bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitoring of Ozone Risk for Forests in the Czech Republic: Preliminary Results
Authors: Šrámek Vít , Novotný Radek , Bednárová Emilie , Uhlírová Hana
Published: May 2007

Ozone (O3) is supposed to represent a significant risk for the health of forest ecosystems in Central Europe. So far, however, its impact on stands growing under natural conditions has not been clearly proved. A new project of the National Agency for the Research in Agriculture is focused on the O3effect on selected parameters of forest health. This paper presents the results of the first year of monitoring, 2005. In 2005, high O3concentrations were measured, mainly in the spring. In the summer, due to wet and cold weather, the O3load was comparatively low. In the plots investigated, the concentrations of O3were higher with the altitude. The amount of epicuticular waxes on 1-year-old Norway spruce needles was the only factor showing significant correlation to O3concentration. Defoliation of the stands depended only on the stand age. The amount of malondialdehyde (MDA), an oxidative stress marker, was related to the altitude, and only for European beech. The results are preliminary, as the summer O3development was not typical in 2005, and the results may change over the next monitoring periods.
Class B Gene Expression and the Modified ABC Model in Nongrass Monocots
Authors: Kanno Akira , Nakada Mutsumi , Akita Yusuke , Hirai Masayo
Published: May 2007

The discovery of the MADS-box genes and the study of model plants such as Arabidopsis thaliana and Antirrhinum majus have greatly improved our understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving the diversity in floral development. The class B genes, which belong to the MADS-box gene family, are important regulators of the development of petals and stamens in flowering plants. Many nongrass monocot flowers have two whorls of petaloid organs, which are called tepals. To explain this floral morphology, the modified ABC model was proposed. This model was exemplified by the tulip, in which expansion and restriction of class B gene expression is linked to the transition of floral morphologies in whorl 1. The expression patterns of class B genes from many monocot species nicely fit this model; however, those from some species, such as asparagus, do not. In this review, we summarize the relationship between class B gene expression and floral morphology in nongrass monocots, such as Liliales (Liliaceae) and Asparagales species, and discuss the applicability of the modified ABC model to monocot flowers.
The Status of Childhood Lead Poisoning and Prevention in Nevada, USA
Authors: Rothweiler Anne M. , Cabb Elena E. , Gerstenberger Shawn L.
Published: May 2007

One of the first steps in addressing the problem of childhood lead poisoning is to identify the possible sources of exposure in specific communities and target high-risk populations with appropriate interventions. Due to several factors, such as lack of funding and lack of blood lead reporting, little information exists regarding the occurrence of childhood lead poisoning and the prevalence of potential exposure sources in the state of Nevada. Following the recent establishment of a Nevada-based Lead Poisoning Program, we compiled the most current information available on Nevadans, and use this knowledge to suggest future research objectives and outreach activities for the state. Accordingly, we identify the characteristics of the vulnerable Nevada populations, explore possible sources of lead exposure unique to Nevada, and summarize the existing data on childhood lead poisoning. Emerging data indicates that Nevada is an area of rapid population growth, characterized by increasing immigration from Latin America, increasing numbers of children from low-income families with no health insurance. Also, childhood lead poisoning may arise from exposure to non-paint sources of lead. After presenting the Nevada statistics, we propose and recommend a set of research and outreach strategies that best suit the needs of Nevada residents.
Systematic analysis of genetic alterations in tumors using Cancer Genome WorkBench (CGWB)
Authors: Zhang Jinghui , Finney Richard P. , Rowe William , Edmonson Michael , Yang Sei Hoon , Dracheva Tatiana , Jen Jin , Struewing Jeffery P. , Buetow Kenneth H.
Published: May 2007

Systematic investigations of genetic changes in tumors are expected to lead to greatly improved understanding of cancer etiology. To meet the analytical challenges presented by such studies, we developed the Cancer Genome WorkBench (http://cgwb.nci.nih.gov), the first computational platform to integrate clinical tumor mutation profiles with the reference human genome. A novel heuristic algorithm, IndelDetector, was developed to automatically identify insertion/deletion (indel) polymorphisms as well as indel somatic mutations with high sensitivity and accuracy. It was incorporated into an automated pipeline that detects genetic alterations and annotates their effects on protein coding and 3D structure. The ability of the system to facilitate identifying genetic alterations is illustrated in three projects with publicly accessible data. Mutagenesis in tumor DNA replication leading to complex genetic changes in the EGFR kinase domain is suggested by a novel deletion–insertion combination observed in paired tumor–normal lung cancer resequencing data. Automated analysis of 152 genes resequenced by the SeattleSNPs group was able to identify 91% of the 1251 indel polymorphisms discovered by SeattleSNPs. In addition, our system discovered 518 novel indels in this data set, 451 of which were found to be valid by manual inspection of sequence traces. Our experience demonstrates that CGWB not only greatly improves the productivity and the accuracy of mutation identification, but also, through its data integration and visualization capabilities, facilitates identification of underlying genetic etiology.
Identification of a potential hydrophobic peptide binding site in the C‐terminal arm of trigger factor
Authors: Shi Yi , Fan Dong‐Jie , Li Shu‐Xin , Zhang Hong‐Jie , Perrett Sarah , Zhou Jun‐Mei
Published: May 2007

