bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adiponectin and colorectal adenomas: Self Defense Forces Health Study
Authors: Fukumoto Jin , Otake Toshie , Tajima Osamu , Tabata Shinji , Abe Hiroshi , Mizoue Tetsuya , Ohnaka Keizo , Kono Suminori
Published: March 2008

Adiponectin is an adipocyte‐derived protein with an insulin‐sensitizing action. Circulating levels of adiponectin are inversely correlated with obesity, especially abdominal obesity. Some studies have suggested that low levels of circulating adiponectin might be related to increased risk of colorectal cancer and adenomas. The present study examined the relationship between total and high‐molecular‐weight (HMW) adiponectin to colorectal adenomas in the Self Defense Forces (SDF) Health Study. The study subjects comprised 656 cases of colorectal adenomas and 648 controls with normal colonoscopy among men receiving a preretirement health examination at two Self Defense Forces hospitals. Total and HMW adiponectin were slightly lower in adenoma cases than in controls; geometric means of total adiponectin were 5.42 µg/mL in cases and 5.63 µg/mL in controls (P = 0.13), and the corresponding values of HMW adiponectin were 2.47 µg/mL and 2.57 µg/mL, respectively (P = 0.29). Regardless of adjustment for body mass index and other lifestyle factors, total adiponectin was unrelated to the risk of colorectal adenomas. Total adiponectin levels were inversely related to the risk of large adenomas (≥ 5 mm), but not of small adenomas, with a nearly statistically significant decreasing trend (P = 0.06). However, the inverse association was largely ascribed to body mass index and other lifestyle factors. HMW adiponectin showed no clear association with either overall or size‐specific risk of colorectal adenomas. The study provided suggestive evidence for a protective association between adiponectin and large adenomas, but did not indicate a protective association independent of adiposity. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 781–786)
Interaction of antiproliferative protein Tob with the CCR4‐NOT deadenylase complex
Authors: Miyasaka Takashi , Morita Masahiro , Ito Kentaro , Suzuki Toru , Fukuda Hiroyuki , Takeda Shizu , Inoue Jun‐Ichiro , Semba Kentaro , Yamamoto Tadashi
Published: March 2008

Tob protein, when overexpressed, suppresses growth of NIH3T3 cells, presumably by regulating expression of various growth‐related genes. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying Tob‐mediated regulation of gene expression have been obscure. To address this issue we established stable Tob‐expressing cell lines and used a proteomics approach to identify Tob‐interacting proteins. We found that Tob associates with the CCR4‐NOT complex. The carboxyl‐terminal half of Tob interacted with Cnot1, a core protein of the CCR4‐NOT complex. We further showed that the deadenylase activity associated with the complex was suppressed in vitro by Tob. These results suggest that the antiproliferative activity of Tob is shown post‐transcriptionally by controlling the stability of the target mRNAs in addition to its involvement in transcriptional regulation, reported previously. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 755–761)
Mechanisms of chemoresistance and poor prognosis in ovarian clear cell carcinoma
Authors: Itamochi Hiroaki , Kigawa Junzo , Terakawa Naoki
Published: March 2008

Clear cell carcinoma (CCC) accounts for 4% to 12% of epithelial ovarian cancer in Western countries and, for some unknown reasons, it comprises more than 20% of such cancers in Japan. CCC shows unique clinical features such as a high incidence of stage I disease, a large pelvic mass, an increased incidence of vascular thromboembolic complications, and hypercalcemia. It is frequently associated with endometriosis. Compared to serous adenocarcinoma (SAC), CCC is relatively resistant to conventional platinum, or taxane‐based chemotherapy which is associated with its poor prognosis. However, the mechanisms underlying CCC's resistance to chemotherapy have not been understood. Although several mechanisms involved in drug resistance exist in CCC, including decreased drug accumulation, increased drug detoxification, and an increased DNA repair activity; however, no particular chemoresistance system has been identified. On the other hand, an in vitro study revealed that low cell proliferation may cause the insensitivity of CCC to cisplatin. The Ki‐67 labeling index in CCC tumors was significantly lower than SAC. The Ki‐67 labeling index for responders was significantly higher than that for non‐responders in both tumor types. A multivariable analysis revealed that Ki‐67 labeling index and residual tumor size were independent prognostic factors in CCC. Therefore, lower proliferation of the tumor cells may contribute to their resistance to chemotherapy. However, further investigation into the molecular biology and genetics of CCC is warranted. This review discusses the current state of knowledge of the chemoresistance mechanism in CCC and novel treatment strategies for CCC. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 653–658)
Different expression profiles of Y‐box‐binding protein‐1 and multidrug resistance‐associated proteins between alveolar and embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Oda Yoshinao , Kohashi Kenichi , Yamamoto Hidetaka , Tamiya Sadafumi , Kohno Kimitoshi , Kuwano Michihiko , Iwamoto Yukihide , Tajiri Tatsuro , Taguchi Tomoaki , Tsuneyoshi Masazumi
Published: March 2008

