bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Die Pathophysiologie der Hautblasenbildung
Authors: Stüttgen G.
Published: October 2009

The clinical-experimental provocation of blistering and the spontaneous appearance of bullous dermatoses justify the following conclusions: (1) The subcorneal blistering is caused by (a) colloid-osmotic pressure and (b) damaging the membrane of epidermal cells by the toxic influence of enzymes and the chemotactic stimulus on blood cells. (2) The intraepidermal blistering occurs, additionally to (1), by loosening the contact of keratinocytes through irritation of desmosomes and of the plasmalemma, depending on the amount of the doses of the provocating substances, as cantharidin. The morphokinetics of pemphigus vulgaris in comparison with the effect of artificially created intraepidermal blisters (cantharidin) show similarities only in the location but not in the microcellular characteristics. (3) The junction blister, located between basal lamina and basal cells, develops through blocking of enzymes by disturbances of the general metabolism as illustrated by the blistering caused through monoiodoacetate, yellow cross or intracutaneous injection of proteolytIc enzymes. The exchange of fluid of the microcirculation together with viscosity changes within the area of the basal membrane is of importance. (4) The subepidermal blistering, which develops beneath the basal lamina, originates from (a) damage of anchoring fibrils and (b) perivascular edema. This situation leads to blistering in varying layers of the skin combined with autolysis and general liquefaction with regard to separation. (5) The disturbed function of the membrane, especially within the epidermis, leads to a diffusion of the intracellular enzymes (lysosomes), including electrolytes, towards the extracellular space. The active transport against the concentration gradient is missing. (6)The principles of the Koebner phenomena can be demonstrated by chemical vesicants. The limitation in the process of blistering to the subbasal layers only (as in dermatitis herpetiformis Duhring) can be concluded from the increased resistance of the epidermis to the blistering substance as cantharidin). (7) The appearance of spontaneous bullous dermatoses as pemphigus or pemphigoid is closely related to the presence of antibodies and aggressive C’ factors in the blood with corresponding titers. (8) From the viewpoint of therapy, drugs which stabilize the endothelial membranes of the microvessels and diminish the exchange of fluid towards the interstitial area are effective. The immunosuppressive action of such drugs in spontaneous bullous diseases is obviously fundamental.
Recherche de Neisseria gonorrhoeae produisant de la pénicillinase
Authors: Schibli H.
Published: October 2009

Penicillinase-producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae were looked for in a series of 146 patients consulting the Dermatology and Venereology Policlinic of the Cantonal Hospital of Geneva for urethral discharge. A 6-month study revealed no case with total resistance to penicillin. Our results are exposed and briefly commented.
Altered Capillary Response to Tape Stripping in Psoriasis and Some Other Dermatoses: The Petechial Threshold Test
Authors: Staricco Renato G.
Published: October 2009

66 psoriatics, 34 normal adults, 10 normal juveniles, and smaller groups of patients afflicted either with seborrheic dermatitis-rosacea or atopic dermatitis were examined for the threshold of capillary petechia formation on clinically normal forearm skin in response to repeated tape stripping. A definitely lowered petechial threshold was found in psoriatics (mean of 9 vs. 19 tape strips) and also in persons with the seborrheicrosacea complex. Normal juveniles and patients with atopic dermatitis had an increased threshold. The possible relation of these data are pointed out to recent findings of ultrastructural abnormalities of psoriatic papillary capillaries, and an altered capillary response is suggested as a sine qua non precondition for the development of psoriasis. The petechial threshold test is recommended as a simple adjunct diagnostic tool.
La tétine du cobaye utilisée comme modèle dans l’étude du chloasma (mélasma)
Authors: Brun R. , Laugier P.
Published: October 2009

The nipples of male tan guinea pigs were used to test the effects on the skin of oral contraceptive pills and drugs. The daily topically applied doses were 1/2,000 of a pill. After 3 weeks, the nipples treated with solutions of ethinyloestradiol-containing pills had grown (200–300%), the epidermis showed acanthosis (150–250%) and strong hyperpigmentation. Mestranol-containing pills as well as pure progestogen substances did not produce these effects.
Immune Complex Disease Associated with Peroben® Intake
Authors: van Neste D. , Piérard G.E. , Hermanns J.F.
Published: October 2009

The clinical history and biological investigations of a patient presenting an immune complex disease induced by Peroben® are reported. Biological signs were those of a drug-induced lupus syndrome. A provocation test allowed disclosure of its pathomechanism, since during Peroben intake a high Clq binding activity occurred and later regressed, while deposits of IgM and C3 were evidenced in the vessel walls. Complete or partial thrombosis succeeded accompanying a leukocytoclastic vasculitis.
Unilateral Dermatomal Superficial Telangiectasia
Authors: Wilkin Jonathan
Published: October 2009

2 patients with unilateral dermatomal superficial telangiectasia are described and previous cases are reviewed. These innocuous lesions may occur congenitally or are acquired in states of increased estrogen levels. Inappropriate synonymy is rejected.
Scintigraphic Evaluation of Kaposi’s Sarcoma
Authors: Madeddu G. , Borroni G. , Rabbiosi G. , Campus S.
Published: October 2009

