bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bax expression and growth behavior of basal cell carcinomas
Authors: Tilli Claudia M. L. J. , Stavast‐Kooy Angela J. W. , Ramaekers Frans C. S. , Neumann H. A. Martino 
Published: March 2003

Background:  To understand the typical growth behavior of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) we searched for the correlation between proliferation and apoptosis and progression of BCC.Methods: Expression of Bcl‐2, Bax, and Ki‐67 was immunohistochemically investigated in both normal skin and BCC cells, as well as in the epidermis overlying BCC.Results:  The results showed that in normal epidermis, Bcl‐2 was homogeneously expressed in the basal cell compartment, whereas Ki‐67 expression was largely restricted to the parabasal layer, the layer just above the basal cell layer, and exhibited a more scattered staining pattern. Bax was occasionally expressed in the basal layer and widely in the suprabasal compartment. Strikingly, the apparently normal epidermis overlying BCC showed an increased Bcl‐2 staining. In BCC, cells stained homogeneously for Bcl‐2, whereas Bax and Ki‐67 showed scattered staining patterns. Simultaneous expression was seen for Bcl‐2 and Bax in 80 ± 7% of the tumor cells, and co‐expression of Bcl‐2 and Ki‐67 in 20 ± 7% of the tumor cells. The cells expressing Bcl‐2 and Ki‐67, but lacking expression of Bax, the progressive fraction, comprised on average 7 ± 3% of the tumor cell population.Conclusion:  These results suggest that this small progressive fraction of tumor cells, in combination with the relatively high percentage of cells still prone to apoptosis, can explain the indolent growth behavior of BCC.
Large atypical cells of lymphomatoid papulosis are CD56‐negative: a study of 18 cases
Authors: Harvell Jeff D. , Vaseghi Marmar , Natkunam Yasodha , Kohler Sabine , Kim Youn 
Published: March 2003

Background: Histologically, diffuse dermal infiltrates of large atypical lymphocytes can be seen in lesions as indolent as type C lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) to ones as aggressive as NK/T‐cell lymphoma. While lesions of lymphomatoid papulosis are definitionally positive for CD30, their ability to express CD56 has not been formally studied. The objective of the current study was to determine whether or not the large atypical cells of LyP express the natural killer cell marker, CD56.Methods:  Biopsies from 18 patients with LyP were studied with monoclonal antibodies to CD30, CD56, CD8, and TIA‐1. These included four type C LyP lesions. Clinical information was obtained by chart review and included extent of LyP lesions, presence/absence of disease at follow‐up, and any associated hematologic malignancies.Results:  None of the biopsies exhibited CD56 positivity within the large atypical cells of LyP. While some biopsies demonstrated CD56‐positive, small, presumably reactive, lymphocytes within the infiltrate, their presence did not correlate with extent of disease, persistence of disease, or propensity for an associated non‐LyP hematologic malignancy.Conclusions:  The large atypical cells of types A and C LyP do not exhibit positivity for CD56, and thus a panel of antibodies that includes CD30 and CD56 can readily distinguish between the benign end of the spectrum of CD30‐positive lymphoproliferations and aggressive NK/T‐cell lymphoma.
Heavy multinodular cutaneous lymphoid infiltrates: clinicopathologic features and B‐cell clonality
Authors: Ceballos K. M. , Gascoyne R. D. , Martinka M. , Trotter M. J. 
Published: March 2003