Nuclear expression of the Y‐box‐binding protein‐1 (YB‐1) has been reported to regulate the expression of both P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) and major vault protein (MVP), and to regulate proliferative activities in human malignancies. Based on morphology and molecular biology, rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) can be divided into two major types: embryonal type and the more aggressive alveolar type. Thirty‐five cases of embryonal RMS (ERMS) and 28 cases of alveolar RMS (ARMS) were examined immunohistochemically for the nuclear expression of YB‐1 and the intrinsic expression of P‐gp, multidrug resistance (MDR)‐associated protein (MRP) 1, 2, and 3, breast‐cancer resistant protein (BCRP) and MVP, and the findings were compared with proliferative activities as evaluated by the MIB‐1‐labeling index (LI). Moreover, mRNA levels of these MDR‐related molecules were assessed using a quantitative reverse transcriptase‐PCR method in 18 concordant frozen materials. P‐gp expression was more frequently observed ARMS, compared with ERMS (P = 0.0332), whereas immunoreactivity for BCRP was more frequently recognized in ERMS (P = 0.0184). Nuclear expression of YB‐1 protein was correlated with P‐gp (P = 0.0359) and MVP (P = 0.0044) expression, and a higher MIB‐1‐labeling index (P = 0.0244) in ERMS, however, in ARMS no such relationships were observed. These immunohistochemical results indicate that different expression profiles of MDR‐related molecules and their correlation with YB‐1 nuclear expression support the concept that ERMS and ARMS are molecular biologically distinct neoplasms. Apart from ERMS, frequent P‐gp expression in ARMS may be independent from YB‐1 regulation. However, YB‐1 may be a candidate for a molecular target in rhabdomyosarcoma therapy, especially in ERMS. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99; 726–732)
Correlation between NDRG1 and PTEN expression in endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Chen Jiawei , Li Shuxia , Yang Zhaorui , Lu Guangzhong , Hu Honghui
Published: March 2008

N‐myc Downstream‐Regulated Gene 1 (NDRG1) is known as a differentiation‐related gene that plays important roles in cell differentiation, organ formation, and embryonic development. NDRG1 has recently been shown to be associated with carcinogenesis and tumor progression in a wide variety of tumors. Phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted from chromosome (PTEN), a phosphatase and tensin homolog located on chromosome 10, is shown to be a tumor suppressor and is often mutated or deleted in various tumor cells, particularly in endometrial carcinoma. Using an immunohistochemical approach, we investigated the expression of NDRG1 and PTEN in normal endometrium, atypical hyperplasia, and endometrial carcinoma. All tumor tissues harvested in this study were derived from endometrioid carcinoma Type I, that were estrogen‐related. Our results demonstrate that the expression of NDRG1 was up‐regulated in 5/40 (12.5%), 18/34 (52.94%), and 86/103 (83.5%) normal endometrium, atypical hyperplasia, and endometrial carcinoma cases, respectively (P < 0.01), while in 6/40 (15%), 20/34 (58.82%), and 89/103 (86.41%) normal endometrium, atypical hyperplasia, and endometrial carcinoma cases, respectively. PTEN expression was significantly decreased (P < 0.01). Statistical analyzes demonstrated a positive correlation between NDRG1 up‐regulation and PTEN down‐regulation (P < 0.01). The expression of NDRG1 had no correlation with the differentiation degree of the tumor cells, lymph‐node metastasis, and/or abdominal cavity implantation (P > 0.05). Our results indicated that development of endometrial carcinoma is associated with an overexpression of NDRG1 and the loss of PTEN expression. Identification of changes in the NDRG1 and PTEN expression may be a significant diagnostic tool for the early detection of endometrial carcinoma. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 706–710)
Rearranged NF‐κB2 gene in an adult T‐cell leukemia cell line
Authors: Isogawa Masato , Higuchi Masaya , Takahashi Masahiko , Oie Masayasu , Mori Naoki , Tanaka Yuetsu , Aoyagi Yutaka , Fujii Masahiro
Published: March 2008

Adult T‐cell leukemia (ATL) is an aggressive type of leukemia, originating from T‐cells infected with human T‐cell leukemia virus type 1. Accumulating evidence suggests the aberrant activation of NF‐κB to be a causative factor mediating the abnormal proliferation of leukemic cells, thus resulting in the development of ATL. A rearranged NF‐κB2/p100 gene was isolated from an ATL‐derived cell line, which was generated by a chromosomal translocation. The isolated NF‐κB2 mutant is fused with the with no (lysine) deficient protein kinase 1 gene, coding for a 58 kDa protein that retains the DNA binding Rel homology domain, but it lacks the entire ankyrin repeat inhibitory domain, thus suggesting its constitutive activation. This rearranged NF‐κB2 gene product (p58) was localized in the nucleus, and formed a complex with NF‐κB p65 or RelB. Moreover, a T‐cell line expressing p58 increased the amount of an NF‐κB2‐inducible gene, NF‐κB2/p100 by itself. These results suggest that such NF‐κB2 gene rearrangement may therefore be a factor in the constitutive activation of NF‐κB in ATL, and thereby playing a role in the ATL pathogenesis. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 792–798)
THOC5 spliceosome protein: a target for leukaemogenic tyrosine kinases that affects inositol lipid turnover
Authors: Pierce Andrew , Carney Louise , Hamza Hajja G. , Griffiths John R. , Zhang Liqun , Whetton Beth A. , Gonzalez Sanchez M. Belen , Tamura Teruko , Sternberg David , Whetton Anthony D.
Published: March 2008