10 patients with clinical and histopathological evidence of Kaposi’s sarcoma were evaluated with 99Tcm-pertechnetate and 67Ga-citrate scintigraphs. Combined studies using these radionuclides are useful aids in investigating, detecting and following-up Kaposi’s sarcoma and any associated lymphoma or other malignancies.
Keratosis Circumscripta
Authors: Soyinka F. , Laja A.O.
Published: October 2009

45 cases of a dermatosis believed to be the same as those originally described by Schrank in 1963 among Nigerian children of Yoruba ethnic origin and named keratosis circumscripta by him are reviewed. All evidences point towards the fact that the dermatosis observed by us as well as those originally described by Schrank are a variant of psoriasis possibly modified by environmental factors. It has therefore been suggested that this dermatosis should not be regarded as a new dermatological entity, and that the original name should be modified. To reflect the original work done by Schrank as well as the true clinical picture of this dermatosis, the nomenclature psoriasis circumscripta with palmoplantar keratosis is suggested.
Neisseria-gonorrhoeae-Züchtung: Entwicklung einer vereinfachten Methode
Authors: Itani Z.S.
Published: October 2009

An easy and cheap method for culturing Neisseria is developed. The medium for gonococci is prepared as proposed by the producer (BBL, Oxoid, Hoechst). About 8 ml of the medium are poured in sterile air-tight stool tubes of 25 ml volume. Materials to be examined for gonococci are taken from the cervix, ureter or anus and are inoculated on the medium. A small piece (20–30 mg) of the GasPak tablet (BBL) is then deposited in the tube and closed immediately. The GasPak tablet consists of sodium bicarbonate and citric acid which, if they come in contact with humidity, produce Co2 gas. The inoculated tube is then put in an incubator at 37°C for 14–24 h. This method gives a good microbiological result. With the aid of the oxidase reaction the colonies take a brown-black color. For further differentiation of the species the sugar fermentation method is necessary.
Ultrastructural Features of Psoralen Plus Black Light Induced Successive Changes in Psoriatic Cell
Authors: Vukas A. , Velfl D. , Gligora M.
Published: October 2009

Based on an ultramicroscopic investigation of the psoralen plus black light-induced photodynamic reaction in the psoriatic cell, there is evidence that the primary reaction takes place in the nuclei, which possess abundant nucleic acid. This initial reaction is manifested by a large vacuole situated in the nucleus. As the vacuole gradually enlarges, the nucleus becomes an annex to the vacuole, while the cytoplasm of the cell succumbs to the necrobiotic process.
Ungual Anomalies in Lupus erythematosus discoides
Authors: Kint A. , van Herpe L.
Published: October 2009

Description of a case of chronic lupus erythematosus presenting nail alterations.
Virus-Like Tubular Cytoplasmic Inclusions in Epithelial Tumors
Authors: Maciejewski W. , Dabrowski J. , Jablonska Stefania , Jakubowicz K.
Published: October 2009

Electron microscopic studies were made in 11 cases of benign epithelial tumors (common warts, seborrheic warts, and papilloma) and malignant ones (Bowen’ disease and basal cell epithelioma). Characteristic tubular inclusions were detected chiefly in the cytoplasm of vascular endothelial cells in 6 cases (common warts, papilloma, Bowen’s disease, and basal cell epithelioma). Morphologically, they resembled paramyxoviruses and were exactly similar to those described in collagen diseases, chiefly in lupus erythematosus.
Porphyrie und Ovulationshemmer
Authors: Gutzwiller P.
Published: October 2009

Description of a 21 year old female patient with skin manifestations due to porphyria, which must be brought into correlation with oral anticonceptives. The intake of alcohol seems to be an additional factor. This observation corresponds essentially to a case reported by Degos et al. The biochemical pattern is that of porphyria variegata.
Histologische Befunde bei Behandlung von Hautneoplasien mit 5-Fluorouracil-Salbe
Authors: Zala L.
Published: October 2009

37 cases of different premalignant and malignant cutaneous neoplasias, treated with 5-Fluorouracil-ointment, were controlled histologically. The results of these findings proved that the effective therapeutical penetration of the ointment was limited to the upper two-thirds of the corium, whereas, in several cases, in the deeper zones the tumor structures continued to grow without it being detected, macroscopically simulating healing. The same results were observed even after several weeks of application of the ointment. 5-Fluorouracil, for this reason, should be used only for surface neoplasias, with concomitant histological verification of the healing process.
Connective Tissue Nevus
Authors: Sosis A.C. , Johnson W.C.
Published: October 2009

An 8-year-old girl presented with a two-year history of a progressive ‘wrinkling’ of her cheeks. Examination revealed the skin of both cheeks appeared irregularly furrowed with a linear pattern radiating outward from the nose and mouth. A biopsy showed changes consistent with a connective tissue nevus. The patient is being reported because of the unusual clinical appearance.
Elektronenmikroskopische Untersuchungen bei Sklerodermie
Authors: Vogel A. , Meves C.
Published: October 2009

