bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is my story so different from yours? Comparing life stories, experiences of institutionalization and self‐advocacy in England and Iceland
Authors: Hreinsdóttir Eygló Ebba , Stefánsdóttir Guðrún , Lewthwaite Anne , Ledger Sue , Shufflebotham Lindy
Published: August 2006

Accessible summary

Anne Lewthwaite from England and Eyglo Ebba Hreinsdóttir from Iceland researched and recorded their life stories. Sue Ledger, Lindy Shufflebotham and Guðrún Stefánsdóttir helped with this research.

Anne and Ebba both spent years in learning difficulty institutions when they were young.

Anne and Ebba told their stories together at an international conference at the Open University in England. We also presented information about the history of institutions and self‐advocacy in each country.

Anne and Ebba found many similarities in their stories and in the history of hospitals although they came from different countries.

More research comparing stories from different countries may be useful for the advocacy movement.

This paper uses oral history and documentary materials to develop a cross‐cultural comparison of the experiences of two self‐advocates who spent significant parts of their lives in learning difficulty institutions in England and Iceland. Anne Lewthwaite and Eygló Ebba Hreinsdóttir, born in the same era (1948–1950), were linked through the Open University Social History of Learning Disability Group. They researched and recorded their life stories and in May 2004, jointly presented these at an Open University Conference titled ‘The History of Self‐Advocacy for People with Learning Difficulties: International Comparisons’. Their stories bring to life the history of the institutions and the experiences of those who ‘spoke up’ and challenged the system long before formal self‐advocacy groups were established. Alongside this oral history work policy developments in each culture are described and compared to provide context to their life histories. The findings also highlight important similarities and differences between the two cultures in terms of the history of learning difficulty. The women's experience of participating in cross‐cultural oral history work is discussed together with the contribution of a comparative approach in furthering historical understanding of self‐advocacy.
The history of self‐advocacy for people with learning difficulties: international comparisons
Authors: Ledger Sue , Tilley Liz
Published: August 2006

Accessible summary

In 2004 there was an international conference at the Open University about the history of self‐advocacy. Self‐advocates and their supporters came from many different countries.

This issue of the journal is a collection of papers from that conference.

The papers tell how self‐advocacy is taking place in different countries.

Together the papers give a bigger picture of self‐advocacy and show how people in different countries are often dealing with similar issues.
Photoprotection in an ecological context: the remarkable complexity of thermal energy dissipation
Authors: Demmig‐Adams Barbara , Adams William W.
Published: August 2006

This review places photoprotection into the context of ecology and species diversity. The focus is on photoprotection via the safe removal – as thermal energy – of excess solar energy absorbed by the light collecting system, which counteracts the formation of reactive oxygen species. An update on the surprisingly complex, multiple variations of thermal energy dissipation is presented, placing these different forms into ecological and genetic contexts. Zeaxanthin‐facilitated, flexible thermal dissipation associated with the PsbS protein and controlled by the trans‐thylakoid pH gradient apparently occurs ubiquitously in plants, and can become sustained (and thus less flexible) at low temperatures. Long‐lived, slow‐growing plants with low intrinsic capacities for photosynthesis have greater capacities for this flexible dissipation than short‐lived, fast‐growing species. Furthermore, potent, but inflexible (zeaxanthin‐facilitated) thermal dissipation, prominent in evergreen species under prolonged environmental stress, is characterized with respect to the involvement of photosystem II core rearrangement and/or degradation as well as the absence of control by trans‐thylakoid pH and, possibly, PsbS. A role of PsbS‐related proteins in photoprotection is discussed.

Contents

Summary
11

I.
Introduction
12

II.
Photoprotection by flexible thermal energy dissipation
13

III.
Photoprotection by sustained thermal dissipation
14

IV.
Association of sustained photoprotection with photoinhibition, carbon export capacity and plant growth
18

Acknowledgements
19

References
19
A journey through signaling in arbuscular mycorrhizal symbioses 2006
Authors: Paszkowski Uta
Published: August 2006

Recent years have seen fascinating contributions to our understanding of the molecular dialogue between fungi and plants entering into arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbioses. Attention has shifted from descriptions of physiological and cellular events to molecular genetics and modern chemical diagnostics. Genes, signal transduction pathways and the chemical structures of components relevant to the symbiosis have been defined. This review examines our current knowledge of signals and mechanisms involved in the establishment of AM symbioses.

