bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cervical muscle strength measurement in two groups of elite Greco-Roman and free style wrestlers and a group of non-athletic subjects
Authors: Rezasoltani A , Ahmadi A , Nehzate-Khoshroh M , Forohideh F , Ylinen J
Published: June 2005

Background:Free style and Greco-Roman are two types of wrestling.

Objectives:The aim of this study was to examine the maximal isometric strength of cervical extension (ISCE) and the maximal isometric strength of cervical flexion (ISCF) in two groups of elite wrestlers and a group of non-athletic subjects.

Methods:Fourteen elite Greco-Roman wrestlers (aged 19–25 years), 16 elite free style wrestlers (aged 18–25 years), and 16 non-athletic subjects (aged 18–25 years) participated in this study. All wrestlers competed at international level with the Iranian national team. Maximum voluntary contractions (MVC) of cervical extensor and flexor muscles were measured using a custom made device. The ratios of ISCE to weight (ISCE/weight), ISCF to weight (ISCF/weight), and ISCF to ISCE (ISCF/ISCE) were calculated for group comparisons. Pearson product moment test was used to estimate correlation between maximal isometric strength measurements and anthropometric variables. A one way analysis of variance was computed to compare ISCE/weight, ISCF/weight, and ISCF/ISCE among groups.

Results:There was significant correlation between maximum cervical extension and flexion strengths and weight in all groups (p<0.05, n = 46). The ratios of cervical muscle strengths to weight were significantly higher in wrestlers than in non-athletic subjects (p<0.00). Greco-Roman wrestlers appeared to be stronger than free style wrestlers following comparison of all ratios.

Conclusions:Neck muscle force measurements may be a useful test for athletes in combat sports like wrestling. They can be applied to identify the weakness of a group of muscles in the neck area and to devise a proper training program.
Assessment of ventilatory thresholds during graded and maximal exercise test using time varying analysis of respiratory sinus arrhythmia
Authors: Blain G , Meste O , Bouchard T , Bermon S
Published: June 2005

Objective:To test whether ventilatory thresholds, measured during an exercise test, could be assessed using time varying analysis of respiratory sinus arrhythmia frequency (fRSA).

Methods:Fourteen sedentary subjects and 12 endurance athletes performed a graded and maximal exercise test on a cycle ergometer: initial load 75 W (sedentary subjects) and 150 W (athletes), increments 37.5 W/2 min.fRSAwas extracted from heart period series using an evolutive model. First (TV1) and second (TV2) ventilatory thresholds were determined from the time course curves of ventilation and ventilatory equivalents for O2and CO2.

Results:fRSAwas accurately extracted from all recordings and positively correlated to respiratory frequency (r = 0.96 (0.03), p<0.01). In 21 of the 26 subjects, two successive non-linear increases were determined infRSA, defining the first (TRSA1) and second (TRSA2)fRSAthresholds. When expressed as a function of power, TRSA1and TRSA2were not significantly different from and closely linked to TV1(r = 0.99, p<0.001) and TV2(r = 0.99, p<0.001), respectively. In the five remaining subjects, only one non-linear increase was observed close to TV2. Significant differences (p<0.04) were found between athlete and sedentary groups when TRSA1and TRSA2were expressed in terms of absolute and relative power and percentage of maximal aerobic power. In the sedentary group, TRSA1and TRSA2were 150.3 (18.7) W and 198.3 (28.8) W, respectively, whereas in the athlete group TRSA1and TRSA2were 247.3 (32.8) W and 316.0 (28.8) W, respectively.

Conclusions:Dynamic analysis offRSAprovides a useful tool for identifying ventilatory thresholds during graded and maximal exercise test in sedentary subjects and athletes.
Impact of social standing on sports injury prevention in a WHO safe community: intervention outcome by household employment contract and type of sport
Authors: Timpka T , Lindqvist K , Ekstrand J , Karlsson N
Published: June 2005

Objectives:As physical activity is promoted as part of a healthy lifestyle, sports injuries are becoming an important public health concern in many countries. The objective of this study is to investigate rates of sports injuries before and after implementation of a WHO Safe Community program.

Methods:Sports injury data were collected pre- and post-implementation from all individuals below 65 years of age during 1 year in the targeted municipality (population 41 000) and in a control municipality (population 26 000). A quasi-experimental design was used and individuals were divided into three categories based on household relationship to the labour market.

Results:There were no differences between socio-economic categories regarding pre-intervention injury rates. No statistically significant post-intervention changes in injury rate were observed in the control area or among any females in either area. In the intervention area, a statistically significant (p = 0.011) decrease in injury rate was observed among male members of households in which the vocationally important member was employed. A statistically significant decrease was observed in injuries sustained in team sports among male members of households in which the vocationally important member was employed (p = 0.001) and among members of households in which the vocationally important member was self employed (p<0.05).

Conclusions:The study indicates areas for improvement in the civic network based WHO Safe Community model. The results show that females, participants in individual sports, and members of non-vocationally active households were less affected by the interventions. These facts have to be addressed in planning future community based sports injury prevention programmes and their evaluations.
Vascularity and pain in the patellar tendon of adult jumping athletes: a 5 month longitudinal study
Authors: Cook J L , Malliaras P , De Luca J , Ptasznik R , Morris M
Published: June 2005

Background:This study investigated changes in tendon vascularity in 102 (67 men and 35 women) volleyball players over a 6 month competitive season.

