bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HER2/neu expression in adenoid cystic carcinoma of salivary gland origin: an immunohistochemical study
Authors: Dori Shai , Vered Marilena , David Raphael , Buchner Amos 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground:  Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a malignant tumor of salivary gland origin, which is characterized by a high rate of local recurrence and distant hematogenous metastasis. Despite aggressive surgical treatment and radiotherapy, the patient's long‐term prognosis is dismal. Prompted by recent studies on the amplification of the oncogene HER2/neu in salivary gland tumors, we analyzed the immunohistochemical overexpression of HER2/neu in salivary glands ACC. If the tumor exhibits overexpression of HER2/neu, then treating it with the anti‐HER2/neu therapeutic agent, Herceptin (Trastuzumab, Genentech, CA), could be considered.Methods:  The study comprised of 32 samples of formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded specimens. All laboratory procedures and scoring criteria were performed according to currently approved FDA methods.Results:  HER2/neu overexpression was found in only five (16%) cases. Four cases (13%) scored 1+ and one case (3%) scored 2+.Conclusions:  The low prevalence of HER2/neu overexpression in ACC limits the clinical utility of Herceptin therapy for salivary gland ACC.
A case of multiple AOT‐like jawbone lesions in a young patient – a new odontogenic entity?
Authors: Larsson Å. , Swartz K. , Heikinheimo K. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe assessed the immunohistochemical profile of an unusual case of multiple similarly looking tumors in the jawbone of a young patient. Histologically, the tumors exhibited features of adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT) and adenomatoid dentinoma but showed no resemblance to any other defined odontogenic tumor entities. They expressed high amounts of cytokeratin (CK) 8 and 14 together with some Vimentin. A small rim of peripheral cells showed CK 5, 17, and 19 reactivity. Also, these lesions expressed some bcl‐2 as well as p53 and Ki67. Histologically and immunohistochemically, the unusual multiple lesions differed in details from a simultaneously examined group of 24 classical AOT cases, suggesting that they may represent a hitherto less well‐defined odontogenic tumor entity.
Cell death regulation in oral squamous cell carcinoma: methodological considerations and clinical significance
Authors: Loro L. L. , Vintermyr O. K. , Johannessen A. C. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractIn the last three decades, more work has been done on apoptosis and its role in the pathogenesis of many diseases including cancer. In almost all instances of cancer, dysregulation of cell death (apoptosis) and cell proliferation have been found to play a major role in tumourigenesis. A lot of progress has been made on understanding the molecular basis of apoptosis and its regulatory mechanisms. This review focuses on current knowledge on the regulation of apoptosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma, current methodologies and methodological consideration in estimation of cell death in tissue sections and the clinical significance of apoptosis related molecules in progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Tanning salons in southwest Poland: a survey of safety standards and professional knowledge of the staff
Authors: Szepietowski Jacek C. , Nowicka Danuta , Soter Katarzyna , Strzelecka Ewa , Kozera Marzena , Salomon Joanna 
Published: March 2003

Background: Nowadays, sunbeds are very popular worldwide; however – in the majority of countries, including Poland – there are no general guidelines and/or regulations for sunbed usage.Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate tanning salons in southwest Poland, paying special attention to safety regulations and basic professional knowledge of the staff members of these units. The hypothesis was put that tanning salons offer better skin and eye protection if their employees are more educated.Methods: Fifty‐five sunbed units were visited by the investigators, acting as potential clients. Information was obtained from the staff members in response to previously designed questionnaire.Results: Employees of 41.8% of sunbed units had adequate knowledge of radiation used in their establishments. Goggles were provided in 72.7%, sunglasses in additional 25.5% of salons. Lotions with sunscreens were available in 41.8% of units. Brief medical history of the client was taken in 20% of units. No dermatological examination was performed. Tanning salons, where employed staff were well‐orientated in ultraviolet radiation emitted in their units, significantly more frequently recommended usage of goggles and sunscreens (P = 0.0037 and P = 0.0033, respectively). Moreover, in these establishments sunscreens were more commonly available (P = 0.0029).Conclusions: The knowledge of staff members of tanning salons is poor and the eye and skin protection is not enough. The results point out the importance of the knowledge of the staff members in providing skin and eye protection.
Cyclosporin‐A suppresses p53‐dependent repair DNA synthesis and apoptosis following ultraviolet‐B irradiation
Authors: Sugie N. , Fujii N. , Danno K. 
Published: March 2003

