bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Density-dependent plasticity of sequential mate choice in a bushcricket (Orthoptera:Tettigoniidae)
Authors: Lehmann Gerlind U. C.
Published: May 2007

Mate choice is a common phenomenon in animals and several factors have been proposed as being involved in the acceptance or rejection of a partner. I investigated the effect of population density on the mate-sampling behaviour of female Xederra charactus (bushcrickets). In my study, female bushcrickets adjusted the tactic of sequential mate sampling in response to mate density, visiting a series of up to five different males per night. Under low-density conditions, females visited fewer males in a night and were less likely to reject a copulation attempt than females under high-density conditions. Rejection of a male occurred during 29% of copulations in areas of high population density, but during only 8% in areas of low population density. Moreover, at low densities, females were less likely to reject mates later in the night, which can be interpreted as a reaction to the time constraints of a finite nightly mating period. Females in high-density populations also more often chose males with a higher mass of the spermatophore-producing accessory glands. Due to such choice, females might receive a larger nuptial gift at mating. These results are consistent with tactical models of search behaviour in which females adjust their behaviour to the number of potential mates and the length of the mating period.
Ecology of the western bearded dragon (Pogona minor) in unmined forest and forest restored after bauxite mining in south-west Western Australia
Authors: Craig Michael D. , Garkaklis Mark J. , Hardy Giles E. St J. , Grigg Andrew H. , Grant Carl D. , Fleming Patricia A. , Hobbs Richard J.
Published: May 2007

Forest areas restored after mining typically take decades, or longer, before they resemble the original vegetation community. Understanding how fauna succession varies with plant succession requires detailed knowledge of an animal’s ecology. Knowledge of an animal’s ecology can also be used to predict faunal responses to management manipulations and enable techniques to be developed that accelerate the return of fauna to restored sites. We radio-tracked western bearded dragons (Pogona minor) in a mix of unmined forest sites and sites restored after bauxite mining, in the jarrah forest of south-west Western Australia, to determine critical resources and important microhabitats for dragons. Dragons were generalists – utilising a range of microhabitats – and adaptable, adjusting their microhabitat use depending on availability. Individuals also differed significantly in their microhabitat use and did not appear to have a defined home range. We concluded that the species would rapidly recolonise restored sites and that no modifications to current restoration practices were required to accelerate their return. Prescribed burning of restored areas could negatively affect this species but the effect would be short-term (<2 years). The approach used in this study could be used to develop management prescriptions that accelerate the return of late-successional species to restored sites.
A new endemic family of New Zealand passerine birds: adding heat to a biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Driskell Amy , Christidis Les , Gill B. J. , Boles Walter E. , Barker F. Keith , Longmore N. W.
Published: May 2007

The results of phylogenetic analysis of two molecular datasets sampling all three endemic New Zealand ‘honeyeaters’ (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae, Anthornis melanura and Notiomystis cincta) are reported. The undisputed relatedness of the first two species to other honeyeaters (Meliphagidae), and a close relationship between them, are demonstrated. However, our results confirm that Notiomystis is not a honeyeater, but is instead most closely related to the Callaeidae (New Zealand wattlebirds) represented by Philesturnus carunculatus in our study. An estimated divergence time for Notiomystis and Philesturnus of 33.8 mya (Oligocene) suggests a very long evolutionary history of this clade in New Zealand. As a taxonomic interpretation of these data we place Notiomystis in a new family of its own which takes the name Notiomystidae. We expect this new phylogenetic and taxonomic information to assist policy decisions for the conservation of this rare bird.
Juvenile hormone resistance gene
Methoprene-tolerant
controls entry into metamorphosis in the beetle
Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Konopova Barbora , Jindra Marek
Published: May 2007

Besides being a spectacular developmental process, metamorphosis is key to insect success. Entry into metamorphosis is controlled by juvenile hormone (JH). In larvae, JH prevents pupal and adult morphogenesis, thus keeping the insect in its immature state. How JH signals to preclude metamorphosis is poorly understood, and a JH receptor remains unknown. One candidate for the JH receptor role is the Methoprene-tolerant (Met) Per-Arnt-Sim (PAS) domain protein [also called Resistance to JH, Rst (1)JH], whose loss confers tolerance to JH and its mimic methoprene in the fruit fly
Drosophila melanogaster
. However,
Met
deficiency does not affect the larval–pupal transition, possibly because this process does not require JH absence in
Drosophila
. By contrast, the red flour beetle
Tribolium castaneum
is sensitive to developmental regulation by JH, thus making an ideal system to examine the role of
Met
in the antimetamorphic JH action. Here we show that impaired function of the
Met
ortholog
TcMet
renders
Tribolium
resistant to the effects of ectopic JH and, in a striking contrast to
Drosophila
, causes early-stage beetle larvae to undergo precocious metamorphosis. This is evident as
TcMet
-deficient larvae pupate prematurely or develop specific heterochronic phenotypes such as pupal-like cuticular structures, appendages, and compound eyes. Our results demonstrate that
TcMet
functions in JH response and provide the critical evidence that the putative JH receptor Met mediates the antimetamorphic effect of JH.
The Nucleolar Net1/Cfi1-related Protein Dnt1 Antagonizes the Septation Initiation Network in Fission Yeast
Authors: Jin Quan-Wen , Ray Samriddha , Choi Sung Hugh , McCollum Dannel
Published: May 2007

