bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Subepithelial myofibroblasts and tenascin expression in microscopic colitis
Authors: Salas A , Fernández‐Bañares F , Casalots J , González C , Tarroch X , Forcada P , González G 
Published: December 2004

Aims:  To assess differences in the pattern of subepithelial myofibroblasts and the expression of tenascin as a marker of extracellular matrix production in collagenous and lymphocytic colitis.Methods and results:  Colorectal biopsies were studied from 122 patients with chronic diarrhoea and normal colonoscopy. The pathological diagnoses were collagenous colitis (n = 35), lymphocytic colitis (n = 37), mild non‐specific chronic inflammation (n = 28) and normal mucosa (n = 18). Four cases showed features of collagenous colitis but with collagen bands <10 µm thick. Normal mucosa from 14 patients without diarrhoea served as healthy control tissue. Immunohistochemical expression of α‐smooth muscle actin (myofibroblast marker) and tenascin was evaluated in well‐orientated sections. The expression of α‐smooth muscle actin was significantly increased in collagenous colitis compared with all the other groups. Strong tenascin subepithelial expression was seen in all cases of collagenous colitis, including the four without full‐blown features. The mean thickness of tenascin bands was greater than that obtained by conventional stains.Conclusions:  There are clear differences, with respect to extracellular matrix remodelling, between collagenous and lymphocytic colitis. These results support the theory of matrix overproduction in the genesis of collagenous colitis.
Expression of apoptosis‐related markers and HER‐2/neu in thymic epithelial tumours
Authors: Pan C‐C , Chen P C‐H , Wang L‐S , Lee J‐Y , Chiang H 
Published: December 2004

Aims:  To correlate the expression of a series of apoptotic and oncogene markers (including p53, Bcl‐2, BAX, Bcl‐XL, p21WAF,1/CIP1, cyclin D1, HER‐2/neu) in thymic epithelial tumours with histological type, stage and resectability and to determine whether the information on HER‐2/neu would be valuable in identifying patients who are eligible for anti‐HER‐2/neu treatment.Methods and results:  Immunohistochemical stains were performed on 16 cases of non‐neoplastic thymus, 63 thymomas and 17 thymic carcinomas. Fluorescence in‐situ hybridization (FISH) for HER2 was performed to validate the gene amplification. Eighteen thymomas were positive for p53 and 14 of them were low‐expressors, with positive cells below 10%. All thymic carcinomas revealed over‐expression of p53 with positive cells either between 10% and 50% or >50%. The expression of p53 correlated with histological type and stage in thymoma. In both thymoma and thymic carcinoma, there was a statistically significant correlation between p53 status and resectability, with low expressors having a higher likelihood of being resectable. Thymic carcinomas, regardless of the histological subtypes, uniformly expressed Bcl‐2, while thymomas showed no or only weak cytoplasmic immunoreactivity. Most thymomas and thymic carcinomas were negative for Bcl‐XL, p21WAF,1/CIP1 and cyclin D1. The expression of BAX was inconsistent among different histological types. Nine thymic carcinomas revealed membranous positivity for HER‐2/neu, but no HER2 gene amplification could be demonstrated by FISH in any of the cases.Conclusions:  p53 and Bcl‐2 are more implicated in the development of thymic carcinoma than thymoma. The higher level of p53 expression and the strong immunopositive pattern of Bcl‐2 in thymic carcinomas have potential value in the differential diagnosis and prediction of aggressiveness and resectability. On account of the absence of HER2 amplification, patients would probably not benefit from anti‐HER‐2/neu treatment.
Identification of poorly differentiated synovial sarcoma: a comparison of clinicopathological and cytogenetic features with those of typical synovial sarcoma
Authors: De Silva M V C , McMahon A D , Paterson L , Reid R 
Published: December 2004