Methods:Athletes were examined with both grey scale ultrasound and standardised colour Doppler settings. Vessel length and pain were measured each month on five separate occasions. Vascular tendons were divided into (i) those that were vascular on all occasions (persistent vascularity) and (ii) those that were vascular on more than two but less than five occasions (intermittent vascularity).

Results:A total of 41 of the 133 abnormal tendons were vascular on two or more occasions. Of these, 16 had persistent vascularity and 25 had intermittent vascularity. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of vascularity between men and women. None of the tendons had a pattern of vascularity over the season that could be clearly interpreted as the onset or resolution of vascularity. Subjects with changes in both tendons were more likely to have persistent vascularity (p = 0.045). Vessels were longer in tendons with persistent vascularity (p<0.000) and pain was significantly greater (p = 0.043) than in tendons with intermittent vascularity. Tendons with intermittent vascularity had similar pain scores on all days, whether or not they had detectable blood flow.

Conclusions:These data suggest that the presence of blood vessels is more likely to be the source of pain than the blood flow in them.
Sequential avulsion of the anterior inferior iliac spine in an adolescent long jumper
Authors: Yildiz C , Yildiz Y , Ozdemir M T , Green D , Aydin T
Published: June 2005

We present here an unusual case of a sequential avulsion fracture of the anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS), occurring first in the right and then the left AIIS, during long jump attempts. The case of a 17 year old boy with pain around his right groin, which first occurred during a long jump attempt, is presented. Radiographic examination revealed an avulsion fracture of the right AIIS. After conservative treatment, full athletic activity was allowed 2 months after the injury. However, 4 months later the patient returned with a similar pain in the opposite side of his groin. Radiographs revealed another fracture of the left AIIS. The boy underwent the same treatment protocol; he was examined with isokinetic dynamometry. No complication or re-injury occurred during the 2 year follow up period. In the present study, we introduce the first case of a sequential bilateral AIIS avulsion fracture caused by a long jump.
Ventricular septal defect in a world class runner: Figure 1
Authors: Boraita A , Esteve-Lanao J , Pérez M , Rabadán M , Foster C , Lucia A
Published: June 2005

We report the case of an elite male, East African endurance runner (18 years old) who ranked in the top 15 in the World Cross Country Championships (sub 21 year old category) despite having a ventricular septal defect (VSD; width: 0.22 cm) that was diagnosed 2 weeks after this event with echocardiographic evaluation. This athlete was a moderate altitude native (∼3000 m). Cardiac dimensions were within normal limits and no significant pathological signs were observed. His Vo2maxwas relatively low given his performance level (67.9 ml kg−1min−1). Despite his limited training background (only 1 year), his running economy was, however, better than the values reported in our laboratory for Caucasian runners of the same age. Further cardiological follow up might confirm that the VSD causes no pathological effects or any performance detriment in future years.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials on physical interventions for lateral epicondylalgia
Authors: Bisset L , Paungmali A , Vicenzino B , Beller E
Published: June 2005

A systematic review of the literature on the effectiveness of physical interventions for lateral epicondylalgia (tennis elbow) was carried out. Seventy six randomised controlled trials were identified, 28 of which satisfied the minimum criteria for meta-analysis. The evidence suggests that extracorporeal shock wave therapy is not beneficial in the treatment of tennis elbow. There is a lack of evidence for the long term benefit of physical interventions in general. However, further research with long term follow up into manipulation and exercise as treatments is indicated.
Transformed dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: a clinicopathological study of eight cases
Authors: Szollosi Z , Nemes Z
Published: June 2005

Background:Fibrosarcomatous (FS) or malignant fibrous histiocytomatous (MFH) transformation of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare, but well known, entity. DFSPs with sarcomatous areas have questionable biological behaviour. Several studies suggest that they have a higher risk for local recurrence and distant metastases than ordinary DFSPs. One recent study described no difference in the behaviour of conventional and transformed DFSP.

Aims:To investigate the biological behaviour of a series of transformed DFSPs.

Methods:Eight transformed DFSPs were analysed clinicopathologically. Follow up ranged from four to 36 years.

Results:The tumours involved the trunk (six cases) and lower extremity (two cases) and measured 3.5–8 cm (median, 4). Sarcomatous change presented de novo in all cases. The type of sarcomatous change was FS (five cases) and MFH (three cases). The estimated proportion of sarcomatous area in the tumour was 25–70% (median, 43.37%). Mitotic counts ranged from nine to 16 mitotic figures/10 high power fields in the FS and MFH areas (median, 12), and from one to three in the DFSP areas. Six patients were treated by wide local excision with histopathologically negative margins and two were treated by simple surgical excision with positive margins. Three patients developed recurrences and one developed metastasis during follow up. Of those treated by wide local excision, one developed recurrence. All tumours expressed CD34 in the DFSP component, but only three in the sarcomatous area.

Conclusions:Although DFSP containing sarcoma may be a more aggressive tumour, its behaviour can be influenced by surgical treatment.
Axillary apocrine carcinoma with benign apocrine tumours: a case report involving a pathological and immunohistochemical study and review of the literature
Authors: Miyamoto T , Hagari Y , Inoue S , Watanabe T , Yoshino T
Published: June 2005

Background:Apocrine carcinoma is rare and often occurs in the axilla. This is the second apocrine carcinoma arising in bilateral axillae with associated apocrine hyperplasia to be reported.

