bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fine needle aspiration (FNA) of synovial sarcoma—a comparative histological–cytological study of 15 cases, including immunohistochemical, electron microscopic and cytogenetic examination and DNA‐ploidy analysis
Authors: ÅKERMAN M. , WILLÉN H. , CARLÉN B. , MANDAHL N. , MERTENS F.
Published: November 2003

A retrospective study of 25 FNAs (11 aspirates from primary tumours and 14 from recurrencies and metastases) from 15 synovial sarcomas was performed. The cytological findings were correlated with the histopathology and the value of immunohistochemical and electron microscopic examination as well as DNA‐ploidy and cytogenetic analysis for diagnosis were assessed. A reproducible cellular pattern with a reliable diagnosis of spindle cell sarcoma was possible provided that the aspirates were cell rich. However, a true biphasic pattern indicative of synovial sarcoma was only seen in one of the 25 specimens. Electron microscopic examination of the aspirates was a valuable adjunctive diagnostic method, whereas immunocytochemistry and DNA‐ploidy analysis were not. Immunohistochemical, electron microscopic and cytogenetic analysis were all valuable ancillary methods when performed on surgical specimens. Malignant haemangiopericytoma and fibrosarcoma were the most important differential diagnoses in the FNA specimens.
HLA types in women with cervical human papillomavirus (HPV) lesions prospectively followed up for 10 years
Authors: SYRJÄNEN K. , NURMI T. , MÄNTYJÄRVI R. , ILONEN J. , SYRJÄNEN S. , SURCEL H.‐M. , YLISKOSKI M. , VÄYRYNEN M. , CHANG F. , SAARIKOSKI S.
Published: November 2003

Certain genotypes of HPV have been recently implicated in the etiology of carcinoma of the uterine cervix. In order to determine whether HLA antigen‐controlled immunoregulatory functions have a role in the pathogenesis of HPV infections, class I and II HLA antigen typing was carried out on a series of 96 randomly selected women who were part of a cohort of 530 women prospectively followed up for cervical HPV infections in our clinic since 1981. The frequency of the DQ3 antigen, which has previously been reported to be increased among cervical cancer patients, was decreased in our HPV patients compared with the control group of Finnish women, but it was slightly increased in HPV16‐infected women (P=0.0812). However, we were able to demonstrate that HLA‐DR5 antigen is significantly increased (i) in patients with high grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) (P<0.02), and (ii) in women harbouring the high risk HPV type 16 (P=0.0003), thus confirming earlier reports of an association of this HLA antigen and cervical cancer. Such a close association between the high risk HPV type 16 with an HLA antigen might have important implications in the possible immunogenetic basis of the increased risk for squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix.
Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori in gastric brush and biopsy specimens stained by Rowmanowsky and immunocytochemical methods: comparison with the CLOtest
Authors: FARAKER C. A.
Published: November 2003

Helicobacter pylori has been implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcer, and possibly gastric carcinoma. The organism may be detected by invasive or non‐invasive methods with variable sensitivity. Paired gastric biopsy and gastric brush specimens were collected from 83 patients presenting with non‐ulcer dyspepsia. One biopsy was tested for urease using the CLOtest, the other was processed to paraffin and consecutive sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin, modified Giemsa and anti‐H. pylori antisera. The brush specimens were stained with a rapid Romanowsky stain (Hema‐Gurr) and anti‐H. pylori. The CLOtest was positive in 31 cases, the Giemsa biopsy in 25, the anti‐H. pylori biopsy in 27, the Hema‐Gurr smear in 27 and the anti‐H. pylori smear in 19. The sensitivities of the methods after omitting one inadequate biopsy were 96%, 93%, 100%, 96% and 78%, respectively. The specificities were 93% for the CLOtest and 100% for the other methods. While immunocytochemical staining of gastric biopsies may be the most sensitive method for H. pylori identification, the cost and turn around time of the technique may preclude its routine use. Gastric brush cytology is a highly sensitive and specific method for H. pylori detection that is quick and simple to perform. Its application is recommended for the routine diagnosis of H. pylori infection.
Primary cervical lymphoma: the role of cervical cytology
Authors: AL‐TALIB R. K. , SWORN M. J. , RAMSAY A. D. , HITCHCOCK A. , HERBERT A.
Published: November 2003

Two cases of primary malignant lymphoma of the uterine cervix are reported. Both were confirmed by histology as high grade B cell lymphomas. In one case, the diagnosis was made on a second colposcopic biopsy after an initial cervical smear and colposcopic biopsy were negative. In the second case, dyskaryotic cells of uncertain type were identified in a cervical smear taken at colposcopy performed as part of follow up for previous cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)I. The cytologic features and differential diagnosis of this rare cervical neoplasm are discussed, with emphasis on the role of the Papanicolaou smear in the initial diagnosis of this tumour.
Primary malignant lymphoma of the uterine cervix: report of a case with cytologic and immunohistochemical diagnosis
Authors: DHIMES P. , ALBERTI N. , DE AGUSTÍN P. , TUBIO J.
Published: November 2003

