bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overexpression of mutant p53 and c‐erbB‐2 proteins and mutations of the p15 and p16 genes in human gastric carcinoma: With respect to histological subtypes and stages
Authors: WU MING‐SHIANG , SHUN CHIA‐TUNG , SHEU JIN‐CHUAN , WANG HSIU‐PO , WANG JIN‐TOWN , LEE WEI‐JEI , CHEN CHIEN‐JEN , WANG TEH‐HONG , LIN JAW‐TOWN
Published: April 2009

Although the mechanism remains obscure, two histological subtypes of gastric carcinoma (GC), the diffuse and intestinal types, differ drastically in epidemiological, clinical, pathological and biological characteristics. We investigated whether the genetic alterations of several oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes could be correlated with the two histological subtypes. In 60 patients with GC, the overexpression of mutant p53 and c‐erbB‐2 oncoproteins was studied using immunohistochemical stains. Mutations of the p15 and p16 tumour suppressor genes were assessed by polymerase chain reaction, Southern blotting, and direct DNA sequencing. Overexpression of c‐erbB‐2 and p53 was found in 21 (35.0%) and 27 (45.0%) patients, respectively. Overexpression of the c‐erbB‐2 oncoprotein was more common in the intestinal type (15/32, 46.9%) and the advanced stage (19/45, 42.2%) than in the diffuse type (6/28, 21.4%) and the early stage (2/15, 13.3%) of GC (P<0.05). Similarly, p53 overexpression was more frequently found in the intestinal type (19/32, 59.4%) and the advanced stage (24/45, 53.3%) than in the diffuse type (8/28, 28.6%) and the early stage (3/15, 20.0%) of GC (P<0.05). Homozygous deletions of p16 in exon 1 were found in six (10.0%) patients. Five of them had the intestinal‐type advanced GC. Neither point mutations of p16 nor alterations of p15 were detected. The frequency of alterations of p53, c‐erbB‐2, and p16 was not related to sex and Helicobacter pylori infection. No correlation of genetic changes between any two genes was observed. Our preliminary results indicate alterations in the p15 gene were not important in gastric tumorigenesis, while infrequent homozygous deletions in the p16 gene play a limited role in tumour progression of intestinal‐type GC. Moreover, overexpression of c‐erbB‐2 and p53 is frequently encountered in the intestinal‐type advanced GC. Alterations of p53, c‐erbB‐2 and p16 genes may function independently of each other in gastric carcinogenesis. The association between genetic alterations and histological subtypes supports the notion that a distinct pathogenesis may exist in different histological subtypes.
Familial occurrence of congenital bile duct cysts
Authors: IWATA FUMIHIRO , UCHIDA ATSUO , MIYAKI TOMOKATSU , AOKI SHIGERU , FUJIOKA TOSHIHISA , YAMADA JYUNICHI , JOH TAKASHI , ITOH MAKOTO
Published: April 2009

Congenital bile duct cysts are now a well‐documented anomaly of the biliary tree, and have become more common in Japan. Familial occurrence of congenital bile duct cysts, however, is extremely rare, with only six reported cases in the literature. We report a familial pattern of congenital bile duct cysts in a mother and her daughter. A 33‐year‐old female was admitted for evaluation of right upper quadrant abdominal pain and fever 6 days after an uneventful delivery of her second child. A com‐ puted tomography (CT) and ultrasound scan (US) revealed an obstructed biliary tract. Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage was then performed, and a cholangiogram revealed a Scholtz type B choledochocele without an anomalous connection of the pancreaticobiliary ducts. Endoscopic US demonstrated that the choledochocele was associated with a stone in the cyst. A pylorus‐preserving pancreatoduodenal resection was performed, and a histological study revealed that the choledochocele was lined by biliary mucosa without evidence of malignancy. The newborn infant had an abdominal tumour. An US and CT revealed a congenital bile duct cyst. An operation was performed and the intraoperative cholangiogram showed an Alonso‐Lej type I congenital bile duct cyst with an anomalous connection of the pancreaticobiliary ducts. Whether congenital bile duct cysts are hereditary remains to be elucidated.
Concise semiquantitative histological scoring system for immunoglobulin A nephropathy
Authors: JIANG LEI , LIU GANG , LV JICHENG , HUANG CHAOXING , CHEN BO , WANG SUXIA , ZOU WANZHONG , ZHANG HONG , WANG HAIYAN
Published: April 2009

Aim:  Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is a common and progressive glomerulonephritis. Histological lesions of IgAN are variable and considered as a risk factor for renal outcome. Establishing a relatively concise histological semiquantitative scoring system would be valuable in clinical practice.

Methods:  Renal biopsy sections of 293 patients with primary IgAN from two centres in China were reviewed. A histological scoring system was established based on multivariate survival analysis of semiquantitative histological indices, using end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) as the end‐point event.

Results:  Four indices – extracapillary glomerular activity index (exGAI), mesangial proliferation index (MsI), glomerular chronicity index (GCI) and tubulointerstitial chronicity index (TCI) – independently correlated with ESRD (relative risk (RR) = 1.16, 2.27, 1.29 and 1.80, respectively). The four indices and the sum of their scores (Total I) constituted the scoring system. Patients with exGAI of 4 or more, GCI of 4 or more, MsI of 2 or more and TCI of 2 or more were considered as having a higher risk for progression (P < 0.05). A score of 4 or more on the exGAI index could identify the patients who should be treated with immunosuppressive drugs, which showed a lower incidence of ESRD than that without (24.3% vs 52.4%, P = 0.031).

