bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
OC9 Effect of Melatonin Implants in Guirra Ewes
Authors: Rodriguez M , Marco‐Jiménez F , Vicente JS , Viudes‐de‐Castro MP
Published: September 2006

This study assessed the effect of melatonin implants (18 mg) on the fertility and prolificacy in adult sheep (47) and ewe lambs (22) in Guirra breed during the seasonal anestrus (April–May). Sixty nine ewes were divided in four groups: adult sheep and ewe lamb and treated or not with melatonin implants. Thirty days after melatonin implant insertion, all ewes were synchronizer with intravaginal progestogen pessaries (30 mg fluorogestone acetate) for 12 days. Ewes were injected with 400 IU PMSG intramuscularly when pessaries were removed. Artificial inseminations (AI) were carried out after oestrus synchronization (54 ± 1 h) and 6 days later males were introduced into the flock. To determine cyclicity in the ewes after treatment, blood was collected from all ewes 10 days after withdrawn pessaries and progesterone concentration was measured by RIA. The ewes were considered cyclic if their plasma progesterone concentration was >1 ng/ml. The main findings from this study were: (i) the percentage of ewes cycling was similar between experimental groups (95.7%) and (ii) Fertility at parturition, prolificacy and lamb weights observed in control group (57.9%, 1.2 ± 0.09 lambs and 3.7 ± 0.22 kg; n = 19) and melatonin group (58.0%, 1.0 ± 0.15 lambs and 3.9 ± 0.31 kg; n = 50) were similar. Lamb weight differed between adult sheep and ewe lambs (4.3 ± 0.19 kg vs 3.4 ± 0.31 kg, respectively; p < 0.05). Our results suggest that melatonin treatment do not improve reproductive parameters in the Guirra breed.
Quantitative assessment of RUNX3 methylation in neoplastic and non‐neoplastic gastric epithelia using a DNA microarray
Authors: So Kanji , Tamura Gen , Honda Teiichiro , Homma Naoyuki , Endoh Makoto , Togawa Naoyuki , Nishizuka Satoshi , Motoyama Teiichi
Published: September 2006

Silencing of the RUNX3 gene by hypermethylation of its promoter CpG island plays a major role in gastric carcinogenesis. To quantitatively evaluate RUNX3 methylation, a fiber‐type DNA microarray was used on which methylated and unmethylated sequence probes were mounted. After bisulfite modification, a part of the RUNX3 promoter CpG island, at which methylation is critical for gene silencing, was amplified by polymerase chain reaction using a Cy5 end‐labeled primer. Methylation rates (MR) were calculated as the ratio of the fluorescence intensity of a methylated sequence probe to the total fluorescence intensity of methylated and unmethylated probes. Five gastric cancer cell lines were analyzed, as well as 26 primary gastric cancers and their corresponding non‐neoplastic gastric epithelia. MR in four of the cancer cell lines that lost RUNX3 mRNA ranged from 99.0% to 99.7% (mean, 99.4%), whereas MR in the remaining cell line that expressed RUNX3 mRNA was 0.6%. In primary gastric cancers and their corresponding non‐neoplastic gastric epithelia, MR ranged from 0.2% to 76.5% (mean, 22.7%) and from 0.7% to 25.1% (mean, 5.5%). Ten (38.5%) of the 26 gastric cancers and none of their corresponding non‐neoplastic gastric epithelia had MR >30%. Most of the samples with MR >10% tested methylation‐positive by conventional methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP). This microarray‐based methylation assay is a promising method for the quantitative assessment of gene methylation.
Usefulness of Ki‐67 for predicting the metastatic potential of rectal carcinoids
Authors: Hotta Kinichi , Shimoda Tadakazu , Nakanishi Yukihiro , Saito Daizo
Published: September 2006

Rectal carcinoid <10 mm can be completely removed by endoscopic procedure. However, a few authors reported that small rectal carcinoids have the potential to metastasize. Therefore, histological parameters predicting their metastatic potential are necessary. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the usefulness of Ki‐67 positive/negative area ratio (Ki‐67 ratio) using computer‐assisted image analysis. A total of 43 patients with rectal carcinoids were retrospectively investigated. Twenty‐eight patients underwent endoscopic resection and 15 patients underwent surgery. Nine of the 43 patients presented with metastatic disease. The Ki‐67 ratio of all specimens was measured. Finally, the Ki‐67 ratio was compared with other macroscopic or microscopic parameters for predicting lymph node or distant metastatic disease. The mean Ki‐67 ratio of the metastatic and non‐metastatic group was 3.9 and 1.0%, respectively (P < 0.01). The Ki‐67 ratio was effective because of its high sensitivity (88.9%) and specificity (82.4%). Ki‐67 ratio was superior to other microscopic parameters such as variation in nuclear size and vessel permeation. Ki‐67 ratio was as effective as the other macroscopic parameters of tumor size and central depression. Based on these results it is suggested that Ki‐67 is a reliable microscopic marker to predict metastatic potential of rectal carcinoids.
Age‐related alteration in the association of microsatellite instability with absent hMLH1 expression and histological types of colorectal carcinoma
Authors: Arai Tomio , Sugai Tamotsu , Kasahara Ichiro , Sawabe Motoji , Honma Naoko , Aida Junko , Nakamura Shin‐ichi , Takubo Kaiyo
Published: September 2006