Aims:  Poorly differentiated areas in synovial sarcomas (SS) are known to be associated with a poorer prognosis. The aim of our study was to describe the morphological spectrum of poorly differentiated synovial sarcomas (PDSS) and refine the criteria for their recognition.Methods and results:  The clinicopathological features of 28 PDSS were compared with those of 26 classic SS. Common cell types in PDSS included epithelioid, spindle and Ewing sarcoma‐like small round cells. Unusual features included presence of desmoplastic small cell tumour‐like areas and extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma‐like areas. The presence of necrosis (P = 0.002), a mitotic rate over 10/10 high‐power fields (P < 0.001), a haemangiopericytomatous vascular pattern (P < 0.001) and vascular invasion (P = 0.003) were significantly associated with PDSS, while mast cells (P < 0.001), calcification (P < 0.001) and hyaline bands (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with classic SS. Poorly differentiated areas showed increased proliferative activity with Ki67. PDSS showed a tendency to be larger (P = 0.008) and to be located in proximal more than distal sites (P = 0.025). Three entirely poorly differentiated tumours were diagnosed by demonstration of the t(X;18)(p11;q11) translocation. PDSS showed additional cytogenetic abnormalities.Conclusions:  Poorly differentiated synovial sarcomas show a spectrum of histological features, which may simulate other malignant neoplasms. The diagnosis of entirely poorly differentiated synovial sarcomas requires cytogenetic analysis.
The use of immunohistochemistry in distinguishing reactive from neoplastic mesothelium. A novel use for desmin and comparative evaluation with epithelial membrane antigen, p53, platelet‐derived growth factor‐receptor, P‐glycoprotein and Bcl‐2
Authors: Attanoos R L , Griffin A , Gibbs A R 
Published: December 2004

Aims:  To evaluate the expression of the intermediate filament desmin in reactive mesothelium and malignant mesothelioma and to compare its utility with five other previously reported immunomarkers claimed to be of use in distinguishing reactive from neoplastic mesothelium.Methods and results:  Sixty cases of malignant pleural mesothelioma and 40 cases of reactive mesothelial hyperplasia formed the study group. Cases were immunohistochemically stained with desmin, epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), p53, Bcl‐2, P‐glycoprotein and platelet‐derived growth factor receptor (PDGF‐R) β‐chain by the avidin–biotin complex method. The cohort of malignant pleural mesotheliomas were immunoreactive to desmin, EMA and p53 in 6/60 (10%), 48/60 (80%) and 27/60 (45%), respectively. In comparison, the cohort of reactive mesothelial hyperplasias were immunoreactive to desmin, EMA and p53 in 34/40 (85%), 8/40 (20%) and 0/40 (0%), respectively. In a smaller cohort (n = 15) of malignant pleural mesotheliomas, Bcl‐2, P‐glycoprotein and PDGF‐R β‐chain were expressed in 0/15 (0%), 2/15 (13%) and 15/15 (100%), respectively. In a small cohort (n = 15) of reactive mesothelial hyperplasias, Bcl‐2, P‐glycoprotein and PDGF‐R β‐chain were immunoreactive in 0/15 (0%), 0/15 (0%) and 6/15 (40%), respectively.Conclusions:  Desmin and EMA appear to be the most useful markers in distinguishing benign from malignant mesothelial proliferations. Desmin appears to be preferentially expressed in reactive mesothelium and EMA appears to be preferentially expressed in neoplastic mesothelium. The complementary use of both markers is advocated in ascertaining the nature of mesothelial proliferations. Immunohistochemical detection of mutated p53 oncoprotein appeared to be of less utility in this study on account of the low marker sensitivity for malignant mesothelioma. However, p53 antibody may be of use as a second‐line marker of neoplastic mesothelium within a standard immunohistochemical panel of antibodies. In this study, Bcl‐2, P‐glycoprotein and PDGF‐R β‐chain appear to be of no use in distinguishing reactive from neoplastic mesothelium, although more formal evaluation of these markers is required.
Which breast carcinomas need HER‐2/neu gene study after immunohistochemical analysis? Results of combined use of antibodies against different c‐erbB2 protein domains
Authors: Sapino A , Coccorullo Z , Cassoni P , Ghisolfi G , Gugliotta P , Bongiovanni M , Arisio R , Crafa P , Bussolati G 
Published: December 2004