Conclusion:  It suggested that the present concise scoring system could serve as prognostic and therapeutic indications.
Microwave cell death: Molecular analysis using DNA electrophoresis, PCR amplification and TUNEL
Authors: Mori Ichiro , Ozaki Takashi , Tabuse Katsuyoshi , Utsunomiya Hirotoshi , Taniguchi Emiko , Kakudo Kennichi
Published: April 2009

Microwave cell death (MCD) is unique in that microscopic morphology and antigenicity are well preserved, while enzymatic activity is lost. The aim of the present study was to carry out DNA electrophoresis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick end‐labeling (TUNEL) examination of MCD. DNA electrophoresis indicated only a thick band of large DNA immediately after microwave treatment, which became a smear 6 h later and indicated a delayed type of DNA degradation over 2 weeks. Neither a DNA smear characteristic of oncosis nor DNA ladder patterns characteristic of apoptosis were found in MCD. PCR of p53 in MCD showed a single band at the same level of control of non‐microwave treated cells. MCD was negatively stained on TUNEL. These results provide further evidence that MCD is distinct from oncosis and apoptosis, in addition to showing unique morphological and antigenic preservation and enzymatic inactivation.
Detection of M2 macrophages and colony‐stimulating factor 1 expression in serous and mucinous ovarian epithelial tumors
Authors: Kawamura Kyoko , Komohara Yoshihiro , Takaishi Kiyomi , Katabuchi Hidetaka , Takeya Motohiro
Published: April 2009

Tumor‐associated macrophages (TAM) are known to possess the immunosuppressive M2 macrophage phenotype. They contribute to tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis by producing various mediators. Macrophages, especially M2 polarized macrophages, preferentially express CD163 and CD204, but few studies have investigated macrophage phenotypes in human ovarian tumors. The purpose of the present study was therefore to present results on macrophage differentiation in human ovarian serous and mucinous epithelial tumors. The method focused on immunostaining of paraffin‐embedded tumor samples. Almost all macrophages infiltrating tumor tissues expressed CD163 and CD204, indicating the phenotypic shift toward M2 macrophage. The numbers of CD68‐positive macrophages as well as of CD163‐ and CD204‐positive macrophages in borderline and malignant tumors were significantly higher than in benign tumors. They correlated well with histological gradient of malignancy. Macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (also known as colony‐stimulating factor; CSF‐1), which is one of the cytokines considered to induce TAM to polarize toward an M2 phenotype, was then evaluated. CSF‐1 expression in malignant tumor cells was significantly higher than that in benign tumor cells and correlated with histological malignancy. These results suggest that CSF‐1 derived from tumor tissues induces macrophages to shift toward the M2 phenotype, which is considered to promote tumor growth.
Post‐liver transplant cholestatic disorder with biliary strictures: De novo versus recurrent primary sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: McPartland Kenneth Joseph , Lewis William David , Gordon Fredric David , Pomfret Elizabeth Anne , Pomposelli James John , Jenkins Roger , Khettry Urmila
Published: April 2009

Cholestatic allograft dysfunction following liver transplantation (LT) can result from many different underlying pathogenetic mechanisms and is a major cause of morbidity and graft loss. Although recurrence of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a described entity following LT, the diagnosis is difficult and requires exclusion of common risk factors for stricture formation. There are no reports in the literature of de novo PSC arising in a patient who did not have that disease prior to transplantation. Reported herein is the case of a patient who underwent transplantation for end‐stage cryptogenic cirrhosis and who had no underlying risk factors, but who developed late post‐LT cholestatic disorder with non‐anastomotic biliary strictures. The combined clinical, radiological, and pathological findings resembled those of PSC. Admittedly, it is a challenging proposition but the possibility of a de novo PSC‐like syndrome in this patient is raised. A recurrence in a patient who may have had a burnt‐out, PSC‐like syndrome presenting as cryptogenic cirrhosis, however, cannot be entirely excluded.
Marginal zone variant of mantle cell lymphoma: CD5‐negative cyclin D1‐positive variant posing a diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Golardi Natalia , Velasco Mario R. , Elghetany M. Tarek
Published: April 2009

Described herein is an unusual case of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) histologically mimicking marginal zone lymphoma (MZL). An 83‐year‐old man presented with multiple adenopathies and a hilar mass encroaching on the right lung. A transbronchial biopsy showed small blue cells suspicious for small cell carcinoma. On further analysis the cells were predominantly small cleaved and CD20 positive, suggesting follicular lymphoma, grade 2. An axillary lymph node biopsy showed germinal centers surrounded by monocytoid B cells. Flow cytometry was negative for CD5 and CD23 and the diagnosis of MZL was considered. Because of the aggressive clinical behavior, including extensive necrosis on imaging studies, immunohistochemistry for cyclin D‐1 was performed and was positive. Bone marrow was extensively involved and it showed t(11;14), in addition to other complex cytogenetic abnormalities. Differentiating MCL from MZL has prognostic and therapeutic implications, particularly when considering the potential role of targeted therapy and cell cycle modulators.
Acquired reactive perforating collagenosis with the histological features of IgG4‐related sclerosing disease in a patient with Mikulicz's disease
Authors: Shiomi Tatsushi , Yoshida Yuichi , Horie Yasushi , Yamamoto Osamu
Published: April 2009

