bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Value of Immunohistochemical Studies Using Antibody to S100 Protein in Dermatopathology
Authors: Kahn Harriette J. , Baumal Reuben , Marks Alexander
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: The distribution of S100 protein in normal skin and various tumors involving skin was assessed using rabbit antibody to S100 protein in an immunoperoxidase reaction. In normal skin, S100 was detected in the epidermis (melanocytes and Langerhans' cells), dermis (Schwann cells, Pacinian and Meissner's corpuscles, and interdigitating reticulum cells), cells of the sweat gland apparatus, and in chondrocytes. In tumors involving skin, S100 protein was present in nevi, malignant melanomas, histiocytosis X, mixed sweat gland tumors, neural tumors, chondromas, and chondrosarcomas. Detection of S100 protein by immunostaining was useful in understanding the histogenesis of various skin tumors and in assessing the diagnosis and prognosis of a variety of skin lesions encountered in surgical pathology.
Histologic Observations of Pleomorphic, Variably Acid‐fast Bacteria in Scleroderma, Morphea, and Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus
Authors: Cantwell Alan R.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Variably acid‐fast cocoid forms, suggestive of cell wall deficient forms of mycobacteria, were observed in the dermis in microscopic sections of skin from six patients with generalized scleroderma, 10 patients with localized scleroderma (morphea), and four patients with lichen sclerosus et atrophicus(LSA). These cocoid forms werde found within the collagen bundles, around the adnexae (Hair shafts, pilosebaceous units, eccrine glands), and less commonly around the blood vessels and nerves. These cocoid forms may be related to cocci and also to granular cocoid elements of corynebacteria‐like coccobacilli, which, on occasion, can be cultured from the skin of these three diseases. The findings in this study support the three‐decade old hypothesis concerning the constant association of pleomorphic acid‐fast bacteria with scleroderma. The study also suggests that closely related diseases, such as morphea and LSA, are also associated with the presence of similar appearing microbes.
Focal Oral Warty Dyskeratoma
Authors: Kaugars George E. , Lieb Richard J. , Abbey Louis M.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: A 49‐year‐old white man developed focal oral warty dyskeratoma, which is a solitary, elevated nodule with a keratotic umbilicated center. The term “focal oral warty dyskeratoma” was suggested to distinguish these lesions from the histologically similar oral lesions found in Darier's disease. This paper reviews previously published reports of the lesion and presents an additional case. The average age of patients was 52.2 years, and a slight male predilection was noted. In almost all cases, the lesion was found in tissue overlying bone, with the maxillary alveolar ridge and palate being the most common locations. When the side of involvement was given, all lesions were noted to be on the left side. No evidence of a viral presence was seen with light or electron microscopic study, but the possibility of chronic irritation, such as tobacco usage, exists as an etiologic agent.
A high‐affinity monoclonal anti‐IgE antibody for depletion of IgE and IgE‐bearing cells
Authors: Laffer S. , Lupinek C. , Rauter I. , Kneidinger M. , Drescher A. , Jordan J.‐H. , Krauth M.‐T. , Valent P. , Kricek F. , Spitzauer S. , Englund H. , Valenta R.
Published: March 2008

Background:  We have identified a monoclonal anti‐human immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody, which recognizes FcepsilonRI‐bound IgE and prevents binding of IgE to FcepsilonRI. In this study, we assessed the binding kinetics and affinity of monoclonal antibody 12 (mAb12) for IgE and investigated whether mAb12 can be used for depletion of IgE and isolation of IgE‐bearing cells from peripheral blood.

Methods:  Binding kinetics and affinity for IgE were studied using Biacore surface plasmon resonance technique experiments. IgE antibodies were depleted from serum using sepharose‐coupled mAb12 and IgE‐bearing cells were enriched from heparinized blood samples with mAb12. The extent and biological relevance of IgE depletion were studied by quantitative IgE measurements and basophil histamine release experiments. Specific binding of mAb12 to IgE‐bearing cells (basophils, mast cells, IgE‐secreting plasma cells) was demonstrated by FACS.

Results:  Monoclonal antibody 12 shows rapid association (ka = 5.46e5/Ms) with IgE, almost no dissociation (kd = 8.8e−5/s) and an affinity for IgE (KD = 1.61e−10 M), which is as high as that of FcepsilonRI. Immobilized mAb12 could be used to deplete IgE antibodies and isolate IgE‐bearing cells from peripheral blood in a single‐step procedure.

