and proliferative activity in ductal breast carcinomas
Authors: Ioakim‐Liossi A. , Safioleas M. , Karakitsos P. , Athanassiadou P. , Athanassiades P. , Gogas J. , Nakopoulou L.
Published: March 2003

p53 Protein expression and proliferative activity in ductal breast carcinomas

The immunocytochemical expression of p53 protein and Ki‐67 labelling index in tumour cells of 100 ductal breast carcinomas of different histological grade and stage was evaluated in cytological material. In order to investigate p53 expression and Ki‐67 expression an avidin‐extravidin immunocytochemical technique was applied to imprints. Monoclonal antibody (MoAb) DO‐p53 and proliferating cell monoclonal antibody were used as primary antibodies. A statistically significant difference was observed between p53 protein expression and grade of malignancy and clinical stage (P = 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). A statistically significant difference was also observed between Ki‐67 LI and histological grade and stage of the tumours (P < 0.001, P < 0.001 correspondingly). A correlation was observed between p53 protein expression and Ki‐67 LI (P < 0.001). The immunocytochemical study of p53 protein and Ki‐67 expression in cytological material represents a simple method which can be applied in routine cytological laboratories for the investigation of potential malignancy of ductal breast cancer.
The usefulness of a panel of immunostains in the diagnosis and differentiation of metastatic malignancies in pericardial effusions
Authors: Gupta R. K. , Kenwright D. N. , Fauck R. , Lallu S. , Naran S.
Published: March 2003

The usefulness of a panel of immunostains in the diagnosis and differentiation of metastatic malignancies in pericardial effusions

Pericardial effusions are not uncommon in patients with an advanced malignancy. Rarely malignancies may present initially with a pericardial effusion. Cytological examination of pericardial fluid may be valuable in differentiation of these cases. However, a metastatic tumour in serous effusion may not always show the functional differentiation of the primary tumour. In such a situation, although a wide range of special studies have been suggested for the diagnosis of malignancy we have found the use of a panel of a few common immunostains to be useful in confirming or suggesting the site of a primary tumour. The material for this study consisted of 76 pericardial fluids obtained between January 1991 and October 1998 from 46 males (mean age 59 years) and 30 females (mean age 52 years). Metastatic malignancy was diagnosed in 22 of the 76 patients and in 7/22 cases pericardial effusions were the initial presentation. The subsequent follow‐up in the seven cases revealed adenocarcinoma of lung (n = 2), small cell anaplastic carcinoma of lung (n = 1), squamous cell carcinoma lung (n = 1), melanoma leg (n = 1), non‐Hodgkin’s lymphoma retroperitoneal lymph nodes (n = 1) and carcinoma of the breast (n = 1). Of the remaining 15 cases with a known history of malignancy, eight had cancers (three adeno; two small cell; one poorly differentiated, and two squamous cell types) of the lung; breast (n = 3); colon (n = 1); melanoma (n = 2) and non Hodgkin’s lymphoma (n = 1). Immunostains which were useful in the diagnosis were EMA, CEA, cytokeratin, B72.3, HMB45, vimentin, S100, LCA, L26 and kappa and lambda light chains.
Immunophenotypic analysis of simultaneous specimens from different sites from the same patient with malignant lymphoma
Authors: Bangerter M. , Hildebrand A. , Griesshammer M.
Published: March 2003

Immunophenotypic analysis of simultaneous specimens from different sites from the same patient with malignant lymphoma

The assumption that immunophenotypic characteristics of different specimens obtained simultaneously from the same patient remain unchanged has rarely been evaluated. Using flow cytometry, we reviewed our experience of 29 patients with non Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). From these patients, 60 simultaneous specimens taken from the peripheral blood, bone marrow, effusions, fine needle aspirates from lymph nodes or cerebrospinal fluid were studied. In 26 out of 29 patients, the immunophenotype in the different specimens was identical. In one patient with unclassifiable low‐grade B‐NHL, immunophenotyping showed additionally a CD38 expression in the effusion which was not seen in the bone marrow. In one patient with mantle cell lymphoma, expression of CD10 in the lymph node was noted which was lacking in the peripheral blood. In the remaining patient with unclassifiable low‐grade B‐NHL, CD23 expression was noted in the lymph node but not in the peripheral blood. This retrospective study suggests that discordant antigen expression in samples from different body sites within the same patient is a rare event.
Reasons for variation in coverage in the NHS cervical screening programme
Authors: McGAHAN C. E. , BLANKS R. G. , MOSS S. M.
Published: March 2003

