The objective of this study was to compare the biological and economic efficiency of a seasonal pasturebased spring calving system of milk production on a high-rainfall, heavy-clay soil [Kilmaley (KMY)] to that on a lower-rainfall free-draining soil [Moorepark (MPN)] in Ireland. The physical performance data were obtained from a 3-year study (1998)(1999)(2000) carried out at both sites. Analysis of the system of milk production at the two sites was undertaken using the Moorepark Dairy System Model. Herbage dry-matter production was greater at the MPN site with a greater proportion being produced between 1 September and 1 May. On average, over the 3 years, the system of milk production at the MPN site had a higher stocking rate (2AE34 vs. 1AE89 cows ha )1 ), higher milk production per cow (6421 vs. 5781 kg per cow), longer grazing season (250 vs. 149 d) and a higher proportion of the diet of the herd from grazed grass (0AE70 vs. 0AE40) than at KMY. Economic analysis showed that, in a 468 100 kg European Union milk quota scenario, the profitability at the MPN site was 28 417 greater than at the KMY site. At similar milk production per cow it was 19 138 greater. Monte Carlo simulation showed that the MPN site was stochastically dominant over the KMY site. Sensitivity analyses showed that farm profit was most sensitive to changes in milk price. The results also indicated that milk production in the future may not be sustainable economically on high-rainfall, heavy-clay soils in Ireland.

We studied 11 glomus tumours immunohistochemically, with a panel of connective tissue and epithelial markers. Most tumours contained small nerve fibres located in connective tissue septae between groups of glomus cells, thus accounting for the frequent occurrence of pain associated with glomus tumours. All tumours stained positively for muscle-specific actin and vimentin. Immunostaining for high and low molecular weight cytokeratins, desmin, myoglobin, S-100 protein, neurofilaments and Factor VIII related antigen was negative. Our findings confirm and amplify the proposed smooth muscle histogenesis of glomus tumours. This immunohistochemical profile may be of diagnostic value in the differential diagnosis of atypical glomus tumours.

Because of the relative rarity of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in the premammographic screening era, the unavailability of adequate fresh tissue for culture, and the lack of cytogenetic expertise in most pathology departments, there is little information on karyotypic abnormalities in DCIS. The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency of chromosome 1 aneusomy in DCIS, using interphase cytogenetic techniques, and to correlate the findings with nuclear grade. Twenty-one cases of DCIS, identified in a mammographically screened population, were studied by in situ hybridization. Chromosome 1 numbers were identified in interphase nuclei in conventional histology sections, using a specific centromeric probe (pUC 1.77). In each case, 100 tumour nuclei were compared with 100 normal nuclei. Eighteen of 21 (86 per cent) cases were aneusomic for chromosome 2. This included 15 of 16 (94 per cent) pure comedo or predominantly comedo DCIS. Fifteen of 16 (94 per cent) DCIS with grade 3 nuclei and 3 of 5 (60 per cent) cases with grade 2 nuclei were aneusomic. One case with grade 3 nuclei (a comedo carcinoma) was negative. We conclude that chromosome 1 aneusomy precedes invasion and is a relatively consistent occurrence in those DCIS with high nuclear grade.

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