A non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma initially diagnosed on the cervical smear in a 69‐year‐old asymptomatic female is described. The cytologic findings strongly suggested the presence of a malignant lymphoid neoplasm: neoplastic cells were round, loosely arranged, with scanty cytoplasm and cleaved nuclei. Histological evaluation of the cervical biopsy revealed a diffuse lymphoid proliferation of mononucleated cleaved cells beneath an ulcerated epithelium. Immunohistochemically, the tumour cells were positive for B cell markers. Reports on cytologic features of primary malignant lymphoma of the cervix are not frequent in the literature. We emphasize the importance of their recognition and the differential diagnosis of cervical lymphoma from other neoplastic and non‐neoplastic lesions.
Reliability and accuracy of reporting cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in 15 laboratories throughout Italy: phase 1 of a national programme of external quality control in cervical screening
Authors: BRANCA M. , DUCA P. G. , RITI M. G. , ROSSI E. , LEONCINI L. , TUROLLA E. , MOROSINI P. L. ,   THE NATIONAL WORKING GROUP FOR EXTERNAL QUALITY CONTROL IN CERVICAL SCREENING
Published: November 2003

This paper reports results of a first phase of a pilot study to assess and improve quality of diagnoses in cervical cytological laboratories located throughout Italy. It represents the first phase of an External Quality Assurance programme (EQA). In the first phase, two sets of cervical smears representing a range of diagnoses were circulated among participating laboratories. Responses were recorded on a standardized form. Participants were asked to assess the adequacy of the smear and formulate a diagnosis. They were also asked to recommend management of the patient on the basis of the smear report and judge the degree of diagnostic difficulty of each slide. Crude index of agreement, unweighted and weighted kappas, diagnostic specific kappas, sensitivity and specificity as well as clinical indices of variability were calculated. In the second phase, two additional sets of slides were circulated after discussion of the first phase. There was striking variability between laboratories, both in terms of diagnoses offered and recommendations for management on individual slides. Assessment of the degree of difficulty of each slide was also very variable. Discrimination between CINII and CINIII was poor, confirming the choice of merging these two categories in the Bethesda classification. However, discrimination between CINI and CINII was also unsatisfactory. The results were discussed in workshops and it was possible to reach a consensus diagnosis in 35 of 40 smears. This study confirms the need for external quality control programmes.
Estimating the sensitivity of cervical cytology: errors of interpretation and test limitations
Authors: RONCO G. , MONTANARI G. , AIMONE V. , PARISIO F. , SEGNAN N. , VALLE A. , VOLANTE R.
Published: November 2003

The objective of this study was to estimate: (i) the sensitivity of cytologists in recognizing abnormal smears; (ii) the sensitivity of cervical cytology as a method of detecting abnormal smears among those obtained in the presence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). Study subjects were 61 women with a histologically confirmed CIN identified through colpohistological and cytologic screening. For objective (i) new smears were taken from study subjects just before treatment, mixed with routine preparations, interpreted by unaware cytologists and then blindly reviewed by a group of three expert supervisors, who reached a consensus diagnosis. Cytologists classified as positive for squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) 30 of the 34 smears judged as positive by supervisors (100% of smears classified as high‐grade and 67% of smears classified as low‐grade SIL by the supervisors). Our approach, based on creating a set of smears with a high a priori probability of being positive, proved to be an efficient way of estimating errors of interpretation. For objective (ii), smears taken at the moment of diagnosis, just before biopsy, were also reviewed by the same supervisors. These CIN cases were identified among asymptomatic women independently of cytological findings and results are therefore not subject to verification bias. Among the 33 histological CINII/III, four (12%) smears had no atypical cells (three negatives and one unsatisfactory) at review. The same proportion was 26% (four negatives and one unsatisfactory) among the 19 histological CINI. No significant differences in smear content were found between the seven ‘false negatives’ and a sample of ‘true positives’ and ‘true negatives’ for a number of formal adequacy criteria (including presence of endocervical cells). Strong differences were found between positive smears taken just before biopsy and those taken just before treatment (in 11 women the first smear only was positive, while the opposite was never observed), suggesting an effect of punch biopsy in removing lesions.
c‐erbB‐2 and p53 expression in breast cancer fine needle aspirates
Authors: TINIAKOS D. G. , ROBINSON K. B. , GREENWOOD H. , CULLEN P. , COOK A. I. M. , HORNE C. H. W. , ANGUS B.
Published: November 2003

The aim of this study was to co‐evaluate c‐erbB‐2 and p53 protein expression in breast cancer fine needle aspirates (FNA) and to compare this with histological variables and the immunohistochemical phenotype of the tumours. Furthermore, we assessed the relationship of c‐erbB‐2 and p53 immunocytochemical expression to tumour prognostic factors. We examined 124 breast cancer FNAs and 79 matched surgical specimens using the avidin–biotin complex (ABC) and the alkaline phosphatase immunocytochemical techniques. C‐erbB‐2 immunopositivity was detected in 37.9% of the FNAs, while 31.7% were positive for p53. A statistically significant correlation was observed between p53 negativity and absence of c‐erbB‐2 immunostaining in the FNAs (P=0.0007). Smears from infiltrating ductal carcinomas tended to be more frequently positive for p53 (36.7%) than those from lobular carcinomas (11.7%) (P=0.054). In matched tumour tissues, c‐erbB‐2 was positive in 16.7% and p53 in 19% of cases. The immunocytochemical results for both c‐erbB‐2 and p53 were significantly correlated with the immunohistochemical results. There was no correlation between c‐erbB‐2 and p53 immunostaining, in both FNAs and tissues, and patients’ menopausal status, tumour size, grade and lymph node status.
Costs and benefits of cervical screening. II. Is it worthwhile reducing the screening interval from 5 to 3 years?
Authors: WAUGH N. , ROBERTSON A.
Published: November 2003

