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Was bedeutet „Strukturwandel“ für Auszubildende? Diese Frage haben sich Auszubildende der LEAG in Workshops mit dem IASS (Luh et al., 2020) gestellt und die Idee für die vorliegende Studie entwickelt, die in Kooperation mit der LEAG im Mai und Juni 2021 umgesetzt wurde. Wie nehmen Auszubildende den regionalen Wandel wahr? Wie zufrieden sind sie derzeit und mit Blick auf den Strukturwandel? Welche Lebenswege und Planungen verfolgen sie – eine Zukunft in der Region oder außerhalb? Welche Faktoren sind ihnen wichtig, um zu bleiben und wie müsste eigentlich eine richtig gute Arbeitsstelle aussehen? Um das herauszufinden widmet sich diese Studie drei Themenbereichen: Regionaler Wandel, Lebensplanung und Gute Arbeit.

F��r die Lausitz ist der Kohleausstieg mit einem umfassenden Strukturwandel verbunden. Aktuelle Entscheidungen werden die Region f��r die n��chsten Jahrzehnte pr��gen. Wegen des angestiegenen Altersdurchschnitts sowie Umfragen, die eine weiterhin hohe Abwanderungsbereitschaft signalisieren (Heidig & Bischoff, 2021), wird in Dokumenten und Debatten zum Strukturwandel betont, wie wichtig es ist, die Lausitz attraktiv f��r junge Menschen zu gestalten. Die Beteiligung von Kindern und Jugendlichen * kann den Strukturwandelprozess verbessern, weil Ideen junger Menschen neue Impulse geben. * f��rdert die Motivation junger Menschen, in der Region zu bleiben (Luh et al. 2020). * ist gesetzlich verpflichtend. Die Erfahrungen aus von uns durchgef��hrten oder begleiteten Prozessen sowie von zahlreichen Studien, wie sie zum Beispiel im 16. Kinder- und Jugendbericht (Bundestag, 2020) zusammengefasst sind, zeigen: Kinder und Jugendliche wollen sich beteiligen und sind dazu auch in der Lage, wenn ein ernsthaftes Interesse an ihren Ansichten besteht und sie Gestaltungsfreiheiten sowie angemessene Unterst��tzung erhalten. Zugleich ist der Strukturwandel aufgrund seines langen Zeithorizontes und der komplexen F��rderarchitekturen in Brandenburg und Sachsen eine Herausforderung f��r die Beteiligung von Kindern und Jugendlichen. Mit diesem Policy Brief m��chten wir konkrete Vorschl��ge f��r eine angemessene Umsetzung unterbreiten., IASS Policy Brief; 2021 (7)

Peatland development and carbon accumulation on the Pacific coast of Canada have received little attention in paleoecological studies, despite wetlands being common landscape features. Here, we present a multi–proxy paleoenvironmental study of an ombrotrophic bog in coastal British Columbia. Following decreases in relative sea level, the wetland was isolated from marine waters by 13,300 cal yr BP. Peat composition, non-pollen palynomorph, and C and N analyses demonstrate terrestrialization from an oligotrophic lake to a marsh by 11,600 cal yr BP, followed by development of a poor fen, and then a drier ombrotrophic bog by 8700 cal yr BP. Maximum carbon accumulation occurred during the early Holocene fen stage, when seasonal differences in insolation were amplified. This highlights the importance of seasonality in constraining peatland carbon sequestration by enhancing productivity during summer and reducing decomposition during winter. Pollen analysis shows thatPinus contortadominated regional forests by 14,000 cal yr BP. Warm and relatively dry summers in the early Holocene allowedPseudotsuga menziesiito dominate lowland forests 11,200–7000 cal yr BP.Tsuga heterophyllaandP. menziesiiformed coniferous forest in the mid- and late Holocene. Tephra matching the mid-Holocene Glacier Peak–Dusty Creek assemblage provides evidence of its most northwesterly occurrence to date.

Aims To review the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) Quality Assurance Program Dermatopathology module from 2005 to 2016 to assess diagnostic performance, changes over time, and areas of diagnostic difficulty. Methods The computerized records of the RCPA Dermatopathology subspecialist module were reviewed. Cases were categorized into groups including nonneoplastic disorders, neoplasms, and cases with multiple diagnoses. The performance of participants over time in each of these categories and in more specific areas (including melanocytic and adnexal neoplasms) was assessed. Cases which showed high rates of discordant responses were specifically reviewed. Results One hundred sixteen cases circulated over 10 years were evaluated. The overall concordance rate was 77%, with a major discordance rate of 7%. There was a slightly higher concordance rate for neoplasms compared with nonneoplastic lesions (80% vs. 74%). Specific areas associated with lower concordance rates included classification of adnexal tumors and identification of multiple pathologies. A spindle cell nevus of Reed yielded a 40% discordance rate, with most misclassifications indicating melanoma. Conclusions The RCPA quality assurance program module has circulated a wide range of common and uncommon cases to participants over the 12 years studied, highlighting a low but important rate of major discordant responses. Melanocytic lesions, hematolymphoid infiltrates, adnexal tumors, and identification of multiple pathologies are identified as areas worthy of particular attention in quality improvement activities.

