bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Classification of frequency distributions of diagnostic criteria scores in twelve personality disorders by the curve fitting method
Authors: Lyoo In‐Kyoon , Youn Tak , Ha Tae Hyon , Park Hae Song , Kwon Jun Soo
Published: July 2003

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether each personality disorder (PD) has a different frequency distribution of diagnostic criteria, and to classify the distribution of each PD on the basis of shape by the curve fitting method. A total of 4740 male subjects in early adulthood completed the Korean version of the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire (4th revision; PDQ‐4+). The frequency distribution of scores in each PD was specified to the best fitted model by the curve estimation procedure. Twelve distributions of PD criteria were fitted to three types of curve models (quadratic, cubic, and logistic). The quadratic model included obsessive–compulsive and histrionic PD. The cubic model included borderline, narcissistic, avoidant, passive–aggressive, paranoid, and schizotypal PD. The logistic model contained dependent, depressive, schizoid, and antisocial PD. The results suggest that each PD has a different type of distribution and each distribution of PD might be classified to a specific curve model. Also, the results suggest that the issue of continuities between PD and the normal group could not be generalized to all PD, but should be considered individually for each PD.
Comparison of the prevalence of substance use and psychiatric disorders between government‐ and self‐employed commercial drivers
Authors: Lin Shih‐Ku , Lee Chao‐Hui , Pan Chun‐Hung , Hu Wei‐Hern
Published: July 2003

Abstract Five hundred and five city government‐employed bus drivers (GED) and 506 self‐employed drivers (SED) who were primarily taxi drivers attending annual health check‐ups were studied. A two‐step survey was applied. Data on basic demographics were collected, the 12‐item Chinese Health Questionnaire (CHQ), Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST), Drug Abuse Screen Test (DAST) questionnaires were administered and urine drug screening for amphetamine and benzodiazepines was performed in all subjects. Subjects with MAST scores ≥3, DAST ≥5 from both groups and CHQ ≥4 for the GED group and CHQ ≥7 for the SED group were regarded as a high‐risk group; and subjects with normal MAST, DAST and CHQ results serving as the comparison group were invited for further interview by psychiatric specialists using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. The mean CHQ scores were 0.94 ± 1.53 for the GED group and 2.08 ± 2.42 for the SED group. The mean MAST scores for the GED and SED groups were 0.23 ± 0.58 and 0.38 ± 1.12; and the mean DAST scores were 1.03 ± 0.85 and 1.41 ± 1.89, respectively. The positive rate for benzodiazepines in urine screening by enzyme immunoassay was 8.3% for the GED group, and 8.5% for the SED group. After specification using liquid chromatography, this rate reduced to 4.6% and 3.7%, respectively. Only one subject in the SED group tested positive for urine amphetamine. The SED group had a higher rate of neurotic problems, psychiatric diagnosis and a higher frequency of substance use than the GED group. These findings suggest that different work style of commercial drivers may contribute to this phenomenon. The rate of psychiatric diagnosis was significantly higher in the high‐risk subjects from both groups. Questionnaires such as CHQ, DAST and MAST are useful tools to screen out subjects at high risk of psychiatric disorders during routine health checks in labor workers.
Determining vulnerability to schizophrenia in methamphetamine psychosis using exploratory eye movements
Authors: Mikami Tomoko , Naruse Nobuya , Fukura Yoichi , Ohkubo Hiromi , Ohkubo Tatsunobu , Matsuura Masato , Moriya Hirobumi , Nishikawa Toru , Kojima Takuya
Published: July 2003

Abstract Patients with methamphetamine (MAP) psychosis whose psychotic symptoms continued after MAP withdrawal were observed at Saitama Prefecture Government Psychiatric Hospital. The purpose of the present study was to ascertain whether some of these MAP psychosis subjects have a vulnerability to schizophrenia. Forty‐eight patients with MAP psychosis were divided into three groups based on clinical course: transient type, prolonged type and persistent type. Furthermore, the patients with the persistent type were divided into two groups: one group were moderately disturbed in social adaptive functioning and had Global Assessment Functioning scale (GAF) points >50, and the other group consisted of those who were severely disturbed in social adaptive functioning and who had GAF points of ≤50. These MAP patients were tested for exploratory eye movements, which are the vulnerability marker of schizophrenia, and were compared with 30 patients with schizophrenia and 30 healthy control subjects. The responsive search score of the severely disturbed group of patients of the persistent type was lowest, significantly lower than those of the transient type and the healthy controls. It did not differ from that of the schizophrenic subjects. These results suggest that the severely disturbed group of patients with the persistent type of MAP psychosis have a vulnerability to schizophrenia.
Reliability, validity and standardization of the Japanese version of the Social Adjustment Scale‐Self Report
Authors: Suzuki Yuichiro , Sakurai Akio , Yasuda Toshinobu , Harai Hiroaki , Kitamura Toshinori , Takahashi Kiyohisa , Furukawa Toshiaki A.
Published: July 2003