The septation initiation network (SIN) and mitotic exit network (MEN) signaling pathways regulate cytokinesis and mitotic exit in the yeasts Schizosaccharomyces pombe, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, respectively. One function of these pathways is to keep the Cdc14-family phosphatase, called Clp1 in S. pombe, from being sequestered and inhibited in the nucleolus. In S. pombe, the SIN and Clp1 act as part of a cytokinesis checkpoint that allows cells to cope with cytokinesis defects. The SIN promotes checkpoint function by 1) keeping Clp1 out of the nucleolus, 2) maintaining the cytokinetic apparatus, and 3) halting the cell cycle until cytokinesis is completed. In a screen for suppressors of the SIN mutant cytokinesis checkpoint defect, we identified a novel nucleolar protein called Dnt1 and other nucleolar proteins, including Rrn5 and Nuc1, which are known to be required for rDNA transcription. Dnt1 shows sequence homology to Net1/Cfi1, which encodes the nucleolar inhibitor of Cdc14 in budding yeast. Like Net1/Cfi1, Dnt1 is required for rDNA silencing and minichromosome maintenance, and both Dnt1 and Net1/Cfi1 negatively regulate the homologous SIN and MEN pathways. Unlike Net1/Cfi1, which regulates the MEN through the Cdc14 phosphatase, Dnt1 can inhibit SIN signaling independently of Clp1, suggesting a novel connection between the nucleolus and the SIN pathway.
Evidence that Mono-ADP-Ribosylation of CtBP1/BARS Regulates Lipid Storage
Authors: Bartz René , Seemann Joachim , Zehmer John K. , Serrero Ginette , Chapman Kent D. , Anderson Richard G.W. , Liu Pingsheng
Published: May 2007

Mono-ADP-ribosylation is emerging as an important posttranslational modification that modulates a variety of cell signaling pathways. Here, we present evidence that mono-ADP-ribosylation of the transcriptional corepressor C terminal binding protein, brefeldin A (BFA)-induced ADP-ribosylated substrate (CtBP1/BARS) regulates neutral lipid storage in droplets that are surrounded by a monolayer of phospholipid and associated proteins. CtBP1/BARS is an NAD-binding protein that becomes ribosylated when cells are exposed to BFA. Both endogenous lipid droplets and droplets enlarged by oleate treatment are lost after 12-h exposure to BFA. Lipid loss requires new protein synthesis, and it is blocked by multiple ribosylation inhibitors, but it is not stimulated by disruption of the Golgi apparatus or the endoplasmic reticulum unfolded protein response. Small interfering RNA knockdown of CtBP1/BARS mimics the effect of BFA, and mouse embryonic fibroblasts derived from embryos that are deficient in CtBP1/BARS seem to be defective in lipid accumulation. We conclude that mono-ADP-ribosylation of CtBP1/BARS inactivates its repressor function, which leads to the activation of genes that regulate neutral lipid storage.
The M-Ras-RA-GEF-2-Rap1 Pathway Mediates Tumor Necrosis Factor-α–dependent Regulation of Integrin Activation in Splenocytes
Authors: Yoshikawa Yoko , Satoh Takaya , Tamura Takashi , Wei Ping , Bilasy Shymaa E. , Edamatsu Hironori , Aiba Atsu , Katagiri Koko , Kinashi Tatsuo , Nakao Kazuki , Kataoka Tohru
Published: May 2007

The Rap1 small GTPase has been implicated in regulation of integrin-mediated leukocyte adhesion downstream of various chemokines and cytokines in many aspects of inflammatory and immune responses. However, the mechanism for Rap1 regulation in the adhesion signaling remains unclear. RA-GEF-2 is a member of the multiple-member family of guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) for Rap1 and characterized by the possession of a Ras/Rap1-associating domain, interacting with M-Ras-GTP as an effector, in addition to the GEF catalytic domain. Here, we show that RA-GEF-2 is specifically responsible for the activation of Rap1 that mediates tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-triggered integrin activation. In BAF3 hematopoietic cells, activated M-Ras potently induced lymphocyte function–associated antigen 1 (LFA-1)-mediated cell aggregation. This activation was totally abrogated by knockdown of RA-GEF-2 or Rap1. TNF-α treatment activated LFA-1 in a manner dependent on M-Ras, RA-GEF-2, and Rap1 and induced activation of M-Ras and Rap1 in the plasma membrane, which was accompanied by recruitment of RA-GEF-2. Finally, we demonstrated that M-Ras and RA-GEF-2 were indeed involved in TNF-α–stimulated and Rap1-mediated LFA-1 activation in splenocytes by using mice deficient in RA-GEF-2. These findings proved a crucial role of the cross-talk between two Ras-family GTPases M-Ras and Rap1, mediated by RA-GEF-2, in adhesion signaling.
PALMA: mRNA to genome alignments using large margin algorithms
Authors: Schulze Uta , Hepp Bettina , Ong Cheng Soon , Rätsch Gunnar
Published: May 2007

Motivation: Despite many years of research on how to properly align sequences in the presence of sequencing errors, alternative splicing and micro-exons, the correct alignment of mRNA sequences to genomic DNA is still a challenging task.

Results: We present a novel approach based on large margin learning that combines accurate splice site predictions with common sequence alignment techniques. By solving a convex optimization problem, our algorithm—called PALMA—tunes the parameters of the model such that true alignments score higher than other alignments. We study the accuracy of alignments of mRNAs containing artificially generated micro-exons to genomic DNA. In a carefully designed experiment, we show that our algorithm accurately identifies the intron boundaries as well as boundaries of the optimal local alignment. It outperforms all other methods: for 5702 artificially shortened EST sequences from Caenorhabditis elegans and human, it correctly identifies the intron boundaries in all except two cases. The best other method is a recently proposed method called exalin which misaligns 37 of the sequences. Our method also demonstrates robustness to mutations, insertions and deletions, retaining accuracy even at high noise levels.

