bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The value of lymph node imprint cytodiagnosis: an assessment of interobserver agreement and diagnostic accuracy
Authors: MOLYNEUX A. , ATTANOOS R. , COGHILL S. 
Published: November 2003

The value of lymph node imprint cytodiagnosis: an assessment of interobserver agreement and diagnostic accuracyThe aim of this study was to assess the reliability of cytodiagnosis of lymph node imprints without fixed tissue sections. One hundred randomly selected archival cases were used in the study. These air‐dried May–Grünwald–Giemsa imprint slides were assessed independently and blind by three pathologists. Cases were assigned to one of four diagnostic categories: reactive changes, non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), Hodgkin's disease (HD) and secondary malignancy. Each broad diagnosis was compared with the ‘correct’ reviewed histological diagnosis to calculate interobserver agreement and diagnostic accuracy. The overall κ score (+0.59) was indicative of moderate agreement. The mean pathologist diagnostic accuracy was 78%, with complete agreement with the histological diagnosis in 61% of cases. The main diagnostic difficulties were in the distinction between reactive changes and NHL and distinguishing NHL from HD. Further diagnostic classification, e.g. typing of lymphomas and subclassification of Hodgkin's disease, was not found to be reliable using the imprints alone. With these limitations in mind, pathologists should be able to use lymph node imprints for cytodiagnosis in selected cases. The study also emphasized the utility of imprints as a corollary to the histology and as a tool for cytology training and continuing education.
Routine audit of breast fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology specimens and aspirator inadequate rates
Authors: SNEAD D. R. J. , VRYENHOEF P. , PINDER S. E. , EVANS A. , WILSON A. R. M. , BLAMEY R. W. , ELSTON C. W. , ELLIS I. O. 
Published: November 2003

Routine audit of breast fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology specimens and aspirator inadequate ratesIn an attempt to improve the quality of the breast FNA specimens we instigated a continuing audit of this procedure in this hospital. All FNAs since 1990 have had the following recorded: mode of aspiration, e.g. freehand or image guided, patient presentation (screening or symptomatic), patient diagnostic category, cytological diagnosis and final histological diagnosis. Aspirator performance was assessed by means of the inadequate aspiration rate (IR) of FNAs performed on patients with a final diagnosis of cancer (FDC) and diagnostic category A patients (clinically or radiologically malignant lesions). An ongoing annual review of the performance of all the aspirators was undertaken, all of whom received individual feedback. Counselling and further training were offered where indicated by poor performance. Over the period 1990–1995 a total of 13 537 FNAs were performed by 27 aspirators. The IR on category A and FDC cases over this period was 16.0% and 18.1%. The best performance achieved by an aspirator in a calendar year was an IR of 3.6% with no inadequate specimens in either FDC or category A lesions, and the best performance over the entire period was an average IR of 11.75% and 14.25% for FDC and category A groups, respectively. The overall IR on category A patients ranged from 15.9% to 23.8% and on FDC cases from 12.2% to 21.7%. There was a significant improvement in individual junior aspirator performance when their first year was compared with their last year on the unit. In some cases a deterioration in intra‐aspirator performance was observed, from an IR of 6% to 33%. The overall IR rate of the unit remained stable for FDC patients, 15.5% in 1990 compared with 15.1% in 1995. This appeared to be largely due to a high proportion of the aspirations being performed by experienced personnel with consistent IRs. However, concealed within the overall rate there were some poor performers who benefited from counselling and/or further training. These results indicate an important role for audit in identifying poor aspirators who benefit from targeted training and advice, thereby improving the quality of FNA specimens, and ultimately patient care.
The diet of Chesapeake Bay striped bass in the late 1950s
Authors: Griffin J. C. , Margraf F. J. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe diet of Chesapeake Bay striped bass, (Morone saxatilis) Walbaum, based on unpublished stomach content data from 916 fish collected between 1955 and 1959 was described. The diet in the late 1950s, quantified using an index of relative importance (IRI), was dominated by Atlantic menhaden, Brevoortia tyrannus Latrobe. Atlantic menhaden (66%) and bay anchovy, Anchoa mitchilli Valenciennes, (19%) had the highest IRI value overall. Small striped bass (<600 mm total length) ate predominantly bay anchovy (IRI = 67%). Large striped bass (≥ 600 mm total length) ate predominantly Atlantic menhaden (IRI = 93%). Since 1990 small striped bass rely more on invertebrate prey and larger fish now rely more on small pelagic prey, such as bay anchovy and 0‐age clupeids. Analysis of historical data using current techniques provided a valuable tool for comparison to help in understanding the current striped bass predator–prey relationship in Chesapeake Bay.
