bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Merkel cell carcinoma in organ‐transplant recipients: report of two cases with unusual histological features and literature review
Authors: Kanitakis Jean , Euvrard Sylvie , Chouvet Brigitte , Butnaru Agripina Cristina , Claudy Alain 
Published: August 2006

Background:  Non‐melanoma skin cancers are the commonest malignancies after organ transplantation and are often associated with human papillomavirus (HPV). Merkel cell carcinoma is an uncommon neuroendocrine skin tumor, of which 67 cases have been reported up till now, usually briefly, in organ transplant patients.Methods:  Among a cohort of 2340 organ‐transplant recipients, two patients (one renal, one heart) developed cutaneous Merkel cell carcinomas 5 and 12 years of post graft, respectively. These were studied histologically and immunohistochemically, as well as virologically for the presence of HPV. A thorough literature review of all reported cases of Merkel cell carcinoma following solid organ transplantation was performed.Results:  Despite a typical immunophenotype, the tumors showed unusual histological features: both were epidermotropic, and one was intermingled with a bowenoid squamous cell carcinoma. Search for HPV by immunohistochemistry and PCR proved negative in both cases.Conclusion:  In the setting of organ transplantation, Merkel cell carcinoma is much rarer than other non melanoma skin cancers but may show unusual histologic features. HPV do not seem to be involved in its pathogenesis.
Female‐patterned alopecia in teenage brothers with unusual histologic features
Authors: Carlson J. Andrew , Malysz Jozef , Schwartz Joseph 
Published: August 2006

Background:  Patterned hair loss, follicular miniaturization, and increased telogen hair counts characterize androgenic alopecia (AGA). Follicular inflammation in AGA has been associated with treatment resistance and progressive hair loss.Case report:  Brothers, 15 and 18 years old, presented with frontal and mid‐scalp hair loss with an intact frontal hairline noted over a 1‐year period. The elder reported past use of androgenic steroids. Laboratory assessment for metabolic and hormonal abnormalities was unrevealing, and hair pull test was negative. Scalp biopsies revealed decreased terminal hairs, marked diameter variation of anagen hairs, decreased terminal to vellus hair ratios (3.7:1/3.4:1, older/younger), and increased telogen counts (23%/21%). Infrabulbar and peri‐isthmic (follicular bulge region) lymphocytic infiltrates were present. Hair loss has progressed, unabated by daily topical 0.5% clobetasol (for 6 months), daily 5% minoxidil (1 year), and latter, daily oral finasteride (2 years – older brother only).Discussion:  Based on patterned hair loss and miniaturized hairs, these brothers have AGA. The female pattern of hair loss (diffuse hair loss affecting the central scalp with preservation of frontal hair line) coupled with follicular isthmic lymphocytic inflammation represents an unusual presentation, possibly a treatment resistant, inflammatory variant of AGA. The differential diagnosis includes exogenous androgen‐mediated hair loss, cicatricial pattern hair loss, or the superimposition of alopecia areata.
A case of argyria after colloidal silver ingestion
Authors: Chang Anne Lynn S. , Khosravi Vista , Egbert Barbara 
Published: August 2006

Background:  Argyria is often considered an entity of the past, one which has largely disappeared with the cessation of silver usage in oral medications. However, with the practice of colloidal silver ingestion in current “alternative health” treatments, argyria should be considered in the differential diagnosis of blue‐gray hyperpigmentation.Methods:  A single case report with clinicopathological correlation.Results:  Histological examination of skin biopsy specimen, which showed perieccrine brown‐black granules, verified that colloidal silver rather than a prescribed medication was the source of the patient’s dyspigmentation.
Analysis of the expression pattern of glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor, neurturin, their cognate receptors GFRα‐1 and GFRα‐2, and a common signal transduction element c‐Ret in the human scalp skin
Authors: Adly Mohamed A. , Assaf Hanan A. , Hussein Mahmoud R. , Paus Ralf 
Published: August 2006

