bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
No differences between group versus individual treatment of childhood anxiety disorders in a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Liber Juliette M. , Van Widenfelt Brigit M. , Utens Elisabeth M.W.J. , Ferdinand Robert F. , Van der Leeden Adelinde J.M. , Gastel Willemijn Van , Treffers Philip D.A.
Published: March 2008

Background:  The present study compares an individual versus a group format in the delivery of manualised cognitive‐behavioural therapy (FRIENDS) for children with anxiety disorders. Clinically referred children (aged 8 to 12) diagnosed with Separation Anxiety Disorder (n = 52), Generalised Anxiety Disorder (n = 37), Social Phobia (n = 22) or Specific Phobia (n = 16) were randomly assigned to individual (n = 65) or group (n = 62) treatment.

Method:  Analyses were conducted separately for the intent‐to‐treat sample and the sample of children who completed treatment. Analyses included chi‐square comparisons and regression analyses with treatment format as a predictor.

Results:  Forty‐eight percent of the children in the individual versus 41% in the group treatment were free of any anxiety disorder at post‐treatment; 62% versus 54% were free of their primary anxiety disorder. Regression analyses showed no significant difference in outcome between individual and group treatment.

Conclusions:  Children improved in both conditions. Choice between treatments could be based on pragmatic considerations such as therapeutic resources, referral rates, and the preference of the parents and the child.
Models and determinants of vocabulary growth from kindergarten to adulthood
Authors: Beitchman Joseph H. , Jiang Hedy , Koyama Emiko , Johnson Carla J. , Escobar Michael , Atkinson Leslie , Brownlie E.B. , Vida Ron
Published: March 2008

Background:  Increasing evidence suggests that childhood language problems persist into early adulthood. Nevertheless, little is known about how individual and environmental characteristics influence the language growth of individuals identified with speech/language problems.

Method:  Individual growth curve models were utilised to examine how speech/language impairment and environmental variables (socioeconomic status, family separation, and maternal factors) influence vocabulary development from age 5 to 25. Participants were taken from a community sample of children initially diagnosed with speech/language problems at age 5 and their sex‐ and age‐matched controls.

Results:  The language impaired group had significantly poorer receptive vocabulary than the speech impaired and control groups throughout the 20‐year period. Family income was a significant predictor of vocabulary growth when considered separately, but ceased to be a predictor when language impairment status was taken into account. Maternal education and family separation were determinants of vocabulary at age 5, over and above language impairment status.

Conclusion:  Language impairment is a significant risk factor for vocabulary development from childhood to adulthood. Individuals with speech impairment were less impaired on receptive vocabulary than individuals with language impairment. Further investigation into maternal and familial risk factors may provide targets for early intervention with children at risk for language impairment.
Tomato strigolactones are derived from carotenoids and their biosynthesis is promoted by phosphate starvation
Authors: López‐Ráez Juan Antonio , Charnikhova Tatsiana , Gómez‐Roldán Victoria , Matusova Radoslava , Kohlen Wouter , De Vos Ric , Verstappen Francel , Puech‐Pages Virginie , Bécard Guillaume , Mulder Patrick , Bouwmeester Harro
Published: March 2008

DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2008.02463.xCommentary p 695
Consumer knowledge and its consequences: an international comparison
Authors: Guo Liang , Meng Xiangyu
Published: March 2008

By far the theories of consumer knowledge are mainly estimated in the western countries. It is important and necessary to assess theory generalizability and model equivalence across different culture contexts. This paper intends to gain a preliminary understanding of the relationship between two consumer knowledge components and four product‐related task performances, with a focus on the influences of two psycho‐linguistic differences in cognition. Based on the results of our empirically multi‐group comparison of Chinese and French wine consumers, we find that consumer knowledge is a multidimensional construct in both cultural contexts. It appears that psycho‐linguistic differences largely affect the consumption task performance. Consequently different consumer knowledge components play different roles in consumption tasks and lead wine consumers to employ dissimilar information processing strategies in various cultural contexts.
Intervention for children with language impairments: a model of evidence‐based outcome research
Authors: Parkinson Gillian , Humphrey Neil
Published: March 2008

Over the past 30 years successive governments in the UK have endeavoured to make the statutory framework suitable for children with special educational needs (SEN). More recently, efforts have been made to personalise children's learning, making educational experience more innovative and responsive to the diversity of needs in schools. A drive is emerging in health and education to develop and evaluate intervention strategies for children with language impairments (LIs), which is both methodologically challenging and rewarding. The current review demonstrates difficulties encountered with using evidence‐based (evidence‐related) outcome research involving children with LIs. Many studies have inherent methodological problems such as small sample sizes, ill‐matched groups and designs that are difficult to replicate or compare. Such approaches are unlikely to yield significant results, or if they do, it is difficult to devise clear guidance regarding choice of intervention strategies. In the light of these difficulties, theoretical, methodological and practical issues are discussed herein and a model is proposed to assist in enabling interventions to be identified, evaluated in a robust manner, and the results shared with educators. We suggest that the use of a process‐driven model ensures a more rigorous approach when undertaking large‐scale systematic, evidence‐based research into the effective approaches to teaching children not only with LIs but across the field of special needs education.
Social engagement, attention and competence of preschoolers with hearing loss
Authors: Brown P. Margaret , Bortoli Anna , Remine Maria D. , Othman Basyariatul
Published: March 2008