Background: The combination of cyclosporin‐A (CS‐A) and ultraviolet‐B (UV‐B) irradiation is not recommended in the treatment of psoriasis, because risks of UV‐B‐induced skin cancer are increased. The recommendation, however, has not well been confirmed by basic researches.Purpose: In this study, we investigated the effects of CS‐A on UV‐B‐induced repair DNA synthesis, apoptosis and p53 expression.Methods: Following the short‐term administration of CS‐A (5 and 50 mg/kg/day) or vehicle (V) alone, female BALB/c mice, 8–10 weeks old, were treated with UV‐B irradiation (100 and 500 mJ2 cm) or tape stripping (TS). After the treatment, the effects of CS‐A on the increased rate of epidermal DNA synthesis were examined by using 5′‐bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) pulse‐labelling techniques. In separate experiments, the effects of CS‐A on the number of sunburn cells, nick‐end labelling +  cells and p53 + cells were examined 24 h after UV‐B irradiation.Results: Cyclosporin‐A significantly suppressed the UV‐B‐induced increase in BrdU uptake, which occurs to repair DNA damage, while there were no significant effects on the stripping (S)‐induced increase or the rate of normal epidermal proliferation, which is not associated with any DNA injuries. The number of sunburn cells, nick‐end labelling +  cells and p53 +  cells was significantly reduced by pretreatment with CS‐A.Conclusion: Cyclosporin‐A interferes with the self‐ protective mechanisms involved in both repair and apoptotic removal of UV‐B‐induced DNA damage. The loss of p53 expression is responsible for the effects of CS‐A.
Simple objective measurement of the cutaneous delayed‐type hypersensitivity reaction to tuberculin using spectrophotometry
Authors: Chambers Mark A. , Jahans Keith , Whelan Adam , Hughes Catherine , Sayers Robin , Perkins Alan , Glyn Hewinson R. 
Published: March 2003

Background/aims:  A number of subjective methods have been used to quantify the extent of the cutaneous delayed‐type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction. However, because of their subjective nature, significant differences in measurements may be seen between individual observers or laboratories unless thorough training is given to each observer.Methods:  Objective measurement of the DTH reaction using a hand‐held spectrophotometer is described. Guinea pigs were primed using inoculation with Mycobacterium bovis Bacille Calmette‐Guerin and challenged five weeks later in the shaved flank with three doses of bovine purified protein derivative. The extent of the ensuing DTH reaction was measured 24 and 48 h later. Spectrophotometric measurement of the reaction site was compared with a control region of skin on each animal and expressed as the change within a standard colour space. Data obtained with the spectrophotometer was compared with the subjective measurement of the area of the DTH reaction by an experienced operator.Results: T he measurements obtained with the spectrophotometer correlated very closely with conventional measurement of the reaction area by a trained operator. The reaction size in square mm and changes along the red/green colour axis was correlated most strongly.Conclusion:  Spectrophotometric measurement of the DTH reaction had advantages over conventional measuring techniques in terms of speed, reproducibility and reduced operator to operator variation. We conclude that the cutaneous DTH reaction may be simply and objectively quantified with the use of a hand‐held spectrophotometer.
Assessment of collagen lattice thickness by B‐scan echography
Authors: Viennet C. , Degouy A. , Bride J. , Humbert P. 
Published: March 2003