Background:  Criteria for distinguishing between cutaneous lymphoid hyperplasia (CLH) and low‐grade B‐cell lymphoma are not well defined. We examined the hypothesis that the presence of a clonal B‐cell population in heavy multinodular lymphoid infiltrates correlates with clinical presentation and outcome.Methods:  We identified 29 patients with skin lesions characterized histologically by a heavy dermal lymphocytic infiltrate with a multinodular architecture and extension into deep dermis and subcutaneous fat. Clonality was assessed immunophenotypically by light‐chain restriction and also by analysis for IgH‐gene rearrangement using PCR on DNA extracted from paraffin blocks.Results:  Follow‐up (mean 80 months; median 45 months) was obtained in all patients. Twenty‐four patients (83%) presented with a solitary lesion: only four had solitary recurrences, and none developed multiple synchronous lesions or systemic B‐cell lymphoma. However, 9/24 of these solitary lesions (38%) were clonal by light‐chain restriction or IgH PCR; 5/29 patients (17%) presented with multiple recurrent lesions and continued to develop lesions during the period of follow‐up; 3/5 patients (60%) with multiple lesions demonstrated a B‐cell clone. No patient developed systemic B‐cell lymphoma.Conclusions:  Heavy, multinodular cutaneous lymphoid infiltrates have an excellent prognosis. Multiple lesions at presentation are the best predictor of recurrent multiple lesions confined to the skin. The presence of a clonal B‐cell population does not correlate with clinical presentation or histology, nor does it predict development of further lesions or systemic lymphoma.
Chloracne: histopathologic findings in one case
Authors: Pastor Maria Antonia , Carrasco Loreto , Izquierdo Maria José , Fariña Maria Carmen , Martín Lucia , Renedo Guadalupe , Requena Luis 
Published: March 2003

Background: Chloracne is an acneiform eruption due to poisoning by halogenated aromatic compounds having a specific molecular shape. This condition is always a symptom of systemic poisoning by chemical chloracnegens and not just a cutaneous disorder.Methods: We have studied a patient with severe chloracne who showed cutaneous lesions involving mostly the face and the axillae.Results:  Histopathologic study of the facial lesions demonstrated that almost every vellus hair follicle was involved, showing a dilated infundibulum filled by a keratotic plug. This keratotic material was mostly composed of orthokeratotic basket‐weave basophilic corneocytes, namely infundibular keratin, although there were also some dilated infundibula containing eosinophilic laminated or granular sebum at their center. Small infundibular cysts were more numerous than comedones. Mature and well‐developed sebaceous glands were seen at the base of many of the dilated infundibula and no squamous metaplasia of the sebaceous glands or ducts could be demonstrated. Hyperpigmentation of the lesions resulted from hyperproduction of melanin by a normal number of melanocytes along the basal layer of the epidermis and infundibular epithelium. Abundant melanin granules also impregnated the corneocytes of the infundibular plugs.Conclusions:  Our findings support the notion that tiny infundibular cysts rather than comedones represent the basic lesions of chloracne.
Development of histologic features of scleroderma in congenital lesions*
Authors: Harford Robert , Smith Kathleen J. , Skelton Henry 
Published: March 2003

Background:  Localized scleroderma has been reported after radiation therapy, but has never been reported to occur at the site of a congenital lesion.Case report: We present two patients, both with family histories of autoimmune disease, who reported unilateral hypopigmented areas on the trunk since birth. The areas remained asymptomatic and grew with the patients until adulthood when the areas became indurated then firm and showed hyperpigmentation.Histology: Histologically, both lesions showed features of localized scleroderma with diffuse sclerosis of collagen and loss of periadnexal fat. There was a perivascular lymphoplasmocytic infiltrate with occasional eosinophils extending into the subcutaneous fat predominantly along fat septae, and diffuse loss of CD34+ stromal cell populations within the lesions.Conclusion: We propose that somatic mutations affecting vessels may predispose to increased endothelial cell apoptosis. This could lead to the development of an autoimmune response in some individuals, and the areas of localized scleroderma may be markers of susceptibility to autoimmune disease.
Study of HHV‐8 DNA sequences in archival biopsies from lesional skin of Kaposi's sarcoma, various mesenchymal tumors and related reactive conditions
Authors: Kazakov Dmitry V. , Prinz Bettina M. , Michaelis Sonja , Schmid Mirka , Müller Beatrix , Adams Volker , Burg Günter , Kempf Werner 
Published: March 2003

