bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Superficial malignant neoplasms in southwestern Ethiopia: A cytopathological approach
Authors: Bezabih Mesele 
Published: October 2004

AbstractThe aim of this study was to describe the distributions of superficial malignant neoplasms diagnosed by fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC).A prospective cross‐sectional study was conducted within the Jimma Teaching Hospital, Pathology Department, Jimma University during the years between September 1998 and August 2002. Cases fulfilling cytopathological evidences of superficial malignancies were included whereas deep‐seated malignancies were excluded from the study. An air‐dried smear stained with the Wright staining procedure was utilized for the FNAC diagnostic technique.A total of 3,200 cases were investigated during the study period where 267 (8.3%) cases were of primary superficial malignant neoplasms, with 98 cases in the peak age group of 40–59 yr (36.7%) and a median age of 38.0 yr (range, 0.2–88 yr). The most frequent superficial cytodiagnosis was breast carcinoma, 79 (29.6%) cases; followed by non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas, 37 (13.9%) cases; and soft tissue sarcomas, 26 (9.7%) cases. The overall male‐to‐female ratio showed preponderance to female patients (1:1.3). Carcinomas were identified more frequently in those >40 yr of age whereas sarcomas were identified in those <40 yr of age (P > 0.05). The most common malignant neoplasm in women was breast carcinomas found in 74 (27.7%) cases, whereas in men non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas were found in 29 (10.9%) cases. Large proportions of carcinomas (88 cases, 33.0%), lymphomas (33 cases, 12.4%), and sarcomas (20 cases, 7.5%) were detected on the trunk, head, and neck, as well as on the lower limb regions, respectively.This study uncovered different types of superficial malignant neoplasms that are prevalent in the southwestern part of Ethiopia. The most common types of cytodiagnoses such as breast carcinomas, etc. may suggest that attention be given to future high‐caliber prospective studies in trying to identify some of the associated strong risk factors for the disease under study. This study may be helpful to local health planners in prioritizing some of the commonest malignancies. Some of the diagnostic challenges of lymphomas and thyroid follicular lesions were shown also. This investigation is the first in Ethiopia and therefore may act as baseline data for similar studies in the future. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2004;31:347–351. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improved detection of amyloid in fat pad aspiration: An evaluation of Congo red stain by fluorescent microscopy
Authors: Giorgadze Tamar A. , Shiina Natsuko , Baloch Zubair W. , Tomaszewski John E. , Gupta Prabodh K. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractAmyloid fat pad aspiration specimens for cases with a clinical suspicion of amyloid typically are stained with Congo red and examined by brightfield microscopy. Congophilia with apple‐green birefringence by polarization microscopy (PM) is considered diagnostic for amyloid. Examination of Congo red‐stained slides by fluorescent microscopy (FM) is considered by some to be a more sensitive detection method. In this study, we assessed the utility of this technique in cytopathology archival slides from abdominal fat pad aspirations previously stained with Congo red dye.Seventy‐eight cases of abdominal fat pad aspirations collected during the last 5 yr and stained with the Congo red procedure were obtained from archival files. Additionally, 20 adipose tissue material slides prepared from the surgical pathology specimens were examined as controls. One representative smear was examined in each case using FM equipped with rhodamine excitation/absorption (540/570 nm) filters. Relevant clinical information was obtained in all cases.Twelve cases (15.4%) of the 78 fat pad aspiration cases were reported originally as positive by Congo red stain using polarization and apple‐green birefringence as diagnostic criteria. On review, four cases were deemed unsatisfactory. By FM examination 29 of the 74 (39.2%) cases were reclassified as positive for amyloid. The results were confirmed by immunohistochemical stain for amyloid P protein and electron microscopy. A number of similar distinct fluorescence and immunohistochemical patterns were recognized in the positive cases. Minimally weak fluorescence in the adipose tissue was observed in the control cases.The use of FM in Congo red‐stained fat pad smears can improve the detection of amyloid in cytology preparations. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2004;31:300–306. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sclerosing lobular hyperplasia of the breast: Fine‐needle aspiration cytology findings—A case report
Authors: Panikar Nirupma , Agarwal Sarla 
Published: October 2004

