bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of Cystine Uptake Disrupts the Growth of Primary Brain Tumors
Authors: Chung Wook Joon , Lyons Susan A. , Nelson Gina M. , Hamza Hashir , Gladson Candece L. , Gillespie G. Yancey , Sontheimer Harald
Published: August 2005

Glial cells play an important role in sequestering neuronally released glutamate via Na+-dependent transporters. Surprisingly, these transporters are not operational in glial-derived tumors (gliomas). Instead, gliomas release glutamate, causing excitotoxic death of neurons in the vicinity of the tumor. We now show that glutamate release from glioma cells is an obligatory by-product of cellular cystine uptake via system\batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \(\mathrm{x}_{\mathrm{c}}^{-}\) \end{document}, an electroneutral cystine-glutamate exchanger. Cystine is an essential precursor for the biosynthesis of glutathione, a major redox regulatory molecule that protects cells from endogenously produced reactive oxygen species (ROS). Glioma cells, but not neurons or astrocytes, rely primarily on cystine uptake via system\batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \(\mathrm{x}_{\mathrm{c}}^{-}\) \end{document}for their glutathione synthesis. Inhibition of system\batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \(\mathrm{x}_{\mathrm{c}}^{-}\) \end{document}causes a rapid depletion of glutathione, and the resulting loss of ROS defense causes caspase-mediated apoptosis. Glioma cells can be rescued if glutathione status is experimentally restored or if glutathione is substituted by alternate cellular antioxidants, confirming that ROS are indeed mediators of cell death. We describe two potent drugs that permit pharmacological inhibition of system\batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \(\mathrm{x}_{\mathrm{c}}^{-}\) \end{document}. One of these drugs, sulfasalazine, is clinically used to treat inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Sulfasalazine was able to reduce glutathione levels in tumor tissue and slow tumor growthin vivoin a commonly used intracranial xenograft animal model for human gliomas when administered by intraperitoneal injection. These data suggest that inhibition of cystine uptake into glioma cells through the pharmacological inhibition of system\batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \(\mathrm{x}_{\mathrm{c}}^{-}\) \end{document}may be a viable therapeutic strategy with a Food and Drug Administration-approved drug already in hand.
Yellow Perch Dynamics in Southwestern Lake Michigan during 1986–2002
Authors: Wilberg Michael J. , Bence James R. , Eggold Bradley T. , Makauskas Daniel , Clapp David F.
Published: August 2005

We examined the role of harvest in the collapse of the population of yellow perch Perca flavescens in southwestern Lake Michigan during the mid to late 1990s. After the great decrease in this population at that time, commercial fisheries in Illinois and Wisconsin were closed during 1996–1997 (and have remained closed), and stricter regulations were placed on recreational fisheries. Reproductive failure has been implicated as the primary cause of the population collapse, but the role of fishing in the collapse was not rigorously investigated in previous studies. We conducted an age-, size-, and sex-structured stock assessment of yellow perch to estimate population size and examine historical trends in fishing mortality in Illinois and Wisconsin waters of southwestern Lake Michigan. Model estimates indicated that yellow perch abundance in 2002 was less than 10% of the 1986 abundance in Wisconsin and about 20% of the respective population in Illinois. Annual mortality rates for females age 4 and older averaged 69% during 1986–1996 in Wisconsin and 60% in Illinois during 1986–1997, rates that are quite high for a species like yellow perch, which can live longer than 10 years. The estimated fishing mortality rates of adult females during 1986–1996 exceeded widely used reference points, suggesting that overfishing may have occurred. Fishing mortality rates decreased substantially in the late 1990s after stricter regulations were imposed on recreational fisheries and commercial fisheries were closed. We believe that unsustainably high mortality rates from fishing were a substantial contributing cause of the rapid decline of mature females in the mid-1990s. Spawning stock biomass in 2002 was at its highest level since the early 1990s despite relatively poor recruitment during the past decade. In part, this development reflects the fact that management actions have successfully reduced fishing mortality.
Developmental expression of the homeobox protein Distal-less 3 and its relationship to progesterone production in mouse placenta
Authors: Berghorn K A , Clark P A , Encarnacion B , DeRegis C J , Folger J K , Morasso M I , Soares M J , Wolfe M W , Roberson M S
Published: August 2005