The fusion protein TEL/PDGFRB is associated with chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia and has intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity. The effects of TEL/PDGFRB were assessed using the multipotent haemopoietic cell line FDCP‐Mix. In the absence of growth factors, TEL/PDGFRB expression increased survival that was associated with elevated levels of phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5 trisphosphate (PIP3). Whilst TEL/PDGFRB had subtle effects on the growth factor requirements it had a profound effect on differentiation. The cells became refractory to cytokine‐stimulated development, showing limited maturation but failing to produce fully mature cells. We have previously identified the spliceosome protein THOC5 as a target in macrophage colony‐stimulating factor signalling and a protein involved in the regulation of transcription factor expression. TEL/PDGFRB expression increased the expression and phosphorylation of THOC5. Elevated expression of THOC5 increased PIP3 levels and decreased apoptosis. Mass spectrometry was used to identify a site for TEL/PDGFRB‐mediated phosphorylation on THOC5, which was shown to be a target for a number of other leukaemogenic tyrosine kinases. Thus, THOC5 is a novel target for modulation of signal transduction with a potential role in leukaemogenesis.
Identification of carcinoma origin by thyroid transcription factor‐1 immunostaining of fine needle aspirates of metastases
Authors: Strojan Fležar M. , Srebotnik Kirbiš I.
Published: March 2008

Objective:  To assess the diagnostic potential of thyroid transcription factor‐1 (TTF‐1) immunocytochemical staining for identifying the origin of unknown primary cancers from fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of metastases.

Methods:  Immunostaining with TTF‐1 was conducted on FNACs suggesting metastatic carcinoma in 128 patients with unknown primary tumours as part of the initial diagnostic procedure. The majority of patients (78) presented with neck masses, four had lung lesions and 46 had masses at other locations. The patients’ files were reviewed to obtain data on tumour origin.

Results:  Thirty‐seven of 128 (28.9%) cases stained positive with TTF‐1. Pulmonary origin of metastases was confirmed in 27 cases, and four lung lesions were primary lung adenocarcinoma. Two patients had primary and one had mestastatic thyroid carcinomas. In two patients, no follow‐up data was available. In one patient, the origin of the primary could not be determined at autopsy. TTF‐1 was negative in 18 patients with subsequent diagnosis of metastatic pulmonary cancer and in seven patients diagnosed clinically and radiologically as most probably having a lung carcinoma. In 60 TTF‐1 negative patients, the primary tumour originated in other organs (34) or remained unknown (26).

Conclusion:  TTF‐1 immunostaining of FNAC in patients with metastatic carcinoma of unknown origin identified primary pulmonary or thyroid carcinomas in nearly a third of cases. Patients with TTF‐1 positive metastases could avoid further extensive diagnostic investigations for the origin of the primary site.
Genetic differentiation and secondary contact zone in the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa across the Mediterranean–Atlantic transition region
Authors: Alberto Filipe , Massa Sónia , Manent Pablo , Diaz‐Almela Elena , Arnaud‐Haond Sophie , Duarte Carlos M. , Serrão Ester A.
Published: March 2008

Aim  A central question in evolutionary ecology is the nature of environmental barriers that can limit gene flow and induce population genetic divergence, a first step towards speciation. Here we study the geographical barrier constituted by the transition zone between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, using as our model Cymodocea nodosa, a seagrass distributed throughout the Mediterranean and in the Atlantic, from central Portugal to Mauritania. We also test predictions about the genetic footprints of Pleistocene glaciations.

Location  The Atlantic–Mediterranean transition region and adjacent areas in the Atlantic (Mauritania to south‐west Portugal) and the Mediterranean.

Methods  We used eight microsatellite markers to compare 20 seagrass meadows in the Atlantic and 27 meadows in the Mediterranean, focusing on the transition between these basins.

Results  Populations from these two regions form coherent groups containing several unique, high‐frequency alleles for the Atlantic and for the Mediterranean, with some admixture west of the Almeria–Oran Front (Portugal, south‐west Spain and Morocco). These are populations where only one or a few genotypes were found, for all but Cadiz, but remarkably still show the footprint of a contact zone. This extremely low genotypic richness at the Atlantic northern edge contrasts with the high values (low clonality) at the Atlantic southern edge and in most of the Mediterranean. The most divergent populations are those at the higher temperature range limits: the southernmost Atlantic populations and the easternmost Mediterranean, both potential footprints of vicariance.

Main conclusions  A biogeographical transition region occurs close to the Almeria–Oran front. A secondary contact zone in Atlantic Iberia and Morocco results from two distinct dispersal sources: the Mediterranean and southernmost Atlantic populations, possibly during warmer interglacial or post‐glacial periods. The presence of high‐frequency diagnostic alleles in present‐day disjunct populations from the southernmost Atlantic region indicates that their separation from all remaining populations is ancient, and suggests an old, stable rear edge.
Floristic and functional affiliations of woody plants with climate in western Amazonia
Authors: Butt Nathalie , Malhi Yadvinder , Phillips Oliver , New Mark
Published: March 2008

Aim  To test whether a direct relationship exists between the relative abundance of woody plant genera and precipitation regime along the north–south climate gradient of the western Amazon.

Location  Lowland rain forests in the western Amazon.

