bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early age reproduction in female savanna elephants (Loxodonta africana) after severe poaching
Authors: Owens M. J. , Owens D. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractA 10‐year study revealed that after severe poaching (>93% killed) of elephants (Loxodonta africana) in Zambia’s North Luangwa National Park (NLNP) during the 1970s and 1980s, the age of reproduction in females was greatly reduced. Fifty‐eight per cent of births were delivered by females aged 8.5–14 years, an age at which elephants were reported to be sexually immature in nearby South Luangwa National Park (SLNP) before poaching. The mean age of females at first birth (AFB) (1993, 1994) was 11.3 years. Prior to poaching, the mean age AFB in SLNP was 16 years. The NLNP age structure and sex ratio were skewed, mean family unit size was reduced, and 37% of family units contained no females older than 15 years. Twenty‐eight per cent of family units were comprised entirely of a single mother and her calf, and 8% of units consisted only of orphans who would have been considered sexually immature prior to poaching. Only 6% of survivors were older than 20 years, the age at which females in little‐poached populations generally become most reproductively active. After a community‐based conservation programme and the UN‐CITES ban on the ivory trade were introduced, no elephants were recorded killed. In spite of a high reproductive rate, 6 years after poaching decreased, the density of the NLNP population had not increased, supporting predictions that the removal of older matriarchs from family units will have serious consequences on the recovery of this species.
Elephants caught in the middle: impacts of war, fences and people on elephant distribution and abundance in the Caprivi Strip, Namibia
Authors: Chase Michael J. , Griffin Curtice R. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractWe conducted wet [26 March–4 April 2003 (Apr03)] and dry [1–8 November 2005 (Nov05)] season aerial surveys of African elephants (Loxodonta africanaBlumenbach) in the Caprivi Strip, Namibia to provide an updated status report on elephant numbers and distribution and assist with a historical analysis of elephant distribution and abundance in the Caprivi Strip. During the wet season when water was available in seasonal pans, elephants were widely distributed throughout the survey area. In contrast, during the dry season, a majority of elephant herds occurred within 30 km of the perennial Kwando, Linyanti and Okavango rivers and few herds occurred within the West Caprivi Game Reserve where water in the seasonal pans was limited. We estimated 5318 elephants for the 7731‐km2survey area (0.71 elephants km−2) for the Apr03 wet season survey and 6474 elephants for the 8597‐km2survey area (0.75 elephants km−2) for the Nov05 dry season survey. Based on our aerial surveys and reports of elephant numbers and distribution from historical aerial surveys and telemetry studies, civil war, veterinary fences and human activities appear to have effected changes in African elephant abundance, distribution and movements in the Caprivi Strip, Namibia since 1988 when the first comprehensive aerial surveys were conducted.
Elephant distribution around a volcanic shield dominated by a mosaic of forest and savanna (Marsabit, Kenya)
Authors: Ngene Shadrack M. , Skidmore Andrew K. , Van Gils Hein , Douglas‐Hamilton Iain , Omondi Patrick 
Published: June 2009

AbstractWe investigated the factors that influenced the distribution of the African elephant around a volcanic shield dominated by a mosaic of forest and savanna in northern Kenya. Data on elephant distribution were acquired from four female and five bull elephants, collared with satellite‐linked geographical positioning system collars. Based on the eigenvalues (variances) of the correlation matrix, the six factors that contributed significantly to high total variances were distance from drinking water (24%), elevation (15%), shrubland (10%), forest (9%), distance from settlements (8%) and distance from minor roads (7%), contributing to 73% in the observed variation of the elephant distribution. The elephants were found at high forested elevations during the dry season but they moved to the lowlands characterized by shrubland during the wet season. Elevation acts as a proxy for the vegetation structure. The presence of elephants near permanent water points (13%) and seasonal rivers (11%) during the dry and wet seasons, respectively, demonstrates that water is the most important determinant of their distribution throughout the year. We conclude that the distribution of elephants in Marsabit Protected Area and its adjacent areas is influenced mainly by drinking water and vegetation structure.
Beehive fence deters crop‐raiding elephants
Authors: King Lucy E. , Lawrence Anna , Douglas‐Hamilton Iain , Vollrath Fritz 
Published: June 2009