Conclusions:  Monoclonal antibody 12 is a high affinity anti‐human IgE antibody, which efficiently removes IgE and IgE‐bearing cells from peripheral blood and may thus be used for extracorporeal depletion of IgE and IgE‐bearing cells.
Addressing the health disadvantage of rural populations: How does epidemiological evidence inform rural health policies and research?
Authors: Smith Karly B. , Humphreys John S. , Wilson Murray G. A.
Published: March 2008

We reviewed evidence of any apparently significant ‘rural‐urban’ health status differentials in developed countries, to determine whether such differentials are generic or nation‐specific, and to explore the nature and policy implications of determinants underpinning rural‐urban health variations. A comprehensive literature review of rural‐urban health status differentials within Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA, the UK, and a variety of other western European nations was undertaken to understand the differences in life expectancy and cause‐specific morbidity and mortality. While rural location plays a major role in determining the nature and level of access to and provision of health services, it does not always translate into health disadvantage. When controlling for major risk determinants, rurality per se does not necessarily lead to rural‐urban disparities, but may exacerbate the effects of socio‐economic disadvantage, ethnicity, poorer service availability, higher levels of personal risk and more hazardous environmental, occupational and transportation conditions. Programs to improve rural health will be most effective when based on policies which target all risk determinants collectively contributing to poor rural health outcomes. Focusing solely on ‘area‐based’ explanations and responses to rural health problems may divert attention from more fundamental social and structural processes operating in the broader context to the detriment of rural health policy formulation and remedial effort.
Hepatotoxic slimming aids and other herbal hepatotoxins
Authors: Chitturi Shivakumar , Farrell Geoffrey C
Published: March 2008

Perceptions of safety and/or cultural mores prompt individuals to seek herbal slimming aids in preference to conventional dietary, physical activity and medication‐based protocols. In recent years, terpenoid‐containing dietary supplements have been implicated in causing severe and sometimes fatal hepatotoxicity. Teucrium polium (germander) was the first of these herbal products to be clearly linked to cases of acute liver failure. Subsequently, similar hepatotoxicity has been observed with other members of the Teucrium genus. While diterpenoid‐derived reactive metabolites are central to germander hepatotoxicity, it may also be that the hepatic effects of compounds such as Sho‐saiko‐to, Centella asiatica and Black cohosh are linked to their triterpenoid content. Other non‐terpenoid‐containing herbal remedies marketed for weight reduction have been causally associated with significant liver injury. Important among these are preparations containing N‐nitrosofenfluramine, usnic acid and ephedra alkaloids. Finally, we review recent data on known and emerging hepatotoxins such as Boh‐Gol‐Zhee, Kava, pyrrolizidine alkaloids and Shou‐Wu‐Pian. Better public and physician awareness through health education, early recognition and management of herbal toxicity and tighter regulation of complementary/alternative medicine systems are required to minimize the dangers of herbal product use.
Virological and clinical implication of core promoter C1752/V1753 and T1764/G1766 mutations in hepatitis B virus genotype D infection in Mongolia
Authors: Elkady Abeer , Tanaka Yasuhito , Kurbanov Fuat , Oynsuren Tsendsuren , Mizokami Masashi
Published: March 2008

Background and Aim:  The aim of the present study was to reveal virological and clinical features of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype D infection.

Methods:  One hundred and twenty‐two Mongolian chronic liver disease (CLD) patients infected with HBV were subjected for serological HBV‐markers screening and HBV‐enzyme immunoassay (EIA) genotyping. Nucleotide sequences were analyzed for 48 HBV/D strains (23 isolated from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and 25 from CLD patients).

Results:  Prevalence of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positivity was low (25.9%) in young patients (≤30 years old) indicating early HBeAg seroclearance in HBV/D carriers. The T1764/G1766 double mutation was the most common basal core promoter (BCP) mutation (29.2%) and was frequent in HBeAg‐negative patients (39.3%). Patients harboring T1764/G1766 mutants exhibited lower HBV‐DNA and HBV core antigen (HBcAg) levels than those with wild‐type BCP strains (P = 0.024, 0.049, respectively). C1752 and/or V (not T) 1753 mutation was significantly prevalent in HCC patients (HCC vs CLD; 52.2% vs 20%, P = 0.033). T1762/A1764 mutation was detected in 75.0% of HCC patients with high viral load (≥5 log copies/mL). Precore stop codon mutation A1896 was detected in (70.8%) of HBV/D‐infected patients.

Conclusions:  In Mongolians infected with HBV/D, C1752 and/or V1753 mutation was associated with HCC.
Scientific publications in gastroenterology and hepatology journals from Chinese authors in various parts of North Asia: 10‐year survey of literature
Authors: Gao Rui , Liao Zhuan , Li Zhao‐Shen
Published: March 2008

Background and Aims:  People of Chinese ethnicity are one of the groups at most risk of gastrointestinal and liver diseases in the world. The research status in gastroenterology and hepatology (gastrointestinal [GI]) among Chinese individuals in the three major regions of China—the mainland (ML), Hong Kong (HK), and Taiwan (TW)—are unknown. The outputs of articles published in international GI journals from the three regions were compared in this study.

Methods:  Articles published in 52 journals related to GI originating from the ML, TW, and HK from1996–2005 were retrieved from the PubMed database. The numbers of total articles, clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, case reports, impact factors (IF), citation reports, and articles published in the top general medical journals were conducted for quantity and quality comparisons.