Methods  Floristic data on 91 woody plant genera, from 39 0.1‐ha plots across the western Amazon, and precipitation data from a 0.5° global data set were used to test for correlations between plant relative abundance (defined as percentage number of stems ≥ 2.5 cm diameter at breast height for each woody plant genus per plot) and derived dry‐season variables. Moisture preference was then assessed in terms of pioneer and shade‐tolerant life‐history strategy.

Results  There were significant associations between the distribution of plant relative abundances and seasonal precipitation variables in 34% of genera analysed. Significant differences were identified in size‐class distribution between dry affiliates and generalists. Dry affiliates were not dominant in any size class in any plot type, whereas climate generalists dominated most of the size classes in the dry plots and the mid‐range size classes in the wet plots. Dry‐affiliate genera were a minority, even in dry forests. Wet‐affiliate genera were correlated with shade tolerance, whereas genera with no rainfall affiliation were often pioneers.

Main conclusions  The results suggest that moisture variable seasonality influences community composition in a manner that can be related to the life‐history trade‐off between shade tolerance and pioneer ranking. One possible reason for higher diversity in wetter forests is that high rainfall amplifies the niche space available to shade‐tolerant plants. Determining which plant groups are constrained by which environmental variables can contribute to our understanding of how forest composition may be changing now, and how it may change under future climate: if shade‐tolerant trees are also drought‐intolerant, community structure in wet forests may be more vulnerable to future increases in moisture stress.
Explaining the elevational diversity pattern of geometrid moths from Borneo: a test of five hypotheses
Authors: Beck Jan , Chey Vun Khen
Published: March 2008

Aim  The aim of this study was to document quantitatively a hump‐shaped elevational distribution of diversity for the geometrid moths of northern Borneo. Furthermore, we aimed to test rigorously a number of hypotheses that were proposed as ‘general explanations’ for such patterns, namely (1) the mid‐domain effect, (2) overlap between lowland and montane (or endemic) fauna, (3) water and energy availability (i.e. temperature‐limitation at high elevations, water‐limitation at low elevations), (4) area size of elevational bands, and (5) determination by (host) plant diversity.

Location  Northern Borneo, Malaysia.

Methods  We used quantitative light‐trapping data across northern Borneo (from our own field work and published literature) for 52 sites (covering > 800 species) to quantify local diversity (as Fisher’s α). We used these data to test predictions of the five hypotheses in spatially explicit correlation analyses, using published data on climate, plant diversity and topography (Digital Elevation Model) as predictor variables.

Results  We documented a pronounced diversity peak at c. 650 m a.s.l. (breakpoint regression, r2 = 0.55). We observed additional effects of other habitat parameters, sampling methodology and time on diversity only for data below 655 m a.s.l. Furthermore, we did not find unequivocal support for any of the above‐stated hypotheses. The mid‐domain effect and faunal overlap can be ruled out as single explanations of observed patterns, whereas the data equally fit predictions from water–energy dynamics, area and plant diversity only at higher elevations, but not in the lower part of the gradient. Of those, only effects of energy (i.e. temperature) were expected a priori to be restricted to elevations above the breakpoint.

Main conclusions  We tentatively conclude that temperature (i.e. energy limitation) is the best explanation for decreasing diversity towards high elevations, but we did not find a compelling explanation of lowered diversity near sea level. We discuss and present some preliminary data on further possible explanations, i.e. niche conservatism of higher taxonomic groups.
Evidence for Late Messinian seismites, Nijar Basin, south‐east Spain
Authors: FORTUIN A. R. , DABRIO C. J.
Published: March 2008

The Feos Formation of the Nijar Basin comprises sediments deposited during the final stage of the Messinian salinity crisis when the Mediterranean was almost totally isolated. Levels of soft‐sediment deformation structures occur in both conglomeratic alluvial sediments deposited close to faults and the hyposaline Lago Mare facies, a laminated and thin‐bedded succession of whitish chalky marls and intercalated sands alternating with non‐marine coastal plain deposits. Deformation structures in the coarse clastics include funnel‐shaped depressions filled with conglomerate, liquefaction dykes terminating downwards in gravel pockets, soft‐sediment mixing bodies, chaotic intervals and flame structures. Evidence for soft‐sediment deformation in the fine‐grained Lago Mare facies comprises syndepositional faulting and fault‐grading, sandstone dykes, mixed layers, slumping and sliding of sandstone beds, convolute bedding, and pillar and flame structures. The soft‐sediment deformed intervals resemble those ascribed elsewhere to seismic shaking. Moreover, the study area provides the appropriate conditions for the preservation of deformation structures induced by seismicity; such as location in a tectonically active area, variable sediment input to produce heterolithic deposits and an absence of bioturbation. The vertical distribution of soft‐sediment deformation implies frequent seismic shocks, underlining the importance of seismicity in the Betic region during the Late Messinian when the Nijar Basin became separated from the Sorbas Basin to the north. The presence of liquefied gravel injections in the marginal facies indicates strong earthquakes (M ≥ 7). The identification of at least four separate fissured levels within a single Lago Mare interval suggests a recurrence interval for large magnitude earthquakes of the order of millennia, assuming that the cyclicity of the alternating Lago Mare and continental intervals was precession‐controlled. This suggestion is consistent with the present‐day seismic activity in SE Spain.
Topical 5‐aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy for the treatment of unilesional mycosis fungoides: a report of two cases and review of the literature
Authors: Díez Recio Esther , Zambrano Belen , Alonso Maria Luisa , De Eusebio Esther , Martín Manuel , Cuevas Jesús , Jaén Pedro
Published: March 2008

Background  Unilesional mycosis fungoides (MF) is a rare variant of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL), characterized clinically by a solitary lesion and by histopathological features indistinguishable from multilesional MF. The photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a new and effective treatment of precancerous lesions and non‐melanoma skin cancers. In recent years it has been used successfully for the treatment of MF.