Abstract The purpose of the present paper was to examine the reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the Social Adjustment Scale‐Self Report (SAS‐SR) and to present its normative data. The SAS‐SR was administered to a random sample of all the employees of a large general hospital, together with the General Health Questionnaire (n = 363). It was also administered to a representative subset of first‐visit patients at 33 psychiatric hospitals and clinics from all over Japan, along with the semistructured psychiatric interview to ascertain the patients’ diagnoses (n = 1581). For the internal consistency reliability of the subscales and the overall scale of the SAS‐SR, Cronbach's α was between 0.61 and 0.73. The Pearson product‐moment correlations between the subscale and overall scale scores with the GHQ score were mostly >0.3. The scores were statistically significantly and substantively different between the normal sample and the patient samples, and were also meaningful, differentiating between various diagnostic subgroups. The reference ranges of the SAS‐SR scores for mentally healthy subjects were calculated as 95% prediction intervals; for example, 1.22–2.22 for the overall score. The Japanese version of the SAS‐SR has good reliability and satisfactory validity. The present study provided reference ranges for its scores in order to increase their interpretability. With its ease of administration and its rich subscales, the scale promises to offer a psychometrically sound measure with which to assess social adjustment in people with various psychiatric disorders.
Vertical ophthalmoplegia in a demented patient with striatopallidodentate calcification
Authors: Watanabe Yasuhiro , Shimizu Yasutaka , Urakami Katsuya , Matsushima Eiji , Nakashima Kenji
Published: July 2003

Abstract A case is presented here of a 73‐year‐old man who showed signs of dementia, supranuclear vertical ophthalmoplegia, pseudobulbar palsy, axial dystonia, mild rigidity, and parkinsonian gait. Computed tomography of the head revealed symmetrical calcification in the striatum, globus pallidus and dentate nucleus to an extraordinary degree. No metabolic conditions were observed that could explain the intracranial calcification. Oral administration of levodopa improved the patient's motor symptoms to some extent. Ophthalmoplegia, parkinsonism and dementia combined are typically seen in patients with progressive supranuclear palsy. However, the present case and a few others that have been reported would seem to indicate that these unique symptoms might also be found in patients with intracranial calcification.
Sleep habits, excessive daytime sleepiness and school performance in high school students
Authors: Shin Chol , Kim Jinkwan , Lee Sangduck , Ahn Yongkyu , Joo Soonjae
Published: July 2003

Abstract A questionnaire survey was carried out to examine the sleep habits and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) of 3871 high school students with a mean age of 16.8 years in Korea. The results showed that mean total sleep time was 6.3 h/day for male students and 6.5 h/day for female students, which may be insufficient for adolescence during puberty. The overall prevalence of EDS (defined as an Epworth sleepiness scale score of >10) was 15.9% (14.9% for boys and 18.2% for girls). The prevalence of EDS increased significantly (P < 0.001) with a decline in school performance.
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor of small round cell type with pleomorphic spindle cell sarcomatous areas
Authors: Shintaku Masayuki , Nakade Masaharu , Hirose Takanori
Published: July 2003

An unusual case of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) arising in the posterior mediastinum of a 59‐year‐old man is reported. Histopathologically, the tumor showed an admixture of a dense proliferation of small round cells resembling a primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) and a pleomorphic spindlle cell sarcomatous area. Abortive rosettes, primitive neural tube‐like structures, and a few glandular structures were found in the small round cell area. Small round cells were immunoreactive for neural cell adhesion molecule and synaptophysin, but were not immunoreactive for MIC2 and neuron‐specific enolase. Pleomorphic spindle cells were occasionally arranged in a storiform pattern and were diffusely immunoreactive for S‐100 protein. The MPNST of small round cell type is distinguishable from PNET by its negative immunoreactivity for MIC2, and the present tumor is assumed to be derived from primitive neuroectodermal cells in the peripheral nerve capable of bidirectional (neuron and Schwann cell) differentiation.
Splenic lymphangioma with papillary endothelial proliferation: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Takayama Akiko , Nakashima Osamu , Kobayashi Keita , Kojiro Masamichi
Published: July 2003

A 76‐year‐old man complained of difficulty breathing. A solitary mass was found in the spleen by ultrasonography and the tumor was excised. Grossly, the tumor was 3.9 × 2.9 cm in size, solid and brownish in color. A stellate scar‐like fibrosis was observed in the center of the tumor. Histologically, the tumor consisted of the proliferation of irregular and small lymph vessel‐like spaces, with sclerotic change in the center. The lymph vessel‐like spaces showed papillary projections of the lining cells. The lumen contained amorphous proteinaceous fluid. Immunohistochemically, the lining cells of lymph vessel‐like spaces were positive for endothelial markers (CD31, CD34, factor VIII‐related antigen), and bound Ulex europaeus agglutinin‐1. The tumor was diagnosed as splenic lymphangioma, but its appearance was rather unusual for a typical splenic lymphangioma because of the presence of papillary endothelial proliferation and scar‐like fibrosis. Splenic lymphangioma with papillary endothelial proliferation is uncommon, and there have been only four cases reported.
Y‐box binding protein expression in thyroid neoplasms: Its linkage with anaplastic transformation
Authors: Ito Yasuhiro , Yoshida Hiroshi , Shibahara Kotaro , Uruno Takashi , Nakano Keiichi , Takamura Yuuki , Miya Akihiro , Kobayashi Kaoru , Yokozawa Tamotsu , Matsuzuka Fumio , Uchimi Takeshi , Kuwano Michihiko , Miyoshi Eiji , Matsuura Nariaki , Kuma Kanji , Miyauchi Akira
Published: July 2003