A reduction in screening interval from 5 years to 3 years would greatly increase the cost of the programme, but would save few extra lives. The cost per life saved would be around £250 000 at 1995 prices, or around £8000 per life per year saved. There would in addition be human costs for the women screened. The opportunity cost of reducing the interval may be too great, since it is likely that the Health Service would achieve greater health benefits by investing the funds in other health care activities.
Filamentous organisms in benign and malignant gastric cytology brushings
Authors: WILSON C. A. , YOUNG J. A. , SANDERS D. S. A.
Published: November 2003

Review of 143 gastric brushing specimens from two centres in patients with a subsequent histological diagnosis on biopsy or gastrectomy specimens revealed filamentous organisms (FOs) in a large number of benign and malignant gastric brushings. The presence of FOs in significant numbers of brushings of benign gastric lesions contradicts the previously reported strong association of FOs with only gastric carcinoma, and questions the importance of finding these organisms in gastric brushing and biopsy material.
p53 immunostaining is a highly specific and moderately sensitive marker of malignancy in serous fluid cytology
Authors: MAYALL F. , HERYET A. , MANGA D. , KRIEGESKOTTEN A.
Published: November 2003

Several studies have suggested that p53 immunostaining does not occur in benign mesothelium but is common in malignancies involving the serous surfaces, including malignant mesothelioma. As a result, p53 has been advocated as a marker of malignancy in serous fluid cytology. However, the specificity of p53 in this context has been brought into question by some studies that claim to have found immunostaining in benign mesothelium. The aim of our study was to examine p53 immunostaining in a large series of serous fluids to try to resolve the uncertainty. Monoclonal Do‐7 antibody was used to immunostain ethanol‐fixed cytospin preparations employing an alkaline phosphatase method. Positivity was found in 17 of 35 malignant effusions, including two probable mesotheliomas, but was not found in any of 115 benign effusions. Our study suggests that p53 immunostaining is a highly specific and moderately sensitive marker of malignancy in serous fluids.
Transthoracic fine needle aspiration cytology of lung for suspected malignancy: an audit of cytological findings with histopathological correlation
Authors: DENLEY H. , SINGH N. , CLELLAND C. A.
Published: November 2003

Transthoracic fine needle aspiration cytology (TFNAC) is an invasive procedure and should therefore be subject to regular review. We report an audit of TFNAC from 146 patients. One hundred and thirty‐six samples (93%) were adequate and 86 were malignant, 16 suspicious and 34 contained no malignant cells. TFNAC was the sole means of diagnosis of malignancy in 55 patients. However, further pathological data were available in 58 of the adequate samples; TFNAC was malignant in 31, suspicious in eight and contained no malignant cells in 19. All malignant TFNAC were confirmed (absolute sensitivity=85%; positive predictive value=100%); as were five of eight with suspicious cytology. Of 19 patients with negative TFNAC, nine were subsequently found to have a malignancy (specificity=68%).
Cervex brush versus vaginal–cervical–endocervical (VCE) triple smear techniques in cervical sampling
Authors: JÄRVI K
Published: November 2003

Cervex brush versus vaginal–cervical–endocervical (VCE) triple smear techniques in cervical sampling

Cervex brush sampling was compared with the conventional triple vaginal–cervical–endocervical (VCE) smear technique. Nine hundred and fifty‐nine Cervex brush smears and 1064 VCE smears were studied. All smears with both methods were technically satisfactory for evaluation. Endocervical cells were found in 90.7% and metaplastic cells in 73.3% of Cervex brush samples and in 92.5% and 64.1% of VCE samples, respectively. There were significantly more metaplastic cells in smears from premenopausal women. Low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) was found in three Cervex brush samples and in two VCE samples. High‐grade SIL was found only in one Cervex brush sample. Benign cellular changes were found in 142 Cervex brush samples and in 144 VCE samples. Sampling with the Cervex brush is efficient, simple and fast and gives high quality cervical smears for cytological evaluation.
Image analysis of low magnification images of fine needle aspirates of the breast produces useful discrimination between benign and malignant cases
Authors: CROSS S. S. , BURY J. P. , STEPHENSON T. J. , HARRISON R. F.
Published: November 2003

Image analysis of low magnification images of fine needle aspirates of the breast produces useful discrimination between benign and malignant cases

Fine needle aspirates of the breast (FNAB) (n=362; 204 malignant, 158 benign), prepared by cytocentrifuge methods and stained by the Papanicolaou technique, were analysed using a semi‐automated image analysis system at a low magnification which precluded resolution of nuclear detail. The measured parameters were integrated optical density, fractal textural dimension, number of cellular objects (single cells and contiguous groups of cells), distance between cellular objects (mean, s.d., skewness and kurtosis), area of cellular objects (mean, s.d., skewness, kurtosis) and the nearest neighbour statistic. The cases were divided into a 200‐case training set and a 162‐case test set. Analysis was performed by logistic regression and the multi‐layer Perceptron type of artificial neural network. Logistic regression and the neural network produced similar performances with a sensitivity of 82–83%, specificity 85% and a positive predictive value for a malignant result of 85%. A non‐parametric analysis of all the predictor variables showed that all except the mean area of cellular objects and the s.d. of this measurement were significant discriminants (P<0.05), but most were highly interrelated and this was reflected in the selection of only three predictor variables by forward and backward conditional logistic regression. This study shows that much diagnostic information is present in low power views of FNAB, and that image analysis could form the basis of a semi‐automated decision‐support aid.
The influence of the cervix on smear quality. I: Atrophy. An audit of cervical smears taken post‐colposcopic management of intraepithelial neoplasia
Authors: WADDELL C. A.
Published: November 2003