Availability: Datasets for training, evaluation and testing, additional results and a stand-alone alignment tool implemented in C++ and python are available at http://www.fml.mpg.de/raetsch/projects/palma

Contact:  Gunnar.Raetsch@tuebingen.mpg.de

Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Molecular Mapping of the rps1.a Recessive Gene for Resistance to Stripe Rust in BBA 2890 Barley
Authors: Yan Guiping , Chen Xianming
Published: May 2007

Stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. hordei, is one of the most important diseases of barley in the south-central and western United States. Growing resistant cultivars is the best approach for controlling the disease. The barley genotype BBA 2890 has all-stage resistance against all races of P. striiformis f. sp. hordei (PSH) identified thus far in the United States. The resistance in BBA 2890 is controlled by a single recessive gene, rps1.a. The objectives of this study were to identify resistance gene analog polymorphism (RGAP) markers for the all-stage resistance gene rps1.a, to map the gene on a barley chromosome using chromosome-specific simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, and to determine the presence or absence of the flanking RGAP markers for the gene in 24 barley genotypes. Seedlings of the parents and 200 F8 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) were tested for resistance to pathogen races PSH-14, PSH-48, and PSH-54 in the greenhouse in 2005. Genomic DNA was extracted from the parents and 150 F8 RILs. The RGAP technique was used to identify molecular markers for the rps1.a gene. Twelve primer pairs generating repeatable polymorphic bands were selected for genotyping the 150 F8 RILs. A genetic linkage group was constructed for the resistance gene with 13 RGAP markers and four chromosome-specific SSR markers. The four SSR markers mapped the gene on the long arm of barley chromosome 3H. The closest RGAP marker for the resistant allele was within a genetic distance of 2.1 centimorgans (cM). The closest marker for the susceptible allele was 6.8 cM away from the locus. The two closest RGAP markers for the resistant allele detected polymorphisms in 67 and 71% of the 24 barley genotypes when used individually, and detected polymorphism in 88% of the genotypes when used in combination. This information should be useful in incorporating the resistance gene into barley cultivars and in pyramiding the gene with other resistance genes for superior stripe rust resistance.
Detection and Identification of Four Common Rust Pathogens of Cereals and Grasses Using Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Barnes C. W. , Szabo L. J.
Published: May 2007

Puccinia spp. are widespread pathogens of cereals and grasses that annually cause significant yield losses worldwide, especially in barley, oat, and wheat. Urediniospore morphology and early symptom development have limited usefulness for distinguishing Puccinia spp. Therefore, we developed real-time polymerase chain reaction assays for rapid detection of the four rust pathogen species, Puccinia graminis (Pers.:Pers.), P. striiformis (Westend.), P. triticina (Eriks.), and P. recondita (Roberge ex Desmaz.). Duplex assays were constructed for the nuclear rDNA gene, using the variable internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region to distinguish between species, and the conserved 28S region as an internal control. Species-specific ITS1 primer/probe sets were highly specific and could detect <1 pg of DNA. The species-specific primer/probe sets showed positive results over a linear range of DNA five orders of magnitude or greater. Specificity of the assays was tested using multiple collections representing a range of races and formae speciales within a species. Additionally, assay specificity was evaluated by testing a range of other grass rust pathogens, as well as other fungi. The 28S primer/probe combination was successful in detecting all Puccinia spp. tested within the duplex assays, validating the integrity of each assay. Finally, the assays were used to identify unknown rust fungi infecting pasture grasses.
Context dependence in the coevolution of plant and rhizobial mutualists
Authors: Heath Katy D , Tiffin Peter
Published: May 2007

Several mechanisms are expected to rapidly rid mutualisms of genetic variation in partner quality. Variation for mutualist quality, however, appears to be widespread. We used a model legume–rhizobium mutualism to test for evidence that context-dependent selection may maintain variation in partner quality. In a greenhouse experiment using 10 natural populations of
Medicago truncatula
and two strains of
Sinorhizobium medicae
, we detected significant genotype×genotype (G×G) interactions for plant fitness, indicating that the most beneficial rhizobium strain depends on the host genotype. In a second experiment using a subset of the plant populations used in the first experiment, we detected significant G×G interactions for both plant and rhizobium fitness. Moreover, the plant population with which rhizobium strains gained the greatest benefit depended on the nitrogen environment. Finally, we found that in a high nitrogen environment, all plant populations had lower fitness when inoculated with a 1 : 1 mixture of strains than with the worse single strain alone, suggesting that nitrogen shifts the exchange of benefits in favour of rhizobia. Our data suggest that genotype, nitrogen and biotic dependency might contribute to the maintenance of genetic variation in mutualist quality when coupled with spatial or temporal heterogeneity in the environment.
Comparison between the polymerase chain reaction and slot blot hybridization for the detection of HPV sequences in cervical scrapes
Authors: WARD P. , PARRY G. N. , YULE R. , COLEMAN D. V. , MALCOLM A. D. B.
Published: May 2007