Methods  We present two cases of unilesional MF treated with 5‐Aminolevulinic acid‐PDT (ALA‐PDT). We used twenty per cent ALA, applied topically to the lesion, and a well defined laser irradiation at 585 nm wavelength from C‐Beam laser. Treatment was repeated three times at monthly intervals. Skin biopsies were taken before and after therapy.

Results  Both patients showed clinical remission. The biopsies confirmed a regression of the infiltrate after treatment.

Conclusions  PDT is effective and can be used successfully for MF treatment, particularly for patch and plaque stage MF, including unilesional MF.
Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis. Case report with histologic overlap of erythema multiforme and urticaria
Authors: Walling Hobart W. , Scupham Richard K.
Published: March 2008

Background  Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis is a rare eruption that recurs monthly as progesterone levels peak during the menstrual cycle. Clinical and histologic features are variable, and the eruption is thought to represent a hypersensitivity response to endogenous progesterone.

Methods  We present the case of a 38‐year‐old woman with a pruritic intermittent facial eruption of 18 months’ duration that recurred predictably in the days surrounding menses.

Results  The histology showed interface dermatitis with features of both erythema multiforme and urticaria. Intradermal injection of medroxyprogesterone acetate was positive. Her symptoms responded to antihistamine therapy.

Conclusion  This unusual case is particularly distinctive both in terms of the histologic findings and the response to therapy.
The prevalence of dermatophyte infection in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus
Authors: Rodwell Graham E. J. , Bayles Charlene L. , Towersey Loan , Aly Raza
Published: March 2008

Background  It is not known whether human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is associated with an increased susceptibility to dermatophytes.

Methods  In this study, we determined the prevalence of cutaneous fungal infection in a cohort of HIV‐infected patients and HIV‐negative controls, and examined the factors associated with an increased risk of infection.

Results  Using a multiple regression analysis, we found that the strongest independent predictor of cutaneous fungal infection in both groups was a self‐reported history of homosexual sex. There was no relationship between HIV infection or reduced CD4 count and the prevalence of dermatophyte infection.

Conclusions  HIV infection is not independently associated with an increased risk of cutaneous fungal disease.
Linear‐agminated juvenile xanthogranulomas
Authors: Kiorpelidou Despoina , Stergiopoulou Christina , Zioga Aikaterini , Bassukas Ioannis D.
Published: March 2008

An 8‐month‐old girl presented with an asymptomatic skin lesion on the right popliteal fossa, which had been present for approximately 6 months. The child had a past medical history of a urinary tract infection at the age of 1 month and had been on daily cotrimoxazole since. There was no history of trauma to the site. Examination revealed a solitary, well‐demarcated, plaque‐like lesion on the right popliteal fossa, with multiple agminated papules in an almost linear distribution (Fig. 1a). The lesion did not follow Blaschko's lines, but was vertical to them. The plaque was slightly indurated, measuring approximately 4 × 1.5 cm, fixed to the overlying skin but movable over the deeper tissue. The papules were yellowish in color and firm to palpation, showing a positive Darier's sign (Fig. 1b,c). There was no regional adenopathy and no other skin lesions were observed. The physical examination and laboratory investigations were otherwise unremarkable. There was no hepatosplenomegaly, and an ocular examination and chest X‐ray were normal.

Juvenile xanthogranuloma: agminated nodulopapular lesions on the right popliteal fossa (a) showing positive Darier's sign (b and c; arrows)

image

 A biopsy from the lesion (Fig. 2a) revealed a dermal infiltrate of histiocytes, some of which were foamy, and admixed Touton‐type giant cells, lymphocytes, eosinophils, and mast cells. By immunohistochemistry, the predominant cell population was CD68 (KP‐1, MIB‐1, and PG‐M1, all pursued from Dako) positive, but S‐100 protein and CD1a negative (Fig. 2b–e). By Giemsa stain, scattered mast cells (< 5% of the total cell number) were detectable within the lesion. The morphology and immunohistochemistry of the lesion were diagnostic for juvenile xanthogranuloma. Eight months later, the lesion was still present but slightly elongated, proportional to the child's growth, and hyperpigmented.

Juvenile xanthogranuloma: histomorphology of skin lesion showing a cell‐rich histiocytic dermal infiltrate (a) with immunohistochemical characteristics (b–e) of non‐Langerhans dendritic cells (a, hematoxylin and eosin; b, anti‐S‐100 protein; c, anti‐CD‐1a; d, e, anti‐CD68 monocytic markers MIB‐1 and KP‐1, respectively; a–e, initial magnification ×40)

image
Cuterebra cutaneous myiasis: case report and world literature review
Authors: Delshad Elizabeth , Rubin Adam I. , Almeida Laila , Niedt G. William
Published: March 2008

Background  Most cases of myiasis in North America are caused by fly larvae from South America or Africa, as these cases represent travelers returning from endemic regions. The etiology of creeping eruptions and furuncular lesions in North American patients who have no history of recent travel can therefore be a diagnostic problem. Among cases acquired in North America, Cuterebra species are the usual cause. Dermatologists and dermatopathologists should be aware that this unusual infestation may occur without a travel history.