Cutaneous carcinosarcomas are heterogeneous group of tumors composed of malignant epithelial and mesenchymal components. Although mutation analyses have identified clonal changes between these morphologically disparate components in some subtypes of cutaneous carcinosarcoma, few cases have been analyzed thus far. To our knowledge, copy number variations (CNVs) and copy-neutral loss of heterozygosity (CN-LOH) have not been investigated in cutaneous carcinosarcomas. We analyzed 4 carcinosarcomas with basal cell carcinoma and osteosarcomatous components for CNVs/CN-LOH by comparative genomic hybridization/single-nucleotide polymorphism array, TP53 hot spot mutations by polymerase chain reaction and Sanger sequencing, and TP53 genomic rearrangements by fluorescence in situ hybridization. All tumors displayed multiple CNV/CN-LOH events (median, 7.5 per tumor). Three of 4 tumors displayed similar CNV/CN-LOH patterns between the epithelial and mesenchymal components within each tumor, supporting a common clonal origin. Recurrent changes included allelic loss at 9p21 (CDKN2A), 9q (PTCH1), and 17p (TP53). Allelic losses of chromosome 16 including CDH1 (E-cadherin) were present in 2 tumors and were restricted to the sarcomatous component. TP53 mutation analysis revealed an R248L mutation in both epithelial and mesenchymal components of 1 tumor. No TP53 rearrangements were identified. Our findings indicate that basal cell carcinosarcomas harbor CNV/CN-LOH changes similar to conventional basal cell carcinoma, with additional changes including recurrent 9p21 losses and a relatively high burden of copy number changes. In addition, most cutaneous carcinosarcomas show evidence of clonality between epithelial and mesenchymal components.

Summary The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of Merkel cell Polyomavirus (MPyV) and p63 positivity by immu-nohistochemistry in a large cohort of primary Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) from a region with high rates of actinic damage. We also aimed to determine whether there is any relationship between these markers and histological correlates of chronic sun exposure and to identify whether these markers have prognostic significance in our population. Ninety-five cases of primary cutaneous MCC were identified and stained with immunohistochemical markers for MPyV and p63. The presence of solar elastosis and squamous dysplasia in the overlying/adjacent skin were recorded as markers of actinic damage. Follow up data were obtained from the Western Australian Cancer Registry. MPyV was detected by immunohistochemistry in 23% of cases. There was a statistically significantly lower rate of positivity in tumours associated with markers of chronic sun damage as assessed by the presence of solar elastosis and squamous dysplasia. There was no association with overall or disease specific survival. p63 positivity was detected in 17% of cases. There was no association with markers of actinic damage or with overall or disease specific survival. Our data demonstrate a significant difference in rates of immunohistochemical positivity for MPyV between MCC in sun-damaged and non-sun-damaged sites. This may go some way to explaining previously identified geographical differences. When compared with a number of studies from Europe and North America, p63 positivity is less common in our population and does not show the strong prognostic significance that has been found in these other regions.

Summary Aims To document the histopathological features of selftreatment of cutaneous lesions with the escharotic agent black salve. Methods Retrospective review of cutaneous lesions treated with black salve retrieved from the files of four pathology practices in Western Australia and review of the published literature. Results 16 lesions from 11 patients who self administered black salve for the treatment of skin lesions were reviewed. Clinical diagnoses at the time of biopsy included scar, keloid scar, pseudomelanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and cutaneous necrosis. Histopathological features identified in our series included scarring, granulomatous inflammation, implanted foreign material, reactive stromal atypia and suppurative necrosis. Residual neoplasia was present in two of 16 cases, including a basal cell carcinoma and a melanocytic naevus. An additional 13 lesions in 10 patients were identified in the medical literature, including cases with poor cosmetic outcomes and cases of malignant tumours masked by uncontrolled escharotic treatment. Conclusions Availability of black salve through easily accessible internet sites appears to be associated with persisting use of this agent for the self-management of cutaneous lesions. Awareness of the potential complications and range of histopathological features associated with self-administration of escharotic agents is of importance to dermatologists and histopathologists.