Aims:  Evaluation of HER2 gene amplification in breast cancers is a compelling, routine procedure. The aim of this work was to evaluate which breast carcinomas would really benefit from HER‐2/neu gene analysis.Methods and results:  We studied 130 invasive breast carcinomas by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using CB11 and TAB250 MAbs directed against different domains of the c‐erbB2 molecule. From this series, we selected 106 cases (32 G1, 36 G2, and 38 G3) in which HER‐2/neu gene analysis, using chromogenic in‐situ hybridization (CISH), was successful. IHC results were scored using the FDA approved system with three score values: 0/1+ (negative), 2+, 3+ (positive). In addition, we developed a double scoring system with six score values (0/1+ 2+ negative, 3+, 4+, 5+, 6+ positive) obtained by summating the individual scoring values obtained with each MAb. All double scoring negative cases were non‐amplified (100% sensitivity), whereas all cases scored 6+ were amplified. Double scoring values and CISH results were then correlated with grade and histological type. G1 ductal carcinomas and carcinomas of lobular and of special histological type did not show HER‐2/neu amplification even in the presence of protein over‐expression.Conclusions:  The combined results of IHC analysis (double scoring values) obtained using MAbs directed against different c‐erbB2 domains correctly indicates the HER‐2/neu gene status in 57.5% of cases. In addition, simple morphological features such as low grade and special histological type are good predictors of the non‐amplification of the HER‐2/neu gene in breast carcinoma.
Reduced expression of cyclooxygenase (COX) in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and sarcoidosis
Authors: Petkova D K , Clelland C A , Ronan J E , Lewis S , Knox A J 
Published: December 2004

Aims:  To test the hypothesis that cyclooxygenase (COX)‐1 or COX‐2 expression is defective in lungs in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and to characterize the cellular distribution. IPF is a progressive inflammatory lung disorder with an adverse prognosis. Previous work has shown that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) regulates collagen deposition and fibroblast proliferation and a defect in COX regulation may contribute to the fibrosis that occurs in IPF.Methods:  Immunohistochemistry was utilized to determine COX immunoreactivity in lung sections from 25 IPF, six sarcoidosis and 14 control subjects.Results:  COX‐1 and COX‐2 expression in bronchiolar epithelial cells was significantly lower in IPF and sarcoidosis than in controls. No significant difference was found in COX‐2 expression between macrophages in IPF and control sections, but COX‐2 was reduced in macrophages in sarcoidosis compared with controls.Conclusions:  These studies confirm COX‐2 loss in bronchial epithelial cells but not macrophages in IPF, and show for the first time reduced constitutive COX‐1 expression in epithelial cells and macrophages. Similar abnormalities were observed in sarcoidosis.
Cytokeratin 7/20 and mucin expression patterns in oesophageal, cardia and distal gastric adenocarcinomas
Authors: Gulmann C , Counihan I , Grace A , Patchett S , Leen E , Leader M , Kay E 
Published: December 2004

Aims:  The current study examined cytokeratin (CK)7 and 20 as well as MUC1–6 immunoprofiles in oesophageal, gastric and gastro–oesophageal junction (GOJ) adenocarcinomas. The aim was to compare expression patterns in these locations as aids to accurate classification of these morphologically similar carcinomas which all may involve the GOJ.Methods and results:  Tissue microarrays were constructed using tissue from 14 oesophageal, 78 gastric and 39 GOJ adenocarcinomas. Sections were immunostained with CK7, CK20, MUC1, MUC2, MUC5AC and MUC6. The results of this study showed no differences in CK7 and CK20 expression patterns in the three locations. MUC2 expression was higher proximally (43% of oesophageal, 28% of GOJ and 17% of gastric carcinomas) and MUC6 expression was higher distally (7% of oesophageal, 28% of GOJ and 15% of gastric carcinomas). MUC1 expression was associated with higher pTNM‐stage.Conclusions:  CK 7/20 profiles have no role in distinguishing tumours of the three locations. Mucin expression patterns differed in oesophageal and gastric adenocarcinomas, although not sufficiently to classify individual cases. GOJ adenocarcinomas showed a mucin expression pattern that was partly ‘gastric’, and partly ‘oesophageal’. MUC1 expression was associated with a higher pTNM stage.
Minichromosome maintenance protein 7 expression in gestational trophoblastic disease: correlation with Ki67, PCNA and clinicopathological parameters
Authors: Xue W C , Khoo U S , Ngan H Y S , Chan K Y K , Chiu P M , Tsao S W , Cheung A N Y 
Published: December 2004