Spatial and temporal patterns in the distribution and feeding habits of Morone saxatilis in marsh creeks of Delaware Bay, USA
Authors: Nemerson D. M. , Able K. W. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractDelaware River and Bay Morone saxatilis (Walbaum), striped bass, have recently undergone a dramatic recovery. Here, we examine spatio‐temporal patterns in the distribution and food habits of striped bass in marsh creeks in the estuary (salinity range 1–20 psu), 1996–2000. Sampling occurred monthly, April through November, with otter trawls (4.9 m, 6 mm mesh, n = 6760) and weirs (intertidal block nets, 6 mm mesh, n = 647) at eight sites. Young‐of‐the‐year (YOY) fish were generally more than 10 times more abundant at oligohaline sites, although they were abundant at mesohaline sites in 1996, the lowest salinity year. Small striped bass (<100 mm) in creeks relied on mysids and other crustaceans and became more piscivorous with size. Overall, they consumed 46% by weight fish, of which 52% were mummichog, Fundulus heteroclitus (L.), and 18% were YOY Atlantic croaker, Micropogonias undulatus (L.), prey types which are not typical in most food habits studies and are indicative of feeding in marsh creeks. These data suggest that young striped bass are an abundant component of Delaware Bay marsh creek fauna and may play an important role in trophic relays within this system.
The influence of medical professionalism on scientific practice
Authors: Kirk‐Smith Michael D. , Stretch David D. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThis paper examines how the practise of science in medicine may be subverted by the professionalism of medicine. The requirements of science as regards the axiom of the burden of proof and research design may be inevitably entangled with the influence of authority. This entanglement may be particularly strong in medical research because of the way the profession works and is organized. The nature and possible effects of this entanglement are explored by examining the cultural differences between scientists and professionals and their approach to authority. Then the nature of the axiom of burdens of proof and research design are described, followed by accompanying discussions of how aspects of authority and professional organization may influence them. Finally, concluding comments address ways forward.
A qualitative evaluation of information leaflets for gastroscopy procedure
Authors: Parahoo Kader , Ridley Tanya , Thompson Kate , Melby Vidar , Humphreys George 
Published: November 2003

AbstractWritten information sent to patients prior to diagnostic gastroscopy is an important part of the process of informing and preparing them for the procedure. Yet there is ample evidence in the literature that information leaflets do not measure up to the required standard. In this study, information leaflets from a random sample of seven hospitals in Northern Ireland that carried out gastroscopy as a day procedure were evaluated using a checklist of items recommended by the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) for inclusion in leaflets for patients undergoing diagnostic gastroscopy. The results showed that the number of written materials sent to patients prior to the procedure varied between units. There were inconsistencies in the information given by the same unit, and overall, there was a lack of vital information in most of the leaflets. Some of the information was confusing and ambiguous. The potential risk of the procedure was explained in only one of the leaflets. Patients’ right to choose to have a mild sedative was not made clear in most of the leaflets. More should be done to address these gaps and inconsistencies in the written information provided to patients prior to gastroscopy.
Improving blood gas control in mechanically ventilated, premature infants through monitoring and evaluation of clinical practice
Authors: Steinmetz Jacob , Greisen Gorm 
Published: November 2003

AbstractMechanical ventilation causing hypocapnia or hyperoxia carries a risk for the pre‐term infant. The aim was to improve blood gas control in our unit. A guideline was written, and all personnel were motivated concerning blood gas control. Case records of all mechanically ventilated premature infants were examined during two 3‐month periods, before and after intervention. The hours spent with hypocapnia (pCO2 < 4 kPa) or hyperoxia (pO2 > 12 kPa) were recorded. Case records of 31 infants were examined for a total of 1358 h of mechanical ventilation, 641 h before and 717 h after the intervention. The percentage time of hypocapnia before intervention (7.0%) was reduced significantly (P = 0.044) to less than half (2.9%) after intervention. Hyperoxia was reduced from 14.5% to 8.7% (P = 0.072). Blood gas control of mechanically ventilated premature infants could be improved with little effort, but hyperoxia is too frequent.