Microsatellite instability (MSI) is present in approximately 15–20% of sporadic colorectal cancers. However, despite the increased prevalence of absent hMLH1 expression and MSI in colorectal cancer in the elderly, few attempts have been made to define it in detail. The aim of the present paper was to correlate age‐related alterations in absent hMLH1 expression and MSI with various histological types of colorectal carcinoma. hMLH1 expression and microsatellite status were studied in 184 colorectal carcinomas (49 well‐differentiated, 49 moderately differentiated, 49 poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas, and 37 mucinous carcinomas). The prevalence of absent hMLH1 expression was higher in poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (63%) and mucinous carcinoma (43%) than in well‐ (8%) and moderately (12%) differentiated adenocarcinomas. MSI was found more frequently in poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (69%) and mucinous carcinoma (41%) than in well‐ and moderately differentiated adenocarcinomas (8% and 6%, respectively). Age‐related differences in absent hMLH1 expression and MSI were found only in poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, in which the prevalence of medullary‐type carcinoma increased with advancing age. These results indicate that an age‐related increase of medullary‐type tumors in poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma may play an important role in the increase of absent hMLH1 expression and MSI in colorectal carcinoma.
Distinct expression of Kaposi’s sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus‐encoded proteins in Kaposi’s sarcoma and multicentric Castleman’s disease
Authors: Abe Yasuhisa , Matsubara Daisuke , Gatanaga Hiroyuki , Oka Shinichi , Kimura Satoshi , Sasao Yuki , Saitoh Kiyoshi , Fujii Takeshi , Sato Yuko , Sata Tetsutaro , Katano Harutaka
Published: September 2006

The expression of Kaposi’s sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus (KSHV/HHV‐8)‐encoded proteins is herein demonstrated in Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) and multicentric Castleman’s disease (MCD) in a single lymph node derived from a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Immunohistochemistry revealed that both lytic and latent KSHV proteins were expressed in cells of the MCD lesion. KSHV‐encoded viral interleukin‐6 was also detected in follicular dendritic cells of the germinal center. Cytoplasmic localization of open reading frame 59 protein and latency‐associated nuclear antigen suggested KSHV activation in the MCD lesion. Moreover, a high copy number of KSHV was detected in the blood. Clinically, pegylated‐liposomal doxorubicin induced regression of not only KS, but also lymphadenopathy of the MCD lesion with a decrease in KSHV load and human interleukin‐6 in the blood. To the best of the authors’ knowledge this is the first case demonstrating differential expression of virus proteins in two KSHV‐associated diseases, KS and MCD, in the same section. The case confirms lytic KSHV infection in MCD, and suggests that clinical symptoms of MCD might be closely linked with KSHV activation.
Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the uterus with prominent myxoid change
Authors: Shintaku Masayuki , Fukushima Akiko
Published: September 2006

A surgical case of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor arising in the uterine corpus and exhibiting prominent myxoid change of the stroma is reported. The patient was a 63‐year‐old woman with a large tumor mass that filled the uterine cavity and measured 11 cm in maximal dimension. The tumor had a gelatinous appearance and consisted of a loose proliferation of stellate or polygonal cells on a myxomatous background. Fascicular proliferation of spindle cells was also observed focally, and a chronic inflammatory cell infiltration was seen in many areas. Tumor cells had mild atypism and were immunoreactive for vimentin, α‐smooth muscle actin, and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK). Focal immunoreactivity for high‐molecular‐weight caldesmon (h‐caldesmon) was also noted. The patient has been free from recurrence for 8 months. Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the uterus occasionally shows prominent myxoid change of the stroma, and differentiation from myxoid leiomyosarcoma is problematic in these cases. Based on the immunoreactivity of tumor cells for ALK and h‐caldesmon, the present tumor was considered inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor showing a focal phenotypic transition from myofibroblasts to smooth muscle cells.
Heterotopic intrathymic thyroid tissue
Authors: Hwang Ilseon , Lee Seung‐Koo , Cho Kyung‐Ja , Kim Kyu‐Rae
Published: September 2006

Heterotopic intrathymic thyroid tissue is an extremely rare condition, but it is important to distinguish it from metastases of clinically undetected thyroid carcinoma because metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma is often so well differentiated, simulating normal thyroid tissue. Described herein are histological findings of heterotopic intrathymic thyroid tissue that was incidentally identified in a woman with papillary thyroid carcinoma during histological examination of a radical neck dissection specimen. These findings emphasize that this rare incidence may occur and should be differentiated from metastatic papillary carcinoma. Histologically, the patient’s intrathymic thyroid follicles were identical to the normal thyroid follicles, having flat cuboidal cells with uniformly small nuclei without nuclear grooves or inclusions. The follicular cells had a low Ki‐67 labeling index close to zero, and immunonegativity for galectin‐3, HBME‐1, and RET oncoprotein, in contrast to the tumor cells in primary papillary thyroid carcinoma of the patient. To the authors’ knowledge this is the first case report of intrathymic heterotopic thyroid tissue posing a diagnostic difficulty in a patient with papillary thyroid carcinoma.
Pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma extending into the common bile and main pancreatic ducts
Authors: Yamaguchi Rin , Okabe Yoshinobu , Jimi Atsuo , Shiota Koji , Kodama Takahito , Naito Yoshiki , Yasunaga Masafumi , Kinoshita Hisafumi , Kojiro Masamichi
Published: September 2006