Aims/Methods:Because benign apocrine tumours may be precursors of cancer, this case was investigated immunohistochemically and histologically, and a literature (English and Japanese) review undertaken of cases with coexistent malignant and benign apocrine tumours in the axilla to elucidate the relation between apocrine carcinoma and benign apocrine tumours.

Results:Only four cases of axillary apocrine carcinoma with benign apocrine tumours were identified in the literature. In each case, benign apocrine hyperplasia was situated within and surrounding the adenocarcinomatous nests. Staining for epithelial membrane antigen revealed three patterns: (1) poorly differentiated tumour cells showing strong cytoplasmic staining; (2) combined luminal surface and cytoplasmic staining of glandular cells; and (3) a strongly positive lineal staining pattern at the luminal membrane surface, comprising one or two apocrine hyperplastic secretory cells. The basal lesions of apocrine hyperplasia were strongly positive for α smooth muscle actin, whereas the periphery of adenomatous lesions showed weaker positive staining, even though the periphery of adenocarcinomatous lesions was negative.

Conclusions:All five apocrine carcinomas with benign apocrine tumours occurred in elderly Japanese men who had bilateral benign apocrine tumours even if affected by unilateral axillary apocrine carcinoma. The immunohistochemical results support the notion that apocrine hyperplasia is a precursor of cancer and that apocrine carcinoma, adenoma, and hyperplasia may be successive steps in the linear progression to carcinoma.
The use of LYVE-1 antibody for detecting lymphatic involvement in patients with malignant melanoma of known sentinel node status
Authors: Sahni D , Robson A , Orchard G , Szydlo R , Evans A V , Russell-Jones R
Published: June 2005

Background:Sentinel node (SN) status is the most important prognostic indicator in patients with cutaneous melanoma without clinically evident metastatic spread, but the procedure is associated with considerable morbidity. The LYVE-1 lymphatic marker offers the possibility of studying lymphangiogenesis and tumour metastasis within the primary excision.

Aims:To establish whether lymphatic vessel numbers/distribution within the primary tumour correlated with SN status. To assess whether tumour cells were easily demonstrable within lymphatics and could be used as a surrogate for SN status.

Methods:Double immunostaining for LYVE-1 and S100 in cutaneous biopsies from 18 SN+ patients with no lymphatic/vascular involvement on routine histology and 18 SN− patients matched for tumour thickness and ulceration.

Results:Lymphatic vessels were detected in all cases. Vessels within the tumour mass were suggestive of active lymphangiogenesis; those outside were mainly mature vessels with well defined walls. Tumour cells within lymphatics were detected in one of 18 SN− and five of 18 SN+ patients. Lymphatics containing tumour cells were all outside the tumour mass in well formed vessels, suggesting melanoma cell invasion into preformed lymphatics. There was no significant difference in lymphatic counts between SN+ and SN− patients. Although peritumorous lymphatic counts were higher in ulcerated than non-ulcerated melanomas, they did not vary with Breslow thickness.

Conclusion:LYVE-1 staining can reliably demonstrate lymphatic vessel distribution, but lymphatic counts cannot predict melanoma metastatic potential and cannot substitute for SN biopsy. LYVE-1 immunostaining can detect melanoma cells within lymphatics, but is unreliable in predicting melanoma metastasis, failing to detect metastatic spread in more than two thirds of patients with regional node metastasis.
Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the breast: a report of three cases and review of the literature
Authors: Adegbola T , Connolly C E , Mortimer G
Published: June 2005

Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the breast is a rare tumour with less than 30 cases reported in the literature. The clinicopathological findings of three cases of primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the breast and a review of the pertinent literature are presented. The morphological and immunohistochemical patterns of this tumour are similar to its pulmonary counterpart. Expression of neuroendocrine markers is inconsistent, so morphology is the mainstay of diagnosis. Size is a very important prognostic factor in this tumour, as in breast carcinomas of the usual type.
Use of native or platelet count adjusted platelet rich plasma for platelet aggregation measurements
Authors: Mani H , Luxembourg B , Kläffling C , Erbe M , Lindhoff-Last E
Published: June 2005

Background:It is still not clear whether native or platelet count adjusted platelet rich plasma (PRP) should be used for platelet aggregation measurements.

Aim:To evaluate the necessity of using adjusted PRP in platelet function testing.

Methods:Platelet aggregation with native PRP and adjusted PRP (platelet count: 250/nl, obtained by diluting native PRP with platelet poor plasma) was performed on the Behring Coagulation Timer (BCT®) using ADP, collagen, and arachidonic acid as agonists. Healthy subjects, patients on antiplatelet treatment, and patients with thrombocytosis (platelet counts in PRP > 1250/nl) were investigated.

Results:No significant differences in the maximum aggregation response were seen when using either native or adjusted PRP from healthy subjects and patients on antiplatelet treatment. Nevertheless, some patients taking aspirin or clopidogrel showed reduced inhibition of ADP and arachidonic acid induced aggregation in adjusted PRP but not in native PRP. The maximum velocity of healthy subjects and patients on antiplatelet treatment varied significantly as a result of the degree of dilution of the adjusted PRP. Surprisingly, the BCT provided good results when measuring platelet aggregation of native PRP from patients with thrombocytosis, whereas commonly used aggregometers could not analyse platelet aggregation of native PRP in these patients.

