bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immunohistochemical analysis of the antiapoptotic Mcl‐1 and Bcl‐2 proteins in follicular lymphoma
Authors: Michels Jorg , Foria Vipul , Mead Ben , Jackson Gill , Mullee Mark , Johnson Peter W. M. , Packham Graham 
Published: January 2006

SummaryIn the present study, we investigated the expression of Mcl‐1 and Bcl‐2 by immunohistochemistry in 85 patients of grades 1–3 and transformed follicular lymphoma (FL). In lymphoma tissue, centroblasts uniformly expressed high levels of Mcl‐1 (Mcl‐1hi) whereas centrocytes demonstrated low Mcl‐1 expression (Mcl‐1lo). Bcl‐2 expression in centroblasts/centrocytes was reciprocal to Mcl‐1 staining in most cases. A high number of Mcl‐1hi centroblasts in tissue sections (≥200/high‐power field) correlated with poor overall survival (P < 0·001), independent of the International Prognostic Index and FL grade. This suggests that the number of centroblasts with strong Mcl‐1 staining is associated with clinical outcome in FL patients.
Model‐based design of chemotherapeutic regimens that account for heterogeneity in leucopoenia
Authors: Scholz Markus , Engel Christoph , Loeffler Markus ,   the German High Grade Non‐Hodgkin Lymphoma Study Group (DSHNHL)
Published: January 2006

SummaryPatients treated with multicycle chemotherapy can exhibit large interindividual heterogeneity of haematotoxicity. We describe how a biomathematical model of human granulopoiesis can be used to design risk‐adapted dose‐dense chemotherapies, leading to more similar leucopoenias in the population. Calculations were performed on a large data set for cyclophosphamide/doxorubicin/vincristine/prednisone (CHOP)‐like chemotherapies for aggressive non‐Hodgkin lymphoma. Age, gender, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, lactate dehydrogenase and the degree of leucopoenia within the first therapy cycle were used to stratify patients into groups with different expected severity of leucopoenia. We estimated risk‐specific bone marrow toxicities depending on the drug doses administered. These toxicities were used to derive risk‐adapted therapy schedules. We determined different doses of cyclophosphamide and additional etoposide for patients treated with CHOP‐14. Alternatively, the model predicted that further reductions of cycle duration were feasible in groups with low toxicity. We also used the model to identify appropriate granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) schedules. In conclusion, we present a method to estimate the potential of risk‐specific dose adaptation of different cytotoxic drugs in order to design chemotherapy protocols that result in decreased diversity of leucopoenia between patients, to develop dose‐escalation strategies in cases of low leucopoenic reaction and to determine optimal G‐CSF support.
Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is upregulated in myelomatous bone and supports myeloma cell survival
Authors: Ge Yun , Zhan Fenghuang , Barlogie Bart , Epstein Joshua , Shaughnessy John , Yaccoby Shmuel 
Published: January 2006