Aims:  To assess the proliferative activity of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) using one of the novel proliferation markers (MCM7) and to determine its prognostic value in hydatidiform mole (HM).Methods and results:  Immunohistochemical staining for MCM7 was performed on 122 samples of paraffin‐embedded trophoblastic tissues including 22 normal first‐trimester placentas, 12 term placentas, 12 spontaneous miscarriages (SM), 21 partial moles (PM), 44 complete hydatidiform moles (CM), and 11 choriocarcinomas (CCA). The correlations between the proliferative indices assessed by MCM7, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and Ki67 (MIB1) immunoreactivity as well as clinical progress were assessed. MCM7 immunoreactivity was found predominantly in the nuclei of cytotrophoblast and intermediate trophoblast and decreased with placental maturation. MCM7 expression was highest in CCA, followed by CM, PM, normal first‐trimester placenta, SM and term placenta. MCM7 index was significantly higher in PM and CM than in SM (P = 0.007, P < 0.001) but not between PM and CM themselves (P = 0.560). Eighteen of the 65 patients with HM developed persistent trophoblastic disease (PTD) requiring chemotherapy. There was no significant difference in MCM7 indices between the patients who developed PTD and those who did not (P = 0.312). MCM7 indices correlated well with Ki67 (P = 0.002) but not with PCNA (P = 0.054) indices. MCM7 indices demonstrated less variability than PCNA and Ki67 and may be a better proliferation marker than the latter two.Conclusions:  We conclude that MCM7 is useful in differentiating molar and non‐molar gestations but is not helpful in discriminating PM from CM or in predicting PTD.
Apoptosis: an introduction for the endodontist
Authors: Satchell P. G. , Gutmann J. L. , Witherspoon D. E. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractApoptosis plays an important role in many aspects of endodontics, yet there is a paucity of information in this regard in the endodontic literature. Apoptosis is a single deletion of scattered cells by fragmentation into membrane‐bound particles that are phagocytosed by other cells. It is a key process in the embryological development of the tooth, periodontal ligament and supporting oral tissue in the progression of oral disease, bone resorption, immunological response and inflammation, and in wound healing and certain pharmacological effects. The understanding of the ability of clinical materials to induce or inhibit apoptosis and the investigation of apoptosis as it relates to the pathogenesis of pulpal and periradicular pathology may eventually lead to new treatment approaches for the endodontist. The purpose of this review is to familiarize the clinical endodontist with current knowledge on apoptosis as it relates to the pulp and periradicular tissues.
ICSI: a technique too far?1
Authors: Tournaye H. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryEven now 10 years after its introduction, there is still debate on the possible adverse effects of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). ICSI has raised a lot of concerns because of the mechanical perforation of the oocyte, the possible transmission of foreign genetic material, the use of immature or senescent germ cells and the association between genetic disorders and some forms of male infertility. To date, the data available indicate that ICSI is a safe procedure provided this treatment is performed in clinics with the highest standards of expertise and with a continuous follow‐up programme for the offspring.It is becoming increasingly apparent that it is not ICSI itself, but the background risks of the ICSI patients that represent the major risk factor with regard to congenital malformations. More sex‐chromosome abnormalities have been reported in ICSI offspring. Again, the risk of aneuploidy in ICSI progeny reflects the higher aneuploidy rate in the sperm of ICSI fathers. Whether ICSI will eventually perpetuate male infertility is far from clear, because at present the inheritance pattern of idiopathic male infertility is unknown. All ICSI candidates should nevertheless be thoroughly screened and counselled. As long as follow‐up studies have a limited power to detect small increases in malformations and as long as no information is available on long‐term and next‐generation cohorts, ICSI must be used with caution and only when no alternative evidence‐based therapy is available. All ICSI candidates should be rigorously screened and thoroughly informed of the limitations of current screening methods and our limited knowledge of the genetic background to male infertility.They should be told that there might be a slight increase in congenital malformation rate after ICSI, but that this increase is probably the result of their own ‘background risk’.Well‐informed patients are in the best position to judge whether the concerns outweigh the benefits of ICSI.
Identification of neurones of the brain and spinal cord involved in the innervation of the ductus deferens using the viral tracing method
Authors: Gerendai Ida , Wiesel O. , Tóth Ida E. , Boldogkõi ZS. , Rusvai M. , Halász B. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryUsing the viral transneuronal tracing technique cell groups of the spinal cord and brain transsynaptically connected with the ductus deferens were identified. Neurotropic (pseudorabies) virus was injected into the muscular coat of the ductus deferens and after survival times of 3, 4 and 5 days the spinal cord and brain were processed immunocytochemically. Virus‐labelled neurones could be detected in the preganglionic sympathetic neurones and the dorsal commissural nucleus (upper lumbar segments) and in the sacral parasympathetic nucleus (L6‐S1). Virus‐infected perikarya were present in several brain stem nuclei including the gigantocellular and paragigantocellular nucleus, the lateral reticular nucleus, the nucleus of the solitary tract, the caudal raphe nuclei, the A1/C1, A2, A5 and A7 noradrenergic cell groups and the locus coeruleus. In the hypothalamus significant numbers of virus‐infected neurones could be detected in the paraventricular nucleus. In most cases moderate numbers of virus‐labelled cells were present in the lateral hypothalamic area, in the retrochiasmatic area, in the periventricular region and in the median preoptic area. Double‐labelling immunofluorescence detection of virus‐infected neurones and thyrosine hydroxylase (TH) showed colocalization of virus protein and TH in portion of neurones of the A1/C1, A2, A5 and A7 noradrenergic cell groups, in the locus coeruleus and in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus. The present results provide the first morphological data on the multisynaptic circuit of neurones innervating the ductus deferens.
Visco‐elasticity of seminal fluid in relation to the epididymal and accessory sex gland function and its impact on sperm motility
Authors: ELzanaty S. , Malm J. , Giwercman A. 
Published: December 2004