Background:  Glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and a related family member, neurturin (NTN), as well as their cognate receptors (GDNF receptors, GFRα‐1 and GFRα‐2, respectively) are involved in nervous system development and murine hair cycle control. To date, their expression in human scalp skin is still unknown.Materials and methods:  The expression pattern of these proteins was examined in human scalp skin by immunofluorescence and immunoalkaline phosphatase staining methods as well as RT‐PCR (GDNF). A total of 50 normal human scalp skin biopsy specimens were examined (healthy females, 53–57 years).Results:  The expression of GDNF protein was strong in the epidermis and sebaceous and sweat glands. In the epidermis, GDNF protein expression was seen in all layers except the stratum corneum. It was strong in the basal layer and decreased gradually towards the granular layer. The results of RT‐PCR analysis revealed that GDNF protein is synthesised in the epidermis. The expression of NTN, GFRα‐1, and GFRα‐2 proteins was strong in the papillary dermis and sebaceous and sweat glands. In the epidermis, NTN protein expression was absent. The expression of GFRα‐1 and GFRα‐2 proteins was moderate in the epidermis. The expression of c‐Ret protein was consistently strong in the epidermis and sebaceous and sweat glands. These proteins were strongly expressed in both epithelial and mesenchymal compartments of human anagen VI scalp hair follicles.Conclusions:  Our investigation reports, for the first time, the expression patterns of GDNF, NTN, GFRα‐1, GFRα‐2, and c‐Ret proteins in human scalp skin. The expression of these proteins in the skin suggests their possible roles in skin homeostasis. The clinical ramifications of these observations mandate further investigations.
Clinical spectrum and histological analysis of 32 cases of specific cutaneous sarcoidosis
Authors: Mangas Cristina , Fernández‐Figueras Maria‐Teresa , Fité Enriqueta , Fernández‐Chico Natalia , Sàbat Mireia , Ferrándiz Carlos 
Published: August 2006

Background:  Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disorder of unknown aetiology in which skin involvement is frequent.Objective:  To review histological characteristics of biopsies of specific cutaneous lesions of sarcoidosis and their relationship with clinical course.Patients and methods:  Biopsies from 32 patients with specific cutaneous sarcoidosis were reviewed. Histological findings and clinical characteristics of these patients were analysed.Results:  The initial clinical lesions of the patients were ten infiltrated nodule‐plaques, eight papules, four maculopapular eruptions, five scar sarcoidosis, four subcutaneous nodules and one lupus pernio. Sarcoidal granulomas were located at dermis in 31 cases (74%) and at subcutaneous fat in 12 (28%) but only four were subcutaneous exclusively. Perivascular or periannexial distribution of granulomas was observed in eight cases (19%) and they had coalescence in 29 samples. The presence of foreign material was demonstrated in 11 cases (26%).Conclusions:  Clinical spectrum of specific lesions of cutaneous sarcoidosis showed a good correlation with granulomas localization in the biopsies. However, traditional classification of specific cutaneous sarcoidosis is often overlapping. On the other hand, foreign bodies and other atypical histological findings were more common than initially expected.
Non‐infectious granulomatous dermatitis: a clinicopathological study
Authors: Mohan Harsh , Bal Amanjit , Dhami G. P. 
Published: August 2006

Background:  Granulomatous dermatitis frequently presents a diagnostic challenge to dermatopathologists because an identical histologic picture is produced by several causes, and conversely, a single cause may produce varied histologic patterns.Methods:  A retrospective analysis of skin biopsies received over a period of 7 years was performed, and cases of non‐infectious granulomatous dermatitis diagnosed on histopathological examination were retrieved.Results:  Out of a total of 586 cases of granulomatous dermatitis, 71 cases (12.11%) were categorized as non‐infectious granulomatous dermatitis on the basis of clinicopathological findings. Further subcategorization was done based on morphology of granulomas as epithelioid granulomas; 15 cases of sarcoidosis, 21.1%, one case of Crohn’s vulvitis, 1.4%, necrobiotic granulomas; 11 cases of granuloma annulare, 15.4%, two cases of rheumatoid nodule, 2.8%, 10 cases of foreign body granulomas, 14.0%; 32 cases of miscellaneous group, 45%.Conclusions:  Morphology alone is seldom specific and cannot be used as a diagnostic tool for identification of specific diseases. Adequate clinical data and work up in combination of pathological resources can help in elucidation of specific etiology of granulomatous dermatitis.
Just and Unjust Wars Revisited
Authors: Nardin Terry 
Published: August 2006

As the following papers demonstrate, Michael Walzer's Just and Unjust Wars continues to provoke thought and debate two decades after its publication. The book remains widely taught in college courses and is cited whenever the morality of war is discussed. It is appropriate, then, to celebrate the book's twentieth anniversary by reconsidering its arguments in light of what we have learned in the intervening yearsThe papers were discussed at a symposium hosted by the Carnegie Council in May 1996 and have been revised to take account of the conversation that occurred there. David Hendrickson takes issue with the book's criticism of realism, pointing to realist elements in Walzer's own argument. Theodore Koontz provides a careful analysis of some problems in Walzer's treatment of the noncombatant immunity principle. Both papers deal with the tension in Walzer's book between a morality of rights and a morality of consequences, a tension that Joseph Boyle illuminates in his contribution. And in a paper inspired by the symposium debate, Michael Joseph Smith provides an appreciation that serves as a readable introduction to the issues considered by the other contributors. Finally, Michael Walzer responds in what, if past is prologue, won't be the last word on the argument of Just and Unjust Wars.
Principles, Politics, and Humanitarian Action
Authors: Weiss Thomas G. 
Published: August 2006