AbstractSclerosing lobular hyperplasia (SLH) is an uncommon benign lesion seen in the juvenile breast. It presents as a palpable, firm, circumscribed nodular lump in the breast of a young woman. Histologically, it is characterised by prominent lobular hyperplasia and sclerosis of the intralobular connective tissue. We discuss the cytomorphology and differential diagnosis.A 16‐yr‐old female patient presented with a painless, firm, nodular, mobile mass in the right breast measuring 4 × 4 cm. The clinical and radiological diagnosis was fibroadenoma. Fine‐needle aspiration smears showed round to oval ductal epithelial cells in flat sheets and round clusters with an acinar arrangement. A few bare nuclei were seen dispersed in a clean background but no stroma was visualised.A combination of clinical findings, imaging, and cytological features of SLH can help to differentiate this condition from other palpable juvenile breast diseases. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2004;31:340–341. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Repair renal tubular cells: A potential false‐positive diagnosis in urine cytology
Authors: Nguyen Gia‐Khanh , Smith Roxanne 
Published: October 2004

AbstractTo study the cytopathology of repair renal tubular cells (RRTCs), the Papanicolaou‐stained urine sediments of 371 patients with mild and moderate renal tubular injuries were reviewed. In 46 cases, the urine sediments showed, in addition to a mild or moderate increase in number of RTCs, a few isolated and clustered RRTCs that displayed well‐ or ill‐defined, variably abundant, granular or vacuolated cytoplasm; slightly pleomorphic nuclei; and conspicuous or prominent nucleoli. A spectrum of nuclear changes ranging from mild to moderate atypias and/or severe atypia were present in many cases. These RRTCs stained strongly positively with vimentin antibody in 92.3% of the cases. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2004;31:342–346. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ASC‐US and HPV testing in women aged 40 years and over
Authors: Bruner Kathy S. , Davey Diane D. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractHigh‐risk human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA triage is commonly performed for cervical cytology specimens interpreted as atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC‐US), but little is known about testing results in women ≥40 yr of age. The extent to which clinical follow‐up after HPV testing reflects the most recent management guidelines is unknown also. Data from 108 patients ≥40 yr of age with concurrent (93 patients) or recent (15 patients) ASC‐US interpretations and HPV testing were reviewed. Twenty‐five (23.1%) of these patients were positive for high‐risk HPV. The HPV+ rate was higher in women with a current interpretation of ASC‐US (26.9%) compared with those with a previous ASC‐US result (0%). Many patients were not managed exactly according to the “2001 Consensus Guidelines for the Management of Women with Cervical Cytologic Abnormalities.” The majority (52.6%) of women with HPV+ ASC‐US did not receive colposcopy in our institution, and 41.3% of women with HPV− ASC‐US received follow‐up testing within 8 mo. These results show the potential for inadequate evaluation of women with HPV+ ASC‐US, as well as unnecessary early repeat cytology in HPV− ASC‐US patients. Therefore, additional clinician education and reminders to correlate cytology and HPV test results may be warranted to optimize patient care. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2004;31:358–361. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nonepithelial malignancies mimicking primary carcinoma of the breast
Authors: Ewing C. Alexander , Miller Mara Jo , Chhieng David , Lin Oscar 
Published: October 2004

AbstractAlthough primary carcinomas account for the majority of breast malignancies, nonepithelial malignancies form a subset that must be differentiated accurately for treatment purposes. The purpose of this study was to identify cytological characteristics that differentiate between these two entities. Twenty‐six fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) specimens with histological correlation were reviewed (five lymphomas, two myelomas, six sarcomas, seven melanomas, and six carcinomas). On review, nonepithelial tumors presented as single cells with scant or ill‐defined cytoplasm with rare cluster formations present. In contrast, carcinomas were arranged predominantly in clusters and contained more‐defined, abundant, and sometimes vacuolated cytoplasm. Moreover, a major aid to diagnosis was an accurate clinical history. We conclude that nonepithelial malignancies of the breast are best differentiated from epithelial malignancies by a combination of cytological features and clinical information. These findings emphasize the importance of the triple test, in which integration of cytological findings and clinical information play a key role. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2004;31:352–357. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Phosphorylation of Artemis following irradiation‐induced DNA damage
Authors: Poinsignon Catherine , de Chasseval Regina , Soubeyrand Sebastien , Moshous Despina , Fischer Alain , Haché Robert J. G. , de Villartay Jean‐Pierre 
Published: October 2004