Acquired reactive perforating collagenosis has been reported in association with various conditions. To the authors' knowledge there has been no report of a patient with Mikulicz's disease showing acquired reactive perforating collagenosis. A 61‐year‐old Japanese man presented with non‐pruritic multiple umbilicated papules with central keratotic and crusted plagues on the trunk, neck, and scalp. He had been diagnosed with Mikulicz's disease. Histologically, cutaneous biopsy showed a shallow cup‐shaped lesion with a central crusted ulceration containing degenerated collagen in vertical strands, parakeratotic horny material, neutrophils, basophilic granular debris and elimination of collagen bundles from the dermis through to the epidermis. These clinical and histological findings suggested reactive perforating collagenosis. In addition, lymphocytes and plasma cells had infiltrated the dermis, with a tendency to be distributed around the sweat glands, accompanied by sclerotic fibrosis. On immunohistochemistry most plasma cells were positive for IgG and IgG4 (IgG4+/IgG+ plasma cells >50%). These histological findings of the skin were similar to findings previously reported for IgG4‐related sclerosing diseases in other organs. Herein is described the first case of a patient with Mikulicz's disease showing acquired reactive perforating collagenosis accompanied by the histological features of IgG4‐related sclerosing disease.
Anaplastic large cell lymphoma in leukemic phase: Extraordinarily high white blood cell count
Authors: Nguyen Jacqueline T. , Condron Michael R. , Nguyen Nghia D. , De Jitakshi , Medeiros L. Jeffrey , Padula Anthony
Published: April 2009

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a distinct type of T/null‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma that commonly involves nodal and extranodal sites. The World Health Organization of lymphoid neoplasms recognizes two types: anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) positive or ALK negative, the former as a result of abnormalities involving the ALK gene at chromosome 2p23. Patients with ALCL rarely develop a leukemic phase of disease, either at the time of initial presentation or during the clinical course. Described herein is a patient with ALK+ ALCL, small cell variant, associated with the t(2;5)(p23;q35), who initially presented with leukemic involvement and an extraordinarily high leukocyte count of 529 × 109/L, which subsequently peaked at 587 × 109/L. Despite chemotherapy the patient died 2½ months after diagnosis. In the literature review 20 well‐documented cases are identified of ALCL in leukemic phase reported previously, with a WBC ranging from 15 to 151 × 109/L. Leukemic phase of ALCL occurs almost exclusively in patients with ALK+ ALCL, most often associated with the small cell variant and the t(2;5)(p23;q35), similar to the present case. Patients with leukemic phase ALK+ ALCL appear to have a poorer prognosis than most patients with ALK+ ALCL.
FOXP1 expression in monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and multiple myeloma
Authors: Korać Petra , Peran Ivana , Škrtić Anita , Ajduković Radmila , Radić Krišto Delfa , Dominis Mara
Published: April 2009

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a clonal disorder of terminally differentiated B cells. In some cases the premalignant state is monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). Neoplastic plasma cells in both entities carry multiple and complex chromosomal abnormalities that make understanding of the disease development difficult. New insight into malignant mechanisms that underlie multiple myeloma may come from forkhead box P1 transcription factor (FOXP1) analysis in neoplastic plasma cells. FOXP1 is known to be important for B‐cell maturation and differentiation and could play a significant role in plasma cell tumors. The purpose of the present study was therefore to analyze FOXP1 protein presence and FOXP1 gene abnormalities in 13 cases of MGUS and 60 cases of MM. It was found that FOXP1 protein was expressed in neoplastic plasma cells, unlike in their normal counterparts, and that additional FOXP1 gene copies could be found in both MGUS and MM. Based on FOXP1 presence in MM and its role in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma and extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue, FOXP1 might play an important role in plasma cell neoplasm.
Revaccination of bone marrow transplant recipients: a review of current practices in Australia
Authors: Torda Adrienne , Alexander J.
Published: April 2009

Background: Vaccination following bone marrow transplant (BMT) is an important part of ongoing care and disease prevention. The aim of the study was to investigate vaccination procedures in BMT recipients and identify what systems are in place throughout Australia to remind and alert patients concerning their need for vaccination.

Methods: Questionnaires were sent to haematologists managing BMT recipients in Australia to examine post‐BMT vaccination practices in hospitals and outpatient clinics. Questionnaires were also sent to BMT recipients in New South Wales, who had their transplants (either allogeneic or autologous) in the past 5 years to determine what vaccinations they had received and what vaccination reminder systems had been used.

Results: Vaccine recommendations and practices by BMT physicians showed little consensus. They also differed greatly between autologous and allogeneic transplant recipients. Only just more than half of the physicians had an effective reminder system in place and only 12 of 34 patients had received vaccination reminders. One‐third of all patients were not aware of any need for revaccination.

Conclusion: The disparity in physician practice regarding revaccination is significant and may reflect the lack of data available regarding efficacy of revaccination in this setting and/or a lack of knowledge about recommendations. Because of this, a national immunization schedule for post‐BMT patients founded on evidence‐based studies is required to provide optimal patient care. The lack of effective follow up and reminder systems ensuring patient completion of vaccination schedules is also an area needing improvement.
Baseline and salt‐stimulated paraoxonase and arylesterase activities in patients with chronic liver disease: relation to disease severity
Authors: Keskin M. , Dolar E. , Dirican M. , Kiyici M. , Yilmaz Y. , Gurel S. , Nak S. G. , Erdinc S. , Gulten M.
Published: April 2009

Background: It has been recently reported that serum paraoxonase (PON1) and arylesterase (ARE) activities may be significantly reduced in patients with chronic liver disease. The aim of the study was to investigate the relations between serum PON1 and ARE activities and the degree of liver damage in patients with chronic liver injury.