The tragedies of the past decade have led to an identity crisis among humanitarians. Respecting traditional principles of neutrality and impartiality and operating procedures based on consent has created as many problems as it has solved. A debate is raging between “classicists,” who believe that humanitarian action can be insulated from politics, and various “political humanitarians,” who are attempting to use politics to improve relief and delivery in war zonesThis essay examines the pros and cons of impartial versus political humanitarianism and differing approaches across a spectrum of actors, including the classicists, led by the International Committee of the Red Cross, who believe that humanitarian action can and should be completely insulated from politics; the “minimalists,” who “aim to do no harm” in delivering relief; the “maximalists,” who have a more ambitious agenda of employing humanitarian action as part of a comprehensive strategy to transform conflict; and the “solidarists,” exemplified by Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors without Borders), who choose sides and abandon neutrality and impartiality as well as reject consent as a prerequisite for intervention. The essay argues that there is no longer any need to ask whether politics and humanitarian action intersect. The real question is how this intersection can be managed to ensure more humanized politics and more effective humanitarian action.
Moral Imperatives and Political Realities
Authors: Rieff David 
Published: August 2006

Thomas Weiss's essay is a fine contribution to the current conversation within the humanitarian international, but there is a worrying absence of a broader, extra-humanitarian context in the discussion. There is no question that “Human Rightsism” has become the dominant political ideology of the international new class, and the common currency of UN treaties, academic conferences, and charitable foundation mission statements.What remains open to question is whether, in the field, where humanitarians and human rights activists do their work, this revolution is real, or whether it is instead a fiction well-intentioned Westerners have chosen to believe in because otherwise the realities of the contemporary world would seem too bleak. It is an ironic reality that humanitarian workers and human rights activists have become the last interventionists. But should the humanitarian movement be embarking down the path of demanding more political action and, when necessary in order to allow humanitarians to do their work, military intervention? Should, as relief agencies insist, humanitarian considerations always take pride of place? There are unexamined assumptions here that need to be thought through more rigorously than those engaged in the debate have seemed willing to do.
A Peaceful, Silent, Deadly Remedy: The Ethics of Economic Sanctions
Authors: Gordon Joy 
Published: August 2006

Economic sanctions are emerging as one of the major tools of international governance in the post-Cold War era. Sanctions have long been seen as a form of political intervention that does not cause serious human damage, and therefore does not raise pressing ethical questions. However, the nature of sanctions is that they effectively target the most vulnerable and least political sectors of society, and for this reason they must be subject to ethical scrutiny.This essay looks at sanctions in the context of three ethical frameworks: just war doctrine, deontological ethics, and utilitarianism. It argues that sanctions are inconsistent with the principle of discrimination from just war doctrine; that sanctions reduce individuals to nothing more than means to an end by using the suffering of innocents as a means of persuasion, thereby violating the Kantian principle that human beings are “ends in themselves”; and that sanctions are unacceptable from a utilitarian perspective because their economic effectiveness necessarily entails considerable human damage, while their likelihood of achieving political objectives is low.
More Ethical than Not: Sanctions as Surgical Tools
Authors: Lopez George A. 
Published: August 2006

Joy Gordon has made a major contribution to both the ethical analysis and the policy evaluation of economic sanctions. But her claims against sanctions should be understood as critique rather than condemnation and rejection of sanctions on ethical grounds.Through a series of arguments and examples, this response points out that Gordon may be too narrow in defining sanctions' success, and that, where sanctions have gone awry, it is because they were unimaginatively formulated and poorly implemented, not because sanctions are categorically unethical. Multilateral sanctions in the late 1990s are simply more finely tuned than a few years ago. As a technique of coercive diplomacy, sanctions are meant to change dramatically the costs and benefits that leaders of a nation calculate operate in their favor as they pursue policies that the majority of the international community have declared abhorrent. We can, with the help of Gordon's critical claims, accomplish this goal in a more ethical manner, and by so doing, increase the likely success of sanctions in the future.
Human Rights NGOs: The Power of Persuasion
Authors: Korey William 
Published: August 2006

At the end of World War II, the phrase “human rights” was virtually unknown, whether in the media, in standard textbooks, or as a guideline for state conduct in the emerging international community. It was nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that made the phrase a core element of the United Nations Charter in 1944, even as they pressed for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted three years later. This was but the beginning of a historic effort to make the Declaration a fundamental standard for measuring progress in civilized society. If the principal motivation was the prevention of another Holocaust, NGOs would fulfill the indispensable function, projected by Eleanor Roosevelt, of serving as the “curious grapevine” that would enlighten everyone about their rights and channel information about human rights violations to the world community.This essay is about the “curious grapevine,” an extraordinary tale of how NGOs, through their persuasion, have made human rights a major item in international discourse in the media, state chancellories, and international institutions. NGOs have played the leading role in the creation of international standards and in establishing legally binding treaties incorporating these standards. They are central to the process of adopting implementing organs to these treaties and in providing the essential documentation and briefings to make these organs work.
Humanitarian Intervention: Which Way Forward?
Authors: Caplan Richard 
Published: August 2006