Background: HHV‐8 has been identified as the causative agent of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) and some lymphoproliferative disorders. In addition, there are anecdotal reports on the presence of HHV‐8 in other tumors, especially cutaneous epithelial and mesenchymal neoplasms. The aim of the study was to ascertain the value of identification of HHV‐8 viral DNA sequences in routinely processed, formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissues for the diagnosis of Kaposi's sarcoma and other mesenchymal tumors. Methods: The presence of HHV‐8 sequences in archival material was studied by nested PCR using specific primers for amplification of a 233‐bp long fragment of HHV‐8 (ORF 26). Results: Thirty‐three patients with KS (18 classic/sporadic, six post‐transplant and nine AIDS‐related) and various mesenchymal tumors and related conditions (n = 76) were studied. HHV‐8 DNA sequences were detected in 29 of the 33 cases of KS and in one case of multiple eruptive dermatofibroma (MEDF). Conclusions: Identification of HHV‐8 DNA sequences in routinely processed tissue is a useful diagnostic marker for KS. Although other mesenchymal tumors are usually not associated with HHV‐8, its presence is not fully specific for KS since HHV‐8 sequences were also found in one case of MEDF. Therefore, PCR analysis for the detection of HHV‐8 should only be used as an additional diagnostic marker for KS and in the context of other tools such as routine histology.
Alteration of mast cell proliferation/apoptosis and expression of stem cell factor in the regression of mastocytoma – report of a case and a serial immunohistochemical study
Authors: Inoue Tae , Yoneda Kozo , Kakurai Maki , Fujita Sachiko , Manabe Motomu , Demitsu Toshio 
Published: March 2003

Background: Spontaneous regression of solitary mastocytoma is a well‐described phenomenon, but its mechanism is unknown. Methods: Serial‐section immunohistochemical analyses were performed on biopsies of a mastocytoma from a Japanese child during the proliferation stage (PS, 7 months of age) and the regression stage (RS, 5 years old). Results: Mast cell (MC) density in RS was markedly decreased (406 cells/mm2) compared to that in PS (3554 cells/mm2). MCs in RS were larger than those in PS. With proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) staining, 1.7% MCs were positive in PS, whereas no positive MCs were seen in RS. TUNEL‐labeling index (LI) in RS (2.8%) increased 1.5‐fold in PS (1.9%). With stem cell factor (SCF) staining, 57% of lesional MCs in RS revealed strong cytoplasmic immunoreactivity, whereas only 9% of MCs were positive in PS. Epidermal SCF reactivity was found as intracellular and intercellular patterns in both PS and RS. Conclusions: Loss of MC proliferating activity, an increase in apoptotic MCs, and increased expression of SCF in remaining MCs in RS may play a role in the involution of mastocytomas.
Clonal analysis of cutaneous fibrous histiocytoma (dermatofibroma)
Authors: Hui Pei , J. Glusac Earl , Sinard John H. , Perkins Archibald S. 
Published: March 2003

Background:  Dermatofibroma (DF) or cutaneous fibrous histiocytoma is a common benign fibrohistiocytic lesion involving the dermis and subcutis. Histologically, it is subclassified into fibroblastic and histiocytoid forms. Its histogenesis is controversial. While often referred to as a neoplastic process, definite evidence of neoplasia in DF has been lacking. Alternatively, some authorities have suggested that DF is a fibrosing inflammatory process. Diagnostically, the most important question faced is the distinction from dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP). Misdiagnosis can occur, as the early phase of DFSP can simulate DF, particularly the deep and cellular forms of DF.Methods:  To address this issue, and to investigate whether DF is in fact a neoplasm, we evaluated 31 examples of DF of various histological types in female patients and assessed clonality by analyzing X‐chromosome inactivation as indicated by the methylation status of the androgen receptor gene (HUMARA). Representative cases of DFSP were analyzed for comparison.Results:  Among the selected 31 cases of DF, 24 cases provided intact DNA and informative polymorphism at the AR alleles, including one case of recurrent deep fibrous histiocytoma. Among these 24 cases, randomly inactivated AR alleles were observed in 17 cases including a deep, recurrent fibroblastic DF. A non‐random inactivation at AR alleles was observed in seven cases, of which six cases showed either typical histiocytoid form of DF (four cases) or mixed cell types with predominant histiocytoid cell type (two cases). One fibroblastic DF also showed a monoclonal pattern. HUMARA analysis of DFSP revealed non‐random inactivation of polymorphic AR alleles.Conclusions:  These findings suggest that DF is a heterogeneous process. Monoclonal genotype was found in DFs with histiocytoid or mixed type with predominant histiocytoid features, suggesting that histiocytoid cells probably represent the neoplastic component. The fibroblastic form of DF may represent a reactive fibroblastic proliferation. Alternatively, it may represent a true neoplasm whose neoplastic cell type has been obscured by prominent reactive fibroblastic component.
Do better qualified dentists make fewer hospital referrals?
Authors: Lamb David J. , Fairclough Angela L. , Ellis Bryan 
Published: March 2003

