bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased macrophage‐derived chemokine in exhaled breath condensate and plasma from children with asthma
Authors: Leung T. F. , Wong G. W. K. , Ko F. W. S. , Lam C. W. K. , Fok T. F.
Published: May 2004

Background
Type 2 helper T lymphocyte‐specific chemokines including macrophage‐derived chemokine (MDC), thymus and activation‐regulated chemokine (TARC) and eotaxin are important mediators for allergic airway inflammation.

Objective
We investigated whether these chemokines can be detected in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) and their relation to childhood asthma.

Methods
Asthmatics recruited from paediatric clinics of a university teaching hospital were classified into intermittent asthma (IA) and persistent asthma (PA) according to Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines. EBC was collected by a disposable collection kit, whereas fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) was measured by a chemiluminescence analyser. Concentrations of MDC, TARC and eotaxin in both EBC and plasma were measured using sandwich enzyme immunoassay. The intra‐subject reproducibility of exhaled chemokine measurements was determined by co‐efficients of variation (CV).

Results
Forty‐eight patients with PA, 36 children with IA and 18 controls were recruited. MDC and eotaxin were present in EBC from nearly all subjects, whereas TARC could be measured in EBC from 33 (32%) subjects only. The median MDC concentration in EBC was higher in PA (117 pg/mL) as compared with IA (106 pg/mL) and controls (105 pg/mL; P=0.003 for both). The median plasma MDC concentration in PA (648 pg/mL) was also higher than that in IA (520 pg/mL; P=0.002) and controls (490 pg/mL; P=0.008). The median plasma TARC concentration was also increased in PA as compared with IA (72 pg/mL vs. 35 pg/mL; P=0.004). MDC concentrations in EBC were lower in patients with PA who received high‐dose inhaled corticosteroid (P=0.005). FENO was significantly higher in asthmatics than controls (P<0.0001), but it was not associated with chemokines in EBC or plasma. The mean (range) CV for measuring MDC, TARC and eotaxin in EBC (n=6) were 5.5 (2.0−7.2%), 8.8 (3.6−14.4%) and 5.2 (2.8−7.9%), respectively.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that MDC in EBC and MDC and TARC in plasma are increased in children with PA as compared with IA or control. MDC concentrations in EBC are suppressed in patients on high‐dose inhaled corticosteroid treatment.
Topical treatment with aqueous solutions of rofleponide palmitate and budesonide in a pollen‐season model of allergic rhinitis
Authors: Ahlström‐Emanuelsson C. , Andersson M. , Persson C. , Schrewelius C. , Greiff L.
Published: May 2004

Background
Rofleponide palmitate is an esterified glucocorticosteroid pro‐drug with a promising pre‐clinical profile designed to deliver topical airway treatment for allergic rhinitis and asthma in a novel manner. Thus, the rofleponide palmitate pro‐drug is designed to provide topical exposure of the mucosa to the inactive lipophilic drug, which would be locally metabolized to the more hydrophilic and readily cleared drug rofleponide.

Objective
To examine whether rofleponide palmitate affects nasal symptoms and peak inspiratory flow (PIF) in a pollen‐season model of allergic rhinitis and to compare any such effects with those of another glucocorticosteroid (i.e., budesonide).

Methods
During the pollen‐free season, 40 patients with strictly seasonal allergic rhinitis received topical nasal spray treatment with an aqueous solution of rofleponide palmitate 400 μg and an aqueous solution of budesonide 128 μg once daily for 10 days in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, and crossover study. After 3 days of drug treatment, individualized allergen challenges were given once daily for 7 days while the treatment continued. The washout periods between each of the challenge series were 2 weeks. Nasal symptoms and PIF were recorded in the morning and evening, as well as 10 and 20 min after each allergen challenge. The mean recordings obtained during the last 3 days of the allergen‐challenge series, when symptoms were established and when the treatment had lasted for 8–10 days, were used in the analysis.

Results
Both active treatments reduced nasal symptoms and improved nasal PIF compared with placebo (P<0.01–0.001). There was no overall difference in efficacy between rofleponide palmitate 400 μg and budesonide 128 μg.

Conclusions
Topical treatment with aqueous solutions of rofleponide palmitate attenuates nasal symptoms and improves nasal PIF in allergic rhinitis. The overall efficacy of 400 μg of rofleponide palmitate is similar to that of 128 μg of budesonide in the pollen‐season model used in this study.
Seclusion: the inside story
Authors: HOEKSTRA T. , LENDEMEIJER H. H. G. M. , JANSEN M. G. M. J.
Published: May 2004

The objective of this study was to gain a better understanding of the seclusion room experiences of chronic psychiatric patients, the way in which they cope with their seclusion room experience, and the effect of seclusion on subsequent relations with care providers. A qualitative research design was used, in line with the procedure of Grounded Theory. Semi‐structured interviews were held with seven chronic psychiatric outpatients whose seclusion took place at a certain remove in time. The transcriptions were analyzed with the aid of Winmax®. The following results were found. Most seclusion experiences by far are negative. However, patients whose experience took place a considerable time ago also mention positive experiences. It is hard to come to terms with the seclusion experience; this is a matter of learning to live with it (adaptation) rather than assimilating it (adjustment, or active coping and controlling). Factors conducive to the coping process are: understanding the reason why it took place, time, distraction, possibilities to discuss it with others, and quick recovery of control. Factors prohibitive to the coping process are: the danger of recurrence, iniquitous treatment by care providers during seclusion, confrontation with others being secluded, and lack of opportunity to talk about it. Seclusion does not affect subsequent relation with care providers, with two exceptions. When patients feel they have been treated iniquitously during seclusion, or when seclusion continues to be a daily threat, this has a negative effect on relations with care providers. The central themes of this study are autonomy, trust, and loneliness.
A novel regulatory pathway of sulfate uptake in Arabidopsis roots: implication of CRE1/WOL/AHK4‐mediated cytokinin‐dependent regulation
Authors: Maruyama‐Nakashita Akiko , Nakamura Yumiko , Yamaya Tomoyuki , Takahashi Hideki
Published: May 2004