Sixty‐four women presenting with a single mildly abnormal smear were investigated for infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 using both slot blot hybridization and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. PCR was nearly three times more sensitive for the detection of HPV 16 DNA than slot blot hybridization. HPV 16 was not significantly associated with a risk of progression to CIN if PCR was used to screen for infection. Women who smoked were at significantly greater risk of progression to CIN than non‐smokers.
Monoclonal antibodies in the cytodiagnosis of serous effusions
Authors: AL‐NAFUSSI A. , CARDER P. J.
Published: May 2007

In order to assess the value of immunocytochemical staining as a method of discriminating between benign reactive mesothelial cells and malignant epithelial cells in serous effusions, we have studied the reactions of a panel of commercially available antibodies on cells harvested from 83 pleural and peritoneal fluids and compared the results with the clinical and cytological diagnoses. The antibodies used were raised against cytokeratin (PKK1), epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), carcino‐embryonic antigen (CEA), pregnancy specific B1‐glycoprotein (SP1) and leucocyte common antigen (LCA). Anti‐CEA was positive in 16 of 39 effusions (41%) containing carcinoma cells. Pregnancy specific Bl‐glycoprotein (SP1) was positive in 33% of the same samples. Mesothelial cells did not stain with these antibodies. Thus anti‐CEA and SP1 can be used to discriminate between benign mesothelial and malignant epithelial cells in effusions. Anti‐PKK1 stained both benign reactive mesothelial cells and malignant epithelial cells and cannot be used to discriminate between these two cell types. Strong positive staining of malignant cells was noted with anti‐EMA. However, as occasional weak staining of mesothelial cells was also noted, strong staining with this antibody may be regarded as suspicious but not conclusive of malignancy.
Fine needle aspiration cytology of salivary gland lesions: advantages and pitfalls
Authors: KOCJAN G. , NAYAGAM M. , HARRIS M.
Published: May 2007

Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) was performed on 52 patients with salivary gland lesions. A definitive cytodiagnosis was possible in 45 cases: a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 94% was achieved. The pitfalls of FNAC of salivary gland lesions are reflected by the false positive and false negative rates which were 4%. Errors of cytodiagnosis are due to the morphological variability of these tumours which make sampling and interpretation difficult.
The Cytology of Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (Histiocytosis X)
Authors: VAN HEERDE P. , EGELER R. MAARTEN
Published: May 2007

The cytomorphology of 13 cases of Langerhans cell histiocytosis is described. the most striking features were the presence of intranuclear clefts, pale nuclei and inconspicuous nucleoli, together with ample pale cytoplasm, only slight cellular pleomorphism, and an admixture of varying numbers of eosinophils, macrophages and degenerated cells.

In 13 of 16 cases investigated ultrastructurally, characteristic Birbeck granules were detected. Out of six cases tested, four exhibited positivity for S‐100, and of three cases tested, all were positive for CD1a (leu 6) and HLA‐DR. In one case malignant transformation occurred, terminating in monocytic leukaemia.
The Cytological Features of Invasive Adenocarcinoma of the Cervix Uteri
Authors: AYER B. S. , PACEY N. F. , GREENBERG M. L.
Published: May 2007

Seventy cases of invasive adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix were predicted on cytological grounds and confirmed by histopathology. the cervical smears from these cases were further analysed and classified into well and poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma on the basis of the pattern of the cells in the smear and their nuclear detail. Using this method of analysis it is possible to increase the accuracy of cytology for the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix.
The Cytological Recognition of African Siderosis On Bone Smears
Authors: LEARMONTH G. , MARKS R. K. , HUNT J. , NARRAMORE C.
Published: May 2007

Eight cases of African siderosis primarily recognized on cytological smears are presented and discussed. All the smears were obtained from Jamshidi needle biopsies of vertebral bodies. Six cases showed siderosis only, while a seventh showed two pathological processes on one slide, namely metastatic keratinizing squamous carcinoma and siderosis. the remaining case showed cytological evidence of tuberculosis and siderosis. All cases were histologically confirmed, an additional feature in two cases being osseous tuberculosis which was not evident on the cytological smears. A search of the literature failed to reveal any report on the cytological recognition of this disease, or its association with tuberculosis.
Fine Needle Aspiration of Sister Mary Joseph's Nodule
Authors: GUPTA R. K. , LALLU S. , McHUTCHISON A. G. R. , PRASAD J.
Published: May 2007

A case of Sister Mary Joseph's nodule (umbilical metastasis) is described from a primary adenocarcinoma of the transverse colon. Needle aspiration cytology made the diagnosis which was confirmed by immunocytochemical localization of CEA, B72.3, EMA, and cytokeratin in the tumour cells. Extensive mucus production in the tumour cells was demonstrated by alcian blue and mucicarmine stains.
Fine Needle Aspiration of Breast Carcinoma In A Fibroadenoma
Authors: GUPTA R. K. , DOWLE C.
Published: May 2007

A case of concurrent carcinoma of the breast with a fibroadenoma in a 59‐year‐old woman is described. the diagnosis was made on fine needle aspiration cytology. Despite the rarity of such a lesion, it is felt that a cytological diagnosis of this lesion from a fine needle aspirate specimen is possible.
Screening For High‐ and Low‐Risk Human Papillomavirus Types In Single Routine Cervical Smears By Non‐Isotopic In Situ Hybridization
Authors: HERRINGTON C. S. , TRONCONE G. , EVANS M. F. , McGEE J. O'D.
Published: May 2007