Acinar cell carcinoma (ACC) of the pancreas is relatively rare, accounting for only approximately 1% of all exocrine pancreatic tumors. A 69‐year‐old man was found to have a mass lesion measuring approximately 4 cm in diameter in the pancreatic head on ultrasound, abdominal dynamic CT, and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography showed defect of the lower common bile duct (CBD) due to obstruction by the tumor cast. Histopathologically, the pancreatic head tumor invaded the main pancreatic duct (MPD) and CBD with extension into the CBD in a form of tumor cast. The tumor cells consisted of a solid proliferation with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm and round nuclei in an acinar and trabecular fashion. A 55‐year‐old man with upper abdominal pain and nausea, had a cystic lesion approximately 3 cm in size in the pancreatic tail on CT. Histopathologically, the tumor was encapsulated by fibrous capsule and had extensive central necrosis with solid areas in the tumor periphery, and invaded with extension into the MPD in a form of tumor cast. The tumor cells resembled acinar cells in solid growths. Two resected cases of ACC with unusual tumor extension into the CBD and the MPD, respectively, are reported.
Primary myxoid solitary fibrous tumor involving the seminal vesicle
Authors: Wei Yu‐Ching , Li Chien‐Feng , Sung Ming‐Tse , Chen Yen‐Ta , Ko Sheung‐Fat , Eng Hock‐Liew , Huang Hsuan‐Ying
Published: September 2006

Although focal myxoid change is a well‐recognized feature of solitary fibrous tumor (SFT), predominantly myxoid SFT are exceedingly rare. Reported herein is the case of a 65‐year‐old man with SFT containing abundant myxoid matrix, arising from the capsule of the right seminal vesicle. To the authors’ knowledge this is the first myxoid SFT involving the male genito‐urinary system. Recognition of the myxoid variant of SFT is crucial, given possible confusion with a variety of myxoid spindle cell neoplasms with different biological potential in the pelvic cavity.
Down‐regulation of Hsp27 radiosensitizes human prostate cancer cells
Authors: TEIMOURIAN SHAHRAM , JALAL RAZIEH , SOHRABPOUR MOSTAFA , GOLIAEI BAHRAM
Published: September 2006

Aim: In this study, we examined whether human Hsp27 is involved in the radiation sensitization induced by gamma radiation in cultured human prostate cancer cells.

Methods: We transfected DU145 cells with full length Hsp27 antisense cDNA to obtain viable cell lines which expressed reduced Hsp27. Selected individual clones were subjected to western blot analyses to confirm reduced expression of Hsp27.

Results: Hsp27 belongs to a family of abundant and ubiquitous stress proteins, the small heat shock proteins. It has been shown that Hsp27 can inhibit apoptosis both in a caspase‐dependent and independent manner. Colony assays showed that the cells engineered to express reduced Hsp27 levels had a significantly increased sensitivity to gamma radiation compared with control cells that were transfected with the vector alone. However, there was also a significant difference in viability of cells with reduced Hsp27 levels and control cells 72 h after γ‐irradiation.

Conclusions: Our results suggest the possible application of antisense Hsp27 cDNA or other methods to reduce Hsp27 expression as a radiation sensitizer in radiation oncology.
Retroperitoneal dismembered pyeloplasty: Initial experiences
Authors: CUTTING COLIN , BORUP KIRSTEN , BARBER NEIL , CHOI WILLIAM , POULSEN EJVIND U , POULSEN JOHAN
Published: September 2006

Aim: To review the results of our first 40 cases of retroperitoneal dismembered pyeloplasty and to compare them with series of open and other minimally invasive treatments of pelviureteric junction (PUJ) obstruction. Also to compare our first 20 cases with the second 20 cases to see if there was an improvement in results with experience.

Methods: A retrospective review of the first 40 laparoscopic pyeloplasties performed by a single lead surgeon at two institutions was performed. The diagnosis of PUJ obstruction was confirmed with an intravenous urogram as well as a renogram prior to surgery. A retroperitoneal, dismembered pyeloplasty was routinely performed with three or four ports. All patients were followed up with an intravenous urogram, renogram and review of symptoms at 4 months and annual renogram after that.

Results: Average operation time was 236 min and this appeared to decrease with experience. Two cases had to be converted to open operations. The mean hospital stay was 3.4 days. Out of the 40 patients, 34 have had successful laparoscopic operations with total symptomatic relief as well as radiologically proven deobstruction. There were four major complications with 3 patients going on to have redo open pyeloplasty operations. There were seven minor complications.

Conclusions: In our experience, retroperitoneal dismembered pyeloplasty is an effective and safe means of treating PUJ obstruction. Our results seem to be comparable with series of open pyeloplasty and other laparoscopic series and are better than some other minimally invasive techniques.
Testicular seminoma associated with massive necrosis
Authors: YAMAMOTO SHINGO , HASHIMOTO TAKAHIKO , NOJIMA MICHIO , MORI YOSHINORI , HIROTA SEIICHI , SHIMA HIROKI
Published: September 2006

Abstract  A 70‐year‐old man presented with 2 years history of a painless hard mass in the left scrotum. Both pelvic computed tomography and magnetic resonance image showed enhancement only in the wall of the tumor, indicating a benign disease, rather than a neoplastic lesion. Physical examination 3 weeks after the first presentation showed the remarkable reduction of the left testicular size. Left inguinal orchiectomy was carried out and pathological diagnosis was seminoma with extensive necrotic areas occupying mostly the tumor. Either shrinkage or enlargement of testicular size with a long history demands full investigation for malignancy.
Concurrent occurrence of three primary neoplasms with different hystotype in the same kidney, associated with an adenoma of the omolateral adrenal gland: First case report
Authors: MORELLI LUCA , PUSIOL TERESA , PISCIOLI IRENE , LAROSA MICHELANGELO , POZZOLI GIAN LUIGI , MONICA BRUNO
Published: September 2006