AbstractPrevious work has shown that African elephantsLoxodonta africanawill avoid African honeybeesApis mellifera scutellata. Here we present results from a pilot study conducted to evaluate the concept of using beehives to mitigate elephant crop depredation. In Laikipia, Kenya, we deployed a 90‐m fence‐line of nine inter‐connected hives, all empty, on two exposed sides of a square two‐acre farm that was experiencing high levels of elephant crop depredation. Compared with a nearby control farm of similar status and size, our experimental farm experienced fewer raids and consequently had higher productivity. Socioeconomic indicators suggest that not only was the concept of a beehive fence popular and desired by the community but also that it can pay for its construction costs through the sale of honey and bee products. We are calling for experiments testing this concept of a ‘guardian beehive‐fence’ to be conducted rigorously and scientifically in as wide a range of agricultural settings as possible to evaluate jointly its effectiveness and efficiency.
L‐type amino acid transporter 1 expression is a prognostic marker in patients with surgically resected stage I non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Imai Hisao , Kaira Kyoichi , Oriuchi Noboru , Yanagitani Noriko , Sunaga Noriaki , Ishizuka Tamotsu , Kanai Yoshikatsu , Endou Hitoshi , Nakajima Takashi , Mori Masatomo 
Published: June 2009

Aim:  To evaluate the prognostic value of L‐type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) in patients with stage I non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Methods and results:  A total of 282 consecutive patients with completely resected pathological stage I NSCLC were retrospectively reviewed. Expression of LAT1 and proliferative activity, as determined by the Ki67 labelling index, were also evaluated immunohistochemically and correlated with the prognosis of patients after complete resection of the tumour. LAT1 expression was positive in 114 patients (40%) [19% of adenocarcinoma (36 of 186 patients), 83% of squamous cell carcinoma (73 of 88 patients) and 63% of large cell carcinoma (five of eight patients)]. There was a significant correlation between LAT1 expression and Ki67 labelling index (γ = 0.6935, P < 0.001). LAT1 expression was significantly associated with gender, disease stage and pathological features. The 5‐year survival rate of LAT1+ patients (69.1%) was significantly worse than that of LAT1− patients (89.4%; P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis confirmed that positive expression of LAT1 was an independent factor for predicting a poor prognosis.Conclusion:  LAT1 expression is a promising pathological factor for predicting the prognosis in patients with resectable stage I NSCLC.
The matrix metalloproteinase/tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase profile in colorectal polyp cancers
Authors: Jeffery Natalie , McLean Mairi H , El‐Omar Emad M , Murray Graeme I 
Published: June 2009

Aims:  The matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) system has a major role in tumour invasion and metastasis. Roles in pathways involved in early tumour development are also being identified for this system, and the aim of this study was to define the expression profile of the major MMPs and TIMPs in colorectal polyp cancers.Methods and results:  The expression and cellular localization of individual MMPs and TIMPs was determined in colorectal polyp cancers by immunohistochemistry. All the MMPs and TIMPs showed immunoreactivity in carcinomatous epithelium. MMP1 (P < 0.001), MMP2 (P = 0.003), MMP3 (P = 0.004), TIMP1 (P = 0.01) and TIMP2 (P < 0.001) showed significant increases in immunoreactivity in carcinomatous epithelium compared with adenomatous epithelium. MMP7 showed immunoreactivity in carcinomatous epithelium, but showed no immunoreactivity in either normal epithelium or adenomatous epithelium. MMP and TIMP expression was limited in normal epithelium to MMP1, MMP2 and TIMP3.Conclusions:  This study defines the expression profile of MMPs and TIMPs in colorectal polyp cancers and shows that the increased expression of MMPs and TIMPs occurs at an early stage of colorectal neoplasia. It provides evidence to support the hypothesis that these molecules have a key involvement in the early stages of tumour development.
Spectrum of fungal rhinosinusitis; histopathologist’s perspective
Authors: Das Ashim , Bal Amanjit , Chakrabarti Arunaloke , Panda Naresh , Joshi Kusum 
Published: June 2009