Out of 951 smears taken from women attending a hospital cytology clinic, 122 were found to be of poor quality. Twenty‐eight percent of these were associated with clinical and/or cytological atrophy, and in 91% of these the main adverse factor affecting smear quality was scantiness. The relative risk of obtaining a scanty smear was found to be 4.8 times greater in women in whom clinical atrophy was identified when compared with those with no atrophy. It is suggested that a reduction in the number of scanty, and hence potentially inadequate, smears in the screening programme may be achieved by the use of more appropriate sampling implements in all women in whom there is clinical evidence of atrophy. Further review of alternative sampling methods is indicated.
First record of the genus Bursaphelenchus in Tenerife (Spain)
Authors: Braasch H. , McNamara D. G.
Published: November 2003

Bursaphelenchus leoni is reported for the first time on Pinus canariensis in the island of Tenerife (Islas Canarias, Spain).
The EPPO pest risk assessment scheme: assigning descriptions to scores for the questions on entry and establishment
Authors: MacLeod A. , Baker R. H. A.
Published: November 2003

The EPPO pest risk assessment scheme requires scores on a 1–9 scale to be assigned to 48 questions covering the potential for entry, establishment and impacts in a defined area. In this paper, we explore the extent to which the choice of scores can be assisted by providing descriptions for each number on the 1–9 scale. Such assistance would not only simplify the task faced by risk assessors, but also serve to standardize responses, thus enhancing the ability to compare the risks posed by different pests. We conclude that it is possible to provide descriptions for each score on the 1–9 scale for questions where assessments can be based on a numerical value. For questions which can only be answered with an expert opinion in the form of words, such as low, medium or high, only general guidance can be given.
Assainissement par culture d’apex: moyen de lutte curatif au niveau de la quarantaine contre la maladie de la feuille jaune (YLS) de la canne à sucre
Authors: Chriki N. , Rochdi A. , Nadif A. , Saumtally S. , Ouhssine Et M.
Published: November 2003

La détection de la maladie dite yellow leaf syndrome (YLS) au Maroc a nécessité la destruction du matériel importé de nombreux cultivars de canne à sucre. Le cv. CP 66‐346 fortement infecté a fait l’objet de l’assainissement par culture d’apex vu ses qualités agroéconomiques très performantes, son immunité vis‐à‐vis du charbon et la grande superficie qu’il occupe (28% de la superficie totale). Les vitroplants issus de la culture d’apex ont été testés par la méthode ELISA sur membrane et leur assainissement a été confirmé dans plusieurs cas.
Diagnosis and molecular analysis ofPotato leafroll virusisolates in Tunisia
Authors: Khouadja F. Djilani , Guyader S. , Gorsane F. , Khamassy N. , Rouzé J. , Marrakchi M. , Fakhfakh H.
Published: November 2003

Potato leafroll virus(PLRV) is a major constraint to potato production in North Africa. Serological (sandwich and cocktail ELISA) and molecular (RT‐PCR) tests were used to detect PLRV in 131 potato samples collected in different areas of Tunisia. RT‐PCR proved to be usable as a routine diagnostic test for epidemiological purposes, being more sensitive and reliable, and less time‐consuming, than serological tests. One RT‐PCR‐amplified portion of ORF3 (336 nt) was cloned and sequenced, and used for molecular characterization of Tunisian PLRV isolates. These showed high sequence identity with PLRV retrieved from GenBank.
Logistic model for describing the pattern of flight of Kalotermes flavicollis in sherry vineyards
Authors: López M. A. , Ocete R. , González‐Andujar J. L.
Published: November 2003

Kalotermes flavicollis is a serious pest in southern Spanish vineyards. The development of this termite is hidden inside galleries excavated along the wood of the vines. Dispersion is by the sexual adults, which emerge in autumn between September and November. These winged individuals constitute the main target to control the pest in integrated production. A logistic model based on the relationship existing between catches in sticky traps over 4 years and degree–days has been fitted for this termite in sherry vineyards in Andalucía. The results show that, above 548 accumulated degree–days, approximately 50% of winged individuals emerge. This information can help farmers to take control decisions.
Detection of Tomato yellow leaf curl Sardinia virus in Tunisia
Authors: Fekih‐Hassan I. , Gorsane F. , Djilani F. , Fakhfakh H. , Nakhla M. , Maxwell D. , Marrakchi M.
Published: November 2003

Surveys were undertaken for tomato yellow leaf curl viruses in the main Tunisian tomato‐growing areas in fields and plastic houses. Symptoms included yellowing, leaf curling and stunting. Collected samples were submitted to molecular analysis using two approaches: (1) hybridization tests with two DNA probes corresponding to an intergenic region derived from a cloned dimer of an Egyptian full‐length TYLCV and to the coat region of a Tunisian TYLCV isolate; (2) PCR amplification coupled to RFLP allowing both identification and clustering of Tunisian isolates. Only Tomato yellow leaf curl Sardinia virus was detected in Tunisia.
Outbreaks of Lymantria dispar in Russian forests during the 1990s
Authors: Gninenko Yu. I. , Orlinskii A. D.
Published: November 2003