The social engagement, social attention skills and social competence of 10 hearing preschoolers and 10 preschoolers with hearing loss were investigated during free play in inclusive oral kindergarten settings using a three‐level hierarchical model. When comparing the types of opportunities, at the first level, the children with hearing loss created significantly fewer opportunities through visual regard and interaction. At the second level, for social attention skills, this group scored significantly higher on distractibility, and significantly lower on alert, sustained and focused attention. For the third level, social competence, no statistically significant differences were found between the two groups. Discriminant Function Analysis showed that the function that discriminated maximally between the two groups of participants was composed only of amount of interaction at Level 1. Children scoring highly on this function were also more likely to have the ability to focus their attention and manage divided attention, to be reciprocal, and to demonstrate mutuality and problem‐solving skills with peers.
Dyslexia in Greek higher education: a study of incidence, policy and provision
Authors: Stampoltzis Aglaia , Polychronopoulou Stavroula
Published: March 2008

Dyslexia is defined as a disability that primarily affects reading and writing. Internationally, the number of dyslexic students entering higher education is on the rise. It is estimated that students with dyslexia represent a small but significant minority. Many English‐speaking countries have developed support services and teaching practices to accommodate dyslexic students’ educational needs. In Greece, research on dyslexia is very limited. The purpose of this study is to define the incidence of dyslexia among the Greek student population and to examine dyslexic students’ age, gender and major field of study. Data were collected from a total of 406 departments at all Greek public institutions of higher education (n = 32). The existing practices for identifying and provisions for supporting dyslexic students were also examined. The incidence of dyslexia in Greek higher education was estimated to be 0.16%, which is far below the estimated incidence in the general population. Interesting results were yielded regarding the variability of higher education institutions’ responses to dyslexia. In almost all Greek institutions, provision takes place in the form of oral examinations and generic counseling. technological education institutions (TEIs) seem to be more aware of the educational needs of dyslexic students, possibly because they have three times more dyslexic students than higher education institutions (HEIs). All Greek universities deal with the needs of dyslexic students on an individual basis, making provision reactive rather than proactive. The results of the present study are discussed in the light of inclusive education and equality of opportunity for students who learn in a different way but do not differ from their counterparts in terms of intelligence or general abilities.
Metacognitive strategies applied during correcting text‐related answers of three students with hearing loss
Authors: Uzuner Yildiz
Published: March 2008

The purpose of this paper is to describe the metacognitive strategies applied during the controlling–correcting activities of three hearing‐impaired youths’ written answers to text‐related questions. The data have been derived from a pilot action research effort. The research journal, students’ portfolios, archival information, interviews, surveys and the videotaped data of this action research effort have been compiled based on the cyclical actions and analysed inductively. The metacognitive strategies the instructor applied seemed to create a supportive environment for the students to contribute to the activity, utilising some of their metacognitive strategies and skills. However, it is suggested that for their internalisation of those metacognitive strategies, they would need more practice and various experiences in meaningful learning environments.
Characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci for two species of phyllostomid bats from the Greater Antilles (Erophylla sezekorni and Macrotus waterhousii)
Authors: MURRAY KEVIN L. , FLEMING THEODORE H. , GAINES MICHAEL S. , WILLIAMS DEAN A.
Published: March 2008

We developed 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci for the buffy flower bat (Erophylla sezekorni) and 10 loci for Waterhouse's big‐eared bat (Macrotus waterhousii). In E. sezekorni, we tested 65 individuals from three islands, Cuba, Exuma, and Abaco. Mean number of alleles per locus was 10.7 (range 5–20). In M. waterhousii, we tested 39 individuals from one island, Exuma. Mean number of alleles per locus was 6.9 (range 4–13). We will use these markers to study the phylogeography and mating system of these species.
Longevity–fertility trade‐offs in the tephritid fruit fly,Anastrepha ludens, across dietary‐restriction gradients
Authors: Carey James R. , Harshman Lawrence G. , Liedo Pablo , Müller Hans‐Georg , Wang Jane‐Ling , Zhang Zhen
Published: March 2008

Although it is widely known that dietary restriction (DR) not only extends the longevity of a wide range of species but also reduces their reproductive output, the interrelationship of DR, longevity extension and reproduction is not well understood in any organism. Here we address the question: ‘Under what nutritional conditions do the longevity‐enhancing effects resulting from food restriction either counteract, complement or reinforce the mortality costs of reproduction? To answer this question we designed a fine‐grained DR study involving 4800 individuals of the tephritid fruit fly,Anastrepha ludens, in which we measured sex‐specific survival and daily reproduction in females in each of 20 different treatments (sugar : yeast ratios) plus 4 starvation controls. The database generated from this 3‐year study consisted of approximately 100 000 life‐days for each sex and 750 000 eggs distributed over the reproductive lives of 2400 females. The fertility and longevity‐extending responses were used to create contour maps (X‐Y grid) that show the demographic responses (Z‐axis) across dietary gradients that range from complete starvation to bothad libitumsugar‐only andad libitumstandard diet (3 : 1 sugar : yeast). The topographic perspectives reveal demographic equivalencies along nutritional gradients, differences in the graded responses of males and females, egg production costs that are sensitive to the interaction of food amounts and constituents, and orthogonal contours (equivalencies in longevity or reproduction) representing demographic thresholds related to both caloric content and sugar : yeast ratios. In general, the finding that lifespan and reproductive maxima occur at much different nutritional coordinates poses a major challenge for the use of food restriction (or a mimetic) in humans to improve health and extend longevity in humans.
How Do Proxy Responses and Proxy‐Assisted Responses Differ from What Medicare Beneficiaries Might Have Reported about Their Health Care?
Authors: Elliott Marc N. , Beckett Megan K. , Chong Kelly , Hambarsoomians Katrin , Hays Ron D.
Published: March 2008