ContentsSummary35I.Introduction35II.Presymbiotic dialogue – recognition and anticipation36III.Early symbiotic phase – contact and penetration39IV.Mature symbiotic phase – haustoria and mineral nutrition41V.Concluding remarks43Acknowledgements43References43
A structural analysis of value orientations, price perception and ongoing search behaviour: a cross‐cultural study of American and Korean consumers
Authors: Watchravesringkan Kittichai , Yurchisin Jennifer
Published: August 2006

The direct impact of value orientations on price perceptions has not received extensive investigation in previous research. We examined the impact of materialism, individualism and collectivism on American and Korean consumers’ perceptions of the positive and negative roles of price. We also examined the influence of price perceptions on consumers’ ongoing search behaviour. Using a structural equation modelling technique, results indicated that these value orientations positively and negatively influenced perceptions of the positive and negative roles of price, which in turn influenced ongoing search behaviour. Implications and future research directions are delineated.
Gender differences in low‐risk single‐occasion drinking: an application of the theory of planned behaviour
Authors: Hassan Louise M. , Shiu Edward M.K.
Published: August 2006

This study examines the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) in the context of adhering to the UK low‐risk single‐occasion drinking (LRSOD) guidelines. Additionally, gender differences were explored. A convenience sample of 110 female students and 107 male students provided information about their LRSOD behaviour, as well as views, attitudes and intention regarding keeping to the LRSOD limit. Results of this study show the theory of reasoned action rather than the TPB to be pertinent, accounting for 24% of the variance for the female sample and 36% for the male sample. Gender differences are evident in terms of perceived pressure from government and educational campaigns as well as perceived likelihood of positive consequences of adhering to the LRSOD guidelines. Implications of the findings are discussed.
Review article: Obesity as a risk factor for development and poor prognosis of breast cancer
Authors: Carmichael AR
Published: August 2006

The evidence that obesity adversely affects women’s health is overwhelming and indisputable. The risk of postmenopausal breast cancer increases with obesity; measured as weight gain, body mass index, waist–hip ratio or percent body fat. It is also established that obesity is associated with poor prognosis of breast cancer. This review examines in detail the possible mechanisms by which obesity causes poor prognosis of breast cancer such as estrogenic activity, advanced or more aggressive disease at diagnosis and high likelihood of both local and systemic treatment failure. After careful consideration of the available evidence, the author concludes that obesity contributes towards development and poor prognosis of breast cancer; therefore, weight management should be an integral part of any strategy to prevent and improve the outcome of breast cancer.
Delayed Access to Health Care and Mortality
Authors: Prentice Julia C. , Pizer Steven D.
Published: August 2006

Objective. To measure the relationship between time spent waiting for health care services and patients' mortality.

Data Source. Data on the number of days until the next available appointment at 89 Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers in 2001 were extracted from a VA administrative database. These facility‐level data were merged with individual‐level data for a sample of veterans who visited a VA geriatric outpatient clinic in 2001. The merged dataset includes facility‐level data on waiting times and individual‐level data on demographics, health status (e.g., diagnoses), and mortality.

Study Design. This was a retrospective observational study using secondary data from administrative sources. The dependent variable was mortality within a 6‐month follow‐up period. The main explanatory variable of interest was VA facility‐level wait times for outpatient visits measured in number of days. Random effects logistic regression models were risk adjusted for prior individual health status and facility‐level differences in case mix.

Principal Findings. Veterans who visited a VA medical center with facility‐level wait times of 31 days or more had significantly higher odds of mortality (odds ratio=1.21, p=0.027) compared with veterans who visited a VA medical center with facility‐level wait times of <31 days.

Conclusions. Our findings support the largely assumed association between long wait times for outpatient health care and negative health outcomes, such as mortality. Future research should focus on the causes of long waits for health care (e.g., physician reimbursement levels), the consequences of long waits in other populations, and effective policies to decrease long waits for health care services.
Do Professional Interpreters Improve Clinical Care for Patients with Limited English Proficiency? A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Karliner Leah S. , Jacobs Elizabeth A. , Chen Alice Hm , Mutha Sunita
Published: August 2006

Objective. To determine if professional medical interpreters have a positive impact on clinical care for limited English proficiency (LEP) patients.

Data Sources. A systematic literature search, limited to the English language, in PubMed and PsycINFO for publications between 1966 and September 2005, and a search of the Cochrane Library.

Study Design. Any peer‐reviewed article which compared at least two language groups, and contained data about professional medical interpreters and addressed communication (errors and comprehension), utilization, clinical outcomes, or satisfaction were included. Of 3,698 references, 28 were found by multiple reviewers to meet inclusion criteria and, of these, 21 assessed professional interpreters separately from ad hoc interpreters. Data were abstracted from each article by two reviewers. Data were collected on the study design, size, comparison groups, analytic technique, interpreter training, and method of determining the participants' need for an interpreter. Each study was evaluated for the effect of interpreter use on four clinical topics that were most likely to either impact or reflect disparities in health and health care.

Principal Findings. In all four areas examined, use of professional interpreters is associated with improved clinical care more than is use of ad hoc interpreters, and professional interpreters appear to raise the quality of clinical care for LEP patients to approach or equal that for patients without language barriers.

