bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of inner core antigens related to Chlamydia, Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter LPS
Authors: Kosma Paul , Reiter Andreas , Zamyatina Alla , Wimmer Norbert , Glück Alexander , Brade Helmut
Published: June 2007

Chemical syntheses of inner core determinants have been performed to provide defined artificial antigens (BSA-glycoconjugates) for characterization of monoclonal antibodies directed against important epitopes residing in the inner core of bacterial lipopolysaccharides. Efficient block synthesis of Kdo oligosaccharides has been employed to prepare the allyl glycoside [5] corresponding to the Chlamydia-specific Kdo trisaccharide epitope, to be used in crystallization and NMR (transfer NOe) experiments. Human pathogenic strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa of RNA group I contain a highly phosphorylated heptose region with a 7- O-carbamoyl L- glycero-D- mannoheptose moiety which may be exploited as immunochemical marker for pathogenic Pseudomonas species. The 7- O-carbamoyl-substituted heptoside [12] as well as the disaccharides 7- O-carbamoyl-L- gro-α-D- manHep p- (1→3)-L- gro-α-D- manHep p-(1→O-Allyl) [23] and α-D-Gal pNAc-(1→3)-L- gro-α-D- manHep p-(1→O-Allyl) [30] were synthesized via regioselective formation of a 6′,7′- O-carbonate group followed by ring opening with NH3/NH4HCO3 to give the 7- O-carbamate in high yields. Finally, glycosides of the Kdo-isosteric D- glycero-D- talo-2-octulosonic acid (Ko) occurring in Acinetobacter spp. have been prepared via intermediate orthoester formation and TMSO-triflate-catalyzed rearrangement into α-ketosides. Coupling with a Kdo bromide donor and deblocking afforded the disaccharide α-Kdo-(2→4)-α-Ko-(2→O-Allyl) [43].
Anti-inflammatory function of secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor
Authors: Aihao Ding  , Jing Zhu  , Fenyu Jin  , Grobmyer Stephen R. , Nathan Carl F.
Published: June 2007

Macrophages respond to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) by producing a battery of alarm signals and defense molecules, a response that can be beneficial or detrimental to the host depending on its scale. To explore the regulation of LPS response, we compared cell lines from two strains of mice congenic for a locus markedly affecting LPS sensitivity. Differential display detected a transcript expressed in a macrophage cell line derived from LPS-hyporesponsive mice ( Lpsd) but not in macrophages derived from congenic LPS-responsive mice ( Lps n). The cloned cDNA encodes a protein homologous to human secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI), previously regarded as an epithelial cell-derived inhibitor of leukocyte serine proteases. In macrophages, SLPI production correlates inversely with response to LPS. Phagocytes are important sources of SLPI. Besides LPS, taxol, lipoteichoic acid (LTA) and two anti-inflammatory cytokines, IL-10 and IL-6, are capable of inducing SLPI expression in macrophages. Stable transfection with SLPI suppresses the LPS- and LTA-induced production of nitric oxide and TNFα by macrophages. An anti-inflammatory role for macrophage-derived SLPI seems likely based on the following: (i) the slowly increasing production of SLPI in response to constituents of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria; (ii) its induction both as a direct response to LPS and as a response to anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and IL-10) induced by LPS; and (iii) its ability to suppress the production of pro-inflammatory products by macrophages stimulated with constituents of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Lipid A OM-174 increases the natural killer activity of peripheral blood cells from breast cancer patients
Authors: Reisser Danièle , Arnould Laurent , Maynadié Marc , Belichard Catherine , Coudert Bruno , Jeannin Jean-François
Published: June 2007

Natural killer (NK) cells have been implicated in immune surveillance against tumors, but their activity is often impaired in cancer patients. Lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) are known to enhance NK activity, but their toxicity prevents their use in humans. OM-174, a purified 3,3′-O-deacylated Escherichia coli lipid A, is able to cure established tumors in the rat with little toxicity. We tested the ability of OM-174 to stimulate in vitro the lytic potential of peripheral blood cells from patients with non-metastatic breast tumor ( n = 48). After 24 h pre-incubation of nylon—non-adherent cells with OM-174, increased antitumor activity was observed toward the NK-sensitive target cells K562 but not the lymphokine-activated killer (LAK)-sensitive target cells Daudi. Both NK cells and a non-NK population are involved in this cytotoxicity. So, although the basal NK activity of blood cells was lower in tumor-bearing patients than in healthy donors, OM-174 may increase their toxicity toward cancer cells.
LPS pretreatment of mouse peritoneal macrophages differentially modulates TNFα and iNOS expression
Authors: Hirohashi Nobuyuki , Lei Mei-Guey , Morrison David C.
Published: June 2007