Objective. Assess proxy respondent effects on health care evaluations by Medicare beneficiaries.

Data Source. 110,215 respondents from the nationally representative 2001 CAHPS® Medicare Fee‐for‐Service Survey.

Study Design/Data Collection/Extraction Methods. We compare the effects of both proxy respondents and proxy assistance (reading, writing, or translating) on 23 “objective” report items and four “subjective” global measures of health care experiences using propensity‐score‐weighted regression. We assess whether proxy effects differ among spouses, other relatives, or nonrelatives.

Principal Findings. Proxy respondents provide less positive evaluations of beneficiary health care experiences than otherwise similar self‐reporting beneficiaries for more subjective global ratings (average effect of 0.21 standard deviations); differences are smaller for relatively objective and specific report items. Proxy assistance differences are similar, but about half as large. Reports from spouse proxy respondents are more positive than those from other proxies and are similar to what would have been reported by the beneficiaries themselves. Standard regression techniques may overestimate proxy effects in this instance.

Conclusions. One should treat proxy responses to subjective ratings cautiously. Even seemingly innocuous reading, writing, and translation by proxies may influence answers. Spouses may be accurate proxies for the elderly in evaluations of health care.
Planning Riparian Restoration in the Context ofTamarixControl in Western North America
Authors: Shafroth Patrick B. , Beauchamp Vanessa B. , Briggs Mark K. , Lair Kenneth , Scott Michael L. , Sher Anna A.
Published: March 2008

Throughout the world, the condition of many riparian ecosystems has declined due to numerous factors, including encroachment of non‐native species. In the western United States, millions of dollars are spent annually to control invasions ofTamarixspp., introduced small trees or shrubs from Eurasia that have colonized bottomland ecosystems along many rivers. Resource managers seek to controlTamarixin attempts to meet various objectives, such as increasing water yield and improving wildlife habitat. Often, riparian restoration is an implicit goal, but there has been little emphasis on a process or principles to effectively plan restoration activities, and manyTamarixremoval projects are unsuccessful at restoring native vegetation. We propose and summarize the key steps in a planning process aimed at developing effective restoration projects inTamarix‐dominated areas. We discuss in greater detail the biotic and abiotic factors central to the evaluation of potential restoration sites and summarize information about plant communities likely to replaceTamarixunder various conditions. Although many projects begin with implementation, which includes the actual removal ofTamarix, we stress the importance of pre‐project planning that includes: (1) clearly identifying project goals; (2) developing realistic project objectives based on a detailed evaluation of site conditions; (3) prioritizing and selectingTamarixcontrol sites with the best chance of ecological recovery; and (4) developing a detailed tactical plan beforeTamarixis removed. After removal, monitoring and maintenance as part of an adaptive management approach are crucial for evaluating project success and determining the most effective methods for restoring these challenging sites.
Estimating the incidence of first unprovoked seizure and newly diagnosed epilepsy in the low‐income urban community of Northern Manhattan, New York City
Authors: Benn Emma K.T. , Hauser W. Allen , Shih Tina , Leary Linda , Bagiella Emilia , Dayan Peter , Green Robert , Andrews Howard , Thurman David J. , Hesdorffer Dale C.
Published: March 2008

Summary

Purpose: To estimate the incidence and mortality associated with first unprovoked seizure or newly diagnosed epilepsy in a low‐income, predominantly Hispanic community in Northern Manhattan, New York City.

Methods: We performed a population‐based study to determine the incidence of first unprovoked seizure or newly diagnosed epilepsy. Participants were Northern Manhattan residents seen at area hospitals and nursing homes between 2003 and 2005. Cumulative probability of mortality and standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were also calculated.

Results: Among 209 incident cases identified, 123 (58.9%) presented with an incident single unprovoked seizure. A total of 138 (66.0%) participants were Hispanic and 94 (45.0%) had a median household income under $15,000/year. The overall age and sex‐adjusted incidence of all unprovoked seizures was 41.1 (95%CI = 35.4–46.8) per 100,000 person‐years. Higher incidence was observed in low‐income groups. Incidence among Hispanics was similar to that of non‐Hispanic whites and non‐Hispanic blacks. The cumulative probability of mortality was 17% (95%CI = 12–24%) by 3 years after diagnosis and was significantly greater in females and in those with an identified etiology. SMRs were significantly increased for all groups with respect to age, Hispanic ethnicity, middle and high income, partial seizure type, and remote symptomatic etiology. Idiopathic/cryptogenic and progressive symptomatic etiologies, low income, gender, and non‐Hispanic ethnicity were not associated with a significantly increased SMR.