Conclusion:The time consuming process of PRP adjustment may not be necessary for platelet aggregation measurements. Moreover, using adjusted PRP for monitoring aspirin or clopidogrel treatment may falsify results. Therefore, it may be better to use native PRP for platelet aggregation measurements, even in patients with thrombocytosis.
Human defensin 5 expression in intestinal metaplasia of the upper gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Shen B , Porter E M , Reynoso E , Shen C , Ghosh D , Connor J T , Drazba J , Rho H K , Gramlich T L , Li R , Ormsby A H , Sy M-S , Ganz T , Bevins C L
Published: June 2005

Background:Upper gastrointestinal tract intestinal metaplasia (IM) is termed Barrett’s oesophagus (BO) or gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM), depending on its location. BO and GIM are associated with chemical exposure resulting from gastro–oesophageal reflux and chronicHelicobacter pyloriinfection, respectively. Paneth cells (PCs), characterised by cytoplasmic eosinophilic granules, are found in a subset of IM at these sites, but histology may not accurately detect them.

Aim:To determine human defensin 5 (HD5; an antimicrobial peptide produced by PCs) expression in BO and GIM, and to investigate its association withH pyloriinfection.

Methods:Endoscopic biopsies from 33 patients with BO and 51 with GIM, and control tissues, were examined by routine histology and forH pyloriinfection and HD5 mRNA and protein expression.

Results:In normal tissues, HD5 expression was specific for PCs in the small intestine. Five patients with BE and 42 with GIM expressed HD5, but few HD5 expressing cells in IM had the characteristic histological features of PCs. Most HD5 positive specimens wereH pyloriinfected and most HD5 negative specimens were not infected.

Conclusions:HD5 immunohistochemistry was often positive in IM when PCs were absent by conventional histology. Thus, HD5 immunohistochemistry may be superior to histology for identifying metaplastic PCs and distinguishing GIM from BO. The higher frequency of HD5 expression in GIM than in BO is associated with a higher frequency ofH pyloriinfection, suggesting that in IM PCs may form part of the mucosal antibacterial response.
Gastrointestinal stromal tumour treated with neoadjuvant imatinib
Authors: Loughrey M B , Mitchell C , Mann G B , Michael M , Waring P M
Published: June 2005

This report describes a case of unresectable primary gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) treated with imatinib on a neoadjuvant basis, before subsequent successful surgical resection. After six months of imatinib, computed tomography and positron emission tomography imaging demonstrated a significant size reduction and complete metabolic response to treatment, rendering the tumour resectable. Mutational analysis showed an activating KIT mutation in exon 11. The pathological appearance of the resected tumour was heterogeneous with extensive necrosis, cystic and myxoid change, extensive hypocellularity, and patchy foci of residual viable tumour. The implications for this management option of radiological, pathological, and molecular assessment are discussed.
HER2 amplification status in breast cancer: a comparison between immunohistochemical staining and fluorescence in situ hybridisation using manual and automated quantitative image analysis scoring techniques
Authors: Ellis C M , Dyson M J , Stephenson T J , Maltby E L
Published: June 2005

Aims:To compare the results of breast cancer sections with HercepTest™ immunohistochemistry (IHC) scores ranging from 0 to 3+ with fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) for HER2 amplification. The HER2 digital scoring application of the Micrometastasis Detection System (MDS™) was used, together with manual scoring of FISH and HercepTest, to determine whether this system provides an accurate alternative.

Methods:Paraffin wax embedded sections were stained using HercepTest and analysed by eye and automated quantitative image analysis. FISH was performed using the PathVysion™ fluorescent probe and scored by eye and automated quantitative image analysis using MDS.

Results:Of 114 cases, 26% were amplified by FISH, whereas only 18% scored 3+; 32% of IHC 2+ cases were amplified by FISH, and one showed borderline amplification. Six percent of IHC negative cases (0 or 1+) were amplified by FISH, and one showed borderline amplification. Of IHC 3+ cases, 10% were non-amplified by FISH. Classification discrepancies were seen in 18% of HercepTest cases scored by eye and using the MDS system. MDS was consistent with visual FISH scoring and correctly differentiated most ambiguous visual IHC scores.

Conclusions:FISH provides a more accurate and consistent scoring system for determining HER2 amplification than HercepTest. The MDS system provides a reliable, consistent alternative to visual IHC and FISH scoring. IHC is still a valuable technique to aid in identification of isolated or heterogeneous tumour populations for subsequent FISH analysis, and a combined FISH and HercepTest approach to all breast cancer cases may be the most efficient strategy.
Cell cycle related proteins as prognostic parameters in radically resected non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Esposito V , Baldi A , De Luca A , Tonini G , Vincenzi B , Santini D , Persichetti P , Mancini A , Citro G , Baldi F , Groeger A M , Caputi M
Published: June 2005

Background:Experimental evidence suggests that lung cancer development and progression can be linked to an increased proliferation rate.

Aims/Methods:To evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of seven components of the cell cycle machinery in a series of well characterised non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) specimens (n  =  105).