Abstract  We present an unusual case of concurrent occurrence of three synchronous primary tumors in the same kidney (oncocytoma, chromophobe renal cell carcinoma, angiomyolipoma) associated to an adenoma of the omolateral adrenal gland in a patient with no evident clinical symptoms. The immunohistochemistry showed a positivity for KIT in oncocytoma and chromophobe cell carcinoma, and a weak positivity in the angiomyolipoma, only in the cells positive for HMB‐45. This is the first report of this kind of presentation.
Monotypic epithelioid angiomyolipoma of the kidney: A case report
Authors: MORIOKA MASAAKI , KINUGAWA KEIGO , FUNABIKI SADAMI , MATSUDA TADAKAZU , FURUKAWA YOJI , WANI YOJI
Published: September 2006

Abstract  A case of monotypic variant of epithelioid angiomyolipoma (AML) observed in a 62‐year old woman is reported. The patient complained of abdominal fullness caused by a huge left renal mass without evidence of tuberous sclerosis complex. Imaging studies showed a left renal mass with an area showing hemorrhage and necrosis. The left renal mass, spleen and pancreatic tail were removed en bloc transabdominally. The resected tumor weighed 1200 g and showed focal necrosis and hemorrhage. Microscopically, the tumor was composed exclusively of atypical polygonal cells with copious eosinophilic cytoplasm, pleomorphic nuclei and prominent nucleoli. Tumor cells were considered to derive from perivascular epithelioid cells, and exhibited strong positive staining for HMB‐45 and c‐KIT, but were negative for epithelial, smooth muscle, and neural markers. As this tumor had none of the typical elements of classic AML, the final pathological diagnosis was monotypic epithelioid AML.
Lack of association between the incidence of testicular germ cell tumors and Y‐chromosome haplogroups in the Japanese population
Authors: EWIS ASHRAF A , LEE JUWON , NARODA TAKUSHI , KAGAWA SUSUMU , BABA YOSHINOBU , NAKAHORI YUTAKA
Published: September 2006

Background: Despite being relatively uncommon, testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) are the most common malignant disease in young men. Epidemiological studies concerning patients with testicular cancer indicate that the most of them have poor semen quality or testicular dysgenesis. However, many studies have shown that the Y chromosome harbors many candidate genes responsible for spermatogenesis process and development and maintenance of the germ cells. The Y chromosome is thought to have a relationship with the formation and progression of TGCT.

Materials and methods: To verify this relationship, we investigated if there is any correlation between the Y chromosome structural variations presented as different haplogroups and the occurrence of TGCT in the Japanese population. Using combined haplogroups based on typing of three Y chromosome polymorphic binary markers, we analyzed 68 TGCT derived from Japanese patients together with randomly selected 104 unrelated healthy Japanese matched male controls who were confirmed as residents of the same geographic area.

Results: Our findings showed a lack of association between the incidence of TGCT and the different Y‐ chromosome haplogroups in Japanese population.

Conclusion: We concluded that there are no significant variations in males from different Y chromosome lineages regarding their susceptibility or resistance for developing TGCT. The previously hypothesized role of the Y chromosome in the development of TGCT is still uncertain and needs further verification.
Adrenocortical carcinoma with tumor thrombus in the right hepatic vein
Authors: REYES MARTHA A , CIANCIO GAETANO , SINGAL RAKESH , MANOHARAN MURUGESAN
Published: September 2006

Abstract  Adrenocortical carcinoma is an unusual neoplasm with very poor prognosis. Patients present with an abdominal mass often exceeding 5 cm or as a functional tumor. Computed tomography is effective to demonstrate the neoplasm as an inhomogeneous adrenal lesion with irregular margins, and magnetic resonance imaging is helpful to visualize invasion into large vessels as well. Reported herein is a case of large adrenocortical carcinoma with tumor thrombus extending into the right hepatic vein.
Clinical impact of tamsulosin on generic and symptom‐specific quality of life for benign prostatic hyperplasia patients: Using international prostate symptom score and Rand Medical Outcomes Study 36‐item Health Survey
Authors: SUZUKI HIROYOSHI , YANO MASASHI , AWA YUSUKE , NAKATSU HIROOMI , EGOSHI KEN‐ICHI , MIKAMI KAZUO , OTA SHO , OKANO TATSUYA , HAMANO SATORU , OHKI TAKEMASA , FURUYA YUZO , ICHIKAWA TOMOHIKO
Published: September 2006

Aim: To examine the efficiency of α1‐blocker treatment on disease‐specific and generic quality of life (QOL) in men with clinically diagnosed benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the improvement of QOL scores with International prostate symptom score (I‐PSS) and Rand Medical Outcomes Study 36‐item Health Survey (SF‐36) was prospectively analyzed.

Methods: A total of 68 newly diagnosed patients with symptomatic BPH that satisfied all inclusion and none of the exclusion criteria were prospectively recruited. All patients received 0.2 mg/day of tamsulosin for 12 weeks. All patients underwent pretreatment documentation of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and assessment of symptom‐specific QOL. Symptoms and general health‐related QOL (HRQOL) were assessed using the I‐PSS and SF‐36, respectively. Also, other objective variables, such as prostate volume, maximal urinary flow and postvoid residual urine volume, were evaluated.