Methods: We studied a total of 75 patients with chronic liver disease (50 patients with cirrhosis and 25 patients with chronic hepatitis) and 25 healthy comparison subjects. Baseline and salt‐stimulated PON1 and ARE activities were determined in all study participants.

Results: Baseline and stimulated PON1 and ARE activities were significantly lower in patients with chronic liver disease than in controls. Cirrhotic patients in Child–Pugh classes B and C subgroups had significantly reduced PON1 and ARE activities compared with Child–Pugh class A patients (both P‐values <0.01). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that serum ARE activity was the most efficient test for identifying the presence and severity of chronic liver injury.

Conclusion: Baseline and stimulated PON1 and ARE activities are reduced in patients with chronic liver disease. Serum ARE activity could be a suitable biomarker for the evaluation of the presence and severity of chronic liver damage.
Medical malpractice experience of Taiwan: 2005 versus 1991
Authors: Wu C.‐Y. , Lai H.‐J. , Chen R.‐C.
Published: April 2009

Background: Medical malpractice litigation has become an important issue worldwide. Although many epidemiological studies have been carried out, most studies were conducted cross‐sectionally in developed countries and focused on malpractice litigation. We conducted nationwide surveys to investigate physicians' experiences associated with malpractice in 1991 and 2005, respectively.

Methods: By stratified systemic sampling, questionnaires were mailed to physicians in 1991 and 2005. Physicians were asked about the experience of medical malpractice and outcomes of malpractice. The outcomes of the malpractice were classified as resolution, settlement and lawsuit. We also collected physicians' demographic and professional characteristics.

Results: The prevalence of malpractice experience decreased from 44.1% in 1991 to 36.0% in 2005 (P = 0.004). The estimated annual malpractice claims decreased from 0.14 to 0.10 per physician in 1991 and 2005, respectively (P < 0.001). Physicians 45–64 years of age, obstetrician/gynaecologists and surgeons had significantly higher risk of malpractice. Compared with 1991, malpractice claims in 2005 were more likely to be brought into courts (23.1% in 2005 vs 15.7% in 1991, odds ratio (OR) = 1.48, P = 0.020). In litigation cases, malpractice events in 2005 had more than triple the risk of 1991 to be sued in both civil and criminal courts (12.4% in 2005 vs 4.1% in 1991, OR = 3.31, P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Compared with 1991, medical malpractice experiences were decreasing in prevalence, but increasing in severity in 2005. Additional studies, especially among different legal systems, are necessary to confirm these observations.
Are guidelines on use of colony‐stimulating factors in solid cancers flawed?
Authors: Haines I. E. , Olver I.
Published: April 2009

In cancer care in Australia, we are very reliant on an array of expensive pharmaceuticals. Our use of these treatments is often based on multinational or foreign clinical studies. Oncologists are, to varying degrees, reliant on how the studies are interpreted by the writers of journal editorials, clinical guidelines and opinion pieces. Therefore it is important that these guidelines are balanced and evidence based.

We have examined in detail one of the most influential and wide ranging clinical guidelines used in oncology, The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2006 Update of Recommendations for the use of White Blood Cell Factors: An Evidence‐Based Clinical Practice Guideline. We have discussed in detail some of the controversial recommendations in this guideline and have exposed what we believe are some flaws in these recommendations.

We would urge that we continue to be rigorous in our oversight of international research agendas and international clinical guidelines in the future.
Body mass index determines sunbathing habits: implications on vitamin D levels
Authors: Kull M. , Kallikorm R. , Lember M.
Published: April 2009

Vitamin D is crucial for calcium and bone metabolism. Overweight people have been found to have lower levels of this vitamin. The aim of the paper was to test if sun exposure habits might differ according to weight and body fat per cent in a random population‐based sample, and have an impact on vitamin D levels. The analysis of 367 persons showed that, among other established factors, differences in sunbathing also explain the lower vitamin D levels in overweight and elderly individuals.
Metagenomic analysis of stressed coral holobionts
Authors: Thurber Rebecca Vega , Willner‐Hall Dana , Rodriguez‐Mueller Beltran , Desnues Christelle , Edwards Robert A. , Angly Florent , Dinsdale Elizabeth , Kelly Linda , Rohwer Forest
Published: April 2009