Trigger factor (TF) is the first chaperone to interact with nascent chains and facilitate their folding in bacteria. Escherichia coli TF is 432 residues in length and contains three domains with distinct structural and functional properties. The N‐terminal domain of TF is important for ribosome binding, and the M‐domain carries the PPIase activity. However, the function of the C‐terminal domain remains unclear, and the residues or regions directly involved in substrate binding have not yet been identified. Here, a hydrophobic probe, bis‐ANS, was used to characterize potential substrate‐binding regions. Results showed that bis‐ANS binds TF with a 1:1 stoichiometry and a Kd of 16 μM, and it can be covalently incorporated into TF by UV‐light irradiation. A single bis‐ANS–labeled peptide was obtained by tryptic digestion and identified by MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry as Asn391‐Lys392. In silico docking analysis identified a single potential binding site for bis‐ANS on the TF molecule, which is adjacent to this dipeptide and lies in the pocket formed by the C‐terminal arms. The bis‐ANS‐labeled TF completely lost the ability to assist GAPDH or lysozyme refolding and showed increased protection toward cleavage by α‐chymotrypsin, suggesting blocking of hydrophobic residues. The C‐terminal truncation mutant TF389 also showed no chaperone activity and could not bind bis‐ANS. These results suggest that bis‐ANS binding may mimic binding of a substrate peptide and that the C‐terminal region of TF plays an important role in hydrophobic binding and chaperone function.
High‐resolution structures of formate dehydrogenase from Candida boidinii
Authors: Schirwitz Katja , Schmidt Andrea , Lamzin Victor S.
Published: May 2007

The understanding of the mechanism of enzymatic recovery of NADH is of biological and of considerable biotechnological interest, since the essential, but expensive, cofactor NADH is exhausted in asymmetric hydrogenation processes, but can be recovered by NAD+‐dependent formate dehydrogenase (FDH). Most accepted for this purpose is the FDH from the yeast Candida boidinii (CbFDH), which, having relatively low thermostability and specific activity, has been targeted by enzyme engineering for several years. Optimization by mutagenesis studies was performed based on physiological studies and structure modeling. However, X‐ray structural information has been required in order to clarify the enzymatic mechanism and to enhance the effectiveness and operational stability of enzymatic cofactor regenerators in biocatalytic enantiomer synthesis as well as to explain the observed biochemical differences between yeast and bacterial FDH. We designed two single‐point mutants in CbFDH using an adapted surface engineering approach, and this allowed crystals suitable for high‐resolution X‐ray structural studies to be obtained. The mutations improved the crystallizability of the protein and also the catalytic properties and the stability of the enzyme. With these crystal structures, we explain the observed differences from both sources, and form the basis for further rational mutagenesis studies.
Variability in the carbon isotope signature of Prochilodus lineatus (Prochilodontidae, Characiformes) a bottom‐feeding fish of the Neotropical region
Authors: Lopes C. A. , Benedito‐Cecilio E. , Martinelli L. A.
Published: May 2007

The spatial and seasonal variability of stable carbon isotopes in detritivorous Prochilodus lineatus, primary producers and particulate organic carbon (POC) were examined to promote a better understanding of the trophic dynamics of food webs in Neotropical ecosystems. Spatial variability in carbon isotope composition in the species showed a decreasing gradient in the Upper Paraná River system, from the Paraná River and Itaipu Reservoir subsystems to the Baía and Ivinheima subsystems. Fish δ13C followed the isotopic trend of POC along the Paraná River and Baía subsystem. Seasonal differences were not observed in fish. The analysis of percentile contribution of C3 and C4 sources in the species diet revealed the predominance of C3 plants (phytoplanktonic and periphytic algae and riparian vegetation) in most of the analysed subsystems and seasons. Nevertheless, the considerable participation of riparian vegetation was verified, especially in the Ivinheima subsystem in the dry season. C4 macrophytes presented a maximum contribution along the Upper Paraná River. These results demonstrate the existence of specific variability for the consumer and their food sources in different environments of the same ecosystem.
An extraordinary life span estimate for the clown anemonefishAmphiprion percula
Authors: Buston P. M. , García M. B.
Published: May 2007

A population of the clown anemonefishAmphiprion perculawas studied for 1 year, in Madang Lagoon, Papua New Guinea. From this study, data on mortality events and social structure were used to construct a stage‐structured matrix model and estimate the average age at death (life expectancy) of various classes of individuals. Based on this model, it is estimated that the life expectancy of femaleA. percula, the oldest individuals in the population, is 30 years. This estimate is two times greater than the longevity estimated for any other coral reef damselfish and six times greater than the longevity expected for a fish of that size. The result complements the growing body of evidence, from widespread taxa, that organisms subject to low levels of extrinsic mortality show retarded senescence and increased longevity. It is suggested that fishes would be an excellent group for a broad scale comparative test of the predictions of the evolutionary theory of ageing.
E‐dermatology: Emails about dermatological diseases on the Internet
Authors: ARICAN Ozer
Published: May 2007