Many studies have established that pretreatment of mouse macrophages with LPS will alter subsequent responsiveness of these cells to stimulation either with LPS or other stimuli. Incubation of C3Heb/FeJ mouse macrophages with low sub-stimulatory (e.g. 0.10 ng/ml) LPS for 6 h, followed by activation with 100 ng/ml of LPS results in up-regulation of LPS-dependent TNFα production and suppression of the ability of these cells to secrete nitric oxide (NO). To assess whether these two responses might be co-ordinately regulated, immunocytochemical analyses of LPS-pretreated macrophages were carried out using anti-TNFα and anti-iNOS antibodies, both with and without a period of LPS pretreatment. As anticipated, the detection of individual iNOS-expressing macrophages in LPS-stimulated cultures accurately reflected threshold doses of LPS required for detection of NO in culture supernatants in terms of frequency of percentage of the total population positive for expression of iNOS protein. Pretreatment with sub-stimulatory doses of LPS significantly reduced the frequency of these iNOS-expressing macrophages responsive to subsequent LPS stimulation, supporting the concept of iNOS down-regulation at the pretranslational level. In contrast, the detection of TNFα-expressing macrophages in LPS-stimulated cultures did not correlate directly with the detection of TNFα in culture supernatants. Further, pretreatment with sub-stimulatory doses of LPS did not always correlate with the frequency of TNFα-expressing cells in response to LPS treatment. These results support the concept that different regulatory mechanisms may be operative in differential regulation of macrophage TNFα and NO responsiveness by pretreatment of macrophages with sub-stimulatory doses of LPS.
Effect of ebrotidine on Helicobacter pylori lipopolysaccharide-induced up-regulation of endothelin-1 in gastric mucosa
Authors: Slomiany B.L. , Piotrowski J. , Slomiany A.
Published: June 2007

Helicobacter pylori is recognized as a primary etiologic factor in the development of gastric disease. We applied the animal model of H. pylori lipopolysaccharide-induced acute gastritis to study the effect of the anti-ulcer agent, ebrotidine, on the course of mucosal inflammatory responses by analyzing over a period of 10 days the extent of epithelial cell apoptosis and the mucosal expression of endothelin-1 (ET-1), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), and the activity of constitutive (cNOS) and inducible (NOS-2) nitric oxide synthase. Rats, pretreated twice daily for 3 days with ebrotidine at 100 mg/kg or the vehicle, were subjected to intragastric application of H. pylori lipopolysaccharide at 50 µg/animal, and after 2, 4, and 10 additional days on the drug or vehicle regimen their mucosal tissue was used for histological and biochemical assessment. In the absence of ebrotidine, H. pylori lipopolysaccharide elicited within 2 days extensive mucosal inflammation accompanied by a significant increase in epithelial cell apoptosis (13.5-fold) and the mucosal expression of TNFα (11.7-fold), NOS-2 (9.3-fold), and ET-1 (2.9-fold), while cNOS activity showed a 5.5-fold decrease. The extent of mucosal inflammatory involvement reached a maximum by the 4th day and showed a decline by the 10th day. This was reflected in a marked reduction in epithelial cell apoptosis, a decrease in the mucosal expression of ET-1, TNFα and NOS-2, and the recovery in cNOS activity. Treatment with ebrotidine caused a reduction in the extent of mucosal inflammatory involvement elicited by the lipopolysaccharide and this effect of ebrotidine was reflected at the end of a 10 day period in a 61.3% reduction in inflammation, and a decrease in apoptosis (83%), TNFα (51.8%), ET-1 (27.6%) and NOS-2 (62.9%), while the expression of cNOS increased by 78.6%. The findings indicate that an increase in the ET-1 level elicited by H. pylori lipopolysaccharide, combined with a decline in cNOS, trigger the induction of TNFα which propagates the inflammatory process. We also show that ebrotidine is capable of suppressing the H. pylori-induced gastric mucosal inflammatory responses.
LPS sensitivity in recombinant mice lacking functional alleles at MHCII, Lps and Nramp1 genes
Authors: Wright Albion D. , Chapes Stephen K.
Published: June 2007

The Lps gene ( Tlr4) regulates murine responsiveness to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). This study was designed to test the hypothesis that other genes which control macrophage responsiveness also influence host susceptibility to LPS. We developed a group of recombinant mice to study the link among three genes in the regulation of host sensitivity to LPS and other immune responses; MHCII, Lps, and Nramp1. C2D (MHCII—/ —, Lpsn/n, Nramp1s/s) mice were crossed with either C57BL10/ScN (MHCII+/+, Lps d/d, Nramp1s/s) or C3H/HeJ (MHCII+/+, Lpsd/d, Nramp1r/r) to produce recombinants which are MHCII—/—, Lps d/d, and Nramp1s/s on two different mouse backgrounds. Here we describe the development and screening of these mice. In addition, we found that the absence of a functional MHCII complex did not significantly impact sensitivity of mice to LPS in a TNFsensitization model. However, mice that carried the Nramp1s/s genotype were more sensitive to LPS-induced sepsis.
Dissociation of IFN-γ from IL-12 and IL-18 production during endotoxin tolerance
Authors: Rayhane Naïma , Fitting Catherine , Cavaillon Jean-Marc
Published: June 2007

Endotoxin tolerance was induced in mice following one, two or three injections of low amounts of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) before a further LPS injection, and circulating cytokines were analyzed 1.5 h and 3 h after LPS challenge. Three different patterns of cytokine production were obtained. In a first group of cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and gamma interferon (IFN-γ), the reduction of plasma peak levels was already significantly pronounced after one tolerizing injection of LPS. The second group of cytokines includes the CC chemokine KC, the CXC chemokine monocyte-chemo-attractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and IL-12. The plasma levels of these cytokines were modestly reduced, and the reduction was more pronounced with increasing numbers of tolerizing injections of LPS. The third group of cytokines includes IL-1β and IL-18, the levels of which 3 h after LPS challenge (i.e. at the peak timing) remained essentially similar to those of control mice and after 1.5 h were even enhanced. Altogether, these data illustrate that, in tolerized animals, in vivo regulation of cytokine production differs greatly among different mediators and that immunoparalysis is not a general state. Furthermore, despite the presence of large amounts of IL-12 and IL-18, IFN-γ was essentially suppressed in tolerized animals.
Treating Anxiety in a Managed Care Setting: A Controlled Comparison of Medication Alone Versus Medication Plus Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapy
Authors: Mitchell Christopher G.
Published: June 2007