Conclusions. Published studies report positive benefits of professional interpreters on communication (errors and comprehension), utilization, clinical outcomes and satisfaction with care.
Forced to Play by the Rules? Theorizing how Mixed–Sex Founding Teams Benefit Women Entrepreneurs in Male–Dominated Contexts
Authors: Godwin Lindsey N. , Stevens Christopher E. , Brenner Nurete L.
Published: August 2006

We examine how establishing a mixed–sex entrepreneurial founding team may benefit women entrepreneurs in male–dominated cultures and industries. We contend that as a result of sex–based stereotypes, women entrepreneurs face unique obstacles in securing access to resources for their ventures. We argue that one way for women entrepreneurs to overcome these obstacles is to partner with a man. Drawing upon institutional, resource–based, and network theories, we theorize how partnering with a man may help provide women entrepreneurs in male–dominated contexts with enhanced legitimacy, access to a larger number of resources, and a stronger, more diverse social network.
Women Entrepreneurs and Financial Capital
Authors: Orser Barbara J. , Riding Allan L. , Manley Kathryn
Published: August 2006

This work examines gender differences among Canadian small and medium enterprise (SME) owners seeking external financing, including commercial debt, leasing, supplier financing, and equity capital after controlling for size and industry sector. The work also examines potential gender differences in owners’ strategic choices (application rates) and financiers’ evaluative responses (turndown rates). Contrary to previous work that did not control for size and sector of firm, women business owners were equally likely as men to seek all types of external financing, except for external equity capital. Business in which women held majority ownership were significantly less likely to seek equity capital even after controlling for systemic factors. Male and female business owners that do apply for financing were equally likely to obtain capital. When asked the reasons for not seeking financing, the majority of respondents, male and female, specified that financing was not needed. Recommendations about future research are advanced.
Sudden Death from Saccular Laryngeal Cyst
Authors: Kastowsky Tina K. , Stevenson Melanie P. , Duflou Johan A.
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT: Laryngeal cysts are benign, uncommon lesions of the larynx that have been reported on rare occasions to cause sudden death in infants and adults by acute airways obstruction. In this report, we document the sudden death of a 36‐year‐old woman from a previously undiagnosed, asymptomatic laryngeal saccular cyst that presented with acute, and consequent fatal, airway obstruction. Difficulty during intubation, both in theater and in emergency settings, is a frequent presenting problem. This can have significant medicolegal implications in determining possible negligence. The diagnosis, classification, and management of such cysts, and their importance to both the forensic pathologist and clinicians are discussed.
Sudden Death in Infancy due to Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Authors: Karayel Ferah , Ozaslan Abdi , Turan Arzu Akcay , Pakis Isil , Ketencι Cetin , Eroglu Ayse Guler
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT: Symptoms of bicuspid aortic valve usually occur in the age group of 50–70 years, but rarely, it can also lead to sudden unexpected death in infancy and early childhood. The autopsy of a 2‐month‐old baby boy, found dead in his cot, revealed the heart weight as 25 g, and the macroscopic examination showed the circumference of the aortic valve consisting of two leaflets as 8 mm. The thickness of the left ventricle, right ventricle, and septum was measured as 8, 7, and 10 mm, respectively. Microscopically, the heart revealed hypertrophic changes of myocytes. Subendocardial areas displayed necrosis of myocytes, and severe and diffuse ischemic changes characterized by loss of myofibers and vacuolization. Interstitial pneumonia was identified in the lungs. Death occurred as a result of a congenital bicuspid aortic valve obstructing the left ventricular outflow tract complicated by lung infection. As there are only a few reported cases in infancy, and congenital bicuspid aortic valve can lead to sudden unexpected death, this case is presented to the forensic community.
A Review of the Analysis of Vegetable Oil Residues from Fire Debris Samples: Analytical Scheme, Interpretation of the Results, and Future Needs
Authors: Stauffer Eric
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT:This paper reviews the literature on the analysis of vegetable (and animal) oil residues from fire debris samples. The examination sequence starts with the solvent extraction of the residues from the substrate. The extract is then prepared for instrumental analysis by derivatizing fatty acids (FAs) into fatty acid methyl esters. The analysis is then carried out by gas chromatography or gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. The interpretation of the results is a difficult operation seriously limited by a lack of research on the subject. The present data analysis scheme utilizes FA ratios to determine the presence of vegetable oils and their propensity to self‐heat and possibly, to spontaneously ignite. Preliminary work has demonstrated that it is possible to detect chemical compounds specific to an oil that underwent spontaneous ignition. Guidelines to conduct future research in the analysis of vegetable oil residues from fire debris samples are also presented.
Sleep Apnea as a Possible Factor Contributing to Aggression in Sex Offenders*
Authors: Booth Bradley D. , Paul Fedoroff J. , Curry Susan D. , Douglass Alan B.
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT:Sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), are often unrecognized and undertreated. A disruption in normal sleep may be associated with increased irritability and aggression. To elucidate further the impact of OSA on hostility of forensic patients, we performed a retrospective chart review of 10 consecutive outpatient sex offenders who were diagnosed with OSA and treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). The Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire was compared pre‐ and posttreatment. Following treatment, the total Buss–Perry score was significantly lower, with lower scores on the anger, physical aggression, hostility, and verbal aggression subscales. These results suggest that in sex offenders suffering from OSA, aggression and hostility may be significantly reduced through CPAP treatment. Further investigation is required to investigate if reducing aggression and hostility in this manner impacts recidivism and overall functioning.
Morphometrics of the Hyoid Bone for Human Sex Determination from Digital Photographs*
Authors: Kim Deog‐Im , Lee U‐Young , Park Dae‐Kyoon , Kim Yi‐Suk , Han Ki‐Hwan , Kim Kwang‐Hoon , Han Seung‐Ho
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT:The identification of unknown remains is very important. When unknown remains are found, anthropologists first determine their sex and age. The sex of most skeletons is determined by their shape. In the hyoid bone, the shape is sex related, so it can be used forensically to determine the sex. This study focused on sex‐based morphometry of the hyoid bone in Koreans using digital photographs. Hyoid bones from 52 males and 33 females were examined. For each subject, we took 34 measurements from photographs using a computer program, and the data were analyzed statistically using SPSS 11.0. Twenty‐one of 34 measurements had significant sex differences (p<0.05). The discriminant functions based on three measurements (X1−X3) were as follows:image