This study is concerned with the intercellular substances in circumscribed scleroderma. An intimate puzzle-like contact of irregularly surfaced collagen fibers with elastic fibers and cells inhibits the movability of the tissue elements, which may explain the clinical hardening. Confirming earlier investigations the mean thickness of the collagen fibrils is smaller than in normal skin. The histograms may exhibit one or two maxima, the position of which is not fixed. Similar irregular histograms are obtained in scleromyxedema Arndt-Gottron and in Sclerodema adultorum Buschke. They are not specific for scleroderma. The irregularity and the shift of the histograms toward smaller diameters as well as the occurrence of filaments 100 Å thick and the locally increased amorphous ground substance point to productive activities which do not fit into the general atrophy of the cells. It is believed that the intercellular substances have been taken unawares by the atrophy in an indifferentiated or unincorporated state.
Inoculation Leprosy Appearing After Seven Years of Tatooing
Authors: Sehgal V.N.
Published: October 2009

A case of inoculation leprosy resulting after 7 years of tatooing in a female aged 25 years is described. This conforms to high resistant tuberculoid leprosy and illustrates an inoculation by lepra bacilli as an alternative route for the transmission of leprosy.
Alopecia areata und Erkrankungen der Thyreoidea
Authors: Šalamon T. , Musafija A. , Miličević M.
Published: October 2009

The functional state of the thyroid gland was in 47 patients with Alopecia areata (AA) determined (20 males, 27 females). In all cases the scintigraphy of the thyroid gland and T2 was performed. 46 patients were euthyroid, one female hypothyroid. In further clinically investigated 56 patients with A. A. (24 males, 32 females) the authors did not found any case of struma, or symptoms of hypo- and hyperthyroidism. The opinion of the authors is, that it is very doubtful if a causal relationsship between A. a. and diseases of the thyroid gland exists.
Incontinentia pigmenti achromians(ITO)
Authors: Grosshans E.M. , Stoebner P. , Bergoend H. , Stoll C.
Published: October 2009

Four new cases of Iτo’s Incontinentia pigmenti achromians developing in 1 family, the mother and her 3 daughters, are reported by the authors. Histopathological investigations of the skin show an irregular epidermic hypochromy without pigment loss in the upper dermis, decrease and morphological immaturity of melanocytes, disturbance of keratinization with growth of large clear cells and malformation of skin appendages. The pathological correlations of I. P. achromians (Iτo) and histopathological pecularities are similar to those of I. P. (Bloch-Sulzberger).
Percutaneous Absorption of Trivalent and Hexavalent Chromium (51Cr) Through Excised Human and Guinea Pig Skin
Authors: Wahlberg J.E.
Published: October 2009

The percutaneous absorption rate of trivalent (CrCl3) and hexavalent (Na2CrO4) chromium through excised human and guinea pig whole skin was determined by an isotope method (disappearance measurements). No difference in absorption between the compounds was observed. Thus, the lower absorption of CrCl3, obtained with the same method in vivo, could not be verified. The ratios between the in vivo/in vitro rates for CrCl3 were lower than 1; for Na2CrO4 they were concentration-dependent. The pH changes in chromium solutions after contact with guinea pig skin were greater in vitro than in vivo. Extrapolation of the results to in vivo conditions in man is not considered possible.
Abnormality of the Hair in Cartilage-Hair Hypoplasia
Authors: Coupe R.L. , Lowry R.B.
Published: October 2009

The scalp hair in a patient with cartilage-hair hypoplasia was studied by light-microscopy, amino-acid analysis and tensile testing. Measurement of the hair shaft diameter, using an ocular micrometer, confirmed McKusick’s observation that the hairs were thinner than those seen in normal individuals. They were also weaker than normal hair, even when the smaller cross-sectional area was taken into account. However, no differences could be detected on amino-acid analysis between the patient’s and control hair. It was suggested that the findings were consistent with shorter keratin chain length in the patient’s hair.
Seasonally Modulated Tropical Drought Induced by Volcanic Aerosol
Authors: Joseph Renu , Zeng Ning
Published: October 2009

Major volcanic events with a high loading of stratospheric aerosol have long been known to cause cooling, but their impact on precipitation has only recently been emphasized, especially as an analog for potential geoengineering of climate. Here, the authors use a coupled atmosphere–ocean–land–vegetation model in conjunction with observations to study the effects of volcanic aerosol on the tropical and subtropical precipitation. The small internal variability in the model enables a clear identification of the volcanic impact, which is broadly supported by observations, especially for the large Pinatubo event. Area averaged rainfall over land between 40°S and 40°N decreases by about 0.15 mm day−1, 4–5 months after the height of a major volcanic aerosol loading, such as from Pinatubo, with regional changes as large as 0.6 mm day−1 or higher, such as over the Amazon and equatorial Africa. These anomalies migrate seasonally, following the movement of monsoon rainfall. This is because the low heat capacity of the land leads to rapid response of rainfall there, owing to the energy imbalance caused by volcanic aerosol cooling. In contrast, precipitation response over the ocean is much slower and considerably damped because of the much larger heat capacity. In addition, the difference in heat capacities over land and over ocean leads to an anomalous land–sea thermal contrast, which could further contribute to the reduction of rainfall over land. The volcano-induced drought may have significant impact on the ecosystem, agriculture, and the carbon cycle, especially in the monsoon regions.
One day’s sultan
Authors: Gilmartin David
Published: October 2009