Cytokinin is an adenine derivative plant hormone that generally regulates plant cell division and differentiation in conjunction with auxin. We report that a major cue for the negative regulation of sulfur acquisition is executed by cytokinin response 1 (CRE1)/wooden leg (WOL)/Arabidopsis histidine kinase 4 (AHK4) cytokinin receptor in Arabidopsis root. We constructed a green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter system that generally displays the expression of the high‐affinity sulfate transporter SULTR1;2 in Arabidopsis roots. GFP under the control of SULTR1;2 promoter showed typical sulfur responses that correlate with the changes in SULTR1;2 mRNA levels; accumulation of GFP was induced by sulfur limitation (−S), but was repressed in the presence of reduced sulfur compounds. Among the plant hormones tested, cytokinin significantly downregulated the expression of SULTR1;2. SULTR1;1 conducting sulfate uptake in sultr1;2 mutant was similarly downregulated by cytokinin. Downregulation of SULTR1;1 and SULTR1;2 by cytokinin correlated with the decrease in sulfate uptake activities in roots. The effect of cytokinin on sulfate uptake was moderated in the cre1‐1 mutant, providing genetic evidence for involvement of CRE1/WOL/AHK4 in the negative regulation of high‐affinity sulfate transporters. These data demonstrated the physiological importance of the cytokinin‐dependent regulatory pathway in acquisition of sulfate in roots. Our results suggested that two different modes of regulation, represented as the −S induction and the cytokinin‐dependent repression of sulfate transporters, independently control the uptake of sulfate in Arabidopsis roots.
The Fine Structure of the Harderian Gland in the Ostrich (Struthio camelus)
Authors: Altunay H. , Kozlu T.
Published: May 2004

The Harderian gland of the ostrich (Struthio camelus) is a tubuloalveolar gland containing holocrine secreting epithelial cells. The gland epithelium is composed of two different cell types, which can be classified as type I and type II. These cells contain dense secretory vesicles in their cytoplasm and they are connected laterally with desmosomes. At the basal site of these cells, myoepithelial cells are present. Plasma cells are observed in the subepithelial region of the gland. In the interlobular trabeculae, forming the gland stroma, fibroblasts, blood vessels and nerve fibres are included. Another important finding in the ostrich Harderian gland is the presence of homogeneous material.
Arterial Vascularization of the Uropygial Glands (Gl. Uropygialis) in the Rock Partridge (Alectoris graeca) Living in Turkey
Authors: Özcan S. , Aslan K. , Aksoy G. , Kürtül İ.
Published: May 2004

This study aims to observe the morphological characteristics of the uropygial gland (Glandula uropygialis), specifically the arterial vascularization, in rock partridges (Alectoris graeca) living in Turkey. Coloured‐latex‐injected animals were dissected and the gland and related arteries were observed. Mostly, the fourth paired caudal segmental arteries (Aa. segmentales caudales) arising from the median caudal artery (A. mediana caudae) were specified as the uropygial gland arteries. These arteries, in turn, gave the following rami: the muscular ramus (Ramus muscularis) to the levator coccygeus and lateral caudal muscles, the lateral ramus (Ramus lateralis) to the lateral coccygeus muscle and a small ventro‐lateral division of the caudal component of the gland, and the medial rami (Ramus medialis) to the dorsal surface of the gland.
Scanning Electron Microscopy of the Superficial Pineal Gland of the 15‐day‐old rat (Rattus norvegicus)
Authors: Ortiz G. G. , García J. J. , Feria‐Velasco A. , Rosales‐Corral S. A. , Reiter R. J.
Published: May 2004

The presence of a cortex and medulla in the superficial pineal gland has been a controversial point in the morphology of this structure in mammals. The published reports indicate contradictory data especially in rodents. In this study the pineal gland of 15‐day‐old male rats (Rattus norvegicus) were studied, using scanning electron microscopy, in an attempt to determine whether or not a cortex and medulla are apparent in the pineal gland of young rats. The superficial pineal gland of the 15‐day‐old rat exhibited both a cortex and a medulla; these areas exhibited different structural organizations. The cortex had a thickness of 40–80 μm and the cells did not show a particular arrangement. The center of the gland was composed of a medulla, which had a width of 1000–1200 μm, and consisted of cells arranged in cords; its morphology was distinctly different from that of the cortex.
Desmoplakin and Plakoglobin – Specific Markers of Lymphatic Vessels in the Skin?
Authors: Fedele C. , Berens D. , Rautenfeld V. , Pabst R.
Published: May 2004