Distal-less 3 (Dlx3) is a homeobox factor that functions as a placental-specific transcriptional regulator. Dlx3 null mice (−/−) have compromised placental development and do not survive in utero past embryonic day (E) 9.5. The current studies were undertaken to examine the expression of Dlx3 in mouse placenta during gestation, and to determine whether Dlx3 was involved in placental progesterone production. Dlx3 was not detectable at E8.5 but was detected in E9.5 placenta with continuing but diminished expression through E15.5. Dlx3 immuno-localization was restricted to the labyrinth, was nuclear and was found in cytokeratin-positive cells. Previous studies in choriocarcinoma cell lines support the conclusion that Dlx3 is required for expression of 3′-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase VI (3βHSD VI), an obligate enzyme in the production of progesterone by trophoblast giant cells. In a rat trophoblast stem cell line (Rcho-1), Dlx3 expression was non-detectable in Rcho-1 cells induced to differ-entiate using mitogen withdrawal. In vitro progesterone production in placental cultures and 3βHSD VI mRNA from Dlx3 (+/+), (+/−) and (−/−) mice were equivalent. In situ hybridization for 3βHSD VI revealed mRNA expression restricted to trophoblast giants cells with no detectable expression in the labyrinth suggesting that Dlx3 and 3βHSD VI were not colocalized within the placenta. These studies support the conclusion that Dlx3 protein expression is restricted to the labyrinth region of the murine placenta into late gestation and that Dlx3 does not appear to be expressed in trophoblast giant cells. Further, loss of Dlx3 was not correlated with synthesis of progesterone from E9.5 mouse placentas.
IGF-I-induced enhancement of contractile response in organ-cultured aortae from diabetic rats is mediated by sustained thromboxane A2 release from endothelial cells
Authors: Kobayashi Tsuneo , Matsumoto Takayuki , Kamata Katsuo
Published: August 2005

We have investigated the mechanisms underlying the changes in vascular contractile responsiveness induced by insulin and IGF-I in established streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The contractile response to noradrenaline (NA) in organ-cultured diabetic rat aortae cultured with insulin or IGF-I was significantly greater than the corresponding responses in (a) diabetic rat aortae cultured in serum-free medium and (b) control rat aortae cultured with insulin or IGF-I. In aortae from which the endothelium was removed after organ culture the contractile response to NA was greater in those cultured with insulin or IGF-I than in those cultured in serum-free medium. This was not true of aortae endothelium denuded before organ culture. The IGF-I-induced enhancement was prevented by treatment with indomethacin (cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor), SQ29548 (thromboxane (TX) A2 receptor antagonist) or fregrelate (TXA2 synthase inhibitor). IGF-I-induced production of TXB2, a metabolite of TXA2, was greater in diabetic than in control aortae and was attenuated by endothelium denudation, indomethacin or AG1024 (IGF-I receptor inhibitor). The expression of the protein and mRNA for the IGF-I receptor (as assessed by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry) was markedly increased within endothelial cells in diabetic aortae but only slightly increased within smooth muscle cells (versus control rat aortae). Thus, the NA-induced contractile response in aortae from diabetic rats was enhanced by both insulin and IGF-I and this enhancement may be mediated by sustained cyclo-oxygenase-dependent TXA2 production from endothelial cells. The observed enhancement of IGF-I receptor expression within endothelial cells may be causally related to the potentiation of vascular contractility and the increase in TXA2 production.
Obesity in US Workers: The National Health Interview Survey, 1986 to 2002
Authors: Caban Alberto J. , Lee David J. , Fleming Lora E. , Gómez-Marín Orlando , LeBlanc William , Pitman Terry
Published: July 2005

Objectives. Obesity has emerged as one of the most important public health issues in the United States. We assessed obesity prevalence rates and their trends among major US occupational groups.

Methods. Self-reported weight and height were collected annually on US workers, aged 18 years or older, from the 1986 to 1995 and the 1997 to 2002 National Health Interview Surveys. Overall, occupation-, race-, and gender-specific rates of obesity (defined as a body mass index>30.0 kg/m2) were calculated with data pooled from both study periods (n>600000). Annual occupation-specific prevalence rates were also calculated, and their time trends were assessed.

Results. Obesity rates increased significantly over time among employed workers, irrespective of race and gender. The average yearly change increased from 0.61% (±.04) during the period from 1986 to 1995 to 0.95% (±.11) during the period from 1997 to 2002. Average obesity prevalence rates and corresponding trends varied considerably across occupational groups; pooled obesity prevalence rates were highest in motor vehicle operators (31.7% in men; 31.0% in women).

Conclusions. Weight loss intervention programs targeting workers employed in occupational groups with high or increasing rates of obesity are urgently needed.
Trends in Obesity and Arthritis Among Baby Boomers and Their Predecessors, 1971–2002
Authors: Leveille Suzanne G. , Wee Christina C. , Iezzoni Lisa I.
Published: July 2005

Objectives. We examined trends in obesity and arthritis prevalence among the “baby boom” (born 1946–1965) and “silent” (born 1926–1945) generations.

Methods. We conducted birth cohort analyses using successive waves of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1971–2002).

Results. Obesity rates increased markedly, beginning earlier in life with each successive birth cohort. When the members of the silent generation were aged 35–44 years, 14%–18% were obese. At comparable ages, 28%–32% of the youngest baby boomers were obese. Differences in arthritis prevalence were not evident across birth cohorts. However, the relative risk of arthritis because of obesity increased over time; consequently, the percentage of arthritis cases attributable to obesity increased from 3% to 18% between 1971 and 2002.