Aims: Clinical presentation can provide a clue to the subcategories of fungal rhinosinusitis (FRS); however, tissue examination provides accurate classification. The aim was to analyse the incidence and histopathological spectrum of FRS.Methods and results: A retrospective analysis of all the cases of rhinosinusitis reported in the last 5 years was carried out. Haematoxylin and eosin‐stained sections along with special stains such as periodic acid–Schiff and Grocott’s were examined. These cases were subclassified based on the presence of allergic mucin, mycelial elements and tissue reaction. Out of a total of 665 cases of rhinosinusitis, 284 (42.7%) were of FRS. On histopathological examination they were broadly categorized as: (i) non‐invasive FRS (n = 171, 60.2%), which included 160 cases (56.3%) of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) and eleven (3.9%) of fungal ball; (ii) invasive FRS (n = 101, 35.6%), which included 48 cases (16.9%) of chronic invasive granulomatous FRS, four (1.4%) of chronic invasive FRS and 49 (17.3%) of acute fulminant FRS; and (iii) mixed pattern FRS, comprising 12 cases (4.25%).Conclusions: AFRS is the most common type of FRS. Cases with mixed reaction pattern suggest that different types of FRS represent a progressive spectrum of disease. An exact histopathological categorization of FRS is important as regards treatment.
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: clinical, pathological, and genetic (COL1A1‐PDGFB ) study with therapeutic implications
Authors: Llombart Beatriz , Sanmartín Onofre , López‐Guerrero Jose Antonio , Monteagudo Carlos , Serra Carlos , Requena Celia , Poveda Andrés , Vistós Juan Luis , Almenar Sergio , Llombart‐Bosch Antonio , Guillén Carlos 
Published: June 2009

Aims: To analyse the presence of collagen type I alpha 1–platelet‐derived growth factor beta (COL1A1–PDGFB) transcripts in 20 cases of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) and to assess the relationship between COL1A1 breakpoints and clinical and histopathological variables.Methods and results: Multiplex reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction was carried out using frozen tissue. Our series contained 14 men and six women. Histologically, most cases were of conventional type (n = 9), followed by fibrosarcoma (n = 4), Bednar tumour (n = 2), sclerosing (n = 2), myoid (n = 1) and atrophic (n = 1) DFSP, and giant cell fibroblastoma (n = 1). Immunohistochemistry revealed CD34 expression in 90% of cases. COL1A1–PDGFB fusion transcripts were present in 89% of cases (exons 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 31, 33/34, 39, 40, 46, 47 and 48 of COL1A1 with exon 2 of PDGFB). There was no recurrence of DFSP in any of the 19 patients treated by Mohs surgery. A partial response was obtained in the two patients treated with imatinib.Conclusions: The COL1A1–PDGFB fusion was present in all histological subtypes of DFSP, but not all cases expressed the fusion transcript. No association was observed between different COL1A1 breakpoints and clinicopathological parameters. Imatinib mesylate can be useful in locally advanced tumours and metastases.
Expression of the interferon‐inducible proteins MxA and IFI16 in liver allografts
Authors: Borgogna Cinzia , Toniutto Pierluigi , Smirne Carlo , Azzimonti Barbara , Rittà Massimo , Avellini Claudio , Fabris Carlo , Landolfo Santo , Gariglio Marisa , Pirisi Mario 
Published: June 2009

Aims: To test the hypothesis that the activation of the interferon (IFN) system pathways might link hepatitis C virus (HCV) recurrence in the liver allograft with acute cellular rejection.Methods and results: In this retrospective study, allograft biopsy specimens from 28 adult patients (14 HCV+ and 14 HCV−) who had undergone their first liver transplantation were analysed. Eleven biopsy specimens showed acute cellular rejection (Banff rejection activity index score ≥3). Specimens were immunostained for two IFN‐inducible proteins, MxA and IFI16, and for CD45. The predominant MxA reactivity pattern was hepatocytic, whereas IFI16 was expressed in both the hepatocellular and inflammatory compartments. Moderate to strong MxA expression in hepatocytes was associated positively with rejection score (P < 0.01), donor’s age ≤45 years (P < 0.05) and aspartate aminotransferase levels >40 U/l on the day of biopsy (P < 0.05), and inversely with infiltration of portal triads by IFI16+/CD45+ cells (P < 0.005) and time to progression beyond Ishak stage 2 of recurrent hepatitis C (P < 0.01). On multivariate analysis, MxA expression in hepatocytes was independently associated with allograft rejection and donor’s age.Conclusions: Acute allograft rejection and recurrence of HCV infection in the liver allograft appear to intersect in the IFN system pathways.
Metastatic melanoma volume in sentinel nodes: objective stereology‐based measurement predicts disease recurrence and survival
Authors: Riber‐Hansen Rikke , Nyengaard Jens R , Hamilton‐Dutoit Stephen J , Sjoegren Pia , Steiniche Torben 
Published: June 2009