Recent studies have demonstrated that Y‐box binding protein (YB‐1) regulates the transcription of genes linked to carcinoma progression. In this study, we investigated the expression of this protein in thyroid neoplasms to elucidate its significance. The expression of YB‐1 was immunohistochemically investigated using the monoclonal antibody for various thyroid neoplasms. Normal follicles did not overexpress YB‐1, and only moderate overexpression of YB‐1 was observed in some follicular tumors and papillary carcinoma, especially those of a larger size. In contrast, 92.9% of anaplastic carcinoma strongly overexpressed YB‐1. YB‐1 immunoreactivity was seen in both cytoplasms and cell nuclei, but the former was more predominant. These findings suggest that YB‐1 plays a role in regulating the transcription as well as translation of genes contributing to the anaplastic transformation of thyroid carcinoma.
Pigmented squamous cell carcinoma of the cheek skin probably arising from solar keratosis
Authors: Terada Tadashi , Yamagami Jun , Fugimoto Atsushi , Tanaka Kyoko , Sugiura Makoto
Published: July 2003

We report a rare case of pigmented squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the cheek skin probably arising from solar keratosis. An 80‐year‐old man was referred to our clinic because of a black skin nodule in the right cheek. The nodular lesion was 1 cm in diameter, dome‐shaped, hard, sharply demarcated, partially erosive and telangiectatic at the border. The lesion was completely excised under the clinical diagnosis of probable seborrheic keratosis. Microscopically, cutaneous horn and mildly atypical squamous epithelia suggestive of previous solar keratosis were present in the surface of the lesion. The lesion consisted of atypical squamous cells with keratinization and intercellular bridges, and it was regarded as SCC. The SCC cells were seen to invade lightly into the upper dermis, where lym‐phocytic infiltrations and melanophages were noted. Characteristically, heavy deposition of melanin pigment was recognized in the SCC cells as well as in proliferated dendritic and pigment blockade melanocytes that were scattered or colonized within the SCC cell nests. Masson‐Fontana stain revealed numerous melanin granules in the SCC cells, as well as in dendritic and pigment blockade melanocytes. Immunohistochemically, the SCC cells were positive for cytokeratins and epithelial membrane antigen, and negative for S‐100 protein and HMB‐45 antigen. Dendritic and pigment blockade melanocytes were negative for cytokeratins, epithelial membrane antigen, and HMB45 antigen, but positive for S‐100 protein. The present case suggests that SCC cells of the skin may induce proliferation of melanocytes. The differential diagnosis and the histogenesis of pigmented SCC of the skin are discussed.
Sacrococcygeal chordoma in infancy showing an aggressive clinical course: An autopsy case report
Authors: Shinmura Yuichiro , Miura Katsutoshi , Yajima Shuhei , Tsutsui Yoshihiro
Published: July 2003

The autopsy case of a 3‐year 6‐month‐old boy with chordoma arising in the sacrococcygeal region is presented. The primary lesion of the sacrococcygeal area was unresectable and lung metastasis was detected. He was treated with multi‐agent systemic chemotherapy and radiation therapy, but the tumor was less responsive to these therapies. He died about one year after first admission. An autopsy revealed a massive sacrococcygeal mass and metastasis in the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae, retroperitoneal and mediastinal lymph nodes, and also in the bilateral lungs and liver. Histologically, the tumor was composed of ‘pink’ cells and scattered ‘physaliphorous’ cells with a myxoid matrix. Sacrococcygeal chordoma in infancy is very rare. Our case showed a highly aggressive clinical course.
Interobserver variation in the diagnosis of adenoma malignum (minimal deviation adenocarcinoma) of the uterine cervix
Authors: Tsuda Hitoshi , Mikami Yoshiki , Kaku Tsunehisa , Akiyama Futoshi , Hasegawa Tadashi , Okada Satoshi , Hayashi Isamu , Kasamatsu Takahiro
Published: July 2003

To examine the interobserver agreement level of the histological diagnosis of adenoma malignum (ADM), 52 proliferative endocervical glandular lesions were evaluated independently by four observers (A to D), each of whom is in charge of gynecological pathology at a different hospital. The correlation of diagnosis by each observer with patient outcome was also examined for 19 of these lesions. When the diagnoses were categorized into benign lesions including hyperplasias, ADM, and common types of adenocarcinoma, consistent diagnoses among all observers were achieved for only 12 lesions (23%), with a slight level of interobserver agreement (κ = 0.115). The points of disagreement were as follows: (i) whether proliferative endocervical glandular lesions preserving lobular structures were diagnosed as benign or as ADM; and (ii) whether proliferative endocervical glandular lesions with a discrete area of obvious adenocarcinoma were diagnosed as ADM or as common‐type adenocarcinoma. The mortality rates of patients with ADM diagnosed by observers A, B, C, and D were 60% (3 of 5), 25% (3 of 12), 14% (1 of 7), and 13% (2 of 15), respectively. Therefore, ADM diagnosed by observers A and B was frequently lethal, whereas ADM diagnosed by observers C and D was mostly non‐lethal and might contain benign lesions. The diagnosis of ADM covered various spectra of proliferative endocervical glandular lesions among the observers. Disagreement in the diagnosis was suggested to derive largely from the absence of consensus criteria for differential diagnosis among benign hyperplastic lesions, ADM, and common adenocarcinoma, and from differences in the observers’ interpretations about cellular atypia and invasion.
Microinvasive ductal carcinoma (T1mic) of the breast. The clinicopathological profile and immunohistochemical features of 28 cases
Authors: Yang Ming , Moriya Takuya , Oguma Mitsue , De La Cruz Clarissa , Endoh Mareyuki , Ishida Takanori , Hirakawa Hisashi , Orita Yojiro , Ohuchi Noriaki , Sasano Hironobu
Published: July 2003