Summary Aims Separation of sebaceous adenoma, sebaceoma and well differentiated sebaceous carcinoma is a clinically important distinction which relies on a number of subjective criteria. In routine practice we had noted significant interobserver variability in the classification of these lesions. This study sought to determine the degree of interobserver variability between general surgical pathologists and dermatopatholo- gists in the diagnosis of well differentiated cutaneous sebaceous neoplasms. Methods We circulated 61 examples of well circumscribed cutaneous sebaceous neoplasms to nine pathologists, including dermatopathologists and general surgical pathologists who were asked to submit a diagnosis for each case. Fleiss’ kappa statistic was used for assessment of interobserver agreement. Results We found that only seven cases (11%) had consensus agreement across all nine pathologists. Many cases had multiple diagnoses suggested, with three or more submitted diagnoses in 26 cases (43%), while 38 cases (62%) were diagnosed as sebaceous carcinoma by at least one pathologist. There was marked variability amongst the individual pathologists in the proportion of cases diagnosed as carcinoma, ranging from 5% to 57% of cases. Fleiss’ kappa statistic for all pathologists across all diagnostic categories was 0.44, amounting to only fair to moderate agreement. Conclusions These data indicate that there is substantial interobserver variability in the diagnosis of well circumscribed sebaceous neoplasms. This was seen in both the separation of benign and malignant lesions, as well as in the classification of the benign entities. This interobserver variability is likely to have significant clinical implications in terms of potential for over- or under-treatment, as well as in selection of cases for mismatch repair protein evaluation.

The histopathological features of atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) overlap with those of poorly differentiated carcinoma, melanoma and leiomyosarcoma in the skin. As there are no specific stains to identify AFX, the diagnosis is essentially one of exclusion and requires completion of a panel of immunostains. Recently, it has been suggested that the macrophage/monocyte-specific marker CD163 is of value in identifying AFX. To investigate this claim, 57 AFX were stained for CD163. Only 21 of 57 (37%) of AFX stained positively, and intratumoral macrophages confounded interpretation of the stain at times. In four cases, it was not possible to definitively interpret the tumor staining reaction because of this effect. While a lack of stainable CD163 antigenicity may indicate that AFX is not of histiocytic lineage, it is conceivable that expression of the antigen has been lost for some reason in cells that are in fact of macrophage lineage. In summary, CD163 only stains a minority of AFX and staining results can be difficult to interpret. CD163 is therefore of very limited value in the diagnosis of AFX. Beer TW. CD163 is not a sensitive marker for identification of atypical fibroxanthoma.

Animal feed often contains probiotic Bacillus strains used as feed additives. Spores of the non-pathogenic B. cereus var. toyoi (product name Toyocerin) are used. Distinguishing between toxic wild-type Bacillus cereus strains and this probiotic strain is essential for evaluating the quality and risk of feed. Bacillus cereus CIP 5832 (product name Paciflor was used as probiotic strain until 2001. The properties of the two probiotic strains are quite similar. Differentiating between probiotic strains and wild-type B. cereus strains is not easy. ss-lactam antibiotics such as penicillin and cefamandole exhibit an inhibition zone in the agar diffusion test of probiotic B. cereus strains which are not seen for wild-type strains. Therefore, performing the agar diffusion test first may make sense before FT-IR testing. When randomly checking these strains by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), the probiotic B. cereus strains were separated from wild-type B. cereus/B. thuringiensis/B. mycoides/B. weihenstephanensis strains by means of hierarchical cluster analysis. The discriminatory information was contained in the spectral windows 3000-2800 cm(-1) ("fatty acid region"), 1200-900 cm(-1) ("carbohydrate region") and 900-700 cm(-1) ("fingerprint region"). It is concluded that FT-IR spectroscopy can be used for the rapid quality control and risk analysis of animal feed containing probiotic B. cereus strains.

Atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) is a rare skin tumor that generally pursues an indolent course despite its alarming histological appearances. It is important for the pathologist to distinguish this neoplasm from more aggressive lesions that may show very similar histological features. Recently, it has been suggested that demonstration of CD117 is of value in identifying AFX. To test this hypothesis, 50 cases of AFX were stained immunohistochemically for CD117 to determine the diagnostic value of this antibody. Cases were also stained for tryptase to identify mast cells, which are CD117 positive. In addition, S100 and CD1a stains were performed to assess any possible contribution of melanocytes or Langerhans cells to CD117 staining. Only 1 of 50 AFXs (2%) showed CD117 positivity in the neoplastic cells, but all tumors demonstrated included CD117- and tryptase-positive mast cells in similar distribution. CD117 is only rarely stainable in the neoplastic cells of AFX and is therefore not useful in identifying these tumors. Mast cells are also CD117 positive, frequently present in AFX, and can lead to misinterpretation. Using immunohistochemistry for mast cell tryptase may be of value where there is doubt as to the nature of CD117-positive cells in neoplasms.

Background: Perineural invasion (PNI) by primary cutaneous cancers is an important adverse risk factor. Certain benign conditions may mimic microscopic PNI. Mohs surgery is being performed more frequently on smaller primary cutaneous malignancies. While PNI may be present in these cases, it is likely to be microscopic and asymptomatic, affecting as little as one cutaneous nerve branch. Methods: Review of the literature base regarding PNI as well as contribution of original findings. Results: Four benign entities that could easily be confused with microscopic PNI are presented. Conclusion: At least four benign mimics of microscopic PNI exist, important in the differential diagnosis of microscopic PNI. Knowledge of these entities should help dermatopathologists to correctly distinguish them from PNI and avoid unnecessary additional treatment.