Aims:  Sentinel lymph node (SLN) status is the most important prognostic factor in intermediate thickness melanoma. The amount of metastatic disease in positive SLNs varies greatly between patients, and this tumour burden appears to influence the prognosis of node‐positive patients. The aim was to use objective stereological techniques to correlate accurately total SLN tumour burden with recurrence and patient survival.Methods and results:  SLNs from 327 patients were examined by complete step sectioning and immunohistochemistry. The total metastasis volume (TMV) of 156 positive SLNs from 99 patients (30.3%) was measured using stereological methods based on the 2D‐nucleator and Cavalieri’s principle. The maximum metastasis diameter was also measured. These two measurements were correlated with disease recurrence and patient survival. The mean TMV for SLN+ patients was 10.5 mm3 (median 0.05 mm3; range 0.0001–623.7 mm3). Median follow‐up was 26.3 months. On multivariate analysis, TMV was an independent predictor of recurrence when corrected for primary tumour thickness (P = 0.001) and was a stronger prognosticator compared with the maximum metastasis diameter (P < 0.0001 versus P = 0.01).Conclusions:  Combining total step sectioning of SLNs with stereological assessment of metastases, we found metastasis volume to be a highly significant predictor of disease recurrence and survival.
Twenty‐three neutrophil granulocytes in 10 high‐power fields is the best histopathological threshold to differentiate between aseptic and septic endoprosthesis loosening
Authors: Morawietz Lars , Tiddens Obbe , Mueller Michael , Tohtz Stephan , Gansukh Tserenchunt , Schroeder Joerg H , Perka Carsten , Krenn Veit 
Published: June 2009

Aims: The histopathological diagnosis of infection in periprosthetic tissue from loose total joint endoprosthesis has been the subject of controversy. The aim was to define a histological criterion that would best differentiate between aseptic and septic endoprosthesis loosening.Methods and results: Neutrophilic granulocytes (NG) were enumerated histopathologically in 147 periprosthetic membranes obtained from aseptic and septic revision surgery, using periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) stains and CD15 immunohistochemistry. Cell numbers were correlated with the results of microbiological culture and the clinical diagnoses. Using receiver–operating characteristics, an optimized threshold was found at 23 NG in 10 high‐power fields (HPF). Using this threshold, histopathological examination had a sensitivity of 73% and specificity of 95% when compared with microbiological diagnosis (area under the curve 0.881), and a sensitivity of 77% and specificity of 97% when compared with clinical diagnosis (area under the curve 0.891).Conclusions: We therefore recommend a counting algorithm with a threshold of ≥23 NG in 10 HPF (visual field diameter 0.625 mm) for the histopathological diagnosis of septic endoprosthesis loosening. If the enumeration of NG is difficult in conventional haematoxylin and eosin‐stained slides, CD15 immunohistochemistry should be performed, whereas the PAS stain has not proven to be helpful .
Autoimmune pancreatitis‐related cholecystitis: a morphologically and immunologically distinctive form of lymphoplasmacytic sclerosing cholecystitis
Authors: Wang Wei‐Lia , Farris Alton B , Lauwers Gregory Y , Deshpande Vikram 
Published: June 2009