SummaryThe microenvironment plays a critical role in facilitating cancer progression and metastasis. We previously demonstrated the ability of osteoclasts to support primary myeloma plasma cell (MM PC) growth. Our study on the role of the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment in myeloma, using global gene expression profiling, has identified fibroblast activation protein (FAP) as one of 28 genes significantly overexpressed in cocultured osteoclasts. Because FAP has been previously implicated in tumorigenesis and shown to be selectively expressed by the reactive stroma of epithelial tumours, we focused our study on the role of this serine protease in myeloma. Using quantitative polymerase chain reaction amplification, we demonstrated upregulation of FAP by cocultured osteoclasts and mesenchymal stem cells, and in whole myelomatous human bone in SCID‐hu mice. Immunohistochemical analysis of myelomatous bone sections revealed FAP expression by osteoclasts, osteogenic cells, fibrotic stroma and certain adipocytes and vascular endothelial cells. FAP was not expressed in PCs by all these methods. Inhibition of FAP expression with the use of small‐interference RNA reduced MM PC survival in cocultures. Our results indicate that FAP is critical for the interaction of MM cells with the BM microenvironment – a potential therapeutic target in myeloma.
Care, control and change in child care proceedings: dilemmas for social workers, managers and lawyers
Authors: Dickens Jonathan 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACTThis paper draws on findings from an interview‐based study of the ways that local authority social workers, social services managers and lawyers work together in child care cases in England. The study shows how stressful social workers can find care proceedings, and how much they look to the lawyers for support. It also shows how the lawyers’ involvement can bring new stresses and dilemmas. The managers are especially likely to resent ‘over‐involvement’ (as they see it) from lawyers, but lawyers are quick to defend their role and responsibilities. The paper shows how the complex, multifaceted dimensions of care, control and change interweave with professional differences in care proceedings: care for children, parents and social workers; struggles for control against the court, the other parties and sometimes the other professionals on one's own side; and responsiveness to change set against wariness about ‘lawyers’ deals’ and undue risk to children. The paper concludes that the valuing of difference, rather than its avoidance or suppression, is at the heart of effective inter‐professional work. It calls for greater recognition of this in current initiatives to promote interdisciplinary working in children's services in England.
Five tumultuous years in Australian child protection: little progress
Authors: Ainsworth Frank , Hansen Patricia 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACTIn an article published in 2002, one of the authors of this paper offered an analysis of the Australian child protection data from 1999 to 2000 and raised questions about the effectiveness of mandatory reporting. Recently, child protection data for 2003–2004 has been released. This provides an opportunity to re‐examine some child protection issues and the effectiveness of mandatory reporting 5 years on. These have been tumultuous years. Each state and territory has held major inquiries into this area of practice and, as a result, significant organizational changes have taken place and new resources are being made available. Nevertheless, questions about the effectiveness of child protection services remain. There is continuing doubt about the value of comprehensive reporting systems.
The comfort of strangers: social work practice with unaccompanied asylum‐seeking children and young people in the UK
Authors: Kohli Ravi K. S. 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACTUnaccompanied children and young people seeking sanctuary as political refugees are increasingly visible within many industrialized nations, where several studies confirm their vulnerability and needs. These studies also highlight what appears to be the poor quality of social work services and practices that these minors encounter. This paper examines some of the details contained in such reports of deficiency and seeks to place them within a more optimistic appraisal of social work practice. Based on a small research study, it suggests that resettlement for unaccompanied minors is complex and contains different types of loss as well as gain. It also asserts that practice by some social workers shows they have a grasp of this complexity as they offer practical assistance, therapeutic care and companionship to the young people to help them resettle in new environments.
Research Review: Risk and resilience in cases of emotional abuse
Authors: Iwaniec Dorota , Larkin Emma , Higgins Siobhán 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACTThis paper examines risk and resilience in relation to emotional abuse. Research has identified numerous child and family factors that may increase the risk of emotional abuse occurring and has also identified numerous ways in which an experience of emotional abuse can enhance vulnerability to negative outcomes. However, relatively little is known about the factors that determine the extent to which an experience of emotional abuse predicts later psychosocial functioning. Factors that may determine risk and resilience in children who experience emotional abuse are discussed. These include predisposing factors such as early caregiving experiences; precipitating factors such as the frequency, intensity and duration of the abuse; factors intrinsic to the child such as working models of the self and others, internal or external attributions, behavioural and coping strategies, self‐esteem, and disposition; and external factors such as school and availability of supportive relationships. The need to pay attention to the particular vulnerabilities and protective factors pertaining to each emotionally abused child in order to most effectively enhance resilience is highlighted.
Influence of mattress characteristics on house dust mite allergen concentration
Authors: van den Bemt L. , de Vries M. P. , van Knapen L. , Jansen M. , Goossens M. , Muris J. W. M. , van Schayck C. P. 
Published: January 2006