T.N. Seshan’s tenure as Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) in the early 1990s transformed the role of the Election Commission of India in India’s electoral politics. This article examines Seshan’s reforms but concentrates in particular on the public controversies that Seshan’s tenure at the Election Commission engendered. Public debate about the role of the Election Commission brought to the surface underlying assumptions about the meaning of popular sovereignty in defining India’s democracy. It highlighted the tension between law and democracy in shaping democratic ideals in India and underscored a view of elections as legally marked by a cyclical notion of ‘electoral time’. The reforms of the Election Commission during the early 1990s, in fact, opened an unprecedented period of public debate in India on the nature of electoral democracy, which this article explores.
Adolescent Antisocial Behavior as Predictor of Adverse Outcomes to Age 50
Authors: Molero Samuelson Yasmina , Hodgins Sheilagh , Larsson Agne , Larm Peter , Tengström Anders
Published: October 2009

The study examined associations between antisocial behavior (ASB) before age 15 and eight adverse outcomes from age 21 to 50 among 1,623 men and 324 women who as adolescents consulted a clinic for substance misuse problems. Outcomes were documented using Swedish national registers and included death, hospitalization for physical illnesses related to substance misuse, mental illness, self-inflicted harm, substance misuse, convictions for violent and nonviolent crimes, and poverty. ASB before age 15 was associated with increased odds of all outcomes in adulthood except hospitalization for mental illness after adjusting for low family socioeconomic status, sex, Sex × ASB, and substance misuse in adulthood and with an increased number of adverse outcomes up to age 50. No gender differences were detected.
Optimism and the Nonlinear Citizenship Behavior—Job Satisfaction Relationship in Three Studies
Authors: Munyon Timothy P. , Hochwarter Wayne A. , Perrewé Pamela L. , Ferris Gerald R.
Published: October 2009

Despite a voluminous body of work demonstrating the positive benefits of organizational citizenship behaviors (OCB), recent theory has highlighted the potential trade-offs individuals face when performing such activities. This evidence calls into consideration the “more is always better” philosophy, suggesting the existence of potentially more complex OCB—work outcome relationships. The present research investigates the interactive relationship between optimism and OCB on job satisfaction in a series of three independent samples, examining moderated polynomial relationships. Based on self-regulation and self-perception theories, the authors hypothesized that optimism would moderate the relationship between OCB and job satisfaction, demonstrating a linear relationship for those high in optimism and a nonlinear relationship (i.e., assuming an inverted U-shaped form) for those low in optimism. Consistent results were found across all three studies, providing support for the hypothesized moderated polynomial OCB-optimism relationship. Contributions of the research are discussed, as are strengths and limitations, directions for future research, and practical implications.
Words of Conquest
Authors: Pinheiro Cláudio Costa
Published: October 2009

Along with the colonialist expansion of European Modern States, an intense circulation of natural species, commodities and people took place throughout the world then known to the Europeans. Regarding the flow of people, an initial dilemma faced was how to understand the immense ‘galaxy of different idioms’ contacted with the advance of the colonial enterprise. The lingoas (interpreters) were initially used as mediators between Europeans and the groups with which they came into contact. During the sixteenth century, Europeans began to ‘civilise’ the languages of those groups (in South America, Asia and later in Africa), by a process involving both grammaticalisation and dictionarisation, following an analogous and simultaneous movement that was occurring in Europe. Therefore, dictionaries, grammars and other instruments of translation were used to create understanding between languages, but also between cultures (habits, forms of sociability, and so on.)—both within Europe as well as in the colonial settlements.
Artistic Expression in Teaching‐Learning
Authors: Condon Barbara Backer
Published: October 2009

The use of art to enhance teaching‐learning in nursing has proven beneficial in the past. While there are variety of methods to utilize art in education that exist, the author discusses artistic expression, as described by the humanbecoming school of thought, being used for the first time during the final term of the senior year for nursing students. This artistic expression was part of a variety of assignments connected to the students’ preceptor experiences. The author in this column demonstrates a profound coming to know and personal enlightenment through a reflective process that accentuates the importance of not only allowing, but encouraging creativity throughout a nursing curriculum.
The Humanbecoming Family Model
Authors: Parse Rosemarie Rizzo
Published: October 2009

The purpose of this paper is to set forth the humanbecoming family model as an alternative view of family. The essences, paradoxes, and processes offer a unique way of envisioning family.
The Humanbecoming Leading‐Following Model in Practice
Authors: Doucet Thomas J. , Maillard‐Strüby Françoise
Published: October 2009

The purpose of this column is to illustrate how the humanbecoming leading‐following model was lived by nurses practicing within hospital, community, and school settings. The authors describe practice scenarios to show ways that nurses guided by the humanbecoming theory lived the processes and the key ideas of the model. One example addresses a change of policy, as the nurse lived the humanbecoming beliefs and values in leading‐following. This column is nursing theory‐guided evidence‐based practice.
Common Metaphors in Nursing Ethics
Authors: Milton Constance L.
Published: October 2009

Metaphors are literary comparisons that are used to create new meaning and insight for concepts, ideas, and situations found in a discipline. This author describes some common moral metaphors used in the discipline of nursing and specifically in situations of nursing ethics. New insights and questions for common usage are offered for the metaphors from a nursing theoretical perspective. Implications for nursing as a discipline are incorporated and discussion points for the future practice of nursing are illuminated.
Gatecrashing the Oasis? A Joint Doctoral Dissertation Play
Authors: Gale Ken , Speedy Jane , Wyatt Jonathan
Published: October 2009