BACKGROUND Mohs surgeons have expanded the range of cancers treated using the Mohs technique. Mohs surgeons today are expected to diagnose perineural invasion (PNI) when as little as one nerve is involved. OBJECTIVE To address the issue of identification and significance of perineural invasion from the perspective of the Mohs surgeon. The experience of other medical specialties dealing with the same issue are reviewed and applied. METHODS AND MATERIALS This article is based on a review of the entire medical literature regarding PNI. RESULTS PNI is a significant complication of cancers, regardless of the organ of origin. The most common complication of PNI is recurrence of the cancer. Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis occurs in neglected or aggressive cancers. The process is indolent and contiguous, lending itself well to treatment with Mohs surgery. There are diagnostic mimics of PNI. Variation of reported incidences and cure rates suggest that diagnostic criteria for PNI may not be consistent from study to study. CONCLUSION We propose the following definition for the minimum histopathologic criteria required to make a diagnosis of PNI: "In the presence of a malignancy, PNI may be diagnosed according to the observation of cytologically malignant cells in the perineural space of nerves. In equivocal cases, the observation of total or near-total circumferential involvement is supportive, as is the presence of perineural tracking in tangential sections and intraneural involvement."

Merkel cell carcinomas are aggressive tumours for which histological prognostic factors need to be established. This study examines the prognostic role of vascular density, based on CD34 immunohistochemical staining in Merkel cell carcinoma. Thirty-six cases of Merkel cell carcinoma were immunohistochemically stained for the endothelial marker CD34. Vascular density was assessed in the tumor and stroma with a Chalkley eyepiece graticule. The scores of vascular density were correlated with other clinical and histological parameters to determine the prognostic significance of tumor vascularity. Increased vascular density was shown to be significantly associated with a worse prognosis (P = 0.005). A 1-unit increase in total vessel score was associated with a 3.9 times increase in the risk of death (95% hazard ratio confidence limits 1.50-10.32). Other factors associated with a worse outcome included tumor size (P = 0.05), the presence of lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.03), and tumor mast cell count (P < 0.002). Increased vascular density is associated with a worse prognosis in Merkel cell carcinomas. Assessment of vascular density may assist in predicting clinical behavior in these tumors and in evaluating the effects of adjuvant therapy.

This paper examines the dynamics of Havers'ian remodelling and the concept of maturation rate of poly-chrome fluorescence-labeling osteons by means measurements of bone formation. It was used cortical bone of rabbit and merino sheep on various experimental conditions (Normal bone growth in the diaphysis of large bone and cortical bone of iliac crest, secondary fracture healing in tibia osteosyntheses with external fixation and oligotrophic pseudoarthrosis in rabbit. Gap healing of fractures in tibia osteosyntheses with external fixation and compression in the sheep). The diameters of labels were measured and the mathematical function of maturation rate of osteons was made out. The results were compared on the different experiment conditions. Statistical analyses have shown that the results of mathematical function and the values of their constants are not significantly different. These results seem to suggest that the rate of formation of the osteon is optimal on the various conditions and it is not use stimulating the osteoblastic activity with stimulation-therapy. The described model shows important informations of bone remodeling and adds new facts to the understanding of formal genesis of bone growth and fracture healing.

Zur Bestimmung der Bindungsverhaltnisse des in den O-spezifischen Seitenketten der Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) von Sh. flexneri 2 (Serotyp 1b) und 1290/63 (Var. Y) enthaltenen N-Acetylglucosamins wurden die O-spezifischen Polysaccharide permethyliert. Nach Totalhydrolyse wurden die methylierten Glucosamine abgetrennt und entweder direkt oder in Form ihrer Alditolacetate mit Hilfe der Gaschromatographie, der Massenspektrometrie und der Perjodatoxidation charakterisiert. In den O-spezifischen Seitenketten der LPS von Stamm 1290/63 liegt das Glucosamin als 1,6-gebundenes N-Acetylglucosamin vor, in denen von Stamm 2 konnten wir 1,6- und 1,3,6-gebundenes (die Bindung 1,4,6 konnte nicht vollig ausgeschlossen werden) N-Acetylglucosamin nachweisen. Dies ist ein Beweis dafur, das nicht alle Glucosamine Trager zusatzlich gebundener Glucose (Kettenverzweigung) sind. Die Grunde hierfur werden diskutiert.

Children who experience homelessness and domestic violence enter early childhood programs with developmental and behavioral challenges. Thoroughly evaluating these children can be daunting for daycare staff without advanced training. Occupational therapists can provide child development expertise and consultation. This group case study examined the FirstSTEp screening tool's ability to measure the behavioral, developmental, and emotional changes of 19 pre-schoolers who experienced homelessness and witnessed domestic violence. The tool was found to be effective with this population.

Summary Mammographic detection and characterization of breast microcalcifications is important in the early diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ. A case is presented where tungsten microparticles simulated microcalcifications and prompted a full diagnostic assessment. The likely origin of the particles is discussed and the published work on metallic particles in the breast is reviewed. Awareness of possible alternative causes for apparent microcalcifications at mammography is important for the breast radiologist and pathologist.