Objective: To assess the influence of further qualifications and length of clinical experience on the number of referrals of complete denture problems made by GDPs to secondary care.Design: An audit was made of complete denture referrals to Sheffield Dental Hospital between January 1997 and June 1999.Method: All complete denture referrals (n=257), either single complete denture or 2 complete dentures, made by locally practising NHS registered dentists (n=211) to Sheffield Dental Hospital, were recorded, along with the year of qualification and any additional clinical qualifications of referring practitioner.Results: Fewer referrals were made by better qualified dentists (p=0.003). Better qualified dentists also appeared willing to treat more difficult cases. In the absence of a further clinical qualification, length of clinical experience had no effect on the number of referrals made.Conclusions: Better qualified dentists make fewer complete denture referrals, emphasising the importance of continuing education in reducing referral rates and improving patient service.
Population dynamics in Oxalis acetosella: the significance of sexual reproduction in a clonal, cleistogamous forest herb
Authors: Berg Henrik 
Published: March 2003

I studied demography in three populations of the clonal, cleistogamous herb Oxalis acetosella during three growing seasons, to assess the impact of seedling recruitment relative to ramet recruitment on its population dynamics. I followed each plant in permanent plots, and stage‐classified it according to origin (sexually or vegetatively derived) and reproductive status. I calculated between‐year transition probabilities, and sexual and vegetative fecundities, and used them in projection matrix analyses to simulate the development of populations and obtain the elasticity of each life‐history event.

In general, non‐flowering adults was the most numerous stage class and flowering new ramets the rarest, whereas the proportions of the other stage classes varied among populations and years. The negative correlation between plant density and survival was not very strong, and mortality seemed to be largely density‐independent. Simulated population growth rates (λ) indicated that one of the populations is declining and the other two are growing, although slowly. The highest elasticities were usually those of stasis in adult plants, whereas elasticities of other matrix entries were low and highly variable. λ was positively correlated with the elasticities of seedling production and survival but negatively correlated with the elasticity of adult survival, indicating that seedling recruitment is more favourable for population growth than is adult stasis. There were no correlations between λ on the one hand and the elasticities of ramet production and survival on the other.