The accuracy of discriminant functions is 88.2% in both groups, so these can be used to distinguish males from females in a statistically significant manner.
A Versatile Technique for the Investigation of Gunshot Residue Patterns on Fabrics and Other Surfaces: m‐XRF
Authors: Berendes Antje , Neimke Dieter , Schumacher Rüdiger , Barth Martin
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT:With heavy‐metal‐free ammunitions becoming more and more popular, it is necessary to find methods to visualize patterns of those elements in gunshot residues (GSRs) that are not accessible by chemographic coloring tests. The recently introduced millimeter‐X‐ray fluorescence analysis (m‐XRF) spectrometerSpectro Midex Moffers an easy way to record mappings of GSRs containing such elements in order to determine shooting distances as well as the general composition of these particles. A motorized stage enables samples of a maximum size of 20 × 20 cm to be investigated, like fabric, clothes, adhesive tapes (Filmolux®films), and polyvinylalcohol gloves of shooter's hands. Human tissues can be measured using a Peltier‐cooled specimen holder that is mounted onto the stage. As the spot size of the exiting X‐rays lies in the millimeter range, which is adequate for the assessment of the residue patterns for shooting distance determination, a significant reduction in measurement time is achieved compared with μ‐XRF methods. Test shots with heavy‐metal‐free ammunitions were performed on different target materials, like pork skin and fabric, and the elemental distributions of Ti, K, and Ga were determined. In order to show the capability of the spectrometer for conventional lead ammunitions as well, a shot series of 5–100 cm shooting distance and an adhesive tape of a shooter's hand were investigated analogously. A comparison of several methods applied in GSR investigation shows the advantages of the m‐XRF method.
Visualization of Gunshot Residue Patterns on Dark Clothing*
Authors: Atwater Christina S. , Durina Marie E. , Durina John P. , Blackledge Robert D.
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT: Determination of the muzzle‐to‐target distance is often a critical factor in criminal and civil investigations involving firearms. However, seeing and recording gunshot residue patterns can be difficult if the victim's clothing is dark and/or bloodstained. Trostle reported the use of infrared film for the detection of burn patterns. However, only after the film is developed are the results visible and multiple exposures at different settings may be needed. The Video Spectral Comparator™ 2000 (Foster & Freeman Ltd., Evesham, Worcestershire, U.K.) is an imaging instrument routinely used by forensic document examiners. Without use of specialized film could the VSC 2000 (at appropriate instrument settings) quickly, easily, and reliably provide instantaneous viewing, saving, and printing of gunshot residue patterns on dark and/or blood soaked clothing? At muzzle‐to‐target distances of 6, 12, and 18 in., test fires were made into five different types of dark clothing using eight different handguns of different calibers. Gunshot residues were detected for all eight calibers, and powder burn patterns were seen on dark clothing for all three target distances and calibers except 0.22 long rifle and 0.25 ACP. Bloodstains did not preclude the viewing of these patterns.
Characterization of the N+3 Stutter Product in the Trinucleotide Repeat Locus DYS392
Authors: Mulero Julio J. , Chang Chien Wei , Hennessy Lori K.
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT: Stutter products generated during DNA amplification by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) may complicate mixture interpretation. The PCR amplification of the DYS392 locus typically results in three distinct detectable PCR products: the true allele product (N), a stutter product three bases smaller (N−3), and a reproducible low‐level product, three bases larger (N+3). Sequence analysis of the N+3 product demonstrated that its sequence is one TAT repeat longer than the true allele product. Our experiments demonstrated that the quantity of both N−3 and N+3 stutter increased as the allele number increased. The percent stutter also increased as the magnesium concentration was increased in the reaction, as well as when the amount of input DNA was decreased. As both stutter products behave in a similar and reproducible fashion, the same rules that apply to the interpretation of N−3 stutter products in short tandem repeat analysis, can be applied to N+3 stutters. The characterization of the DYS392 N+3 product is the first detailed published study of a stutter product larger than the true allele.
Epidemiology of Candidemia in a Turkish tertiary care hospital
Authors: BAKIR MUSTAFA , CERIKCIOGLU NILGUN , BARTON RICHARD , YAGCI AYSEGUL
Published: August 2006