Results:Multivariate analysis revealed that simultaneous loss of expression of three of these factors—cyclin D1, the cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor p16, and the tumour suppressor retinoblastoma protein Rb2/p130—correlated with survival, confirming the hypothesis that the cyclin D1–p16–retinoblastoma tumour suppressor pathway is inactivated in most lung cancer samples.

Conclusions:These results suggest that loss of control of cell cycle checkpoints is a common occurrence in lung cancer and support the idea that functional cooperation between different cell cycle regulatory proteins constitutes another level of regulation in cell growth control and tumour suppression.
Autofluorescence characterisation of isolated whole crypts and primary cultured human epithelial cells from normal, hyperplastic, and adenomatous colonic mucosa
Authors: DaCosta R S , Andersson H , Cirocco M , Marcon N E , Wilson B C
Published: June 2005

Background/Aims:In vivo autofluorescence endoscopic imaging and spectroscopy have been used to detect and differentiate benign (hyperplastic) and preneoplastic (adenomatous) colonic lesions. This fluorescence is composed of contributions from the epithelium, lamina propria, and submucosa. Because epithelial autofluorescence in normal and diseased tissues is poorly understood, this was the focus of the present study.

Methods:Whole colonic crypts were isolated, and short term primary cultures of epithelial cells were established from biopsies of normal, hyperplastic, and adenomatous colon. Autofluorescence (488 nm excitation) was examined by confocal fluorescence microscopy. Fluorescently labelled organelle probes and transmission electron microscopy were used to identify subcellular sources of fluorescence.

Results:Mitochondria and lysosomes were identified as the main intracellular fluorescent components in all cell types. Normal and hyperplastic epithelial cells were weakly autofluorescent and had similar numbers of mitochondria and lysosomes, whereas adenomatous (dysplastic) epithelial cells showed much higher autofluorescence, and numerous highly autofluorescent lysosomal (lipofuscin) granules.

Conclusions:Short term primary cell cultures from endoscopic biopsies provide a novel model to understand differences in colonic tissue autofluorescence at the glandular (crypt) and cellular levels. The differences between normal, hyperplastic, and adenomatous epithelial cells are attributed in part to differences in the intrinsic numbers of mitochondria and lysosomes. This suggests that the detection of colonic epithelial fluorescence alone, if possible, may be sufficient to differentiate benign (hyperplastic) from preneoplastic and neoplastic (adenomatous) colonic intramucosal lesions during in vivo fluorescence endoscopy. Furthermore, highly orange/red autofluorescent intracellular granules found only in dysplastic epithelial cells may serve as a potential biomarker.
Immunocytochemical detection of deoxycytidine kinase in haematological malignancies and solid tumours
Authors: Hubeek I , Peters G J , Broekhuizen A J F , Talianidis I , Sigmond J , Gibson B E S , Creutzig U , Giaccone G , Kaspers G J L
Published: June 2005

Background:Deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) is responsible for the activation of several clinically important deoxynucleoside analogues used for the treatment of haematological and solid malignancies.

Aim:To measure dCK expression in tumour cells from different origins.

Method:A rabbit antihuman dCK antibody was used for the immunocytochemical detection of dCK expression in three leukaemic cell lines (HL60, U937, and CCRF-CEM) and 97 patient samples (paediatric acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and lymphoid leukaemia (ALL), retinoblastoma, paediatric brain tumours, and adult non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)).

Results:CCRF-CEM, U937, and HL60 cells stained positively for dCK and the degree of expression correlated with dCK activity. dCK expression varied between tumour types and between individual patients within one tumour type. dCK was located predominantly in the cytoplasm. The staining intensity was scored as negative (0), low (1+), intermediate (2+), or high (3+). Expression of dCK was high in AML blasts. In contrast, brain tumour samples expressed low amounts of dCK. dCK staining ranged from low (1+) to high (3+) in ALL blasts, retinoblastoma, and NSCLC tissue samples. Staining was consistent (interobserver variability, 88%; κ  =  0.83) and specific. Western blotting detected the dCK protein appropriately at 30 kDa, without additional bands.

Conclusions:Immunocytochemistry is an effective and reliable method for determining the expression of dCK in patient samples and requires little tumour material. This method enables large scale screening of dCK expression in tumour samples.
Polymorphism of the 5′ flanking region of the IL-12 receptor β2 gene partially determines the clinical types of leprosy through impaired transcriptional activity
Authors: Ohyama H , Ogata K , Takeuchi K , Namisato M , Fukutomi Y , Nishimura F , Naruishi H , Ohira T , Hashimoto K , Liu T , Suzuki M , Uemura Y , Matsushita S
Published: June 2005

Background:Individual differences in T cell responsiveness to interleukin 12 (IL-12), resulting from inherited factors, may be responsible for differences in the intensity of cell mediated immune (CMI) responses in patients with leprosy, a disease with a wide clinical spectrum.

Aim:Polymorphisms in the 5′ flanking region of the IL12RB2 gene were analysed to determine potential immunogenetic factors affecting CMI responses, using leprosy as a model.

Methods:Polymorphisms in the 5′ flanking region of IL12RB2 were examined using direct sequencing techniques, and allele frequencies between patients with lepromatous leprosy and patients with tuberculoid leprosy were compared. The effect of these single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on IL12RB2 expression was estimated using the dual luciferase reporter gene assay in Jurkat T cells.