The Swiss Federal Office of Metrology and Accreditation (METAS) has been continuing to work toward a 100-g watt balance apparatus with an uncertainty of 1 /spl times/10/sup -8/ W/W. Currently the experiment is producing preliminary measurements reproducible at the 1 /spl times/10/sup -6/ W/W level. Our progress, measurements, and plans for the future are presented.

A new 1 kg mass comparator has been designed at the METAS to be used for research activities in comparing 1 kg mass and buoyancy artefacts between air and vacuum environments. The instrument is a single-pan mass comparator using electromagnetic force compensation. A novel feature is a wire suspension system for the balance beam. This suspension, together with the differential plane mirror interferometer used for the alignment, provides a very high resolution of 50 ng. The reproducibility of the comparator in vacuum is 0.8 µg. The vacuum mass comparator was first characterized and then used for the determination of the adsorption layers on special 1 kg gold-coated copper buoyancy artefacts with large variations in surface area. The adsorption layer information is used to correct the mass value (determined in air) for a watt balance experiment in which measurements on a gold test mass are performed under vacuum.

A gram-negative, oxidase-positive, rod-shaped bacterium isolated from the heart of a cotton-topped tamarin was characterized by 16S rDNA sequence analysis, SDS-PAGE of whole-cell proteins, fatty acid analysis and biochemical tests. Outer-membrane proteins, iron-regulated outer-membrane proteins, lipopolysaccharides and siderophore production were studied. On the basis of the results, the organism belongs to the beta-Proteobacteria where it forms a separate line of descent, for which a novel genus and species are proposed, Brackiella oedipodis (LMG 19451T = DSM 13743T = NCIMB 13739T). Nearest phylogenetic neighbours of the new genus are Taylorella, Pelistega, Bordetella, Alcaligenes and Achromobacter.

Microphthalmia transcription factor (MITF) is an established melanocytic marker originally credited with a high degree of specificity. We report a series of 11 atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) from 2 laboratories showing positive MITF staining. Although there are multiple case reports illustrating MITF staining in a range of tumors, aberrant staining in AFX has not been previously reported. Awareness of the possibility of MITF positivity in AFX is important to avoid a misdiagnosis of melanoma. We also report positive MITF staining in 2 nonneural granular cell tumors and discuss the overlap with the granular subtype of AFX.

p27 immunostaining is related to prognosis in malignant mesothelioma Aims: To evaluate the prognostic value of the proliferation-associated antigen p27 in malignant mesothelioma. Methods and results: Sections from 36 patients with malignant mesothelioma were immunohistochemically stained for the p27 antigen. The results were quantified by recording the proportion of positively stained nuclei and these data were tested for association with patient survival. p27 expression was also compared with tumour type, MIB-1 expression, apoptotic and mitotic indices. Patients with pleural malignant mesothelioma showing low p27 expression (

A new type of moving-coil Watt balance with a compact design is under construction at the Swiss Federal Office of Metrology (OFMET). Recently, several key components of the system have been characterized. In this paper, a detailed description of the mechanical setup, an assessment of the magnet, the optical system for speed measurement and regulation, and the programmable Josephson voltage standard are reported.

Aims : Seventy-five skin tumours were studied to investigate the value of immunohistochemistry in differentiating basal cell, squamous cell and basosquamous carcinomas of the skin. Methods and results : Archived paraffin-embedded tissue samples of basal cell carcinomas (n = 39), squamous cell carcinomas (n = 23) and basosquamous carcinomas (n = 13) were stained immunohistochemically using a panel of antibodies. All of the basal cell carcinomas stained positively for Ber EP4, in contrast to the group of squamous cell carcinomas, that showed no staining. Basosquamous carcinomas all showed at least some areas of Ber EP4 positivity. None of the basal cell carcinomas, but most of the squamous cell carcinomas (22 of 23) expressed epithelial membrane antigen (EMA). Only one of the basosquamous carcinomas expressed EMA positivity focally. CAM 5.2, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and 34βE12 antibodies lacked specificity in relation to the different tumour types. Conclusion : Distinction of basal and squamous cell carcinomas of the skin can be readily achieved with routine immunohistochemistry using Ber EP4 and EMA. Identification of basosquamous carcinoma is also facilitated with this method.

Healing wounds are commonly examined by pathologists at the time of reexcision of skin tumors to ensure complete removal of the lesion. In addition to searching for residual tumor, possible perineural invasion must be assessed. During routine examination of reexcision specimens, 10 cases of prominent perineural proliferation were seen associated with fine nerves in the mid or deep dermis. The process showed a concentric cellular proliferation with no, or only limited, nuclear hyperchromasia or pleomorphism. In a number of cases, immunohistochemistry was essential to exclude the possibility of malignant perineural invasion or other mimics of this process such as reexcision perineural invasion. The term reparative perineural hyperplasia is proposed for this entity, which is important for pathologists to be aware of to avoid misdiagnosis.