Objective: A controlled comparison of the effects of medication alone and medication in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral group therapy in the treatment of panic disorder. Method: A quasi-experimental research design was used to compare posttest anxiety scores of clients who received medication alone ( n= 26) and those who received weekly therapy in addition to medication ( n= 30). The Somatic, Cognitive, Behavioral Anxiety Inventory, a 36-item Likert scale, was used to measure anxiety. One treatment consisted of the prescribed use of medication; the second treatment consisted of medication plus 8 weeks of cognitive-behavioral therapy. Results: Analysis of variance revealed significant differences in posttest anxiety scores between the two groups. Members of the medication plus therapy group had lower posttest anxiety scores than those who received medication alone. Conclusions: The findings support the hypothesis that medication in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral therapy is more efficacious than medication alone to treat panic disorder.
The Preservation of Order: The Use of Common Approach Among Staff Toward Clients in Long-Term Psychiatric Care
Authors: Enarsson Per , Sandman Per-Olof , Hellzén Ove
Published: June 2007

The authors performed this grounded theory study to gain a deeper understanding of the kinds of social processes that lead to a need among psychiatric nursing staff to reach a common approach on how to act toward individual clients in long-term psychiatric care. They present a theory about the development of such common approaches among staff. The main findings were that in psychiatric group dwellings, when the internal order is perceived as having been disturbed, the staff preserve or restore the internal order by formulating and reaching a common approach . The staff negotiated with each other to achieve an agreement on how to act and behave toward the individual client. The authors isolate and describe different types of order-disturbing incidents and the common approaches taken by the staff in dealing with them. However, their data also show that staff often had difficulties in maintaining a common approach over time.
Participation, Roles, and the Dynamics of Change in a Group-Delivered Self-Management Course for People Living With HIV
Authors: Kennedy Anne , Rogers Anne , Crossley Michele
Published: June 2007

Interventions designed to change behavior delivered to groups rather than individuals are popular in health promotion and self-management. The 7-week positive self-management program (PSMP) for people with HIV status is adapted from a psychoeducational program designed to increase people's capacity to manage their conditions by enhancing self-efficacy. A case study using mixed qualitative methodology included pre- and postcourse interviews with 14 participants plus participant observation and focused on changes in attitude toward self-management responsibility. The authors identified a precourse typology of motivations and expectations: Hopeless, Recovery phase, or Questioning phase. Participants adopted roles (information seekers or information givers) related to these types. Some expectations and problems were not dealt with because the PSMP's philosophical grounding prioritized improvement of self-efficacy, precluding engagement with material and social needs. Collective user-defined need and support from host organizations might be more important in improving self-management than the structured content of chronic disease self-management programs.
Safeguarding Precarious Survival: Parenting Children Who Have Life-Threatening Heart Disease
Authors: Rempel Gwen R. , Harrison Margaret J.
Published: June 2007

The purpose of this study is to describe the process of parenting a child with life-threatening heart disease. Despite advances in pediatric cardiac sciences, hypoplastic left heart syndrome remains difficult and controversial to treat. The Norwood surgical approach is a developing technology, and little is known about how mothers and fathers experience parenting a child who survives this treatment. Constructivist grounded theory informed this Canadian study that involved multiple interactive interviews with 9 mothers and 7 fathers of children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome who were at various stages of treatment. Extraordinary parenting in a context of uncertainty was evident as parents simultaneously safeguarded their child's precarious survival as well as their own survival. As technologically advanced treatment contributes to the survival of children with complex health conditions, health care professionals must consider how to promote and support parenting strategies that benefit the new survivors of technology as well as their families.
A prospective study on the dying process in terminally ill cancer patients
Authors: Morita Tatsuya , Ichiki Takahiro , Tsunoda Junichi , Inoue Satoshi , Chihara Satoshi
Published: June 2007

To determine the physical and medical change in the dying process, a prospective study was performed on 100 terminally ill cancer patients.

The mean (median) time from the onset of death rattle, respiration with mandibular movement (RMM), cyanosis on extremities, and pulselessness on the radial artery to death was 57 (23) hours, 7.6 (2.5) hours, 5.1 (1.0) hours, and 2.6 (1.0) hours, respectively. Death rattle preceded the other three conditions in 74 percent of the subjects, while RMM preceded cyanosis and pulselessness in 63 percent.

The ratio of awake-drowsy-comatose patients was 56-44-0 percent one week before death, 26-62-12 percent in the last 24 hours, and 8-42-50 percent in the final six hours.

The number of opioid users and average dose increased significantly as death approached, from 42 percent and 49 mg/day (parental morphine equivalent) four weeks before death to 87 percent and 139 mg/day in the final 48 hours. The frequency of extra dosage also increased significantly, from 32 percent (opioid) and 40 percent (non-opioid) one week before death to 68 percent and 66 percent in the last 48 hours, respectively.