Conclusions. Our results showed that members of the baby boom generation were more obese, and became so at younger ages than their predecessors. Although differences in arthritis prevalence are not yet evident, findings suggest that obesity has contributed to more cases of arthritis in recent years than in previous decades.
Ecological Approaches to Self-Management: The Case of Diabetes
Authors: Fisher Edwin B. , Brownson Carol A. , O’Toole Mary L. , Shetty Gowri , Anwuri Victoria V. , Glasgow Russell E.
Published: July 2005

In the Diabetes Initiative of The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, an ecological perspective helped identify the following key resources and supports for self-management (RSSM): individualized assessment, collaborative goal setting, skills enhancement, follow-up and support, access to resources, and continuity of quality clinical care. These RSSM reflect the grounding of diabetes self-management in the context of social and environmental influences. Research supports the value of each of these key resources and supports. Differences among self-management interventions may be seen as complementary, rather than conflicting, ways of providing RSSM. This way of understanding differences among interventions may aid development of varied programs to reach diverse audiences. In contrast to the “5 A’s” model of key provider services (Assess, Advise, Agree, Assist, and Arrange), RSSM articulate self-management from the perspective of individuals’ needs. Both approaches emphasize identification of goals, teaching of skills, and facilitation and reinforcement of the use of those skills.
Trends and Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Gestational Diabetes Among Pregnant Women in New York City, 1990–2001
Authors: Thorpe Lorna E. , Berger Diana , Ellis Jennifer A. , Bettegowda Vani R. , Brown Gina , Matte Thomas , Bassett Mary , Frieden Thomas R.
Published: July 2005

We analyzed gestational diabetes mellitus trends in New York City between 1990 and 2001 by using information obtained from birth certificates. Gestational diabetes diagnoses among women who delivered babies increased 46%, from 2.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]=2.5, 2.7) to 3.8% (95% CI=3.7, 3.9) of births. Prevalence was highest among South and Central Asian women (11%). Given risks for adverse fetal outcomes and maternal chronic diabetes, prompt screening is critical. Metabolic control should be maintained during pregnancy and assessed postpartum for women with gestational diabetes.
The hospice movement: History and current worldwide situation
Authors: Milicevic Natasa
Published: August 2005

The suffering of terminally ill cancer patients underlines the need for good and well organized palliative care. WHO defines the palliative care as the active total care of patients and their families when the patient's disease is no longer responsive to curative treatment. Such a care can be obtained in hospices providing good symptom relief of advanced cancer, and emotional support for both patient and his family. Modern hospice movement started in the United Kingdom in the late sixties of the past century, and spread out all over the world. This paper presents a short history of the hospice movement and current worldwide situation in this field.
High level of EGF-R expression in carcinomatous skin invasion: Does it reflect the tissue characteristics of the breast carcinoma aggressiveness?
Authors: Neskovic-Konstantinovic Zora , Nikolic-Vukosavljevic Dragica , Kanjer Ksenija , Jovanovic Danica , Brankovic-Magic Mirjana
Published: August 2005

Background: The normal function and distribution of EGF-R and its role in breast cancer aggressiveness, prognosis and prediction, have become extremely important in the light of the recently developed methods of EGF-R targeting. In the aim to investigate the relationship between EGF-R and the aggressive tumor behavior, the EGF-R content was analyzed as related to the presence of inflammatory breast skin involvement. Methods: EGF-R, ER and PR content was determined at diagnosis, using the biochemical methods, in the group of 103 unselected breast cancer patients, either in primary tumors (TU), lymph nodes (LN) or skin tissue samples (65, 27 and 11 cases respectively). In 10 patients with inflammatory breast cancers, TU/LN tissue was sampled from 3, and skin from 7 patients. Results: ER and PR content was significantly higher in tumor and LN tissue, compared to the invaded skin the EGF-R content was, on the contrary, significantly higher in skin than in TU or LN tissue. However, no difference was found between TU and LN in all three receptors' content. When the receptor content was analyzed in 10 patients with inflammatory breast cancer, higher levels of both ER and PR were found in tumor biopsies than in skin biopsies, while for the EGF-R the result was opposite. Significantly lower ER content and a trend towards higher EGF-R content was found in the inflammatory breast cancers in comparison to the non-inflammatory ones. Conclusion: Although we examined a small number of patients, our results suggest that the EGF-R could be a marker of breast cancer aggressiveness. However, the influence of the normal skin cells contaminating the biopsied tumor tissue cannot be ruled out. The predictive role of EGF-R deserves to be further investigated especially in locally advanced inflammatory breast cancer patients.
Immunoradiometric assay of cathepsin D: Estrogen regulated vs. non estrogen- regulated cathepsin D expression in relation to clinicopathological features of breast cancer
Authors: Nikolic-Vukosavljevic Dragica , Markicevic Milan , Kanjer Ksenija , Rakovic-Todorovic Natasa , Neskovic-Konstantinovic Zora
Published: August 2005

Background: Cellular biomarkers may predict tumor cell behavior in breast cancer. One of the most paradoxical biomarker in breast cancer is cathepsin D. Patients and methods: The study includes 152 patients with histologically verified breast carcinoma. Clinicopathological findings were classified according to classical breast carcinoma-host features (age and menopausal status) and carcinoma features (lymph node status, tumor size type and grade). Estrogen and progesterone receptors were assayed in accordance with the recommendation of the EORTC. Cathepsin D concentrations were determined using immunoradiometric assay. The results were analyzed using non-parametric statistical methods. Results: All differences in the proportion of breast carcinoma classified as cathepsin D-positive and disagreements on the association of cathepsin D status with clinicopathological features of breast cancer are the result of varying cut-off values used by different authors. Using the cut-off value, which defines estrogen-regulated vs. nonestrogen-regulated cathepsin D expres sion, this study points to the cathepsin D status as a complementary biolog ical information to ER and PR status, and a dependent biomarker in relation to age of patients and lymph node status. Conclusion: The classification of tumors according to the cathepsin D status within ER and PR status could provide more information on the association between cathepsin D status and clinical-pathological features of breast cancer.
Breast cancer susceptibility genes: Options for those carrying BRCA1 mutations
Authors: Brankovic-Magic Mirjana , Jankovic Radmila , Radulovic Sinisa
Published: August 2005