In order to determine the local epidemiology of candidemia, Candida strains isolated between 1994 and 2000 were identified to species level; antifungal resistance patterns and DNA fingerprints were analyzed. Identification of Candida strains (n: 140) was performed with germ tube test and carbohydrate assimilation reactions. Minimal inhibitory concentrations were determined using a commercial test for 5‐flucytosine and the broth macrodilution method according to NCCLS for fluconazole and amphotericin B. Molecular relatedness was determined by restriction endonuclease analysis of genomic DNA followed by probe hybridization. C. albicans (37.2%), C. parapsilosis (32.2%), and C. tropicalis (12.2%) comprised 114 (81.4%) of 140 isolates. Susceptibility tests did not reveal resistance to amphotericin B in any of the Candida isolates. Fluconazole resistance was detected in one isolate of C. krusei, and 5‐flucytosine resistance in two C. tropicalis isolates and one C. albicans isolate. Significantly higher frequency of clusters with identical strains in C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis was detected compared to C. albicans. Pediatric wards are particularly important in the nosocomial transmission of non‐albicans candida species.
Adhesive capability of Lactobacillus plantarum 299v is important for preventing bacterial translocation in endotoxemic rats
Authors: MANGELL PETER , LENNERNÄS PERNILLA , WANG MEI , OLSSON CRISTER , AHRNÉ SIV , MOLIN GÖRAN , THORLACIUS HENRIK , JEPPSSON BENGT
Published: August 2006

The preventive effect of the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum 299v on bacterial translocation (BT) and the role of adhesion were studied in septic rats. Five groups of rats were pretreated as follows: negative and positive control groups received regular drinking water; the oatmeal group received drinking water mixed with oatmeal; the Lp 299v group received drinking water mixed with oatmeal containing 109 colony‐forming units (CFU) L. plantarum 299v/ml; the Lp 299v‐adh− group received drinking water with oatmeal containing 109 CFU/ml of modified L. plantarum 299v (L. plantarum 299v‐adh−) lacking adhesive properties to enterocytes. On day 8, all rats except the negative control group were given lipopolysaccharide (LPS) intraperitoneally. After 24 h, mesenteric lymph node (MLN), liver and ileum were harvested for culture. Incidence of BT after LPS challenge was 25% and 88% in MLN and liver, respectively. BT increased to 75% in MLN and 100% in liver of endotoxemic rats pretreated with oatmeal. Pretreatment with L. plantarum 299v reduced BT to 0% and 12% in MLN and liver, respectively. L. plantarum 299v‐adh− did not prevent BT to MLN. Flow cytometry revealed reduced adherence of these bacteria to intestinal epithelial cells compared to L. plantarum 299v. Thus, L. plantarum 299v prevents BT in septic rats, an effect probably dependent on bacterial adherence to the intestinal mucosa. Further, our findings indicate that oatmeal (prebiotics) without probiotics does not prevent BT during sepsis.
Flow cytometric and morphological characterization of platelet‐rich plasma gel
Authors: Fernández‐Barbero Juan Emilio , Galindo‐Moreno Pablo , Ávila‐Ortiz Gustavo , Caba Octavio , Sánchez‐Fernández E. , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: August 2006

Background of problems:Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) gel is derived from an autogenous preparation of concentrated platelets and is widely used in implant dentistry as a vector for cell growth factors. However, limited data are available on its structure and composition. The present study was aimed at providing a flow cytometric and ultrastructural characterization of PRP gel.

Materials and methods:Twenty PRP gel samples were obtained from healthy volunteers. These PRP gel specimens were prepared for transmission (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examination of their morphological ultrastructure. Flow cytometry with CD41‐PE monoclonal antibody was used to detect platelet cells, as this antibody recognizes human‐platelet‐specific antigen CD41.

Results:Both SEM and TEM showed that PRP gel contains two components: a fibrillar material with striated band similar to fibrin filaments, and a cellular component that contains human platelet cells. Both techniques indicated that no morphological elements were bound between the cellular component and the fibrillar material. The cells were confirmed as platelet cells by flow cytometric study after incubation with specific monoclonal antibody CD41‐PE.

Conclusion:PRP gel contains a fibrillar and a cellular (largely human platelet cell) component. This unique structure may be capable of acting as a vehicle for carrying of cells that are essential for soft/hard tissue regeneration.
Probe penetration in periodontal and peri‐implant tissues: An experimental study in the beagle dog
Authors: Abrahamsson Ingemar , Soldini Claudio
Published: August 2006

Background: Today, periodontal probing is the best diagnostic tool to assess the health status and attachment level of periodontal tissues. There are, however, doubts as to whether the same method could be used for implants. Experiments comparing peri‐implant and periodontal probing provide conflicting results. The impact and interpretation of peri‐implant probing are still not sufficiently known.

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to further analyze the histological level of probe penetration in healthy periodontal and peri‐implant tissues.

Material and methods: In four beagle dogs, all mandibular premolars were extracted. Three months later, four experimental non‐submerged implants were placed in each edentulous premolar region. Six months later, probing depth was determined at the buccal aspect at two of the implants and at the bilateral first mandibular molars. A pressure‐controlled probe with a diameter of 0.4 mm and 0.2 N probing force was used. Following the probing depth assessment, a metal periodontal probe tip was inserted into the previously measured depth and attached to the implants and teeth using a composite material. Block biopsies were obtained and prepared for histometric examinations.