Reasons for variation in coverage in the NHS cervical screening programme

In order to investigate reasons for variation in coverage of cervical screening, data from standard Department of Health returns were obtained for all Health Authorities for 1998/1999. Approximately 80% of the variation between health authorities is explained by differences in age distribution and area classification. Considerable differences between Health Authority and Office of National Statistics (ONS) population figures in City and Urban (London) areas for the age group 25–29 years and for City (London) for age group 30–34 years, suggest an effect of list inflation in these groups. Coverage as a performance indicator may be more accurately represented using the age range 35–64 years. Using this narrower age range, the percentage of health authorities meeting the 80% 5‐year coverage target increases from 87% to 90%.
Aspiration cytology of Hashimoto's thyroiditis in an endemic area
Authors: KUMAR NEETA , RAY CHETAN , JAIN SHYAMA
Published: March 2003

Aspiration cytology of Hashimote's thyroiditis in an endemic area

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) plays a significant role in the diagnosis of thyroid lesions due to its simplicity and low cost. Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is the second most common thyroid lesion next to endemic goitre diagnosed on FNA in iodine (I2) deficient areas. Data on its incidence, prevalence and clinicopathological features in I2 deficient areas is scanty compared to I2 sufficient areas. In the present study the patients presented with HT a decade earlier than reported in I2 sufficient areas. Presentation as a nodular thyroid is common. Diagnosis of HT is likely to be missed in smears showing cytological evidence of hyperplasia or abundant colloid. HT was concurrent in 20 cases of endemic goitre. Careful screening for Hurthle cell change and lymphocytic infiltration into follicular cells should be carried out. In equivocal cases multiple punctures and immunological investigations are helpful. In antibody‐negative cases repeat FNA at follow‐up is useful. Marked lymphocytic infiltration and Hurthle cell change may indicate a hypothyroid state but hormonal levels are required for clinical management.
Communicating mild and borderline abnormal cervical smear results: how and what are women told?
Authors: Philips Z. , Johnson S. , Avis M. , Whynes D. K.
Published: March 2003

The way in which women are informed about borderline or mild smear results can have a significant psychological impact. By means of a questionnaire survey of general practices in Nottingham, England, this study audited the means by which abnormal smear results were normally communicated to subjects and analysed the content of these communications. Transmitting abnormal smear results, either by letter or by telephone call, was typically the responsibility of the practice nurse, and communications varied widely in informational content. We conclude that the method and content of communications imparting mild or borderline smear results differs between general practices, even within a small geographical area.
Timing of diapause initiation, metabolic changes and overwintering survival of the spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana
Authors: HAN ER‐NING , BAUCE ERIC
Published: March 2003

1. Four groups of spruce budworm larvae, Choristoneura fumiferana, of the same physiological stage (at the beginning of diapause) were exposed to natural temperatures, starting in July, August, September and October. Post‐diapause emergence and certain metabolites were monitored throughout the overwintering period.

2. Larval exposure to high temperatures for long periods before winter had a significant effect on temperature requirements for subsequent diapause development and apparently caused a certain amount of mortality, especially for those larvae that entered diapause earlier in the season.

3. Substantial loss of lipid and glycogen reserves was related to intensity of high temperature exposure during the pre‐winter period, which in turn was associated with the timing of diapause initiation.

4. Patterns of glycerol accumulation during the winter were also influenced by temperature conditions in the early phase of diapause development.

5. Among several possible mortality factors, an extended cool period in spring was suggested as a potential cause of overwintering mortality, which was closely associated with a deficiency in energy reserves caused by high temperature exposure before winter.

6. These results stress the significant impact of pre‐winter conditions on the overwintering process and highlight the importance of an ecophysiological approach to insect overwintering biology.
Interactive effects of herbivory and sand burial on growth of a tropical dune plant, Ipomoea pes‐caprae
Authors: BACH CATHERINE
Published: March 2003

1. This study examined the effects of insect herbivory, sand burial, and the interactive effects of these factors, on the growth of beach morning glory, Ipomoea pes‐caprae, a common tropical dune plant. Levels of herbivory and sand burial were manipulated on individual shoots, and effects on stem growth, leaf production, and production of adventitious roots and axillary branches by nodes were examined.

2. Sand burial had a significant positive effect on the production of roots, but did not affect growth in stem length or leaf production.

3. Effects of herbivory were consistently negative, and persisted for 6 weeks after the herbivore damage was incurred. Stem growth rates and leaf production decreased and the production of bare nodes (with no roots or branches) and mortality of apical meristems increased.

4. Interactive effects of herbivory and sand burial influenced both leaf production and root production. In the case of root production, the effects of herbivory in decreasing the proportion of nodes that produced roots occurred only in the presence of burial. In contrast, burial masked the negative effects of herbivory on leaf production.
Trade‐off between diapause and other life‐history traits in the spider mite Tetranychus urticae
Authors: KROON ANNEMARIE , VEENENDAAL RENÉ
Published: March 2003

1. Diapause is generally believed to entail costs that manifest themselves as decreased survival, rate of development, and/or reproduction after diapause completion. The present study is a first step in investigating such diapause costs in the spider mite Tetranychus urticae.

