bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epithelioid haemangiosarcoma of the thyroid gland. Report of six cases from a non‐Alpine region
Authors: Ryška A , Ludvíková M , Szépe P , Böör A 
Published: January 2004

Aim : To report a series of six cases of thyroid haemangiosarcoma (HAS) from a non‐Alpine region.Methods and results : The patients were four females and two males, aged 54–81 years (average 68 years). The tumours presented as large haemorrhagic masses (diameter 40–70 mm, average 56 mm) with extensive necrosis. Histologically, they were composed of polymorphous epithelioid cells with vesicular nuclei and abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm with occasional intracytoplasmic lumina. Mitotic activity was high. Tumor cells expressed vimentin (6/6), CD31 (6/6), FVIII (5/6), CD34 (2/6), and cytokeratins (5/6). One tumour (1/6) over‐expressed p53 protein in more than 20% of cells. Ultrastructurally, Weibel–Palade bodies were present (4/6). Clinical follow‐up of four patients (range 3–24 months, median 9 months) showed that two of them have died of the disease 0.5 and 3 months after diagnosis, one died of unrelated causes (with 24 months' uneventful follow‐up) and one is alive 21 months after operation with no evidence of disease.Conclusions : Although thyroid HAS is usually regarded as an extremely aggressive neoplasm with a dismal prognosis similar to anaplastic carcinoma, one of our cases suggests that HAS can behave in a less aggressive way. The morphological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural findings support the hypothesis that thyroid HAS is a distinct entity, unrelated to other thyroid malignancies.
Cyclooxygenase‐2 expression: a potential prognostic and predictive marker for high‐grade ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast
Authors: Tan K‐B , Yong W‐P , Putti T C 
Published: January 2004

Aims : To study cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) expression in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast and its association with histological features. COX‐2, an inducible prostaglandin synthase, has been shown to be important in mammary carcinogenesis, being associated with increased tumour size and unfavourable outcome in breast cancer. Animal studies indicate that COX‐2 inhibition is effective in the prevention and treatment of mammary cancers.Methods and results : Fifty‐one cases of DCIS diagnosed during 1990–2000 were reviewed. Immunohistochemistry for COX‐2 was performed and the COX‐2 staining scores were correlated with histological features. The majority of cases [41 of 51 (80%)] had positive COX‐2 staining, of which 13 cases (25%) had strong staining. High nuclear grade DCIS was significantly associated with increased COX‐2 staining (P = 0.04).Conclusions : High‐grade lesions are known to be associated with a higher recurrence rate following excision and are often oestrogen receptor negative, and as such, may be less responsive to adjuvant tamoxifen therapy. There is a need to examine further the role of COX‐2 expression in DCIS, as both a prognostic and predictive factor.
Academic underachievement by people with Prader–Willi syndrome
Authors: Whittington J. , Holland A. , Webb T. , Butler J. , Clarke D. , Boer H. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractBackground  Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetically determined neurodevelopmental disorder that is associated with the under‐expression of maternally imprinted genes at the 15q11–q13 chromosomal locus. In addition to a characteristic physical and behavioural phenotype, those with the syndrome have impaired social cognition, literal mindedness and inflexibility. The present authors investigated the relationship between the PWS cognitive and behavioural phenotype, educational experience, and levels of attainment in reading, writing and arithmetic.Methods  All subjects from a population‐based sample of people with PWS, augmented by those with PWS living in other regions together with a contrast group of people with learning disability (LD) of other aetiologies, are included in the present study. Those children over 3 years of age whose families consented or adults who themselves consented were assessed for ability and attainment (over 7 years of age), and information on functional ability was also obtained from an informant. Underachievement was defined as the difference between the score predicted from full‐scale IQ and the actual achievement score.Results  Commonly, levels of achievement were lower than would have been predicted on the basis of IQ among those in the groups with PWS and LD. In the group with PWS, underachievement across academic domains was positively correlated with the percentage of time in education in a special school and negatively correlated with Vineland Socialization domain standard score. There were no across‐domain significant correlations in the group with LD. When using multiple regression analysis, the percentage of time in special school was the only predictor of underachievement and only in the group with PWS. However, some children with PWS in special schools did achieve as expected in at least one academic domain.Conclusions  Children with PWS may be placed in special schools largely because of their behavioural problems or physical disabilities, or expectations based on their PWS status. Their intellectual abilities may well be masked by their immature social behaviour. The present authors propose that a failure to recognize and address the specific educational needs which follow from this combination of poor socialization skills and complex maladaptive behaviours, in the context of relatively mild LD, may explain their findings.
People with intellectual disability and their health problems: a review of comparative studies
Authors: Jansen D. E. M. C. , Krol B. , Groothoff J. W. , Post D. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractBackground  The transition of people with intellectual disability (ID) from care institutions to the community – according to Western policy – results in a shift of responsibility towards primary health care services. In order to provide optimal care to people with ID living in the community, general practitioners need to be aware of the specific health problems of this patient category. The aim of this paper is to present an overview of recent studies on the specific health problems of people with ID, in particular on health problems of people with ID in the community, compared to those of the general population.Method  To reliably compare health problems of individuals with and without ID, this review is limited to comparative research using a control group of individuals without ID. The focus of the review concentrates on international literature, published between 1995 and 2002.Results  Most comparative research among people with ID presents higher prevalence rates for epilepsy, diseases of the skin, sensory loss and (increased risk of) fractures. These health problems are specific for people with ID, both in general and living in the community in particular.Conclusions  there are only few studies focusing on health problems in people with ID in which a control group of individuals without ID is included. Most comparative studies on health problems in people with ID are based on comparison with reported prevalence rates of general health surveys.
Revised geochronology of magmatism in the western Capricorn Orogen at 1805–1785 Ma: diachroneity of the Pilbara–Yilgarn collision
Authors: Evans D. A. D. , Sircombe K. N. , Wingate M. T. D. , Doyle M. , McCarthy M. , Pidgeon R. T. , Van Niekerk H. S. 
Published: January 2004