Method  Here we report a case of Cuterebra cutaneous myiasis acquired in New Jersey. A world literature review of articles on Cuterebra myiasis in humans, without age or year restriction, was performed. The pertinent references of those articles were also searched.

Results  Most cases occur in the skin, as a furuncle. Sometimes a cutaneous creeping eruption is present. Children account for at least half of the reported cases. The infestations tend to occur in the late summer, and most frequently in the north‐eastern and southern states of the United States. An overview of the clinical and histopathologic diagnostic features are presented.

Conclusions  Though rare, myiasis can occur in North America without a travel history. Awareness of this entity, its epidemiologic patterns and diagnostic characteristics, can prevent lengthy delays in diagnosis and unnecessary treatments.
Natal dispersal patterns are not associated with inbreeding avoidance in the Seychelles warbler
Authors: EIKENAAR C. , KOMDEUR J. , RICHARDSON D. S.
Published: March 2008

In this study, we test whether patterns of territory inheritance, social mate choice and female‐biased natal dispersal act as inbreeding avoidance mechanisms in the cooperatively breeding Seychelles warbler. Our results show that Seychelles warblers do not reduce the likelihood of inbreeding by avoiding related individuals as mates. The occurrence of natural and experimentally induced territory inheritance did not depend on whether the remaining breeder was a parent of the potential inheritor or an unrelated breeder. Furthermore, dispersing individuals were no less related to their eventual mates than expected given the pool of candidates they could mate with. The female bias in natal dispersal distance observed in the Seychelles warbler does not facilitate inbreeding avoidance because, contrary to our prediction, there was no sex difference in the clustering of related opposite sex breeders around the natal territories of dispersers. As a result, the chance of females mating with relatives was not reduced by their greater dispersal distance compared with that of males.
Daylength responses of various morphogenetic events after panicle initiation in late japonica rice (Oryza sativa L. ssp. japonica)
Authors: Lu X.‐C. , He Y. , Chen M. , Tian S. , Bai S.‐N.
Published: March 2008

Plant morphogenesis is an intimate cooperation between environmental signals and a genetically‐encoded developmental programme. Although all stages subsequent to floral induction may be influenced by daylength, the information available has come from diverse species during different morphogenetic events. This makes it difficult to investigate how photoperiodic signalling is integrated into various steps of the developmental programme. Here, we report that, in late japonica rice lines, morphogenetic events, including 12th leaf, axis of the main panicle, awn of the glum, anthers, elongation rate of internodes, and pollen fertility of the photoperiod‐sensitive genic male‐sterile (PGMS) rice, are significantly affected by daylength after panicle initiation. These data indicate that daylength affects many morphologic events, and that changes in morphology are mainly determined by the characteristics of the events themselves. These findings lay a foundation for future investigations into how potentially common photoperiodic signalling system(s) are integrated with diversified developmental events. In addition, we discussed the essential nature of PGMS rice.
Short‐ and long‐term modulation of the lutein epoxide and violaxanthin cycles in two species of the Lauraceae: sweet bay laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) and avocado (Persea americana Mill.)
Authors: Esteban R. , Jiménez M. S. , Morales D. , Jiménez E. T. , Hormaetxe K. , Becerril J. M. , Osmond B. , García‐Plazaola J. I.
Published: March 2008

Short‐ and long‐term responses of the violaxanthin (V) and lutein epoxide (Lx) cycles were studied in two species of Lauraceae: sweet bay laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) and avocado (Persea americana L.). The Lx content exceeded the V content in shade leaves of both species. Both Lx and V were de‐epoxidised on illumination, but only V was fully restored by epoxidation in low light. Violaxanthin was preferentially de‐epoxidised in low light in L. nobilis. This suggests that Lx accumulates with leaf ageing, partly because its conversion to lutein is limited in shade. After exposure to strong light, shade leaves of avocado readjusted the total pools of α‐ and β‐xanthophyll cycles by de novo synthesis of antheraxanthin, zeaxanthin and lutein. This occurred in parallel with a sustained depression of Fv/Fm. In Persea indica, a closely related but low Lx species, Fv/Fm recovered faster after a similar light treatment, suggesting the involvement of the Lx cycle in sustained energy dissipation. Furthermore, the seasonal correlation between non‐reversible Lx and V photoconversions and pre‐dawn Fv/Fm in sun leaves of sweet bay supported the conclusion that the Lx cycle is involved in a slowly reversible downregulation of photosynthesis analogous to the V cycle.
Physical characteristics of reticuloruminal contents of oxen in relation to forage type and time after feeding
Authors: Hummel J. , Südekum K.‐H. , Bayer D. , Ortmann S. , Streich W. J. , Hatt J.‐M. , Clauss M.
Published: March 2008

