Duplications in nomenclature

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/62822/1/389539a0.pd

The virtual microscopy database—sharing digital microscope images for research and education

Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/146335/1/ase1774_am.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/146335/2/ase1774.pd

Learning histology – dental and medical students' study strategies

PurposeHistology, the science of cells and tissues at the microscopic level, is an integral component of most dental and medical curricula and is often taught using both traditional and novel computer‐based didactic approaches. The purpose of this study was to analyse the strategies used by dental and medical students when studying this very visual and challenging subject.MethodsData were collected from 75 dental and 143 medical students, who had almost identical histology learning resources at their disposal.ResultsWhen compared with their medical counterparts, dental students view histology as a more difficult subject and as less relevant for their future career. Whereas dental students, who are required to attend class unlike medical students, made more use of in‐classroom learning opportunities, they did not take as much advantage of out‐of‐classroom resources. In addition, dental students reported a significantly higher tendency than medical students to work together, rather than to study alone.DiscussionSmall differences in the dental versus the medical learning environment associate with several observed differences in learning strategies that are adopted by dental and medical students.ConclusionsThese differences should be considered when teaching the subject of histology to dental or to medical students.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/111121/1/eje12104.pd

Mitochondrial precursor proteins are imported through a hydrophilic membrane environment

We have analyzed how translocation intermediates of imported mitochondrial precursor proteins, which span contact sites, interact with the mitochondrial membranes. F1-ATPase subunit β(F1β) was trapped at contact sites by importing it into Neurospora mitochondria in the presence of low levels of nucleoside triphosphates. This F1β translocation intermediate could be extracted from the membranes by treatment with protein denaturants such as alkaline pH or urea. By performing import at low temperatures, the ADP/ATP carrier was accumulated in contact sites of Neurospora mitochondria and cytochrome b2 in contact sites of yeast mitochondria. These translocation intermediates were also extractable from the membranes at alkaline pH. Thus, translocation of precursor proteins across mitochondrial membranes seems to occur through an environment which is accessible to aqueous perturbants. We propose that proteinaceous structures are essential components of a translocation apparatus present in contact sites

The accountability of advocacy NGOs: insights from the online community of practice

Advocacy non-governmental organisations (NGOs) play an important role in society by keeping in check the power of corporations and governments and uncovering rights violations. They differ from other NGOs in terms of their agenda, funding structure and the stakeholders they serve, and operate in a context characterised by increasing demands for transparency, accountability and responsible advocacy. This study examines how the accountability agenda of advocacy NGOs is shaped by the need to maintain independence, preserve values and keep reputation unsullied when faced with financial and legitimacy pressures. A netnography method is employed to analyse the discussions taking place in the NGOs’ online community of practice to understand the implications of the accountability challenges faced by advocacy NGOs through the perceptions of NGO professionals. The study reveals that the accountability agenda of advocacy NGOs is determined by the interrelated threats of financial vulnerability, potential loss of independence, legitimacy challenges and the high level of public scrutiny. The findings highlight that imperfect accountability mechanisms (e.g. financial reporting and performance management systems) hinder the ability of advocacy NGOs to demonstrate their accountability

NrCAM, a neuronal system cell-adhesion molecule, is induced in papillary thyroid carcinomas

NrCAM (neuron-glia-related cell-adhesion molecule) is primarily, although not solely, expressed in the nervous system. In the present study, NrCAM expression was analysed in a series (46) of papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs) and paired normal tissues (NT). Quantitative reverse transcriptase (QRT)-PCR revealed that NrCAM expression was upregulated in all PTCs compared to normal thyroid, whatever the stage or size of the primary tumour. NrCAM transcript levels were 1.3- to 30.7-fold higher in PTCs than in NT. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) confirmed that the expression of NrCAM was considerably higher in tumours (score 2+/3+) than in adjacent normal paratumoural thyroid tissue. The NrCAM protein was detected in all but three (93.3%) PTC samples, and it was mainly cytoplasmic; in some cases there was additional membranous localisation – basolateral and partly apical. In the normal thyroid and tissues surrounding tumours, focal NrCAM immunolabelling was seen only in follicles containing tall cells, where staining was restricted to the apical pole of thyrocytes. Western blot analysis corroborated the QRT–PCR and IHC results, showing higher NrCAM protein levels in PTCs than in paired NT. The level of overexpression of the NrCAM mRNA in tumourous tissue appeared to be independent of the primary tumour stage (pT) or the size of the PTC. These data provide the first evidence that NrCAM is overexpressed in human PTCs at the mRNA and protein levels, whatever the tumour stage. Thus, the induction and upregulation of NrCAM expression could be implicated in the pathogenesis and behaviour of papillary thyroid cancers