bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic significance of ‘benign pairs’ and signet ring cells in fine needle aspirates (FNAs) of the breast
Authors: Sturgis C. D. , Sethi S. , Cajulis R. S. , Hidvegi D. F. , Yu G. H. 
Published: March 2007

sturgis c. d., sethi s., cajulis r. s., hidvegi d. f. and yu g. h. (1998) Cytopathology9, 308–319Diagnostic significance of ‘benign pairs’ and signet ring cells in fine needle aspirates (FNAs) of the breastMost breast mass lesions are readily characterized by FNA with cytodiagnosis. Occasionally, benign but markedly proliferative lesions are diagnostically difficult to separate from well differentiated malignancies. We present information pertaining to the diagnostic significance of two cytologic findings observed in breast aspiration specimens, namely pairs of stripped bipolar nuclei and signet ring cells (SRC). We have evaluated aspirate smears from 219 cases of histologically proven benign (n= 114) and malignant (n= 105) breast lesions. Both singlets and pairs of bipolar nuclei and SRC were enumerated, and their numbers were correlated to histological diagnosis. Closely associated pairs of stripped bipolar nuclei were found in 68% of benign lesions compared with only 3.8% of carcinomas, establishing their presence as a highly specific indicator of a benign process. Large numbers of such ‘benign pairs’ also favoured the diagnosis of fibroadenoma. SRC were identified in 66% of histologically proven carcinomas (67% of ductal and 70% of lobular). SRC were also present in 10% of histologically benign cases. In the malignant cases, SRC were most frequently noted in a single cell distribution or within small, loosely cohesive tissue fragments. In the benign instances, SRC were most commonly noted within large fragments, and many of these cells were proved by immunohistochemical reactions to be vacuolated myoepithelial cells. We conclude that the presence of bipolar nuclei in closely associated pairs suggests benignity and aids in the subclassification of benign breast masses. In addition, the presence of SRC does not aid in the classification of tumour subtype (ductal vs lobular), and the occurrence of such cells in the proper context should prompt surgical biopsy.
Density‐related effects of deer browsing on the regeneration dynamics of boreal forests
Authors: TREMBLAY JEAN‐PIERRE , HUOT JEAN , POTVIN FRANÇOIS 
Published: March 2007

SummaryThe density of large herbivores is a major driver of forest ecosystem structure and function in conjunction with episodic disturbances, especially in forests with a regeneration strategy based on shade‐tolerant seedlings capable of re‐establishing canopy dominance (advance regeneration). Yet, uncertainty about the relationships between forest regeneration, herbivore density and other disturbances makes it difficult to set population goals. Using an innovative controlled browsing experiment, we investigated the relationships between the regeneration dynamics of balsam firAbies balsamea, the density of white‐tailed deerOdocoileus virginianusand timber harvesting.We hypothesize that advance tree regeneration either: (i) recovers approximately linearly as deer density is reduced; (ii) recovers exponentially; or (iii) does not recover because factors other than browsing control advance regeneration. We tested these alternatives through manipulation of deer densities (0, 7·5, 15 deer km−2andin situlocal densities) and forest cover (clearcut and uncut forest).Balsam fir seedling mortality decreased exponentially with decreasing deer density in clearcut and approximately linearly in uncut forest. Independently of deer density, the recruitment of seedlings in clearcut dropped from 56 ± 5% to 7 ± 1% within 3 years.Seedling growth increased exponentially with decreasing deer density in clearcut whereas no height growth was observed in uncut forest.Overall, the abundance of fir saplings recovered exponentially in clearcut but remained low and independent of deer density in uncut forest. The abundance of sprucePiceaspp. saplings was unrelated to deer density and increased with time.Synthesis and applications. Forest disturbance from selective browsing at high deer densities over an extended period of time leads to recruitment failure following a canopy disturbance such as a clearcut. Indirect competitive advantage given to species resistant to browsing can shift forest composition. Nonlinear relationships between fir regeneration and deer densities imply that the level of culling required to reach herbivore densities compatible with natural regeneration of native forest is larger than expected if tree regeneration was proportional to deer density. In the boreal forest of Anticosti Island, local densities < 15 deer km−2achieved within 3 years following clearcut are compatible with the maintenance of native forest.
Plant colonization in heterogeneous landscapes: an 80‐year perspective on restoration of broadleaved forest vegetation
Authors: BRUNET JÖRG 
Published: March 2007