The change of physical signs and medical intervention when death is impending has a common pathway in spite of large individual variations; thus, understanding this nature can help clinicians to offer better palliative care to terminal cancer patients.
Writing in Noninterpersonal Settings
Authors: Shelby Annette N. , Reinsch N. Lamar
Published: June 2007

Writers often address letters to people with whom they have few if any personal connections. To increase understanding of rhetorical decision making in such noninterpersonal settings, this article analyzes letters to a United States senator. The analysis draws from three bodies of research on persuasion: situational context, persuade package, and personal constructs. On the basis of that theoretical grounding—and using deliberative democracy theory and the strategic-choice model—the authors develop hypotheses linking situation attributes and writer attributes to letter attributes. The results show that topic, position, sex, and technology are significantly related to the writer’s choice of appeals, argumentative complexity, and structural directness. They also demonstrate a strong link between technology and message length. These results raise several possibilities for further study, such as whether advocates sometimes address messages to an accessible person while aiming their argumentation at an archetypal authority figure.
Perceived Dissimilarity and Work Group Involvement
Authors: Hobman Elizabeth V. , Bordia Prashant , Gallois Cynthia
Published: June 2007

Perceived dissimilarity and its association with work group involvement were examined in this study. Additionally, perceived group openness to diversity was examined as a moderator of this relationship. A longitudinal study was conducted with nurses in four departments of a public hospital. Results revealed that visible dissimilarity was negatively associated with work group involvement at both times, and informational dissimilarity was negatively associated with work group involvement at Time 1. Openness to diversity interacted with visible and informational dissimilarity in the prediction of work group involvement at both times. This interaction pattern showed that there was a negative relationship between dissimilarity and work group involvement when individuals perceived low group openness to diversity, whereas there was no relationship when individuals perceived high group openness to diversity. Results highlight the importance of managing perceptions of difference and introducing norms that encourage the active involvement of group members.
Annual Rhythm in the Growth of Human Breast Carcinomas as Reflected in the Histology of Their Growing Edge
Authors: Hartveit F.
Published: June 2007

This histologic study of breast carcinoma, based on 100 consecutive cases, identifies a dynamic scenario at the tumor edge. Three main types of tumor edge were identified. An inactive edge, seen throughout the year, consisted of tumor cells lying in fibrous tissue that merged into the adjacent fatty tissue. An infiltrative edge was characterized by an acute microvascular response and the presence of fine lymph channels often containing embolic tumor cells. A capsular edge showed sharp tumor demarcation accompanied by proliferation and followed by lymphocyte infiltration. Infiltrative edges were found mainly in the first half of the year, and capsular edges in the second. Thus, the growth of individual breast carcinomas appears to be the result of a common series of growth phases at their advancing edge that follow an annual cycle.
Malignant Melanoma Metastatic to the Testis: A Report of Three Cases with Clinically Significant Manifestations
Authors: Datta Milton W. , Young Robert H.
Published: June 2007

Three cases of malignant melanoma metastatic to the testis, each of which was a challenge in pathologic interpretation, are reported. The patients were 43, 55, and 80 years of age, respectively. A history of malignant melanoma was not known to the initial examining pathologist in two of the cases. The testicular tumors were all unilateral. One took the form of multiple nodules, but the others were discrete solitary masses. On microscopic examination diffuse, nested, follicular, and fascicular patterns, usually in combination, were seen. The tumor cells had moderate to abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm in two cases, but scanty cytoplasm in a third. In one case there was also a component of cells with copious foamy cytoplasm. Rare areas of melanin pigment were identified in two tumors. Immunohistochemistry for S-100 and HMB-45 was positive in the two cases in which it was performed. In the third case electron microscopy revealed aberrant melanosomes within the tumor cells. The differential diagnosis in these and rare other cases of malignant melanoma involving the testis during life is broad and includes seminoma, malignant lymphoma, and Leydig cell tumor. When the diagnosis is entertained, a search for melanin pigment, immunohistochemical stains for S-100 protein and HMB 45, and further inquiry into the clinical history are often crucial.
ret/PTC-1 Activation in Hashimoto Thyroiditis
Authors: Sheils O. M. , O'Leary J. J. , Uhlmann V. , Lüttich K. , Sweeney E. C.
Published: June 2007

Activation of ret/IPTC-1 has been documented in a minority of papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC). In a recent study, the authors' group detected the presence of ret/IPTC-1 in association with a background of florid lymphocytic thyroiditis (LT) in 58% of cases of PTC studied, which prompted them to examine the incidence of RET/PTC-1 expression in 27 examples of various forms of nonlymphomatous lymphoid infiltration of the thyroid by using TaqMan RT-PCR. Overall, 21 cases (78%) were found to express the chimeric transcript of ret/IPTC-1. Eighteen cases of Hashimoto thyroiditis were positive (95%), and, of these, three had concomitant PTC while the remainder had no histologic evidence of associated malignancy. Three cases of lymphocytic thyroiditis demonstrated activated ret/PTC-1 (43%), two having associated PTC. These data suggest either that ret/PTC-1 is an indicator of follicular thyroid cell activation or that ret/PTC-1 activation is an early event in malignant transformation. If the latter is the case, it may be that, in a defined subset of the cell population, ret/IPTC-1 activation elicits an autoimmune response, which, while possibly curtailing the development of PTC in the majority of cases, results in destruction of the thyroid parenchyma.
The Prolonged Gestation, Birth, and Early Life of the Sex Cord Tumor with Annular Tubules and How it Joined a Syndrome
Authors: Scully Robert E.
Published: June 2007