A new type of moving-coil watt balance is under construction at the Swiss Federal Office of Metrology (OFMET). The aim of the experiment is the monitoring of the kilogram by means of the electrical quantum standards with a relative uncertainty of /spl les/10/sup -8/. The paper presents the main features of the proposed instrument.

The aims of this study were to evaluate the use of the proliferation marker MIB 1 and histological subtype as indicators of prognosis in malignant mesothelioma. Sections from 41 cases of malignant mesothelioma were histologically subtyped on hematoxylin and eosin sections and stained immunohistochemically for the proliferation marker MIB 1. A proliferation index was derived and the results compared with patient survival data. A statistically significant difference was found between the survival of patients having a low and high MIB 1 index (P < .001). Patients with tumors having a low MIB 1 index lived significantly longer than those with a high MIB 1 index. Patients with the spindle cell histological subtype of malignant mesothelioma had significantly shorter survival times than those with the epithelioid or mixed tumors (P < .01). The MIB 1 proliferation index and histological tumor subtype are useful markers of prognosis in malignant mesothelioma.

The presence of epithelium in the perineural space is typically associated with invasion by malignant tumors. In this report, bland-appearing epithelium was identified in the perineural space associated with a dermal reparative reaction after removal of a melanoma in 4 patients. After exclusion of possible squamous cell carcinoma and immunohistochemistry, a diagnosis of reexcision perineural invasion was made. The report illustrates the features of this uncommon and little recognized entity which has not been previously reported in the dermatology or dermatopathology literature. A lack of appreciation of the condition may lead to a misdiagnosis of malignancy, especially squamous cell carcinoma. The cases also highlight the need for good clinical correlation when examining reexcision specimens. There may be increased recognition of reexcision perineural invasion with the rise in reexcisions that are being performed, with some surgeons reexcising Spitz nevi and dysplastic nevi, for example.

The diagnosis of diffuse axonal injury (DAI), which may be of considerable importance in forensic medicine, necessitates widespread sampling of the brain for histology. Because a limited sampling method for screening brains for axonal damage would be of value for medico-legal work, the authors have tested the findings of an earlier study which suggested that a standard set of three blocks from above and below the tentorium could reliably be used in routine practice as a basis for the diagnosis of DAI. A series of 22 previously diagnosed cases of DAI, with a range of survival times, was studied using immunohistochemistry with antibodies to beta-amyloid precursor protein (beta APP), the microglial-associated antigen CD68 (PG-M1) and for GFAP. Strict histological criteria were used to assess traumatic damage, and the evolution of the histological changes with increasing survival is described. In four cases, the sampling scheme employed yielded evidence of axonal damage in only one block, and a diagnosis of DAI could have been made in only 13/22 cases. In six of the shortest surviving cases, beta APP positivity in the corpus callosum and brainstem outlined areas of early ischaemia, as well as of traumatic damage, so that interpretation of immunolabelling was not always clearcut The findings suggest that DAI cannot be reliably diagnosed on a restricted number of blocks from vulnerable areas, and that the use of beta APP and PG-M1 immunocytochemistry may bring interpretative problems that can only be resolved by taking a larger series of tissue samples for histology.

Perception, meaning, and experience, often expressed in the writing and interpretation of poetry, are important parts of human life. Qualitative interviewing, when it acknowledges and capitalizes on the presence of human interviewers and of so-called interviewer effects, opens itself to capturing and comprehending such phenomena as perception, meaning, and experience. Such interviewing is a creative process in which the interactions) and conversation(s) of interviewer and respondent produce statements and formulations, rather than merely drawing such constructs from the mind of the respondent. Examination of an interview in which the author was respondent shows how interview dialogue facilitated his formulation of a narrative account of part of his intellectual development. This example is used to illustrate how interviewing can facilitate the exploration of one's personal world(s) and how interviewers discover that their constructions and formulations of the world differ from those of their respondents. In the final analysis, it is the subjectivity of the qualitative interview, its being influenced by and affecting both interviewer and respondent, that makes discovery possible in qualitative research.

This is a revised version of a paper presented by Professor Beer at a combined meeting of the New Zealand Institute of Public Law and of the New Zealand Association for Comparative Law in the Faculty of Law, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand in August 1996. The author explores constitutional issues in Japan after WWII. As the world's prime example of successful synthesis of radically different traditions of law and constitution, the author concludes that Japan deserves global respect and more study in the emerging multi-cultural age.