This article explores the institutional and individual struggles surrounding the submission for examination of a jointly authored doctoral dissertation at a U.K. civic university. Two of the article’s authors (Gale and Wyatt) were the dissertation’s authors, and Speedy, the article’s third author, is their supervisor. Joint doctoral dissertations are rare and the dissertation was unique in this department’s history. The article is written as play script, which allows for different points of view to be offered and juxtaposed and for key issues to emerge and be explored. These issues include the institutional and individual impact of challenging what counts as original doctoral scholarship, the supervision relationship, and aspects of the experience of the completion of a doctorate. With a nod to the Deleuzian concept of the nomad, a significant theoretical component of the joint dissertation, the play works with the metaphor of nomadic journeying across desert terrain toward the “oasis” of membership of the academy as an image of the doctoral process. The play begins as the dissertation’s two authors hand in their dissertation for examination, and ends on graduation day, with its primary focus being the eleven weeks between submission and the viva voce examination.
Making a Habit of It
Authors: Dwyer Rachel E.
Published: October 2009

Rising inequalities and high levels of consumption in many capitalist economies make understanding the relationship between stratification and consumption especially important at the turn of the 21st century. I propose that one way to advance this research is to build on work in the tradition of Thorstein Veblen’s theory of conspicuous consumption. This scholarship is often disparaged as positing an overly rational and manipulative consumer actor. I argue instead that the positional consumption literature in the Veblenian tradition offers a more complex view of the consumer actor than typically recognized and in particular allows an important role for habit, routine, and convention in consumer behavior. I identify three major arguments about the influence of habit on positional consumption from work in the Veblenian lineage. I conclude that incorporating this more complex view of emulative consumption produces more satisfying theoretical propositions about the dynamic relationship between consumption levels, the standard of living, and structures of inequality than typically addressed in research on stratification and consumption.
Value Preferences and Ideological Structuring of Attitudes in American Public Opinion
Authors: Swedlow Brendon , Wyckoff Mikel L.
Published: October 2009

In this study, we investigate four attitudinal structures (including liberal, conservative, and libertarian configurations) associated with two ideological dimensions among American voters and demonstrate that these attitudinal structures are related in expected ways to differential preferences for the values of freedom, order, and equality/caring. Liberals are inclined to trade freedom for equality/caring but not for order, whereas conservatives are their opposites—willing to trade freedom for order but not for equality/caring. In contrast, libertarians are generally less willing than others to trade freedom for either order or equality/caring (although they probably prefer order to equality/caring). The fourth ideological type is more willing than the others to relinquish freedom, preferring both order and equality/caring. Depending on how our results are interpreted, this fourth type may be characterized as either communitarian or humanitarian. These findings help close the gap between unidimensional conceptions and multidimensional evidence of ideological organization in political attitudes by demonstrating that value structure and attitudinal structure are strongly related in two ideological dimensions.
The differential activities of Runx1 promoters define milestones during embryonic hematopoiesis
Authors: Sroczynska Patrycja , Lancrin Christophe , Kouskoff Valerie , Lacaud Georges
Published: October 2009

The transcription factor RUNX1/AML1 is a master regulator of hematopoietic development. Its spatiotemporal expression is tightly regulated during embryonic development and is under the control of 2 alternative promoters, distal and proximal. Despite the functional significance of Runx1, the relative and specific activities of these 2 promoters remain largely uncharacterized. To investigate these activities, we introduced 2 reporter genes under the control of the proximal and distal promoters in embryonic stem cell and transgenic mouse lines. Our study reveals that both in vitro and in vivo the proximal Runx1 isoform marks a hemogenic endothelium cell population, whereas the subsequent expression of distal Runx1 defines fully committed definitive hematopoietic progenitors. Interestingly, hematopoietic commitment in distal Runx1 knockout embryos appears normal. Altogether, our data demonstrate that the differential activities of the 2 Runx1 promoters define milestones of hematopoietic development and suggest that the proximal isoform plays a critical role in the generation of hematopoietic cells from hemogenic endothelium. Identification and access to the discrete stages of hematopoietic development defined by the activities of the Runx1 promoters will provide the opportunity to further explore the cellular and molecular mechanisms of hematopoietic development.
Predictive factors for breast cancer in patients diagnosed atypical ductal hyperplasia at core needle biopsy
Authors: Chae Byung Joo , Lee Ahwon , Song Byung Joo , Jung Sang Seol
Published: October 2009

Background

Percutaneous core needle biopsy (CNB) is considered to be the standard technique for histological diagnosis of breast lesions. But, it is less reliable for diagnosing atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH). The purpose of the present study was to predict, based on clinical and radiological findings, which cases of ADH diagnosed by CNB would be more likely to be associated with a more advanced lesion on subsequent surgical excision.

Methods

Between February 2002 and December 2007, consecutive ultrasound-guided CNBs were performed on suspicious breast lesions at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital. A total of 69 CNBs led to a diagnosis of ADH, and 45 patients underwent follow-up surgical excision. We reviewed the medical records and analyses retrospectively.