SummaryBackground
Exposure to a high level of house dust mite allergens (HDMAs) is considered as a risk factor for HDM sensitization and development of asthma in genetically disposed people. Mattresses are one of the most important sources of HDMA in people's living environment.Objective
The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between mattress characteristics and HDMA concentrations on mattresses.Methods
Dust samples of mattress surfaces were taken to evaluate the level of Der p 1 allergen. All participants filled in a questionnaire about the type of mattress, the type of covering (upper layer) of the mattress, dwelling characteristics and cleaning habits. Humidity and temperature of the bedroom were measured at the time of dust sampling.Results
One hundred and sixty‐eight questionnaires were filled in. Synthetic upper layer of the mattress was associated with a higher level of Der p 1 compared with cotton upper layer (2.6 vs. 0.8 μg/g Der p 1). Moreover, higher relative humidity (RH) was associated with significant higher concentrations and density of Der p 1.Conclusions
Two factors were associated with lower levels of Der p 1 found on mattresses, namely: a cotton upper layer of the mattress compared with a layer of synthetic material and lower RH at the time of sampling. As far as we know, the association between type of upper layer and concentration of Der p 1 has not been described before and could lead to the formulation of practical advices in order to reduce HDMA concentrations on mattresses.
Biochemical evaluation of disease activity after pituitary surgery in acromegaly: a critical analysis of patients who spontaneously change disease status
Authors: Espinosa‐de‐los‐Monteros Ana Laura , Sosa Ernesto , Cheng Sonia , Ochoa Raquel , Sandoval Carolina , Guinto Gerardo , Mendoza Victoria , Hernández Irma , Molina Mario , Mercado Moisés 
Published: January 2006

SummaryBackground  The definition of biochemical cure in acromegaly involves both the normalization of IGF‐1 and a glucose‐suppressed GH level of < 1 ng/ml. These criteria were reached by several consensus meetings, although no evidence‐based recommendations as to the optimal time to perform biochemical evaluations were made, nor was the fact that several patients may change biochemically upon long‐term follow‐up taken into consideration.Objectives  To identify and characterize biochemical changes in the follow‐up of acromegaly.Patients and methods  One hundred and twenty‐six acromegalic patients seen at a referral centre were followed prospectively (6–108 months) with regard to glucose‐suppressed GH levels and IGF‐1 concentrations.Results  Eighty‐nine patients did not change biochemical status, whereas in 37 (29·3%), one or more changes were identified, mostly during the first year. When glucose‐suppressed GH values were discordant with the IGF‐1 results, the likelihood of biochemical status modification was significantly greater than when such results were concordant [concordant 19·4%, discordant 57·6%, odds ratio (OR) = 5·6, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2·3–13·3, P = 0·0001]. Among the changing patients, four out of the nine subjects initially considered as cured remained so at the last follow‐up, whereas five became discordant; of the nine initially categorized as active, only three kept such a status at the last evaluation, whereas five became GH discordant and one achieved full biochemical criteria of cure; of 17 initially GH‐discordant patients, seven remained so upon the last evaluation, whereas six became concordantly active and four concordantly cured.Conclusion  A significant proportion of acromegalic patients change biochemical status upon long‐term follow‐up after surgery. Most of these changes occur within the first postoperative year and are more likely to take place if the initial GH postglucose and IGF‐1 levels are discordant.
Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration of the pancreas: cytomorphological evaluation with emphasis on adequacy assessment, diagnostic criteria and contamination from the gastrointestinal tract1
Authors: Mitsuhashi T. , Ghafari S. , Chang C. Y. , Gu M. 
Published: January 2006

Objective:  Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)‐guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) has been proved to be safe, efficient and reliable in the diagnosis of pancreatic lesions. This study evaluated specimen adequacy, diagnostic criteria of various pancreatic neoplasms and contamination from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.Methods:  EUS‐guided FNA of the pancreas and subsequent surgical resections performed at the University of California Irvine Medical Center during February 1996–October 2000 were retrospectively selected. Modified Papanicolaou staining method was used for immediate evaluation and cell block prepared.Results:  A total of 267 cases were available for review, including 147 (55.1%) positive/suspicious, 10 (3.7%) atypical, 96 (36.0%) negative and 14 (5.2%) unsatisfactory cases. Eighty‐six (58.5%) positive/suspicious cases had histological confirmation and 12 (8.3%) had lymph node or distant metastases by cytology. Three atypical, two negative, and two unsatisfactory cases proved to have adenocarcinoma. Contamination from duodenum, stomach or pancreas was found in 77 positive/suspicious, three atypical and 90 negative cases. The sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic accuracy, positive and negative predictive values were 94.6%, 100%, 95.6%, 100%, 82% respectively.Conclusions:  EUS FNA is efficient and accurate in the diagnosis of pancreatic neoplasms in adequate samples. Contamination from the GI tract should be well recognized to avoid misinterpretation.
Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration cytology of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours: cytomorphological and immunocytochemical evaluation
Authors: Chang F. , Vu C. , Chandra A. , Meenan J. , Herbert A. 
Published: January 2006