Microinvasive ductal carcinoma of the breast, namely ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion (T1mic) as defined by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Staging Manual, is a rare disease, although it is increasing because of widespread use of mammography. The aim of the present study was to describe the clinicopathological and immunohistochemical features of this entity. Twenty‐eight patients who were diagnosed as T1mic from January 1997 to August 2002 were studied by using 3–5 mm‐thick serial sections with hematoxylin–eosin staining. Immunohistochemical staining for the estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), p53, Ki‐67, and HER‐2 were performed. All 28 patients were female, with a mean age of 48.8 years. Twenty‐six patients (93%) revealed mammographic abnormalities on routine examination. All foci of the invasions were measured using an ocular micrometer. Invasive foci consisted of isolated cells or cell clusters, or appeared as a tongue‐like projection of tumor through the basement membrane of the duct of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). The mean number of invasive foci was 3, and the mean size was 0.6 mm. We found that high nuclear grade and predominant comedo subtype of DCIS components were 57.1% and 46.4%, respectively. Twenty‐four cases (86%) demonstrated necrosis of DCIS components. Microinvasion was often associated with periductal stromal reaction (71.5%) and/or a lymphocytic infiltration (78.6%). All patients, excluding two, received axillary resection (the mean number of lymph nodes examined per case was 12), and none had lymph node metastasis. The positive expression of ER and PR strongly related to low grade nuclei and non‐comedo subtype; however, the positive expression of HER‐2 and P53 related to high grade nuclei and comedo subtype (P < 0.01). Ki‐67 expression was significantly higher in the high grade nuclei group than in the low grade group (P < 0.01). Our study suggested that high nuclear grade and comedo DCIS were more aggressive and more common with microinvasion, and that microinvasion is more likely to be multifocal.
Distribution and secretory pathways of prostate specific antigen, α1‐antichymotrypsin and prostate secretory granules in prostate cancers
Authors: Ishida Eiwa , Nakamura Mitsutoshi , Shimada Keiji , Kishi Munehiro , Nakaoka Shingo , Konishi Noboru
Published: July 2003

Using 19 radical prostatectomy specimens, we studied the histological distribution of free prostate specific antigen (PSA), total PSA, α1‐antichymotrypsin (ACT) and prostate secretory granules (PSG) in both normal and cancerous cells of the prostate. After glutaraldehyde fixation, numerous fine eosinophilic droplets of PSG could be found mainly in the apical portions of normal acinous epithelial cells, but was markedly decreased in cancer cells. With antibodies against free PSA, normal acinous cells were granularly positive in the apical portion of the epithelium, which corresponded to the PSG, whereas cancer cells were diffusely positive. With antibodies against ACT, normal duct cells and cancer cells were often positive, but few normal acinous cells were positive. Presumably, these findings indicate that free PSA is secreted into the lumen as PSG in normal glands, but not by the same pathway in cancers where free PSA appears to accumulate due to a decrease of PSG, then leak into the blood producing complexed PSA to some extent in the cytoplasm. One factor analysis of variance (anova) on the correlation of tumor differentiation or Gleason score with serum values of total PSA, free PSA and a free/total PSA ratio demonstrated no significant links. Elucidation of secretory mechanisms should provide better comprehension of various PSA indices for prostate cancer screening.
Adenoma, adenocarcinoma and mixed carcinoid‐adenocarcinoma arising in a small lesion of the colon
Authors: Jiao Yu‐Fei , Nakamura Shin‐ichi , Arai Tomio , Sugai Tamotsu , Uesugi Noriuki , Habano Wataru , Suzuki Masamichi , Tazawa Hideki , Goukon Yuji
Published: July 2003

A unique tumor measuring 8 × 8 × 5 mm and composed of adenoma, adenocarcinoma and mixed carcinoid‐adenocarcinoma arising in the ascending colon is reported. The mixed carcinoid‐adenocarcinoma, in which adenocarcinomatous and carcinoid components intermingled, originated in the mucosa, penetrated the muscularis mucosa and extended into the submucosa. Immunohistochemically, carcinoid cells were positive for neuroendocrine markers and adenocarcinoma cells were intracytoplasmicly positive for carcinoembryonic antigen. Ultrastructurally, membrane‐bound electron dense granules varying in shape, size and electron density were detected in the cytoplasm of carcinoid cells. No mutations of p53 and k‐ras genes were detected in adenomatous, adenocarcinomatous or mixed carcinoid‐adenocarcinoma components. The morphological appearances of the present case strongly suggests the histogenesis of this tumor in an adenoma‐adenocarcinoma‐carcinoid tumor sequence.
Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in thyroid neoplasms: Immunohistochemical and molecular analysis
Authors: Choe Wonsick , Kim Sungeun , Hwang Tae Sook , Lee Seung Sook
Published: July 2003