Background/aims:  Collagen lattices are an in vitro dermal equivalent that has led to the development of an original model of dermal tissue. Fibroblasts cultured in three‐dimensions in a collagen matrix differentiate similarly to in vivo. New technological performances in ultrasonic imaging can now provide precise measurements of tissue thickness with good resolution. The aim of this study was to assess, by B‐scan echography, the correlation between collagen lattice thickness and various collagen and cell concentrations.Methods:  Three concentrations of human dermal fibroblasts (F1 = 8.105 C/mL, F2 = 16.105 C/mL, F3 = 32.105 C/mL) and three concentrations of rat tail collagen (C1 = 2 mg mL−1, C2 = 3 mg mL−1, C3 = 4 mg mL−1) were prepared for five different kinds of collagen lattices: F2C1, F2C2, F2C3, F1C1 and F3C1 (n = 5 per case). Ultrasonic imaging was performed on day 0, 4, 6, 10, 12 and 14 using a Dermcup® 2020 scanner. The scans measured thickness in the centre and periphery of the lattice.Results:  The collagen lattice echogenicity was similar to a dermis in vivo. For each assessment, the collagen lattice thickness increased until day 12 and then stabilized. The lattice was thicker when the cellular concentration was higher, (at day 14: F1C1 = 0.66 mm, F2C1 = 0.86 mm, F3C1 = 1.21 mm). The collagen concentration did not significantly influence lattice thickness.Conclusion:  Collagen lattice thickness increased with retraction time and cellular concentration.
Benign dermoscopic network patterns in dysplastic melanocytic nevi
Authors: Troyanova Petranka 
Published: March 2003

Background/aims: Epiluminescence microscopy (ELM) is a non‐invasive clinical technique, which by employing the optical phenomenon of oil immersion makes surface structures of the skin accessible for in vivo examination and provides additional criteria for the diagnosis of pigment skin lesions (PSLs). Many ELM criteria have been described. One of the most important ELM criteria is the pigment network (PN).Objective: The aim of this study is to identify benign ELM (dermoscopic) network patterns of dysplastic melanocytic nevi (DMN).Methods: This study included 907 dysplastic melanocytic nevi in 178 patients. Prior to biopsy, each lesion was photographed with oil immersion, and the images were viewed on a high‐resolution compact slide projector. For each PSL, the ELM Network Features and ABCD‐score were evaluated.Results and discussion: The benign dermoscopic network features in DMN are the presents of a regular PN with delicate lines and margins, which predominantly thins out at the border of the lesion. For DMN, with these features, the mean ABCD score is smaller than ABCD‐score for DMNs with irregular, prominent PN and network patches, ending abruptly at the periphery. In DMN with a network predominantly thinning out at the border of the lesion several uniform network patterns were found—diffuse network pattern, patchy network pattern, structureless center pattern, globular center pattern, and pigmented‐blotch center pattern.Conclusions: Benign features of pigment network are regularity, delicacy and thinning out at the border of the lesion. Benign dermoscopic network patterns are diffuse network pattern, patchy network pattern, structureless center pattern, globular center pattern, and pigmented‐blotch center pattern. They can be found in DMN with a network predominantly thinning out at the border of the lesion.
Validation and clinical relevance of a novel scalp coverage scoring method
Authors: Van Neste Dominique , Leroy Thérèse , Sandraps Emmanuelle 
Published: March 2003

Background/aims: Distinctive patterns of defective scalp skin coverage or alopecia have been identified by clinicians but do not help measuring the dynamics of hair changes over time. Hence, we conceived the scalp coverage scoring (SCS) method that integrates cumulative changes of hair growth or loss. In this paper, we report the results of validation studies demonstrating that the SCS can be applied in real time in the clinic or on global photographs for evaluating the severity of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) of male subjects and for monitoring changes over time.Methods: Different panels totalling 38 different male subjects with AGA were classified according to a modified Norwood–Hamilton scale and were evaluated with the SCS system (real time or global photographs). The contrast‐enhanced phototrichogram method (CE‐PTG), a refined non‐invasive and validated analytical technique was used for calibration purposes.Results: The real time SCS was correlated with SCS on global photographs. The inter‐ and intra‐observer variation of SCS obtained on global photographs was less than 3%. The real time SCS was negatively correlated with the clinical staging of male pattern baldness according to the modified Norwood–Hamilton scale, confirming less scalp coverage in more severly affected subjects. In 12 male subjects with AGA, after SCS evaluation of the top of the head, a 1‐cm2 central target site was explored with CE‐PTG. There was a significant correlation of real time SCS with the percentage of thick anagen hair (r = 0.53; P < 0.08) and with the density of thin hair (r = −0.68; P < 0.02). Changes over time as documented on global photographs (18 subjects at baseline and after 12 and 60 months) were rated by a panel of independent experts (paired photographs) who were not blinded as to time. Randomised individual photographs were also examined one at a time for SCS. This procedure documents data obtained without control of baseline photographs and establishes blinding as to time. The changes calculated from SCS (after – baseline) were correlated (r = 0.9; P < 0.0001) with the rating of the panel of experts.Conclusions: When minimum technical precautions are taken prior to the scoring session, the main points of interest of the SCS method are:

Non‐invasive quantitative and reproducible technique
Measures dynamics of scalp hair growth and loss
Easily applied in the hair clinic.
Thyrotropin‐Releasing Hormone‐Induced Down‐Regulation of Pyroglutamyl Aminopeptidase II Activity Involves l‐Type Calcium Channels and Cam Kinase Activities in Cultures of Adenohypophyseal Cells
Authors: Vargas M. A. , Cisneros M. , Joseph‐Bravo P. , Charli J.‐L. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractReleased thyrotropin‐releasing hormone (TRH) is inactivated by a narrow specificity ectopeptidase, pyroglutamyl aminopeptidase II (PPII), present in brain and lactotrophs. Various hypothalamic/paracrine factors, including TRH, slowly (in hours) regulate the activity of PPII on the surface of adenohypophyseal cells. TRH‐induced down‐regulation was mimicked by protein kinase C (PKC) activation but was not affected by inhibition of PKC. Adenylate cyclase activation can also down‐regulate PPII. The purpose of this study was to identify elements of the transduction pathway used by TRH to regulate PPII activity. In primary cultures of female adenohypophyseal cells, activation of the stimulatory G protein or adenylate cyclase produced an effect additive to that of TRH; inhibition of protein kinase A activity did not interfere with TRH action. However, regulation of PPII activity by TRH was inhibited by a phospholipase C β inhibitor or chelation of intracellular calcium. l‐type calcium channels (LCC) agonists mimicked TRH action and their effect was not additive with that of TRH. Antagonists of LCC channels and inhibitors of calmodulin or calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase blocked TRH action. Therefore, TRH‐induced calcium entry through l‐type calcium channels and the activity of calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase are required for TRH effect on PPII activity in primary cultures of adenohypophyseal cells. This pathway may coregulate PPII and prolactin biosynthesis in response to TRH.
Naturally Occurring Differences in Maternal Care are Associated with the Expression of Oxytocin and Vasopressin (V1a) Receptors: Gender Differences
Authors: Francis D. D. , Young L. J. , Meaney M. J. , Insel T. R. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractVariations in maternal care have been associated with long‐term changes in neurochemistry and behaviour in adult rats. Rats receiving high levels of licking and grooming as pups are less fearful and more maternal than rats receiving low levels of maternal licking and grooming. Central pathways for oxytocin and vasopressin have been implicated in the neurobiology of anxiety and social behaviours. We assessed whether variations in maternal care were associated with differences in oxytocin receptors (OTR) or vasopressin (V1a) receptors in the brains of adult offspring. In the central nucleus of the amygdala and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, OTR binding was increased in adult females, but not adult males, that had received high levels of maternal licking and grooming as pups. Conversely, amygdala V1a receptor binding was increased in males, but not females, that had received high levels of maternal licking and grooming. These findings suggest that variations in maternal care may influence the expression of oxytocin and vasopressin receptors in a gender‐specific manner.
Y1 Receptor Activation is Involved in the Effect of Exogenous Neuropeptide Y on Pup Growth and the Early Termination of Lactational Diestrus in the Postpartum Rat
Authors: Toufexis D. J. , Yorozu S. , Woodside B. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe effect of chronic administration of exogenous neuropeptide Y (NPY) and specific NPY receptor agonists and antagonists on reproductive function was examined in lactating rats. As previously demonstrated in our laboratory, chronic (7‐day) intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) NPY infusion (6 µg/day) from days 8–15 postpartum (pp) caused a significant decrease in milk production and an early termination of lactational diestrus. Similar application of the mixed Y1/Y4/Y5 receptor agonist (Leu31, Pro34) NPY (at 3, 6 and 9 µg/day) reproduced the effect of chronic NPY infusion on milk production in a dose‐independent manner. Consistent with this effect, the potent Y1 antagonist/Y4 agonist, 1229U91, given concomitantly with NPY eliminated the decline in milk production. The Y2 receptor agonist, NPY13–36, had no effect on milk production at any of the doses used. Length of lactational diestrus was reduced following administration of the