2. The relationship was assessed between diapause duration and the post‐diapause life‐history traits of longevity and egg production, under six photoperiods at 19 °C.

3. The relationship between diapause duration and longevity was negative under five out of six treatments; in three cases this negative relationship was significant.

4. Most evident were the negative correlations between diapause duration and rate of oviposition, peak rate of oviposition, and total egg production. These phenotypic correlations suggest that there may be a trade‐off between diapause duration and post‐diapause reproduction.
Learning in the nectar foraging behaviour of Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Cunningham J. P. , West S. A. , Wright D. J.
Published: March 2003

Abstract.1. Learning may enable insects to obtain nectar from flowers more efficiently. Learning in nectar foraging has been shown primarily in studies of bees and butterflies. Here, learning is demonstrated in the nectar foraging behaviour of a noctuid moth, Helicoverpa armigera.

2. The present studies show that: (1) previous experience with a flowering host species increases the probability of that species being selected for nectar foraging, and (2) previous experience of a particular flower type (food source at bottom or top of the corolla tube) increases the likelihood of the food source being found when that flower type is being searched.

3. The implications of these findings for understanding the pattern of oviposition observed in wild populations of this important pest species are discussed.
Behaviour of a specialist parasitoid, Cotesia melitaearum: from individual behaviour to metapopulation processes
Authors: Lei Guang‐ChuN. , Camara MarK. D.
Published: March 2003

Abstract. 1. Foraging behaviour and movement within and among host patches of the specialist parasitoid wasp Cotesia melitaearum (Braconidae) attacking the larvae of Melitaea cinxia (Nymphalidae) were studied in the field and in the laboratory.

2. In the field, female wasps aggregated in large host groups in the autumn and caused positive spatial density‐dependent parasitism in the field. Wasps stayed longer with groups of pre‐diapause caterpillars than with post‐diapause caterpillars, but attacked them less frequently.

3. In the laboratory, wasps attacked larger larvae more readily than smaller larvae. Also in the laboratory, wasps exposed to larvae outside their protective webs showed differences in the rates at which they attacked larvae fed different diets, implicating host plant‐derived chemicals as proximate cues for foraging wasps.

4. Mark–recapture studies indicated that there was a low rate of successful movement of wasps among groups of young larvae within a habitat patch in the autumn and no successful movement of wasps across non‐habitat. In contrast, wasps moved frequently among groups of late‐instar caterpillars in the spring.

5. Host caterpillars of different ages responded very differently to wasp attacks. Pre‐diapause larvae remained in groups and used collective head‐jerking behaviour to defend themselves, whereas post‐diapause larvae dispersed away from the group immediately after being attacked.

6. Population and metapopulation level dynamics of the host–parasitoid interaction are discussed in light of these observations of the behaviour of individual wasps.
Cross‐correlation analysis of fluctuations in local populations of pear psyllids and anthocorid bugs
Authors: Scutareanu Petru , Lingeman RoB. , Drukker BaS. , Sabelis Maurice W.
Published: March 2003

1. To test whether predatory anthocorids migrate into pear orchards when populations of pear psyllids are building up, a cross‐correlation analysis was carried out on their population numbers. Predator and prey population sizes were assessed weekly in 3 consecutive years (1991–93) by sampling pear leaves for eggs and nymphs of psyllids and pear tree branches for adult psyllids, as well as adults and nymphs of predatory anthocorids. The time‐series consisted of numbers (per leaf or branch) averaged over preselected pear trees in an orchard and, in addition, over other trees selected along the hedgerows flanking the orchard.

2. The fluctuations in populations of adult and juvenile anthocorids showed strong cross‐correlations with those of the eggs and nymphs of pear psyllids, but less correlation with adults of pear psyllids, as expected based on their increased ability to escape from predation. The psyllids always appeared first on the pear trees, resulting in positive phase shifts. The first peak of adult anthocorids on pear trees was always later than the first peak in the hedgerows, and the first peak of nymphal anthocorids on pear trees was always later than the first peak of adults on these pear trees. In each of the 3 years, anthocorids were rarely observed in the pear orchard during the first part of the growing season (April–June), but during the second half of the growing season (July–August) there was a strong numerical response of the anthocorid populations to increasing population densities of pear psyllids.

3. These results provide support for the hypothesis that the numerical response of the predators to prey density is caused initially by migration of anthocorids into the pear orchard and then by a reproductive response. The migrants originate from the hedgerows and other trees elsewhere, where they feed on aphids during the first part of the growing season.
Conditional expression of a sexually selected trait in the stalk‐eyed fly Diasemopsis aethiopica
Authors: Knell R. J. , Fruhauf N. , Norris K. A.
Published: March 2003

1. An important assumption of many models of the evolution of sexually selected ornaments is that such ornaments should be conditionally expressed. This was investigated by rearing larvae of the stalk‐eyed fly Diasemopsis aethiopica (Diptera: Diopsidae) (Rondani) on two food treatments: normal and low‐quality food.