Results:  The number of articles from the three regions increased significantly from 1996 to 2005. There were 5170 articles from the ML (2969), TW (1551), and HK (650). However, nearly 90% of articles from the ML were published in World Journal of Gastroenterology (WJG), a controversial Chinese journal. Following the exclusion of WJG, the ML had published the least number of articles and had the least total citations. The accumulated IF of the articles from TW (3747.893) was much higher than the ML (775.084) and HK (2272.972). HK had the highest average IF of articles in GI journals and the most articles published in the top, general medical journals among the three regions.

Conclusion:  The difference between the number of GI research articles published in the ML, TW, and HK still appears to be considerable, particularly when assessed by IF, although the gap appears to be narrowing.
Species’ traits predict the effects of disturbance and productivity on diversity
Authors: Haddad Nick M. , Holyoak Marcel , Mata Tawny M. , Davies Kendi F. , Melbourne Brett A. , Preston Kim
Published: March 2008

Disturbance is an important factor influencing diversity patterns. Ecological theory predicts that diversity peaks at intermediate levels of disturbance, but this pattern is not present in a majority of empirical tests and can be influenced by the level of ecosystem productivity. We experimentally tested the effects of disturbance on diversity and show that species’ autecological traits and community relations predicted species loss. We found that – alone or in concert – increasing disturbance intensity or frequency, or decreasing productivity, reduced diversity. Our species did not exhibit a clear competition‐colonization trade‐off, and intrinsic growth rate was a more important predictor of response to disturbance and productivity than measures of competitive ability. Furthermore, competitive ability was more important in predicting responses when, in addition to killing individuals, disturbance returned nutrients to the ecosystem. Our results demonstrate that species’ traits can help resolve conflicting patterns in the response of diversity to disturbance and productivity.
Growth, activity and temperature responses of ammonia‐oxidizing archaea and bacteria in soil microcosms
Authors: Tourna Maria , Freitag Thomas E. , Nicol Graeme W. , Prosser James I.
Published: March 2008

Ammonia oxidation, as the first step in the nitrification process, plays a central role in the global cycling of nitrogen. Although bacteria are traditionally considered to be responsible for ammonia oxidation, a role for archaea has been suggested by data from metagenomic studies and by the isolation of a marine, autotrophic, ammonia‐oxidizing, non‐thermophilic crenarchaeon. Evidence for ammonia oxidation by non‐thermophilic crenarchaea in marine and terrestrial environments is largely based on abundance of bacterial and archaeal ammonia monooxygenase (amo) genes, rather than activity. In this study, we have determined the influence of temperature on the response of ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria and archaea in nitrifying soil microcosms using two approaches, involving analysis of transcriptional activity of 16S rRNA genes and of a key functional gene, amoA, which encodes ammonia monooxygenase subunit A. There was little evidence of changes in relative abundance or transcriptional activity of ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria during nitrification. In contrast, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis of crenarchaeal 16S rRNA and crenarchaeal amoA genes provided strong evidence of changes in community structure of active archaeal ammonia oxidizers. Community structure changes were similar during incubation at different temperatures and much of the activity was due to a group of non‐thermophilic crenarchaea associated with subsurface and marine environments, rather than soil. The findings suggest a role for crenarchaea in soil nitrification and that further information is required on their biogeography.
Circulating endothelial cells as a therapeutic marker for thalidomide in combined therapy with chemotherapy drugs in a human prostate cancer model
Authors: Li Haiqing , Raia Valentina , Bertolini Francesco , Price Douglas K. , Figg William D.
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE

To investigate how thalidomide confers its survival benefit in prostate cancer, by assessing its effect on circulating endothelial cells (CECs) and progenitors (CEPs) in a combined therapy of thalidomide and chemotherapy drugs in a human prostate cancer xenograft model, as in clinical trials patients treated with both thalidomide and docetaxel had a >50% decrease in prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels and longer median overall survival than those treated with docetaxel monotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A human prostate cancer xenograft model was used to evaluate the effect of either thalidomide, docetaxel or a combination of the two drugs on circulating ECs. Drug treatment was continued for 17 days, and tumours were measured two or three times a week. Blood samples were taken at three different time points: before the treatments, 4 days and 17 days into the treatments, and CECs and CEPs were measured by flow cytometry analysis.

RESULTS

There was an increased level of apoptotic/dead CECs shortly after the intravenous injection of docetaxel, and the addition of thalidomide further increased the apoptotic/dead CEC level, showing that thalidomide enhances the cytotoxicity of docetaxel against tumour vascular ECs.