The stratification of reticulorumen (RR) contents has been described in domestic ruminants, but suspected to be absent in certain wild ruminant species. To investigate how such stratification could be quantified, we tested variables indicating stratification in three oxen with rumen cannulae, fed once daily for 3 h, one of three different forages (fresh grass FG, grass hay GH, lucerne hay LH). Ingesta samples from dorsal rumen (DR), ventral rumen (VR) and reticulum (RET) were taken at 0, 3, 6, 12 and 24 h after the last meal and analyzed for dry matter (DM) concentration, mean particle size and proportion of floating/sedimenting particles. Viscosity was measured in centrifuged RR fluid. There was no relevant variation in rumen fluid viscosity over time or with feeding regime. Dry matter content in DR was always higher than in VR or RET and increased after feeding. When LH and FG were fed, DR always contained larger particles than VR, except at 6 and 12 h of feeding GH. The proportion of floating particles was higher in DR than VR except at GH 6 h and GR between 6 and 12 h. The floating particle fraction mostly contained larger particles, except for GH 3 h in both DR and VR and for FG 3–12 h in DR. Changes in the distribution of particle size and proportion of floating particles over time comply with the theoretical course of fermentative digestion for different forages, but make these variables unreliable indicators of stratification in less controlled settings, such as investigations in wild ruminants. In contrast, viscosity of rumen fluids appears constant over time and feeding regime and might be used as a species‐specific variable. The difference in DM content in DR and VR is a reliable indicator for RR contents stratification characterized by an oversaturation of the contents with fluid, leading to lower VR DM contents.
Karyotype analysis and physical mapping of 45S rRNA genes in Hydrangea species by fluorescence in situ hybridization
Authors: Van Laere K. , Van Huylenbroeck J. , Van Bockstaele E.
Published: March 2008

Detailed karyotypes of Hydrangea macrophylla, Hydrangea paniculata and Hydrangea quercifolia were constructed on the basis of arm lengths and centromeric index, together with 45S rDNA fluorescence in situ hybridization. Although the chromosomes were small, they were well distinguishable for all species. Chromosome morphology and karyotypes were different for the three species. H. macrophylla had six metacentric (M), eight submetacentric (SM) and four subtelocentric (ST) chromosomes. The karyotype of H. paniculata contained seven M, 10 SM and one ST chromosomes and H. quercifolia had six M, 10 SM and two ST chromosomes. The variability among three species also was expressed by 45S rDNA signals. H. macrophylla had a nucleolar organizing region on chromosome 2, H. paniculata had 45S rDNA signals on chromosomes 2, 5 and 11 and H. quercifolia on chromosomes 3 and 8. Hybridization signal always was distally on the short arm but the strength of the signals was different for the three species. The chromosome portraits made in this study will be used to trace chromosome behaviour in interspecific hybrids resulting from breeding work between the three species.
Prediction of bone metastases by combination of tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and prostate specific antigen in patients with prostate cancer
Authors: Ozu Choichiro , Nakashima Jun , Horiguchi Yutaka , Oya Mototsugu , Ohigashi Takashi , Murai Masaru
Published: March 2008

Objective:  The clinical value of serum tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP), prostate specific antigen (PSA), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and prostatic acid phosphatase (PACP) for the prediction of bone metastases in prostate cancer were investigated.

Methods:  TRACP, PACP, ALP, and PSA serum levels were measured in 215 patients with prostate cancer, including 160 without and 55 with bone metastases. Correlation of serum marker levels with bone metastases was assessed using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values were calculated for each serum marker. Multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors for the presence of bone metastasis.

Results:  Mean serum TRACP, PACP, ALP, and PSA levels were significantly elevated in patients with bone metastases compared with those without (P < 0.05). PSA and PACP levels increased significantly with clinical stage of the disease, whereas TRACP and ALP levels only increased significantly in stage D2. Serum TRACP levels correlated significantly with extent of disease on bone scans. ROC analyses showed no significant differences in area under the curve for these markers. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that PSA, ALP, and TRACP were significant predictors of bone metastasis. Predicted and observed risks of bone metastasis were well correlated when TRACP, ALP, and PSA were combined and bone scan could have been omitted in 70% of patients by assessing these three markers.

Conclusions:  Serum TRACP can be considered a useful predictor of bone metastases in prostate cancer. A combination of TRACP, ALP, and PSA can obviate the need for a bone scan in 70% of cases.
Improved effects of a double suicide gene system on prostate cancer cells by targeted regulation of prostate‐specific membrane antigen promoter and enhancer
Authors: Zhang Peng , Zeng Hao , Wei Qiang , Lu Yiping , Li Xiang , Wang Jia , Zhao Fujun , Li Hong
Published: March 2008

Objective:  To explore the specific killing effect on prostate cancer cells of a dual cytosine deaminase (CD) and uracil phosphoribosyltransferase (UPRT) expression plasmid system controlled by the prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) promoter and enhancer.

Methods:  The CD gene was used to construct the recombinant plasmid prostate‐specific membrane antigenpromoter/enhancer‐CD (pPSMAE/P‐CD). The specific regulatory function of the pPSMAE/P promoter was demonstrated by detection of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) expression in the LNCaP cell line. Survival of cells transfected with different plasmids and treated with 5‐fluorocytosine (5‐FC) was measured by microculture tetrazolium assay. Cell cycle changes were measured by flow cytometry.