The June Hill Volcanics occupy a central stratigraphic position in the tectonic evolution of the Capricorn Orogeny that occurred along the southwestern margin of the Pilbara Craton in Palaeoproterozoic time. The volcanic rocks have been interpreted alternatively as due to continental rifting, foreland‐basin development, or backarc extension. Previous multigrain zircon U–Pb results from these rocks, as well as from an unnamed rhyolitic porphyry that is interstratified in turbidites of the overlying Ashburton Formation, are influenced by the combined effects of Pb loss and xenocrystic inheritance. We report new SHRIMP zircon ages of 1799 ± 8 and 1786 ± 11 Ma, respectively from the June Hill Volcanics and the unnamed porphyry, both of which have been deformed during the Capricorn Orogeny. Close similarity between these ages and results from various late‐stage Capricorn granitoids (including our new SHRIMP result of 1795 ± 8 Ma for the Minnie Creek granite) imply rapid development of the western Ashburton Trough, accumulating and deforming ∼10 km of turbiditic sediments in about 10 million years. Comparison of our new June Hill age with previous SHRIMP results from the central Ashburton Trough implies that foreland‐basin development of the Capricorn Orogeny was significantly diachronous, younging westward during oblique Pilbara–Yilgarn convergence.
Geochemistry and tectonic settings of meta‐igneous rocks in the Arthur Lineament and surrounding area, northwest Tasmania*
Authors: HOLM O. H. , CRAWFORD A. J. , BERRY R. F. 
Published: January 2004