2. Female flies responded to better food by increasing both their body size and the relative length of their eyestalks.

3. Male flies responded by increasing only the length of their eyestalks.

4. This demonstrates that food quality can change the allometric relationship between body size and the size of a sexually selected character in this species, and gives an insight into the different developmental priorities of each sex in this species.
The role of behavioural ecology of damselflies in the use of fluctuating asymmetry as a bioindicator of water pollution
Authors: Hardersen Sönke
Published: March 2003

1. Fluctuating asymmetry has been used widely to investigate questions concerned with evolution and behaviour, and to study the effects of environmental pollution. Damselflies have been used to answer questions in both fields, but no attempt has been made to combine the knowledge from these areas to investigate whether and how evolutionary ecology and behaviour interfere with the use of fluctuating asymmetry as a bioindicator of water pollution.

2. Four hypotheses were formulated to investigate possible interferences: (1) Paired males should be less asymmetrical than unpaired males. (2) Males caught at breeding sites should be less asymmetrical than females caught at breeding sites. (3) Damselflies caught earlier in the season should be less asymmetrical than those caught later in the year. (4) Damselflies caught at control sites should be less asymmetrical than those caught at sites within areas of high pesticide usage.

3. No significant difference in asymmetry levels was found between paired and unpaired males.

4. Males were significantly less asymmetrical than females.

5. Damselflies caught earlier in the year were less asymmetrical than those caught later.

6. The data used to test the hypothesis that fluctuating asymmetry in the wings of mature damselflies reflects the level of pesticides used in the surrounding environment were equivocal.

7. The findings suggest that evolutionary ecology and behaviour interfere with the suitability of fluctuating asymmetry in mature damselflies as a biomonitoring tool and it is concluded that fluctuating asymmetry in emerging adults should be much more appropriate as a bioindicator.
Flower‐feeding affects mating performance in male oriental fruit flies Bactrocera dorsalis
Authors: Shelly Todd E.
Published: March 2003

1. Males of the oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis are attracted to and feed on flowers of the golden shower blossom Cassia fistula. Flowers of this plant contain methyl eugenol, the metabolites of which apparently function in the synthesis of male sex pheromone.

2. The goal of the study reported here was to determine whether feeding on C. fistula flowers enhanced male mating success. Mating frequencies of unfed (control) and fed (treated) males were compared in trials conducted 0 (same day), 2, 7, or 21 days after treated males were exposed to the flowers. Trials were performed using flowers from three trees of C. fistula to investigate whether the effects of floral feeding were similar among different plants.

3. For all three trees, treated males accounted for a disproportionately large number of matings in trials performed 0, 2, and 7 days after floral feeding by the treated males. For two of the trees, treated males also had a mating advantage 21 days after flower‐feeding.

4. Additional tests were conducted to compare female attraction to perch sites of control and treated males. When at a lek, males exhibit rigorous wing‐fanning behaviour, presumably to increase dispersal of the sex pheromone. Floral feeding had no significant effect on the level of wing‐fanning. Significantly more female sightings were recorded for perches of treated than control males, however, suggesting that the treated males produced a pheromone more attractive to females than did control males.
Does the diapause experience of bumblebee queens Bombus terrestris affect colony characteristics?
Authors: Beekman M. , Van Stratum P.
Published: March 2003

1. Bumblebee colonies show much variation in the number of workers, drones, and queens produced. Because this variation prevails even when colonies are kept under identical conditions, it does not seem to be caused by extrinsic factors but rather by differences between founding queens.

2. The most likely factor that could cause differences between queens is diapause. Although colonies are raised under standardised conditions, the queens often experience diapause of different length. If there are costs associated with diapause that influence post‐diapause reproduction, the diapause history of the queens could affect colony characteristics.

3. Here, several colony characteristics are compared: number of first and second brood workers; total number of workers, drones, and queens; energy spent on sexuals; sex ratio; rate of worker production; time to emergence of first reproductive; and colony lifetime. Colonies were used where the queens experienced a diapause treatment of 0 (nondiapause queens), 2, and 4 months.

4. Although no proof was found for the existence of costs associated with diapause, the colony characteristics of nondiapause queens were significantly different from those of diapause queens. Colonies of nondiapause queens produced the lowest number of workers but the highest number of young queens.

5. It is argued that these nondiapause colonies are more time‐constrained than diapause colonies because nondiapause colonies produce two generations within the same season and should therefore be more efficient in producing sexual offspring.

6. Moreover, nondiapause colonies should rear a more female‐biased sex ratio because they can be certain of the presence of males produced by other (diapause) colonies.