Lymantria dispar is one of the most widespread defoliators of deciduous and larch forests in Russia. Its outbreaks regularly occur in different regions of the country and cover huge areas from oak forests of the northern Caucasus and birch forests of the southern taiga of European Russia to larch forests of Siberia and broad‐leaved forests of the southern Far East of Russia. Preferred host plants, flying capacity of females and neonate caterpillars, preferred places for egg laying, major factors of mortality and other characteristics vary considerably between different populations of the pest, and four geographical populations can be distinguished. The population dynamics of the pest in the 1990s and the increase in its area of distribution are analysed on the basis of survey data.
Occurrence of Globodera pallida in Hungary
Authors: Palkovics Á.
Published: November 2003

Golden potato cyst nematode, Globodera rostochiensis, has been known to occur in Hungarian potato fields for more than 20 years. The Hungarian NPPO has been carrying out a country‐wide Globodera monitoring programme since 1995 and has inspected 16 000 samples. Until 2000, all records were of G. rostochiensis. However, in 2001, three localities in Pest county were found to be infested with Globodera pallida. This was the first official record of G. pallida in Hungary. The two species have been found together in five fields. Unmixed populations of G. pallida have not been found. Identification was based on morphometric data, as well as on biochemical methods (ELISA technique).
Detection of a broad range of potato viruses in a single assay by mechanical inoculation of herbaceous test plants
Authors: Verhoeven J. T. J. , Roenhorst J. W.
Published: November 2003

To optimize mechanical inoculation of test plants as part of the regulated post‐entry quarantine testing of stolon‐ and tuber‐forming Solanum spp. (including potato), nine test plant species have been screened for their ability to detect 22 potato‐infecting viruses. These included all the common mechanically transmissible potato viruses and most of the viruses found in potato incidentally. The symptoms observed after mechanical inoculation are shown for each combination of test plant species and virus. Under given conditions, Nicotiana occidentalis‐P1 and Nicotiana hesperis‐67A were found to detect reliably 20 and 18 out of 22 viruses respectively. These and former results on the seed‐transmissible viruses and Andean potato mottle virus demonstrate that these Nicotiana species are very suitable for post‐entry quarantine testing. Addition of either Chenopodium amaranticolor or Chenopodium quinoa to these two species may slightly extend the range of viruses. Therefore, using C. amaranticolor/C. quinoa, N. hesperis‐67A and N. occidentalis‐P1 for the biological screening of imported Solanum spp. will improve both the efficiency and the quality of post‐entry quarantine testing.
Computer‐aided consultation and identification system for insect pests infesting fruits
Authors: Nai‐zhong Chen , Zuo‐rui Shen
Published: November 2003

A computer database has been developed on insect pests infesting fruits, for use by phytosanitary inspectors and pest risk analysts in China. A total of 304 species is covered. Besides basic nomenclatural, biological and distributional information on each pest, the database includes dangerousness scores calculated according to a new system, and an identification system based on external characters.
Epidemiological survey of Phthorimaea operculella granulosis virus in Tunisia
Authors: Laarif A. , Fattouch S. , Essid W. , Marzouki N. , Ben Salah H. , Ben Hammouda M. H.
Published: November 2003

In Tunisia, Phthorimaea operculella is an important pest in traditional, unrefrigerated potato stores. An integrated control approach including the use of biological control agents and specifically insect viruses is being developed. From this perspective, we carried out a screening and an evaluation of local Phthorimaea operculella granulosis virus naturally present in Tunisian pest populations. On the basis of symptomatology, P. operculella larvae were collected from different regions (North, Cap Bon, Sahel). Indirect ELISA using a serum raised against the purified Tunisian isolate of the virus was used to establish the geographical distribution of the virus. Comparison of the two approaches showed that symptomatology is not so virus‐specific, as morphologically healthy insects were sometimes ELISA‐positive. The serological technique therefore gives better detection of the virus.
Occurrence and variability of Colletotrichum truncatum on soybean in Zambia
Authors: Mayonjo D. M. , Kapooria R. G.
Published: November 2003

Samples of soybean leaflets showing leaf spot disease symptoms were collected from farms in Central, Lusaka and Southern provinces of Zambia. The pathogen was identified as Colletotrichum truncatum. Isolations were purified using single conidia and compared for morphological and physiological characters as well as for their pathogenic reactions to three commonly grown soybean cultivars in Zambia.
Incidence and identification of virus diseases of tobacco in three provinces of Zambia
Authors: Mayunga D. S. , Kapooria R. G.
Published: November 2003

Nine tobacco fields of small‐ and large‐scale farmers in Central, Lusaka and Southern provinces of Zambia with an experimental area in the range of 4–52 ha were surveyed for the incidence, prevalence and identification of virus diseases during the growing season of 1997. Samples were collected from three tobacco fields in each of the three provinces, and a total of 72 samples was analysed. Virus identification was based on field disease syndrome, host range studies, DAS‐ELISA and electron microscopy of virus particles in some cases. The study demonstrated the occurrence of Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), Potato virus Y (PVY), Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) and Tobacco ringspot virus (TRSV). TMV and PVY occurred widely and were common in all three provinces, while AMV and TRSV were relatively less common. The prevalence of the four viruses was TMV 78%, PVY 67%, AMV 33% and TRSV 22%. Serological tests for Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) and Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) showed that these viruses were not present in the tobacco samples analysed.
Smoking further increases platelet activity in patients with mild hypertension
Authors: GLEERUP G. , WINTHER K.
Published: November 2003