Results:  Target‐specific expression of PSMAE/P was observed in the prostate cancer cell line. Cytotoxicity of 5‐FC was greater against LNCaP cells transfected with pPSMAE/P‐CD and UPRT and pPSMAE/P‐CD than control groups. Percentages of cells in S phase were 37.5% (LNCaP) and 30.6% (5‐FC treatment) in the un‐transfected groups, whereas they were 23.9% and 12.4% in the double and single suicide gene groups, respectively.

Conclusions:  Our findings confirm the cytotoxic efficacy of the pPSMAE/P‐CD + 5‐FC and pPSMAE/P‐CD and UPRT + 5‐FC suicide gene systems. The CD and UPRT gene system quickly and directly converted 5‐FC into 5‐FU, and then into toxic metabolites. The CD and UPRT double suicide gene system was more effective in inducing tumor cell apoptosis with 5‐FC than the single suicide gene system. Thus, this construct can specifically target prostate cancer cells and might have a role in gene therapy against prostate cancer.
After the disaster
Authors: Hart Keith
Published: March 2008

Naomi Klein's The Shock Doctrine offers a weak analysis of ‘neoliberalism’ linked to a defeatist ideology. If we wish to move beyond the global economic crisis, we should borrow ideas from Mauss, Polanyi and Keynes; but the political level for an appropriate response is not obvious.
Anthropology and the fossil fuel era
Authors: Love Thomas
Published: March 2008

Oil is so vital to the growth economy today that we find it almost impossible to imagine a world without it. Given that world oil production is constrained and that our fossil fuel consumption per capita is no longer sustainable, what are the consequences for humanity, especially the world's poor majority? This editorial urges anthropologists to confront this question with the full range and force of our discipline's insights, data and methods.
GOVERNMENT CONSUMPTION AND THE COMPOSITION OF PRIVATE EXPENDITURE: A CONDITIONAL ERROR CORRECTION MODEL
Authors: Aristei David , Pieroni Luca
Published: March 2008

In this paper we provide empirical evidence of the relationship between government purchases and private expenditure by adopting a microeconomic approach. Using UK quarterly data, a long‐run demand system conditioned to the public sector is obtained by specifying a vector error correction model in which government consumption is assumed as an exogenous I(1) forcing variable. Our findings reject the hypothesis of separability of individual preferences between public and private expenditures, with simultaneous crowding‐out/in effects. Moreover, crowding‐out effects of government consumption on private spending are found to be larger for those goods and services that produce similar utility.
OVERTIME WORK AS A SIGNALING DEVICE†
Authors: Anger Silke
Published: March 2008

This paper provides an explanation for the empirically proven relationship between overtime and future benefits. We suggest an internal signaling model, in which a worker signals his value to the employer by supplying unpaid overtime. In our empirical analysis, we examine whether overtime has in fact a signaling component. Variations in collectively bargained hours between industries are exploited, as they imply different overtime thresholds for workers with the same number of actual hours. Using data from the German Socio‐Economic Panel Study for the years 1993–2004, a positive signaling value of unpaid overtime is found for West German workers.
EXPORTING AND PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH: EVIDENCE FROM THE TAIWAN ELECTRONICS PLANTS
Authors: Tsou Meng‐Wen , Liu Jin‐Tan , Hammitt James K. , Wang Kuang‐Hsien
Published: March 2008

This paper uses propensity score matching techniques and ordinary least square regressions to examine the relationship between exporting and productivity growth in the Taiwan electronics industry. Using data from three census years, we find that plants with higher productivity growth tend to enter the export market, supporting the self‐selection mechanism. The evidence of learning‐by‐exporting is mixed, however. While the plants exporting throughout the sample period show small differences in productivity growth from non‐exporters in the downturn period, continuing exporters outperform non‐exporters in the upturn period. Thus, our results suggest that the direction of causality mainly runs from productivity to exporting rather than vice versa.
OPTIMAL GROWTH, GENUINE SAVINGS AND LONG‐RUN DYNAMICS
Authors: Valente Simone
Published: March 2008

Green accounting theories have shown that negative genuine savings at some point in time imply unsustainability. Consequently, recent studies advocate the use of the genuine savings measure for empirical testing: a negative index implies that sustainability be rejected. However, this criterion cannot ascertain sustainability, because positive current genuine savings do not rule out genuine dissaving in the future. This paper derives a one‐to‐one relationship between the sign of long‐run genuine savings and the limiting condition for sustained utility in the capital‐resource growth model, assuming technical progress and resource renewability. This result suggests to extend the genuine saving method to include a test of the limiting condition: if this condition is empirically rejected, positive current genuine savings are delivering a false message.
Design-Based Analysis of Embedded Experiments with Applications in the Dutch Labour Force Survey
Authors: Van Den Brakel Jan A.
Published: March 2008

Previous research has proposed a design-based analysis procedure for experiments that are embedded in complex sampling designs in which the ultimate sampling units of an on-going sample survey are randomized over different treatments according to completely randomized designs or randomized block designs. Design-based Wald and t-statistics are applied to test whether sample means that are observed under various survey implementations are significantly different. This approach is generalized to experimental designs in which clusters of sampling units are randomized over the different treatments. Furthermore, test statistics are derived to test differences between ratios of two sample estimates that are observed under alternative survey implementations. The methods are illustrated with a simulation study and real life applications of experiments that are embedded in the Dutch Labour Force Survey. The functionality of a software package that was developed to conduct these analyses is described.