Results

Sixty-nine patients were diagnosed with ADH at CNB. Of these patients, 45 underwent surgical excision and 10 (22.2%) were subsequently diagnosed with a malignancy (ductal carcinoma in situ, n = 8; invasive cancer, n = 2). Univariate analysis revealed age (≥ 50-years) at the time of core needle biopsy (p = 0.006), size (> 10 mm) on imaging (p = 0.033), and combined mass with microcalcification on sonography (p = 0.029) to be associated with underestimation. When those three factors were included in multivariate analysis, only age (p = 0.035, HR 6.201, 95% CI 1.135-33.891) was an independent predictor of malignancy.

Conclusion

Age (≥ 50) at the time of biopsy is an independent predictive factor for breast cancer at surgical excision in patients with diagnosed ADH at CNB. For patients diagnosed with ADH at CNB, only complete surgical excision is the suitable treatment option, because we could not find any combination of factors that can safely predict the absence of DCIS or invasive cancer in a case of ADH.
Novel deployment of a covered duodenal stent in open surgery to facilitate closure of a malignant duodenal perforation
Authors: Lung Philip F , Cresswell Adrian B , Psaila Josephine , Patel Ameet G
Published: October 2009

Background

Its a dilemma to attempt a palliative procedure to debulk the tumour and/or prevent future obstructive complications in a locally advanced intra abdominal malignancy.

Case presentation

A 38 year old Vietnamese man presented with a carcinoma of the colon which had invaded the gallbladder and duodenum with a sealed perforation of the second part of the duodenum. Following surgical exploration, it was evident that primary closure of the perforated duodenum was not possible due to the presence of unresectable residual tumour.

Conclusion

We describe a novel technique using a covered duodenal stent deployed at open surgery to aid closure of a malignant duodenal perforation.
Genetic reconstitution of the human Adenovirus type 2 temperature-sensitive 1 mutant defective in endosomal escape
Authors: Imelli Nicola , Ruzsics Zsolt , Puntener Daniel , Gastaldelli Michele , Greber Urs F
Published: October 2009

Human Adenoviruses infect the upper and lower respiratory tracts, the urinary and digestive tracts, lymphoid systems and heart, and give rise to epidemic conjunctivitis. More than 51 human serotypes have been identified to-date, and classified into 6 species A-F. The species C Adenoviruses Ad2 and Ad5 (Ad2/5) cause upper and lower respiratory disease, but how viral structure relates to the selection of particular infectious uptake pathways is not known. An adenovirus mutant, Ad2-ts1 had been isolated upon chemical mutagenesis in the past, and shown to have unprocessed capsid proteins. Ad2-ts1 fails to package the viral protease L3/p23, and Ad2-ts1 virions do not efficiently escape from endosomes. It had been suggested that the C22187T point mutation leading to the substitution of the conserved proline 137 to leucine (P137L) in the L3/p23 protease was at least in part responsible for this phenotype. To clarify if the C22187T mutation is necessary and sufficient for the Ad2-ts1 phenotype, we sequenced the genes encoding the structural proteins of Ad2-ts1, and confirmed that the Ad2-ts1 DNA carries the point mutation C22187T. Introduction of C22187T to the wild-type Ad2 genome in a bacterial artificial chromosome (Ad2-BAC) gave Ad2-BAC46 virions with the full Ad2-ts1 phenotype. Reversion of Ad2-BAC46 gave wild-type Ad2 particles indicating that P137L is necessary and sufficient for the Ad2-ts1 phenotype. The kinetics of Ad2-ts1 uptake into cells were comparable to Ad2 suggesting similar endocytic uptake mechanisms. Surprisingly, infectious Ad2 or Ad5 but not Ad2-ts1 uptake required CALM (clathrin assembly lymphoid myeloid protein), which controls clathrin-mediated endocytosis and membrane transport between endosomes and the trans-Golgi-network. The data show that no other mutations than P137L in the viral protease are necessary to give rise to particles that are defective in capsid processing and endosomal escape. This provides a basis for genetic analyses of distinct host requirements for Ad endocytosis and escape from endosomes.
Meeting report: 2009 international conference on molecular neurodegeneration May 18-20, 2009, Xiamen, China
Authors: Zhang Yunwu , Owens Lisa , Bu Guojun
Published: October 2009

Age-related neurodegenerative diseases are great challenges as the aging population grows. To promote neurodegeneration research and to share recent progress in understanding molecular mechanisms underlying these devastating diseases, the journal Molecular Neurodegeneration and Institute for Biomedical Research, Xiamen University co-organized the 2009 International Conference on Molecular Neurodegeneration in Xiamen, China on May 18-20, 2009. The objectives of this meeting were to (1) promote cutting-edge neurodegeneration research in China and in neighboring Asian countries; (2) facilitate the exchange of information relevant to neurodegenerative research; (3) provide education opportunity for students, postdocs and physicians; and (4) provide a platform for investigators at different career levels to interact and network, and to foster collaborations at the international levels. About 100 investigators presented their recent discoveries with a wide range of scopes of neurodegeneration research, including new genes, molecular pathways, animal models, and potential therapeutics.
Quantitative PCR Analysis for Bcl-2/IgH in a Phase III Study of Yttrium-90 Ibritumomab Tiuxetan As Consolidation of First Remission in Patients With Follicular Lymphoma
Authors: Goff Lindsey , Summers Karin , Iqbal Sameena , Kuhlmann Jens , Kunz Michael , Louton Tom , Hagenbeek Anton , Morschhauser Franck , Putz Barbara , Lister Andrew , Rohatiner Ama
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The randomized First-Line Indolent Trial (FIT) was conducted in patients with advanced follicular lymphoma (FL), to evaluate the safety and efficacy of yttrium-90 (90Y) ibritumomab tiuxetan given as consolidation of complete or partial remission. This study of minimal residual disease was undertaken in parallel, to determine the rate of conversion from bcl-2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) –detectable to –undetectable status and the corresponding effect on progression-free survival (PFS).