BACKGROUND: The multidrug resistance marker P-glycoprotein (P-gp) was studied immunohistochemically in 78 primary malignant lung tumours. P-gp is a 170 kD transmembrane ATP dependent drug efflux pump which has been shown to be important in the resistance of some tumours to chemotherapy. Certain normal tissues express P-gp and tumours derived from these tissues are often insensitive to cytotoxic agents, showing raised P-gp levels innately or following chemotherapy or radiotherapy. METHODS: Samples from 78 patients undergoing surgery for primary malignant lung tumours were snap frozen and stained immunohistochemically using the monoclonal antibody C219 which reacts with a P-gp epitope. None of the study group had received chemotherapy or radiotherapy before surgery was performed. RESULTS: Twenty seven of the 78 lung tumours (34.6%) showed immunohistochemically detectable levels of P-gp which varied with tumour type; 17 of 54 squamous cell carcinomas (31.5%), seven of 15 adenocarcinomas (46.7%), and neither of two small cell carcinomas showing positive staining. In six of seven cases normal respiratory epithelium present showed the presence of P-gp. CONCLUSIONS: P-gp is immunohistochemically detectable in frozen tissue from a proportion of malignant lung tumours before exposure to radiotherapy or drugs associated with multidrug resistance. It may have a role in tumour resistance to cytotoxic drugs, but further clinical studies will be required to evaluate any correlation between P-gp levels and response to treatment.

Most of 232 strains of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) belonging to 16 species, and nine strains of micrococci belonging to four species, could be distinguished by their growth on an iron-poor nutrient medium. alpha-Keto-/alpha-hydroxyacids, as primary metabolites, facilitated iron supply to CNS and micrococci under various iron-limited conditions, as detected by different bioassay methods. Twelve selected CNS strains and two micrococcal strains produced significant amounts of alpha-ketoacids in iron-poor liquid nutrient media. In particular, strains of Staphylococcus cohnii, S. xylosus and S. lentus unable to grow on iron-poor media, produced high amounts of pyruvic acid and alpha-ketoglutaric acid. In bioassays, the selected CNS strains being siderophore indicator strains were fed with alpha-ketoacids at different levels of iron limitation. Strains able to grow under iron deprivation appeared to produce additional siderophores such as staphyloferrins under iron stress. alpha-Keto-/alpha-hydroxyacids may be additionally active in the iron supply of CNS and micrococci.

Magnetic resonance (MR) is a state-of-the art imaging modality which does not use ionizing radiation. It is now widely available as an imaging technique in the U.K. and is no longer confined to specialist centres. MR has now become part of the clinician's diagnostic armamentarium and is not merely a research utility. A magnetic field and radio-frequency waves are used to excite protons and produce an image. Protons exist in many different environments but for imaging purposes the hydrogen protons in fat and water are used. The rate at which excited protons relax is described by two characteristic times, T1 and T2, which vary in different tissues. T1-weighted images show normal anatomy, whilst T2-weighted images generally highlight abnormal tissue. Injection of a paramagnetic gadolinium-based contrast agent enhances T1-weighted images by reducing relaxation times. Initially it was felt that MR would be tissue-specific,1 enabling correlation with histopathological findings. Unfortunately, research and clinical use has shown that MR does not fulfil these expectations at present.2 Future developments such as spectroscopy may improve tissue specificity and hence diagnostic accuracy. The value of MR for imaging the neuro-axis and musculo-skeletal system is well established. New developments are increasing its applications in breast, thorax, and liver imaging. There has been much research into the role of MR in staging malignant tumours, particularly in the areas of bladder and lung carcinomas. The present article concentrates on this specific application.

Absolute yields ofK X-ray transitions in pionic hydrogen and deuterium were determined with accuracies of typically ±10% at target pressures of 2.8, 15 and 40 bar and compared with the results of a recently developed cascade code.

Summary Aim To assess concordance between the histopathological reports of referring pathologists and those of pathologists reviewing the cases for the Western Australia Melanoma Advisory Service. Methods A retrospective review of 721 pathology reports from 2000 to 2009 was conducted. Histological features including Breslow thickness, Clark level, tumour type and clinico-pathological staging [American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC)] were compared. Further analysis was undertaken for 169 cases to compare mitotic rate, excision margins, regression, growth phase, vascular invasion, neurotropism, tumour infiltrating lymphocytes, microsatellites and predominant cell type. Results Referring pathologists consistently reported Breslow thickness, Clark level and excision margins. Reporting of other parameters including ulceration, mitotic rate and vascular invasion, however, was variable. There was almost perfect concordance (kappa = 0.81-1.00) for tumour thickness, ulceration, microsatellites and growth phase; substantial concordance (κ = 0.61-0.80) for Clark level, mitotic rate, completeness of excision and neurotropism; moderate concordance (κ = 0.41-0.60) for vascular invasion, regression, predominant cell type and histological type; and only slight concordance (κ = 0-0.2) for tumour infiltrating lymphocytes. There was a high level of agreement for diagnosis of lesions as melanoma versus benign (97.3%). Overall concordance for pathological tumour staging was substantial (81.9%, κ = 0.79). Lowest concordance was found for stage 1b (91.3%, κ = 0.62). Conclusion Overall concordance in clinicopathological stage was high due to consistency of reporting of tumour thickness and ulceration. Lower concordance was found for pathological substages due to discrepancies in Clark level, highlighting its limited reliability as a prognostic indicator and supporting the revision of its use in the latest AJCC melanoma staging protocol.