The coral holobiont is the community of metazoans, protists and microbes associated with scleractinian corals. Disruptions in these associations have been correlated with coral disease, but little is known about the series of events involved in the shift from mutualism to pathogenesis. To evaluate structural and functional changes in coral microbial communities, Porites compressa was exposed to four stressors: increased temperature, elevated nutrients, dissolved organic carbon loading and reduced pH. Microbial metagenomic samples were collected and pyrosequenced. Functional gene analysis demonstrated that stressors increased the abundance of microbial genes involved in virulence, stress resistance, sulfur and nitrogen metabolism, motility and chemotaxis, fatty acid and lipid utilization, and secondary metabolism. Relative changes in taxonomy also demonstrated that coral‐associated microbiota (Archaea, Bacteria, protists) shifted from a healthy‐associated coral community (e.g. Cyanobacteria, Proteobacteria and the zooxanthellae Symbiodinium) to a community (e.g. Bacteriodetes, Fusobacteria and Fungi) of microbes often found on diseased corals. Additionally, low‐abundance Vibrio spp. were found to significantly alter microbiome metabolism, suggesting that the contribution of a just a few members of a community can profoundly shift the health status of the coral holobiont.
Brucella canisendophthalmitis in 3 dogs: clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment
Authors: Ledbetter Eric C. , Landry Matthew P. , Stokol Tracy , Kern Thomas J. , Messick Joanne B.
Published: April 2009

Objective To describe historical, clinical and diagnostic features of dogs withBrucella canisendophthalmitis and the response to medical therapy.

Animals studied Three dogs with naturally acquiredB. canisendophthalmitis.

Procedure Dogs were treated symptomatically with topical ophthalmic anti‐inflammatories and a novel antimicrobial protocol that included doxycycline, enrofloxacin, rifampin and streptomycin.

Results All dogs presented with chronic or recurrent uveitis in the absence of overt systemic disease. Clinical ophthalmologic abnormalities were unilateral in each dog and included mild‐to‐moderate anterior uveitis, iris hyperpigmentation, marked vitreal infiltrates, and multifocal chorioretinitis. Dogs were diagnosed with canine brucellosis serologically and by blood culture (n = 2 dogs) or polymerase chain reaction of aqueous humor and blood (n = 1 dog). Active ocular inflammation resolved in all dogs during treatment, with preservation of vision in 2 dogs. Following treatment,B. caniscould not be cultured from blood samples and serological values declined with seronegativity achieved in all dogs after a median of 96 weeks (range: 36–112 weeks) of therapy.

Conclusions Brucella canisinfection should be included in the differential diagnosis for dogs with intraocular inflammation, regardless of previous history or neuter status. This is the first report of apparently successful medical therapy of canine brucellosis with ocular involvement.
Comparison of orbital prosthesis motility following enucleation or evisceration with sclerotomy with or without a motility coupling post in dogs
Authors: Yi Na Young , Park Shin Ae , Jeong Man Bok , Kim Won Tae , Kim Se Eun , Kim Ji Youn , Chae Je Min , Jang Kyoung Jin , Seong Je Kyung , Seo Kang Moon
Published: April 2009

Objective To evaluate motility of silicone orbital implants and corneoscleral prostheses, with and without use of a motility coupling post (MCP) in dogs.

Animals studied Eighteen mixed‐breed dogs.

Procedures The motility of an orbital silicone implant and corneoscleral prosthesis after enucleation (n = 6), evisceration (n = 6), or use of a MCP with evisceration (n = 6) in dogs were compared. One eye from each dog had surgery whereas the opposite eye was used as a control. Clinical evaluations were performed three times a week. Histopathology of the orbital tissues was performed 8 and 12 weeks after surgery.

Results Implant motility in dogs with evisceration (vertical movement [VM] 8.04 ± 2.13; horizontal movement [HM] 11 ± 3.05) and evisceration with MCP (VM 9.61 ± 1.59); HM was significantly greater than the enucleation group (VM 0.51 ± 0.5; HM 1.22 ± 0.68) (P < 0.01). Prosthetic motility in dogs with evisceration with MCP was significantly greater than in dogs with evisceration; dogs with evisceration had significantly greater motility than dogs with enucleation (P < 0.01). No postoperative complications were observed in any of the groups. No significant abnormalities were noted on histopathology.

Conclusions MCP placement in silicone orbital implants significantly enhanced the prosthetic motility in dogs. This study supports the use of MCP in silicone orbital implants to enhance corneoscleral prosthesis motility and cosmetics in dogs.
Functional and structural assessment of retinal sheet allograft transplantation in feline hereditary retinal degeneration
Authors: Seiler Magdalene J. , Aramant Robert B. , Seeliger Mathias W. , Bragadottir Ragnheidur , Mahoney Melissa , Narfstrom Kristina
Published: April 2009

Purpose  To investigate whether sheets of fetal retinal allografts can integrate into the dystrophic Abyssinian cat retina with progressive rod cone degeneration.

Methods  Fetal retinal sheets (cat gestational day 42), incubated with BDNF microspheres, were transplanted to the subretinal space of four cats at an early disease stage. Cats were studied by fundus examinations, bilateral full‐field flash ERGs, and indocyanine green and fluorescein angiograms up to 4 months following surgery. E42 donor and transplanted eyes were analyzed by histology and immunohistochemistry for retinal markers.

Results  Funduscopy and angiography showed good integration of the transplants in two of four cats, including extension of host blood vessels into the transplant and some scarring in the host. In these two, transplants were found in the subretinal space with laminated areas, with photoreceptor outer segments in normal contacts with the host retinal pigment epithelium. In some areas, transplants appeared to be well‐integrated within the host neural retina. Neither of these two cats showed functional improvement in ERGs. In the other two cats, only remnants of donor tissue were left. Transplants stained for all investigated cellular markers. No PKC immunoreactivity was detected in the fetal donor retina at E42, but developed in the 4‐month‐old grafts.