AbstractArtemis is a DNA repair factor required for V(D)J recombination, repair of DNA damage induced by ionizing radiation (IR) or radiomimetic drugs, and the maintenance of genome integrity. During V(D)J recombination, Artemis participates in the resolution of hairpin‐sealed coding ends, a step crucial to the constitution of the gene encoding for the antigen receptor of lymphocytes. The precise role of Artemis in the repair of IR‐induced DNA damage remains to be elucidated. Here we show that Artemis is constitutively phosphorylated in cultured cells and undergoes additional phosphorylation events after irradiation. The IR‐induced phosphorylation is mainly, although not solely, dependent on Ataxia‐telangiectasia‐mutated kinase (ATM). The physiological role of these phosphorylation events remains unknown, as in vitro‐generated Artemis mutants, which present impaired IR‐induced phosphorylation, still display an activity sufficient to complement the V(D)J recombination defect and the increased radiosensibility of Artemis‐deficient cells. Thus, Artemis is an effector of DNA repair that can be phosphorylated by ATM, and possibly by DNA‐PKcs and ATR depending upon the type of DNA damage.
Neural connectivity in hand sensorimotor brain areas: An evaluation by evoked field morphology
Authors: Tecchio Franca , Zappasodi Filippo , Pasqualetti Patrizio , Rossini Paolo Maria 
Published: October 2004

AbstractThe connectivity pattern of the neural network devoted to sensory processing depends on the timing of relay recruitment from receptors to cortical areas. The aim of the present work was to uncover and quantify the way the cortical relay recruitment is reflected in the shape of the brain‐evoked responses. We recorded the magnetic somatosensory evoked fields (SEF) generated in 36 volunteers by separate bilateral electrical stimulation of median nerve, thumb, and little fingers. After defining an index that quantifies the shape similarity of two SEF traces, we studied the morphologic characteristics of the recorded SEFs within the 20‐ms time window that followed the impulse arrival at the primary sensory cortex. Based on our similarity criterion, the shape of the SEFs obtained stimulating the median nerve was observed to be more similar to the one obtained from the thumb (same median nerve innervation) than to the one obtained from the little finger (ulnar nerve innervation). In addition, SEF shapes associated with different brain regions were more similar within an individual than between subjects. Because the SEF morphologic characteristics turned out to be quite diverse among subjects, we defined similarity levels that allowed us to identify three main classes of SEF shapes in normalcy. We show evidence that the morphology of the evoked response describes the anatomo‐functional connectivity pattern in the primary sensory areas. Our findings suggest the possible existence of a thalamo‐cortico‐thalamic responsiveness loop related to the different classes. Hum Brain Mapp 24:99–108, 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sparse imaging and continuous event‐related fMRI in the visual domain: A systematic comparison
Authors: Nebel Katharina , Stude Philipp , Wiese Holger , Müller Bernhard , de Greiff Armin , Forsting Michael , Diener Hans‐Christoph , Keidel Matthias 
Published: October 2004

AbstractContinuous image acquisition as used in most functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) designs may conflict with specific experimental settings due to attendant, noisy gradient switching. In sparse fMRI, single images are recorded with a delay that allows the registration of the predicted peak of an evoked hemodynamic response (HDR). The aim of this study was to assess validity and sensitivity of single‐trial sparse imaging within the visual domain. Thirteen subjects were scanned twice. Either continuous or sparse image acquisition was applied while participants viewed single trains of flashlights. Sparse fMRI results were compared to continuous event‐related fMRI results on single‐ and multisubject level regarding spatial extent, overlap, and intensity of activation. In continuously recorded data, the variability of the HDR peak latency was examined because this measure determined the timing of sparse image acquisition. In sparse fMRI, the sensitivity was analyzed considering different numbers of averaged trials. Sparse imaging detected the core activity revealed using continuous fMRI. The intensity of signal changes detected by continuous or sparse fMRI was comparable. The HDR peak latency was stable across sessions, but intersubject and regional variability might have affected the power of sparse fMRI. In sparse imaging, adding trials resulted in extension of activation and improvement in statistical power. The comparison with established continuous fMRI confirms the validity of sparse imaging. Conventional event‐related data acquisition and analysis provided more comprehensive results. However, only sparse fMRI offers the opportunity to apply stimuli and record further biosignals free of scanner‐related artifacts during intervals without image acquisition. Hum. Brain Mapping 24:130–143, 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exploiting dendritic cells for cancer immunotherapy: genetic modification of dendritic cells
Authors: Breckpot Karine , Heirman Carlo , Neyns Bart , Thielemans Kris 
Published: October 2004