In this study the authors examine whether smoking further heightens platelet activity and reduces fibrinolysis above that already present in mild hypertension. Ten smokers and 11 non‐smokers, all with mild hypertension (defined as a diastolic pressure between 90 and 110 mm Hg) were compared for their platelet activity in vitro and in vivo and for their fibrinolytic activity. Successive measurements were made with the patients lying at rest after they had assumed the erect posture for 10 min and at the end of a 5‐min moderately strenuous exercise test. The threshold for platelet aggregation by ADP in vitro was significantly lower in samples taken from the smokers at rest (1.4 ± 0.9 μmol L−1) than in the non‐smokers (3.5 ± 2.5 μmol L−1), and the difference persisted both in the upright posture and after exercise. The level of platelet release of β‐thromboglobulin was, likewise, higher in the smokers in the upright posture. Neither standing up nor physical exercise had any significant influence on either of these two indices of platelet activity. The euglobulin clot lysis time was slightly longer in the smokers than in the non‐smokers in all three experimental situations, but the differences were not significant. Inhibitor of tissue plasminogen activator was not materially different in the two groups (Table 2). The results indicate that smoking adds a further element of heightened platelet activity to that inherently present in hypertension.
Co‐regulation of apo A‐I, apo C‐III and apo A‐IV gene expression in human intestinal biopsies
Authors: METZGER S. , LEVY Y. , ARNON R. , CHAJEK‐SHAUL T.
Published: November 2003

The apo A‐I gene is expressed in the liver and small intestine. In order to study the role of human intestinal transcription of the apo A‐I gene in determining plasma high‐density lipoprotein, (HDL)‐cholesterol and apo lipoprotein (apo) A‐I concentrations, the authors measured the relative mRNA levels of apo A‐I in human intestinal biopsies. Biopsies were taken from 50 fasting subjects (25 males and 25 females). At the same time blood was taken for lipid and lipoprotein analysis. Plasma HDL‐cholesterol correlated linearly with plasma apo A‐I protein. No correlation could be demonstrated between intestinal apo A‐I mRNA and plasma apo A‐I or HDL‐cholesterol levels. The apo A‐I gene resides in an apolipoprotein cluster with the apo C‐III and apo A‐IV genes. To assess whether there is a coordinated expression of this locus, Northern blot analysis of intestinal RNA was performed. The authors have demonstrated that under fasting conditions mRNA levels of apo A‐I, C‐III and A‐IV are co‐regulated in the intestine.
High tissue factor concentration in the omentum, a possible cause of its hemostatic properties
Authors: LOGMANS A. , SCHOENMAKERS C. H. H. , HAENSEL S. M. , KOOLHOVEN I. , TRIMBOS J. B. , VAN LENT M. , VAN INGEN H. E.
Published: November 2003

The hemostatic properties of the pedicled omentoplasty turned out to be helpful in difficult hemorrhages in extensive surgery. As suggested by others, a high concentration of tissue factor (TF) in the omentum could be responsible for this favourable property. The authors investigated the nature of that property in 11 patients who underwent laparotomy. In omentum and striated muscle (controls) the TF‐concentrations in both tissues were estimated by the ELISA method. A significant difference between TF‐concentration in omentum and striated muscle could be demonstrated.
Use of recombinant human erythropoietin in combination with parenteral iron in the treatment of postpartum anaemia
Authors: BREYMANN C. , ZIMMERMANN R. , HUCH R. , HUCH A.
Published: November 2003

The authors compared the effect of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) in combination with iron with that of iron therapy only in the treatment of postpartum anaemia. Ninety patients (30 patients/group) received either rhEPO (300 U kg−1, i.v. or s.c., once) and iron (parenteral and oral), or iron therapy only. Erythropoiesis was assessed by haemoglobin and haematocrit increase, absolute reticulocyte counting and reticulocyte flow cytometry. Ferrokinetics was assessed by serum ferritin, transferrin and transferrin saturation measurements. There was no difference before therapy for baseline haematological values or iron status. Patients with endogenous EPO levels below 145 mU mL−1 had a significant benefit from intravenous rhEPO administration with highest haematocrit and haemoglobin levels 4 and 14 days after therapy. rhEPO‐treated groups showed a higher absolute reticulocyte count 1 and 4 days after therapy and an elevated percentage of high fluorescent reticulocytes (HFRs). Parenteral iron therapy caused a significant increase of ferritin and transferrin saturation, while transferrin concentration decreased. Ferritin and transferrin levels were lowest after i.v. administration of rhEPO, 1 and 4 days after therapy. C‐reactive protein concentration was highest in patients who underwent caesarean section until the end of the observation period. A single dose of rhEPO in combination with iron was more effective in treating postpartum anaemia than iron therapy only, in patients who had low EPO levels despite peripartal blood loss. Postpartum low endogenous EPO levels might be a consequence of inhibiting inflammatory cytokines that are released after spontaneous or operative deliveries.
Preserved vasodilator response to adenosine in insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus
Authors: RONGEN G. A. , GINNEKEN E. , THIEN Th. , LUTTERMAN J. A. , SMITS P.
Published: November 2003