Conclusion: Incidence of first unprovoked seizure or newly diagnosed epilepsy did not differ by race‐ethnicity. Although lower income was associated with higher incidence, higher income was associated with an increased SMR. Future research should examine reasons for differential incidence by income.
Effects of chronic treatment with valproate and oxcarbazepine on ovarian folliculogenesis in rats
Authors: Cansu Ali , Giray Seren G. , Serdaroglu Ayse , Erdogan Deniz , Coskun Zafer K. , Korucuoglu Umit , Biri Aydan A.
Published: March 2008

Summary

Purpose: We aimed to define the morphologic effects of valproate (VPA) and oxcarbazepine (OXC) on ovarian folliculogenesis in rats.

Methods: Forty female wistar rats (21–24 days old and weighted between 46.4 and 55.3 g) were divided equally into 4 experimental groups, which were applied tap water (control group), 300 mg/kg/day VPA, 100 mg/kg/day OXC, and both VPA and OXC via gavage for 90 days. Ovaries of the rats on proestrous and diesterous phase of estrous cycle according to daily vaginal smear were taken out and placed in a fixation solution. Immunohistochemical and apoptosis (TUNEL) staining protocols were applied.

Results: The number of follicles decreased and that of corpora lutea increased significantly in OXC, VPA, and OXC+VPA treated groups compared with control group (p < 0.05). The number of TUNEL positive ovarian follicles was 1.40 ± 0.52 in control group, but it significantly increased to 3.50 ± 0.53, 3.50 ± 0.53, and 4.90 ± 0.88 in VPA, OXC, and VPA+OXC groups (p < 0.0001). The increase in the number of TUNEL positive granulosa cells was also significant for OXC and VPA+OXC groups (p < 0.0001). Immunohistochemical HSCORE decreased for TGFβ1 and IGF1 staining and increased for P53 staining in all drug groups compared with control group (p < 0.001). Intensity of P53 labeling increased, while intensity of TGFβ1, IGF‐1, and GDF‐9 immunoreactivity decreased significantly in all drug groups compared with control group (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Long‐term treatment with VPA or OXC from prepuberty to adulthood causes apoptosis and deterioration of folliculogenesis in rat ovarian follicles.
Ultrastructure of Enteromyxum leei (Diamant, Lom, & Dyková, 1994) (Myxozoa), an Enteric Parasite Infecting Gilthead Sea Bream (Sparus aurata) and Sharpsnout Sea Bream (Diplodus puntazzo)
Authors: CUADRADO MONTSE , MARQUES ADAM , DIAMANT ARIEL , SITJÀ‐BOBADILLA ARIADNA , PALENZUELA OSWALDO , ALVAREZ‐PELLITERO PILAR , PADRÓS FRANCESC , CRESPO SILVIA
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. The ultrastructure of the developmental stages of the myxozoan Enteromyxum leei parasitizing gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) intestine and sharpsnout sea bream (Diplodus puntazzo) intestine and gallbladder are described. The earliest stage observed was a small dense trophozoite located among enterocytes. Proliferative stages, observed intercellularly in the epithelium of the intestine and gallbladder as well as in the lumen, possessed the typical cell‐in‐cell configuration throughout their development. Secondary cells were seen undergoing division within a common vacuolar membrane that also encompassed pairs of tertiary cells. Cytochemical studies showed that primary cells stored mainly lipids whereas secondary cells stored abundant β‐glycogen granules. Sporogonic development resembled that described for other disporous myxozoans. Within sporogonic stages, nonsporogonic secondary cells were observed accompanying two developing spores. Mature spores had a binucleated sporoplasm in which glycogen stores were abundant and no sporoplasmosomes were found. Our observations are discussed in relation to our knowledge on other myxozoans of the genus Enteromyxum.
The mental health impact of terrorism in Israel: A repeat cross‐sectional study of Arabs and Jews
Authors: Gelkopf M. , Solomon Z. , Berger R. , Bleich A.
Published: March 2008

Objective:  Since September 2000 Israeli society has been subjected to numerous deadly terror attacks. Few studies have studied the comparative mental health vulnerability of minorities and majorities to continuous terror attacks.

Method:  Two telephone surveys (N = 512 and 501) on two distinct representative samples of the Israeli population after 19 months and after 44 months of terror. The Arab minority and Jewish majority were compared on measures of exposure to terrorism, posttraumatic stress symptomatology, feeling depressed, coping, sense of safety, future orientation, and previous traumatic experiences.

Results:  After 19 months of terrorist attacks Arab Israelis and Jewish Israelis reacted roughly similarly to the situation, however after 44 months of terror, posttraumatic symptom disorder in the Arab population increased three‐fold, posttraumatic symptomatology doubled and resiliency almost disappeared.