Results: The findings showed that probing resulted in similar probe extension at implants and teeth, that the probe extension corresponded to the extension of the barrier epithelium and that the distance between the probe tip and the bone was about 1 mm in both peri‐implant and periodontal tissues.

Conclusions: This experiment showed that under healthy conditions, the probe tip penetration in the soft tissues at teeth and implants is similar when a probing force of 0.2 N is used. Probing around implants using a moderate force is a valuable diagnostic tool in the maintenance of implant patients.
The S100 family of multipurpose calcium‐binding proteins
Authors: McNutt N. Scott
Published: August 2006

Antibodies reactive with S100 protein are useful markers in a diagnostic immunohistochemistry laboratory dealing with cutaneous tumors. However, S100 protein is not a single protein but instead a group of S100 proteins with diverse functions. S100 proteins constitute a family of acidic calcium‐binding proteins that are important in intracellular calcium metabolism. Recent evidence that some S100 proteins are secreted makes it likely that they are also involved in cell‐cell interactions. The exploration of the status of the different members of the S100 family may yield not only diagnostic clues but also relevant functional information about the cells. Considerable recent progress has been made in our understanding of S100 proteins. This review surveys some of these findings that may be either directly or indirectly relevant to cutaneous pathology.
Multibacillary leprosy: lesions with macrophages positive for S100 protein and dendritic cells positive for Factor 13a
Authors: Cuevas‐Santos Jesús , Contreras Félix , McNutt N. Scott
Published: August 2006

In the defense against Mycobacterium leprae, macrophages play an essential part in the mechanism of bacterial lysis but require the presence of cytokines such as interleukin 2 and gamma interferon from lymphocytes in order to effectively kill the organisms in any number. While there have been many studies of the lymphocytes in lesions of leprosy, less attention has been given to the immunohistochemical characterization of the macrophage populations. In this study, the cutaneous lesions of 69 patients with leprosy (42 lepromatous, 5 mid‐borderline, and 22 tuberculoid) were evaluated by immunohistochemistry for the expression of S100 protein, CDla, CD68, muramidase, HLA‐DR, and Factor 13a. The macrophages from lesions of polar, subpolar, and borderline Iepromatous leprosy patients expressed S100 protein intensely and constantly. In contrast, the lesions of polar and subpolar tuberculoid leprosy had very few cells that were immunoreactive for S100 protein (‘S1000+’) in the granulomas in the dermis. The macrophages in all lesions were reactive for CD68 and muramidase. In paraffin sections, macrophages of lepromatous lesions failed to stain for HLA‐DR, whereas in tuberculoid lesions, they were strongly positive for HLA‐DR. Three patients with histoid leprosy (relapse lesions) had lesions that were strongly positive for Factor 13a and were negative for S100 protein (‘S100−’). Given the possible chemotactic and migration inhibition effects of the calcium‐binding proteins of the S100 family, these data suggest a possibly important role for S100 protein in the accumulation of macrophages in lepromatous leprosy, and also reveal infection of Factor 13a+ dermal dendritic cells in histoid leprosy.
A distinctive cutaneous reaction pattern indicative of infection by reactive arthropathy‐associated microbial pathogens: the superantigen ID reaction
Authors: Magro C. M. , Crowson A. N.
Published: August 2006

The two major cutaneous expressions of infective states are infections of the skin by viable organisms and immunological responses to nonviable microbial antigens or, in the case of molecular mimickry, their human analogues. These immunological responses are designated as cutaneous id reactions, and manifest a histomorphology similar to that seen at the primary infective site. This study presents the clinical and histological findings in 16 patients who developed skin eruptions associated with extracutaneous or systemic infections. There was a striking female predominance; patients ranged in age from 10 to 78 years. The majority of cases manifested skin lesions which clinically resembled Sweet's syndrome, erythema multiforme and/or erythema nodosum. Fever, arthralgia, oligoarthritis, mucosal ulcers of the mouth and/or genital tract and uveitis were additional features in some cases. Isolated clinical presentations included a petechial rash in a stocking and glove distribution, papular dermatitis, a morbilliform eruption and annular erythema. Among the medical and family histories were atopy and stigmata associated with connective tissue disease (CTD). Two patients were ingesting drugs with known immune dysregulating properties. Skin biopsies showed focal lymphocytic interface dermatitis, a diffuse interstitial histiocytic infiltrate, and a mononuclear cell predominant vascular reaction which in some cases represented vasculitis by virtue of manifesting concomitant luminal or mural fibrin deposition. Eosinophils, eczematous alterations, and papillary dermal edema were identified in a minority of cases. All patients had evidence of a prior or concurrent infection, based on either positive IgM serology for specific microbes or cultures. Among the implicated pathogens were cytomegalovirus, parvovirus B19, streptococcus, mycoplasma, klebsiella, and Borrelia burgdorferi. All of these organisms are among those associated with reactive arthritis, a phenomenon that was seen in some cases. The histology suggested florid cell mediated immunity (CMI), which the authors attributed to the superantigen properties held by the aforesaid pathogens. Skin lesions and constitutional symptoms resolved quickly with antimicrobial therapy in 7 of 9 cases causally linked to bacteria. Spontaneous resolution occurred in 5 of 6 virally mediated eruptions. The other 4 patients were given topical steroids or prednisone; these included 1 patient with Borrelia burgdorferi infection and 1 patient with radiographic evidence of pneumonia who was never cultured, 1 patient with parvovirus B19 infection, and 1 patient with pneumococcal pneumonia and concomitant sarcoidosis. It is the authors' belief that the eruptions seen in these patients may in part reflect a genetic or iatrogenic predis‐position to respond excessively to certain infectious triggers.
Factor XIIIa‐positive dermal dendritic cells and HLA‐DR expression in radial versus vertical growth‐phase melanomas
Authors: Fullen Douglas R. , Headington John T.
Published: August 2006