The sex cord tumor with annular tubules was discovered as a distinctive entity when its unusualappearing microscopic pattern was encountered repetitively in a pathology consultation practice. The author was stimulated to describe the clinicopathological features of the tumor and assign it a specific name when a minority of the cases in his series were found to be associated with the rare Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. Both these tumors and those occurring in the absence of the syndrome have been shown to have distinctive clinicopathological features that differ from those of other tumors in the sex cord-stromal category.
Immunoreactivity of p53, mdm2, and p21WAFL in Dedifferentiated Liposarcoma: Special Emphasis on the Distinct Immunophenotype of the Well-differentiated Component
Authors: Adachi Toshisada , Oda Yoshinao , Sakamoto Akio , Saito Tsuyoshi , Tamiya Sadafumi , Masuda Kouji , Tsuneyoshi Masazumi
Published: June 2007

Alteration of the p53/mdm2 pathway has been reported in the well-differentiated iiposarcoma (WDLS)/dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLS) group. We investigated the immunoreactivity of p53, mdm2, and p21WAF1, along with the MIB-I-labeling index (MIB-1-LI) in 21 WDLS and 21 DDLS cases, to clarify the association of these markers with the morphologic changes and the biological factors responsible for the aggressiveness of DDLS. Within DDLS, p53 and p21WAF1 expression and mdm2 overexpression were significantly more prevalent in the dedifferentiated (DD) components than in the well-differentiated (WD) components. The mdm2 overexpression and p2lWAFl expression was significantly associated with sclerosing liposarcomas in both WDLS and the WD components of DDLS. There was no significant difference in the immunoreactivity of p53, mdm2, or p21WAF1 or MIB-1-LI between WDLS and the WD components of DDLS. An association was found between p53 expression and mdm2 overexpression in the WD group (comprising WDLS and WD components of DDLS) and in the DD group, significantly so in the WD group. Notably, this correlation was found in the subtype of sclerosing liposarcoma but not in that of lipoma-like liposarcoma. Within DDLS, the clinical outcome of the nonaccessible soft tissue (nonAST: comprising retroperitoneum and mediastinum) group was significantly worse than that of the accessible soft tissue (AST: comprising extremities, buttocks, axilla, and scrotum) group; however, the immunophenotypes of p53, mdm2, and p21WAF1 and the MIB-1-LI showed no correlation with survival in the AST group alone, in the non-AST group alone, or in the 2 together. This study suggests that the immunoreactivity of p53, mdm2, and p21WAFl is associated with the morphologic changes, but not with the biological factors responsible for the aggressiveness of DDLS.
Inflammatory Pseudotumor of Lymph Nodes
Authors: Kojima Masaru , Nakamura Shigeo , Shimizu Kazuhiko , Hosomura Yasuo , Ohno Yoshihiro , Itoh Hideaki , Yamane Nobuo , Yoshida Katsue , Masawa Nobuhide
Published: June 2007

We report 11 Japanese cases of inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) of the lymph node. There were 7 males and 4 females with ages ranging from 5 to 68 years (median; 48). Only 2 patients had systemic lymphadenopathy, and all others had involvement of only 1 lymph node group. Constitutional symptoms such as fever were present in 8 patients and laboratory abnormalities were detected in 5. All patients recovered and were alive and well after 2 to 180 months (median; 32 months). Histologically, the process mainly involved the connective tissue framework of the lymph node, secondarily spreading into the lymph node parenchyma and the perinodal tissue. It was characterized by a storiform growth pattern of myofibroblasts, marked vascularity with associated vascular lesions, and a polymorphous reactive cellular infiltrate in a collagen-rich stroma. An immunohistochemical study revealed numerous myofibroblasts, histiocytes, and vascular endothelial cells expressing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in 6 cases. It was suggested that VEGF may be involved, in part, in the induction of the angiogenesis of IPT. Moreover, the present study indicates that follicular dendritic cell sarcoma, nasal T/natural killer cell lymphoma, and anaplastic large cell lymphoma should be added to the differential diagnosis from IPT of the lymph node.
Nuclear Localization of β-Catenin and Plakoglobin in Primary and Metastatic Human Colonic Carcinomas, Colonic Adenomas, and Normal Colon
Authors: Lifschitz-Mercer Beatriz , Amitai Raya , Maymon Batia Bar-Shira , Shechtman Lea , Czernobilsky Bernard , Leider-Trejo Leonor , Ben-Ze'ev Avri , Geiger Benjamin
Published: June 2007

β-catenin is a cytoskeleton-associated signaling molecule shown to be elevated in various carcinomas but mostly in colon cancer owing to its impaired degradation. In contrast, its close homologue plakoglobin was shown to suppress the tumorigenicity of certain tumor cells. In the present study, we have used a semiquantitative immunohistochemical approach to evaluate the extent of nuclear localization of β-catenin in human colonic adenocarcinomas and adenomas and compared it to the distribution of plakoglobin in the same tissues. We show that β-catenin accumulates in the nuclei of the epithelium of primary and metastatic colonic adenocarcinoma as well as in colonic adenomas. In contrast, nuclear plakoglobin levels in these tissues were low, even compared to those found in epithelial cells of normal colon. These results support the view that the increase in β-catenin levels in colon cancer cells occurs early in the tumorigenic process, leading to its nuclear localization, not only in invasive adenocarcinoma, but also in colonic adenoma with mild dysplasia.
The Expression of EGFR Family Ligands in Breast Carcinomas
Authors: Suo Zhenhe , Risberg Bjoslashrn , Karlsson Mats G. , Villman Kenneth , Skovlund Eva , Nesland Jahn M.
Published: June 2007