To understand the role of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in thyroid tumorigenesis, immunohistochemical staining of 36 surgical specimens of thyroid neoplasm that consisted of seven follicular adenomas, 12 papillary carcinomas, seven follicular carcinomas, five medullary carcinomas, and five anaplastic carcinomas were analyzed. In addition, 20 specimens of normal thyroid were used as control samples. Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis were also performed using a normal thyroid and a representative papillary carcinoma case. The intensity and proportion of the immunostained tumor cells were graded semiquantitatively. The grades of the intensity and the proportion were then summed to provide an immunohistochemical score. There was a variation in the staining intensity and proportion. The iNOS expression was low in normal follicular epithelia. Inducible nitric oxide synthase is present in the majority of thyroid tumor cells, including follicular adenomas, papillary carcinomas, follicular carcinomas, medullary carcinomas, and anaplastic carcinomas. Relatively low expression was shown in follicular neoplasms. Only a few inflammatory cells in the stroma were immunoreactive. These results suggest that iNOS may have a role in tumorigenesis, and iNOS in human thyroid carcinoma is mostly derived from tumor cells not from macrophages.
Sarcomatoid collecting duct carcinoma arising in the hemodialysis‐associated acquired cystic kidney: An autopsy report
Authors: Aita Kumi , Tanimoto Akihide , Fujimoto Yo , Momomura Shinichi , Takemoto Fumi , Hara Shigeko , Matsushita Hiroshi
Published: July 2003

A case of sarcomatoid collecting duct carcinoma (CDC) arising in a long‐term hemodialysis‐associated acquired cystic kidney was reported. A 71‐year‐old woman with a 21‐year history of hemodialysis showed a peritoneal metastatic carcinoma (carcinomatous peritonitis) with an unknown primary site. An autopsy revealed a sarcomatoid collecting duct carcinoma of the right kidney with multicyst formation. In addition to the carcinomatous peritonitis, the tumor metastasized to the lymph nodes and bilateral lung. The primary tumor was composed of both carcinomatous and sarcomatous components, suggesting a high‐grade transformation. Carcinomatous tumor cells were positive for epithelial membranous antigen (EMA), cytokeratin, and reactive to soybean agglutinin and peanut agglutinin, whereas the sarcomatous cells were positive for vimentin as well as EMA. Thus, the immunohistochemical and lectin‐histochemical analysis confirmed that the tumor originated in the medullary collecting duct. Although CDC is not common in acquired cystic kidney disease patients, attention should be given to the occurrence of high‐grade carcinoma of rare histological variant, as well as conventional renal cell carcinoma.
Hepatocellular carcinoma with osteoclast‐like giant cells: Possibility of osteoclastogenesis by hepatocyte‐derived cells
Authors: Ikeda Tohru , Seki Sachiko , Maki Masahiko , Noguchi Norio , Kawamura Toru , Arii Shigeki , Igari Toru , Koike Morio , Hirokawa Katsuiku
Published: July 2003

Giant cell tumor (GCT) of bone is a primary osteolytic tumor that is characterized by the formation of osteoclast‐like giant cells. In addition to GCT of bone, extraskeletal GCT are known to be formed in several soft tissues. Giant cells in GCT of bone were suggested to be identical to osteoclasts, but the characterization of giant cells in extraskeletal GCT remains incomplete. In this study, a case of sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma with osteoclast‐like giant cells was analyzed. Immunohistochemistry revealed the expression of almost all markers of osteoclasts: tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase, CD68, CD51, CD54 and matrix metalloprotease‐9, in osteoclast‐like giant cells in the tumor. In situ hybridization revealed the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor‐kappa B (RANK) in the giant cells and receptor activator of nuclear factor‐kappa B ligand (RANKL) in the tumor cells. The hepatic origin of the sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma cells was confirmed by the expression of albumin. This is the first report suggesting that hepatocyte‐derived cells possess the potential for osteoclastogenesis. In addition, these findings suggest that osteoclast‐like cells in the hepatocellular carcinoma were formed by the same mechanism as osteoclastogenesis in bone.
Anticipated diagnosis of left atrial myxoma following histological investigation of limb embolectomy specimens: A report of two cases
Authors: Val‐Bernal J. Fernando , Acebo Elvira , Gómez‐Román J. Javier , Garijo M. Francisca
Published: July 2003

Nonfamilial myxoma occurs as a random event. The tumor is rare and can mimic other diseases. Cardiac myxomas should always be considered as a source of embolization, which need meticulous investigation and prompt indication of surgical resection. Tumors with a villous surface are prone to embolize. We report two cases of cardiac myxoma presenting as acute ischemia of one or two limbs due to embolic phenomena. The patients were females aged 55 and 37 years. Histological study of emboli taken from obstructed limb arteries in the two patients showed a picture indicating systemic embolization of a cardiac myxoma. The embolic tissue fragments showed the gross characteristics (i.e. villous surface) of the cardiac tumor. Further echocardiography and surgical removal confirmed the cardiac myxoma. Immunohistochemical study of embolectomy material disclosed strong reactivity of the tumor cells for calretinin. The histological examination of the embolectomy material can anticipate the cardiac lesion and its gross features. Calretinin is a useful marker in the differential diagnosis of cardiac myxoma with a myxoid thrombus. The necessity of histological examination of the embolectomy material is stressed.
Patterns of invertebrate biodiversity across a natural edge
Authors: DANGERFIELD J. MARK , PIK ANTHONY J. , BRITTON DAVID , HOLMES ANDREW , GILLINGS MICHAEL , OLIVER IAN , BRISCOE DAVID , BEATTIE ANDREW J.
Published: July 2003