Monoclonal antibodies against Desmoplakin and Plakoglobin were tested for their suitability as specific markers of lymphatic vessels. The tissue samples were taken from horse skin in an attempt to establish the horse as a model for human lymphatic diseases. To obtain a clear, positive identification of blood and lymphatic vessels, immunohistochemical staining with antibodies against vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR‐3) and platelet endothelial adhesion molecule (PECAM‐1, CD31), was compared with Desmoplakin and Plakoglobin. Because anti‐VEGFR‐3 is specific for lymphatic vessels in the skin while anti‐CD31 stains blood and lymphatic vessels as well, it can be concluded that VEGFR‐3−/CD31+ vessels are blood vessels and VEGFR‐3+/CD31+ vessels are lymphatic vessels. It was documented on serial sections that Plakoglobin stains both blood and lymphatic vessels. However, Desmoplakin did not stain several positively identified lymphatic vessels. Therefore, Desmoplakin and Plakoglobin antibodies are not specific markers of lymphatic vessels in the skin and the staining pattern is tissues and species dependent.
Development of Ileal Peyer's Patches and Follicle Associated Epithelium in Bovine Foetuses
Authors: Beyaz F. , Aşti R. N.
Published: May 2004

The development of the ileal Peyer's patches (ilPP) and follicle associated epithelium (FAE) was examined in 30 bovine foetuses ranging from 73 to 271 days of gestation by light and transmission electron microscopic methods. The first primordial ilPP was encountered in the foetus at 164 days of gestation The ilPP were found to have been formed from the aggregation of lymph follicles in the foetus at 227 days of gestation whereas in the foetus at 271 days of gestation the follicular development was observed to have been completed. While the cells in the FAE in the foetus at 164 days of gestation and those older were cuboidal, those of the foetus at 271 days of gestation were columnar. As from the foetus at 227 days of gestation, however, the FAE was found to be composed of uniform lymphoepithelial cells with an increase in the number of intraepithelial leukocytes. In the early stages, whereas the apical surfaces of the FAE cells appeared shorter with microfolds, with advancing age the apical surfaces of the FAE cells were observed to be heterogeneous. Our results suggest that bovine ilPP and FAE cells are histologically and functionally mature before birth.
Sirius Red is able to Selectively Stain Eosinophil Granulocytes in Bovine, Ovine and Equine Cervical Tissue
Authors: Wehrend A. , Hetzel U. , Huchzermeyer S. , Klein C. , Bostedt H.
Published: May 2004

The aim of the present study was to examine the suitability of sirius red staining for selective light microscopic demonstration of eosinophil granulocytes in cervical tissue of mares, cows and sheeps. For this purpose, tissue was fixed in 4% neutral buffered formol or in Bouin's solution. Paraffin sections of 5‐μm thickness were stained with sirius red. In cows, mares and sheeps a selective distinction of eosinophilic infiltration is successful after both fixation methods.
Abnormalities in chromosome 17 and p53 in lung carcinoma cells detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization
Authors: Kawai Toshiaki , Hiroi Sadayuki , Nakanishi Kuniaki , Sakurai Yutaka , Torikata Chikao
Published: May 2004

The value of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) as an aid to deciding the prognosis for lung carcinoma patients, comparing quantitatively the signal from the p53 gene (17p13.1) on chromosome 17, was studied. A dual‐labeling technique was used, using probes for the centromeric region of chromosome 17 and for the p53 gene locus. FISH was used on frozen sections of 68 surgically resected lung carcinoma (20 adenocarcinoma; 37 squamous cell carcinoma; 11 large, small, and other cell carcinoma). Hybridization signals were counted for 100–200 interphase nuclei per specimen using a Zeiss confocal laser scanning microscope (Carl Zeiss, Oberkochen, Germany) equipped with a bandpass filter for diaminophenolindole and a longpass filter for rhodamine. Clinicopathologic data were evaluated using the Statistical Analysis System. Chromosome 17 polysomy (three or more signals) was greater in poorly differentiated than in well‐differentiated lung carcinoma (P < 0.05). p53 deletion correlated with p53 immunostaining (P < 0.05). Thus, analysis by FISH using DNA probes for chromosome 17 and p53 may be of some, albeit limited, value in determination of prognosis.
Accumulation of MDM2 in pleomorphic xanthoastrocytomas
Authors: Matsumoto Kenichi , Suzuki Satoshi O. , Fukui Masashi , Iwaki Toru
Published: May 2004

The molecular genetic basis and the tumorigenic mechanism of pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) still remain to be elucidated. The amplification of the mdm2 gene and accumulation of the MDM2 protein, which is considered to be one of the major cellular regulators of p53‐mediated cell growth control, were studied in eight specimens of PXA obtained from five patients. All of the PXA samples showed at least focal immunopositivity for MDM2. However, none of the samples showed mdm2 gene amplification. These results suggest that accumulation of MDM2 without gene amplification may be one of the major molecular events occurring in the tumorigenesis of PXA.
Solitary fibrous tumor arising in gastric serosa
Authors: Lee Won‐Ae , Lee Mi‐Kyung , Jeen Yoon Mi , Kie Jeong‐Hae , Chung Jae‐Joon , Yun Seong Hyeon
Published: May 2004

The solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) of peritoneum, especially arising in gastric serosa, is extremely rare. A case of SFT arising in gastric serosa of a 70‐year‐old man is reported. On abdominal computed tomography scan, an approximate 8.0 × 5.3 cm‐sized solid mass with multiple nodular calcifications was noted in the omentomesentery of right upper abdomen, which was abutting to the gastric antral wall. At laparotomy the tumor was tightly attached to the gastric serosa and was completely excised by wedge resection of the stomach. The cut surfaces of the tumor were pale brown to pale yellow, firm, with multifocal yellowish, gritty, stony‐hard nodules and cystic changes. Microscopically, the tumor was composed of mildly cellular benign‐appearing spindle‐shaped cells and bands of hyalinized collagen in varying proportions. The tumor revealed predominantly sclerosing pattern with extensive hyalinized fibrosis and multifocal dystrophic calcifications. The tumor was mainly located at the gastric serosa and subserosa, and its growth pattern was expansile with entrapping of muscularis propria and submucosa in the periphery of the tumor. By immunohistochemistry, the tumor cells were diffusely positive for CD34 and vimentin but negative for cytokeratin, desmin, smooth muscle actin, CD99 and c‐kit. Although its occurrence is rare, SFT should be considered in the differential diagnosis of mesenchymal tumors of the stomach.
Bidirectional gastric differentiation in cellular mucin phenotype (foveolar and pyloric) in serrated adenoma and hyperplastic polyp of the colorectum
Authors: Hirono Haruka , Ajioka Yoichi , Watanabe Hidenobu , Baba Yoichiro , Tozawa Erica , Nishikura Ken , Mukai Gen , Honma Terasu , Aoyagi Yutaka
Published: May 2004

This study examined whether gastric pyloric gland‐type mucin is expressed in serrated adenoma (SA) and in hyperplastic polyp (HP) of the colorectum, and whether cellular position‐based gastric differentiation is observed in these lesions as previously hypothesized. Immunostaining was performed for MUC6 and α‐linked GlcNAc residue (pyloric gland‐type mucin markers), human gastric mucin (HGM; foveolar‐type mucin marker) and Ki‐67 (proliferating cell marker) for 31 SA, 22 HP, 21 traditional tubular adenoma (TA) and 20 hyperplastic nodule (HN). MUC6 showed varying expression in SA, 22/31 (71.0%); HP, 15/22 (68.2%); TA, 2/21 (9.5%); and HN, 0/20 (0%) with significantly higher frequencies in SA and HP compared to those in TA and HN. The α‐linked GlcNAc residue was found only in SA (3/31, 9.7%) and in HP (2/22, 9.1%). In SA and HP, HGM was typically expressed in the entire crypt length, but some reduction in expression was shown in the basal crypt portion below the proliferative zone. MUC6 and α‐linked GlcNAc residues were expressed in the basal crypt portion below or below and including proliferative zone. These data demonstrate that SA and HP show bidirectional gastric (foveolar and pyloric gland) differentiation with respect to mucin cellular phenotype and the potential for cellular position‐based differentiation, which mimics the gastric antral mucosa.
Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma with hepatoblastoma‐like features in an adult
Authors: Cho Min‐Sun , Lee Shi Nae , Sung Sun Hee , Han Woon Sup
Published: May 2004

A mixed epithelial and mesenchymal tumor of the liver arising in an adult is rare and is mostly classified as sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, a case of sarcomatoid HCC in an adult with hepatoblastoma (HB)‐like features, which produced difficulty in the differential diagnosis between sarcomatoid HCC and mixed HB, is presented. The epithelial component of the tumor composed of poorly differentiated HCC, Edmondson's grade III, and more primitive components, which were embryonal and small cell undifferentiated components of HB‐like areas. The small undifferentiated cells surrounded HCC and the embryonal component of HB‐like area, and revealed transition partly to areas of rhabdomyosarcoma. A small portion of chondrosarcoma was also noted. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that HCC and the embryonal component of HB‐like areas expressed alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) and cytokeratin 8. The small undifferentiated cells were negative for AFP but stained with cytokeratin 8 as well as CD56, which is a marker of primitive cells in many sarcoma and HB. It is not certain whether small undifferentiated cells belong to hepatic progenitor cells or primitive mesenchymal cells. Polymerase chain reaction–single‐strand conformation polymorphism analysis for beta‐catenin mutation using microdissection revealed no mutation of any components. A review was undertaken of the cases previously reported as adult hepatoblastoma without detailed immunohistochemical study and consider many of them may be sarcomatoid HCC. These primitive and sarcomatoid components would be arising from the dedifferentiation process of HCC.
Histidine decarboxylase expression in pancreatic endocrine cells and related tumors
Authors: Tanimoto Akihide , Matsuki Yasumasa , Tomita Tatsuo , Sasaguri Takakazu , Shimajiri Shohei , Sasaguri Yasuyuki
Published: May 2004