Conclusions  Fetal sheet transplants can integrate well within a degenerating cat retina and develop good lamination of photoreceptors. Functional improvement was not demonstrated by ERG in cats with well‐laminated grafts. Transplants need to be further evaluated in cat host retinas with a more advanced retinal degeneration using longer follow‐up times.
Basic fibroblast growth factor stimulates epithelial cell growth and epithelial wound healing in canine corneas
Authors: Hu Changmin , Ding Yi , Chen Jianguo , Liu Dongming , Zhang Yuxia , Ding Mingxing , Wang Guibo
Published: April 2009

Objective  To evaluate the effect of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on the proliferation of canine corneal epithelial cells and epithelial wound healing.

Animal studied  Canine corneal epithelial cells from the corneas of euthanized dogs and corneal epithelial wounds on one eye from each of 24 dogs.

Procedures  The proliferation of corneal epithelial cells in vitro was measured using the methylthiazolyl‐tetrazolium (MTT) assay. A corneal wound on one eye of each dog was made with a corneal trephine (6 mm diameter). Four concentrations of bFGF, 0, 100, 500, and 1000 ng/mL, were applied to the affected eyes of dogs, t.i.d. Fluorescein staining was used to assess closure of the corneal epithelial wound.

Results  The addition of bFGF resulted in a significant increase in epithelial proliferation at 24 h after culture, except 1 ng/mL bFGF. Cells with all bFGF treatments proliferated significantly at 48 and 96 h compared to those in the non‐bFGF group. bFGF at a concentration of 10 ng/mL promoted cell proliferation maximally. The wound healing rate in the bFGF‐treated groups was greater than that in the control. All corneal wounds in bFGF‐treated corneas closed by day 7, whereas two of six corneal wounds in the control showed poor healing. None of the eyes developed corneal clouding or neovascularization during the experiment.

Conclusions  Basic fibroblast growth factor accelerated the proliferation of canine epithelial cells and effectively promoted corneal epithelial wound healing.
High‐intensity focused ultrasound for prostate cancer: comparative definitions of biochemical failure
Authors: Blana Andreas , Brown Stephen C.W. , Chaussy Christian , Conti Giario N. , Eastham James A. , Ganzer Roman , Murat Francois J. , Pasticier Gilles , Rebillard Xavier , Rewcastle John C. , Robertson Cary N. , Thuroff Stefan , Ward John F.
Published: April 2009

OBJECTIVES

To compare the specificity and sensitivity of different definitions of biochemical failure in patients treated with high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for prostate cancer, to identify the most accurate predictor of clinical failure after HIFU.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Consecutively treated patients who underwent HIFU between October 1997 and July 2006 at two centres (Lyon, France; and Regensburg, Germany) were prospectively maintained within a central database and retrospectively reviewed for this study. Clinical failure was defined as a positive prostate biopsy after treatment, radiographic evidence of lymphatic or bony metastatic disease, or salvage treatment for prostate cancer (surgery, radiation, hormonal therapy or second HIFU). The serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) values after HIFU were assessed as a biochemical surrogate of a therapeutic success or failure. PSA threshold values, ‘PSA nadir plus’, PSA velocity, PSA doubling time and the American Society or Therapeutic Radiotherapy and Oncology and Phoenix definition of biochemical failure were all considered. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of each biochemical definition for predicting clinical failure were determined.

RESULTS

The data from 285 patients (stage ≤ T2, PSA <15 ng/mL, Gleason score ≤7) were analysed. The median (range) follow‐up was 4.7 (2–10.9) years. The median PSA nadir was 0.13 ng/mL, which occurred at a median of 12.9 weeks after HIFU, and the median PSA at the last follow‐up was 0.76 (1.6–2.7) ng/mL. Clinical failure occurred in 71 patients (25%); 24 due to a positive biopsy and 47 through the use of an additional therapy. Biochemical events that best predicted clinical failure were ‘PSA nadir plus’ values of 1.1–1.3 ng/mL, PSA velocities of <0.3 ng/mL/year and PSA doubling times of 1.25–1.75 years.

CONCLUSION

A new definition of biochemical failure that is specific to patients treated with HIFU therapy is established, i.e. the ‘Stuttgart definition’, the ‘PSA nadir plus 1.2 ng/mL’.
Quantitative and qualitative analysis of the recovery of potency after radical prostatectomy: effect of unilateral vs bilateral nerve sparing
Authors: Finley David S. , Rodriguez Jr Esequiel , Skarecky Douglas W. , Ahlering Thomas E.
Published: April 2009

OBJECTIVES

To analyse the impact of a ≈50% reduction of cavernous nervous tissue on the qualitative and quantitative recovery of sexual function after unilateral (UNS) and bilateral (BNS) nerve‐sparing robotic radical prostatectomy (RALP), by evaluating these differences in two groups treated with cautery and a cautery‐free technique (CFT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

UNS was defined as wide‐excision of one neurovascular bundle (NVB). Only men aged ≤65 years with preoperative International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF‐5) scores of ≥22 were included. The cautery group comprised 42 men (of case numbers 1–125) undergoing RALP with cautery, and the CFT group (62 men of cases 151–350) had a cautery‐free technique along the NVB. Data were collected prospectively using validated self‐administered questionnaires. Potency was defined as two affirmative answers to: do you have erections ‘adequate for vaginal penetration?’ and ‘Are they satisfactory?’. Patient‐reported IIEF‐5 scores and quality of erections (i.e. an estimate of erection as 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% or 100% of preoperative fullness) were obtained after surgery.