The discovery of the association between breast and ovarian cancer and the BRCA genes and the development of methods for genetic testing made it possible to screen women for genetic predisposition to develop hereditary breast cancer (HBC). Parallelly, prevention strategies, including clinical surgical and medical interventions become available in order to reduce cancer risk. In a meantime, we became aware of limitations of genetic testing from the aspect of BRCA gene penetrance, negative result interpretation etc. All of these, together with data that invasive prevention strategies such as prophylactic surgery demonstrate better results in risk reduction than regimens including self and clinical-examination, face BRCA mutation carriers with difficult choice for risk reduction options. Therefore, the patients at high risk of HBC can best make informed decisions when guided by a multidisciplinary genetic counseling team.
Xeloda as first-line therapy of metastatic colorectal cancer-our experience
Authors: Kovcin Vladimir , Jesic Rada , Krivokapic Zoran , Andric Zoran , Pavlovic Aleksandra
Published: August 2005

BACKGROUND: Results of phase III clinical studies comparing efficacy of Xeloda vs. standard 5-FU/FA protocols as first line therapy of metastatic colorectal carcinoma (MCRC), have shown better efficacy of Xeloda, with less toxic adverse effects, apart from handfoot syndrome. METHODS: From January 2000 to May 2001 the study enrolled 54 patients with MCRC, 38 males and 16 females, aged 30-78 years. All patients had metastatic diseases. In 33 the primary tumor was in colon, in 21 in rectum. All patients received Xeloda 2500 mg/m2/day in two daily doses, during 14 days followed by 7 days of pause. Dose intensity was 88,79% +/- 9,2. For efficacy evaluation the WHO criteria and tumor markers CEA and CA 19-9 were used. RESULTS: Overall response rate was 47%, with 13% complete responses, 34% partial responses 38% stable disease and 15% disease progression. No significant difference was found between patients with regard to localization of primary tumor (colon or rectum). There was no significant difference in response rate when compared 27 patients with adverse events of capecitabine ('hand and foot' syndrome and diarrhea) and those without them. Response rate in a subgroup of 21 evaluable (out of 29) patients with initial signs of liver dysfunction was worse (p<0.005) in comparison with patients with normal liver function. Most frequent adverse events were 'hand and foot' syndrome (52%) and diarrhea (24%), or both (14%). Other adverse events, up to grade 2 toxicity, were sporadically reported; however, hematological toxicity was significantly more common in a subgroup of patients with compromised liver function (p<0.007). CONCLUSION: This study has shown that Xeloda is a good monotherapy choice, with high response rate as first line therapy of metastatic CRC. Adverse events do not influence response. Liver dysfunction is a poor prognostic parameter. Therapy with Xeloda is convenient and relatively safe in patients with liver dysfunction, where administration of other cytotoxic agents is not possible.
Physical treatment of secondary lymphedema of the arm in breast cancer patients
Authors: Popovic-Petrovic Svetlana , Nedeljkovic Miroslav , Petrovic Tomislav , Vasovic Milka
Published: August 2005

Secondary lymphedema of the arm (SLEA) is the most common consequence of operation and/or radiotherapy for the malignant tumors of the breast. The frequency of SLEA is from 6 to 30 percent in patients with breast cancer This paper presents literature data about the methods of physical treatment of SLEA. A complex of decongestive physical therapy (CDP) is described consisting of the skin care of the arm on the operated and/or irradiated side, kinesy therapy, manual lymphodrainage of arm, and ban- daging with multilayer non elastic bandages of the arm. Along with CDP, a device assisted sequential pneumatic compression can be applied in order to reduce the SLEA. The prevention and early detection of SLEA, while it is still reversible, is the most important task in the postoperative and postirradiation period after the treatment of breast cancer.
Female breast cancer in Armenia (1980-2000)
Authors: Galstyan Hairapet , Ovanesbekova Tatyana , Nersesyan Armen
Published: August 2005

Breast cancer (BC) incidence in women in Armenia was analyzed in the period from 1980 to 2000. During 20 years BC incidence was substantially increased along with mortality. The incidence increased up to 73%, and mortality increased up to 143%. Our data suggest that female BC in Armenia is significantly lower than in the most developed and some developing countries, but comparative mortality of patients with BC is much higher than in other countries.
Vaccine therapy in melanoma today
Authors: Nikolin Borislava , Salma Svetlana , Trifunovic Jasna
Published: August 2005