Today, it is very easy to access information for both doctors and patients thanks to the Internet. The number of websites including health information is increasing day by day. This study was targeted to retrospectively investigate the dermatological questions received by the free consultation page of the health site for IsNet customers. The patients were assessed on the aspects of age and sex. The diseases were classified by the subject of the questions emailed and on what the patient would like to learn. It was also assessed whether the patient had seen a doctor before sending the email. The responses of the dermatologist were also classified as information on the disease and the treatment. A total of 607 questions were examined. One hundred and thirteen male and 69 female patients disclosed their sexes. Also, only 208 patients stated their age and the mean age was 29.3 years. Four hundred and sixty questions were related to the emailer. The questions usually asked were about treatment and requests for comprehensive information about the disease. The diseases most frequently asked about were: acne, hair diseases, pruritus, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, superficial mycoses and vitiligo. Most responses were related to general information on diagnosis and treatment options. The Internet is frequently preferred for its speed; therefore, users do not give detailed information because it is not required. These results show there are differences in the intentions of our Internet users and the aims of our health website. In order to conduct these kinds of services more efficiently, preparing special forms would be useful. These data can be beneficial in the development of e‐medicine programs.
Organ‐dependent susceptibility of p53 knockout mice to 2‐amino‐3‐methylimidazo[4,5‐f]quinoline (IQ)
Authors: Hirata Akihiro , Tsukamoto Tetsuya , Yamamoto Masami , Takasu Shinji , Sakai Hiroki , Ban Hisayo , Yanai Tokuma , Masegi Toshiaki , Donehower Lawrence A. , Tatematsu Masae
Published: May 2007

p53 knockout mice are now being frequently used to identify the carcinogenic potential of chemicals, thus it is important to precisely assess the susceptibility of the animals to various test chemicals. In the present study the susceptibility of p53 nullizygous(–/–), heterozygous(+/–), and wild‐type(+/+) mice to 2‐amino‐3‐methylimidazo[4,5‐f]quinoline (IQ) was investigated. Mice of all three genotypes were first fed a diet containing 100 or 300 p.p.m. IQ for 15 weeks in a short‐term experiment. p53(+/–) and (+/+) mice were then treated with IQ for 40 weeks and maintained without further treatment for an additional 12 weeks in the long‐term experiment. In the forestomach, the incidence of squamous cell hyperplasia was significantly higher in p53(–/–) than in (+/–) and (+/+) mice at 15 weeks and higher in (+/–) mice than (+/+) mice with long‐term IQ treatment, indicating an elevated susceptibility of p53 knockout mice. In contrast, in the liver, various hepatocellular lesions developed mainly in female mice with long‐term IQ exposure but no significant differences were evident between p53 knockout and wild‐type mice, indicating a lack of elevated susceptibility in the knockout animals. Furthermore, polymerase chain reaction‐single strand conformation polymorphism and sequencing analysis revealed relatively high (13/30) and low (1/15) incidences of p53 mutations (exons 5–8) in squamous cell hyperplasia and hepatocellular tumors, respectively. These results clearly indicate that the susceptibility of p53 knockout mice is organ‐dependent, coinciding to some extent with the likelihood of p53 gene alteration in the induced tumors. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 1164–1173)
Neurological, cardiovascular and metabolic effects of mefloquine in healthy volunteers: a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: DAVIS TIMOTHY M. E. , DEMBO LAWRENCE G. , KAYE‐EDDIE SALLY A. , HEWITT BENJAMIN J. , HISLOP ROBERT G. , BATTY KEVIN T.
Published: May 2007

1To assess neurological, cardiovascular, metabolic and other side‐effects of mefloquine given in conventional prophylactic dose to healthy volunteers, a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial was conducted. In addition, the identity of the active drug was concealed until the end of the trial.

2A total of 106 healthy adults were recruited, of whom 95 (mean age 24 years; 45% males) completed the full study protocol.

3Subjects had a baseline assessment, received placebo as first dose, were randomized to mefloquine 250 mg or placebo weekly for 4 weeks starting a week later, and were reassessed after the 2nd and 4th active/placebo doses. Subjects kept a daily symptom diary from 2 weeks before until 2 weeks after the dosing period.

4Plasma mefloquine assay suggested compliance in all 46 subjects allocated active treatment (week 5 mean±s.d.; 2.35±0.94 μmol l−1). Mefloquine did not alter calcium homoeostasis but produced a mean 0.5 mmol l−1 fall in serum glucose over the study period (P<0.001) and relative hyperinsulinaemia. Symbol digit modalities, and digit forwards and backwards test scores, were similar in active and placebo groups across the three assessments, as were lying/standing blood pressure and high‐tone hearing loss. Electrocardiographic QTc interval prolongation and diarrhoea were mild but transient side‐effects of mefloquine (P<0.01). Neurological symptoms were comparable in the two groups throughout the study. There was no evidence of drug toxicity in 11 subjects who withdrew.

5Mefloquine prophylaxis does not appear to produce low‐grade but debilitating neurological symptoms or to alter the results of sensitive tests of cerebral function. However, there may be situations in which mefloquine might contribute to hypoglycaemia and cardiac dysrhythmias.
The elimination of diazepam in Chinese subjects is dependent on the mephenytoin oxidation phenotype
Authors: WAN JIE , XIA HUI , HE NAN , LU YI‐QING , ZHOU HONG‐HAO
Published: May 2007

1The disposition of diazepam and desmethyldiazepam was studied in 21 healthy male Chinese subjects who were phenotyped with mephenytoin. Four poor metabolizers (PM) were identified by phenotyping with mephenytoin and by genotyping for CYP2C19.