Experimental data derived from animal models suggest that the endogenous nucleoside adenosine has important cardioprotective properties. The potent vasodilator effects of adenosine may contribute to this cardioprotection as ischaemia‐induced release of endogenous adenosine has been suggested to adjust local blood flow to the metabolic demands of the tissue. Interestingly, the vascular effects of adenosine appeared to be impaired in animal models for diabetes mellitus. This observation may be of importance with respect to the increased cardiovascular mortality in diabetes. Therefore, the authors investigated the in vivo vasodilator effects of adenosine in insulin‐dependent diabetic patients. In 12 uncomplicated insulin‐dependent male diabetic patients and 12 healthy male age‐matched subjects, the brachial artery was cannulated for infusion of adenosine (0.15, 0.5, 1.5, 5, 15 and 50 μg 100−1 mL min−1) and for measurement of mean arterial pressure (MAP). Forearm blood flow (FBF) was measured by venous occlusion mercury‐in‐silastic strain gauge plethysmography. Maximal vasodilatation was assessed by standardized post occlusive reactive hyperaemia (PORH). Baseline forearm blood flow was 2.7 ± 0.4 and 1.8 ± 0.2 0.2 mL 100−1  mL min−1 for the diabetic patients and control group respectively. In the diabetic patients, adenosine infusion raised forearm blood flow to 2.4 ± 0.4, 2.6 ± 0.4, 4.4 ± 0.7, 6.3 ± 1.0, 9.8 ± 1.5 and 14.2 ± 2.1 mL 100−1 mL min−1 for the respective dosages. In the control group these values were 1.7 ± 0.21, 1.9 ± 0.3, 3.2 ± 0.8, 6.0 ± 1.2, 10.9 ± 2.1 and 17.1 ± 3.4 mL 100−1 mL min−1 respectively (P > 0.1 for between group comparison). Forearm blood flow at the contralateral side was not significantly affected by the placebo and adenosine infusions. Similar results were obtained when results were expressed as changes in forearm vascular resistance or forearm blood flow ratio (FBF infused arm/FBF control arm). Maximal vasodilatation did not differ between the two groups. The authors conclude that the forearm vasodilator response to adenosine is preserved in uncomplicated insulin‐dependent diabetic patients. This observation argues against a primary role of a reduced adenosine responsiveness in the cardiovascular sequelae of diabetes.
Induction of glutathione‐S‐transferase‐pi by short‐chain fatty acids in the intestinal cell line caco‐2
Authors: STEIN J. , SCHRÖDER O. , BONK M. , OREMEK G. , LORENZ M. , CASPARY W. F.
Published: November 2003

Glutathione S‐transferases (GSTs) are a multigene family of detoxification and metabolizing enzymes that have been linked with the susceptibility of tissues to environmental carcinogens. In addition to their role as the main energy source in the colonic mucosa, short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) have been found to act as potent antiproliferative and differentiating agents in various cancer cell lines. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of SCFAs on the induction of GSTpi in the intestine as a possible new anticarcinogenic mechanism of SCFAs. Studies were performed in Caco‐2 cells, a cell line resembling functionally normal enterocytes. Cells, cultured in DMEM supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum, were studied from day 0 dpc (days post confluence) until 21 dpc and culture. SCFAs (acetate, propionate, butyrate) were added to give a final concentration of 5 mmol L ‐1. At 0, 3, 6, 9, 15, and 21 dpc, protein, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (AP) and GSTpi were measured. Butyrate supplementation significantly (P ≤ 0.01) increased GSTpi levels compared with controls in a concentration‐dependent manner. The effect was detectable within 3 dpc with a maximum at 15 dpc. In contrast to butyrate, the other SCFAs tested had no (acetate) or little effect (propionate). In conclusion, the data suggest that the anticancer effect of butyrate in part may be based on the induction of GSTpi activity, resulting in an enhanced detoxification capacity of the gut.
Triglyceride‐rich lipoproteins in non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus: post‐prandial metabolism and relation to premature atherosclerosis
Authors: DE MAN F. H. A. F. , CASTRO CABEZAS M. , VAN BARLINGEN H. H. J. J. , ERKELENS D. W. , DE BRUIN T. W. A.
Published: November 2003

Non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus is frequently associated with premature atherosclerosis. Abnormalities in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism contribute to the increased risk of coronary heart disease. One of the most common lipid abnormalities in non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus is hypertriglyceridaemia. In the present paper, the authors review the metabolism of triglyceride‐rich lipoproteins, with special emphasis on the post‐prandial state. Several studies have demonstrated that levels of atherogenic post‐prandial lipoproteins are increased in patients with non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus. An increased supply of glucose and free fatty acids contributes to overproduction of very low‐density lipoproteins, increasing the burden of triglyceride‐rich lipoproteins on the common lipolytic pathway at the level of lipoprotein lipase. Low lipoprotein lipase activity and increased amounts of lipolysis‐inhibiting free fatty acids further impair lipolysis of post‐prandial lipoproteins. The clearance of atherogenic remnants is also delayed in non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus. There is evidence that a relative hepatic removal defect exists, secondary to impaired remnant‐receptor interaction and increased competition with very low density lipoprotein remnants. Correction of the increased post‐prandial lipaemia in non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus is advisable, as it may contribute to attenuation of the risk on premature atherosclerosis. When dietary measures and hypoglycaemic agents have failed to achieve acceptable lipid levels, lipid‐lowering drugs should be advised. Fibric acids and hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase inhibitors are the drugs of choice.
Multiple abnormalities in the transfer of phospholipids from VLDL and LDL to HDL in non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes
Authors: ELCHEBLY M. , PULCINI T. , POROKHOV B. , BERTHEZENE F. , PONSIN G.
Published: November 2003