RESULTS

In the cautery group, doubling the nerve volume increased potency by 1.36 times (UNS 50% vs BNS 68%). The results were similar in the CFT group as doubling nerve tissue increased potency by 1.15 times (UNS 80% and BNS 93%). At 24 months, comparing IIEF‐5 scores, there was no difference between UNS and BNS for the cautery group, at 19.6 (95% confidence interval 15.7–23.5) vs 18.9 (16.6–21.0), or the CFT group, at 22.0 (20.2–23.8) vs 21.0 (19.8–22.1).

CONCLUSIONS

Doubling the nerve volume only increased potency by 1.15–1.36 times for both the CFT and cautery groups. Furthermore, the quality of erections and IIEF‐5 scores did not vary appreciably with doubling of nerve tissue.
Fish stress and mortality can be predicted using reflex impairment
Authors: Davis Michael W.
Published: April 2009

Fish stress and mortality can be significant problems in both capture and culture operations. In addition to inexpensive and real‐time metrics, ones that are simple to use are also desirable for measuring fish stress and predicting mortality. Current methods to define stress rely on expensive, laboratory‐based measurements of changes in fish pathology such as disease, necropsy and histology, in physiology such as plasma cortisol, lactate, glucose and ions and in complex behaviour determined from swimming, feeding and predator evasion. All of these methods are often not rigorously linked to fitness outcomes. An alternative is to observe reflex impairment as a direct sign of stress which can be easily and rapidly measured in free swimming or restrained fish responding to peripheral stimuli such as gravity, light, sound and touch. Reflex impairment is correlated with stress and mortality outcomes, eliminating the need for prolonged holding or monitoring of fish. A few examples of reflexes that may be impaired include orientation, startle responses, fin erection, body flex upon restraint, operculum and mouth clamping or gaping, gag response and vestibular–ocular response. Reflex impairment combines the effects of stressors and their interactions and is not dependent on fish size, motivation states and acclimation which make it a consistent sign of stress across a wide range of stressor types and fish ages. Use of reflex impairment to measure stress and predict mortality would significantly improve monitoring of fish health and welfare in many types of field operations such as commercial and recreational fishing, aquaculture, live transport, stock enhancement and tagging.
Capital Budgeting and Political Risk: Empirical Evidence
Authors: Holmén Martin , Pramborg Bengt
Published: April 2009

This paper surveys and investigates Swedish firms' use of capital budgeting techniques for foreign direct investments. We document that the use of the theoretically correct net present value method decreases with the political risk in the host country, and that the use of the Payback method increases with the political risk. We conclude that in the presence of capital market imperfections, unsystematic and country‐specific political risks are important. Because these risks are difficult to estimate (rendering high deliberation costs) managers are inclined to use simple rules of thumb for their capital budgeting decisions. Our results can partly explain why surveys find that alternative methods such as the Payback method are frequently used despite their theoretical drawbacks.
Value Relevance of IAS 27 (2003) Revision on Presentation of Non‐Controlling Interest: Evidence From Hong Kong
Authors: So Stella , Smith Malcolm
Published: April 2009

This study investigates the value relevance of the IAS 27 Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements (2003) revision, which requires the presentation of non‐controlling interest as components of equity and earnings. The investigation is carried out in the context of companies publicly listed in Hong Kong during 2004–2006 where IAS 27 (2003) is replaced by the local but word‐for‐word equivalent standard of HKAS 27 (2004). The results of this study provide strong evidence that the revision has significant value relevance in changing investors' perception about non‐controlling interest, which is no longer perceived as liabilities. Investors have apparently not been confused by the revised presentation of non‐controlling interest within equity and continue to associate company values only with the equity amount actually owned by the parent company's shareholders. The results of this study give support for the accounting regulator's first move towards the economic unit theory of consolidated financial statements.
Valuation Accuracy and Infinity Horizon Forecast: Empirical Evidence from Europe
Authors: Cassia Lucio , Vismara Silvio
Published: April 2009

This paper focuses on the assumptions of infinite‐horizon forecasting in the field of firm valuation. The estimate of long‐run continuing values is based on the hypothesis that companies should have reached the steady state at the end of the period of explicit forecasts. It is argued that the equivalence between cash accounting and accrual accounting is the way of verifying the steady‐state assumption, defined as the state when a firm earns exactly its cost of capital, i.e., what we would expect in pure‐competition settings. From this definition, we derive that the “ideal” growth rate to use in steady state is equal to the reinvestment rate times Weighted Average Cost of Capital. To validate our approach, we collect a sample of 784 analyst valuations and compare how the implied target prices deviate from what the target prices would have been using the “ideal” steady‐state growth rates. Using Logit and Cox regression models, we find that this deviation has predictive value over the probability that actual market price reaches the target price over the following 12‐month period—the smaller the deviation the greater is the likelihood that the market price reaches the target price.
Marginal Regression Analysis for Semi‐Competing Risks Data Under Dependent Censoring
Authors: ADAM DING A. , SHI GUANGKAI , WANG WEIJING , HSIEH JIN‐JIAN
Published: April 2009