Results: After 12 weeks, decrease in I‐PSS was 27% compared with baseline (from 16.4 ± 7.18 to 11.9 ± 7.56). All questionnaires in the I‐PSS showed improvement after tamsulosin treatment and the I‐PSS QOL score was improved from 4.51 ± 1.14 to 3.17 ± 1.38 (P < 0.0001) at 12 weeks after tamsulosin administration. In intragroup comparisons of HRQOL scores with age‐gender adjusted SF‐36 Japanese national norms, three SF‐36 subscales (bodily pain, BP; social function, SF; and mental health, MH) were worse in the BPH group aged over 70 years, while younger BPH groups aged <70 had better mean SF‐36 physical function (PF) scores compared with age‐gender adjusted Japanese national norms. In the BPH group with a prostatic volume ≥20 mL, three mean SF‐36 scales (BP, SF and MH) were significantly improved after tamsulosin treatment. It is noteworthy that these SF‐36 subscales were identical to those observed to worsen in the older BPH group compared to Japanese national norms.

Conclusions: Treatment with tamsulosin for symptomatic BPH patients is associated with significant improvement in the generic HRQOL, in addition to disease‐specific QOL and symptoms, at 3 months after drug administration. In particularly, for generic HRQOL with SF‐36, tamsulosin treatment can efficiently improve three mean SF‐36 subscales (BP, SF and MH) that are decreased in older BPH patients.
Does marriage between first cousins have any predictive value for maternal and perinatal outcomes in pre‐eclampsia?
Authors: Sezik Mekin , Ozkaya Okan , Sezik Hülya T. , Yapar Elif G. , Kaya Hakan
Published: September 2006

Aim:  To assess the consequences of consanguineous unions between first cousins on the severity of pre‐eclampsia and associated perinatal morbidity.

Methods:  Six hundred and eighty‐six women admitted with a diagnosis of pre‐eclampsia were included. The study group consisted of 62 preeclamptic women with a union between first cousins. The remaining patients admitted throughout the same period (n = 624) served as controls. The groups were compared regarding the presence of severe pre‐eclampsia, hemolysis elevated liver enzymes low platelets (HELLP) syndrome, eclampsia, placental abruption, hematological complications, renal failure, requirement for antihypertensive or magnesium sulfate treatments, cesarean section for acute fetal distress, birthweight, Apgar scores, perinatal mortality and neonatal morbidity including admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, convulsions, intracranial hemorrhage, hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, and jaundice. Student’s t‐test, χ2‐test and logistic regression analysis were used for statistical evaluation.

Results:  Univariate analysis yielded significant differences in parity (P = 0.034), maternal platelet counts (P = 0.02), and maternal serum potassium levels (P = 0.016) among the groups. Respiratory distress syndrome was more frequent (P = 0.043) in infants of unrelated couples. Multivariate analysis, controlling for the confounding factors, revealed that marriages between first cousins had no effect on any of our outcome variables including neonatal respiratory distress syndrome.

Conclusions:  Third‐degree consanguinity in terms of a union between first cousins seems to have no effect on the development of maternal and perinatal complications in established pre‐eclampsia.
Three‐dimensional assessment of the morphology of the umbilical artery in normal and pre‐eclamptic placentas
Authors: Peker Tuncay , Ömeroglu Suna , Hamdemir Sevtap , Çelik Hamdi , Tatar Ilkan , Aksakal Nur , Turgut Hasan Basri
Published: September 2006

Aim:  Pre‐eclampsia is one of the main causes of intrauterine growth retardation. Although there are many studies performed in this setting showing the course of the umbilical vessels within the umbilical cord along with its structural changes, studies are lacking with regard to intraplacental vasculature and its structural changes.

Methods:  We investigated whether the vascular pattern differed in preeclamptic placentas in terms of intraplacental course and morphometry of the umbilical artery by using vascular corrosion cast technique. Furthermore, cross‐sections taken from umbilical artery branches at different levels within the placenta, were examined with both light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Results:  Vascular corrosion casts generated in both pregnancy groups should be defined with the main umbilical artery divided into 2–4 primary branches. No significant difference was seen between normal and pre‐eclamptic groups regarding the diameters of primary and secondary branches and the number of cotyledons contained (P > 0.05). However, microscopic studies demonstrated expanded intervillous spaces in the placentas of pre‐eclamptic pregnancies. Under SEM, distortion on the endothelial surface of the umbilical artery and an increase in vessel diameter and wall thickness have been determined in pre‐eclamptic placentas. Furthermore, the branching pattern and changes affecting the endothelial surface of the umbilical artery have been shown three‐dimensionally in pre‐eclamptic placentas, using corrosion cast technique and SEM, respectively.

Conclusion:  While microscopic findings were consistent with the Doppler ultrasonography findings, namely higher systole/diastole ratio and increased resistance (RI) and pulsatile (PI) index in the umbilical artery, no clear morphometric change has been observed.
In vivo expression and antitumor activity of p53 gene transfer with naked plasmid DNA in an ovarian cancer xenograft model in nude mice
Authors: Collinet Pierre , Vereecque Rodolphe , Sabban Frédéric , Vinatier Denis , Leblanc Eric , Narducci Frabrice , Querleu Denis , Quesnel Bruno
Published: September 2006

Introduction:  Abnormalities in the p53 and p16 tumor suppressor genes are one of the most common occurrences associated with human neoplasia. Consequently, restoration of wild‐type p53 or p16 functions is seen as a particularly promising approach for cancer gene therapy. In vitro and in vivo data have demonstrated that virus‐mediated p53 gene transfer can induce active cell death and ovarian tumor regression.

Aim:  To evaluate the efficiency of intratumoral injection of naked DNA in tumor growth inhibition in an ovarian xenograft model. For that purpose, plasmid vectors encoding wild‐type p53 (wt‐p53) or p16 alone or in combination were used.