2Serum diazepam and desmethyldiazepam concentrations were measured by high performance liquid chromatography in samples drawn up to 24 days after administration.

3The plasma elimination half‐lives of diazepam (100.8±32.3 h) and desmethyldiazepam (219.9±62.7 h) in PMs were significantly longer than those (34.7±23.0 h for diazepam, 103.1±25.9 h for desmethyldiazepam) of the 17 phenotyped extensive metabolizers (EM), and those (30.8±24.9 h for diazepam, 103.1±27.5 h for desmethyldiazepam) of the five genotyped EMs.

4The mephenytoin S/R ratios were significantly correlated with the plasma half‐lives of diazepam (r=0.543, P<0.05) and desmethyldiazepam (r=0.522, P<0.05), and with the clearance (r=−0.524, P<0.05) of diazepam in 21 subjects.

5These results are compatible with the conclusion that both diazepam and desmethyldiazepam are metabolized by cytochrome P450 CYP2C19 in the Chinese population.

6The mephenytoin S/R ratios in nine EMs who drank alcohol frequently were significantly higher than those of seven EMs who were non‐drinkers, but the plasma kinetics of diazepam and desmethyldiazepam were not significantly different between the two groups. The explanation for these finding is not clear.
Double‐blind comparative study of the antidepressant, unwanted and cardiac effects of minaprine and amitriptyline
Authors: EDWARDS J. GUY , DINAN TIMOTHY G. , WALLER DEREK G. , GREENTREE STEPHEN G.
Published: May 2007

1A double‐blind, multicentre study comparing the efficacy and safety of minaprine and amitriptyline in patients with major depression was carried out. Five hundred and thirty‐one patients were randomly assigned to treatment with either minaprine 100 mg, 200 mg or 300 mg day−1 or with amitriptyline 150 mg day−1 (75 mg during the first week). The medication was administered for 6 weeks.

3Efficacy was assessed using the Hamilton rating scale for depression (HDRS), the Montgomery‐Åsberg depression rating scale (MADRS) and visual analogue assessments of depression carried out by both the investigators and patients. Unwanted effects were assessed by a questionnaire and spontaneous reporting. In a subgroup of patients cardiovascular effects were investigated by high speed ECG and systolic time intervals.

3Patients in each treatment group showed a significant clinical improvement (P<0.01) from baseline. The mean HDRS and MADRS scores adjusted for baseline differences, showed significantly less improvement in the minaprine 100 mg once daily (P<0.01) and the minaprine 300 mg daily (P<0.01) groups than in the amitriptyline group at both week 4 and week 6. The MADRS score at week 4 suggested that 200 mg day−1 minaprine was less effective than amitriptyline (P<0.05), but there was no difference between the two groups at week 6 on either the HDRS or the MADRS.

4Both drugs were well tolerated and there were no significant differences between treatment groups in any of the safety and tolerance assessments. In the ECG, amitriptyline produced a significant increase in the heart rate and PR interval while minaprine had no effect on electrocardiographic measurements. Neither drug produced changes in the systolic time intervals.
Assessment of changes in liver blood flow after food intake—comparison of ICG clearance and echo‐Doppler
Authors: BURGGRAAF J. , SCHOEMAKER H. C. , COHEN A. F.
Published: May 2007

Echo‐Doppler measurements of portal venous blood flow in intrahepatic branches and indocyanine green (ICG) clearance after continuous i.v. infusion as measure for liver blood flow were compared to evaluate the increase in splanchnic blood flow after food intake. It was shown that both methods assessed the changes in flow in a similar manner. Changes in blood flow in intrahepatic portal vein branches measured with echo‐Doppler adequately predicted the change in ICG concentrations. Hence, echo‐Doppler measurements of hepatic portal blood flow in intrahepatic branches can be used to estimate changes in total liver blood flow.
α‐adrenoceptor blocking drugs and female urinary incontinence: prevalence and reversibility
Authors: MARSHALL H. J. , BEEVERS D. G.
Published: May 2007

There have been occasional reports of female stress incontinence related to prazosin therapy for hypertension. This drug is now rarely used but recently longer acting α‐adrenoceptor blocking drugs have been introduced. We have, therefore, investigated the prevalence of urinary incontinence in all our female patients who were receiving α‐adrenoceptor blockers in comparison with women, matched for age and parity who were receiving other drugs. We identified a total of 49 women taking α‐adrenoceptor blocking drugs (prazosin 4, terazosin 5, doxazosin 40) among current patients who were attending our hypertension clinic. Twenty of these (40.8%) reported some urinary incontinence whereas in the control patients, only 8 (16.3%) had this symptom (P=<0.02, relative risk 2.5, 95% CI 1.22–5.13). α‐Adrenoceptor blockers were withdrawn in 18 of the 20 patients with incontinence and in 13, their symptoms abated. Our results suggest that there is a significantly higher prevalence of urinary incontinence in women taking α‐adrenoceptor antagonists with reversibility on withdrawal of these drugs. As both female urinary incontinence, hypertension and the use of α‐adrenoceptor blocking drugs are common, this distressing side effect should be borne in mind so that gynaecological or urological treatment may be avoided in some women.
Familial partial lipodystrophy due to the LMNA R482W mutation with multinodular goitre, extrapyramidal syndrome and primary hyperaldosteronism
Authors: Vantyghem M. C. , Faivre‐Defrance F. , Marcelli‐Tourvieille S. , Fermon C. , Evrard A. , Bourdelle‐Hego M. F. , Vigouroux C. , Defebvre L. , Delemer B. , Wemeau J. L.
Published: May 2007

Objective  To describe new data about the wide phenotypic variability of diseases due to mutations in the lamin A/C gene (LMNA).