CONCLUSION

Thalidomide increased the apoptotic/dead CEC level and enhanced the cytotoxicity of docetaxel against tumour vascular ECs, confirming its antiangiogenic property in vivo in combined anticancer treatments. In addition, there was a correlation between the increased apoptotic/dead CEC levels early in the treatment and antitumour efficacy later, suggesting that the apoptotic/dead CEC level could be used as a marker, at an early stage, to predict tumour response to antiangiogenic therapies.
Initial clinical experience with real‐time transrectal ultrasonography‐magnetic resonance imaging fusion‐guided prostate biopsy
Authors: Singh Anurag K. , Kruecker Jochen , Xu Sheng , Glossop Neil , Guion Peter , Ullman Karen , Choyke Peter L. , Wood Bradford J.
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility and utility of registration and fusion of real‐time transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) and previously acquired magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to guide prostate biopsies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Two National Cancer Institute trials allowed MRI‐guided (with or with no US fusion) prostate biopsies during placement of fiducial markers. Fiducial markers were used to guide patient set‐up for daily external beam radiation therapy. The eligible patients had biopsy‐confirmed prostate cancer that was visible on MRI. A high‐field (3T) MRI was performed with an endorectal coil in place. After moving to an US suite, the patient then underwent TRUS to visualize the prostate. The US transducer was equipped with a commercial needle guide and custom modified with two embedded miniature orthogonal five‐degrees of freedom sensors to enable spatial tracking and registration with MR images in six degrees of freedom. The MRI sequence of choice was registered manually to the US using custom software for real‐time navigation and feedback. The interface displayed the actual and projected needle pathways superimposed upon the real‐time US blended with the prior MR images, with position data updating in real time at 10 frames per second. The registered MRI information blended to the real‐time US was available to the physician who performed targeted biopsies of highly suspicious areas.

RESULTS

Five patients underwent limited focal biopsy and fiducial marker placement with real‐time TRUS‐MRI fusion. The Gleason scores at the time of enrolment on study were 8, 7, 9, 9, and 6. Of the 11 targeted biopsies, eight showed prostate cancer. Positive biopsies were found in all patients. The entire TRUS procedure, with fusion, took ≈10 min.

CONCLUSION

The fusion of real‐time TRUS and prior MR images of the prostate is feasible and enables MRI‐guided interventions (like prostate biopsy) outside of the MRI suite. The technique allows for navigation within dynamic contrast‐enhanced maps, or T2‐weighted or MR spectroscopy images. This technique is a rapid way to facilitate MRI‐guided prostate therapies such as external beam radiation therapy, brachytherapy, cryoablation, high‐intensity focused ultrasound ablation, or direct injection of agents, without the cost, throughput, or equipment compatibility issues that might arise with MRI‐guided interventions inside the MRI suite.
Laparoscopic renal surgery in the octogenarian
Authors: Pareek Gyan , Yates Jennifer , Hedican Sean , Moon Timothy , Nakada Stephen
Published: March 2008

Associate Editor

Ash Tewari

Editorial Board

Ralph Clayman, USA

Inderbir Gill, USA

Roger Kirby, UK

Mani Menon, USA

OBJECTIVE

To describe our experience with laparoscopic renal surgery (LRS) in the octogenarian. Octogenarians are generally suboptimal surgical candidates but the recent upsurge of minimally invasive options for the management of kidney lesions, such as laparoscopic excision, cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation (RFA), have changed that perception.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 26 patients aged ≥80 years underwent LRS at Brown University and the University of Wisconsin between 2000 and 2006. Demographic information, anatomical location, tumour stage, comorbidities, type of laparoscopic approach, management and outcomes were assessed. Complications during and after LRS, hospital stay, analgesia requirements and return to normal activity were analysed.

RESULT

The mean age of the patients was 81 years. The procedures performed included hand‐assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (three patients), hand‐assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (10), hand‐assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy (four), laparoscopic‐assisted cryoablation (seven), laparoscopic RFA (one), and laparoscopic unroofing of a renal cyst (one). The mean (range) follow‐up was 40 (8–84) months. The mean American Society of Anesthesiologists score was 2.5. The average hospital stay was 5.6 days and the mean time to normal activity after discharge was 19 days. There were two major and five minor complications. Nineteen of 22 patients evaluable had no evidence of disease at the last follow‐up. The three deceased patients died of unrelated causes.

CONCLUSION

LRS in the octogenarian is safe to perform in patients with multiple comorbidities. The major and minor complication rates were 7% and 19%, respectively. Recent trends show that ablative procedures are being performed more commonly than surgical excision in this age group.
En bloc stapler ligation of the renal vascular pedicle during laparoscopic nephrectomy
Authors: Buse Stephan , Gilfrich Christian , Pfitzenmaier Jesco , Bedke Jens , Haferkamp Axel , Hohenfellner Markus
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate, in a prospective series of laparoscopic nephrectomies (LNs), the safety and feasibility of en bloc stapling for resection and occlusion of the vascular renal pedicle.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between October 2003 and March 2006, we investigated the intra‐ and postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing planned en bloc stapling of the renal vein and artery during LN. We also assessed complications at 6 and 12 months.