Histidine decarboxylase (HDC) is an enzyme for decarboxylating l‐histidine to histamine and is expressed in various types of cells including neuroendocrine tumors. Recent findings have demonstrated a high percentage of HDC immunoreactivity in many neuroendocrine tumors, including carcinoid tumors, small cell carcinomas of the lung, pheochromocytomas, and medullary carcinomas of the thyroid. HDC immunostaining was applied to pancreatic islet cells and related tumors to explore possible expression of HDC as a wide spectrum marker for neuroendocrine differentiation. A total of 24 cases (22 pancreatic endocrine neoplasms, one small cell carcinoma of the pancreas, and one mixed exocrine‐endocrine carcinoma) along with normal pancreatic tissue were immunostained with the anti‐HDC antibody. In a normal pancreas, a double immunostaining revealed possible colocalization of HDC with glucagon‐ or insulin‐positive cells in the islets. Seventeen of 22 pancreatic endocrine neoplasms (77%) were found to be positive for HDC, and no distinct relation to hormonal activity was observed. One small cell carcinoma was strongly positive to HDC. One non‐functional tumor with mixed exocrine and endocrine components showed a diffuse positive immunostaining for HDC, and some neoplastic glucagon‐ or somatostatin (SRIF)‐positive cells coexpressed HDC. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the majority of pancreatic endocrine tumors expressed HDC, and we suggest that HDC is a wider new marker for neuroendocrine differentiation.
Analysis of mucin, p53 protein and Ki‐67 expressions in gastric differentiated‐type intramucosal neoplastic lesions obtained from endoscopic mucosal resection samples: A proposal for a new classification of intramucosal neoplastic lesions based on nuclear atypia
Authors: Sugai Tamotsu , Inomata Masaaki , Uesugi Noriyuki , Jiao Yu‐Fei , Endoh Masaki , Orii Seishi , Nakamura Shin‐ichi
Published: May 2004

There are differing views between Western and Japanese pathologists on the use of histological criteria to classify gastrointestinal tumors. It is therefore a priority to create a new histological classification of the stomach in order to resolve the confusion. Expression patterns were examined of mucin (MUC2, CD10, MUC5AC, pyloric gland‐type mucin), p53 protein, and Ki‐67 in tumor cells according to the following new classification system for differentiated‐type intramucosal neoplastic lesions of the stomach, based on nuclear atypia: borderline neoplasia (adenoma (including dysplasia), indefinite tumor of adenoma or low‐grade cancer, and low‐grade cancer) and definite carcinoma (intermediate cancer, and high‐grade cancer). The resulting grades were: adenoma, 23; indefinite tumor for adenoma or low‐grade cancer, 6; low‐grade cancer, 28; intermediate cancer, 48; high‐grade cancer, 20. While the frequency of intestinal‐type borderline neoplasias was higher than that of definite carcinomas, the mixed‐type of definite carcinomas occurred with higher frequency than borderline neoplasias. The p53 protein overexpression and the Ki‐67‐positive rate increased with an increase in the grade assigned according to the new classification. The correlated expression levels of p53 protein, Ki‐67, and various mucins, support the conclusion that this classification of intramucosal neoplastic lesions is useful for obtaining a consensus diagnosis of gastric intramucosal neoplasia between pathologists and gastrointestinal clinicians.
Ovarian mucinous borderline tumors of intestinal type without intraepithelial carcinoma: Are they still tumors of low malignant potential?
Authors: Nomura Kouichi , Aizawa Shigeo , Hano Hiroshi
Published: May 2004

The purpose of this study was to clarify whether ovarian intestinal‐type mucinous borderline tumors without intraepithelial carcinoma should still be considered tumors of low malignant potential. Fifty‐five intestinal‐type mucinous borderline tumors without intraepithelial carcinoma in which a section had been taken for each 2 cm or less of the tumor's greatest diameter were selected. The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics’ stage and follow‐up data of each case were examined. All 55 patients had stage I disease (including one with pseudomyxoma peritonei of superficial organizing type, according to Lee and Scully's classification). No patient had metastases or died from the tumor, although in one patient who underwent cystectomy, the disease recurred in the remaining ovary 5 years after surgery. However, the patient was alive and well after undergoing salpingo‐oophorectomy. The patient with pseudomyxoma peritonei had no recurrence and did not die from the tumor. These findings indicated that intestinal‐type mucinous borderline tumors, in which intraepithelial carcinoma has been ruled out with adequate histological sampling, are benign tumors, not tumors of low malignant potential. It is proposed here that these tumors should be designated as high‐grade mucinous adenoma. Unilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy is the recommended treatment because cystectomy alone may allow local recurrence in the remaining ovary.
Myolipoma of the retroperitoneum
Authors: Takahashi Yoshihisa , Imamura Tetsuo , Irie Hiroshi , Tanaka Fumihiko , Fukushima Jun‐ichi , Fukusato Toshio , Harasawa Arimi , Shiga Junji
Published: May 2004

A case of retroperitoneal myolipoma is reported. A 55‐year‐old woman with the main complaint of an abdominal mass was admitted to Teikyo University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan. Retroperitoneal liposarcoma was suspected based on magnetic resonance imaging, and the tumor was resected. The resected tumor was well encapsulated and 30 × 15 × 8 cm in size. Histologically, it consisted of mature adipose cells and smooth muscle cells. Neither nuclear atypia nor mitosis was observed in either component. The tumor was pathologically diagnosed as myolipoma of the retroperitoneum. Retroperitoneal myolipoma is often misdiagnosed radiologically as liposarcoma because the overwhelming majority of large retroperitoneal tumor containing fat is liposarcoma, however, the clinical course of myolipoma is quite different from that of liposarcoma. Although myolipoma is very rare, pathologists should consider it in the differential diagnosis of fat‐containing retroperitoneal masses.
Immunohistochemically detectable Cdx2 is present in intestinal phenotypic elements in early gastric cancers of both differentiated and undifferentiated types, with no correlation to non‐neoplastic surrounding mucosa
Authors: Mizoshita Tsutomu , Tsukamoto Tetsuya , Inada Ken‐ichi , Ogasawara Naotaka , Hirata Akihiro , Kato Sosuke , Joh Takashi , Itoh Makoto , Yamamura Yoshitaka , Tatematsu Masae
Published: May 2004