Results:Several SNPs, including −1035A>G, −1023A>G, −650delG, and −465A>G, were detected within the 5′ flanking region of IL12RB2. The frequency of haplotype 1 (−1035A, −1023A, −650G, −464A) was high in the general Japanese population, but was significantly lower in lepromatous patients compared with tuberculoid patients and healthy controls. Reporter gene assays using Jurkat T cells revealed that all haplotypes carrying one or more SNP exhibited a lower transcriptional activity compared with haplotype 1.

Conclusion:SNPs within the 5′ flanking region of IL12RB2 affect the degree of expression of this gene and may be implicated in individual differences in CMI responsiveness to mycobacterial antigens, leading to lepromatous or tuberculoid leprosy.
Survivability of vancomycin resistant enterococci and fitness cost of vancomycin resistance acquisition
Authors: Ramadhan A A , Hegedus E
Published: June 2005

Aims:To investigate the survivability of vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE) under dry starvation conditions and the fitness cost of vancomycin resistance.

Methods:VRE colonies on cotton swabs were incubated at room temperature in a sterile box and cultured weekly until cultures no longer showed growth. Negative swabs inoculated into brain heart infusion (BHI) broth were subcultured to blood agar after 24, 48, and 72 hours of incubation to resuscitate viable but non-culturable cells. Stability of the vancomycin resistance determinant and of the DNA fingerprint pattern was determined by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and repetitive PCR, respectively. Tests for fitness cost were carried out on the same VRE isolates and 28 hospital vancomycin sensitive enterococci (VSE) isolates by incubation and measurement of optical density using a microplate reader and comparing maximum growth rate and lag phase duration between VRE and VSE, using independent samplest tests.

Results:Mean maximum time of recovery by primary culture was 8.5 weeks forEnterococcus faecalisVRE and 21.8 weeks forE faeciumVRE. Two of twoE faecalisisolates were resuscitated after 24 hours in BHI broth, and two of fiveE faeciumisolates after 72 hours. No fitness cost of vancomycin resistance was demonstrated.

Conclusions:VRE can survive for prolonged periods in a dry starvation state, retaining their genetic complement, including vancomycin resistance determinants, and show little or no fitness cost of vancomycin resistance. Thus, the rate of entry required for VRE to become, and remain, endemic in the community is relatively small.
Biofilm formation and esp gene carriage in enterococci: Table 1
Authors: Ramadhan A A , Hegedus E
Published: June 2005

Aims:To investigate biofilm production and esp carriage in enterococci.

Methods:Biofilm production in vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE) and vancomycin susceptible enterococci (VSE) was tested on a microtitre plate method, using both brain heart infusion (BHI) broth and human serum as media. Isolates were screened for the esp gene, which has been reported to be essential for biofilm formation in enterococci, by means of the polymerase chain reaction.

Results:None of seven VRE and nine of 28 VSE tested formed a biofilm. One initially negative VREEnterococcus faeciumisolate produced a strong biofilm after 21 weeks of dry starvation on a cotton swab. By Fisher’s exact test, there was no significant difference in biofilm formation between VRE and VSE,E faecalisandE faecium, or isolates from different sites. Biofilm formation was independent of possession of the esp gene. One isolate produced a strong biofilm in human serum but only a weak biofilm in BHI, whereas another produced a moderate biofilm in human serum but a weak biofilm in BHI.

Conclusions:The acquisition of vancomycin resistance may result in a lower ability to form biofilms, but a larger study using clinical isolates is needed to test this hypothesis. That one initially negative VRE isolate produced a strong biofilm after prolonged dry starvation suggests that biofilm formation may be an adaptive response. The esp gene does not appear to be necessary or sufficient for production of biofilms in enterococci.
The presence of benign prostatic glandular tissue at surgical margins does not predict PSA recurrence
Authors: Kernek K M , Koch M O , Daggy J K , Juliar B E , Cheng L
Published: June 2005

Background:Serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) increases after radical prostatectomy are thought to indicate recurrent disease, although some suggest they result from benign prostatic epithelial tissue left at surgical margins.

Aims:To investigate whether presence, location, and extent of benign prostatic tissue at radical prostatectomy surgical margins influence patient outcome.

Methods:One hundred and ninety nine patients with prostate cancer and negative surgical margins were studied. The prostectomy specimens were totally embedded using the whole mount technique. The apex and bladder neck, dissected as a cone from the specimen, were serially sectioned. The total length of benign prostatic tissue at the margins, measured for each location using an ocular micrometer, was obtained by summing the length of all positive sites. The presence, anatomical location, and extent of benign prostatic tissue at the margin were correlated with clinicopathological characteristics and postoperative PSA increases.

Results:Fifty five cases had benign prostatic glandular tissue at the surgical margin. The mean length was 2.19 mm (0.1–14.7). The most frequent location of benign prostatic tissue was the apex (40 patients). Presence, anatomical location, and length of benign prostatic tissue at the margin were not significantly associated with age, preoperative PSA, prostate weight, pathological stage, tumour volume, largest tumour dimension, Gleason score, extraprostatic extension, seminal vesical invasion, tumour multifocality, perineural invasion, or PSA recurrence.