Melanoma is the most significant malignant tumor of the melanocyte system. It is characterized by a high malignant potential and an outstanding possibility for giving metastasis. Despite all investigations and progress concerning molecular genetics and immunology melanoma is a therapeutic problem even today. Vaccines are being developed with an intention not only to prevent but also to cure the disease, and the most important aim of clinical trails is to develop corresponding antitumor immunotherapy based on vaccine.
Helicobacter pylori and gastric cancer
Authors: Otasevic Marica , Nagorni Aleksandar , Stankovic-Djordjevic Dobrila , Dinic Marina , Otasevic Ljiljana
Published: August 2005

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, because H. pylori infection considerably increases the risk of gastric cancer development. METHODS: The study involved a total of 191 patients divided into two groups. The first group comprised 117 patients who underwent endoscopy. A total of 203 biopsy specimens of the gastric mucosa were taken and analyzed using microbiological and histopathological methods. The second group comprised 74 patients with gastric cancer, who were examined for the gastric cancer type, the presence of H. pylori infection and the cancer localization. The presence of H. pylori infection in the tissue was con?firmed by staining pathohistological sections according to the method of Warthin-Starry. The microbilogical diagnosis involved the staining of direct tissue smears according to the method of Gram, as well as the cultivation of the specimens. To test the hypothesis for possible differences in H. pylori positive findings between the treatment groups, x2 test with Yates correction or Fisher exact test were used. RESULTS: The first treatment group comprised 117 patients with various clinical diagnoses. Gastric cancer was diagnosed in 8 patients, and of these 87.50% were found to have H. pylori. No statistically significant difference in H. pylori positive tests was detected between the patients with gastric ulcer and the patients with gastric cancer (Fisher exact test: p=1.00; p>0.05) nor was it established between the patients with duodenal ulcer and those with gastric cancer (Fisher exact test: p= 1.00; p>0.05). The second treatment group comprised 74 patients, of whom 52 (70.27%) had intestinal-type gastric cancer and 22 (29.72%) had diffuse-type gastric cancer. No statistically significant difference in the positive tests for H. pylori was registered between the patients with intestinal-type and those with diffuse-type gastric cancer (x2=0.07; p=0.798; p>0.05). The most frequent localization of the cancer was the antrum. CONCLUSION: The results are supportive of the hypothesis on a correlation between H. pylori infection and gastric adenocarcinoma development, but no differences between the intestinal and diffuse type of adenocarcinoma have been revealed with respect to the malignant process.
The histologic spectrum of apocrine lesions of the breast
Authors: Trenkic Srbobran , Katic Vuka , Pashalina Mitsa , Zivkovic Vesna , Milentijevic Maja , Kostov Milos
Published: August 2005

New data on apocrine carcinoma of the breast, especially on its unusual pathogenesis, are the facts that justify this study. The aim of this study was to describe the morphological features in both benign apocrine lesions and invasive apocrine carcinomas of the breast. The following apocrine lesions were pointed out: cysts, metaplasia, adenosis, adenoma, borderline malignant lesion, intraductal carcinoma and invasive apocrine carcinoma. Surgical specimens of breast benign and malignant lesions were fixed in formalin, embedded in paraffin blocks and the slides were stained with HE, PAS and immuno- histochemical ABC complex methods, using primary antibodies against: p53, Ki-67, androgen receptor, and GCDFP-15. The criteria of apocrine lesions, as well as classification of apocrine carcinoma were pointed out also. In the discussion we cited literature data about incidence of apocrine lesions in the breast, immunohistochemical, ultrastructural and molecular characteristics of apocrine lesions focusing on differential diagnostic problems between apocrine and nonapocrine lesions, and benign versus malignant apocrine lesion. The authors have suggested that apocrine carcinoma represents unusual type of the breast carcinoma and which may origin from the following precancerous lesions: apocrine hyperplasia, apocrine adenosis, atypical apocrine adenosis and adenoma. Immunohistochemical markers for apocrine differentiation are: GCDFP-15 and androgen receptors. Ki-67 and p53 may be good markers for differentiation between benign and malignant breast apocrine lesions. Positively staining for androgen receptors, not only in apocrine carcinoma of the breast, but also in benign lesions, has led some authors to postulate a possible role of androgens in the stimulation of breast epithelium and the development of apocrine cells and apocrine carcinomas. However, in this stage the clinical significance remains uncertain and follow-up studies will be required to evaluate this issue.
Actual metrological conditions for ionizing chamber calibration in radiotherapy
Authors: Spasic-Jokic Vesna
Published: August 2005