Patients and Methods

Blood samples from 414 patients (90Y-ibritumomab, n = 208; control, n = 206) were evaluated using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR); 186 were found to have the bcl-2 rearrangement and were thus eligible for inclusion in the RQ-PCR analysis.

Results

Overall, 90% of treated patients converted from bcl-2 PCR–detectable to –undetectable disease status, compared with 36% in the control group. Treatment significantly prolonged median PFS in patients converting to bcl-2 PCR-undetectable status (40.8 v 24.0 months in the control group; P < .01, hazard ratio [HR], 0.399). In patients who had bcl-2 PCR-detectable disease at random assignment, treatment significantly prolonged median PFS (38.4 v 8.2 months in the control group; P < .01, HR, 0.293).

Conclusion

Eradication of PCR-detectable disease occurred more frequently after treatment with 90Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan and was associated with prolongation of PFS.
Phase II Multicenter Trial of Anthracycline Rechallenge With Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin Plus Cyclophosphamide for First-Line Therapy of Metastatic Breast Cancer Previously Treated With Adjuvant Anthracyclines
Authors: Trudeau Maureen E. , Clemons Mark J. , Provencher Louise , Panasci Lawrence , Yelle Louise , Rayson Daniel , Latreille Jean , Vandenberg Ted , Goel Rakesh , Zibdawi Labib , Rahim Yasmin , Pouliot Jean-Francois
Published: October 2009

Purpose

Anthracyclines are a component of breast cancer chemotherapy regimens in both adjuvant and metastatic settings. Anthracycline rechallenge for metastatic disease, for those previously exposed to adjuvant anthracyclines, may not be considered because of concerns about efficacy, tolerability, and cumulative cardiotoxicity.

Patients and Methods

This prospective, multicenter, single-arm, phase II trial examined the efficacy and safety of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) 35 mg/m2 plus cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m2 as first-line therapy, delivered every 3 weeks, in 70 patients who developed metastatic disease more than 12 months after completion of an adjuvant anthracycline-containing regimen. Seven patients discontinued treatment early and were excluded from the efficacy analysis.

Results

After a median of six cycles, the objective response rate was 38%. An additional 33% of patients achieved stable disease lasting more than 6 months, for an overall clinical benefit rate of 71%. The estimated median time to progression was 12.2 months. Median overall survival time was 16.5 months. Clinical response was equally robust in patients with and without prior taxane exposure. Treatment was well tolerated. The most common grade 3 to 4 toxicities were palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE; 10%), dyspnea (9%), and neutropenia (9%). One (1.4%) of 70 patients discontinued treatment as a result of PPE. One patient (1.4%) experienced an infusion reaction requiring discontinuation. No symptomatic cardiac events were observed.

Conclusion

PLD plus cyclophosphamide is effective and well tolerated in patients with metastatic breast cancer who have received prior adjuvant anthracycline-containing chemotherapy. The majority of patients experienced a clinical benefit without any significant impact on cardiac function.
Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy modelling and parallel distributed compensation control of conducting polymer actuators
Authors: Amiri-M Amir-A , Moavenian M , Torabiz K
Published: October 2009

Conducting polymer actuators are used in a diverse range of applications including biomimetic robots and biomedical devices. In comparison to robotic joints, they do not have friction or backlash, but on the other hand, they have complicated electro-chemo-mechanical dynamics which makes modelling and control of the actuator really difficult. In addition they also have the disadvantages of creep, hysteresis, and highly uncertain and time-varying dynamics. In this paper a Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy model is used to represent the uncertain dynamics of the actuator, and the resulted fuzzy model is validated using experimental data. A system that consists of fuzzy state feedback to a PI controller is designed on the basis of the obtained T-S fuzzy model using the parallel distributed compensation scheme. The sufficient conditions for the existence of such a controller are derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities. The obtained results show that the designed controller can achieve a good control performance despite the existence of uncertain actuator dynamics.
A Magnetically Separable Heterogeneous Catalyst Co@CoO Hollow Spheres: Synthesis and Catalytic Performance for the Selective Oxidation of Alcohol
Authors: Liu Wei , Li Baojun , Gao Cuiling , Xu Zheng
Published: October 2009

Co@CoO hollow spheres have been synthesized and applied as a magnetically separable heterogeneous catalyst for the selective oxidation of alcohol. The catalyst exhibits good activity and excellent selectivity for aldehydes. CoO is the catalytically active component rooted in magnetic cobalt inner shell support, which prevents the catalyst from aggregating and leaching. The catalyst can be easily separated from the reaction mixture by a magnet and reused for several circles.
Preparation of Organic/Inorganic Hybrid Gel after γ-Ray Radiation
Authors: Kim Jinwoo , Koo Junmo , Shirahase Tomoko , Takahara Atsushi , Sohn Daewon
Published: October 2009