Conclusion:  We suggest that certain conditions inherent to political conflict situations may potentially put minorities at risk and may only be observable as terrorism‐related stressors become chronic.
Polymorphisms in the interleukin‐1 gene influence the stratum corneum interleukin‐1α concentration in uninvolved skin of patients with chronic irritant contact dermatitis
Authors: DeJongh Cindy M. , Khrenova Liubov , Kezic Sanja , Rustemeyer Thomas , Verberk Maarten M. , John Swen M.
Published: March 2008

Background:  Interleukin (IL)‐1α and its receptor antagonist IL‐1ra play a role in skin inflammation. Several polymorphisms in the IL1 gene cluster, coding for IL‐1α, IL‐1ra, and IL‐1β, influence their protein expression. Within this cluster, strong linkage disequilibrium has been shown.

Objective:  We studied the association between the polymorphisms IL1A‐889 (C→T) and IL1B‐31 (T→C) and the concentration of IL‐1α and IL‐1ra in the stratum corneum (SC).

Method:  In 124 patients with chronic irritant contact dermatitis, we genotyped the IL1A‐889 and IL1B‐31 polymorphisms and determined the amount of IL‐1α and IL‐1ra on tape strips obtained from uninvolved skin of the volar forearm.

Results:  The SC IL‐1α concentration was 23% and 47% lower in subjects with IL1A‐889 C/T genotype and T/T genotype, respectively, compared with wild‐type genotype. In subjects with IL1B‐31 C/C genotype, the IL‐1α concentration was 51% lower compared with C/T and T/T genotypes. The ratio IL‐1ra/IL‐1α increased twofold in IL1A‐889 C/T genotype and threefold in T/T genotype compared with wild type.

Conclusions:  We have shown a clear effect of IL1 genotype on protein expression in the SC. This altered expression may be responsible for the interindividual differences in the inflammatory response of the skin.
SOX9 expression is a general marker of basal cell carcinoma and adnexal‐related neoplasms
Authors: Vidal Valérie P.I. , Ortonne Nicolas , Schedl Andreas
Published: March 2008

Background:  SOX9 is a transcription factor that fulfills multiple functions during development. In the hair follicle SOX9 is expressed in the outer layer of the epithelial sheath, and the hair stem cell compartment. Recent data suggest that Sox9 acts as a downstream target of the Sonic hedgehog (Shh) pathway. Activation of the Shh pathway is a major cause of cutaneous basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Here we test whether activation of SOX9 is a general feature of BCC, or whether it could be used as a biomarker to better define subtypes of these skin tumors. In addition we investigated SOX9 expression in other skin epidermal tumors.

Methods:  Tumors sections were stained with hematoxylin & eosin (H&E). SOX9 activation was determined by immunofluorescence.

Results:  SOX9 activation was observed in all subtypes of BCC tested. Staining was heterogeneous and could be detected among the basaloid cells of the palisading cell layer as well as in the tumour nest. SOX9 expression was detected in all adnexal tumors analyzed and absent in Bowen’s disease and Merkel tumor.

Conclusions:  SOX9 expression is a general feature of BCC and adnexal skin neoplasms, suggesting a contribution of SOX9 to the pathogenesis of these tumors.
Lobular panniculitis at the site of glatiramer acetate injections for the treatment of relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis. A report of two cases
Authors: Ball Nigel J. , Cowan Bryce J. , Moore G. R. Wayne , Hashimoto Stanley A.
Published: March 2008

Lipoatrophy and localized panniculitis have been described as rare complications of daily subcutaneous glatiramer acetate injections for the treatment of relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). We describe the biopsies from two MS patients in a single neurologist’s practice who developed clinical lesions of lipoatrophy at the sites of subcutaneous glatiramer acetate injections. These biopsies showed a lobular panniculitis with lipoatrophy that more closely resembled lupus panniculitis than previous reports of localized panniculitis at glatiramer acetate injection sites. In one case, the area of clinical lipoatrophy continued to enlarge for 6 months after stopping glatiramer acetate therapy, before stabilizing at its current size for the last 8 months. Injection site reactions to glatiramer acetate should be considered in the differential diagnosis of biopsies that show a lupus panniculitis‐like appearance. Our observations indicate that glatiramer acetate induced panniculitis is common and may continue to progress after therapy has stopped. In this single neurologist’s practice, 64% of the patients receiving daily glatiramer acetate injections had clinical evidence of lipoatrophy or panniculitis. Of 100 consecutive patients receiving therapy for MS between February and November 2006, 14 patients were on glatiramer acetate, 9 of whom had clinical lipoatrophy.
Skin metastasis from typical carcinoid tumor of the lung
Authors: Santi Raffaella , Massi Daniela , Mazzoni Francesca , Antonuzzo Lorenzo , Comin Camilla E.
Published: March 2008

Carcinoids are neuroendocrine tumors that may arise within any organ, although they are more commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract and in the bronchopulmonary tract. They are generally characterized by an indolent clinical course but may in some instances metastatise to regional lymph nodes or to distant sites. We herein describe a rather infrequent case of a 60‐year‐old man with a skin metastasis from a typical carcinoid of the lung. We discuss the histopathological and immunohistochemical features in the context of previous literature and comment issues related to difficulties in the differential diagnosis. Dermatopathologists should be familiar with the metastatic carcinoid profile in order to avoid potential misdiagnoses and to properly address the patient management when the skin metastasis represents the first manifestation of an internal disease.
Collagenous spherulosis in an oral mucous cyst
Authors: Henry Cathy Renee , Nace Mindy , Helm Klaus F.
Published: March 2008