Abstract Most ecologists are comfortable with the notion of habitats as recognizable entities and also with situations where the junction between two adjacent habitats forms a discrete edge. Such edges form naturally because of sharp changes in important edaphic, geomorphological, climatic or chemical properties to which plants, in particular, respond. Less clear is the effect of such edges on assemblages of mobile organisms, especially invertebrates that operate at relatively small spatial scales. The objective of the present study was to sample invertebrate composition across a natural edge between a well‐developed riparian habitat on fluvial sands and a saltbush habitat developed on a stony gibber plain in a semi‐arid region of New South Wales, Australia. A total of 150 pitfall traps on five 1‐km‐long transects that straddled the edge produced more than 13 000 adult specimens from 21 ordinal invertebrate taxa. A total of 10 446 beetle, ant, wasp, fly and springtail specimens were further sorted into 426 morphospecies. Comparisons and estimates of trends in abundance and richness were made, along with computation of multivariate dissimilarity and permutation statistics, to determine if the land system edge was coincident with changes in invertebrate abundance and composition. These analyses were unable to detect disjunctions in diversity coincident with the edge. The data suggest that many taxa are either present consistently in both habitats or are mostly found in one habitat but ‘leak’ several hundred metres across into the other. Few taxa were unique to either habitat. The result is that assemblage composition for invertebrates changes gradually over distances of up to 400 m either side of the edge and that the distance to a recognizable change in composition is taxon dependent. Even sharp habitat edges, as defined by discrete changes in soils and plants, are not edges but broad transition zones for many invertebrate taxa. There are several implications of these results, especially for landscape ecology.
Myths and facts on ratadas: Bamboo blooms, rainfall peaks and rodent outbreaks in South America
Authors: JAKSIC FABIAN M. , LIMA MAURICIO
Published: July 2003

Abstract ‘Ratadas’ are rodent irruptions or outbreaks that have been recorded in South America since the Spanish conquest in the 16th century. The notion that ratadas are associated with bamboo flowering and subsequent mast seeding at cycles of 30 years has appeared in the literature since the late 1800s. Based on 63 well‐documented cases, we show that not only are ratadas associated with bamboo blooming, but also many are associated with rainfall peaks, and that these two outbreak types are geographically interspersed over South America. In addition, we dispel the notion that South American bamboo blooms occur every 30 years, which may only be the case forMerostachys fistulosa. For other species the modal cycles occur every 14 (Merostachysspp.), 12 (Chusquea quilaand/orvaldiviensis) or 14 years (Chusquea coleou). We also propose the hypothesis that rainfall‐associated ratadas are ultimately caused by the occurrence of El Niño, and discuss the possible population dynamic mechanisms underlying rodent outbreaks in South America. Aiming at setting a standardized framework for spatial and temporal comparisons, we propose a trapping protocol and a threshold density for assigning the ‘ratada’ label. Several of the mice implicated in ratadas are reservoirs of emerging diseases, thus emphasizing the need for predictive power to forecast disease epidemics that affect human populations. Further, ratadas may be viewed as pulsed resources, thus enabling us to learn more of the ways communities respond to such intermittent inputs.
Human impacts in soft‐sediment assemblages at Casey Station, East Antarctica: Spatial variation, taxonomic resolution and data transformation
Authors: STARK JONATHAN S. , RIDDLE MARTIN J. , SIMPSON RODNEY D.
Published: July 2003

Abstract  Differences between marine soft‐sediment assemblages at disturbed (two waste dumps, a sewage outfall and a wharf) and control locations were found at Casey Station, Antarctica. These differences were significant against considerable background spatial variability. Core samples were collected by divers using a hierarchical, spatially nested sampling design incorporating four scales: (i) locations (thousands of metres apart); (ii) sites (hundreds of metres apart); (iii) plots (tens of metres apart); and (iv) among replicates within plots (approximately 1 metre apart). Control locations had greater species richness and diversity than disturbed locations and there were many taxa found at control locations that were not recorded at disturbed locations. Assemblages at disturbed locations were less variable than those at control locations. In contrast, populations of some dominant species were more variable at disturbed locations than at control locations. Significant variation in populations of individual taxa was also found at all scales and although greatest at the level of location, variation was also large at the smallest scale, between replicate cores, indicating significant small‐scale patchiness in populations of taxa. Patterns of assemblage structure were similar at fine (77 taxa) and medium (aggregated to 33 taxa) levels of taxonomic resolution, but changed at coarse levels of resolution (nine phyla). Soft‐sediment assemblages at Casey Station are markedly different from those reported from other areas of Antarctica. Assemblages at Casey are almost completely dominated by crustaceans (up to 99% total abundance) and polychaetes are rare or in very low abundances in most areas investigated in the region. This is also the first demonstration that small Antarctic research stations (population 20–50 people) may cause impacts that are detectable in the adjacent marine environment.
Tree heterogeneity, resource availability, and larger scale processes regulating arboreal ant species richness
Authors: RIBAS CARLA R. , SCHOEREDER JOSÉ H. , PIC MIREILLE , SOARES SANDRA M.
Published: July 2003