RESULTS

In all, 57 patients, with a mean (range) age of 59.8 (10–83) years, were enrolled. The indications for LN were: renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in different stages in 66.7%, transitional cell carcinoma in 3.5% and oncocytoma in 5.2%. In a further 19.2% the patients presented with nontumoral lesions and the remaining 5.4% consisted of several rarer entities. The mean (sd) tumour size was 4.7 (1.75) cm. In one case (1.8%) a conversion to open nephrectomy was necessary because of a stapling device failure. Three patients (5.4%) underwent revision for bleeding. The median (range) blood loss was 100 (50–1000) mL. The median operating duration was 145 (95–410) min; in 19.3% this included additional surgical or diagnostic procedures. At 6 and 12 months after LN, there were no complications related to the surgical technique, in particular there was no arterio‐venous fistula.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that in our prospective series, en bloc stapling of the renal vascular pedicle during LN was a safe technique and that it was feasible in a time at the lower limit of the range of reported durations for similar procedures.
The management of genital lymphoedema
Authors: Garaffa Giulio , Christopher Nim , Ralph David J.
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVES

To report our experience and management of genital lymphoedema, as this condition can be extremely debilitating and difficult to manage.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The clinical records of 90 patients with genital lymphoedema who presented between 1998 and 2007 were retrospectively reviewed. The surgical management of 34 patients consisted of the excision of the affected skin and of the subcutaneous layers. This involved scrotal excision in 15 patients with primary closure. Skin grafts were required in seven patients for penile shaft cover. The results for cosmesis, recovery of sexual function, patient’s satisfaction and complications are discussed.

RESULTS

In all, 56 patients were successfully managed conservatively by treating the underlying condition, antibiotic administration, compression and elevation of the genitalia. The remaining 34 patients required surgical management with an overall excellent cosmetic result and a significant improvement in sexual function.

CONCLUSIONS

When surgery is necessary for genital lymphoedema, the new techniques described provide excellent cosmetic and functional results.
Intensifying the saturation biopsy technique for detecting prostate cancer after previous negative biopsies: a step in the wrong direction
Authors: Simon Jörg , Kuefer Rainer , Bartsch Georg , Volkmer Björn G. , Hautmann Richard E. , Gottfried Hans‐Werner
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE

To report the results using an extensive saturation biopsy in men with negative prostate biopsies but in whom there is still a clinical suspicion for carcinoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between February 1999 and October 2004 we offered 40 patients (median age 63 years) an extensive saturation biopsy if there was clinical suspicion of prostate cancer after previous negative prostate biopsies. The median (range) number of cores taken was 64 (39–139) and was adjusted to the size of the prostate. All patients received general or spinal anaesthesia.

RESULTS

Of the 40 patients, 18 (45%) had carcinoma in at least one core; 16 had a radical prostatectomy, which showed pT2a, pT2b, pT2c, pT3a and pT3b adenocarcinoma of the prostate in three, four, six, two and one patients, respectively. Brachytherapy and external radiation were the therapies of choice in the other patients. Sixteen patients had marked haematuria after the biopsy procedure.

CONCLUSION

There is no significant increase in the cancer detection rate in an extensive saturation‐biopsy regimen compared to published series with fewer cores, but the morbidity increased.
Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection after chemotherapy for germ cell tumours: is a full bilateral template always necessary?
Authors: Steiner Hannes , Peschel Reinhard , Bartsch Georg
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the long‐term oncological outcome in selected patients treated for nonseminomatous germ cell tumours (NSGCT) with a retroperitoneal lymph node dissection after chemotherapy (pcRPLND) and not using the full bilateral template.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From 1988 to 2005, 102 patients with retroperitoneal stage II NSGCT, who at initial presentation had metastases in the primary retroperitoneal site only, had pcRPLND within a restricted template, whether computed tomography showed complete or incomplete remission. In all, 78 patients had a unilateral template dissection and 24 an open modified template dissection.

RESULTS

Of the 102 patients, 30 had stage IIC, 63 IIB, and nine tumour marker‐positive stage IIA disease. Active tumour was found in two RPLND specimens; mature teratoma in 46 of the 102 patients, and necrosis/fibrosis in 54. Antegrade ejaculation was preserved in all 78 patients who had unilateral RPLND and in 18 of 24 who had a modified RPLND (overall antegrade ejaculation rate 94%). During a median follow‐up of 102 months there were only three recurrences, two outside the retroperitoneum and one in the retroperitoneum. Only the latter was retrocaval, above the level of the inferior mesenteric artery within the boundaries of a full bilateral RPLND. This patient had had left unilateral template dissection after chemotherapy for IIC disease which was restricted to the para‐aortic nodes.

CONCLUSION

In a selected group of patients with stage II NSGCT, pcRPLND within the modified template might be oncologically efficient and allow ejaculation to be preserved.
Implications of mismatch repair genes hMLH1 and hMSH2 in patients with sporadic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Rubio‐Del‐Campo Antonio , Salinas‐Sánchez Antonio S. , Sánchez‐Sánchez Francisco , Giménez‐Bachs José M. , Donate‐Moreno María J. , Pastor‐Navarro Héctor , Carrión‐López Pedro , Escribano Julio
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVES

To analyse the implications of DNA mismatch repair genes hMLH1 and hMSH2 in sporadic renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Specimens of tumour and healthy renal tissue were collected from 89 patients treated for sporadic RCC. Another 95 blood samples taken from individuals with no history of cancer were also analysed. After DNA extraction and PCR amplification, microsatellite instability (MSI) was determined using the Bethesda microsatellite panel, two exonic microsatellites of the TGFbRII and BAX genes, and the microsatellite D3S1611. The promoter methylation status of hMLH1 was investigated using the HpaII and MspI restriction enzymes. In addition, a sequencing analysis of complete coding region of hMLH1 and hMSH2 genes was performed.