Routine cervical smears (n= 262) from a Sexually Transmitted Diseases clinic were screened by non‐isotopic in situ hybridization (NISH) stratifying human papillomavirus (HPV) infections into HPV6/11 (low risk) and HPV16/18/33 (high risk) categories. of 188 patients with cytologically normal smears, HPV sequences were demonstrated in 41%. of the 128 cases analysed by dual NISH, 16% contained low risk, 20% high risk and 5% both groups. In patients with cytological evidence of wart virus infection (WVI) only, 54% (n=50) contained high‐risk and 22% low‐risk HPV types. the comparable incidences in CIN1/2 plus WVI (n= 24) were not significantly different: 54% and 17%, respectively. Cytological criteria underestimate the prevalance of HPV infection in patients with cytologically normal smears. This represents either ‘occult’ or ‘latent’ infection. the identical prevalence of HPVB16/18/33 in WVI only, and CIN1/2 plus WVI, suggests that the cytopathic effect induced by these HPVs may represent one end of a spectrum of morphological change which progresses to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN).
Polyploidy In Pleomorphic Adenomas With Cytological Atypia
Authors: THUNNISSEN F. B. J. M. , PETERSE J. L. , BUCHHOLTZ R. , VAN DER BEEK J. M. H. , BOSMAN F. T.
Published: May 2007

Occasionally, in fine‐needle aspirates of pleomorphic salivary gland adenomas, considerable cytonuclear atypia is present, which may give rise to a false‐positive diagnosis. In this study DNA cytophotometry was performed on Feulgen restained smears prepared from material obtained by needle aspirates of normal salivary glands (n= 4), pleomorphic adenomas with (n= 5) and without (n=4) atypia and a carcinoma in a pleomorphic adenoma. the results showed a clear diploid DNA histogram in the specimens of normal salivary gland and pleomorphic adenomas without atypia. In contrast, in the pleomorphic adenomas with atypia a distinct polyploid pattern was present in three out of the five DNA histograms with DNA values in 2c, 4c and 8c ranges. In two of these cases a 16c peak was also present and in the two remaining cases tetraploidy was demonstrated. In the carcinoma a main stemline at 4c was found. This report once more emphasizes the possible atypia which may be present in FNA of pleomorphic adenomas of the salivary gland. the atypia is due to polyploidy in a histologically benign tumour.
Cost Effectiveness of A Fine Needle Aspiration Clinic
Authors: BROWN L. A. , COGHILL S. B.
Published: May 2007

The resource implications of a Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Clinic at Northampton General Hospital have been evaluated over a 12 month period using a patient management questionnaire. A total of 490 cases from which fine needle aspirates were taken from superficial sites have been assessed (breast 381, thyroid 46, lymph node 44, salivary gland 9, soft tissue 10). Total resource savings (±135 544) exceeded the expenses of the FNA clinic (±27 290). Potential cost savings per case were the greatest for thyroid aspirates. the FNA clinic where the pathologist takes, stains and reports optimally prepared specimens, provides a high quality and accurate service on which clinicians can confidently base clinical management decisions. Unnecessary investigations and operations are avoided, allowing scant resources to be released for other procedures.
Inflammatory Lesions of the Breast: Diagnosis By Fine Needle Aspiration
Authors: DAS D. K. , SODHANI P. , KASHYAP V. , PARKASH S. , PANT J. N. , BHATNAGAR P.
Published: May 2007

Amongst 1061 breast lesions diagnosed by fine needle aspiration (FNA) over a period of 6 years (1985–1990), 128 were reported to be showing changes consistent with an inflammatory lesion. On review, the cytodiagnosis was found to be inaccurate in 31 cases. the cytological features of the 97 cases that were correctly reported are described in this report. the cytological diagnoses issued in these 97 cases were acute mastitis or breast abscess (57 cases) and tuberculous mastitis (30 cases). Non‐specific chronic mastitis and miscellaneous conditions accounted for four and six cases respectively. Acid fast bacilli (AFB) were demonstrated in 28.0% of tuberculous mastitis cases and 10.0% of those diagnosed as acute mastitis or breast abscess. FNA cytology was found to be useful for the diagnosis of inflammatory lesions of breast and their classification, as only five out of 57 cases of acute mastitis/breast abscess and one out of 30 tuberculous mastitis cases were suspected on clinical grounds.
Nucleolar Organizer Regions In Pituitary Gland Adenomas
Authors: BAYINDIR C. , DOGGAN Ö. , ÜNAL F. , DERVISOGLU S.
Published: May 2007

Nucleolar organizer regions are DNA segments concerned with the synthesis of ribosomal RNA (rRNA). Some specific proteins related to NORs can be demonstrated by a silver technique and are then referred to as Ag‐NORs. the mean number of Ag‐NORs per cell has been used as a marker of cell proliferation in recent years and there is some evidence to suggest that Ag‐NOR counts can be used to differentiate between normal and neoplastic cells.