Abstract Processes acting on different spatial and temporal scales may influence local species richness. Ant communities are usually described as interactive and therefore determined by local processes. In this paper we tested two hypotheses linked to the question of why there is local variation in arboreal ant species richness in the Brazilian savanna (‘cerrado’). The hypotheses are: (i) there is a positive relationship between ant species richness and tree species richness, used as a surrogate of heterogeneity; and (ii) there is a positive relationship between ant species richness and tree density, used as a surrogate of resource availability. Arboreal ants were sampled in two cerrado sites in Brazil using baited pitfall traps and manual sampling, in quadrats of 20 m × 50 m. Ant species richness in each quadrat was used as the response variable in regression tests, using tree species richness and tree density as explanatory variables. Ant species richness responded positively to tree species richness and density. Sampling site also influenced ant species richness, and the relationship between tree density and tree species richness was also positive and significant. Tree species richness may have influenced ant species richness through three processes: (i) increasing the variety of resources and allowing the existence of a higher number of specialist species; (ii) increasing the amount of resources to generalist species; and (iii) some other unmeasured factor may have influenced both ant and tree species richness. Tree density may also have influenced ant species richness through three processes: (i) increasing the amount of resources and allowing a higher ant species richness; (ii) changing habitat conditions and dominance hierarchies in ant communities; and (iii) increasing the area and causing a species–area pattern. Processes acting on larger scales, such as disturbance, altitude and evolutionary histories, as well as sampling effect may have caused the difference between sites.
Comparison of a common and rare species of Mimosa (Mimosaceae) in Central Brazil
Authors: SIMON MARCELO FRAGOMENI , DU VALL HAY JOHN
Published: July 2003

Abstract  The aim of this study was to verify differences in the biology of a common widespread species (Mimosa claussenii Benth.) and three rare endemics (Mimosa decorticans Barneby, M. heringeri Barneby, and M. setosissima Taub.). We studied three populations of M. claussenii and one population of each rare species at four localities in central Brazil. We compared the population structure, phenology, fruit set, seed predation, germination, establishment and root/shoot ratio in these six populations. The endemic species occurred in higher densities and smaller individuals were more abundant. When in sympatry, the rare and common species showed a significant negative correlation of density. Mimosa claussenii occurred in drier and rocky environments, whereas M. decorticans and M. setosissima occurred in moister habitats. Rare species had higher levels of fruit set, more viable seeds per individual, and heavier seeds. Mimosa setosissima had the highest level of germination and establishment rate, but did not survive away from its endemism centre. The common species had a higher root/shoot ratio. Overall, the biological aspects studied indicated an advantage in reproductive biology for the rare in relation to the common species. The small geographical range of the rare species may be related to edaphic isolation and climatic changes in the Quaternary.
Effect of fire regime on plant abundance in a tropical eucalypt savanna of north‐eastern Australia
Authors: WILLIAMS PAUL R. , CONGDON ROBERT A. , GRICE ANTHONY C. , CLARKE PETER J.
Published: July 2003

Abstract  Changes in plant abundance within a eucalypt savanna of north‐eastern Australia were studied using a manipulative fire experiment. Three fire regimes were compared between 1997 and 2001: (i) control, savanna burnt in the mid‐dry season (July) 1997 only; (ii) early burnt, savanna burnt in the mid‐dry season 1997 and early dry season (May) 1999; and (iii) late burnt, savanna burnt in the mid‐dry season 1997 and late dry season (October) 1999. Five annual surveys of permanent plots detected stability in the abundance of most species, irrespective of fire regime. However, a significant increase in the abundance of several subshrubs, ephemeral and twining perennial forbs, and grasses occurred in the first year after fire, particularly after late dry season fires. The abundance of these species declined toward prefire levels in the second year after fire. The dominant grass Heteropogon triticeus significantly declined in abundance with fire intervals of 4 years. The density of trees (>2 m tall) significantly increased in the absence of fire for 4 years, because of the growth of saplings; and the basal area of the dominant tree Corymbia clarksoniana significantly increased over the 5‐year study, irrespective of fire regime. Conservation management of these savannas will need to balance the role of regular fires in maintaining the diversity of herbaceous species with the requirement of fire intervals of at least 4‐years for allowing the growth of saplings >2 m in height. Whereas late dry season fires may cause some tree mortality, the use of occasional late fires may help maintain sustainable populations of many grasses and forbs.
Extended gestation with late‐autumn births in a cool‐climate viviparous gecko from southern New Zealand (Reptilia: Naultinus gemmeus)
Authors: WILSON JACKIE L. , CREE ALISON
Published: July 2003

Abstract  Female viviparous lizards from temperate locations in the Southern Hemisphere (New Zealand, Tasmania (Australia), South Africa and South America) often have reproductive activity spanning many months of the year. In contrast, vitellogenesis and pregnancy are often confined to the spring/summer months in viviparous species from temperate zones of the Northern Hemisphere. An extreme Southern Hemisphere example is the nocturnal common gecko from New Zealand, Hoplodactylus maculatus (Gray 1845), in which females exhibit biennial reproduction with pregnancy lasting up to 14 months in a cool‐climate population. Here, we examined whether such an extended reproductive cycle also occurs in a diurnal species, the jewelled gecko Naultinus gemmeus (McCann 1955), at a similar latitude. Palpation was used to assess reproductive condition non‐invasively. In contrast to the nearby higher‐altitude population of H. maculatus, N. gemmeus reproduces annually. Vitellogenesis occurs from autumn to spring in both species, but pregnancy ends after about 7 months in N. gemmeus. Birth occurs in the seemingly unpropitious season of mid‐ to late autumn, a pattern that may be unique for lizards from cool‐temperate zones. We hypothesize that there are major differences between populations of N. gemmeus and H. maculatus with respect to survival of autumn‐born neonates and/or costs to females from remaining pregnant over winter. Museum specimens of N. gemmeus support anatomical inferences from palpation; they also suggest that vitellogenesis may begin before the end of pregnancy (which may be essential to completing each reproductive cycle within a year) and that some populations may show gestation in utero over winter, as in H. maculatus. Extended gestation appears to be a common response to cool climates for Southern Hemisphere lizards that have independently evolved viviparity.
Seed production and germination in two rare and three common co‐occurring Acacia species from south‐east Australia
Authors: BROWN J. , ENRIGHT N. J. , MILLER B. P.
Published: July 2003