Summary

Afforestation of agricultural land has become an important issue in Europe during the past two decades. In particular, broadleaf plantations have been promoted as multifunctional forests for biodiversity, timber production and recreation. The aim of this study was to analyse how the colonization of ground‐layer plants in recently planted woodlands is affected by stand age, spatial isolation, former land‐use type and canopy species.
Colonization was studied in 50 plantations of pedunculate oak Quercus robur and 16 plantations of European sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus on former arable land and open pastures in the Torup–Skabersjö area of southern Sweden. Twelve oak plantations and 10 sycamore plantations on ancient woodland sites were used as reference areas.
Woodland species richness increased continuously with stand age in plantations contiguous with ancient woodland. The oldest plantations (70–80 years) approached the species richness of ancient oak woodland. Species richness decreased with increasing distance from ancient woodlands, and there was no significant increase in species richness between stands aged 20 and 80 years in isolated plantations. Most species that regularly colonized isolated plantations had adhesive seeds or small, wind‐dispersed diaspores.
Ordination analysis showed clear differentiation between former land‐use categories and spatiotemporal stand categories (recently isolated, recently contiguous and ancient). No consistent differences were found in vegetation patterns in oak and sycamore stands. Woodland species richness was similar on former arable land and open pastures. Pasture plantations were characterized by the presence of more acid‐tolerant species, whereas the frequency of some acid‐sensitive species was higher on former fields.
Synthesis and applications. This study demonstrates that new woodland should build out from cores of ancient woodland for optimal ground vegetation development. A species‐rich ground vegetation can be achieved by spontaneous colonization within 70–80 years when plantations are contiguous with ancient woods. Formerly cultivated soils are generally well suited for understorey plants of forests on base‐rich loamy soils as long as closed canopy conditions are maintained. However, many typical forest species are not able to disperse across open fields and their establishment in isolated stands will require sowing or planting.
The TB pandemic: an old problem seeking new solutions
Authors: Meya D. B. , McAdam K. P. W. J. 
Published: March 2007

Abstract.Tuberculosis (TB) continues to kill more than 2 million people globally each year. Annual TB case notification rates have risen up to fourfold since the mid‐1980s, with the highest rate of 1000/100 000 around Cape Town, South Africa. There is an urgent need for novel diagnostic methods and preventive vaccines to control this epidemic. The rising incidence of TB has been attributed to HIV co‐infection especially in developing countries. The threat of drug resistance arising from ineffective TB treatment programmes is looming and could potentially lead to loss of any gains made in controlling the disease globally.
Dispersal differences predict population genetic structure in Mormon crickets
Authors: BAILEY NATHAN W. , GWYNNE DARRYL T. , RITCHIE MICHAEL G. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractResearch investigating the geographical context of speciation has primarily focused on abiotic factors such as the role of Pleistocene glacial cycles, or geotectonic events. Few study systems allow a direct comparison of how biological differences, such as dispersal behaviour, affect population genetic structure of organisms that were subdivided during the Pleistocene. Mormon crickets exist in solitary and gregarious ‘phases’, which broadly correspond with an east–west mtDNA division across the Rocky Mountains. Gregarious individuals form bands that can move up to 2 km daily. This study assessed whether population genetic structure results mainly from deep Pleistocene vicariance or if we can also detect more recent genetic patterns due to phase and dispersal differences superimposed on the older, deeper divisions. We found that separation in refugia was a more important influence on genetic divergence than phase, with the Rockies acting as a barrier that separated Mormon cricket populations into eastern and western refugia during Pleistocene glacial cycles. However, patterns of isolation by distance differ between eastern and western clades for both mitochondrial and nuclear DNA, with greater divergence within the eastern, solitary clade. An mtDNA haplotype mismatch distribution is compatible with historical population expansion in the western clade but not in the eastern clade. A persistent (and possibly sex‐biased) difference in dispersal ability has most likely influenced the greater population genetic structure seen in the eastern clade, emphasizing the importance of the interaction of Quaternary climate fluctuations and geography with biotic factors in producing the patterns of genetic subdivision observed today.
Lepeophtheirus salmonis secretory/excretory products and their effects on Atlantic salmon immune gene regulation
Authors: FAST M. D. , JOHNSON S. C. , EDDY T. D. , PINTO D. , ROSS N. W. 
Published: March 2007