BACKGROUND: Since 1976 it has been recognized that an accuracy of ?5% in the delivery of an absorbed dose to a target volume is necessary for successful therapy treatment. Recent studies have concluded that combined standard uncertainty in dose delivery should be smaller than ?3.5 %. The basic radiotherapy requirements initiated some changes in calibration approach. New approach included beam as vital part of calibration chain and also insisted on realization of measurement quality assurance through legal metrology, international key and supplementary intercomparisons, national comparisons, and routine calibration. METHODS: In past twenty years there were three various protocols for absorbed dose determination in radiotherapy that had been based on various principles and various calibration concepts. As there were three conversions in air kerma concept the basic national protocol was changed. We gave up air kerma concept and developed absorbed dose primary standard by ionometric approach and assured appropriate transfer of calibration through four various laboratory levels. The primary standard was realized with combined uncertainty better than 0.3%, 1 s. Transfer of calibration was realized through calibration coefficient determination. RESULTS: Before Code of Practice IAEA 398 was adopted some steps were made in verification of absorbed dose to water primary standard. This standard was established after bilateral intercomparison with Hungarian National Office of Measure (OMH) in 1999 and also after international supplementary comparison organized by International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) in Sevres, in 2001. Results of the BIPM intercomparison were presented in this paper and they are recognized as national input true value of absorbed dose. Verification of national absorbed dose true value gave us the opportunity to establish new calibration protocol in our radiotherapy centers. We also introduced the new regulatory paper for determination of ionization chamber calibration coefficient. New metrological conditions and calibration manual for radiotherapy chamber were presented in this paper. CONCLUSION: As the method for in-water calibration for gamma and high-energy photons generated in accelerators has been established in our country it gives us possibility to join regional EUROMET program for high-energy photon beam calibration. The first step of calibration in gamma beam quality included also users of high-energy beam in order to fulfill the main metrology goal: calibration in conditions similar to those of users as much as it is possible.
RANKL/RANK/osteoprotegerin system as novel therapeutic target in the treatment of primary bone tumors and osteolytic metastases
Authors: Andjelkovic Zlatibor , Katic Vuka , Mihailovic Dragan , Petrovic Aleksandar , Bubanovic Ivan
Published: August 2005

Primary bone tumors and cancers that metastasize to bone require osteoclastic activity to release tumor-supportive growth factors from bone tissue. A number of systemic and locally acting factors are known to influence osteoclast formation, fusion, activation, and survival. Recently, two critical extracellular regulators of osteoclast differentiation and activation have been identified: receptor activator of nuclear factor (NF-kappaB) ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG). RANKL is a tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related cytokine that stimulates osteoclast differentiation from hematopoietic precursor cells and activation of mature osteoclasts. RANKL activates its specific receptor, receptor activator of NF- kappaB (RANK), located on osteoclasts, chondrocytes and dendritic cells. Binding of the RANK ligand to its receptor and osteoclastogenesis are prevented by osteoprotegerin, a decoy receptor produced by osteoblasts and marrow stromal cells. The balance between RANKL and OPG is of major importance in bone homeostasis. Disorders of the RANKL/RANK/OPG system have been linked to several human diseases, including primary bone tumors skeletal metastases, and hypercalcemia of malignancy. The discovery and characterization of RANKL, RANK and OPG and subsequent studies have changed the concepts of bone metabolism and may form the basis of innovative therapeutic strategies. Novel treatment strategies for bone tumors are emerging based on blockade of the RANKL/RANK interaction. The advantage of these strategies is their potential to selectively target tumor cells. Combining these new strategies with currently available treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy is under investigation, with promising results.
Primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the uterine cervix: A case report
Authors: Zivaljevic Milica , Vujkov Tamara , Jovanovic Darjana , Mandic Aljosa , Mihajlovic Olgica , Prvulovic Mladen , Stojiljkovic Bratislav
Published: August 2005

Primary uterine cervical non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) are rare. Limited experience dictates careful pretherapy evaluation and multidisciplinary approach in treatment planning. A 53-year-old woman presented with postmenopausal bleeding and PAP smear IIIb. Cervical biopsy and endocervical curettage biopsy revealed NHL of the uterine cervix. Abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral adnexectomy was followed by pelvic lymphadenectomy due to lymph node metastasis, 21 months after the primary operation. Subsequently, the patient received postoperative chemotherapy. Seven years after the onset of NHL she is alive with no evidence of disease recurrence.
Demographical analyses of lung cancer incidence and mortality trends in Vojvodina
Authors: Petrovic Vladimir , Miladinov-Mikov Marica
Published: August 2005

BACKGROUND: Studies conducted in Vojvodina from 1960 to 1978 showed that the highest number and percentage of lung cancer cases and deaths occurred in seventh decade of life. Our aim was to analyze epidemiological characteristics of lung cancer in Vojvodina demographically from 1989 to 1998. METHODS: Data used for analyses were provided by the Cancer Registry of Vojvodina from the Institute of Oncology Sremska Kamenica. Descriptive epidemiological method was used. RESULTS: The sex ratio (males to females) of lung cancer incidence in Vojvodina is 5.14. Our study showed that the most unfavorable lung cancer incidence trends were present in age groups ranged from 45 to 49, 60 to 64, 65 to 69, and 70 to 74 years in men and in age groups ranged from 35 to 39, 40 to 44, and 45 to 49 years in women. We also found that the most unfavorable lung cancer mortality trends were present in age groups ranged from 45 to 49, 60 to 64, 65 to 69, and 70 to 74 years in men and in age groups range from 45 to 49 and 70 to 74 years in women. Favorable lung cancer mortality and incidence trend was present only in the age group ranged from 80 to 84 years in men. The highest percentage of diseased and deaths was in the age group ranged from 60 to 69 years for both sexes. In younger age groups the percentage of diseased was less than 2%. CONCLUSION: Preventive measures against lung cancer in our population do not show good results yet. This is either because of greater exposure of population to the risk factors or because of greater exposure to the risk factors of certain age cohorts. Decrease in sex ratio has shown that females are closing onto males when we talk about numbers of new lung cancer cases. It is clear that lung cancer incidence trends in males by age groups has shown greater variability while in females variability occurs on smaller scale when lung cancer incidence trends by age groups are discussed.
On the influence of the tangential solar-motion component
Authors: Ninkovic Slobodan
Published: August 2005