Aims: Gallbladder involvement in autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is reported to be histologically similar to that seen in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and biliary obstruction secondary to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The aim was to identify unique morphological and immunological features that could help distinguish gallbladders of AIP from those associated with PSC and PDACs.Methods and results: Archival gallbladders from well‐characterized individuals with AIP (n = 22), PSC (n = 13) and PDAC (n = 23) were examined. Quantitative immunohistochemical analysis for IgG and IgG4 plasma cells was performed and an IgG4/IgG ratio was derived. Dense extramural infiltrates were almost exclusively seen in AIP cases (41%), but seen in only 4% of PDAC‐associated cases and 0% of PSC cases (P = 0.001). Phlebitis was more frequently noted in AIP cases (41%) (P = 0.03). Inflammatory nodules were almost exclusively seen in AIP (27%) (P = 0.04). AIP gallbladders showed higher IgG4/IgG ratios (P = 0.0001) than PDAC‐associated and PSC gallbladders.Conclusions: The findings support our hypothesis that gallbladder involvement in AIP is a primary manifestation of this disease and not a secondary phenomenon related to biliary obstruction. In conjunction with imaging and serology, examination of the gallbladder could provide collaborative evidence of AIP. Evaluation of the gallbladder could also distinguish PSC from AIP‐related cholangitis.
Routinely diagnosed low‐grade dysplasia in Barrett’s oesophagus: a population‐based study of natural history
Authors: Gatenby Piers , Ramus James , Caygill Christine , Shepherd Neil , Winslet Marc , Watson Anthony 
Published: June 2009

Aims:  To examine the natural history of columnar‐lined oesophagus with routinely diagnosed low‐grade dysplasia and ascertain the risk of oesophageal adenocarcinoma development.Methods and results:  A multicentre retrospective cohort study of 283 patients with low‐grade dysplasia. Follow‐up data were obtained from examination of hospital records. One hundred and forty‐four patients had biopsies prior to low‐grade dysplasia diagnosis and 217 had follow‐up biopsies after index low‐grade dysplasia diagnosis. In these patients the incidence of high‐grade dysplasia and adenocarcinoma combined was 4.6% per annum and of adenocarcinoma alone was 2.7% per annum. At most recent follow‐up, 43 (19.8%) had persistent low‐grade dysplasia, 37 (17.1%) had changes indefinite for dysplasia and 108 (49.8%) had non‐dysplastic columnar‐lined oesophagus. When prevalent cases were excluded (those occurring within 1 year of index low‐grade dysplasia diagnosis), the annual incidence of high‐grade dysplasia and adenocarcinoma combined was 2.2% and of adenocarcinoma alone was 1.4%. The relative risk for adenocarcinoma development in low‐grade dysplasia compared with non‐dysplastic columnar‐lined oesophagus was 2.871 (P = 0.002).Conclusions:  Low‐grade dysplasia has a threefold increased risk of progression to cancer compared with non‐dysplastic epithelium, but in the majority of patients dysplasia is not subsequently detected.
The experience of uncertainty among patients having peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Madar Hadassa , Bar‐Tal Yoram 
Published: June 2009

AbstractTitle.  The experience of uncertainty among patients having peritoneal dialysis. Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to examine factors (severity and duration of the disease, credible authority, social support, education) that may influence the level of uncertainty and stress in patients having peritoneal dialysis.Background.  Although home peritoneal dialysis improves the patient’s quality of life, it has both physiological and psychosocial disadvantages. These disadvantages, along with the experience of chronic disease (end‐stage renal disease), create strong feelings of stress and uncertainty. Few studies have examined the correlation between the peritoneal dialysis experience and this level of uncertainty.Method.  The sample comprised 71 patients having peritoneal dialysis. Their average age was 57 years (SD = 12·8), average number of years of education was 11·9 (SD = 3·25), and average time on peritoneal dialysis was 30·6 months (SD = 12·8). Data were collected from February to June 2004; the subjects answered a questionnaire comprising medical data, perception of the nurse and/or physician as epistemic authority, satisfaction with social support, level of uncertainty regarding the disease, its treatment and outcomes, and level of stress.Findings.  Only patients’ self‐rated health and level of education, and doctors’ epistemic authority contributed statistically significantly to explaining patients’ uncertainty. Level of education was found to affect both uncertainty and stress. The factors that most influenced patients’ uncertainty were related to their ability to process information. Familiarity with their disease was less influential.Conclusion.  Peritoneal dialysis nurses should be aware of the fact that they can reduce their patients’ uncertainty and stress by helping them to maintain hope and to view their health status positively.