This paper focuses on increasing the mechanical strength of hydrogels that connect silica particles via acrylic acid polymer chains. This is done by directly polymerizing the silica particle surface with γ-ray radiation in water.
Anti-Catholicism and Race in Post-Civil War San Francisco
Authors: Paddison Joshua
Published: October 2009

In San Francisco during the 1870s, conflicts over public schools, immigration, and the bounds of citizenship exacerbated long-simmering tensions between Protestants and Catholics. A surging anti-Catholic movement in the city—never before studied by scholars—marked Catholics as racially and religiously inferior. While promising to unite, anti-Catholicism actually exposed splits within Protestant San Francisco as it became utilized by opposing sides in debates over the place of racially marked groups in church and society. Considered neither fully white nor fully Christian, many Irish Catholics in turn demonized Chinese immigrants to establish their own credentials as patriotic white Christians. By the early 1880s the rising anti-Chinese movement had eclipsed tensions between Catholics and Protestants, creating new coalitions around Christian whiteness rather than broad-based interracial Protestantism.
Defining and Mapping Mammalian Coat Pattern Genes: Multiple Genomic Regions Implicated in Domestic Cat Stripes and Spots
Authors: Eizirik Eduardo , David Victor A , Buckley-Beason Valerie , Roelke Melody E , Schäffer Alejandro A , Hannah Steven S , Narfström Kristina , O'Brien Stephen J , Menotti-Raymond Marilyn
Published: October 2009

Mammalian coat patterns (e.g., spots, stripes) are hypothesized to play important roles in camouflage and other relevant processes, yet the genetic and developmental bases for these phenotypes are completely unknown. The domestic cat, with its diversity of coat patterns, is an excellent model organism to investigate these phenomena. We have established three independent pedigrees to map the four recognized pattern variants classically considered to be specified by a single locus, Tabby; in order of dominance, these are the unpatterned agouti form called “Abyssinian” or “ticked” (Ta), followed by Spotted (Ts), Mackerel (TM), and Blotched (tb). We demonstrate that at least three different loci control the coat markings of the domestic cat. One locus, responsible for the Abyssinian form (herein termed the Ticked locus), maps to an ∼3.8-Mb region on cat chromosome B1. A second locus controls the Tabby alleles TM and tb, and maps to an ∼5-Mb genomic region on cat chromosome A1. One or more additional loci act as modifiers and create a spotted coat by altering mackerel stripes. On the basis of our results and associated observations, we hypothesize that mammalian patterned coats are formed by two distinct processes: a spatially oriented developmental mechanism that lays down a species-specific pattern of skin cell differentiation and a pigmentation-oriented mechanism that uses information from the preestablished pattern to regulate the synthesis of melanin profiles.
Health Disparities Beginning in Childhood: A Life-Course Perspective
Authors: Braveman Paula , Barclay Colleen
Published: October 2009

In this article we argue for the utility of the life-course perspective as a tool for understanding and addressing health disparities across socioeconomic and racial or ethnic groups, particularly disparities that originate in childhood. Key concepts and terms used in life-course research are briefly defined; as resources, examples of existing literature and the outcomes covered are provided along with examples of longitudinal databases that have often been used for life-course research. The life-course perspective focuses on understanding how early-life experiences can shape health across an entire lifetime and potentially across generations; it systematically directs attention to the role of context, including social and physical context along with biological factors, over time. This approach is particularly relevant to understanding and addressing health disparities, because social and physical contextual factors underlie socioeconomic and racial/ethnic disparities in health. A major focus of life-course epidemiology has been to understand how early-life experiences (particularly experiences related to economic adversity and the social disadvantages that often accompany it) shape adult health, particularly adult chronic disease and its risk factors and consequences. The strong life-course influences on adult health could provide a powerful rationale for policies at all levels—federal, state, and local—to give more priority to investment in improving the living conditions of children as a strategy for improving health and reducing health disparities across the entire life course. Pediatrics 2009;124:S163–S175
Effects of pH on precipitation of quasi-crystalline calcium silicate hydrate in aqueous solution
Authors: Matsuyama H. , Young J. F.
Published: October 2009

C-S-H samples were precipitated from aqueous solution containing Ca(NO3)2 and Na2SiO3 with an initial Ca/Si molar ratio of 1·3, when the pH value in the solution was varied by adding HNO3 or NaOH. A pH > 10·9 was required to obtain quasi-crystalline C-S-H, and the CaO/SiO2 ratio of the precipitate was increased with increasing pH, reaching a maximum close to the initial ratio at pH > 13. C-S-H was also precipitated with varying initial Ca/Si molar ratios at pH > 13. It was shown that the CaO/SiO2 ratios can be controlled by either varying the pH value at given initial Ca/Si ratios, or by varying the initial Ca/Si ratios at pH > 13. The C-S-H samples were investigated using X-ray diffraction and 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, which identifies the connectivity of silica tetrahedra (Qx). The interlayer spacing decreased linearly, and Q1/(Q1 + Q2 + Q3) ratios increased with increasing CaO/SiO2 ratios. A good correlation between Q1/(Q1 + Q2 + Q3) ratios and interlayer spacing was observed.