Methods:  Nude mice were injected subcutaneously with the human ovarian adenocarcinoma cell line SKOV3. Three weeks after xenograft, tumor‐bearing mice were injected twice a week with plasmid vectors carrying WT‐p53 and/or WT‐p16 cDNA. Empty plasmids and saline buffer were used as control. Tumor growth was monitored to evaluate the inhibition potential with p53 and/or p16 restoration.

Results:  When compared to the control, intratumoral repeated injections of naked plasmid DNA encoding wt‐p53 were inhibiting tumor growth. This inhibition was not observed with p16 and no synergy could be obtained between p53 and p16. p53 expression was restored in 84% of mice injected with plasmid encoding wt‐p53. p16 expression was restored in 63% of mice injected with plasmid encoding p16.

Conclusions:  In this report we demonstrated that: (i) naked DNA represents an efficient gene transfer in the SKOV3 xenograft model; (ii) restoration of wt‐p53 gene allows tumor growth inhibition; and (iii) this inhibition could be correlated with p53 expression as seen in 84% of treated mice after repeated naked DNA injections. These results allow us to envisage naked DNA as a therapeutic adjuvant in ovarian cancer treatment, concomitantly with tumor resection and chemotherapy.
Reducing postpartum hemorrhage in Vietnam: Assessing the effectiveness of active management of third‐stage labor
Authors: Tsu Vivien D. , Mai Tran T. P. , Nguyen Yen H. , Luu Huong T. T.
Published: September 2006

Aim:  The study was undertaken to meet the need of the Ministry of Health to have local evidence on the effectiveness of active management of third‐stage labor (AMTSL) in reducing the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) ≥ 500 mL and the need for PPH treatment.

Methods:  Using a quasi‐experimental design, AMTSL was introduced for all births attended by government midwives (at home, community, and district levels) in one district while standard practice without AMTSL was continued in three neighboring districts (with a 1:2 ratio of participants). Oxytocin (10 IU) was administered either by standard disposable syringe and needle or by a prefilled, single‐use injection device. Postpartum blood loss was estimated using standard containers; other outcome measures included the duration of third stage, the need for additional treatments, and final maternal condition. A total of 3607 women participated (1236 in the intervention district and 2371 in the comparison districts). Multivariate logistic regression was used to control for age, parity, place of delivery, and first‐stage oxytocin augmentation.

Results:  AMTSL was associated with reduced risks for prolonged third stage beyond 30 min (odds ratio [OR] = 0.20, 95%; confidence interval [CI]: 0.11, 0.35), supplemental oxytocin (OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.49, 0.94), and bimanual compression (OR = 0.63, 95%; CI: 0.41, 0.98). When cases with first‐stage oxytocin augmentation were excluded, AMTSL was associated with a 34% reduction in PPH incidence (OR = 0.66, 95%; CI: 0.45, 0.98).

Conclusion:  This study supports the value of AMTSL in reducing the incidence of PPH, shortening the third stage of labor, and reducing the need for additional treatments.
Pure uterine lipoma
Authors: Fujimoto Yoshinobu , Kasai Kenji , Furuya Masataka , Honda Nobuhisa , Tojo Ryuichiro , Saito Suguru , Mochimaru Fumio
Published: September 2006

Pure fatty tumors of the uterus are extremely rare and usually develop in postmenopausal women. We present the first reported Japanese case of a pure uterine lipoma, in which a preoperative diagnosis was made by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and was pathologically confirmed postoperatively. As in our case, MRI is currently the best modality for determining the internal architecture of a tumor and the presence of fat. Because of the benign nature of a uterine lipoma, such an approach can avoid unnecessary surgery in asymptomatic patients.
Comparative study of induction of labor in nulliparous women with premature rupture of membranes at term compared to those with intact membranes: Duration of labor and mode of delivery
Authors: Park Kyo Hoon , Hong Joon‐Seok , Ko Ji Kyung , Cho Yong Kyoon , Lee Chul Min , Choi Hoon , Kim Bok Rin
Published: September 2006

Aim:  To evaluate the effect of premature rupture of membranes (PROM) at term on the duration of labor and mode of delivery in comparison with intact membranes in nulliparous women with an unfavorable cervix whose labor was induced.

Methods:  This retrospective cohort study included all term nulliparous women with an unfavorable cervix requiring labor induction over a 2‐year period. Prostaglandin E2 (dinoprostone) and oxytocin were used for labor induction. Criteria for enrolment included (i) singleton pregnancy; (ii) term nulliparous women; or (iii) Bishop score below 6. Statistics were analyzed with Student’s t‐test, χ2‐test, Fisher’s exact test, and multiple logistic regression.

Results:  Our study subjects were 82 women whose labor was induced for PROM and 219 women with intact membranes whose labor was induced for social or fetal reasons. The mean durations of active phase of labor were not significantly different between women with PROM and those with intact membranes. However, the women with PROM had a significantly longer mean duration of second stage and a higher rate of cesarean delivery for failure to progress than those with intact membranes. Multiple logistic regression demonstrated that only PROM and fetal macrosomia were significantly associated with an increased risk of cesarean delivery for failure to progress after other confounding variables were adjusted.

Conclusions:  Labor induction for PROM at term in nulliparous women with an unfavorable cervix is associated with longer duration of the second stage and a higher risk of cesarean delivery for failure to progress in comparison to those with intact membranes.
Effect of sera on the adhesion of natural killer cells to the endothelium in severe pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Wei Jun , Satomi Misao , Negishi Yasuyuki , Matsumura Yoshikatsu , Miura Atsushi , Nishi Yayoi , Asakura Hirobumi , Takeshita Toshiyuki
Published: September 2006

Objective:  To investigate the effect of serum on the interaction between natural killer (NK) cells and endothelial cells in pre‐eclampsia.