SUMMARY We have previously shown that Lepeophtheirus salmonis produces trypsin and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) that are most likely responsible for the limited inflammatory response of Atlantic salmon to infection. After removal of the dopamine and PGE2, the immunomodulatory activity of unfractionated and pools of the fractionated secretions was determined by examining the effects of the secretions on Atlantic salmon immune gene expression. Incubation of macrophage‐enriched isolates of Atlantic salmon head kidney cells with the unfractionated secretion + PGE2 revealed a significant inhibition of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and major histocompatibility class I gene expression. Inhibition of lipopolysaccharide‐induced IL‐1β expression in the Atlantic salmon head kidney cell line (SHK‐1) was observed when three pools of the secretory/excretory products were tested. Further purification of products within these pools revealed that fraction 1‐2 could account fully for the inhibition of IL‐1β expression in SHK‐1 cells observed in pooled fraction 1. This study demonstrates that there are other immunomodulatory compounds produced by L. salmonis, in addition to PGE2 and trypsin, that can inhibit the expression of Atlantic salmon immune‐related genes in vitro.
Immunohistochemical characterization of human fulminant amoebic colitis
Authors: VENTURA‐JUÁREZ J. , BARBA‐GALLARDO L. F. , MUÑOZ‐FERNÁNDEZ L. , MARTÍNEZ‐MEDINA L. , MÁRQUEZ‐DÍAZ F. , SOSA‐DÍAZ S. J. , GERARDO‐RODRÍGUEZ M. , GONZÁLEZ‐ROMO R. , CAMPOS‐RODRÍGUEZ R. 
Published: March 2007

SUMMARY In cases of fulminant amoebic colitis we have determined the interactions between Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites and immune cells in order to better understand the pathophysiology of amoebic colitis. Eleven specimens of amoebic colitis and five specimens of colon without amoebic lesions were studied. Trophozoites and immune cells were located by topographic stains, histochemistry and immunohistochemistry. Trophozoites were seen in both damaged and undamaged areas of the colonic mucosa. Specimens of fulminant amoebic colitis showed: (a) an increase in IgA+, IgG+ B cells and neutrophils; (b) a reduction in IgM+ B cells, CD8+ T cells, macrophages, eosinophils and mast cells; and (c) no change in the number of NK and CD4+ T cells. The cellular infiltrate in amoebic colitis may represent the combined effects of amoebic monocyte locomotion inhibitory factor and switching of IgM+ B cells to IgG+ and IgA+ plasma cells, induced by amoebic antigens. Tissue damage in the absence of trophozoites may result from ischaemia or host immune responses.
Association and interaction of the TNF‐alpha gene with other pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokine genes and HLA genes in patients with type 1 diabetes from North India
Authors: Kumar R. , Goswami R. , Agarwal S. , Israni N. , Singh S. K. , Rani R. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractType 1 diabetes (T1D) is a multifactorial autoimmune disorder where major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes and the insulin‐linked polymorphic region have been shown to play major roles. We report here an integrated effect of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α with other cytokine genes. The TNF‐α−308 GA and AA (high secretor) polymorphisms were significantly increased in the patients with T1D (n = 235) [P < 7 × 10−6, odds ratio (OR) = 3.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.8–5.3] compared with the controls (n= 128). The variants of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) (A+874T), interleukin (IL)‐6 (G−174C), IL‐10 (A−1082G, T−819C, C−592A) and transforming growth factor (TGF) β1 (Tcdn10C, Gcdn25C) did not show a significant difference between patients and controls. However, simultaneous presence of TNF‐α−308 GA+AA along with both high and low secretor genotypes of IFN‐γ (P < 0.003) was significantly increased in patients. Simultaneous presence of TNF‐α−308 GA + AA along with high secretor genotypes of IL‐6 (P < 0.0001, OR = 2.61, 95% CI = 1.5–4.56), IL‐10 (P < 0.0001, OR = 4.26, 95% CI = 1.9–10.1) and TGF‐β1 (P < 0.00004, OR = 2.8, 95% CI = 1.6–4.86) was also significantly increased in patients with T1D. Low secretor genotype of TNF‐α−308 GG along with low secretor genotypes of IFN‐γ (P < 0.001, OR = 0.465, 95% CI = 0.28–0.77), high secretor genotypes of IL‐6 (P < 0.000004, OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.227–0.621) and TGF‐β1 (P < 0.000006, OR = 0.336, 95% CI = 0.198–0.568) was protective. The TNF‐α−308 G allele was in linkage disequilibrium (LD) with the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐B*0801‐DRB1*0301 haplotype, while TNF‐α−308 A allele was in LD with the HLA‐B*5001‐DRB1*0301 and B*5801‐DRB1*0301 haplotypes, suggesting that the effect of TNF‐α−308 A allele is not because of its being in LD with any HLA alleles, but because of its functional role and its integrated effect with other cytokines.
Enrichment of individual KIR2DL4 sequences from genomic DNA using long‐template PCR and allele‐specific hybridization to magnetic bead‐bound oligonucleotide probes
Authors: Roberts C. H , Turino C , Madrigal J. A , Marsh S. G. E 
Published: March 2007