Abstract
Seed set, size, viability and germination requirements were investigated for two rare (Acacia ausfeldii and A. willianisonii) and three common (A. pycnantha, A. genistifolia and A.paradoxa) co‐occurring congeners in box‐ironbark eucalypt forests near Bendigo, south‐east Australia to investigate correlates of rarity. Seed size was significantly smaller for the two rare species and germinants were less able to emerge from deeper sowing depths than were the larger seeded common congeners. All species had a strong heat‐stimulated germination response. While the rare A. ausfeldii showed strong germination only at the highest temperature treatment (100°C), the common and widespread A.pycnantha showed strong germination across a broad range of temperatures (60‐100°C), likely to be experienced by soil‐stored seeds during a fire. Seed viability, number of seeds per plant, and number of firm, aborted and eaten seeds per pod varied between species, but the pattern of variation was not related to rarity. Small seed size and a very specific temperature requirement for germination may help to explain rarity in A. ausfeldii, and to a lesser extent in A. willianisonii. Fires are often patchy and heating of the soil is likely to be highly spatially variable, so species with germination responses to a broad range of temperatures have an advantage over those that respond only to a narrow range. A narrower range of soil depths from which seeds can emerge will further reduce the proportion of the seed bank that might recruit following fire. Human impacts on species habitats, such as fragmentation, loss of topsoil through mining, timber harvesting, grazing and urbanization, and consequent reduction in fire intensity, are likely to have further contributed to rarity in these species. The role of pollination and other factors in relation to population size is the subject of further investigation.
Evaluating the role of imaging methods in the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis
Authors: GUO Tao , QIAN Jia Ming , YANG Ai Ming , LI Jing Nan , LU Xing Hua
Published: July 2003

OBJECTIVE:  To evaluate the role of imaging methods in the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis (CP) in improving the accuracy of a clinical diagnosis of CP.

METHODS:  The results of the imaging methods used for 129 cases diagnosed as CP in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 1991 to 2000 were retrospectively analyzed. The imaging methods included ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS).

RESULTS:  The sensitivity of EUS and MRCP was high and was in good agreement with ERCP in the diagnosis of CP. The sensitivity of ERCP was superior to US and CT (P < 0.05). The sensitivity of US and CT for diagnosing dilation of the pancreatic duct was 59.4% and 60%, respectively, the specificity was 93.8% and 95.7%, respectively. BT‐PABA had a better correlation with ERCP in the group with severe changes of the pancreatic duct than in the mild or moderate group. The more complications of CP that were present, the more severe the lesions of the pancreatic duct.

CONCLUSION:  Among the traditional imaging modalities for diagnosing CP, ERCP is the most sensitive. MRCP and EUS, the promising and novel examination techniques, have high sensitivity and good agreement with ERCP.
Gastric mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma and Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Sheng Jian Qiu , Li Shi Rong , Wang Lu Ping , Gao Lan Xiang , Zhao Xiao Jun , Tian Yu Wang , Deng Yong Jiang
Published: July 2003

OBJECTIVE:  Numerous studies have demonstrated the role of Helicobacter pylori infection in the pathogenesis of gastric MALT lymphoma and the present study aimed to analyze this correlation in Chinese patients.

METHODS:  Thirty‐five cases of primary gastrointestinal non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma that had been surgically resected and pathologically examined during the past 20 years were collected. The tissue samples were re‐examined by a physician from the pathology department. Immunohistochemical staining and H. pylori tests were conducted. The clinical diagnosis of gastric MALT lymphoma and the results of therapy were analyzed.

RESULTS:  According to the immunohistochemistry results, 21 cases were MALT lymphoma, and of these 16 were gastric MALT lymphoma, one was intestinal MALT lymphoma and four were colonic MALT lymphoma. Of the 16 samples of gastric MALT lymphoma, 13 were positive for H. pylori infection and three could not be evaluated because the sample was full of cancer cells. Of the cases of gastric MALT lymphoma, two were stage I1, five were stage II1, and nine were stage IIE. Eleven patients underwent endoscopy: three were misinterpreted as gastric carcinoma, one was diagnosed as Menetrier's disease, one as chronic atrophic gastritis, and only six cases were correctly diagnosed before surgery. Eradication of H. pylori in one patient with gastric MALT lymphoma resulted in regression of the lesion; that patient was followed up for 3 years without relapse. Fifteen cases underwent surgery and 10 were followed up for 5 years: four relapsed within 1−2 years after operation and six remained well.

CONCLUSION:  There is a close relationship between H. pylori infection and gastric MALT lymphoma. Early gastric MALT lymphoma can be cured after eradication of H. pylori. The depth of the lesion should be diagnosed by echoendoscopy and therapy should be chosen on the basis of the stage of the disease.