It has previously been reported that Cdx2 is the useful prognostic and intestinal phenotypic marker in advanced gastric cancers (GC). In this study, Cdx2 expression and phenotype in early GC and non‐neoplastic surrounding mucosa were examined. A total of 130 early GC (70 intramucosal and 60 submucosally invasive cancers) histologically and phenotypically were evaluated. The expression of Cdx2 was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The lesions were phenotypically divided into 44 gastric (G), 42 gastric and intestinal mixed (GI), 30 intestinal (I), and 14 null (N) types, independent of the histological classification. Most of the early GC were Cdx2‐positive, nuclear staining being strongly associated with intestinal phenotypic expression. Early differentiated cancers tended to feature both Cdx2 and intestinal phenotypic expression, while their undifferentiated counterparts were more likely to demonstrate only gastric phenotypic expression (P < 0.05). The phenotypes of six intramucosal microcarcinomas did not correlate with those of adjacent normal glands. These data suggest that Cdx2 is expressed in the very early stage of gastric carcinogenesis in association with the shift from gastric to intestinal phenotypic expression. This appears to occur in differentiated cancers at an earlier stage than in undifferentiated ones, and may be linked to suppression of expansion of malignant cells.
Pathological and molecular biological aspects of the renal epithelial neoplasms, up‐to‐date
Authors: Nagashima Yoji , Inayama Yoshiaki , Kato Yasumasa , Sakai Naoki , Kanno Hiroshi , Aoki Ichiro , Yao Masahiro
Published: May 2004

Renal neoplasms are not necessarily high in frequency, but they are characteristic in their heterogeneity and occasional association with systemic familial tumor syndromes and phacomatoses (e.g. clear cell renal cell carcinoma and von Hippel‐Lindau disease, Wilms tumor and aniridia, genitourinary malformation and mental retardation (so‐called, WAGR syndrome), and angiomyolipoma and tuberous sclerosis). Physicians and pathologists should take note of these syndromes and associated renal neoplasms because they have provided important clues to elucidate the mechanism of tumorigenesis concerning cancer‐suppressor genes. This review aims to present recent classification of renal parenchymal neoplasms based on their molecular biological characteristics, and future problems yet to be clarified.
Weight in Wales
Authors: Owen Teresa Ann
Published: May 2004

The Nutrition Strategy for Wales, Food and Well Being, has identified nine recommendations to bring about improvements in the nutrition of the people of Wales, including one specifically on obesity. The aim of this study was to scope current activities in weight management by health professionals in Wales, and to explore possibilities for future effective working. Qualitative data were collated via six focus group interviews, based on semi‐structured questions. These were conducted with five groups of health professionals in six separate areas of Wales, during a 1‐month period in 2003. In total, 58 health professionals were interviewed in uni‐professional focus groups. The analysis was based on grounded theory methodology using transcribed data from audio‐tape recordings, which were coded and categorised manually, and emergent themes identified. Four major themes emerged from the focus groups, each having two sub‐themes, and it is clear from the scoping work that current weight management practice varies across Wales, within and between professions, and in general with little sharing of information. All those interviewed were involved in weight management to some degree, but there was little consistency of approach and in general, no one professional group felt they were leaders in the field, with frustration emerging that no one profession is showing the way. Tackling obesity and overweight has to become a greater public health priority and thus from the findings, practical recommendations are made for Wales.
Firm Characteristics and the Pricing of Foreign Earnings of US Multinational Firms
Authors: Thomas Wayne B.
Published: May 2004

Prior research finds a positive relation between current changes in foreign earnings of USmultinational firms and future stock returns. The cause of this relation is either (1) investors' mispricing of securities by underestimating the persistence of foreign earnings or (2) research design misspecifications (e.g., the researcher failing to control for cross‐sectional differences in risk). The purpose of this study is to determine which of these two competing explanations is more likely. If the anomalous results are due to market mispricing, then the anomalous results should be more pronounced for firms that are followed by fewer well‐informed, sophisticated investors and for firms that have foreign earnings that are more persistent than domestic earnings. If the anomaly is related to research design misspecification, then the existence of the anomaly is not expected to vary across these firm characteristics. The results are more consistent with the market mispricing hypothesis. Predicting the existence of the foreign earnings anomaly based on these firm‐specific characteristics increases our understanding of the true nature of the anomaly. In addition, relating the foreign earnings anomaly to firm‐specific characteristics provides relevant information to investors for firm valuation and helps to promote future academic research in the market's valuation of multinational firms' operations.
Human Capital and Systems of Innovation in African Development
Authors: Oyelaran‐Oyeyinka Banji , Barclay Lou Anne
Published: May 2004