The Arthur Lineament is a Cambrian age high‐strain metamorphic belt that transects northwestern Tasmania and forms the eastern margin of the Mesoproterozoic and Neoproterozoic Rocky Cape Block. It formed as a result of Middle Cambrian arc–continent collision, and is composed of both allochthonous slices (Bowry Formation and Reece amphibolite), the para‐autochthonous ‘eastern’ Ahrberg Group and the autochthonous ‘western’ Ahrberg Group. Amphibolites and mafic schists of the ‘eastern’ Ahrberg Group rocks show a temporal change in composition from transitional alkaline basalt to dominant E‐MORB‐type rift tholeiites, whereas the ‘western’ Ahrberg Group metabasic rocks are typical E‐MORB rift tholeiites. The lithostratigraphy of the Ahrberg Group matches very well that of the Upper Neoproterozoic (650–580 Ma) Togari Group of the Smithton Trough and King Island. In contrast, amphibolites of the allochthonous Bowry Formation, which also show E‐MORB‐type patterns typical of rift‐type tholeiites, are intruded by granitoid sheets dated at 777 ± 7 Ma, similar to the Precambrian granites exposed on King Island (760 ± 12 Ma). The Bowry Formation granitoids have distinctive high Ti, Zr, Nb compositions best matched by granites produced by extended fractionation of rift basalts with significant crustal assimilation. This suggests that the Bowry Formation metabasic rocks may correlate with the Willouran flood basalts in South Australia, and together record theca780 Ma breakup event hypothesised to mark the breakup of the Rodinian supercontinent
Evolution of beach placer shorelines and heavy‐mineral deposition in the eastern Eucla Basin, South Australia
Authors: HOU B. , FRAKES L. A. , ALLEY N. F. , HEITHERSAY P. 
Published: January 2004

The eastern Eucla Basin of South Australia has potential as a world‐class heavy‐mineral sand province. Heavy‐mineral sampling has provided a vector to such deposits, but there is debate about the distribution and evolution of heavy‐mineral deposits. Several cycles of marine transgression have left generations of beach placer concentrations buried beneath the present landscape of the eastern Eucla Basin. Evidence from boreholes, compilation of stratigraphic records and analysis of the palaeogeographical evolution assist in defining a number of Tertiary shorelines. Concentrations of detrital rutile, zircon, ilmenite, and minor leucoxene and monazite occur as beach placers in highstand barriers and dunes of Tertiary age along these shorelines. The most prospective strata are the barrier and associated sandstones of Tertiary shorelines that were buried by voluminous sand dunes at over 40 Ma. The geographical and stratigraphic distributions of heavy‐mineral‐bearing sandstone in Tertiary sediments suggest contemporaneous transport through palaeovalleys predominantly from Precambrian cratons.
Aspects of the structural and late thermal evolution of the Redbank Thrust system, central Australia: constraints from the Speares Metamorphics
Authors: Biermeier C. , Wiesinger M. , Stüwe K. , Foster D. A. , Gibson H. J. , Raza A. 
Published: January 2004

We present new data on the field geology and late thermal evolution of the Redbank Thrust system in the Arunta Block of central Australia. Geochronological and field data from the Speares Metamorphics are also used to relate the thermal evolution of the Redbank Thrust system to the structural evolution of the region. We show that several stages in the evolution might be discerned. An originally sedimentary sequence was intruded by mafic intrusions and then deformed during partial melting to form the principal foliation observed in the region (D1). This sequence was then folded during D2 into upright folds with north‐ to northeast‐plunging fold axes. These events are likely to correlate with the Strangways and/or Argilke and Chewings Orogenies known from previous studies. Subsequently, the Redbank Thrust was initiated during D3. This event is recognised by deflection of the host rocks into the shear zone and might therefore have been associated with a component of strike‐slip motion. It occurred probably at or before 1500–1400 Ma. Subsequent north‐over‐south thrust motion in the Redbank Thrust formed the intense mylonitic fabric and folded the mylonitic fabric during D4 into asymmetric folds with shallow fold axes. New40Ar/39Ar K‐feldspar ages from three samples collected from variably deformed branches of the Redbank Thrust and undeformed rocks in the Speares Metamorphics suggest that most parts of the Redbank Thrust system cooled relatively slowly after metamorphism and deformation in the Mesoproterozoic so that the D4 thrusting might have been very long‐lived. Minimum ages of the K‐feldspar age spectra show that the entire region cooled below 200°C by approximately 300 Ma. Apatite fission track ages from nine samples show that cooling through the apatite partial annealing zone occurred during Cretaceous time (ca150–70 Ma) and modelled cooling histories are consistent with the cooling rates obtained from the K‐feldspar data. They indicate that final exhumation of the Redbank Thrust system occurred probably in response to erosion, possibly driven by rifting around the margins of Australia.
Evolution of the boundary between the western and central Lachlan Orogen: implications for Tasmanide tectonics
Authors: Spaggiari C. V. , Gray D. R. , Foster D. A. , McKnight S. 
Published: January 2004