Paraffin block sections of 42 pituitary gland adenomas and 24 normal adult pituitary glands have been examined using the Ag‐NOR staining technique. Touch imprints of nine adenomas and 12 normal adult pituitary glands were also examined using the same Ag‐NOR staining technique. Using light microscopy at x 2000 magnification, the Ag‐NORs were located as black dots in the cell nuclei and the mean number of Ag‐NORs per cell was determined. No significant difference was observed between blocked sections and imprints of adenomas or between imprints and paraffin sections of normal glands. However, a significant difference was observed between the mean number of Ag‐NORs in pituitary gland adenomas and normal glands in paraffin block sections and touch preparations (P< 0.001). the modified Ag‐NOR technique can be a useful aid in the differential diagnosis between normal pituitary gland tissue and pituitary adenomas, especially during surgical operations.
Identification of Phagocytosed Pneumocystis Carinii In Human Pulmonary Alveolar Macrophages
Authors: WEHLE K. , KÜPPER T. , MARZAHN S. , PFITZER P.
Published: May 2007

Examination of Papanicolaou‐stained bronchoalveolar lavage samples from cases with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonitis under ultra‐violet light reveals alveolar macrophages packed with fluorescent inclusions. Immunoenzymatic staining of the alveolar macrophages with a monoclonal antibody specific for P. carinii (3F6) showed that these inclusions contain intact pneumocysts or their degradation products. Fluorescence microscopy of Papanicolaou‐stained smears is advocated as a sensitive and specific method of diagnosing P. carinii infection.
Quantitative Differences In Phagocytosis and Degradation of Pneumocystis By Alveolar Macrophages In Aids and Non‐Hiv Patients In Vivo
Authors: WEHLE K.
Published: May 2007

Broncholaveolar lavage (BAL) specimens (n= 213) from AIDS and non‐HIV immunosuppressed patients were investigated for the presence of Pneumocystis carinii infection by fluorescence microscopy of Papanicolaou‐stained slides. Alveolar casts, extracellular pneumocysts and phagocytosed cysts and their degradation products in pulmonary alveolar macrophages were identified. the number of phagocytosed pneumocysts within human pulmonary alveolar macrophages was recorded and correlated with the number of extracellular cysts and alveolar casts, in both groups of patients. Both phagocytic and degradation capacity were depressed in AIDS patients. This observation may explain the large number of extracellular organisms found in BAL specimens of AIDS patients compared with non‐HIV‐positive immunocompromised individuals.
Expression of Vimentin and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor In Effusions From Patients With Breast Cancer; Correlation With Oestrogen and Progesterone Receptor Status
Authors: ATHANASSIADOU P. , ATHANASSIADES P. , KYRKOU K. , GIAHNAKI E. , GIANNIOTI E. , NANAS S.
Published: May 2007

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr) status and the vimentin (V) status of malignant cells in pleural fluids from patients with breast cancer were determined using an immunoperoxidase labelling technique. the results were correlated with the oestrogen receptor (ER) and the progesterone receptor (PR) status of the primary tumour and with disease‐free survival time of the patient. A negative correlation between EGFr and V status and hormone receptor status was found. the longest mean survival time occurred in patients with negative EGFr and V status and positive hormone receptor (ER and PR) status. the shortest mean survival time occurred in patients with positive EGFr and V and negative ER and PR status.

Le récepteur du facteur de croissance de l'epiderme (EGFr) et la vimentine (V) ont étéétudiées par une technique d'immunopéroxydase, au niveau des cellules malignes des épanchements pleuraux de malades traités pour cancer du sein. Les résultats ont été corrélés avec les récepteurs d'oestrogènes (ER) et de progestérone (PR) et avec la durée de survie sans récidive. Une corrélation négative est trouvée entre le récepteur de l'EGF, la vimentine et le taux des récepteur hormonaux. La survie moyenne la plus longue est observée chez des patientes négatives pour le récepteur de l'EGF et pour la vimentine et positives pour les récepteurs hormonaux (ER et PR). La plus courte survie est associée a la positivité du récepteur de l'EGF et de la vimentine et à la négativité de ER et PR.

In Pleuraergüssen von Patientinnen mit Mammakarzinom wurden der Rezeptor für den epidermalen Wachstums‐faktor (EGF) sowie Vimentin mit der Immunperoxydase‐ Technik untersucht. Die Ergebnisse wurden mit dem Vorliegen von Östrogen‐ und Progesteronrezeptoren im Tumor sowie dem rezidivfreien Intervall der Patientinnen korreliert. Eine negative Korrelation bestand zwischen EGF‐Rezeptor und Vimentin. Die längste durchschnittliche Überlebenszeit wurde dagegen bei Patientinnen mit negativem Ergebnis für den EGF‐Rezeptor und Vimentin jedoch positiven Hormonrezeptoren gefunden. Die kürzeste überlebenszeit lag bei Patientinnen mit positivem Rezeptor‐ und Vimentinnachweis und Fehlen der Hormonrezeptoren vor.
The value of direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) testing for the detection of Pneumocystis Carinii In cytological specimens
Authors: HALFORD J. A. , SHIELD P. W. , WRIGHT R. G.
Published: May 2007

A direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) method was compared with methenamine silver staining (MSS) for the detection of Pneumocystis carinii in 384 cytological specimens. DFA testing was more sensitive than the MSS, with P. carinii detected in 31 specimens with DFA and 24 with the MSS. Results of the two methods disagreed in 17 specimens, all of which were sputa. Twelve sputum specimens were DFA positive/MSS negative and five were MSS positive/DFA negative. It is concluded that the DFA technique, although relatively expensive, is simple to perform and offers superior sensitivity to the MSS. However, in sputum specimens the combined use of DFA and MSS leads to optimal sensitivity for the detection of P. carinii.
Detection of Charcot‐Leyden crystals by fluorescence microscopy of Papanicolaou‐stained smears of sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and bronchial secretions
Authors: KÜPPER T. , SPIES S. , WEHLE K. , PFITZER P.
Published: May 2007