Design  We report a complex phenotype in a patient with familial partial lipodystrophy of the Dunnigan type (FPLD) and study the frequency of her unusual clinical signs in 19 other LMNA‐mutated lipodystrophic patients from 8 different families and 14 non‐mutated family members.

Case Report  The patient was diagnosed with FPLD due to the R482W LMNA mutation after familial screening. Surprisingly, she had no biological signs of insulin resistance. The presence of hypertension with hypokalaemia led to the diagnosis of primary hyperaldosteronism. Thyroid investigations showed a euthyroid multinodular goiter. In addition, the patient exhibited a juvenile akineto‐hypertonic syndrome.

Results  Goiter was identified with a similar frequency (55%) in LMNA‐mutated lipodystrophic patients (11 out of 20, originating from 5 families among 8) compared to non‐mutated family controls (35%; 5 patients out of 14, all originating from the same family). No case of primary hyperaldosteronism or extrapyramidal syndrome was identified in other studied subjects, either LMNA‐mutated or not.

Conclusions  This R482W‐LMNA mutated patient showed an association of features (primary hyperaldosteronism, euthyroid goiter and extra‐pyramidal syndrome, raising the question of a link with her laminopathy. Prevalence of goiter tended to be higher in LMNA‐mutated than in non‐mutated subjects. Hyperaldosteronism seems coincidental. Although extrapyramidal syndrome has never been reported in lipodystrophic patients, it may nevertheless be linked to the LMNA mutation since multiple neurological features have been associated with alterations in lamins A/C.
Utility of HBME‐1 immunostaining in serous effusions
Authors: ASCOLI V. , CARNOVALE‐SCALZO C. , TACCOGNA S. , NARDI F.
Published: May 2007

Utility of HBME‐1 immunostaining in serous effusions

HBME‐1 is an anti‐mesothelial cell monoclonal antibody derived from human mesothelioma cells. We investigated 227 body cavity effusions to test its utility in differentiating mesothelioma from adenocarcinoma. HBME‐1 outlined cell membranes in non‐neoplastic mesothelial cells. Thick surface staining was observed on all mesotheliomas. HBME‐1 reactivity was also detected in 24% of metastatic carcinomatous effusions. Most ovarian carcinomas (83%) reacted with this antibody, showing surface staining. Cytoplasmic HBME‐1 immunoreactivity was observed in a small proportion of non‐ovarian adenocarcinomas (14%). Despite its limited specificity, HBME‐1 might be added to the battery of other markers of epithelial and/or mesothelial differentiation to be used in cases of suspected mesothelioma. Evaluation of suspicious cells should include careful study of the pattern of immunostaining.
Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of orbital masses: a critical review of 51 cases
Authors: ZEPPA P. , TRANFA F. , ERRICO M. E. , TRONCONE G. , FULCINITI F. , VETRANI A. , BONAVOLONTÀ G. , PALOMBINI L.
Published: May 2007

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of orbital masses: a critical review of 51 cases

FNA biopsy of 51 orbital masses is critically reviewed. Aspiration was performed with a 23 G needle inserted by an ophthalmologist; the smears were prepared by a cytologist. Forty‐two cases (83%) were correctly diagnosed as benign or malignant either with (68%) or without (15%) correct specification of the histology. There were two false‐negative and seven inadequate cases. Immunocytochemical stains were performed in five cases using the following antibodies: L26 (Pan B), UCHL1 (Pan T), and immunoglobulin light chains (three cases) in order to distinguish inflammatory pseudotumours from low‐grade non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas. In two cases we used CAM 5.2 (a monoclonal cytokeratin cocktail) and vimentin to ascertain the epithelial origin of two metastatic tumours. In five other cases cytospins were not adequately cellular for immunocytochemistry. Insufficient material and one false‐negative sample were obtained from very fibrotic lesions or from posteriorly located lesions. The results are discussed and compared with other series reported in the literature. Orbital FNA biopsy may be considered a useful tool in the diagnostic approach to orbital masses in which the relatively high number of inadequate aspirations is offset by a low cost‐benefit ratio.
Diagnostic impression cytology: a simple technique for the diagnosis of external eye disease
Authors: DIVANI S. N. , MARGARI C. , ZIKOS G. A. , ZIKOS A. , PAPAVASSILIOU G. B.
Published: May 2007

Diagnostic impression cytology: a simple technique for the diagnosis of external eye disease