Differences in oblique overprinting, along‐strike complexity as well as structural, metamorphic and timing constraints suggest that the boundary between the western and central subprovinces of the Lachlan Orogen, currently designated by the Governor Fault, cannot be a single structure. Previously limited data on the nature and kinematics of the fault/shear systems defining the boundary have led to varying scenarios for the tectonic evolution of the Lachlan Orogen. These scenarios either involve large‐scale strike‐slip displacement along the boundary with subsequent overthrusting or convergence of oppositely vergent thrust‐systems with limited strike‐slip translation. Geometrical constraints, fabric chronology and kinematic indicators in both the Mt Wellington (Melbourne Zone) and Governor (Tabberabbera Zone) Fault Zones indicate that maximum displacements relate to thrusting and duplex formation, followed by minor strike‐slip faulting perhaps in response to slightly oblique collision of the Melbourne and Tabberabbera structural zones. Collision of these zones took place betweenca400 and 390 Ma. At Howqua, structural relationships indicate that collision involved northeast‐directed thrusting of the Melbourne Zone (Mt Wellington Fault Zone) over the Tabberabbera Zone (Governor Fault Zone), and was followed by regional, northwest‐trending, open folding. These structures overprint the dominant fabrics and metamorphic assemblages that are interpreted to relate to disruption and underthrusting of Cambrian oceanic/arc crust during closure of a marginal basin. Major deformation in the Tabberabbera Zone took place fromca445 Ma and was associated with mélange formation, underplating and imbrication or duplexing (Governor Fault Zone, East Howqua segment). At slightly higher crustal levels, and following deposition of Upper Ordovician black shale and chert sequences (ca440 Ma), Tabberabbera Zone evolution included offscraping of a serpentinite body (Dolodrook segment) that may have been either a Marianas‐style seamount or transform fault zone within the Cambrian oceanic/arc crust. Major thrusting in the Mt Wellington Fault Zone was underway sometime afterca420 Ma, and in contrast to the Governor Fault Zone, no mélange or broken formation was produced, metamorphism was at slightly higher temperatures and deformation probably occurred under higher strain states.
Lactobacillus plantarum 299: Beneficial in vitro immunomodulation in cells extracted from inflamed human colon
Authors: PATHMAKANTHAN SHRI , LI CHRIS KF , COWIE JONATHAN , HAWKEY CHRISTOPHER J 
Published: January 2004

AbstractBackground and Aim:  The present study determined the pattern of cytokine secretion (interleukin [IL]‐1β, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]‐α, interferon [IFN]‐γ and IL‐10) and their cellular sources in mononuclear cells isolated from colonic mucosa from normal and ulcerative colitis (UC) in response to probiotic and pathogenic bacteria.Methods:  Mononuclear cells were extracted from normal and active UC colonic mucosa and incubated with pure sonicates of probiotic, commensal, and pathogenic bacteria. Cytokine secretion was measured in culture supernatant and intracellular cytokine staining measured using fluorescent‐activated cytometry.Results:  In mononuclear cells isolated from normal mucosa, significant increases in mean IL‐1β were observed with enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (286.3 ± 138.7 pg/mL P < 0.05) and E. coli (440.5 ± 194.0 pg/mL P < 0.01) compared with unstimulated control cells (16.7 ± 4.8 pg/mL). In contrast, mononuclear cells isolated from active UC mucosa produced significant increases in mean IL‐1β in response to stimulation with Salmonella dublin (230.5 ± 38.8 pg/mL P < 0.05), enteropathogenic E. coli (231.7 ± 45.3 pg/mL P < 0.05) and E. coli (465.4 ± 60.2 pg/mL P < 0.001) compared with unstimulated control cells (60.7 ± 17.1 pg/mL). Escherichia coli also produced significant mean increases of  TNF‐α and IFN‐γ compared with unstimulated control cells. No significant increases in IL‐1β, TNF‐α or IFN‐γ were observed with Lactobacillus plantarum in cells derived from normal or inflamed mucosa. Strikingly, incubation of L. plantarum with mononuclear cells isolated from active UC mucosa resulted in significant increases of mean IL‐10 (327 ± 53.5 pg/mL, P < 0.05) compared with unstimulated control cells (29.7 ± 13.2 pg/mL). Intracellular cytokine staining confirmed T‐cell and macrophage IL‐10 production after L. plantarum stimulation.Conclusions:  Lactobacillus plantarum demonstrates beneficial immunomodulatory activity by increasing IL‐10 synthesis and secretion in macrophages and T‐cells derived from the inflamed colon. This may provide a mechanism through which probiotic bacteria ameliorate inappropriate inflammation and induce tolerance.
Hepatitis E superinfection produces severe decompensation in patients with chronic liver disease
Authors: RAMACHANDRAN JEYAMANI , EAPEN CE , KANG GAGANDEEP , ABRAHAM PRIYA , HUBERT DARIUS DJ , KURIAN GEORGE , HEPHZIBAH JULIE , MUKHOPADHYA ASHIS , CHANDY GEORGE M 
Published: January 2004