RESULTS

MSI and promoter hypermethylation of hMLH1 were not detected. Interestingly, loss of heterozygosity (LOH) was common among patients with RCC, particularly in microsatellite D3S1611 (34.9%). Mutations were identified in eight patients: K618A and V716M in gene hMLH1; and I145V, G322D, and the novel mutation P349A, in gene hMSH2. The mutations also appeared in healthy renal tissue and therefore, were considered as germline DNA sequence variations. There were G322D and K618A changes in >1% of the healthy control subjects, suggesting that they are DNA polymorphisms.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data show that loss of function of both hMLH1 and hMSH2 is not involved in sporadic RCC, either by promoter methylation or mutation in their exons. However, LOH indicated that chromosomal instability affecting large fragments of DNA was the main genetic alteration we detected associated with RCC.
Predicting survival after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer
Authors: Margulis Vitaly , Lotan Yair , Montorsi Francesco , Shariat Shahrokh F.
Published: March 2008

Accurate prediction is essential for patient counselling, appropriate selection of treatments and determination of eligibility for clinical trials. In this review we assess the available determinants of oncological outcome after radical cystectomy (RC) for transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder. We reviewed previous publications to provide guidelines in terms of criteria, limitations and clinical value of available tools for predicting patient outcome after RC. Our findings suggest that while individual surgical, patient and pathological features provide useful estimates of survival outcome, the inherent heterogeneity of tumour biology and patient characteristics leads to significant variation in outcome. By incorporating all relevant continuous predictive factors for individual patients, integrative predictive models, such as nomograms or artificial neural networks, provide more accurate predictions and generally surpass clinical experts at predicting outcomes. Nonetheless, there is a clear need for the development and validation of molecular biomarkers and their incorporation into multivariable predictive tools. Significant progress has been made in identifying important molecular markers of disease and the development of multifactorial tools for predicting the outcome after RC.
Intergenerational Transmission of Values: Family Generativity and Adolescents' Narratives of Parent and Grandparent Value Teaching
Authors: Pratt Michael W. , Norris Joan E. , Hebblethwaite Shannon , Arnold Mary Louise
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT
In this longitudinal study, we compared family stories told by 32 Canadian adolescents at ages 16 and 20 about how parents and grandparents had taught them values. Relations to parents' and children's levels of generativity were also examined. Adolescents' stories of grandparent value teaching were less readily recalled and less interactive in their content compared with stories about parents. Stories of value teaching by more generative parents were more likely to involve specific episodes, to be more interactive, to be more likely to emphasize caring content, and to be less likely to have their message rejected by the teens. Similarly, when parents were more generative, adolescents' stories about grandparents' value teaching were also more likely to involve specific and interactive episodes. Finally, stories told about parents and grandparents that were more positive on these dimensions predicted higher generative concern scores for the adolescents themselves, measured subsequently at age 24. Adolescents' stories about parent and grandparent socialization in more generative family contexts thus have features that suggest a more compelling process of intergenerational value transmission.
Self‐Esteem Differences in the Effects of Hypocrisy Induction on Behavioral Intentions in the Health Domain
Authors: Peterson Alexandra A. , Haynes Graeme A. , Olson James M.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT
Two studies investigated whether individuals with varying levels of self‐esteem respond differently in the hypocrisy paradigm. In the first study, all participants were regular smokers. Those in the hypocrisy condition delivered a speech in front of a camera on the dangers of smoking. The principal dependent measure was the intention to stop smoking. In the second study, participants in the hypocrisy condition wrote a public (personally identifiable) passage about the importance of a healthy lifestyle. The principal dependent measure was the intention to improve one's health behaviors. In both studies, self‐esteem scores were positively related to intentions to change behavior in the hypocrisy condition but not in a control condition. The implications of these findings for conceptions of self‐esteem and for dissonance theory are discussed.
Maladaptive Personality Traits and Psychopathology in Childhood and Adolescence: The Moderating Effect of Parenting
Authors: De Clercq Barbara , Van Leeuwen Karla , De Fruyt Filip , Van Hiel Alain , Mervielde Ivan
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT
This study examines child and adolescent psychopathology from a maladaptive trait perspective, incorporating both parental and child ratings of parenting as a moderator of the personality‐psychopathology association. Hierarchical moderated regression analyses were conducted on a combined sample of referred and nonreferred children and adolescents (N=862, parental ratings of parenting and N=396, child ratings of parenting). The results indicated positive main effects of maladaptive traits on externalizing and internalizing problems, and positive main effects of parental negative control on externalizing problems. Significant interactions were found for Disagreeableness and Emotional Instability with parental Negative Control and for Disagreeableness × Positive Parenting in explaining externalizing problems. The discussion focuses on the contribution of these findings to a better understanding of the trait‐psychopathology relationship at young age.
HUMAN NATURE AND ENHANCEMENT
Authors: BUCHANAN ALLEN
Published: March 2008

Appeals to the idea of human nature are frequent in the voluminous literature on the ethics of enhancing human beings through biotechnology. Two chief concerns about the impact of enhancements on human nature have been voiced. The first is that enhancement may alter or destroy human nature. The second is that if enhancement alters or destroys human nature, this will undercut our ability to ascertain the good because, for us, the good is determined by our nature. The first concern assumes that altering or destroying human nature is in itself a bad thing. The second concern assumes that human nature provides a standard without which we cannot make coherent, defensible judgments about what is good.