Fifty nevomelanocytic lesions, including 10 typical compound nevi and 20 radial and 20 vertical growth‐phase melanomas, were evaluated for factor XIIIa and HLA‐DR (LN3) expression within dermal dendritic cells (DDCs) or dermal dendrocytes to determine if DDCs proliferate and/or participate as possible antigen‐Presenting cells in the local tissue response to benign and malignant nevomelanocytic lesions. There was no statistical difference in factor XIIIa staining of DDCs between nevi and radial or vertical growth‐phase melanomas, suggesting that DDCs do not significantly proliferate in novomelanocytic lesions. However, studies to determine proliferation rate, apoptosis, and influences of local mediators on cell growth and/or recruitment were not done. HLA‐DR staining by DDCs was significantly increased (p<0.001) in both melanoma groups when compared to compound nevi, but did not significantly differ between radial and vertical growth‐phase melanomas. The intensity of HLA‐DR expression appeared to correlate with the presence or absence of lymphocytic inflammation; HLA‐DR intensity was judged greater in melanomas characterized by a brisk and infiltrative lymphocytic host response. We propose that DDCs may participate in the dermal immune response to invasive melanomas, probably as antigen‐presenting cells to skin‐associated lymphocytes.
Histopathology of cutaneous reaction to granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor: another pseudomalignancy
Authors: Fariña M. C. , Requena L. , Dómine M. , Soriano M. L , Estevez L. , Barat A.
Published: August 2006

Granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) is a hematopoietic growth factor (HGF) with many applications in cancer therapy. The most important applications are reduction in the incidence of febrile neutropenia, acceleration of neutrophil recovery after chemotherapy or bone marrow transplantation, and mobilization of progenitor cells. Many cutaneous adverse reactions associated with HGF have been reported in recent years, including injection site reactions, pyoderma gangrenosum, Sweet's syndrome, cutaneous leucocytoclastic vasculitis, and widespread folliculitis. The presence of large histiocytes on the dermis between collagen bundles has been proposed as a characteristic histopathologic finding in cutaneous eruptions secondary to granulocyte colony‐stimulanting factor and granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor. We report on a patient with a high‐risk ductal infiltrating carcinoma of the breast who received high‐dose chemotherapy (HDC) with peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) rescue. The patient received G‐CSF after PBPC for a faster granulocyte recovery. She developed a cutaneous eruption located on back, buttocks, axillae, groin and sites where electrocardiography electrodes had been placed. From the histopathological point of view, the eruption was characterized by the presence of numerous large, atypical histiocytes in the dermis with several mitotic figures, mimicking involvement of the dermis by a malignant process.
Acrokeratoelastoidosis of Costa: a primary disease of the elastic tissue?
Authors: Fiallo Paolo , Pesce Carlo , Brusasco Alberto , Nunzi Enrico
Published: August 2006

A 24‐year‐old black woman from Uganda was seen for treatment of multiple papules on her hands and feet. The lesions corresponded microscopically to foci of hyperkeratosis and acanthosis. Acid orcein stain revealed marked elastic fiber fragmentation. Acrokeratoelastoidosis of Costa (AKE) was diagnosed. The same damage to the elastic fibers was also present in an additional specimen from grossly uninvolved skin. On electron microscopy there were pronounced changes of the elastic fibers with elastolysis in both specimens. This case with generalized damage of the dermal elastic tissue supports the view that elastorrhexis is the key feature of AKE. Accordingly, the disease could be regarded as a primary elastic tissue disorder. The marginal acral keratoderma that is seen in AKE patients could represent epidermal changes secondary to chronic trauma.
p16INK4a expression is frequently decreased and associated with 9p21 loss of heterozygosity in sporadic melanoma
Authors: Funk Jens Oliver , Schiller Peter I. , Barrett Michael T. , Wong David J. , Kind Peter , Sander Christian A.
Published: August 2006