Collagenous spherulosis is a histological pattern that has been described in both benign and malignant salivary gland tumors, proliferative lesions of breast ductal epithelium, chondroid syringomas and schwannomas. Histologic structures of similar appearance have also been reported in oral extravasation mucoceles as questionable myxoglobulosis or myxoglobulosis‐like change. We report collagenous spherulosis within a mucocele removed from the lower lip of a 17‐year‐old female. Based upon histologic appearance, immunophenotypic data and review of the literature, we hypothesize that collagenous spherulosis and myxoglobulosis are morphologically related reaction patterns.
Diagnostic concordance among dermatopathologists using a three‐tiered keratinocytic intraepithelial neoplasia grading scheme
Authors: Ramos‐Ceballos Frances I. , Ounpraseuth Songthip T. , Horn Thomas D.
Published: March 2008

The distinction between actinic keratosis (AK) and squamous cell carcinoma in‐situ (SCCIS) is a subject of discussion among dermatopathologists. A previous study determined that there was excellent interobserver agreement among dermatopathologists using the current two‐tiered grading system. Presently, we assessed concordance among dermatopathologists using a three‐tiered keratinocytic intraepithelial neoplasia (KIN) diagnostic system. At the 2006 meeting of the American Society of Dermatopathology (ASDP), registration personnel solicited 125 registrants by randomly inserting an invitation into 125 registration packets. Participants reviewed 15 glass slides representing a spectrum of keratinocytic atypia from AK to SCCIS. Participants were asked to choose 1 or 2 but not 3 grades of KIN that best reflected the changes on each slide. Thirty‐two of the 125 solicited enrollees participated in the study. There were 16 volunteers for a total of 48 participants. The inter‐observer agreement for all participants was 0.575 (moderate agreement). The overall inter‐observer agreement for anatomic pathologist‐dermatopathologists (AP‐DP), dermatopathologist‐dermatologists (DP‐D) and anatomic pathologist‐dermatologist‐dermatopathologists (AP‐DP‐D) was 0.665, 0.609 and 0.670 (substantial agreement), respectively. There is high concordance among dermatopathologists using a three‐tiered diagnostic system for KIN. The observed agreement suggests that dermatopathologists are reliably able to categorize the continuum of keratinocytic atypia in a manner that may have diagnostic relevance.
GMS is superior to PAS for diagnosis of onychomycosis
Authors: D’Hue Zandra , Perkins Susan M. , Billings Steven D.
Published: March 2008

Background:  Onychomycosis is a common cause of deformed nails. Periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS) stains are more sensitive than fungal cultures for diagnosing onychomycosis. We performed a retrospective study comparing the use of PAS and Gomori methenamine silver (GMS) stains for histopathologic diagnosis of onychomycosis.

Methods:  GMS stains were performed on 20 PAS‐positive and 51 PAS‐negative cases from nail biopsies with a clinical diagnosis of onychomycosis. The PAS stained slides and GMS stained slides were evaluated for the presence of fungal hyphae. The results were analyzed with McNemar’s test.

Results:  All 20 PAS‐positive cases were also positive with GMS stains. Of the 51 PAS‐negative cases, GMS stains detected an additional five cases with fungal hyphae. GMS stains were quantitatively superior (p < 0.0253). GMS stains were also qualitatively superior. More fungal hyphae were highlighted and fungal hyphae were more easily recognized on low or medium power magnification.

Conclusions:  GMS stains are superior to PAS stains for the routine diagnosis of onychomycosis.
CD34‐positive dendritic cells disappear from scars but are increased in pericicatricial tissue
Authors: Erdag Gulsun , Qureshi Hina S. , Patterson James W. , Wick Mark R.
Published: March 2008

Abstract:  CD34‐positive stromal cells (CD34SC) are distributed throughout the body, including the dermis. They are thought to play a role in maturation and proliferation of adjacent mesenchymal and epithelial stem cells and in immune responses. To investigate the role of such cells in wound healing after excision of cutaneous lesions, we examined the distribution and quantity of CD34SC in scars from the sites of removal of malignant skin tumors and from reconstructive surgery, as well as in samples of normal skin. In normal skin, CD34 staining was confined to dendritic cells in the dermis, endothelial cells, perifollicular cells and eccrine glands. In cutaneous scars, the cicatricial tissue was totally devoid of CD34SC. However, the dermis adjacent to scar showed increased numbers of CD34SC as compared with normal skin [41.5 cells/mm2 vs. 24.5 cells/mm2 (p < 0.001)]. We conclude that CD34SC disappears from scars but are induced to proliferate in pericicatricial tissue. The cells in question may play a role in remodeling of scarred skin. One should be aware that augmented labeling for CD34SC around scars is common; it should not be interpreted as evidence for the persistence or recurrence of tumors that may also express CD34.
Discordance in the histopathologic diagnosis of difficult melanocytic neoplasms in the clinical setting
Authors: Lodha Saurabh , Saggar Sarika , Celebi Julide T. , Silvers David N.
Published: March 2008

Background:  The gold standard for diagnosing melanocytic neoplasms is by histopathologic examination. However, lack of agreement among expert dermatopathologists in evaluating these tumors has been well established in experimental settings.