The influence of the tangential component of the solar motion (towards l = 90o, b = 0o) corrected for the value of the asymmetric drift, on the galactocentric orbits of selected nearby stars is studied. Different models of the Galaxy potential are used. It is noticed, in general, that the increase of this corrected velocity component is followed by changes of the orbital elements characterising the motion in the galactic plane (the component perpendicular to the galactic plane remains practically unaffected); the orbital eccentricity increases or decreases depending on whether the galactocentric tangential velocity component of a given star exceeds or not the value of the circular velocity involved by the used model.
The concept of fractal cosmos: II Modern cosmology
Authors: Grujic Petar
Published: August 2005

Development of the concept of fractal cosmos after Anaxagoras has been followed up to the present. It is shown how the concept reappeared in the early Renaissance as a vague idea and subsequently took up a concrete formulation at the beginning of the 20-eth century. The modern cosmology state of affairs has been considered in view of the fractal paradigm and the current disputes and controversies discussed. It is argued that the concept of the hierarchical cosmos is still alive and might become an essential ingredient within the modern view of the universe.
The influence of hyperfine structure on some manganese line profiles in the solar spectrum
Authors: Vitas Nikola , Vince Istvan
Published: August 2005

Taking into account effects of hyperfine structure, we calculated the synthetic solar spectrum for wavelength intervals around nine neutral manganese lines. To estimate values of hyperfine components we used the Oxford total absorption oscillator strength measurements (Booth et al. 1983). We compared observed profiles (Photometric Atlas of the Solar Spectrum from 3000 to 10000 ?(Delbouille et al. 1973)) of selected manganese lines with synthesized profiles in two cases: when hyperfine structure is not and when it is taken into account. By comparing the calculated with observed spectrum, we corrected the total oscillator strengths of all nine selected manganese lines.
Dust distribution in L1217/L1219: Nice vs. Nicer
Authors: Nikolic S. , Kun M.
Published: August 2005

The dust in molecular clouds reliably traces the molecular gas within. We used this assumption to get an estimate of the dense cores size and mass in L1217/L1219 by deriving the total optical extinction, and therefore, the total column density. In this, two methods were used, the "standard" Near Infrared Color Excess (NICE) and the Near-Infrared Color Excess Revisited (NICER). Results confirm that NICER is better in tracing the low level extinction areas, consequently making the total cloud's mass significantly larger, as compared to the NICE derived value.
Orbits of 6 binaries
Authors: Olevic Dragomir , Cvetkovic Zorica
Published: August 2005

In this paper the orbits of binaries WDS 10093+2020 = A 2145, WDS 21074-0814 = BU 368 AB and WDS 22288-0001 = STF 2909 AB are recalculated because of significant deviations of more recent observations from the ephemerides. For binaries WDS 22384-0754 = A 2695, WDS 23474-7118 = FIN 375 Aa and WDS 23578+2508 = McA 76 the orbital elements are calculated for the first time.
Radar time delays in the dynamic theory of gravity
Authors: Haranas I.I.
Published: August 2005

There is a new theory gravity called the dynamic theory, which is derived from thermodynamic principles in a five dimensional space, radar signals traveling times and delays are calculated for the major planets in the solar system, and compared to those of general relativity. This is done by using the usual four dimensional spherically symmetric space-time element of classical general relativistic gravity which has now been slightly modified by a negative inverse radial exponential term due to the dynamic theory of gravity potential.
Dark matter haloes: An additional criterion for the choice of fitting density profiles
Authors: Caimmi R. , Marmo C.
Published: August 2005

Simulated dark matter haloes are fitted by self-similar, universal density profiles, where the scaled parameters depend only on a scaled (truncation) radius, ? = R/r0, which, in turn, is supposed to be independent of the mass and the formation redshift. The further assumption of a lognormal distribution (for a selected mass bin) of the scaled radius, or concentration, in agreement with the data from a large statistical sample of simulated haloes (Bullock et al. 2001), allows (at least to a first approximation) a normal or lognormal distribution for other scaled parameters, via the same procedure which leads to the propagation of the errors. A criterion is proposed for the choice of the best fitting density profile, with regard to a set of high-resolution simulations, where some averaging procedure on scaled density profiles has been performed, in connection with a number of fitting density profiles. To this aim, a minimum value of the ratio, |x?|/?s? = |?-?*|/?s?, is required to yield the best fit, where ? is the arithmetic mean over the whole set; ?*is its counterpart related to the fitting density profile; ?s? is the standard deviation from the mean; and ? is a selected, scaled i.e. dimensionless parameter. The above criterion is applied to a pair of sets each made of a dozen of high-resolution simulations, FM01 (Fukushige and Makino 2001) and KLA01 (Klypin et al. 2001), in connection with two currently used fitting density profiles, NFW (e.g. Navarro et al. 1997) and MOA (e.g. Moore et al. 1999), where the dependence of the scaled radius on the mass and the formation redshift may be neglected to a first extent. With regard to FM01 and KLA01 samples, the best fits turn out to be MOA and NFW, respectively. In addition, the above results also hold in dealing with rms errors derived via the propagation of the errors, with regard to the distributions of scaled parameters. The sensitivity error of simulations is also estimated and shown to be less than the related, standard deviation, that is a necessary condition for detectability of accidental errors. Some features of the early evolution of dark matter haloes, represented by fitting density profiles, are discussed in the limit of the spherical top-hat model. Although the related matter distributions appear to be poorly representative of simulated haloes, unless the (mean) peak height is an increasing function of the mass, the results are shown to be consistent, provided considerable acquisition of angular momentum takes place during the expansion phase.
Iron abundance determination for the solar-like stars HR 4345 and HR 6573
Authors: Vince Oliver , Vince Istvan
Published: August 2005