States have long taken exception to the notion of humanitarian intervention because it threatens to undermine a bedrock principle of international order: national sovereignty. In the case of Kosovo, however, NATO's nineteen member states chose not only to put aside their concerns for national sovereignty in favor of humanitarian considerations, but also to act without UN authorization. This essay examines the ways in which states – European states in particular – are rethinking historic prohibitions against humanitarian intervention in the wake of the Kosovo war. It focuses on two approaches:Efforts to reinterpret international law so as to demonstrate the legitimacy of humanitarian intervention andEfforts to build a political consensus regarding when and how states may use force for humanitarian endsWhile efforts to weaken prohibitions may succeed, thereby facilitating future interventions, resolution of the tension between legitimacy and effectiveness in defense of human rights will continue to elude the international community unless a political consensus can be achieved.
International Organizations and the Pursuit of Justice in the World Economy
Authors: Weber Steven 
Published: August 2006

Evaluating the role of international organizations (IOs) in promoting social justice in a globalizing international political economy, this essay presents and defends four propositions:IOs are in a different, and more vulnerable, political space vis-à-vis globalization than are nation-states, firms, nongovernmental organizations, or labor unions;Central perceptions about problems of social justice in the context of globalization common to many IOs are a product of the history and intellectual trajectory in which these organizations have evolved;As a result, there is a common theme and a core set of objectives at play, having to do with promoting and sustaining liberalization. That is obviously not the same thing as social justice, although in some intellectual frameworks there is a tight relationship; andThe ability of IOs to promote these goals has been challenged and will continue to be challenged by globalization.The essay concludes by arguing that IOs are suffering a loss of legitimacy, and that both social and technological changes associated with globalization will make it harder for IOs to recapture the power to affect the behavior of other actors in world politics.
Achieving Democracy
Authors: Pogge Thomas 
Published: August 2006

Overcoming corruption and authoritarian government in developing countries is hampered by global institutional arrangements. In particular, international borrowing and resource privileges, which entitle those exercising power in a country to borrow in its name and to effect legally valid transfers of ownership rights in its resources, can be obstacles to achieving democracy. These international conventions greatly increase the incentives toward attempts at coups d'état, especially in countries with a large resource sector. In exploring how this problem might be highlighted and addressed, it is essential to understand that affluent societies have a great interest in upholding the prevailing institutional arrangements: Their banks benefit from their international lending and, far more importantly, their firms and people benefit greatly from cheap resource supplies. Institutional reform is more likely, then, to come from the developing countries.Thus, fledgling democracies may be able to improve their stability through constitutional amendments that bar future unconstitutional governments from borrowing in the country's name and from conferring ownership rights in its public property. Such amendments would render insecure the claims of those who lend to, or buy from, dictators, thus reducing the rewards of coups d'état. This strategy might be resisted by the more affluent societies, but such resistance could perhaps be overcome if many developing countries pursued the proposed strategy together, and if some moral support emerged among the citizenries of affluent societies.
The Moral Rationale for International Fiscal Law
Authors: Cappelen Alexander W. 
Published: August 2006

A country's right to levy taxes is a fundamental aspect of its sovereignty. Without the power to tax, a government would be unable to redistribute resources among its citizens and provide public goods. The question of how tax rights should be distributed is therefore one of the oldest and most important problems of tax theory. Increased international economic integration has made this question even more important, as a larger share of economic transactions take place across national borders, giving rise to situations in which more than one country is able to tax the same base.How such conflicts are resolved affects both the ability of countries to redistribute resources domestically and the international distribution of tax revenues. The allocation of tax rights therefore raises important questions of distributive justice, questions that require a normative theory of the right to tax. This essay seeks to evaluate the current distribution of tax rights by examining whether it can in fact be justified within the main approaches to distributive justice.
Measuring Human Rights
Authors: Raworth Kate 
Published: August 2006

The language of human rights is increasingly being advocated as a framework for policy dialogue. To make this feasible, indicators must be developed that help to hold the state accountable for its policies, that help to guide and improve policy, and that are sensitive to local contexts without sacrificing the commitment to the universality of rights. Can it be done?This article examines ongoing attempts to devise indicators and argues that they are not based in a sufficiently clear conceptual framework. It argues for greater intelligibility in devising indicators concerning what they should be assessing, how to reflect the universalism of rights across different contexts, and how to weigh the conflicts of interest that characterize the public policy decision-making process.