SummarySeminal viscopathy was shown to be associated with male infertility. However, our knowledge about the regulatory mechanism of this process is still limited. In semen samples from 411 men attending for fertility assessment, traditional semen parameters including visco‐elasticity were assessed according to the World Health Organization guidelines. Sperm motility was evaluated by use of computer aided sperm analysis (CASA). Seminal activity of neutral α‐glucosidase (NAG) and concentrations of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA), zinc, and fructose were measured. The activity of NAG, and the concentrations of PSA and zinc were significantly lower in hyper‐visco‐elastic semen samples (medians: 5 vs. 8 mU/mL; 741 vs. 924 mg/L; 1 vs. 2 mM/L), than in those with normal visco‐elasticity (p = 0.004, 0.005 and 0.011, respectively). When comparing the total amounts, only for seminal fructose there was a difference between samples with high visco‐elasticity as compared with those of normal visco‐elasticity (median: 74 vs. 53 μM/ejaculate, p = 0.007) This seminal marker was the only significant independent parameter in predicting seminal visco‐elasticity in a multiple logistic regression analysis (odds ratio for the highest quartile = 4.67). Hyper‐visco‐elasticity was associated with a lower percentage of motile spermatozoa (43 vs. 50%, p = 0.045). Similar trend was found for the CASA motility characteristics curvilinear velocity (VCL), average path length (VAP), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH) (p = 0.008, 0.038 and 0.020, respectively). Our study demonstrated the interplay between the regulatory effect of post‐testicular organs on semen visco‐elasticity. Hyper‐visco‐elasticity was associated with asthenozoospermia and lower levels of VCL, VAP and ALH.
Idiopathic non‐obstructive azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia: a cross‐sectional study in 61 Greek men
Authors: Giannouli Chariklia , Goulis Dimitrios G. , Lambropoulos Alexander , Lissens Willy , Tarlatzis Basil C. , Bontis John N. , Papadimas John 
Published: December 2004

SummaryIdiopathic non‐obstructive azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia (INOA) consists a special group of men characterized by eugonadism, primary infertility, low testicular volume, azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia and high follicle stimulating hormone values. Aims of this study were to describe the clinical, hormonal, sperm and histological characteristics of men with INOA and to define if and to what extend men with the INOA phenotype carry Y chromosome long arm (Yq) microdeletions. Sixty‐three men with INOA were studied through clinical examination, spermiograms, hormonal profile, polymerase chain reaction for Yq microdeletions, karyotype and testicular fine‐needle aspiration biopsy. Sixty‐seven men with infertility of known causes and sixty fertile men served as controls. Men with INOA had significantly lower total testosterone levels than fertile men as well as higher prevalence of loss of libido, higher luteinizing hormone levels and lower sperm volume whereas men with infertility of known causes had intermediate values. The prevalence of Yq microdeletions was 3% in men with INOA, 3% in men with infertility of known causes (all of them with abnormal karyotype) and 0% in fertile men. In conclusion, men with INOA have more severe testiculopathy than these with infertility of known causes. These men may be at increased risk of developing partial androgen deficiency of the aging male.