Using the BLACKWELL software package written by R.O. Gray, the iron abundance of the solar-like stars HR 4345 and HR 6573 has been determined. The method is based on determination of the minimum dispersion (or the region of least confusion) of the iron abundance versus microturbulent velocity functions for some selected spectral lines of neutral iron. The input data used by BLACKWELL are the observed equivalent widths of several spectral lines of neutral iron. They are obtained from spectra observed at the Observatoire de Haute-Provence, France, with the 1.52-m telescope and Aurelie spectrograph. Reduction of the raw spectra and the measurement of the equivalent widths of spectral lines are carried out using IRAF and SPE software packages. The measured values of iron abundances of HR 4345 and HR 6573 are 7.72?0.03 and 7.63?0.05 respectively.
Electron energy-loss spectroscopy of autoionizing states of zinc
Authors: Predojevic B. , Sevic Dragutin , Pejcev Vladimir , Marinkovic Bratislav , Filipovic Dusan
Published: August 2005

Autoionizing energy-loss spectra of Zn from 10.8 to 12.5 eV, for incident electron energies between 20 and 100 eV, have been recorded at scattering angles from 0? to 10?. These spectra were decomposed using ?2 minimization procedure to show the contribution of the 3d 10 4s 2 ? 3d 9 4s 2 4p, single inner-electron transitions. Relative intensities of lines in the Zn spectra are determined with respect to the 3d 10 4s 2 ? 3d 10 4s4p resonance line. The line shapes and widths are examined. The results are compared with available measurements and theoretical estimates.
Luminosity variation in the extended one-zone RR Lyrae model
Authors: Pricopi D.
Published: August 2005

The Stellingwerf one-zone stellar model is extended by assuming, a slow and uniform rotation that leads to a very small oblateness of the star. The matter in the core-surrounding shell is supposed to consists of a mixture of ideal gas and radiation. This one-zone stellar pulsation model is proposed as a tool to investigate the factors affecting luminosity variations of pulsating stars. Linear and nonlinear analyses of the resulting equations are described. The results are in very good agreement with the observed RR Lyrae light curves. .
Orbits of seven edge-on visual double stars
Authors: Pavlovic Rade , Todorovic Natasa
Published: August 2005

The orbital elements and the corresponding astrophysical quantities are given for the following double stars: WDS 00174+0853 = A 1803, WDS 02231+7021 = MLR 377, WDS 05484+2052 = STT 118, WDS 06425+6612 = MLR 318, WDS 13100+1732 = STF1728, WDS 162942626 = GNT 1, WDS 210740814 = BU 368AB. .
Investigations of the MnI 539.47 nm and MnI 542.04 nm lines in solar plages
Authors: Vince Istvan , Gopasyuk O. , Gopasyuk S. , Vince Oliver
Published: August 2005

We observed the MnI 539.47 nm and 542.04nm line profiles in the quiet photosphere and plage regions in 1998 and 2001, and measured the full widths at half maximum, equivalent widths and depths of these profiles. The relative changes of the MnI 539.47 nm line parameters, normalized to the values obtained for quiet photosphere, as a function of magnetic field strength in plages is analyzed. We found, for plage region observed in 1998, that both the equivalent width and the depth of the line profile decrease with increasing strength of magnetic filed in plage at a rate of 9x10?4 /Gauss, but the full width at half maximum does not show any significant regular changes. Based on these results, the variations of the MnI 539.47 nm spectral line in solar flux with activity cycle could be explained by the variation of solar surface coverage with plages. For observations in 2001, the equivalent width and the depth of this line profile also decrease with increasing strength of magnetic filed in plage, but there are significant differences in the behavior of line parameters in comparison with the 1998 values. Comparison of changes of the MnI 539.47 nm line parameters with the parameters of the MnI 542.04 nm line in 1998 shows a clear discrepancy between them. On the contrary, in 2001 the full widths at half maximum and the equivalent widths of these two lines behaved in a similar fashion. .
Basic, extended and combined models for computer simulation of liquid phase sintering
Authors: Nikolic Zoran
Published: August 2005

In this study, two-dimensional modeling of microstructural evolution during liquid phase sintering was considered. The simulation method developed is based on basic, extended and combined models defined for diffusion induced grain boundary migration.