Conclusions:Benign prostatic tissue was frequently found in margins of apex and bladder base, but uncommon in the anterior or posterior prostate. The presence of benign prostatic tissue at surgical margins had no prognostic relevance.
Cytokeratin phenotyping does not help in distinguishing oesophageal adenocarcinoma from cancer of the gastric cardia
Authors: van Lier M G F , Bomhof F J , Leendertse I , Flens M , Balk A T , Loffeld R J L F
Published: June 2005

Background:It is sometimes difficult to distinguish between cardia cancer and oesophageal cancer.

Aims:To evaluate whether cytokeratin (CK) expression of the tumour can be of value in differentiating between the two tumour types.

Methods:Consecutive patients with a malignant tumour in the oesophagus or stomach were recruited. Biopsy specimens were taken for routine haematoxylin and eosin staining. One tissue block with representative tissue was selected for immunohistochemical staining (CK7 and CK20).

Results:Endoscopically located adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus was present in 84 patients (64 men, 20 women; mean age, 68 years; range, 44–91). Cancer located primarily in the gastric cardia was present in 63 patients (42 men, 21 women; mean age, 68 years; range, 42–88). The histological diagnosis was metastasis from a primary tumour outside the oesophagus or stomach in 19 patients. The patients were divided into three groups for the immunohistochemical analysis. Patients in group A had definite oesophageal cancer, group B patients had a definite carcinoma located in the gastric cardia, and group C patients had an obstructing tumour distal in the oesophagus at the level of the diaphragm, which could not be passed with the endoscope. Paraffin wax embedded material was available from 122 patients for immunostaining and CK analysis. There was no significant difference in expression or distribution of CK7 or CK20 in the three groups of patients.

Conclusion:CK phenotyping cannot distinguish between cancer arising from a Barrett’s oesophagus and carcinoma originating in the gastric cardia.
No GIST-type c-kit gain of function mutations in neuroblastic tumours
Authors: Korja M , Finne J , Salmi T T , Haapasalo H , Tanner M , Isola J
Published: June 2005

Aims:Neuroblastic tumours (NTs) have been shown to respond to imatinib treatment in vivo and in vitro, possibly via inactivating the c-kit receptor. The purpose of this study was to identify gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST)-type c-kit gene associated mutations in exons 9, 11, 13, and 17 in NTs to recognise a subset of tumours that would probably respond to imatinib treatment.

Methods:Expression of the c-kit protein was detected immunohistochemically in a total of 37 archival paraffin wax embedded NTs using polyclonal rabbit antihuman c-kit antibody. After immunohistochemistry, c-kit gene associated chromosomal mutations in all cases of NT were detected with denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Results:Denaturing HLPC analysis did not reveal GIST-type mutations in four immunohistochemically detected c-kit positive or in 33 c-kit negative NTs.

Conclusions:c-kit receptor expression and GIST-type c-kit gene mutations are rare events in NTs. Oncogenic activation of c-kit in NTs presumably differs from that of GISTs, which may influence their responsiveness to imatinib treatment. Whether c-kit has an essential role in the pathogenesis of NTs remains to be investigated.
Antibiotic selection patterns in acutely febrile new outpatients with or without immediate testing for C reactive protein and leucocyte count
Authors: Takemura Y , Ebisawa K , Kakoi H , Saitoh H , Kure H , Ishida H , Kure M
Published: June 2005

Background:Excessive use of broad spectrum antibiotics is related to the spread of drug resistant bacterial strains in the community.

Aim/methods:The effects of immediate testing for C reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell count (WBC) on physicians’ choices of antibiotic was investigated in patients with acute infection. Acutely febrile new outpatients were randomised into two groups: group 1 (147 patients) underwent CRP and WBC testing before initial consultation (advance testing). Prescriptions were compared with those in group 2 (no advance testing; 154 patients).

Results:In non-pneumonic acute respiratory tract infections, 61 (58%) and 122 (91%) of group 1 and 2 patients were prescribed antibiotics, respectively. Cefcapene pivoxil (third generation cephalosporin) and amoxicillin were the most frequently chosen drugs for group 1 and 2, respectively. Total prescriptions of newer, extended spectrum antibiotics (cefcapene pivoxil and clarithromycin (advanced macrolide)) were reduced by 25% in group 1, although they increased in rate (41 (67%)v55 (45%) prescriptions) because of the decreased prescription of amoxicillin. In group 1, cefcapene pivoxil was preferentially selected when WBC values were greater than 9 × 109/litre. Prescription shifted to macrolides (mainly clarithromycin) in patients without leucocytosis. Patient treatment outcome did not significantly differ between the two groups.

Conclusions:The availability of CRP and WBC data during initial consultation greatly reduced prescription of amoxicillin, but had a lesser effect on newer, potent, broad spectrum antibiotics.
Metaplastic breast carcinomas are negative for Her-2 but frequently express EGFR (Her-1): potential relevance to adjuvant treatment with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors?
Authors: Leibl S , Moinfar F
Published: June 2005

Background:Metaplastic carcinomas (MCs) of the breast rarely express steroid receptors and Her-2, which minimises the options for adjuvant treatment in patients with advanced disease.

Aims:To investigate the possible eligibility of patients with MCs for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) targeted treatment.