Abstract:  In this paper we propose that historically generated institutions and persistent pattern of human capital formation condition the emergent systems of innovation in Africa. These factors determine the development path of the region. We advance the notion of dynamic and non‐dynamic systems of innovation, the latter describing the African condition. We combine the strands of literature on institutions and their persistence in shaping development with evolutionary theory and systems of innovation. Evidence is presented on the colonial origins of skewed schooling enrolment, at variance with the industrialization objective of modern economies. Employing simple statistical tests, the persistence of initial human capital (school enrolment) reflects in the significant correlation among the three levels of schooling enrolments, and correlation of enrolment in 1970 with per capita income in 2000, a periodicity of some three decades. This outcome is consistent with the literature on countries at early stages of development. Path‐dependency is partially proved even though we did not attempt to investigate all variables making up the system of innovation. This is a first tentative attempt to explore long‐run development in Africa within the systems of innovation framework.
Challenges Facing Agricultural Extension Agents: A Case Study from South‐western Ethiopia
Authors: Belay Kassa , Abebaw Degnet
Published: May 2004

Abstract:  This article examines the working conditions of extension workers and constraints to the adoption of modern agricultural technologies/practices in south‐western Ethiopia. Data collected from 85 extension workers form the empirical basis for the study. The empirical results indicate that extension work in the study area has not been participatory in its nature, little consideration was given to farmers’ experiences and knowledge, and extension workers lack practical skills. In addition to deciding on who should take part in the extension programme, extension agents are found to supply more services to those farmers who are financially sound and show interest in the programme. The study reveals that apart from the fact that the number of extension workers in the study area is very small, their qualification and communication skills leave a lot to be desired. The study makes it also clear that a host of factors obstructs the promotion/adoption of modern agricultural technologies/practices in the study area.
Rural Land, Emerging Rental Land Markets and Public Policy in Ethiopia
Authors: Teklu Tesfaye
Published: May 2004

Abstract:  While farmers today access land mainly through administrative‐based land distribution, transactions in rental markets are on the rise. Different rental contracts are informally arranged with varied land use and transfer rights and degree of enforcement. These contracts are often interlocked to overcome the problem of incomplete or missing non‐land factor markets. The empirical evidence is thin but shows mixed records on performance of rental markets. Transactions in rental markets provide an additional venue to access land, reduce disparity in distribution of area of land operated, correct imbalances in factor proportions at farm level, and partly substitute for missing or incomplete factor markets. However, rights to rental land are restricted and poorly enforced, and markets are localized and thinly traded. While participation in rental markets is potentially welfare improving, increasing scarcity of land and demands for higher rent, a fee for right to rent land, payment in cash, farming skills and experience, and proof of no‐default are tightening conditions to access to land, particularly to the young poor farmers. Public policy has an important role in formalizing and enhancing the development of rental markets through strengthening enforceable long‐term security of tenure, providing legal cover to rental contracts, allowing tradability of long‐term use rights through rental markets, and providing the institutional mechanism to enforce contracts and reduce the burden of self‐enforcement. These policy measures need to be nested within a broad framework of market development, and informed by policy research and experimentation.
Productivity Growth, Technical Progress and Efficiency Change in African Agriculture
Authors: Nkamleu Guy Blaise
Published: May 2004

Abstract:  The paper examines the economic performance of a large number of African countries using an international comparable data set and the latest technique for analysis. The paper focuses on growth in total factor productivity and its decomposition into technical change and efficiency change components. The analysis is undertaken using the data envelopment analysis (DEA). The present study uses data of 16 countries over the period 1970–2001. It was found that, globally, during that period, total factor productivity has experienced a positive evolution in sampled countries. This good performance of the agricultural sector was due to good progress in technical efficiency rather than technical progress. The region suffered a regression in productivity in the 1970s, and made some progress during the 1980s and 1990s. The study also highlights the fact that technical change has been the main constraint of achievement of high levels of total factor productivity during the reference period in sub‐Saharan Africa. Contrariwise, in Maghreb countries, technological change has been the main driving force of productivity growth. Finally, the results indicate that institutional factors as well as agro‐ecological factors are important determinants of agricultural productivity growth.
Reasons, practical reason, and practical reasoning
Authors: Audi Robert
Published: May 2004

The concepts of reasons as supporting elements, of practical reason as a capacity, and of practical reasoning as a process are central in the theory of action. This paper provides a brief account of each. Several kinds of reason for action are distinguished. Practical reason is characterized both as a capacity whose exercise is largely constituted by a kind of responsiveness to reasons and as governed by certain normative principles; and practical reasoning is described as a kind of mental process in which reasons figure as premises and, from those premises, a practical conclusion is drawn. Much of the paper undertakes two related tasks: to distinguish the main kinds of practical reasoning and the associated criteria of assessment and to formulate some important substantive principles of practical reason. These principles yield criteria of several sorts: logical, inferential, epistemic, and material. On the theory presented, although any (non‐basic) intentional act can be grounded in practical reasoning, the same acts can be performed for the relevant reason(s) without being so grounded, and in either case their rationality depends on adequate support by the reason(s). One kind of reason is commonly thought to be captured by Kantian hypothetical imperatives. The final sections explore what constitutes a hypothetical imperative and what other principles are needed to account for practical rationality. A major conclusion is that in the domain of practical reason, if there are no categorical imperatives, there are no hypothetical imperatives either.
Radical quotation and real repetition
Authors: Roden David
Published: May 2004