Methods:  Seven severely pre‐eclamptic patients, five normal pregnant women, and four normal non‐pregnant women were included in this study. Freshly isolated NK cells labeled with Chromium‐51 were incubated on an endothelial cell monolayer in the presence of patient serum. In regard to the characteristics of adhesive molecules, the endothelial cells were blocked by monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to intracellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1), vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1); the NK cells were blocked by mAbs to leukocyte function‐associated antigen (LFA‐1) and very late antigen‐4 (VLA‐4) before co‐incubation. After incubation, the adherent cells were solubilized with 1% Triton X. The lysates were collected and counted in a gamma counter.

Results:  The adhesion of NK cells to the endothelium in the normal pregnancy group decreased significantly in comparison to the non‐pregnant group (7%vs 72%; P < 0.01). Adhesion in the severe pre‐eclamptic group was significantly higher in comparison to the normal pregnant group (44%vs 7%; P < 0.01). The blocking percentages of mAbs on NK adhesion in the severe pre‐eclampsia group were 49 ± 4% to LFA‐1, 61 ± 48%, 67 ± 39% to VLA‐4, ICAM‐1, and 68 ± 7% to VCAM‐1.

Conclusion:  Sera from normal pregnant women suppress the adhesion between NK cells and endothelial cells, whereas the suppressive effect of sera from pre‐eclamptic patients has a diminished affect.
Effects of ovarian drilling in middle Black Sea region Turkish women with polycystic ovary syndrome having normal and high body mass indices
Authors: Demirturk Fazli , Caliskan Ahmet C. , Aytan Hakan , Erkorkmaz Unal
Published: September 2006

Aim:  To assess the effectiveness of laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with normal and high body mass indices (BMIs).

Methods:  We investigated the effects of LOD process on two different groups of Turkish women with normal (n = 13) and high (n = 12) body mass indices. Three‐puncture laparoscopy was performed under general anesthesia. Luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), dehydroepiandrosterone‐sulfate (DHEAS) and total testosterone (total T) levels were measured one menstrual cycle before the operation (in early follicular phase defined as day 3 of the menstrual cycle) and one menstrual cycle after the operation (in early follicular phase defined as day 3 of the menstrual cycle).

Results:  Ovarian drilling had a positive effect on FSH increase and DHEAS, total testosterone and LH/FSH ratio decrease; but BMI levels had no effect on these hormonal changes, respectively (F = 0.343, P = 0564) (F = 0.790, P = 0383) (F = 0.083, P = 0776) and (F = 0.816, P = 0376). Ovarian drilling had a positive effect on LH decrease and BMIs were effective on this change (F = 6.946, P < 0.05). LH decrease in the group with normal BMI was significantly higher than the obese group with high BMI. Ten of 13 women with normal BMI (76.9%) and eight of 12 women with high BMI (66.6%) started to see regular menses 2 to 3 months after the procedure.

Conclusion:  Ovarian drilling is an effective procedure on PCOS. Women with lower BMI may benefit more from the procedure.
Primary ovarian fibrosarcoma with long‐term survival: A report of two cases
Authors: Choi Won‐Jun , Ha Man‐Taek , Shin Jeong‐Kyu , Lee Jeong‐Hee
Published: September 2006

We report on two cases of primary ovarian fibrosarcoma detected in two women aged 44 and 34 years old. In the first case, an 18 × 17 × 10 cm multilobular tumor was detected in the left ovary. In the second case, a 13 × 9 × 3 cm and a 7 × 6 × 2 cm tumor were found in the left and right ovaries, respectively. In addition, a large quantity of ascitic fluid was detected. In both cases, a total hysterectomy with bilateral adnexectomy and an omentectomy were performed. No evidence of lymph‐node enlargement was detected in either case. Microscopic findings demonstrated densely, cellular spindle‐shaped tumor cells with increased mitotic activity (17 and 8/10 high‐power fields, respectively). Immunohistochemical analyses showed that tumor cells were positive for vimentin and negative for smooth muscle actin, S‐100, and estrogen receptor. Progesterone receptor was positive only in the second case. After surgery, both patients received several courses of combination chemotherapy. Neither patient demonstrated any evidence of disease recurrence during follow‐up for 10 years and 5 years, respectively.
Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation of cereals: a promising approach crossing barriers
Authors: Shrawat Ashok Kumar , Lörz Horst
Published: September 2006

Cereal crops have been the primary targets for improvement by genetic transformation because of their worldwide importance for human consumption. For a long time, many of these important cereals were difficult to genetically engineer, mainly as a result of their inherent limitations associated with the resistance to Agrobacterium infection and their recalcitrance to in vitro regeneration. The delivery of foreign genes to rice plants via Agrobacterium tumefaciens has now become a routine technique. However, there are still serious handicaps with Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation of other major cereals. In this paper, we review the pioneering efforts, existing problems and future prospects of Agrobacterium‐mediated genetic transformation of major cereal crops, such as rice, maize, wheat, barley, sorghum and sugarcane.
Therapeutic effectiveness of orally administered transgenic low‐alkaloid tobacco expressing human interleukin‐10 in a mouse model of colitis
Authors: Menassa Rima , Du Caigan , Yin Zi Qin , Ma Shengwu , Poussier Philippe , Brandle Jim , Jevnikar Anthony M.
Published: September 2006