Objective:  This study examines the discordance among dermatopathologists in evaluating difficult melanocytic neoplasms in a clinical setting where the diagnosis impacts patient management.

Methods:  Retrospective review of consultation reports over a 6‐year period.

Results:  There was complete agreement among the consultants in 54.5% of the cases. However, a high level of disagreement was found in 25% of the cases.

Limitations:  The analysis was limited to two consultant dermatopathologists.

Conclusions:  There are limitations to the practical applications of histologic criteria for diagnosing difficult melanocytic tumors. It is not malpractice for a pathologist to have rendered a diagnosis that did not predict clinical outcome as long as ‘standard of care’ has been followed in his/her evaluation of the specimen.
Serum concentrations of DKK‐1 correlate with the extent of bone disease in patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Kaiser Martin , Mieth Maren , Liebisch Peter , Oberländer Romy , Rademacher Jessica , Jakob Christian , Kleeberg Lorenz , Fleissner Claudia , Braendle Edgar , Peters Malte , Stover David , Sezer Orhan , Heider Ulrike
Published: March 2008

Objectives:  Lytic bone disease is a hallmark of multiple myeloma (MM) and is caused by osteoclast activation and osteoblast inhibition. Secretion of Dickkopf (DKK)‐1 by myeloma cells is a major factor which causes inhibition of osteoblast precursors. So far, there is no study showing a significant difference in serum DKK‐1 levels in MM patients with or without lytic bone lesions.

Methods:  DKK‐1 serum levels were quantified in 184 untreated MM patients and 33 monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) patients by ELISA, using a monoclonal anti‐DKK‐1 antibody.

Results:  Serum DKK‐1 was elevated in MM as compared with MGUS (mean 11 963 pg/mL vs. 1993 pg/mL; P < 0.05). Serum DKK‐1 levels significantly correlated with myeloma stage according to Durie and Salmon (mean 2223 pg/mL vs. 15 209 pg/mL in stage I and II/III, respectively; P = 0.005). Importantly, myeloma patients without lytic lesions in conventional radiography had significantly lower DKK‐1 levels than patients with lytic bone disease (mean 3114 pg/mL vs. 17 915 pg/mL; P = 0.003). Of interest, serum DKK‐1 correlated with the number of bone lesions (0 vs. 1–3 vs. >3 lesions: 3114 pg/mL vs. 3559 pg/mL vs. 24 068 pg/mL; P = 0.002).

Conclusion:  Using a large series of myeloma patients, we could show for the first time a correlation between DKK‐1 serum concentration and the amount of lytic bone disease, indicating that DKK‐1 is an important factor for the extent of bone disease and supporting the hypothesis of DKK‐1 as a therapeutic target in myeloma bone disease.
Prolymphocytic leukaemia of B‐ and T‐cell subtype: a state‐of‐the‐art paper
Authors: Dungarwalla M. , Matutes E. , Dearden C. E.
Published: March 2008

Prolymphocytic leukaemias of B and T cell subtype are rare diseases. Despite recent advances in immunophenotyping and molecular cytogenetics, leading to a better understanding of the underlying cell biology of the prolymphocytic leukaemias, prognosis for these patients remains poor. Purine analogues and monoclonal antibodies have shown efficacy in B‐cell prolymphocytic leukaemia although further studies are warranted. Monoclonal antibody therapy with alemtuzumab has significantly improved outcome in T‐cell prolymphocytic leukaemia (T‐PLL) but responses are still transient and further disease progression is inevitable. While allogeneic stem cell transplant is an attractive option, due to the older age group of T‐PLL patients the morbidity and mortality associated with the procedure is significant.
Identification of Trafficking Determinants for Polytopic Rhomboid Proteases in Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Sheiner Lilach , Dowse Timothy J. , Soldati‐Favre Dominique
Published: March 2008

Rhomboids (ROMs) constitute a family of polytopic serine proteases conserved throughout evolution. The obligate intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii possesses six genes coding for ROM‐like proteases that are targeted to distinct subcellular compartments: TgROM1 localizes to regulated secretory organelles, micronemes, TgROM2 is present in the Golgi, while TgROM4 and TgROM5 are found in the pellicle of the parasite. The targeting mechanism/s of ROM proteins is an aspect that has not yet been assessed. The existence of TgROM family members localized to different subcellular compartments provides a convenient system to study their sorting mechanisms in a genetically tractable organism that possesses an elaborate secretory pathway and conserved trafficking machineries. In this study, we experimentally established the topology of TgROM1 and TgROM4 at the plasma membrane and applied domain‐exchange and site‐directed mutagenesis approaches to identify critical sorting determinants on the N‐terminal cytosolic domains of TgROM2 and TgROM1 that confer their Golgi and post‐Golgi localizations, respectively.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Interleukin 6 –174 G/C Promoter Polymorphism and Pregnancy Complications: Results of a Prospective Cohort Study in 1626 Pregnant Women
Authors: Stonek Felix , Metzenbauer Martin , Hafner Erich , Philipp Karl , Tempfer Clemens
Published: March 2008

Problem  To investigate the frequency of the interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) −174 G/C single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in women with intrauterine fetal death (IUFD), pre‐eclampsia (PE), preterm delivery (PD), and small for gestational age (SGA) infants.