I will argue (1) that there is nothing wrong, per se, with altering or destroying human nature, because, on a plausible understanding of what human nature is, it contains bad as well as good characteristics and there is no reason to believe that eliminating some of the bad would so imperil the good as to make the elimination of the bad impermissible, and (2) that altering or destroying human nature need not result in the loss of our ability to make judgments about the good, because we possess a conception of the good by which we can and do evaluate human nature. I will argue that appeals to human nature tend to obscure rather than illuminate the debate over the ethics of enhancement and can be eliminated in favor of more cogent considerations.
GIVING ADDICTS THEIR DRUG OF CHOICE: THE PROBLEM OF CONSENT
Authors: WALKER TOM
Published: March 2008

Researchers working on drug addiction may, for a variety of reasons, want to carry out research which involves giving addicts their drug of choice. In carrying out this research consent needs to be obtained from those addicts recruited to participate in it. Concerns have been raised about whether or not such addicts are able to give this consent. Despite their differences, however, both sides in this debate appear to be agreed that the way to resolve this issue is to determine whether or not addicts have irresistible cravings for drugs – if they do, then they cannot consent to this type of research; if they do not, then they can. This I will argue is a mistake. Determining whether or not addicts can say ‘No’ to offers of drugs will not help us to make much progress here. Instead we need to look at the various ways in which different types of research may undermine an addict's competence to give consent. What we will find is that the details of the research make a big difference here and that, as such, we need to steer a course between, on the one hand, painting all addicts as being unable to consent to research which involves providing them with drugs, and, on the other, maintaining that there are no problems in obtaining consent from addicts to take part in such research.
The Purchasing Performance of Organizations Using e‐Marketplaces
Authors: Kwon Sun‐Dong , Yang Hee‐Dong , Rowley Chris
Published: March 2008

We apply transaction cost economic theory and perspectives in an empirical test regarding purchasing performance using electronic marketplaces. Basically, buyers can purchase products either by hopping across multiple electronic marketplaces or maintaining close relationships with a particular electronic marketplace. We investigate which is more beneficial for a buyer organization's purchasing performance in terms of price reduction and purchasing efficiency. We undertake this task by developing hypotheses and a research model and subjecting them to testing and analysis using the purchase of maintenance, repair and operations products in a large and important market, South Korea.
The effects of social and political openness on the welfare state in 18 OECD countries
Authors: Koster Ferry
Published: March 2008

Studies examining the relationship between globalisation and the welfare state tend to focus on the effects of economic dimensions of globalisation, the extent to which a country is part of the world market. Globalisation also has social and political dimensions and the effects of these on welfare states – in terms of social security transfers and generosity – are studied in this article. Data from the KOF Index of Globalisation, the OECD Historical Statistics and the Comparative Welfare Entitlements Dataset are used to analyse the effects of social and political openness on the welfare states of 18 countries of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development between 1970 and 2000. The analyses show that social security transfers and generosity have increased less in countries with the highest increase in social openness and that the welfare state is not affected by political openness.
US family‐leave policy: the legacy of ‘separate spheres’
Authors: Berggren Heidi M.
Published: March 2008

Family‐leave policy in the USA is essentially regulatory, providing for work–family supports that are unpaid and otherwise relatively limited in substance and scope. Using a path‐dependency informed analysis of policy developments from the 1920s through the 1990s, I argue that these central defining qualities stem from government involvement beginning in the first part of the 20th century in helping the private sector to construct what I theorize was a ‘precursor’ work–family benefits system. During this period, the government was developing a general approach toward the growing numbers of working women that was based largely on traditional ideas (‘separate spheres’) about women's roles. Separate spheres influenced the way that the growing numbers of working women were viewed within the initial work–family benefits system, and I argue that this approach has carried over into the more recent family‐leave policy debates, helping to explain the key features of present‐day policy.
Assimilation and participation in social assistance among immigrants
Authors: Hammarstedt Mats
Published: March 2008