Objectives:  Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)‐guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) is increasingly used in preoperative localization and diagnosis of pancreatic neoplasms including neuroendocrine tumours (NETs). The objective of the present study was to identify the cytological features of pancreatic NETs obtained by EUS‐FNA.Methods:  The study group consisted of nine cases of pancreatic tumours correctly diagnosed or strongly suggestive of NETs based on EUS‐FNA. Cytological smears were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical data and immunocytochemical stains applied to the cell block preparations were also reviewed and examined.Results:  All cases except one showed characteristic cytomorphological features sufficient for their recognition and separation from pancreatic adenocarcinoma and other lesions. The most helpful cytological features that facilitated the cytological diagnosis of NET were a richly cellular aspirate with a monotonous, poorly cohesive population of small cells with a speckled or dusty chromatin pattern and plasmacytoid morphology. The neuroendocrine differentiation of these tumours was further confirmed by immunocytochemistry.Conclusion:  EUS‐FNA is a valuable method in the recognition of pancreatic NETs. By adherence to the characteristic cytomorphological criteria of pancreatic NET together with collection of suitable material for ancillary immunocytochemical stains, cytopathologists could reach a correct diagnosis in most instances.
Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided FNA biopsy of bile duct and gallbladder: analysis of 53 cases
Authors: Meara R. S. , Jhala D. , Eloubeidi M. A. , Eltoum I. , Chhieng D. C. , Crowe D. R. , Varadarajulu S. , Jhala N. 
Published: January 2006