The technique of impression cytology was used for cytologic examination of conjunctival samples from 128 patients with a variety of external eye diseases. The method of sample collection and the staining procedure are described. Microscopic examination showed 62 cases with allergic conjunctivitis, 23 with bacterial or viral infection, 26 cases with changes typical of dry eye and 17 cases with non‐specific chronic inflammation. The cytologic features and numerous applications of impression cytology are discussed.
Cytologic evaluation of conjunctival epithelium using Cytobrush‐S: value of slide preparation by ThinPrep technique
Authors: KOBAYASHI T. K. , UEDA M. , NISHINO T. , ISHIDA Y. , TAKAMURA E. , TSUBOTA K.
Published: May 2007

Cytologic evaluation of conjunctival epithelium using Cytobrush‐S: value of slide preparation by ThinPrep technique

Recent clinical trials have indicated that an automated smear apparatus (ThinPrep process) of sample preparation has great diagnostic sensitivity. In this study, conjunctival brush cytology prepared using the ThinPrep method was applied in ocular surface disorders especially for dry eye status. To assess its diagnostic value in cellular samples, 17 patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) and 10 normal volunteer patients were examined using this technique. Conjunctival cells from normal controls revealed fine chromatin and polyhedral cytoplasm without having keratinized cytoplasm. On the other hand, the cellular samples from KCS revealed increased keratinized cells with pyknotic nuclei. They also contained extremely elongated cells. In KCS patients, the mean number of keratinized cells was significantly higher (34.1 cells/300 cells) than that of the normal control group (0.2 cells/300 cells). In patients with KCS, inflammatory cell counts were also higher than those of normal controls. Conjunctival cytology by means of the ThinPrep method obviously deserves additional trials as an adjunct in the cytology of dry eye states, especially in quantitative ocular evaluation for various ocular lesions.
Cytological aspects of uterine cervical adenocarcinoma, adenosquamous carcinoma and combined adenocarcinoma‐squamous carcinoma: appraisal of diagnostic criteria for in situ versus invasive lesions
Authors: HAYES M. M. M. , MATISIC J. P. , CHEN C.‐J. , MOHAMED A. , ANDERSON G. H. , LERICHE J. C. , AMY R.
Published: May 2007

Cytological aspects of uterine cervical adenocarcinoma, adenosquamous carcinoma and combined adenocarcinoma‐squamous carcinoma: appraisal of diagnostic criteria for in situ versus invasive lesions

This paper reports the cytological findings based on air‐dried smears in a retrospective series of 143 cases of endocervical adenocarcinoma, combined adenocarcinoma‐squamous carcinoma and adenosquamous carcinoma drawn from the files of the BC Cancer Registry. Cervical cytology smears were available before biopsy in 131 patients, but in 18 cases the cytology showed no abnormality. Malignant changes or high‐grade atypia of glandular and/or squamous cells (defined as moderate or severe dyskaryosis) were detected in 103 cases. In 46 cases, only a high‐grade squamous abnormality was detected. Low‐grade glandular and/or squamous lesions were detected in nine cases and one showed atypical endometrial‐type glands. The cervical smears of 64 cases were reviewed in detail to determine the important cytomorphological criteria of in situ and invasive adenocarcinoma in air‐dried smears, the technique used for preparing PAP smears in British Columbia. Endocervical cells were absent in four cases. Numerous (>10) groups of glandular cells were present in 51 cases. Important clues to the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma included crowding of nuclei, stratification of nuclei, loss of polarity, syncytial balls and papillary groups of glandular cells, nuclear enlargement, nuclear pleomorphism, and the presence of free‐lying atypical glandular cells. Nuclear hyperchromatism, chromatin pattern, nuclear borders, nuclear membranes, and numbers and morphology of nucleoli were not helpful criteria in our material. Criteria enabling reliable distinction between in situ and invasive adenocarcinoma and/or mixed adenocarcinoma‐squamous carcinoma could not be established.
Impact of nurse prescribing: a qualitative study
Authors: Bradley Eleanor , Nolan Peter
Published: May 2007

Title. Impact of nurse prescribing: a qualitative study

Aim.  This paper is a report of an investigation of the impact of prescribing on a group of recently qualified nurse prescribers in the United Kingdom.

Background.  The creation of advanced nursing roles, and specific skills such as nurse prescribing, has resulted in nurses taking on roles that have traditionally been associated with doctors. The non‐doctor prescribing initiative is continually developing and many nurses are now able to prescribe independently from almost the same range of medicines as doctors. Despite the advantages that appear to stem from nurses prescribing, some nurse researchers have been cautious about the impact that prescribing may have on the nursing profession.

Method.  Interviews were conducted during 2005 and 2006 with 45 nurse prescribers. All nurses had successfully qualified and registered as prescribers. Interviews were analysed thematically in line with the principles of grounded theory.

Findings.  Prescribing allows nurses to overcome difficulties in the healthcare system that previously delayed patients’ access to medicines. Prescribing is viewed as more than an ‘add on’ to current roles, it complements many aspects of nursing and integrates previously diffuse aspects of the nursing role. This enables nurses to adopt a more holistic approach to patient care and prescribing. Prescribing has the potential to increase job satisfaction and autonomous working, with the result that nurses are more likely to involve patients in decision‐making about their care.