The results suggest that recruitment from seedlings is important for the growth and long‐term maintenance of O. acetosella populations, as a complement to the rather low vegetative propagation. In this context cleistogamy is an adaptive strategy, maximizing total seed output.
Study of cord blood natural killer cell suppressor activity
Authors: El Marsafy S. , Dosquet C. , Coudert M‐C. , Bensussan A. , Carosella E. , Gluckman E. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract: We tested the immunosuppressive effect of cord blood (CB) natural killer (NK) cells using highly purified CB NK cells in mixed lymphocyte cultures (MLC) containing autologous CB T cells as responders. Control cultures were done without NK cells. Our findings revealed that CB NK cells induced a dose‐dependent inhibition of T lymphocyte proliferation as evidenced by decreased 3H‐thymidine incorporation in MLC. The T cell alloproliferation was significantly decreased in the presence of an NK cell to responder cell ratio of 0.1, 0.2 or 0.4 compared with control cultures done without NK cells (p=0.02, 0.003 and 0.0002, respectively). T lymphocyte inhibition was also achieved using irradiated CB NK cells and still demonstrable on addition of disparate CB NK and T cells to the MLC.In agreement with previous reports, adult blood NK cells inhibited the alloreactive T cells in the MLC using adult T lymphocytes as responders. Compared to control cultures done without NK cells, statistically significant inhibition of 3H‐thymidine incorporation in MLC was observed at a ratio of NK cells to responder cells ratio of 0.2 or 0.4 (p=0.02).To investigate the mechanism whereby CB NK cells can interfere with the development of alloreactive T cells in MLC, we measured the tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) concentrations in MLC supernatants using NK cell‐depleted or unseparated CB mononuclear cells (MNC) as responders. The results revealed significantly high levels of TNF‐α in the absence of NK cells (p=0.007). We conclude that CB NK cells suppress alloreactive T lymphocytes as do their counterparts in adult blood. However, the high NK to T cell ratio in CB could contribute to a more marked suppressive potential compared to that in adult blood. The mechanism of NK‐mediated inhibition is likely related to disruption of the TNF‐α pathway of T‐lymphocyte activation.
Ki‐67 expression level, histological subtype, and the International Prognostic Index as outcome predictors in mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Räty Riikka , Franssila Kaarle , Joensuu Heikki , Teerenhovi Lasse , Elonen Erkki 
Published: March 2003

Abstract: Objectives
: Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is characterised by translocation t(11;14) (q13;q32) leading to rearrangement of bcl1/CCND1 and overexpression of the cell‐cycle regulatory protein cyclin D1. We assessed the significance of the cell proliferation rate as an outcome predictor with the five components of the International Prognostic Index (IPI) and the histological subtypes of MCL.
Patients and methods
: The hospital case records and histopathological material of 127 patients diagnosed with MCL in a single centre were reviewed. The cell proliferation rate was assessed by Ki‐67 immunostaining and mitosis counting. Cox's multivariate regression model was used in multivariate survival analyses. The median follow‐up time was 87 months.
Results
: The mantle zone/nodular subtype of the common variant (19%) was associated with median survival of 70 months, the diffuse subtype of the common variant (64%) of 35 months, and the blastoid subtype (17%) of 11 months (
P

< 0.001). Patients with Ki‐67 expression in ≥ 26% (the upper tertile) of the lymphoma cells had median survival of only 13 months as compared with 45 months in the rest of the patients (
P

< 0.001). In a multivariate analysis high Ki‐67 expression, Ann Arbor stage III–IV, and age over 60 yr had independent influence on survival, whereas serum lactate dehydrogenase level, the number of extranodal disease sites, and performance status did not.
Conclusions : The IPI may not be an optimal tool for outcome prediction in MCL, and a better prognostic index may be obtained by including Ki‐67 expression and possibly the histological subtype in the index.
β‐Globin gene cluster haplotypes and HbF levels are not the only modulators of sickle cell disease in Lebanon
Authors: Inati A. , Taher A. , Bou Alawi W W. , Koussa S. , Kaspar H. , Shbaklo H. , Zalloua P. A. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited autosomal recessive disorder of the β‐globin chain. Despite the fact that all subjects with SCD have the same single base pair mutation, the severity of the clinical and hematological manifestations is extremely variable. This study examined for the first time in Lebanon the correlation between the clinical manifestation of SCD and the β‐globin gene haplotypes. The haplotypes of 50 patients diagnosed with SCD were determined using polymerase chain reaction amplification of fragments containing nine polymorphic restriction sites around and within the ε–Gγ–Aγ–ψβ–δ–β‐globin gene complex. Most reported haplotypes were found in our population with the Benin haplotype as the most prevalent one. When the patients were divided according to their HbF levels into three groups (Group A: HbF < 5%, Group B: HbF between 5 and 15%, and Group C: HbF > 15%), surprisingly, the highest levels of HbF were associated with the most severe clinical cases. Our findings suggest that fetal hemoglobin levels are important but not the only parameters that affect the severity of the disease. In addition, the high levels of HbF in patients with CAR haplotypes did not seem to ameliorate the severity of symptoms, suggesting that genetic factors other than haplotypes are the major determinants of increased HbF levels in Lebanon.