Applying a ‘stages of change’ model to enhance a traditional evaluation of a research transfer course
Authors: Buckley Leslie L. , Goering Paula , Parikh Sagar V. , Butterill Dale , Foo Emily K. H. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe aim of this study was to utilize an evaluation tool based on Prochaska's model of change in order to assess behaviour change as part of an evaluation process for a research transfer training programme (RTTP). The RTTP was a training programme offered to scientists in a psychiatry department and research institute to gain skills in research transfer. In addition to a traditional course evaluation framework evaluating overall satisfaction with the course and whether or not learning objectives were met, an additional ‘stages of change’ evaluation tool designed to assess change along a continuum was utilized. This instrument measured change in participants’ attitudes, intentions and actions with respect to research transfer practice and consisted of a 12‐question survey completed by participants prior to taking the course and 3 months post‐course. In two out of the three categories, attitudes and intention to practice, there was positive change from pre‐ to post‐course (P < 0.05). Although there was a trend of increased RT‐related action, this was less robust and did not reach significance. For the RTTP transfer course, a ‘stages of change’ model of evaluation provided an enhanced understanding by showing changes in participants that would otherwise have been overlooked if only changes in RT behaviour were measured. Additionally, evaluating along a change continuum specifically identifies areas for improvement in future courses. The instrument developed for this study could also be used as a pre‐course, participant needs assessment to tailor a course to the change needs of participants. Finally, this ‘stages of change’ approach provides insight into where barriers to change may exist for research transfer action.
Dynamics of experimental production of Thelohanellus hovorkai (Myxozoa: Myxosporea) in fish and oligochaete alternate hosts
Authors: Liyanage Y S , Yokoyama H , Wakabayashi H 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe dynamics of development and production of Thelohanellus hovorkai (Myxozoa) were examined to investigate factors inducing haemorrhagic thelohanellosis in carp, Cyprinus carpio L. Fresh actinospores of T. hovorkai were harvested from the oligochaete alternate host, Branchiura sowerbyi, and used for infection experiments with myxosporean‐free carp. Visualization of actinospores by fluorescent labelling revealed that sporoplasms penetrated the gill filaments of carp immersed in an actinospore suspension as early as 30 min post‐exposure (PE). Plasmodia of T. hovorkai developed in the connective tissues of various organs and matured 3–5 weeks PE; dispersion of myxospores from degenerate plasmodia occurred 5–7 weeks PE. Challenges with a high dose of actinospores (4.5 × 106 spores per fish) resulted in the onset of disease, which was more easily achieved by the oral intubation of actinospores than by immersion in an actinospore suspension. Actinosporean‐free B. sowerbyi were exposed to different densities of myxospores (104–106 spores per oligochaete) and subsequently reared at different temperatures (15, 20, 25 °C). At 20 and 25 °C, actinospore releases were first detected 40–43 days PE, with multiple peaks of release (max. 7 × 105 actinospores day−1) during the next 60 days. We concluded that the developmental cycle of T. hovorkai was completed within 3–5 months at 20–25 °C, and that the ingestion of large numbers of actinospores orally, possibly by feeding on infected oligochaetes, resulted in a disease condition in carp.
Genome‐based detection methods of Macrobrachium rosenbergii nodavirus, a pathogen of the giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii: dot‐blot, in situ hybridization and RT‐PCR
Authors: Sri Widada J , Durand S , Cambournac I , Qian D , Shi Z , Dejonghe E , Richard V , Bonami J R 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe availability of specific and rapid detection methods is essential for monitoring the health status of farmed species, particularly in viral diseases as in this case early diagnosis is a critical factor in containing disease outbreaks. Three complementary genome‐based methods were developed for the detection of Macrobrachium rosenbergii nodavirus (MrNV), i.e. dot‐blot hybridization, in situ hybridization and reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Detection limits were established for dot‐blot hybridization and RT‐PCR and are c. 7 fg and 8 pg of viral RNA, respectively. In situ hybridization indicated that infection was confined to the striated muscle tissue. As a result of its sensitivity, RT‐PCR can be used for in‐depth investigations to examine the extent of the viral infection and establish the onset of infection in hatcheries. The application of RT‐PCR on samples collected from prawn farms in China showed the possible use of this method in routine health monitoring.