Conclusions.  Prescribing enhances nurses’ knowledge about medication and increases their confidence to engage in prescribing decisions across the healthcare team. Nurse prescribing has the potential to improve service‐user care, enhance collaboration and widen discussions about medicines. However, team members need to be prepared for the impact nurse prescribing could have on the dynamics of the multidisciplinary team. Preparatory information about nurse prescribing should be provided to all team members by trainee nurse prescribers. Information could include details about the proposed scope of future prescribing roles, allowing team members to consider how their roles could develop.
Equivalence of Chinese version of the Cohen‐Mansfield Agitation Inventory
Authors: Lin Li‐Chan , Kao Chieh‐Chun , Tzeng Yu‐Ling , Lin Yeh‐Jen
Published: May 2007

Title. Equivalence of Chinese version of the Cohen‐Mansfield Agitation Inventory

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study undertaken to translate the Cohen‐Mansfield Agitation Inventory from the original English into a Chinese language version and to establish the content, semantic and technical equivalence of the Chinese version.

Background.  Ensuring the equivalence of a translated Chinese version of the Cohen‐Mansfield Agitation Inventory for patients with dementia is an essential requirement for identifying culturally specific expressions of agitated behaviours.

Methods.  In Phase I, five experts scrutinized the Inventory items to determine whether the behaviour described was relevant to the agitated behaviours present in the Taiwanese culture. In Phase II, experts did the initial translation into Chinese and then back‐translated it into English. Four bilingual observers rated 31 residents with dementia to determine semantic equivalence across versions. In Phase III, the agitated behaviours of 32 residents were assessed by four observers using staff ratings and direct observation to determine the technical equivalence of the Chinese version. The study was carried out in Taiwan from August 2004 to April 2005.

Findings.  In Phase I, the rating of behaviours described on the Cohen‐Mansfield Agitation Inventory was relevant to the agitated behaviours based on Taiwanese culture with a content validity index (CVI) value of 0·993. In Phase II, intra‐class coefficients for all items on the Chinese version and split‐halves of Chinese and English versions ranged from 0·69 to 0·74. In Phase III, six possible results for estimation of reliability across methods and raters for the Chinese version ranged from 0·63 to 0·86.

Conclusion.  The Chinese Cohen‐Mansfield Agitation Inventory had modest psychometric properties. Further studies are needed to assess criterion and conceptual equivalence.
Pretreatment preparation and management of interferon‐based therapy for hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Hopwood Max , Treloar Carla
Published: May 2007

Title. Pretreatment preparation and management of interferon‐based therapy for hepatitis C virus infection

Title.  Pretreatment preparation and management of interferon‐based therapy for hepatitis C virus infection

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to explore how healthcare professionals prepare patients for hepatitis C treatment and the management strategy used during this treatment.

Background.  A high proportion of patients receiving hepatitis C treatment has dose reductions or discontinues treatment because of adverse events arising from the therapeutic drugs.

Method.  An exploratory study was carried out in Australia in 2004 and 2005 using semi‐structured interviews with a sample of six healthcare professionals with experience in managing hepatitis C treatment regimens.

Findings.  Participants reported that pretreatment preparation focused on information provision regarding the adverse events and the medical strategies that could ameliorate their impact. Patients’ vulnerabilities and supports were assessed prior to treatment and healthcare professionals sought to address patients’ problems as they arose during treatment. Participants discussed patients’ resilient coping style and the beneficial impact this had on treatment management.

Conclusion.  Among our sample, a deficits‐based approach was taken to hepatitis C treatment management. While some attempts were made to assess patients’ strengths, these were limited to identifying those in family, work and social networks who could lend support to patients when problems occurred. Exploring patients’ past experiences of adversity and making a detailed evaluation of a range of patients’ strengths might assist clinicians in managing hepatitis C treatment regimens.
A technique for improved focused ion beam milling of cryo‐prepared life science specimens
Authors: HAYLES M. F. , STOKES D. J. , PHIFER D. , FINDLAY K. C.
Published: May 2007

The combination of focused ion beam and scanning electron microscopy with a cryo‐preparation/transfer system allows specimens to be milled at low temperatures. However, for biological specimens in particular, the quality of results is strongly dependent on correct preparation of the specimen surface. We demonstrate a method for deposition of a protective, planarizing surface layer onto a cryo‐sample, enabling high‐quality cross‐sectioning using the ion beam and investigation of structures at the nanoscale.
The MADS domain factors AGL15 and AGL18 act redundantly as repressors of the floral transition in Arabidopsis
Authors: Adamczyk Benjamin J. , Lehti‐Shiu Melissa D. , Fernandez Donna E.
Published: May 2007