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represents a spectrum of diseases in which inflammation leads to acute and chronic gut injury. It is a growing health issue for which no cure exists. The pathogenesis is multifactorial with links to infectious and environmental events that trigger disease in genetically predisposed individuals. Treatment of the two major forms of IBD, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, involves the reduction of inflammation with toxic immunosuppressive drugs or blocking of the pro‐inflammatory effects of tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) with antibodies. Here, we show that the oral administration of transgenic low‐alkaloid tobacco expressing the contra‐inflammatory cytokine human interleukin‐10 (hIL‐10) reduces the severity of colitis by down‐regulating TNF‐α expression directly at the sites of inflammation in IBD‐susceptible IL‐10−/– mice. hIL‐10 expressed in plants is biologically active and displays resistance to gastrointestinal degradation. Dietary supplementation with plant tissue delivering up to 9 µg of hIL‐10 daily for 4 weeks was well tolerated by treated mice. Gut histology was significantly improved relative to controls (P = 0.002), and was correlated with a decrease in small bowel TNF‐α mRNA levels and an increase in IL‐2 and IL‐1β mRNA levels. Transgenic plants expressing IL‐10 to directly attenuate TNF‐α expression at sites of inflammation in the gut may become a useful new approach in the luminal therapy of IBD.
Responses to organizational harm: Mechanism of blaming managers as proxies for a culpable organization
Authors: Zemba Yuriko
Published: September 2006

Recent research has shown that perceivers who are culturally oriented to focus on the causal influence of groups tend to assign blame to an organization and extend the blame to an individual representing it (i.e. proxy blaming). The present research investigates the mechanism of this blame extension. Results show that it occurs when punishing the organization is impossible rather than possible (Study 1) and that this blaming is brought about by the perception that the target individual is in the role to represent the organization, not by the perception that he/she is the typical member of the culpable organization (Study 2). Implications of these findings in the responsibility literature are discussed.
Value‐chain innovation in aquaculture: insights from a New Zealand case study
Authors: Sankaran Jayaram K. , Suchitra Mouly V.
Published: September 2006

We report a case study of value‐chain innovation in a niche, export‐oriented aquaculture industry, namely, Chinook/King salmon, that contrasts with the much more common Atlantic/Norwegian salmon. The firm in question is vertically integrated, thus offering a ‘cradle‐to‐grave’ vista of innovation that spans ‘production’ (i.e. farming), processing, marketing, and distribution. A major finding is the need for a delicate balance between the relative expenditures on production research and developmental research in integrated aquaculture firms, especially those that focus on niche species. Interaction effects between the two research strands complicate the trade‐off: production research adds value at the fish farm by lowering the unit cost of production – and in turn facilitates new product development as it is easier to add value to a lower‐cost product than a higher‐cost product. From the case study findings, we synthesize a process model of value‐chain innovation that is applicable for integrated aquaculture firms. We also induce several implications for the management of Research & Development and innovation in such firms.
Discontinuous innovation and supply relationships: strategic dalliances
Authors: Phillips Wendy , Lamming Richard , Bessant John , Noke Hannah
Published: September 2006

The authors address the need for supply relationships to generate, support, and respond to discontinuous innovation (DI), noting that established ways of working appear insufficient. The peculiarities of DI are explained and contrasted with well‐known concepts within innovation. The need for customer firms to be both closely collaborative with suppliers while also exploring potential, unpredictable DI elsewhere is proposed, by means ofstrategic dalliances. A model is presented for understanding and exploring this emerging management challenge.
Measuring technological capability and performance
Authors: Coombs Joseph E. , Bierly Paul E.
Published: September 2006

The relation between technological capability and firm performance is more complex than what is generally assumed. Researchers have not been able to consistently find empirical support for this apparently ‘simple’ relation. The objective of this study is to illustrate the theoretical and empirical complexity of this relation and explain why the use of different measures can lead to dramatically different results. In this study, we analyse the technological capability–performance relation in 201 large US public manufacturing companies. A variety of patent statistics and a measure of research & development (R&D) intensity are used as indicators for technological capability. The following six measures of performance are used as dependent variables: return on assets, return on equity, return on sales, market value, market value added, and economic value added. The results vary substantially, depending on which measures are used for the independent and dependent variables. A detailed understanding of precisely what each measure represents and the shortcomings of each measure is needed to explain why these differences exist. We conclude by discussing the effectiveness of a variety of technological capability measures using patent citations, and illustrate why a measure of R&D spending and the total number of patents are usually not valid measures of a firm's technological capability.
A Nonparametric Test for Weak Dependence Against Strong Cycles and its Bootstrap Analogue
Authors: Hidalgo Javier
Published: September 2006

Abstract.  We examine a test for the hypothesis of weak dependence against strong cyclical components. We show that the limiting distribution of the test is a Gumbel distribution, denoted G(·). However, since G(·) may be a poor approximation to the finite sample distribution, being the rate of the convergence logarithmic [see Hall Journal of Applied Probability (1979), Vol. 16, pp. 433–439], inferences based on G(·) may not be very reliable for moderate sample sizes. On the other hand, in a related context, Hall [Probability Theory and Related Fields (1991), Vol. 89, pp. 447–455] showed that the level of accuracy of the bootstrap is significantly better. For that reason, we describe an approach to bootstrapping the test based on Efron's [Annals of Statistics (1979), Vol. 7, pp. 1–26] resampling scheme of the data. We show that the bootstrap principle is consistent under very mild regularity conditions.