Transfers or exchanges of cholesterol esters and triglycerides between lipoproteins are mediated by a specialized protein referred to as cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), whereas those of phospholipids (PLs) are facilitated by both CETP and a specific phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP). In the present study, the authors compared phospholipid transfer (PLT) in normal subjects and in patients with non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes (NIDD), which is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis. PLT was measured in different recombination experiments using an isotopic assay in which the transfer of labelled PLs from very low‐density lipoprotein (VLDLs) and low‐density lipoproteins (LDLs) to high‐density lipoproteins (HDLs) was determined. This allowed discrimination between the roles of VLDLs+LDLs, HDLs, and plasma PLT activity (PLTA). VLDL+LDL‐dependent PLT, HDL‐dependent PLT and PLTA were decreased in NIDD. VLDL+LDL‐dependent PLT was found to be negatively correlated with the PL/apolipoprotein B ratio, whereas HDL‐dependent PLT was positively correlated with the HDL2/HDL3 and PL/apolipoprotein A‐I ratios and negatively correlated with the flow activation energy at the HDL surface. The HDL2/HDL3 ratio was positively correlated with PLTA but not with CETP, which confirms previous reports suggesting that PLTP might act as an HDL conversion factor. These data show that several abnormalities in PLT occur in NIDD and raise the question as to whether a lowered PLT might be a new characteristic of dis factors associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis.
Elevated serum neopterin level: its relation to endotoxaemia and sepsis in patients with major burns
Authors: YAO Y.‐M. , YU Y. , P. WANG Y. , TIAN H.‐M. , SHENG Z.‐Y.
Published: November 2003

The present study was conducted to determine the relationship between levels of neopterin and endotoxin in the circulation, and whether the neopterin level was related to the development of severe sepsis after extensive burns. This prospective study included 35 patients with burn size greater than 30% (30–98%), and 22 healthy volunteers who served as a comparison group. Neopterin levels increased in most patients on day 3 post‐burn, but they were not significantly correlated with the extent of the burn surface (P > 0.05). A high serum neopterin level was found in patients with sepsis (n = 15), and a marked elevation persisted throughout the observation period. The difference between septic and non‐septic patients (n = 20) became significant on 14 and 28 days post‐burn. Although the presence of early endotoxaemia did not influence the alterations in serum neopterin, patients with endotoxaemia had much higher neopterin values than those who showed no endotoxaemia from the second week onward (P < 0.05–0.01). In addition, circulating endotoxin and neopterin levels were positively correlated in patients who developed endotoxaemia on day 14 (r = 0.368, P < 0.05) and day 21 (r = 0.439, P < 0.01) after major burns. These results suggest that thermal injury can lead to an elevation of serum neopterin independent of the burn surface area. The initial increase in the neopterin level may be a part of the acute‐phase response to tissue injury itself, whereas the endotoxin release in the circulation may be responsible for the continuous induction of neopterin during the late stage. In addition, the presence of a constant high neopterin level is associated with a critical event in the development of severe burn sepsis.
Serum neurone‐specific enolase as an indicator of stroke volume
Authors: CUNNINGHAM R. T. , WATT M. , WINDER J. , McKINSTRY S. , LAWSON J. T. , JOHNSTON C. F. , HAWKINS S. A. , BUCHANAN K. D.
Published: November 2003

Serum neurone‐specific enolase (NSE) and computerized tomography (CT) stroke volume were compared in patients admitted within 24 h of an acute stroke. Serum samples were obtained on admission and daily for the next 4 days. Of 163 patients, CT scans revealed 25 with intracerebral haemorrhages, one haemorrhagic infarct and 83 measurable acute infarcts. The serum NSE levels of those with infarcts was significantly higher than in those with haemorrhages at 48 (P = 0.0003) and 72 h (P = 0.04). The maximum serum NSE value tended to occur later in those with large infarcts (P = 0.0035). There was a significant correlation between infarct volume and serum NSE at 48 h (r = 0.27, P = 0.015) and 96 h (r = 0.27, P = 0.015) and with the maximum serum NSE over the 4 days (r = 0.36, P = 0.001). There was no significant correlation between haemorrhage volume and NSE. In conclusion, serum NSE may be a useful marker of infarct volume in studies of therapy in acute stroke. Sampling for NSE should continue, at least in those with large infarcts, for longer than 4 days. Serum NSE cannot be used to distinguish between haemorrhage and infarction in patients with an acute stroke.
Molecular determinants of human immunodeficiency virus type I phenotype variability
Authors: FOUCHIER R. A. M. , SCHUITEMAKER H.
Published: November 2003

Abstract. The clinical course of HIV‐1‐infected individuals can be highly variable. Progression to AIDS can occur within 1 year after infection but symptom‐free infection for more than 15 years has also been reported. This variation can either be determined by host factors, the biological variability of the virus or both. Here the molecular determinants and clinical relevance of HIV‐1 biological phenotype variability are reviewed.
Quantitative and qualitative alterations of dystrophin are expressed in muscle cell cultures of Xp21 muscular dystrophy patients (Duchenne and Becker type)
Authors: MONGINI T. , DORIGUZZI C. , PALMUCCI L. , CHIADÒ‐PIAT L.
Published: November 2003

The authors studied skeletal muscle cell cultures from four control subjects, two patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, two Duchenne carriers and three patients with Becker muscular dystrophy with different phenotypes. Western blotting was performed on well‐differentiated myotubes and compared with the results obtained in muscle tissue. In all cultures the band of dystrophin closely corresponded to the one observed in muscle tissue: both quantitative and qualitative defects were observed. This confirms the early expression of the Xp21 gene defect in uninnervated muscle cultures and supports the usefulness of muscle cultures both in diagnostic procedure and as a model to study the disease.