Fluorescence microscopy was used to examine Papanicolaou‐stained smears of sputum and other secretions from the respiratory tract. Under these conditions Charcot‐Leyden crystals (CLC) appear as bright yellow‐green fluorescing needles. the study was performed to determine the value of this approach for the diagnosis of allergic lung diseases. the time taken to detect the crystals was recorded and the sensitivity of fluorescence microscopy for the detection of CLC was compared with light microscopy of the same samples. the data show that fluorescence microscopy is superior to light microscopy for the detection of CLC. the characteristic needle‐shaped crystal can be recognized easily and fragments of crystals could be easily identified. In doubtful cases of allergic lung diseases, fluorescence microscopy may be used to supplement light microscopy for the detection of Charcot‐Leyden crystals.
Immunofluorescent staining of metastatic carcinoma cells in serous fluid with carcinoembryonic antibody, epithelial membrane antibody, AUA‐1 and BER‐EP4
Authors: ILLINGWORTH A. L. , YOUNG J. A. , JOHNSON G. D.
Published: May 2007

Using an indirect immunofluorescence technique, we assessed the accuracy and clinical usefulness of a panel of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. the panel consisted of carcinoembryonic antibody (CEA) and epithelial membrane antibody (EMA), AUA‐1, and Ber‐EP4 conjugated with fluorescein isothiocyanate. Twenty‐six specimens from pleural, peritoneal or pericardial effusions known to contain carcinoma cells (adenocarcinoma or large cell anaplastic carcinoma) and 16 specimens without carcinoma were first examined. the sensitivity and specificity for each of the antibodies were as follows: CEA, 71% and 75%; EMA, 96% and 81%; AUA‐1, 80% and 100%; and Ber‐EP4, 85% and 100%, respectively. the panel of antibodies was then applied to a group of 14 ‘problematic’ fluids. These had been identified as causing dilemmas in interpretation, either because the cells in the fluids were of equivocal appearance on light microscopy, or the cytological diagnosis was different from that expected in the light of the clinical condition of the patient. Insufficient cellular material was present in one specimen. In five (39%) of the cases the immunochemical staining supported the light microscopic diagnosis. In four (30%) cases, however, the results indicated that the original light microscopic report was incorrect. Two of these were examples of large cell carcinoma of the lung, in which false negative reports had been issued on pleural fluids. the other two were cases of benign ovarian tumours in which a false positive report had been issued. the immunostaining also clarified the final diagnosis in the three patients (23%) on whom ‘suspicious’ cytological reports had previously been issued. the remaining case, fluid from a patient with a high grade mixed Mullerian tumour of the ovary, was unresolved. We conclude that immunofluorescent staining by AUA‐1, EMA and Ber‐EP4 is an aid in the cytological interpretation of serous fluids. CEA is much less helpful.
Detection of p53 protein and Ki‐67 proliferation antigen in human papillomavirus (HPV)‐positive and HPV‐negative cervical lesions by immunohistochemical double‐staining
Authors: TERVAHAUTA A. I. , SYRJÄNEN S. M. , MÄNTYJÄRVI R. , SYRJÄNEN K. J.
Published: May 2007

In HPV‐associated genital lesions, low or absent expression of p53 has been attributed to the rapid degradation of p53 through its binding with HPV E6 protein. In this study, we examined p53 protein expression with two antibodies (CM1 polyclonal and PAb 1801 monoclonal antibodies), and Ki‐67 proliferation antigen (monoclonal antibody) using an immunohistochemical (IHC) double‐staining technique in 77 HPV‐positive cervical lesions (HPV6, HPV11, HPV16, HPV18, HPV31, and HPV33) and in 15 HPV‐negative cases. p53 protein expression was detected in 36/92 (39.1%) of the specimens. of the p53‐positive cases, 80.6% (29/36) were HPV‐positive samples, including 10/23 (43.5%) of HPV16‐ and 3/10 (30%) of HPV18‐positive biopsies. In 52.8% of the p53‐positive samples, the expression was found in less than 5% of the basal cells which were also positive for Ki‐67.

Ki‐67 proliferation marker was found in 91/92 specimens, most intensely in those infected by HPV16. p53 was more abundant in progressive or persistent lesions, but no differences were found between HPV‐positive and HPV‐negative samples. the positive IHC double‐staining of both p53 and Ki‐67 proliferation antigen in the same basal (and parabasal) cells indicates that these two normal cell‐cycle proteins are being expressed while the cells are entering from the G1 to the S phase of the cell cycle. Since the latter property is only attributed to the wild‐type p53 (but not to mutated p53), the p53 protein detected in HPV lesions by IHC is likely to be the wild‐type p53 rather than mutated p53, and the result was also confirmed by using p53 mutant specific antibody PAb 240. Accordingly, the concept of HPV inactivating the wild‐type p53 protein should be re‐examined, and other mechanisms for HPV‐mediated carcinogenesis should be considered.
Implications of gynaecological abnormalities in pre‐selection criteria for cervical screening: preliminary evaluation of 3602 subjects in South India
Authors: SUJATHAN K. , KANNAN S. , PILLAI K. R. , MATHEW A. , JOSEPH M. , SYMALAKUMARI B. , NAIR M. K.
Published: May 2007