This article analyses assimilation and social assistance participation among immigrants in Sweden. Probit regressions are used in order to estimate the participation rates in social assistance among different groups of immigrants and native‐born Swedes. The analysis is based upon panel data since the same individuals have been tracked in different years. The results show that among immigrants from the Nordic countries and from Western societies the participation rates are about the same as among comparable native‐born Swedes. Immigrants from South European and non‐European countries are over‐represented in welfare usage. This over‐representation remains even after controlling for differences in observable characteristics such as age, gender, family situation and educational attainment. Non‐European immigrants assimilate out of welfare dependency at a faster rate than European immigrants, but despite this, non‐European immigrants are over‐represented in social assistance utilisation even after 20–25 years of residence in Sweden.
The rise of a ‘social development’ agenda in New Zealand
Authors: Lunt Neil
Published: March 2008

Since 1999 New Zealand has seen the election of a series of Labour‐led governments committed to a social policy framework of social development. This article outlines the background to the emergence of social development, tracing its antecedents in the neo‐liberal administrations of the 1990s. The social development framework consists of commitments around economic development, human capital development, family development and politico‐administrative redevelopment. Taking the position that reforms must be seen as concrete policy mechanisms and as discursive cues and conceptual apparatus, the article offers a comparison and critique. First, it identifies the continuities and contrasts with the previous neo‐liberal framework of minimal social policy; and second, it begins the process of critically interrogating the potential citizenship implications of social development.
Building the case for the study of the middle class: shifting our gaze from margins to centre
Authors: Curry‐Stevens Ann
Published: March 2008

This article argues for the study of the middle class in Canada, an overlooked dimension of the scholarly works and public debates on income polarisation. The article includes four sections: (i) original empirical research, sharing snapshots into the status of Canada's middle class emphasising its changing economic performance; (ii) an exploration of the sociological and political functions of the middle class; (iii) an articulation of the avenues through which the middle class can be operationalised for study; and (iv) the implications of a deteriorating middle class, which suggests both a deepening of destructive effects of neo‐liberalism yet also highlights opportunities for resistance. Recommendations for social movements are highlighted. While the context of this article is the Canadian experience, the political consequences for this study spread beyond its borders, particularly in the north where the benefits of neo‐liberalism are accruing.
The welfare state and globalisation: down and out or too tough to die?
Authors: Koster Ferry
Published: March 2008

Politicians as well as researchers frequently claim that globalisation – and in particular its economic dimension – poses a threat to the welfare state. This article examines whether such a claim is justified by the empirical studies that investigate the relationship between economic openness and the welfare state. Based on the literature, two contrasting hypotheses are distinguished: the first states that economic openness does threaten the welfare state and the second argues that this is not the case. The empirical studies are systematically reviewed in this article: the analysis shows that the second hypothesis is supported most often and it is therefore concluded that economic openness does not threaten the welfare state.
Update and Analysis of the University College London Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor Familial Hypercholesterolemia Database
Authors: Leigh S. E. A. , Foster A. H. , Whittall R. A. , Hubbart C. S. , Humphries S. E.
Published: March 2008

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) (OMIM 143890) is most commonly caused by variations in the LDLR gene which encodes the receptor for Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol particles. We have updated the University College London (UCL) LDLR FH database (http://www.ucl.ac.uk/ldlr) by adding variants reported in the literature since 2001, converting existing entries to standard nomenclature, and transferring the database to the Leiden Open Source Variation Database (LOVD) platform. As of July 2007 the database listed 1066 unique LDLR gene events. Sixty five percent (n = 689) of the variants are DNA substitutions, 24% (n = 260) small DNA rearrangements (<100bp) and 11% (n = 117) large DNA rearrangements (>100bp), proportions which are similar to those reported in the 2001 database (n = 683, 62%, 24% and 14% respectively). The DNA substitutions and small rearrangements occur along the length of the gene, with 24 in the promoter region, 86 in intronic sequences and 839 in the exons (93 nonsense variants, 499 missense variants and 247 small rearrangements). These occur in all exons, with the highest proportion (20%) in exon 4 (186/949); this exon is the largest and codes for the critical ligand binding region, where any missense variant is likely to be pathogenic. Using the PolyPhen and SIFT prediction computer programmes 87% of the missense variants are predicted to have a deleterious effect on LDLR activity, and it is probable that at least 48% of the remainder are also pathogenic, but their role in FH causation requires confirmation by in vitro or family studies.
BMP inhibition enhances axonal growth and functional recovery after spinal cord injury
Authors: Matsuura Iichiro , Taniguchi Junko , Hata Katsuhiko , Saeki Naokatsu , Yamashita Toshihide
Published: March 2008

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are multifunctional growth factors that belong to the transforming growth factor‐β superfamily. BMPs regulate several crucial aspects of embryonic development and organogenesis. The reemergence of BMPs in the injured adult CNS suggests their involvement in the pathogenesis of the lesion. Here, we demonstrate that BMPs are potent inhibitors of axonal regeneration in the adult spinal cord. The expression of BMP‐2/4 is elevated in oligodendrocytes and astrocytes around the injury site following spinal cord contusion. Intrathecal administration of noggin – a soluble BMP antagonist—leads to enhanced locomotor activity and reveals significant regrowth of the corticospinal tract after spinal cord contusion. Thus, BMPs play a role in inhibiting axonal regeneration and limiting functional recovery following injury to the CNS.