In this essay I argue for a constructivist account of the entities composing the object languages of Davidsonian truth theories and a quotational account of the reference from metalinguistic expressions to interpreted utterances. I claim that ‘radical quotation’ requires an ontology of repeatable events with strong similarities to Derrida's account of iterable events. In part one I summarise Davidson's account of interpretation and Olav Gjelsivk's arguments to the effect that the syntactic individuation of linguistic objects is only workable if interpreters make richer assumptions about semantic properties than Davidson can tolerate. In part two I show that the objectivist account of syntactic objects which Gjelsivk's arguments presuppose is incompatible with one corollary of Davidsonian semantic indeterminacy: namely, the relativity of language to interpretative scheme. In place of this an account of radical interpretation is presented in which a quotational theory of metalinguistic reference furnishes the requisite relativity. In part three I argue that this account requires that particular utterance events must be repeatable to be radically quotable and give reasons why particularity and repeatability are not incompatible.
A note on particularised qualities and bearer‐uniqueness
Authors: Schnieder Benjamin
Published: May 2004

Many friends of the category of particularised qualities subscribe to the view that particularised qualities have a unique bearer in which they inhere; no such quality then can inhere in two different entities. But it seems that this idea is flawed, for there are apparent counterexamples. An apple's redness is identical with the redness of its skin, though the apple is distinct from its skin. So it seems that a principle of bearer‐uniqueness has to be modified, maybe by excluding certain unwanted cases.

However, I argue that the need of a modification is not a direct consequence of the supposed counterexamples. Their dangerous potential for the principle arises if one takes the genitive in expressions of the form ‘a's F‐ness’ to signify the relation of inherence. I propose an alternative view: The genitive signifies a relation which is indeed closely related to inherence, but which is, contrary to inherence itself, partitive. That is, it may hold between a particularised quality and another entity because it holds between the quality and a part of the entity. If one regards the ontologically interesting relation of inherence as non‐partitive, one can still adhere to an unrestricted principle of bearer‐uniqueness.
Predictors of Self-Reported Physical Symptoms in Low-Income, Inner-City African American Women: The Role of Optimism, Depressive Symptoms, and Chronic Illness
Authors: Jones Deborah J. , O'Connell Cara , Gound Mary , Heller Laurie , Forehand Rex
Published: May 2004

In this study we examined the association of optimism and depressive symptoms with self-reported physical symptoms in 241 low-income, inner-city African American women with or without a chronic illness (HIV). Although optimism was not a unique predictor of self-reported physical symptoms over and above depressive symptoms, optimism interacted with depressive symptoms and health status. In the community sample, but not the chronically ill sample, optimism buffered the association between depressive symptoms and self-reported physical symptoms. Clinical implications and directions for future research are discussed.
How The Future Orientation of Traditional Israeli Palestinian Girls Links Beliefs about Women's Roles and Academic Achievement
Authors: Seginer Rachel , Mahajna Sami
Published: May 2004

A model in which future orientation links perceived fathers' and girls' beliefs about traditional women's roles and academic achievement was tested on data collected from traditional Israeli Palestinian girls ( N = 295) attending a Moslem all-girl senior high school. LISREL analyses estimated two empirical models pertaining to educational and family future orientation. The estimated models showed that fathers' perceived beliefs were directly linked to academic achievement and future orientation partially mediated the relationships between girls' beliefs about women's roles and academic achievement. Girls' beliefs were negatively linked to the educational future orientation and positively linked to the family future orientation, and the educational model explained a larger percent of the variance of academic achievement than did the family model.
Juveniles' Motivations for Remaining in Prostitution
Authors: Hwang Shu-Ling , Bedford Olwen
Published: May 2004

Qualitative data from in-depth interviews were collected in 1990–1991, 1992, and 2000 with 49 prostituted juveniles remanded to two rehabilitation centers in Taiwan. These data are analyzed to explore Taiwanese prostituted juveniles' feelings about themselves and their work, their motivations for remaining in prostitution, and their difficulties leaving it. Text analysis of transcriptions of the interviews suggested that juveniles have four major motivations for remaining in prostitution: financial, emotional, drug, and identity-related factors. Analysis of interviews with juveniles working in confined prostitution suggested four stages of attitude change: resistance, development of interpersonal connections, self-injury and loss of hope, and acceptance of prostitution. Discussion includes comparison of motivations to remain in prostitution with reasons for entry, relation of findings to prostituted juveniles in other countries, and directions for future research.
Bifid mandibular condyle: a case report
Authors: Hersek Nur , Özbek Murat , Taşar Ferda , Akpınar Erhan , Fırat Murat
Published: May 2004

Abstract –  A case of left bifid mandibular condyle (BMC) is reported in a 36‐year‐old female. The patient had a history of trauma in childhood. From the radiological examination, the left condyle was seen to have two anterioposteriorly situated heads. BMC is an extremely rare condition, where the condyle is duplicated or lobulated. The literature on BMC is reviewed, and possible cause of trauma and consequences of the anomaly are discussed.
Trauma to anterior implants
Authors: Stuebinger Stefan , Hodel Yvonne , Filippi Andreas
Published: May 2004

Abstract –  The replacement of anterior teeth with an implant‐supported restoration is recognized as an efficient and successful treatment. One of the rare complications that can occur with dental implants is the fracture of either the implant or the superstructure because of biomechanical overload or occlusal force. In contrast to the permanent dentition, there is limited information about how osseointegrated implants or the periimplantary bone behave after dental trauma. This article presents a case of trauma to anterior implants and illustrates the effects to the titanium screw and the surrounding tissue.