Method of study In a prospective cohort study, DNA from 1626 consecutive pregnant women was analyzed for IL‐6 −174 G/C. Women who developed at least one of the predefined pregnancy complications were used as cases and compared with women without pregnancy complications.

Results Of 1626 women, 259 (15.9%) developed at least one pregnancy complication. IL‐6 −174 G/C allele frequencies and genotype distributions were not significantly different between cases and controls. Similarly, no statistically significant difference in IL‐6 −174 G/C genotype distribution in women with IUFD, PE, PD <34 weeks, PD >34 weeks and SGA infants <10th percentile was observed.

Conclusion IL‐6 −174 G/C is not a genetic marker for identifying women at increased risk of common pregnancy complications.
REVIEW ARTICLE: Immunological Factors in Pregnancy Wastage: Fact or Fiction
Authors: Clark David A.
Published: March 2008

Whether maternal immune effector mechanisms with the exception of anti‐phospholipid antibodies cause pregnancy loss, and whether effective treatment is possible are subjects of controversy. Hence, in this study the current literature was searched and critically reviewed. In both animals and humans, similar immune effector mechanisms are linked to pregnancy failure. Several levels of evidence indicate that treatments such as aspirin + heparin, intravenous immunoglobulins, corticosteroids, and transfer of allogeneic blood cells bearing paternal antigens may improve the live birth rate. Combination therapy appears promising, but better diagnosis of subgroups responsive to specific therapies is critical. There are fallacies and flaws in the logic of previous arguments against immunological mechanisms and therapeutic interventions. In order to select patients most likely to benefit from known treatments, more extensive immunological testing is required. It is also important to determine the karyotype of all failing embryos.
Oral diseases associated with hepatitis C virus infection. Part 2: lichen planus and other diseases
Authors: Carrozzo M
Published: March 2008

Some of the most frequent extrahepatic manifestations of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection involve the oral region predominantly or exclusively. Part 2 of this review discusses the current evidences regarding the association of lichen planus (LP) and other diseases frequently involving the oral cavity with HCV. Epidemiological data suggest that LP may be significantly associated with HCV infections especially in southern Europe and Japan but not in northern Europe. These geographical differences are possibly influenced by immunogenetic factors, the duration of the HCV infection and the design of the published studies. Because of the fact that most of the studies published are retrospective, it is impossible to establish whether the HCV exposure occurred earlier to or after the onset of disease and more prospective studies are clearly warranted. As the virus may replicate in the skin and oral mucosa and HCV‐specific T lymphocytes can be found in the oral mucosa of patients with chronic hepatitis C and LP, HCV may be implicated in the pathogenesis of LP. However, little attention has been paid to the variable effect of therapy with interferon‐alpha (IFN‐α), with or without ribavirin for LP. Conversely, it is unlikely that other oral diseases such as oral carcinoma, pemphigus and Behcet disease are triggered by HCV.
The T-test Tool
Authors: Senn Stephen
Published: March 2008

Stephen Senn describes the t-test, whose centenary he has celebrated in the previous article.
Calcium‐independent phospholipase A2 mediates proliferation of human promonocytic U937 cells
Authors: Balboa María A. , Pérez Rebeca , Balsinde Jesús
Published: March 2008

We have investigated the possible involvement of two intracellular phospholipases A2, namely group VIA calcium‐independent phospholipase A2 (iPLA2‐VIA) and group IVA cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2α), in the regulation of human promonocytic U937 cell proliferation. Inhibition of iPLA2‐VIA activity by either pharmacological inhibitors such as bromoenol lactone or methyl arachidonyl fluorophosphonate or using specific antisense technology strongly blunted U937 cell proliferation. In contrast, inhibition of cPLA2α had no significant effect on U937 proliferation. Evaluation of iPLA2‐VIA activity in cell cycle‐synchronized cells revealed highest activity at G2/M and late S phases, and lowest at G1. Phosphatidylcholine levels showed the opposite trend, peaking at G1 and lowest at G2/M and late S phase. Reduction of U937 cell proliferation by inhibition of iPLA2‐VIA activity was associated with arrest in G2/M and S phases. The iPLA2‐VIA effects were found to be independent of the generation of free arachidonic acid or one of its oxygenated metabolites, and may work through regulation of the cellular level of phosphatidylcholine, a structural lipid that is required for cell growth/membrane expansion.
Using the Attribute Hierarchy Method to Identify and Interpret Cognitive Skills that Produce Group Differences
Authors: Gierl Mark J. , Zheng Yinggan , Cui Ying
Published: March 2008

The purpose of this study is to describe how the attribute hierarchy method (AHM) can be used to evaluate differential group performance at the cognitive attribute level. The AHM is a psychometric method for classifying examinees' test item responses into a set of attribute‐mastery patterns associated with different components in a cognitive model of task performance. Attribute probabilities, computed using a neural network, can be estimated on each attribute for each examinee thereby providing specific information about the examinee's attribute‐mastery level. These probabilities can also be compared across groups. We describe a four‐step procedure for estimating and interpreting group differences using the AHM. We also provide an example using student response data from a sample of algebra items on the SAT to illustrate our pattern recognition approach for studying group differences.