Expression of EGF, HB-EGF, TGF-oc, HRG-oc, HRG-f1, and HRG-P3 in 100 frozen breast carcinoma materials was immunohistochemically studied. Among these tumors, 67% were positive for EGF, 53% for HB-EGF, 57% for TGF-a, 60% for HRGax, 53% for HRG-31, and 63% for HRG-f3 in the neoplastic epithelial cells. No significant associations between expression of the growth factors and clinicopathological features like tumor size, histologic grade, node status, ploidy, ER status, and c-erbB-4 expression were observed, with the exceptions that significant relations were present between EGF expression and tumor size (p = 0.01) and between HRG-P3 expression and node status (p =0.02). The expressions of these growth factors showed no associationwith cancer-specific survival by the Kaplan Meier analysis.
The Association Between Chronic Lymphocytic Thyroiditis and Thyroid Tumors
Authors: Tamimi Dalal M.
Published: June 2007

An association between lymphocytic thyroiditis and thyroid papillary carcinoma is still controversial. To assess the relationship, a histopathologic analysis of surgically resected thyroid tumors together with the frequency and severity of chronic lymphocytic infiltration of the thyroid among patients with follicular adenoma, follicular carcinoma, and papillary carcinoma was performed. The prevalence of lymphocytic infiltrate, which is indicative of autoimmune thyroiditis, was significantly higher in patients with papillary carcinoma (58%) than in patients with follicular carcinoma (20%) or follicular adenoma (14%). The lymphocytic infiltration within the tumor compared with the severity of thyroiditis in the nontumorous tissue. Therefore, the association between chronic lymphocytic thyroiditisand papillary carcinoma was confirmed. The possibility that an immunologic mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of papillary carcinoma stimulates lymphocytic infiltration in the thyroid tissue through an autoimmune mechanism is suggested.
Papilliferous Keratoameloblastoma of Mandible: A Papillary Ameloblastic Carcinoma
Authors: Collini Paola , Zucchini Nicola , Vessecchia Graziella , Guzzo Marco
Published: June 2007

We report a fourth case of papilliferous keratoameloblastoma, with a 6-year followup. A 62-year-old man underwent resection of a right mandibular neoplasm infiltrating bone and soft tissues. Microscopically, there were cysts lined by papillary projections and containing necrotic debris. Cribriform, solid, and tubular patterns were also present. No regional or distant metastases were found. A local recurrence, developed 3 years later, showed a predominance of the lesser differentiated patterns and focal granular cell ameloblastomatous features. The patient died soon after surgery of unrelated causes, with a further local relapse. The tumor coexpressed cytokeratins and vimentin, and SOO protein (the latter focally in the relapse). It was instead unreactive for Alcian blue, actin, maspin, and GFAP. We suggest that papilliferous keratoameloblastoma be renamed “papillary ameloblastic carcinoma.”
Calcifying Fibrous ‘Pseudotumor’
Authors: Nascimento Alessandra F. , Ruiz Robert , Hornick Jason L. , Fletcher Christopher D. M.
Published: June 2007

Calcifying fibrous pseudotumor (CFP) has been postulated to be a “late” stage of inlammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT). We analyzed 15 cases (8 females and 7 males; aged 1 to 65 years). The anatomic distribution was wide, including 3 cases each in neck, mesentery/omentum, and GI tract and 2 cases each in mediastinum and paratesticular sites. Follow-up information was available in 1O patients (range 4 to 228 months). Local recurrence occurred in 3 patients and was repeated in 2. Tuor size ranged from 0.6 to 25 cm. Lesions were well-circumscribed hypocellular spindle cell proliferations with dense stromal collagen, a lymphoplasmacytic infilrate, and stromal calcifications. Features of conventional IMT were not seen. Imunostaining showed CD34 positivity in most cases as well as rare cells positive for smooth muscle actin and desmin, and consistent negativity for ALK-1 and S-100 proein. These findings suggest that CFP is a distinctive benign mesenchymal neoplasm with a low risk for recurrence and, therefore, best labelled as “calcifying fibrous tuor.” There is no convincing evidence to support an association between CFP and IMT.
c-erb B-2 Expression Is Associated with Tumor Location and Venous Invasion and Influences Survival of Patients with Gastric Carcinoma
Authors: Pinto-de-Sousa Joao , David Leonor , Almeida Raquel , Leitao Dina , Preto John R. , Seixas Mario , Pimenta Amadeu
Published: June 2007

The HER-2/neu gene or c-erb B-2, localized on chromosome 17q, belongs to a family of tyrosine kinase receptors and shares extensive homology with the epidermal growth factor receptor. c-erb B-2 gene amplification and protein overexpression have been reported in several human cancers. The prognostic value of this genetic alteration in gastric carcinoma is far from being established. In the present study, formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded gastric carcinoma tissues from 157 patients were evaluated for c-erb B-2 overexpression, by immunohistochemistry using a polyclonal antibody. c-erb B-2 expression was evaluated according to clinical and pathological parameters, and to the survival of the patients. Our results show that: (1) c-erb B-2 was overexpressed in 15.3% of gastric carcinoma cases; (2) c-erb B-2 overexpression was significantly more frequent in cardia (23.8%) and fundus/body (25.0%) carcinomas than in antrum (7.2%) carcinomas; (3) c-erb B-2 overexpression was significantly associated with venous invasion; (4) c-erb B-2 is a prognostic factor for gastric carcinoma.
Oncocytic Angiomyolipoma of the Kidney: A Case Report
Authors: Sironi Maria , Spinelli Maurizio
Published: June 2007