Y2 agonist at 18 µg/day but not at 9 µg or 27 µg/day whereas (Leu31, Pro34) NPY infusion had no effect on this parameter at any of the doses used. However, the group that was treated with NPY plus 1229U91 exhibited the usual length of lactational diestrus, indicating that there is at least some Y1 involvement in the effects of NPY on lactational infertility. To test the possibility that the effects of NPY infusion are mediated through changes in circulating prolactin and progesterone, plasma concentrations of these hormones were measured on day 15 pp in NPY‐, (Leu31, Pro34) NPY‐ and vehicle‐treated females. NPY‐infused females had lower plasma prolactin concentrations than vehicle‐infused dams but progesterone concentrations were similar across groups. Overall, these data indicate that chronic exogenous NPY‐infusion in lactating females disrupts milk production and shortens lactational diestrus, most likely through reducing prolactin secretion, and that this effect is mediated via Y1 receptor activity.
Fc receptor regulation of protective immunity against Chlamydia trachomatis
Authors: Moore Terri , Ananaba Godwin A. , Bolier Jacqueline , Bowers Samera , Belay Tesfaye , Eko Francis O. , Igietseme Joseph U. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryThe prevailing paradigm for designing potentially efficacious vaccines against the obligate intracellular bacterium, Chlamydia trachomatis, advocates regimens capable of inducing a mucosal antigen‐specific T helper type 1 (Th1) response. However, recent reports indicate that rapid and efficient clearance of a secondary infection also requires certain B‐cell functions. We investigated the hypothesis that Fc receptor (FcR)‐mediated antibody effector mechanisms are important B‐cell‐related functions involved in controlling a chlamydial genital reinfection. Microbiological analysis of genital chlamydial infection in FcR knockout (FcRKO) mice lacking the activatory FcγRI (CD64) and FcRγIII (CD16), as well as the inhibitory FcγRIIB1 (CD32), revealed a greater intensity of secondary infection (i.e. bacterial shedding) in FcR−/− as compared to FcR+/+ mice; however, the course of the primary infection was indistinguishable in both animals. Pathologically, FcRKO mice suffered greater ascending infection than immunocompetent wild‐type (WT) mice after a secondary infection. Immunological evaluation indicated that the presence of specific anti‐chlamydial antibodies enhanced chlamydial antigen presentation for induction of a Th1 response by FcR+/+, but not FcR−/−, antigen‐presenting cells. In addition, specific anti‐chlamydial antibodies augmented both macrophage killing of infected epithelial cells by antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and macrophage inhibition of productive growth of chlamydiae in co‐cultures. These results indicate that B cells participate in anti‐chlamydial immunity via FcR‐mediated effector functions of antibodies, which are operative during reinfections. Such effector functions include ADCC, and possibly enhanced uptake, processing and presentation of chlamydial antigens for rapid induction of a Th1 response, all facilitating the early clearance of an infection. These findings suggest that a future anti‐chlamydial vaccine should elicit both humoral and T‐cell‐mediated immune responses for optimal memory response and vaccine efficacy.
Unequal competitor ideal free distributions: predictions for differential effects of interference between habitats
Authors: Humphries Stuart , Ruxton Graeme D. , Van Der Meer Jaap 
Published: March 2003

Summary

Unequal competitor ideal free distribution (IFD) models that deal with the effects of interference allow for the relaxation of several unrealistic assumptions of the basic IFD model. We used the recently developed interaction‐matrix method to examine the general case where the effect of interference can vary between patches, one previously unexplored in the literature.
An analytical approach revealed that mixed solutions are not possible for the case of differential interference between patches. However, simulations from an individual‐based model suggest that, when numbers of individuals similar to those commonly used in empirical tests of the IFD are considered, mixed solutions are in fact predicted.
This discrepancy can only be detected by the use of individual‐based models, and may help to explain the lack of certain previously predicted distributions in empirical tests of the theory. We suggest that future work should employ individual‐based models to better link empirical tests with analytic theory.