Early detection and eradication of cervical cancer and its precursor lesions through organized mass cytological screening programmes have recently gained considerable attention in developing countries. Strategies for both cost saving and effective implementation are however required for mass cervical screening in developing countries. In an early cancer detection programme conducted in South India, we analysed cytological abnormalities in 3602 women and correlated the results with other factors, including age, gynaecological complaints, number of years of married life and parity to see if pre‐selection for cytologic screening was possible. Only lower grades of dysplasia were found in asymptomatic women below the age of 40 years. In asymptomatic women, malignancy and higher grades of dysplasia were confined to women with a clinically abnormal cervix only. Univariate analysis also revealed that subjects with a parity of more than 3 and a married life of more than 20 years had a significantly higher number of cytological abnormalities. However, on a multivariate analysis the increased number of marital years was not found to be an independent variable. These results suggest that asymptomatic women below the age of 40 years with a married life of less than 20 years and parity below 3, may be excluded from screening campaigns, and that pre‐selection for cytologic screening is possible by introducing a programme of clinical and speculum examination of the cervix.
A Networked Computer Program For Managing A National External Quality Assurance Scheme In Cytopathology
Authors: RASHBASS J. , VAWER A.
Published: May 2007

We describe a computer program to manage a national external quality assurance (EQA) scheme in cytopathology which uses the international computer network, the Internet, to collect data directly from participants, thereby reducing errors of transcription and administrative costs. Feedback to screeners and pathologists is provided as high quality images of the diagnostic areas on the slide which are only available once all users at a centre have entered their answers. This allows comparison with the original material while it is still available at the site. Users are encouraged to register differences of opinion by labelling areas on images of the slides on the computer. the program performs the statistical analysis of the data for each centre and each slide.

Nous decrivons un programme informatique permettant de gérer un schéma national d'assurance externe de qualité en cytopathologie utilisant le réseau informatique international l'Internet, pour collecter des données directement chez les participants, ce qui en conséquence réduit les erreurs de transcription et les coûts administratifs. Le retour vers les cytotechniciens et les pathologistes, se fait sous la forme d'images de haute qualité des zones de la lame à valeur diagnostique, lesquelles sont disponibles seulement lorsque tous les utilisateurs d'un Centre ont entré leurs réponses. Ceci permet la comparaison avec le matériel original pendant qu'il est encore disponible sur le site. Les utilisateurs sont encourages a enrigister les différences d'avis en marquant les zones sur les images des lames sur l'ordinateur. Le programme réalise l'analyse statistique des données de chaque Centre et de chaque lame.

Es wird ein Programm fur eine nationale externe QualitätskontroLle mittels Internet vorgestelli bei dem die Daten direkt vom Teilnehmer eingegeben und somit Ûber‐tragungsfehler und Kosten gesenkt werden. Bilder entscheidender Ausschitte der Präparate werden freigegeben, wenn alle an der Beurteilung Beteiligten ihr Urteil eingegeben haben. Dies erlaubt einen Vergleich solange die Präparate noch verfügbar sind. Teilnehmer können abweichende Meinungen durch Markierung anderer Stellen belegen. Das Programm führt anschliessend alle statistischen Analysen aus.
The practitioner perspective on the modeling of pedagogy and practice
Authors: De Freitas S. , Oliver M. , Mee A. , Mayes T.
Published: May 2007

Abstract  The promotion of e‐learning in policies internationally has led to questions about how best to employ technology in support of learning. A range of models has since been developed that attempts to relate pedagogy to technology. However, research into the effectiveness of such models in changing teaching practice is sparse, and work that compares these models to practitioners' own representations of their practice is absent. The study described here involved asking practitioners to model their own practice, and to compare these with a model developed by a government organization. Practitioners were adept at using existing models and repurposing them to suit their own context. Our research provided evidence of broad acceptance of the existing model with practitioners, but indicated that practitioners would take this tool and remodel it for their own contexts of learning to make it meaningful, relevant and useful to them.
The mechanisms and consequences of seed bank formation in wild sunflowers (Helianthus annuus)
Authors: MOODY‐WEIS JENNIFER , ALEXANDER HELEN M.
Published: May 2007

Seed banks are important to many plant populations, yet we lack clear understanding of how environmental factors promote seed bank formation. We experimentally varied seed density, and soil disturbance size and timing, to examine the formation of seed banks and the resulting population dynamics in wild annual sunflowers (Helianthus annuus). Seed density treatments reflected the expected increase in seed production of individual wild sunflowers due to hybridization with Bt‐transgenic crop sunflowers. Soil disturbances of two sizes (large and small) were applied either before or after seed dispersal. We followed the experimental plots for 21/2 years measuring seedling emergence, seeds in the soil, and reproduction, while preventing additional seed input. We assessed seed bank formation by the numbers of emergent seedlings and seeds in the soil.

Soil disturbances, regardless of timing, were required for successful germination and reproduction of wild sunflowers. Large disturbances resulted in greater seedling emergence and reproduction than small disturbances. Reproduction on small disturbance plots was low, due to low seedling survival. Higher seed density resulted in more seedlings only in large‐disturbance plots.

Post‐dispersal disturbances led to significant seed bank formation. This effect was greater for large, post‐dispersal disturbances. Higher seed density increased seed bank size only in the presence of large, post‐dispersal disturbances.

Negative density‐dependence in seedling mortality and reproduction meant that there was no effect of the high seed density treatment on reproduction. Thus the positive effects of increased seed bank size on population growth were tempered by density‐dependence. To assess fully the impact of seed banks on population growth, studies should continue beyond the seedling stage.

Our results suggest increased seed production of individual sunflowers resulting from crop transgenes would be unlikely to increase population growth on the scale of small patches. Increased seed production could result in dispersal of seeds across larger areas, and thus could lead to larger seed banks in disturbed environments and an increased prevalence of sunflowers across the landscape. These results are relevant to other annual species, especially those with transgenic crop relatives.