Reduced total hardness of fresh water enhances the efficacy of bathing as a treatment for amoebic gill disease in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L.
Authors: Roberts S D , Powell M D 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe current treatment for amoebic gill disease (AGD)‐affected Atlantic salmon involves bathing sea‐caged fish in fresh water, often sourced from local dams, for 3–4 h. In both a small‐scale laboratory and an on‐farm field experiment, the effects of water hardness on the efficacy of freshwater bathing were assessed. Results showed that soft fresh water (19.3–37.4 mg L−1 CaCO3), whether it be naturally soft city mains water or artificially softened dam water, was more efficacious at alleviating AGD in affected fish than hard fresh water (173–236.3 mg L−1 CaCO3). Soft freshwater bathing significantly reduced viable gill amoebae numbers (from 73.9 to 40.9% of total count) and significantly alleviated gill pathology, both gross and histological. Following bathing, gross gill pathological scores of soft freshwater bathed fish lagged 2 weeks behind hard freshwater bathed fish. Significant gill lesion fragmentation, and shedding of lesion‐associated hyperplastic tissue, was accompanied by a significant reduction in AGD‐affected gill filaments in soft freshwater bathed fish. Furthermore, soft freshwater bathing alleviated the blood plasma electrolyte imbalance seen in control (sea water) and hard freshwater bathed fish. This study showed that the use of soft fresh water for bathing AGD‐affected Atlantic salmon could be an improvement to the current method of treatment. Not only does it reduce gill amoeba numbers, but also, it is of a therapeutic advantage with the potential to reduce bathing frequency.
Amoebic gill disease: sequential pathology in cultured Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L.
Authors: Adams M B , Nowak B F 
Published: November 2003

AbstractAmoebic gill disease (AGD) affects the marine culture phase of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., in Tasmania. Here, we describe histopathological observations of AGD from smolts, sampled weekly, following transfer to estuarine/marine sites. AGD was initially detected histologically at week 13 post‐transfer while gross signs were not observed for a further week post‐transfer. Significant increases (P < 0.001) in the proportion of affected gill filaments occurred at weeks 18 and 19 post‐transfer coinciding with the cessation of a halocline and increased water temperature at the cage sites. The progression of AGD histopathology, during the sampling period, was characterized by three phases. (1) Primary attachment/interaction associated with extremely localized host cellular alterations, juxtaposed to amoebae, including epithelial desquamation and oedema. (2) Innate immune response activation and initial focal hyperplasia of undifferentiated epithelial cells. (3) Finally, lesion expansion, squamation–stratification of epithelia at lesion surfaces and variable recruitment of mucous cells to these regions. A pattern of preferential colonization of amoebae at lesion margins was apparent during stage 3 of disease development. Together, these data suggest that AGD progression was linked to retraction of the estuarine halocline and increases in water temperature. The host response to gill infection with Neoparamoeba sp. is characterized by a focal fortification strategy concurrent with a migration of immunoregulatory cells to lesion‐affected regions.
Outer membrane protein 100, a versatile virulence factor of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans
Authors: Asakawa Ryuji , Komatsuzawa Hitoshi , Kawai Toshihisa , Yamada Sakuo , Goncalves Reginaldo Bruno , Izumi Shunsuke , Fujiwara Tamaki , Nakano Yoshio , Suzuki Nao , Uchida Yuushi , Ouhara Kazuhisa , Shiba Hideki , Taubman Martin A. , Kurihara Hidemi , Sugai Motoyuki 
Published: November 2003

Summary Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) is one of the pathogenic bacteria involved in periodontal diseases. We have previously identified six major outer membrane proteins (Omps) of Aa Y4. Among them is an Omp with high molecular mass, designated Omp100, which has homology to a variety of virulence factors. Electron microscopic observation indicated that Omp100 is randomly localized on the cell surface of Aa. Aa Y4 has been shown to adhere and invade KB or normal human gingival keratinocytes. Anti‐Omp100 antibody inhibited 50% of adhesion and 70% of invasion of Aa Y4 to KB cells. An Omp100 knock‐out mutant had a decreased adhesion and invasion efficiency of 60%, compared with that of the wild type. Escherichia coli HB101 expressing Omp100 adhered twofold and invaded 10‐fold more than the wild‐type E. coli HB101. HB101 expressing Omp100 showed resistance to serum by trapping factor H, an inhibitor for C3b, with Omp100. Omp100 induced inflammatory cytokine responses of interleukin (IL)‐8, IL‐6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)α in epithelial cells, and induced IL‐1β and TNFα production in mouse macrophages. These results indicate that Omp100 is a versatile virulence factor that may demonstrate potential significance in the onset of periodontal diseases related to Aa.