AbstractDNA enrichment by allele‐specific hybridization (DEASH) was used as a means to isolate individual alleles of the killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptor (KIR2DL4) gene from heterozygous genomic DNA. Using long‐template polymerase chain reaction (LT‐PCR), the complete KIR2DL4 gene was amplified from a cell line that had previously been characterized for its KIR gene content by PCR using sequence‐specific primers (PCR‐SSP). The whole gene amplicons were sequenced and we identified two heterozygous positions in accordance with the predictions of the PCR‐SSP. The amplicons were then hybridized to allele‐specific, biotinylated oligonucleotide probes and through binding to streptavidin‐coated beads, the targeted alleles were enriched. A second PCR amplified only the exonic regions of the enriched allele, and these were then sequenced in full. We show DEASH to be capable of enriching single alleles from a heterozygous PCR product, and through sequencing the enriched DNA, we are able to produce complete coding sequences of the KIR2DL4 alleles in accordance with the typing predicted by PCR‐SSP.
Single transpulmonary thermodilution in off‐pump coronary artery bypass grafting: haemodynamic changes and effects of different anaesthetic techniques
Authors: Kirov M. Y. , Lenkin A. I. , Kuzkov V. V. , Suborov E. V. , Slastilin V. Y. , Borodin V. V. , Chernov I. I. , Shonbin A. N. , Bjertnaes L. J. 
Published: March 2007

Background:  Off‐pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) can be associated with severe cardiovascular changes, thus requiring advanced haemodynamic monitoring. Our aim was to investigate the feasibility of transpulmonary single thermodilution (STD) combined with pulse‐contour analysis, a newly introduced method for cardiovascular monitoring, for assessment of changes in haemodynamics during different anaesthetic techniques in OPCAB.Methods:  Thirty‐six patients scheduled for elective OPCAB were randomized to receive anaesthesia either with midazolam, propofol or isoflurane, in addition to fentanyl and pipecuronium. After catheterization of the femoral artery, haemodynamic parameters were assessed using STD and pulse‐contour analysis. The measurements were performed after induction of anaesthesia, during surgery and at 2, 4 and 6 h post‐operatively.Results:  At the end of surgery, the global ejection fraction decreased by 29% and 19% in the midazolam and the propofol groups, respectively, (P < 0.05) but remained unchanged in the isoflurane group. Moreover, in the isoflurane group, the left ventricular contractility index was higher and the mean arterial pressure (MAP) and the systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI) decreased in comparison with pre‐operative values. Post‐operatively, the cardiac index (CI) and the cardiac function index (CFI) increased in all groups (P < 0.05). The peri‐operative requirement for ephedrine and nitroglycerin increased in the propofol and the midazolam groups, respectively (P < 0.05).Conclusion:  During OPCAB, STD and pulse‐contour analysis displayed changes in preload, myocardial function and afterload that gave valuable guidance for the conduct of anaesthesia, fluid management, and the administration of vasoactive agents. As assessed using STD, isoflurane within the present dose range appears to maintain myocardial performance and vascular tone better than midazolam or propofol.
Post‐operative recovery profile after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a prospective, observational study of a multimodal anaesthetic regime
Authors: Jensen K. , Kehlet H. , Lund C. M. 
Published: March 2007