SUMMARYEighty-nineSalmonella enteritidisphage type 25/17 strains isolated from a localized outbreak in the German state Nordrhein-Westfalen (outbreak NWI) could not be further differentiated by biochemotyping and plasmid pattern analysis. They were submitted to a complex typing system consisting of modern physico-chemical analytical procedures. In lipopolysaccharide pattern analysis the strains proved to be homogeneous. In multilocus enzyme electrophoresis, outer membrane and whole cell protein pattern (WCPP) analysis, and Fourier transform infrared (FT–IR) spectroscopy (increasing extent of differentiation in the given order) strains deviating from each basal pattern were found. The extent of correspondence in these deviations was satisfactory.Forty-six strains of the same sero- and phage type, however, obtained from different outbreaks, were additionally typed. The results obtained with them indicate that the data of the first group were not restricted to strains from outbreak NWI, but of general validity.It was found that both WCPP and FT–IR represent valuable methods for the sub-grouping of bacteria.

Summary Background Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon but aggressive cutaneous skin cancer. Even with the appropriate treatment, MCC is prone to recurrence, and metastases are common. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation has been suggested as contributing towards the development of MCC. MCC has not been extensively investigated in Australia, even though Australia has the highest incidence of sun-related cancers in the world. Objectives To describe the demographics and determine trends of incidence and survival of MCC cases in Western Australia (WA). Methods All reported invasive cases of MCC incident between 1 January 1993 and 31 December 2007 were extracted from the WA Cancer Registry. Age-adjusted incidence rates for MCC were calculated using direct standardization to the U.S. standard 2000 population. Cause-specific survival was investigated using Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazards analysis. Results Two hundred and fifteen cases were confirmed by pathological review as being definite cases of MCC. Patients were mainly males (65%) and elderly (median age 77 years). Standardized age-adjusted incidence rates were higher in men (1·0/100 000) than in women (0·63/100 000) and higher in older ages (15·5/100 000 in the 85+ year age group) than younger ages (0·1/100 000 in the 30–34 year age group). Five-year cause-specific survival was 64%. Conclusions Incidence of MCC in WA is the highest reported in the literature. In addition, MCC has worse survival than melanoma. The high rates and demographic and anatomical distribution are consistent with sun exposure playing a causal role.

The relative importance of the processes of SOM (maintenance of active soil organic matter) and SYNCHRONY (timing of release of organically-bound nutrients to coincide with crop demand) were assessed for their contribution to the maintenance of crop nitrogen availability in alley cropping. Alley cropping is a system of agroforestry where trees and crops are intercropped, the former being periodically pruned to produce mulch. Two maize alley cropping treatments, with Erythrina poeppigiana and with Gliricidia sepium , were compared to sole-cropped maize in an 8 yr old experiment at CATIE in Costa Rica. Maize productivity, maize N uptake, and N release from mulch and crop residue decomposition were measured each month during one cropping cycle. The effects of changes in active soil organic matter (SOM) on available N were assessed by measuring field N mineralization and the size of the microbial N pool through the cropping season. Two sub-treatments were introduced to assess the contribution of a current mulch application to maize N uptake (1) removing the mulch, and (2) applying 15 N labelled mulch. Monthly sampling of 15 N in the mulch, microbial biomass, and maize allowed assessment of the SYNCHRONY of mulch N release and crop uptake. Maize biomass and maize N content, N release from mulch and residue decomposition, and N mineralization were all higher in the alley crop than the sole crop by 2.2-, 2.8-, 5.0- and 2.1-fold respectively. Soil microbial N was not significantly different between treatments, but increased by 80% during the cropping season. Maize grown in the alley crop with the mulch removed contained only 3–15% less N at maturity. Similarly 15 N labelled mulch only contributed about 10% of crop N. The percentage contribution of mulch 15 N to the maize declined from 13–14% 30 days after planting to 8–11% 100 days after planting. Total recovery of mulch N by the maize was only about 10 kg ha −1 and almost all of this was taken up by 60 days after planting. The contribution of mulch N to weed N content declined from 15–24% 7 weeks after mulch application to 2–6% 9 months after application. Mulch N contributed only 3–5% of the microbial N pool at 40 days and this fell to zero by 105 days. The higher rates of N mineralization under the alley crop compared to rates under the sole crop led to faster establishment of the maize in the alley crop and maintained higher rates of N accumulation thereafter. These higher rates of N mineralization resulted from the build up of readily-mineralizable organic N in the soil over the 7 yrs of tree mulch application. The size of the microbial N pool was not to be related to nitrogen availability nor organic residue inputs. Mulch N released during a cropping season accounted for about 15% of the increase in N uptake by maize. Transfer of mulch N to the crop may have been restricted by the low incorporation of mulch N into the microbial biomass. The long-term build-up of the SOM reserve of mineralizable organic N was more important than the SYNCHRONY of mulch N release and crop uptake in determining the substantially higher productivity and N uptake in the alley crop compared to the sole crop.