Abstract.  Multiple events data are commonly seen in medical applications. There are two types of events, namely terminal and non‐terminal. Statistical analysis for non‐terminal events is complicated due to dependent censoring. Consequently, joint modelling and inference are often needed to avoid the problem of non‐identifiability. This article considers regression analysis for multiple events data with major interest in a non‐terminal event such as disease progression. We generalize the technique of artificial censoring, which is a popular way to handle dependent censoring, under flexible model assumptions on the two types of events. The proposed method is applied to analyse a data set of bone marrow transplantation.
An Optimal Retrospective Change Point Detection Policy
Authors: VEXLER ALBERT , WU CHENGQING
Published: April 2009

Abstract. Since the middle of the twentieth century, the problem of making inferences about the point in a surveyed series of observations at which the underlying distribution changes has been extensively addressed in the economics, biostatistics and statistics literature. Cumulative sum‐type statistics have commonly been thought to play a central role in non‐sequential change point detections. Alternatively, we present and examine an approach based on the Shiryayev–Roberts scheme. We show that retrospective change point detection policies based on Shiryayev–Roberts statistics are non‐asymptotically optimal in the context of most powerful testing.
Parameterizations and Fitting of Bi‐directed Graph Models to Categorical Data
Authors: LUPPARELLI MONIA , MARCHETTI GIOVANNI M. , BERGSMA WICHER P.
Published: April 2009

Abstract. We discuss two parameterizations of models for marginal independencies for discrete distributions which are representable by bi‐directed graph models, under the global Markov property. Such models are useful data analytic tools especially if used in combination with other graphical models. The first parameterization, in the saturated case, is also known as thenation multivariate logistic transformation, the second is a variant that allows, in some (but not all) cases, variation‐independent parameters. An algorithm for maximum likelihood fitting is proposed, based on an extension of the Aitchison and Silvey method.
A DYNAMIC MODEL OF TOURISM, EMPLOYMENT AND WELFARE: THE CASE OF HONG KONG
Authors: Chao Chi‐Chur , Hazari Bharat R. , Laffargue Jean‐Pierre , Yu Eden S. H.
Published: April 2009

Abstract.  The present paper uses a dynamic open‐economy model with wage indexation to examine the impact of tourism on employment and welfare. Both short‐run and long‐run situations are analysed. It is well known that tourism converts non‐traded goods into tradable goods. An increase in the demand for a non‐traded good raises its relative price, which results in an expansion of the non‐traded sector at the expense of the traded goods sector. This output shift raises labour employment in the short run. However, in the long run, the higher relative price leads to higher wages, resulting in a negative impact on labour employment. If the output effect is dominant, the expansion in tourism raises employment and welfare. However, under realistic conditions tourism may lower both labour employment and welfare due to rising costs. These results are demonstrated by simulating a dynamic model for the case of Hong Kong.
INFLUENCING THE PUBLIC AND EFFICIENCY IN BUREAUCRATIC PROVISION
Authors: Vaidya Samarth
Published: April 2009

Abstract.  In the present paper a public bureau can extract additional budgetary allocations, not only by misreporting its production cost to its oversight committee but also by ‘influencing’ the perceptions of the public at large. I juxtapose the bureau's ability to influence the public with its ability to misreport to the oversight committee, and find that influencing the public might support an efficient level of production by invoking a separating equilibrium. However, a pooling equilibrium involving either overproduction or underproduction of output cannot be ruled out. Accordingly, overproduction could occur even when the bureau cares only about extracting excess budget and not increasing output per se.
FEAR OF FLOATING IN EAST ASIA?
Authors: Kim Soyoung , Kim Sunghyun H. , Wang Yunjong
Published: April 2009

Abstract.  We examine the de facto exchange rate arrangements in eight East Asian countries during the post‐Asian crisis period. The empirical results suggest that three countries adopted a hard peg or a peg with capital account restrictions, whereas five countries moved toward a more flexible exchange rate arrangement in the post‐crisis period. Three of these five countries (Korea, Indonesia and Thailand) achieved a level of exchange rate flexibility close to the level accomplished in a free floater such as Australia. These results suggest that ‘fear of floating’ in East Asia is not prevalent in the post‐crisis period, supporting the bipolar view of the optimal exchange rate regime.
EFFECTS OF PATENTS ON PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH IN KOREAN MANUFACTURING: A PANEL DATA ANALYSIS*
Authors: Kim Taegi , Maskus Keith E. , Oh Keun‐Yeob
Published: April 2009

Abstract. We analyse the contributions of patents to total factor productivity (TFP) performance in Korean manufacturing industries during the period 1981–1999. This paper treats potential autocorrelation problems seriously and uses recent panel cointegration approaches to investigate the robustness of the patent‐TFP relationship. The results show that both domestic and foreign‐resident patent applications have significant positive effects on productivity and that foreign‐resident patent applications have a larger effect than domestic patents in improving TFP in Korean manufacturing. We also find evidence of knowledge spillovers among industries, in that the patent applications of other industries increase TFP in any single industry.
THE CYCLICALITY OF SEPARATION AND JOB FINDING RATES*
Authors: Fujita Shigeru , Ramey Garey
Published: April 2009

This article uses CPS gross flow data to analyze the business cycle dynamics of separation and job finding rates and quantify their contributions to overall unemployment variability. Cyclical changes in the separation rate are negatively correlated with changes in productivity and move contemporaneously with them, whereas the job finding rate is positively correlated with and tends to lag productivity. Contemporaneous fluctuations in the separation rate explain between 40 and 50% of fluctuations in unemployment, depending on how the data are detrended. This figure becomes larger when dynamic interactions between the separation and job finding rates are considered.