AbstractBackground and Aims:  The adverse effect of acute hepatitis A in chronic liver disease is well known. The outcome of acute hepatitis E in chronic liver disease has not been extensively studied. The present study aimed to examine the clinical profile and outcome of patients with chronic liver disease and hepatitis E virus (HEV) superinfection, and the seroprevalence of hepatitis A and E infections in patients with chronic liver disease and controls in India.Methods:  A retrospective study of patients with chronic liver disease and acute icteric hepatitis E was performed. Acute hepatitis E was diagnosed by immunoglobulin (Ig)M ELISA. Seroprevalence studies were carried out using IgG ELISA in 100 patients with chronic liver disease and 79 age‐ and sex‐matched controls.Results:  From June 2001 to December 2002, nine patients with chronic liver disease were found to have superinfection with HEV. Out of these, six patients died of advanced liver failure. The etiology of liver disease was Wilson's disease in six, hepatitis B virus in one, autoimmune in one and cryptogenic in one case. The seroprevalence of hepatitis A was 99 and 100% and 56 and 21% for HEV in cases and controls, respectively.Conclusions:  Acute HEV in patients with chronic liver disease has a grave prognosis. Wilson's disease was the most common cause of chronic liver disease complicated by acute HEV. Seroprevalence studies showed that 44% of patients with chronic liver disease were at risk of developing hepatitis E. Hepatitis E vaccine, when available, is indicated for use in this group.
Superoxide and nitric oxide production by Kupffer cells in rats with obstructive jaundice: Effect of internal and external drainage
Authors: LI WEN , CHAN ANGUS CW , LAU JAMES YW , LEE DANNY WH , NG ENDERS KW , SUNG JOSEPH JY , CHUNG SC SYDNEY 
Published: January 2004

AbstractBackground and Aims:  The role of Kupffer cells in obstructive jaundice (OJ) has not been fully understood. The aims of the present study were to measure superoxide and nitric oxide (NO) production by Kupffer cells in experimental OJ in rats and to investigate the response to internal and external biliary drainage.Methods:  Eighty male Sprague–Dawley rats were assigned to four groups: sham operation, OJ, and internal and external biliary drainage. Kupffer cells were isolated on day 7 in the sham operation and OJ group, and on day 7 after drainage procedures. Cells were cultured with or without lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Superoxide production was quantified in cultured Kupffer cells at 2 h and 48 h, respectively, after cell isolation using the superoxide dismutase inhibitable ferricytochrome c reduction method. Nitrite production in cell culture supernatants was measured 48 h later using Greiss reagents.Results:  Without LPS stimulation, Kupffer cells produced comparable superoxide and nitrite in each group (P > 0.05). With LPS stimulation, Kupffer cells in the OJ group produced significantly higher superoxide anions than the other groups (P = 0.006). Nitrite production was significantly increased in the OJ group and external biliary drainage group compared to rats in the sham operation and internal drainage groups (P < 0.01).Conclusions:  Kupffer cells from rats with OJ produce great amounts of endotoxin‐mediated oxidants. Both internal and external biliary drainage can decrease the elevated superoxide production. Internal drainage is superior to external drainage for reversing the distortional capacity of NO production by Kupffer cells.