AbstractDendritic cells (DCs) are pivotal regulators of immune reactivity and immune tolerance. The observation that DCs can recruit naive T cells has invigorated cancer immunology and led to the proposal of DCs as the basis for vaccines designed for the treatment of cancer. Designing effective strategies to load DCs with antigens is a challenging field of research. The successful realization of gene transfer to DCs will be highly dependent on the employed vector system. Here, we review various viral and non‐viral gene transfer systems, and discuss their distinct characteristics and possible advantages and disadvantages in respect to their use in DC‐based immunotherapy. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Growth factor displayed on the surface of retroviral particles without manipulation of envelope proteins is biologically active and can enhance transduction
Authors: Chandrashekran Anil , Gordon Myrtle Y. , Darling David , Farzaneh Farzin , Casimir Colin 
Published: October 2004

AbstractBackgroundThe therapeutic potential of retroviruses can be significantly enhanced by display of specific molecules on the retroviral surface. This has been conventionally achieved by the manipulation of retroviral envelope proteins. In this report we have tested whether the natural budding mechanism of the retrovirus could be exploited to incorporate a specific molecule into the retroviral surface.MethodsRetroviral packaging cells were engineered to express the membrane‐bound form of human stem cell factor (mbSCF). Surface expression of mbSCF on retroviral packaging cells was confirmed by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. Incorporation of mbSCF into retroviral particles was demonstrated by virus‐binding assay and immunomagnetic capture of virus using antibody to SCF. Retroviral supernatants were tested for activity of the incorporated cytokine by proliferation assays on factor‐dependent cells. Amphotropic retrovirus displaying surface mbSCF was used to transduce SCF receptor‐positive haematopoietic cells.ResultsRetroviruses incorporating surface SCF showed increased levels of binding to cells (MO7e) expressing the SCF receptor, c‐kit. mbSCF displayed on the viral surface retained levels of biological activity comparable with those of soluble recombinant growth factor. Transduction of c‐kit‐positive target cells with viruses displaying mbSCF showed enhanced levels of transduction in comparison with unmodified viruses.ConclusionsExpression of the membrane‐bound form of human stem cell factor (mbSCF) on the surface of retroviral packaging cells allows its efficient incorporation into retrovirus particles in a biologically active form, opening up the possibility for the use of retroviral display in many therapeutic areas, such as in gene therapy, drug delivery and in the development of novel vaccines. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Endostatin gene therapy delivered by Salmonella choleraesuis in murine tumor models
Authors: Lee Che‐Hsin , Wu Chao‐Liang , Shiau Ai‐Li 
Published: October 2004

AbstractBackgroundSome anaerobic and facultatively anaerobic bacteria have been used experimentally as anticancer agents because of their selective growth in tumors. In this study, we exploited attenuated Salmonella choleraesuis as a tumoricidal agent and a vector to deliver the endostatin gene for tumor‐targeted gene therapy.MethodsAttenuated S. choleraesuis carrying a eukaryotic expression plasmid encoding reporter gene was used to evaluate its abilities of tumor targeting and gene delivery in three syngeneic murine tumor models. Furthermore, S. choleraesuis carrying the endostatin expression vector was administered intraperitoneally into tumor‐bearing mice, and its antitumor effect was evaluated.ResultsSystemically administered S. choleraesuis preferentially accumulated within tumors for at least 10 days, forming tumor‐to‐normal tissue ratios exceeding 1000–10 000 : 1. Transgene expression via S. choleraesuis‐mediated gene transfer also persisted for at least 10 days. Host immune responses and tumor hypoxia may influence tumor‐targeting potential of S. choleraesuis. When systemically administered into mice bearing melanomas or bladder tumors, S. choleraesuis carrying the endostatin expression vector significantly inhibited tumor growth by 40–70% and prolonged survival of the mice. Furthermore, immunohistochemical studies in the tumors revealed decreased intratumoral microvessel density, reduced expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and increased infiltration of CD8+ T cells.ConclusionsThese results suggest that tumor‐targeted gene therapy using S. choleraesuis carrying the endostatin expression vector, which exerts tumoricidal and antiangiogenic activities, represents a promising strategy for the treatment of solid tumors. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inducible production of erythropoietin using intramuscular injection of block copolymer/DNA formulation
Authors: Richard Peggy , Pollard Hélène , Lanctin Caroline , Bello‐Roufaï Mahajoub , Désigaux Léa , Escande Denis , Pitard Bruno 
Published: October 2004