We describe a case of oncocytic angiomyolipoma composed of polygonal eosinophilic cells, that shares many features with renal oncocytoma. It was composed of alveolar structures, with accumulation of foamy histiocyte-like cells surrounding large glob ules of acellular, nonfibrillary, densely eosinophilic basal membrane-like substance. Immunohistochemically, there was focal reactivity for HMB45 and negativity for the epithelial markers. Oncocytic angiomyolipoma lacks the atypical features of the re cently described epithelioid variant of angiomyolipoma. None of the reported cases have been associated with tuberous sclerosis
Primary Cutaneous Leiomyosarcoma: A Clinicopathological and Immunohistochemical Study of 7 Cases
Authors: Bellezza Guido , Sidoni Angelo , Cavaliere Antonio , Scheibel Massimo , Bucciarelli Emilio
Published: June 2007

Primary cutaneous leiomyosarcomas are rare tumors, few series being reported in the current literature. A retrospective study of 7 cases was undertaken to understand the clinicopathological characteristics of these neoplasms and some of their molecular mutations. Histologically, a well-differentiated proliferation of cells of smooth muscle derivation was evident in all cases. The number of mitoses was considered the most important criterion of malignancy (more than 2 for 10 HPF). Smooth muscle actin, desmin, and vimentin were positive in all cases. Immunohistochemical analysis also revealed a positivity for p53 in 3 cases and no reaction for retinoblastoma protein. Research for Epstein-Barr virus was negative in all cases. Three patients developed local recurrences owing to incomplete surgical excision. Recurrent tumors were more atypical and located deeper. No distant metastases were observed. Our results emphasize that cutaneous leiomyosarcomas have an indolent biological course if treated by surgical excision with wide margins. Molecular abnormalities involving tumor suppressor genes are probably involved.
Adrenal Cortical Adenoma with Excess Black Pigment Deposition, Combined with Myelolipoma and Clinical Cushing's Syndrome
Authors: Armand Ray , Cappola Anne R. , Horenstein Richard B. , Drachenberg Cinthia B. , Sasano Hironobu , Papadimitriou John C.
Published: June 2007

We report a case of a functional adenoma with excess black pigment deposition and myelolipoma in the same adrenal gland in a 58-year-old woman. The patient presented with gastrointestinal bleeding, and after being diagnosed with colonic diverticulosis, underwent a total colectomy. An abdominal computerized tomographic (CT) scan during her work-up showed a right adrenal mass consistent with myelolipoma. Postoperatively, the patient was diagnosed with Cushing's syndrome and underwent a right adrenalectomy. The adrenalectomy specimen consisted of a dark brown and golden-yellow adrenal adenoma, myelolipoma, and atrophic adrenal gland. Immunostains indicated that the dark brown adenoma component was responsible for the patient's hypercortisolism. Co-occurrence of a functional black adenoma and a well-developed myelolipoma has not been reported in the literature. We describe the significant findings of this case, together with a review of the literature.
Multicystic Mesothelioma of the Liver with Secondary Involvement of Peritoneum and Inguinal Region
Authors: Blasi Arturo Di , Boscaino Amedeo , De Dominicis Gianfranco , Marsilia Giuseppina Marino , D'Antonio Antonio , Nappi Oscar
Published: June 2007

A case of multicystic mesothelioma of the liver with secondary involvement of the pelvic peritoneum and the inguinal region is presented. The case is of interest because of its unusual location and peculiar biological behavior.
Primary Intranodal Cellular Angiolipoma
Authors: Kazakov Dmitry V. , Hes Ondrej , Hora Milan , Sima Radek , Michal Michal
Published: June 2007

Angiolipoma is a distinct, benign soft tissue tumor that most commonly occurs in young males as multiple small, subcutaneous, tender to painful nodules with predilection for the forearms. We report a case of angiolipoma that developed within a lymph node. The patient was a 67-year-old man who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy with diagnostic pelvic lymphadenectomy because of adenocarcinoma of the prostate. The prostate and 3 lymph nodes located in the obturator fossa were removed. On gross examination, the cut surface of 1 of the lymph nodes revealed an 8 x 5 mm, ovoid, sharply demarcated, nonencapsulated, gray lesion being suspicious for adenocarcinoma metastasis. Microscopically, the major portion of the lymph node was replaced by mature metaplastic adipose tissue. The angiolipoma was seen as a well-demarcated, nonencapsulated lesion composed of numerous small blood vessels lined by monomorphous flattened or spindled endothelial cells. Many vascular lumina were filled with fibrin thrombi. There were scanty mature adipocytes. Focally, areas with increased cellularity and a suggestion of solid growth of the endothelial cells were seen. Lymph nodes are known to be a rare primary site of various tumors usually occurring in other organs. The knowledge of these tumors is important in order not to interpret them as metastatic lesions. The most recognized examples are pigmented nevi, palisading myofibroblastoma, various benign epithelial inclusions, serous cystic tumors of borderline malignancy, and hyperplastic mesothelial inclusions. As we present in this report, angiolipoma is another neoplasm whose primary occurrence in the lymph node should not be misinterpreted as a metastatic tumor or malignant vascular tumor.
VEGF Expression is Associated with Negative Estrogen Receptor Status in Patients with Breast Cancer
Authors: Fuckar Dora , Dekanic Andrea , Stifter Sanja , Mustac Elvira , Krstulja Mira , Dobrila Fran , Jonjic Nives
Published: June 2007