Methods:Immunohistochemical assessment of the expression of steroid receptors and four members of the EGFR/Her family (EGFR/Her-1–4) in 20 MCs (eight with heterologous elements, seven spindle cell MCs, four carcinosarcomas, and one matrix producing carcinoma). Fourteen of the 20 MCs were positive for EGFR (Her-1). Among these cases, 1+, 2+, and 3+ reactivity were seen in two, four, and eight cases, respectively. Her-2 was only present in one MC with 1+ reactivity. Her-3 (1+ reactivity), Her-4 (2+ reactivity), and the androgen receptor (2+ reactivity) were also expressed by one tumour. Oestrogen and progesterone receptors (3+ reactivity each) were detected in the epithelial component only of two carcinosarcoma-type MCs.

Conclusions:MCs express EGFR considerably more frequently than the types of breast carcinomas that have been investigated previously. Although molecular analyses for possible genetic alterations in the EGFR might be required, these results suggest that women suffering from this aggressive form of breast carcinoma might benefit from treatment with protein kinase inhibitors, such as gefitinib.
Pathological diagnosis of columnar cell lesions of the breast: are there issues of reproducibility?
Authors: Tan P H , Ho B C-S , Selvarajan S , Yap W M , Hanby A
Published: June 2005

Aims:To assess inter/intraobserver variability in the interpretation of a series of digitised images of columnar cell lesions (CCLs) of the breast.

Methods:After a tutorial on breast CCL, 39 images were presented to seven staff pathologists, who were instructed to categorise the lesions as follows: 0, no columnar cell change (CCC) or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS); 1, CCC; 2, columnar cell hyperplasia; 3, CCC with architectural atypia; 4, CCC with cytological atypia; 5, DCIS. Concordance with the tutor’s diagnosis and degree of agreement among pathologists for each image were determined. The same set of images was re-presented to the pathologists one week later, their diagnoses collated, and inter/intraobservor reproducibility and level of agreement for individual images analysed.

Results:Diagnostic reproducibility with the tutor ranged from moderate to substantial (κ values, 0.439–0.697) in the first exercise. At repeat evaluation, intraobserver agreement was fair to perfect (κ values, 0.271–0.832), whereas concordance with the tutor varied from fair to substantial (κ values, 0.334–0.669). There was unanimous agreement on more images during the second exercise, mainly because of agreement on the diagnosis of DCIS. The lowest agreement was seen for CCC with cytological atypia.

Conclusions:Interobserver and intraobserver agreement is good for DCIS, but more effort is needed to improve diagnostic consistency in the category of CCC with cytological atypia. Continued awareness and study of these lesions are necessary to enhance recognition and understanding.
COSMO MSW EFFECT FOR MASS VARYING NEUTRINOS
Authors: HUNG PHAM QUANG , PÄS HEINRICH
Published: June 2005

We consider neutrinos with varying masses which arise in scenarios relating neutrino masses to the dark energy density in the universe. We point out that the neutrino mass variation can lead to level crossing and thus a cosmo MSW effect, having dramatic consequences for the flavor ratio of astrophysical neutrinos.
THE LEADER OPERATORS OF THE (d+1)-DIMENSIONAL RELATIVISTIC ROTATING OSCILLATORS
Authors: COTĂESCU ION I. , COTĂESCU ION I. , POP NICOLINA
Published: June 2005

The main pairs of leader operators of the quantum models of relativistic rotating oscillators in arbitrary dimensions are derived. To this end one exploits the fact that these models generate Pöschl–Teller radial problems with remarkable properties of supersymmetry and shape invariance.
VAN DER WAERDEN CALCULUS WITH COMMUTING SPINOR VARIABLES AND APPLICATIONS TO SUPERSYMMETRY
Authors: CONSTANTINESCU FLORIN
Published: June 2005

Working with anticommuting Weyl (or Majorana) spinors in the frame of the van der Waerden calculus is standard in supersymmetry. The natural framework of rigorous supersymmetric quantum field theory makes use of operator-valued superdistributions defined on supersymmetric test functions. This makes necessary a van der Waerden calculus in which the Grassmann variables anticommute but the fermionic components commute. We work out such a calculus in view of applications to the rigorous conceptual problems of supersymmetric quantum field theory.
SIGNATURES OF TEV SCALE GRAVITY IN HIGH ENERGY COLLISIONS
Authors: NICOLAIDIS A. , SANCHEZ N. G.
Published: June 2005

In TeV scale unification models, gravity propagates in 4+δ dimensions while gauge and matter fields are confined to a four-dimensional brane, with gravity becoming strong at the TeV scale. For a such scenario, we study strong gravitational interactions in an effective Schwarzschild geometry. Two distinct regimes appear. For large impact parameters, the ratio ρ~(Rs/r0)1+δ, (with Rs the Schwarzschild radius and r0 the closest approach to the black hole), is small and the deflection angle χ is proportional to ρ (this is like Rutherford-type scattering). For small impact parameters, the deflection angle χ develops a logarithmic singularity and becomes infinite for ρ = ρ c = 2/(3+δ). This singularity is reflected into a strong enhancement of the backward scattering (like a glory-type effect). We suggest as distinctive signature of black hole formation in particle collisions at TeV energies, the observation of backward scattering events and their associated diffractive effects.