AbstractBackgroundWe have previously shown that intramuscular injection of plasmid DNA formulated with a non‐ionic amphiphile synthetic vector [poly(ethylene oxide)13‐poly(propylene oxide)30‐poly(ethylene oxide)13 block copolymer; PE6400] increases reporter gene expression compared with naked DNA. We have now investigated this simple non‐viral formulation for production of secreted proteins from the mouse skeletal muscle.MethodsPlasmids encoding either constitutive human secreted alkaline phosphatase or murine erythropoietin inducible via a Tet‐on system were formulated with PE6400 and intramuscularly injected into the mouse tibial anterior muscle.ResultsPE6400/DNA formulation led to an increased amount of recombinant alkaline phosphatase secreted from skeletal muscle as compared with naked DNA. In the presence of doxycycline, a single injection of 10µg plasmid encoding inducible murine erythropoietin formulated with PE6400 significantly increased the hematocrit, whereas the same amount of DNA in the absence of PE6400 had no effect. The increase in the hematocrit was stable for 42 days. The tetracycline‐inducible promoter permitted pharmacological control of hematocrit level after DNA intramuscular injection. However, 4 months post‐injection the hematocrit returned to its pre‐injection value, even in the presence of doxycycline. This phenomenon was likely caused by an immune response against the tetracycline‐activated transcription factor.ConclusionsIntramuscular injection of plasmid DNA formulated with PE6400 provides an efficient and simple method for secretion and production of non‐muscle proteins. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In‐situ Polymerization of Rare‐Earth Luminous PA6
Authors: Zhang Yumei , Ye Yunting , Wang Huaping 
Published: October 2004

AbstractLuminous polycaprolactam (PA6), synthesized through in‐situ polymerization, is a composite of PA6 and uniformly dispersed luminous pigment. During the polymerization, it is found that as luminous pigment was added, the time of prepolycondensation was longer and the molecular weight increased by end‐group analysis. It is also indicated that there was chemical coalescence between luminous pigment and PA6 through the end‐group analysis and FTIR. From the results of DSC, it is shown that the luminous pigment had large effect on the crystal structure of the luminous PA6. The crystallinity of luminous PA6 varied with the content of the luminous pigment and the heat‐treated conditions. From the crystallization kinetics analysis, it is shown that the crystallization rate of the composites increased as luminous pigment added.
Synthesis and Characterization of β‐Poly(glucose‐amine)‐N‐(2,3‐dihydroxypropyl) Derivatives as Medical Care and Biological Joint Material. Family 2. Tri or Tetra‐Sulfated β‐Chitosan
Authors: Youn Ryu Ga , Ryual Ryu Soung , Doung Jang Hang , Uk Jo Byeong 
Published: October 2004

AbstractChitin is a natural polysaccharide by N‐acetyl‐D‐glucosamine units β(1‐4) linked. In the present work a chitosan with DA 56% and Mv 80.000 g/mol will be employed. Several techniques to obtain sulphate derivatives of chitin and to chitosan have been proposed due to the interesting biological and chemical properties of such as heparin compounds. Among others it could be mentioned their antibactericidal and metal chelating properties. In the present work a new sulfated derivatives of chitosan with potential growth regulator properties were obtained. The reaction was carried out in heterogeneous media using a commercial growth regulator ‐SO3H as sulfating agent. All derivatives were characterized by several spectroscopic techniques. In IR spectra the bands at 1240 cm−1, (S=O stretching) and 860 cm−1, corresponding to S‐O‐C symmetric stretching, are characteristic of sulphates groups. In 1H‐NMR spectra the appearance of functional group signal confirm its structure.