The aim of this study was to analyze the association between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression on tumor cells and other clinicopathologic parameters in breast cancer that could give additional information on its prognostic significance. Immunohistochemical analysis of expression of VEGF, estrogen (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR), HER-2/neu, and Ki67 was performed in 233 breast cancers. VEGF expression estimated semiquantitatively was correlated with all the above-mentioned parameters as well as with clinicopathologic characteristics of breast cancer such as menopausal status of patients, tumor size, histologic and nuclear grade, vascular invasion, and lymph node status. Most of the tumor cells and some stromal components expressed VEGF. A higher percentage of VEGF-positive tumor cells was present in premenopausal patients and in ER-negative tumors. In postmenopausal patients tumors with a higher expression of VEGF were associated not only with ER-negative but also with HER-2/neu-positive tumor cells. These ER-negative tumors were characterized by a higher proliferative activity. Angiogenic switch as well as proliferative activity of breast cancer cells probably are unfavorably dependent on estrogen activity. This negative correlation between VEGF expression and ER status may not only shed more light on tumor biology but may also have future therapeutic implications.
Chondromatous Hamartoma of the Chest Wall: Description of 3 New Cases and Literature Review
Authors: Amstalden Eliane M. I. , Carvalho Rita B. , Pacheco Elisa M. B. , Oliveira-Filho Antonio , Stragea-Neto Lourenzo , Rosenberg Andrew E.
Published: June 2007

Chondromatous hamartoma of the chest wall is an extremely rare, benign lesion that usually occurs in early infancy. It typically arises in the rib cage and produces a large mass. It is composed of a varying admixture of hyaline cartilage that has features resembling growth plate cartilage, fascicles of spindle cells, woven bone, and hemorrhagic cysts. Treatment consists mainly of surgical excision, which is usually curative. We present 3 new cases, which demonstrated interesting findings, including multicentricity, involvement of the sternum, and local recurrence, and we discuss these findings in the context of a literature review.
Colonic and Duodenal Flat Adenomas in Children with Classical Familial Adenomatous Polyposis
Authors: Cohen Marta , Thomson Mike , Taylor Chris , Donatone Jorge , Quijano Graciela , Drut Ricardo
Published: June 2007

Flat adenomas of the colon and duodenum have been described as associating with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), its attenuated variant, and the so-called hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer. There seem to be no report on the occurrence of flat adenomas in pediatric patients with family history of FAP. We are reporting 4 children from 2 cancer-prone families in whom colonic and duodenal moderately dysplastic flat adenomas were found. Gastrointestinal endoscopy and biopsies were performed in 3 female siblings (7, 9, and 11 years old) and 1 male (9 years old) when referred for screening owing to familial history of bowel cancer (family 1) or evidence of bilateral congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (CHRPE), which is known to be associated with FAP (family 2). Endoscopic visualization of the mucosa was improved by use of 0.2% indigo carmine solution spray. Biopsies were routinely processed for H&E and immunohistochemistry staining. Present patients were asymptomatic, with the exception of 2 weeks rectal bleeding in 1 of them. The colonic videoendoscopy showed in 2/3 siblings hundreds of flat or slightly raised plaques less than 1 cm in diameter as well as some classic polyps throughout the colon. The other sibling showed 40 flat-topped lesions with minimal elevation and central umbilication in the cecum. Upper endoscopy demonstrated a few flat lesions in the nonperiampullary area of the duodenum in 2/4 patients. The colonic videoendoscopy performed on the 9-year-old boy revealed multiple small sessile polyps. Microscopic study demonstrated tubular adenomas with a few neoplastic crypts, slight disarray of the overall architecture, and moderate (low-grade) dysplasia of the epithelium. These features were more obvious at the center and superficial areas of the adenomas. The 4 children had multiple flat adenomas of the colon and duodenum (2/4) matching with those described in adult patients. Flat adenomas in the context of FAP probably represent early stages of the adenoma development. Careful endoscopic-histologic correlation may result in increasing recognition of these lesions at the pediatric age.
Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma of the Paranasal Sinuses in a 57-Year-Old Woman With 1:16 Translocation
Authors: Manucha Varsha , Castellani Rudy , Sun Chen Chih
Published: June 2007

Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma is an uncommon tumor. It is araremalignancy in adults and rarely occurs in paranasal sinuses in thoseaged older than 50 years. This report describes a locally invasi and destructive alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma arising in the ethmoidsinus of a 57-year-old woman. The small round blue cell tumors are positive for myogenin by immunohistochemistry and have a karyotype of 45, XX, -5, -13, der(16)t(1;1) (q21;q13) by cytogenetic analysis. Fluorescence in situ hybridization demonstrated a complex translocation with break apart of the FKHR region, which supports a diagnosis of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. This report characterizes this tumor through microscopic and cyto-genetic analysis and emphasizes the importance of considering rhabdomyosarcoma in the differential diagnosis of small round cell tumors of the head and neck region in the middle-aged adults.