A CLC‐type chloride channel gene is required for laccase activity and virulence in Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Zhu Xudong , Williamson Peter R. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryLaccase is a major virulence factor required for infection caused by the human pathogenic yeast Cryptococcus neoformans. However, cellular processes involved in the regulation and expression of laccase remain largely unknown in C. neoformans. Here we report the identification of a chloride channel gene CLC‐A which is essential for laccase activity in C. neoformans. CLC‐A shares homology to CLC‐type voltage‐gated chloride channels from other organisms; for example, 63% homology to GEF1, a chloride channel gene from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A clc‐a mutant, Mlac3, generated by insertional mutagenesis as well as a targeted Δclc‐a mutant produced undetectable laccase in a liquid assay and produced no melanin on asparagine agar containing norepinephrine. Mlac3 was complemented with wild‐type CLC‐A which restored laccase activity and melanin biosynthesis. The clc‐a mutants also showed reduced synthesis of another important virulence factor, capsule, and showed reduced growth at elevated pH. In addition, the clc‐a mutation resulted in attenuated virulence in a mouse cryptococcosis model that was restored by complementation with wild‐type CLC‐A, indicating that the chloride channel plays an important role in the virulence of the organism. Further analysis revealed that the basis for absent laccase expression in the clc‐a mutant was a laccase transcriptional defect that could be restored by adding exogenous copper. In conclusion, our findings show that CLC‐A plays a role in the expression of two important virulence factors, capsule and laccase expression, which are required for virulence of the fungal pathogen.
Identification of an anion‐specific channel in the cell wall of the Gram‐positive bacterium Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Costa‐Riu Noelia , Maier Elke , Burkovski Andreas , Krämer Reinhard , Lottspeich Friedrich , Benz Roland 
Published: November 2003

SummaryA cation‐selective channel (porin), designated PorA, facilitates the passage of hydrophilic solutes across the cell wall of the mycolic acid‐containing actinomycete Corynebacterium glutamicum. Biochemical and electrophysiological investigations of the cell wall of the mutant strain revealed the presence of an alternative channel‐forming protein. This porin was purified to homogeneity and studied in lipid bilayer membranes. It forms small anion‐selective channels with a diameter of about 1.4 nm and an average single‐channel conductance of about 700 pS in 1 M KCl. The PorBCglut channel could be blocked by citrate in a dose‐dependent manner. This result was in agreement with growth experiments in citrate as sole carbon source where growth in citrate was impaired as compared with growth in other carbon sources. The PorBCglut protein was partially sequenced and based on the resulting amino acid sequence of the corresponding gene, which was designated as porB, was identified as an unannotated 381 bp long open reading frame (ORF) in the published genome sequence of C. glutamicum ATCC13032. PorBCglut contains 126 amino acids with an N‐terminal extension of 27 amino acids. One hundred and thirty‐eight base pairs downstream of porB, we found an ORF that codes for a protein with about 30% identity to PorBCglut, which was named PorCCglut. The arrangement of porB and porC on the chromosome suggested that both genes belong to the same cluster. RT‐PCR from overlapping regions between genes from wild‐type C. glutamicum ATCC 13032 and its ATCC 13032ΔporA mutant demonstrated that this is the case and that porB and porC are cotranscribed. The gene products PorBCglut and PorCCglut represent obviously other permeability pathways for the transport of hydrophilic compounds through the cell wall of C. glutamicum.