The developmental roles of AGL15 and AGL18, members of the AGL15‐like clade of MADS domain regulatory factors, have not been defined previously. Analysis of transgenic Arabidopsis plants showed that overexpression of AGL18 produces the same phenotypic changes as overexpression of AGL15, and the two genes have partially overlapping expression patterns. Functional redundancy was confirmed through analysis of loss‐of‐function mutants. agl15 agl18 double mutants, but not single mutants, flower early under non‐inductive conditions, indicating that AGL15 and AGL18 act in a redundant fashion as repressors of the floral transition. Further genetic analyses and expression studies were used to examine the relationship between AGL15 and AGL18 activity and other regulators of the floral transition. AGL15 and AGL18 act upstream of the floral integrator FT, and a combination of agl15 and agl18 mutations partially suppresses defects in the photoperiod pathway. agl15 agl18 mutations show an additive relationship with mutations in genes encoding other MADS domain floral repressors, and further acceleration of flowering is seen in triple and quadruple mutants under both inductive and non‐inductive conditions. Thus, flowering time is determined by the additive effect of multiple MADS domain floral repressors, with important contributions from AGL15 and AGL18.
Arabidopsis GH3‐LIKE DEFENSE GENE 1 is required for accumulation of salicylic acid, activation of defense responses and resistance to Pseudomonas syringae
Authors: Jagadeeswaran Guru , Raina Surabhi , Acharya Biswa R. , Maqbool Shahina B. , Mosher Stephen L. , Appel Heidi M. , Schultz Jack C. , Klessig Daniel F. , Raina Ramesh
Published: May 2007

In Arabidopsis, the GH3‐like gene family consists of 19 members, several of which have been shown to adenylate the plant hormones jasmonic acid, indole acetic acid and salicylic acid (SA). In some cases, this adenylation has been shown to catalyze hormone conjugation to amino acids. Here we report molecular characterization of the GH3‐LIKE DEFENSE GENE 1 (GDG1), a member of the GH3‐like gene family, and show that GDG1 is an important component of SA‐mediated defense against the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae. Expression of GDG1 is induced earlier and to a higher level in response to avirulent pathogens compared to virulent pathogens. gdg1 null mutants are compromised in several pathogen defense responses, including activation of defense genes and resistance against virulent and avirulent bacterial pathogens. Accumulation of free and glucoside‐conjugated SA (SAG) in response to pathogen infection is compromised in gdg1 mutants. All defense‐related phenotypes of gdg1 can be rescued by external application of SA, suggesting that gdg1 mutants are defective in the SA‐mediated defense pathway(s) and that GDG1 functions upstream of SA. Our results suggest that GDG1 contributes to both basal and resistance gene‐mediated inducible defenses against P. syringae (and possibly other pathogens) by playing a critical role in regulating the levels of pathogen‐inducible SA. GDG1 is allelic to the PBS3 (avrPphB susceptible) gene.
Strain Differences in the Branching of the Sciatic Nerve in Rats
Authors: Rupp A. , Schmahl W. , Lederer W. , Matiasek K.
Published: May 2007

The sciatic nerve in the rat is the site most often used for peripheral nerve regeneration studies. The length of sciatic nerve available for research, however, depends on the point at which the sciatic nerve divides into the peroneal and tibial nerves. In the present study, the hind limbs of 150 adult male rats of five different strains (Sprague–Dawley, Fischer 344, Wistar–Han, Lewis and Nude) were analysed with regard to femur length, the point at which the sciatic nerve divides into the tibial and peroneal nerves, and where these are surrounded by the same epineurium, and the point at which they are encased in individual epineurial sheaths. The results indicate that the lengths of sciatic nerve are fairly constant in all strains of rats. In absolute terms, they amount to about one‐third of the length of the femur for stretches of undivided sciatic nerve, and up to nearly half of the femur length for stretches where the tibial and peroneal nerves are already present, but are still enclosed by the same epineurium. In 61.7% of the hind limbs examined in Fischer rats, however, no sciatic nerve could be seen as such, but only in the form of its successors surrounded by the separate epineuria. This makes it highly advisable not to use male adult Fischer rats in peripheral nerve regeneration studies with the sciatic nerve as the point of focus.
A Comparison of the Maternal Care of Females within Prairie Vole (Microtus ochrogaster) Communal Groups
Authors: Hayes Loren D. , Solomon Nancy G.
Published: May 2007

Communal rearing, the shared rearing of offspring by multiple individuals or mothers, may improve the fitness of individuals in group‐living species. To date, many studies have focused on these potential fitness consequences. Fewer studies have emphasized the relative contributions to care of offspring by mothers and non‐breeding alloparents in singularly breeding groups (i.e., one female breeds) and mothers within plurally breeding groups (i.e., more than one female breeds). We compared the care provided by prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster) mothers and alloparents in singularly breeding groups and mothers in plurally breeding groups. Subjects were littermate siblings in both types of social groups. Specifically, we quantified the amount of time that mothers and alloparents were away from pups during 6 h observational trials and the amount of time that females tactilely stimulated pups (licking and grooming) during 20 min trials. We also compared the quality of milk, measured as total solids, produced by mothers in plurally breeding groups. In singularly breeding groups, mothers spent significantly more time out of the nest but tactilely stimulated pups more than alloparents. In plurally breeding groups, focal mothers (i.e., the first mother to produce a litter) spent significantly more time out of the nest than second mothers (i.e., the second female to produce a litter) but licked and groomed pups an equal amount as second mothers. In plurally breeding groups, focal and second mothers produced milk with a similar concentration of total solids. These results suggest that communal rearing in groups is more beneficial to focal mothers than to other breeding or non‐breeding adult females. We discuss fitness‐based hypotheses that may explain the observed differences in the amount of care provided by mothers and alloparents.