Background:  Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is now often an ambulatory procedure, but dependent on short‐term post‐operative complaints of pain and post‐operative nausea and vomiting (PONV). The efficacy of post‐anaesthesia care units (PACUs) is therefore important to facilitate return to normal functions. We investigated the feasibility and efficacy of a standardized, evidence‐based anaesthesia/analgesic regime to identify residual problems in the early post‐operative phase.Methods:  One hundred and thirty‐four consecutive patients admitted for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy at Hvidovre University Hospital between 15 March and 30 September 2005 were included in the study. The standardized, evidence‐based regime consisted of total intravenous (i.v.) anaesthesia (propofol‐remifentanil), well‐defined fluid therapy, dexamethasone, ketorolac, ondansetron, sufentanil and incisional bupivacaine intra‐operatively, and in the PACU on demand (prn) administration of sufentanil, morphine, paracetamol, ondansetron, droperidol, oral fluids and oxygen (if SpO2 < 93%) with PACU discharge using a modified Aldrete score.Results:  Protocol violations were moderate and occurred unsystematically, 8% had medical violations and 10% did not receive the pre‐planned fluid amount. Severe PONV was seen in 2%. Thirteen per cent experienced severe pain, and the presence of any pain and/or PONV were predictors of an extended PACU stay. Mean oxygen demand was 46 min (range, 0–300 min), which influenced time to discharge (mean, 88 min). There were on average 2.7 treatment interventions (range, 0–11) before discharge.Conclusion:  An evidence‐based, multimodal approach to the anaesthetic/analgesic management in laparoscopic cholecystectomy is feasible and advantageous in the early post‐operative phase. Pain and PONV are predictors of a complicated recovery profile and deserve further attention. Transient oxygen desaturations postpone discharge from the PACU, but the clinical significance of this fact is questionable.
Low‐dose propofol reduces the incidence of moderate to severe local pain induced by the main dose
Authors: Liljeroth E. , Karlsson A. , Lagerkranser M. , ÅKeson J. 
Published: March 2007

Background:  Local pain on injection of propofol remains a considerable problem in clinical anaesthesiology. As slow infusion of a low dose of propofol induces little or no pain at the site of injection, and as propofol‐induced pain fades during prolonged exposure, this randomized, double‐blind, clinical cross‐over study was designed to test whether pain on injection of propofol is attenuated by initial slow injection of a low dose of propofol by the same intravenous line.Methods:  Seventy‐seven adult surgical patients were cannulated in a dorsal vein on each hand. In each cannula, a 0.5‐ml priming dose of either propofol 10 mg/ml dissolved in an emulsion of medium‐ and long‐chain triglycerides or aqueous sodium chloride 9.0 mg/ml was injected over 30 s, and followed 120 s later by a main dose of 2.0 ml of the same propofol formula over 6 s. After each injection, the patients were asked by a blind investigator to score the maximal pain intensity on a visual analogue scale (VAS).Results:  Although the decrease in maximal pain intensity did not reach statistical significance (P= 0.070), significantly fewer patients reported moderate or severe pain intensity (corresponding to 3.0 VAS units or more) after the main dose of propofol was preceded by a priming dose of propofol than by sodium chloride (P= 0.041).Conclusions:  The incidence of moderate to severe local pain induced by intravenous propofol can be decreased by a readily applicable technique in which a low dose of propofol emulsion is slowly administered by the same intravenous route 2 min in advance.