The product of the p16/INK4a/CDKN2/MTS1 tumor‐suppressor gene acts as a negative cell cycle regulator by inhibiting G1 cyclin‐dependent kinases that phosphorylate the retinoblastoma protein. p16 is inactivated in a wide range of human malignancies, including familial melanoma. However, its expression and function in sporadic melanoma has not been extensively investigated. We studied p16 expression in 62 archival melanomas and 30 archival nevi and lentigines by immunohistochemistry. Eighteen of 26 (69%) superficial spreading melanomas, 17 of 28 (61%) nodular melanomas, all of three lentigo maligna melanomas, and all of five melanoma metastases were found to harbor less than 10%p16‐positive tumor cells. In contrast, only six of 24 (25%) nevi had less than 10% positive cells. No correlation between tumor thickness and loss of p16 expression was found. Using DNA from micro‐dissected tumor and matched normal tissues, five of seven (71%) p16‐negative melanoma cases had 9p21 loss of heterozygosity (LOH), and one of these 9p21 LOH cases had promoter region hypermethylation of the remaining p16 allele. These data demonstrate that partial or complete loss of p16 expression is prevalent in sporadic melanoma and is frequently associated with 9p21 LOH.
Role of histology in providing prognostic information in mycosis fungoides
Authors: Smoller Bruce R. , Detwiler Susan P. , Kohler Sabine , Hoppe Richard T. , Kim Youn H.
Published: August 2006

Many patients who present with patch and early plaque stage mycosis fungoides follow an indolent course and survive for many years following diagnosis. A certain subset of patients, however, have rapidly progressive disease leading to accelerated demise. We examined 21 histologic sections from initial biopsies taken from patients with stable disease and 26 from patients with rapidly progressive disease in order to evaluate the role of histology in predicting the disease course. Two or three authors examined each case and scored each of 24 histologic parameters using a previously described four‐point scale with no knowledge of the patients' clinical courses. Interobserver agreement was quite high. The only histologic parameter that demonstrated statistical differences between the two groups of patients was degree of acanthosis. The degree of spongiosis, number of eosinophils, amount of hyperconvolution of dermal lymphocytes and density of the dermal infiltrate approached statistical significance but did not attain this level. All of these differences were quite small. No differences were seen for the other 19 parameters. Patients with rapidly progressive disease tended to have more acanthosis, a few more hyperconvoluted dermal lymphocytes, a slightly greater number of eosinophils and perhaps a slightly more dense dermal infiltrate than patients who had stable disease. However, as all of these changes were very slight, it appears unlikely that evaluation of any single biopsy specimen for the histologic parameters we studied is helpful in predicting the prognosis for a specific patient.
The innermost cells of the outer root sheath in human anagen hair follicles undergo specialized keratinization mediated by apoptosis
Authors: Tanaka Tatsurou , Narisawa Yutaka , Misago Noriyuki , Hashimoto Ken
Published: August 2006

The innermost cell layer of the outer root sheath (IORS) is a special single cell layer located just outside Henle's layer. In situ endlabeling immunohistochemistry for apoptosis showed that labeled cells were most consistently located in the IORS from the suprabulbar portion to the infundibulum of anagen terminal hair follicles of the human scalp. Labeled cells were also sparsely scattered in the middle portion, including the bulge area of the outer root sheath of anagen hair, the regressing lower portion of catagen hair and the bulb of telogen hair. Ultrastructurally, the cells of the innermost layer underwent cellular degeneration through cytoplasmic vacuolization and nuclear pyknosis without keratohyalin production. These were compatible with the morphology of apoptotic cells. These findings confirmed that the innermost cell layer is different from other layers of the outer root sheath, not only by previously demonstrated criteria such as Ki67 immunostainability and characteristic ultrastructure but also by the mode of cell death.
The trichofolliculoma undergoes changes corresponding to the regressing normal hair follicle in its cycle
Authors: Schulz Tilman , Hartschuh Wolfgang
Published: August 2006

The trichofolliculoma is a follicularly differentiated hamartoma, usually described as showing many vellus follicles, spreading from a central infundibular cyst. In spite of the well known regressive changes of normal hair follicles during catagen and telogen, the possibility of corresponding changes in the trichofolliculoma has not yet been discussed in the literature. By examining a total of 31 cases of trichofolliculoma it is demonstrated that this hamartoma undergoes an evolutionary process with great morphological changes, which can be attributed to the anagen, catagen, and telogen phase of the foUicular cycle.
Folliculo‐sebaceous cystic hamartoma is a trichofolliculoma at its very late stage
Authors: Schuiz Tilman , Hartschuh Wolfgang
Published: August 2006

Folliculo‐sebaceous cystic hamartoma (FCH) was described as an entity recently and was defined as an adnexal hamartoma, showing above all an infundibular cystic structure linked to many sebaceous lobules. Differentiation toward the inferior segment of the hair follicle also occurs, although to a markedly lesser degree. Signs of regression and rest corresponding to the normal follicular cycle are often apparent in these follicular proliferations. Therefore so‐called FCH has much in common with the newly described late stage of trichofolliculoma, which also exhibits an infundibular cyst and sebaceous and follicular differentiation with various signs of catagen and telogen. Comparing our 8 cases of FCH and 31 cases of trichofolliculoma, we came to the conclusion that FCH is the very late stage of trichofolliculoma. This stage could be characterized by a nearly complete regression of the transient follicular epithelium, whereas concurrent growth and maturation of sebaceous elements appear.