Objective:  Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP)‐guided brushing has been the standard of practice for surveillance and detection of carcinoma in the biliary tree. Few studies have evaluated the role of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) in diagnosing clinically suspected cholangiocarcinoma. The role of this method in diagnosing clinically suspected gallbladder malignancies has not been extensively evaluated in the USA. This study investigates the role of EUS‐FNA in the diagnosis of clinically suspected biliary tree and gallbladder malignancies in a large patient series.Methods:  EUS‐FNAs were obtained from 46 bile duct and seven gallbladder lesions. On‐site rapid interpretation was provided using air‐dried Diff Quik stained smears. In addition, alcohol fixed Papanicoloau stained smears and Thin Prep preparations (Cytye Corp., Marlborough, MA, USA) were evaluated before providing a final cytological diagnosis. Tissue biopsies and/or clinical follow‐up were used as the standards to determine operating characteristics for EUS‐FNA.Results:  The mean ages for bile duct and gallbladder lesions were 66 years (range: 37–84 years), and 69 years (range 49–86 years), respectively. All cases diagnosed as suspicious/malignant on preliminary evaluation were confirmed on final cytological interpretation (27/27). The operating characteristics show that EUS‐FNA is highly specific (100%) with sensitivity rates of 87% and 80% from clinically suspected malignancies of biliary tract and gallbladder, respectively. Sampling error in three cases and associated acute inflammation in two cases resulted in false‐negative diagnoses.Conclusions:  EUS‐FNA of biliary tree and gallbladder carcinoma is highly specific and should be considered for evaluation of clinically suspicious lesions. Marked inflammation may result in false‐negative diagnoses.
Lipoprotein profiles in plasma and interstitial fluid analyzed with an automated gel‐filtration system
Authors: Parini P. , Johansson L. , Bröijersén A. , Angelin B. , Rudling M. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractBackground  High‐quality methods for lipoprotein characterization are warranted in studies on various metabolic diseases.Materials and methods  An automated system for size‐exclusion chromatography (SEC) of lipoproteins using commercially available components is described. Cholesterol or triglyceride content in separated lipoproteins from plasma and interstitial fluid (IF) was continuously determined on‐line using microlitre sample volumes.Results  The lipoprotein assay showed a good concordance with the classic ultra‐centrifugation/precipitation technique using fresh or frozen samples. Determination of lipoproteins in IF obtained from vacuum‐induced skin blisters from 18 healthy subjects revealed that very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels were 18%, 19% and 25%, respectively, of concomitant plasma concentrations. The size‐exclusion chromatography (SEC) system also allows for triglyceride determination on‐line and it could be shown that the system is advantageous for an accurate determination of triglycerides in conditions when there are high levels of glycerol, e.g. in mice and in patients with hyperglycerolaemia (pseudo‐hypertriglyceridaemia).Conclusions  The described system should be of value in studies where detailed lipoprotein analysis is warranted and particularly when significant sample series with small volumes are available. Our data also suggest that there is a 4–5·5‐fold concentration gradient between plasma and IF for the three major plasma lipoproteins.
Potential role of soluble angiopoietin‐2 and Tie‐2 in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Koutroubakis I. E. , Xidakis C. , Karmiris K. , Sfiridaki A. , Kandidaki E. , Kouroumalis E. A. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractBackground  Angiogenesis has been suggested to play an important role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of the study was to evaluate the serum markers of angiogenesis angiopoietin‐2 (Ang‐2) and soluble angiopoietin receptor Tie‐2 in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD).Materials and methods  Serum Ang‐2 and Tie‐2 serum levels were measured in 160 IBD patients (79 UC and 81 CD) and in 80 matched healthy controls using commercially available enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. Serum Ang‐2 and Tie‐2 levels were correlated with the disease activity, as well as the type, localization and treatment of the disease.Results  Median serum Ang‐2 and Tie‐2 levels were significantly higher in both the UC patients and the CD patients compared with the healthy controls (P < 0·05 and P < 0·001, respectively). The IBD patients with early disease (diagnosis < 2 years) had significantly higher (P = 0·04) median serum Ang‐2 levels but significantly lower (P = 0·02) median serum Tie‐2 levels as compared with IBD patients with late disease (diagnosis > 2 years). The CD patients with active disease had significantly higher levels of Ang‐2 compared with non‐active disease (P = 0·02). Serum levels of both Ang‐2 and Tie‐2 were not correlated with laboratory markers such as ESR, CRP, white blood cell count, platelet count and albumin.Conclusions  Serum Ang‐2 and Tie‐2 levels are elevated in patients with IBD. These markers may mediate angiogenesis and vascular permeability in the mucosa of patients with IBD.
Onset of spring starting earlier across the Northern Hemisphere
Authors: SCHWARTZ MARK D. , AHAS REIN , AASA ANTO 
Published: January 2006

AbstractRecent warming of Northern Hemisphere (NH) land is well documented and typically greater in winter/spring than other seasons. Physical environment responses to warming have been reported, but not details of large‐area temperate growing season impacts, or consequences for ecosystems and agriculture. To date, hemispheric‐scale measurements of biospheric changes have been confined to remote sensing. However, these studies did not provide detailed data needed for many investigations. Here, we show that a suite of modeled and derived measures (produced from daily maximum–minimum temperatures) linking plant development (phenology) with its basic climatic drivers provide a reliable and spatially extensive method for monitoring general impacts of global warming on the start of the growing season. Results are consistent with prior smaller area studies, confirming a nearly universal quicker onset of early spring warmth (spring indices (SI) first leaf date, −1.2 days decade−1), late spring warmth (SI first bloom date, −1.0 days decade−1; last spring day below 5°C, −1.4 days decade−1), and last spring freeze date (−1.5 days decade−1) across most temperate NH land regions over the 1955–2002 period.However, dynamics differ among major continental areas with North American first leaf and last freeze date changes displaying a complex spatial relationship. Europe presents a spatial pattern of change, with western continental areas showing last freeze dates getting earlier faster, some central areas having last freeze and first leaf dates progressing at about the same pace, while in portions of Northern and Eastern Europe first leaf dates are getting earlier faster than last freeze dates. Across East Asia last freeze dates are getting earlier faster than first leaf dates.