bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Raised serum ferritin predicts non‐response to interferon and ribavirin treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection
Authors: Distante S , Bjøro K , Hellum KB , Myrvang B , Berg JP , Skaug K , Raknerud N , Bell H 
Published: December 2004

Abstract:Background/Aim:Previous studies have indicated that response to interferon therapy is inversely proportional to the amount of body iron stores. We have studied the relationship between serum ferritin, transferrin saturation, liver iron, presence of HFE‐C282Y gene mutation and response to treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection.Methods:Two hundred and fifty‐six naive, HCV‐RNA positive patients (60% males, median age 38 years, range 21–70) were treated with interferon and ribavirin for 6 months. Iron indices and the presence of the C282Y mutation were measured. In 242 (94%) patients iron deposition were determined by Perls staining method. Patients with negative HCV‐RNA at 6 months after the end of treatment were defined as sustained viral responders.Results:Non‐responders (n = 127) had significantly higher median s‐ferritin values compared with sustained viral responders (130 µg/L vs. 75 µg/L P < 0.001). There was no difference in transferrin saturation among the two response groups. Only 23% (4/7) of patients with Perls grade 1 in liver biopsies responded to treatment vs. 54% (122/225) patients without iron deposition (P = 0.02), however, 10/13‐non‐responders had HCV genotype one. Two patients (0.8%) were homozygous for the C282Y mutation, 36 patients were heterozygous (14%). Among mutation carriers 26/38 achieved sustained response compared with 102/216 non‐carriers (68% vs. 48%, P = 0.02). In a multivariate analysis s‐ferritin (P = 0.030) and C282Y carrier status (P = 0.012) remained independent predict of sustained response.Conclusions:Raised s‐ferritin values predicate non‐response to interferon‐ribavirin therapy in hepatitis C patients. Response rate in C282Y mutation carriers seems greater than in non‐carriers.
Is it possible to monitor mammal population changes from counts of road traffic casualties? An analysis using Bristol's red foxes Vulpes vulpes as an example
Authors: BAKER PHILIP J. , HARRIS STEPHEN , ROBERTSON CHARLES P. J. , SAUNDERS GLEN , WHITE PIRAN C. L. 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACT 1. Counts of road traffic casualties (RTCs) have been proposed as one potential method of monitoring changes in the abundance of several mammal species in Britain. However, before such schemes are implemented, it is vital that the relationship between animal density and RTCs is verified and quantified. In this paper, we analyse data collected as part of a long‐term study of red foxes Vulpes vulpes in Bristol, UK to determine whether RTCs reflected changes in fox numbers. 2. Associations between fox density and RTC counts were examined using data collected from throughout Bristol during 1978–84 (spatial model) and from an intensive longitudinal study in the north‐west of the city during 1990–94 (temporal model). For both sets of data, there was a significant relationship between fox density and RTCs; in the case of the temporal model, this was only evident after the data had been manipulated by calculating running means across seasons. These regression models only explained 58% and 43% of the variance observed in the data, respectively. 3. In both analyses, there was a significant difference between the distribution of casualties and the availability of different road types; more foxes were killed on major category roads (e.g. motorways, A‐roads). Incorporating the length of each road category in each region in the spatial model improved the variance explained to 81%. This level of precision would be sufficient for a national monitoring programme. However, we were able to minimize or eliminate a number of factors that could potentially confound the use of RTCs for a national monitoring programme; these factors are discussed in detail. At present, we conclude that further investigation into the validity and precision of this technique is required for a range of mammal species before it could be used in a national monitoring programme.
A Consistent Approach to Cost Efficiency Measurement*
Authors: Bitros George C. , Tsionas Efthymios G. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractConsistent specifications of the allocative inefficiency function in ‘cost plus input share equations’ systems may be difficult, if not impossible, to find because most plausible ones violate certain reasonable a priori conditions. Moreover, the models to which they lead give rise to highly non‐linear likelihood functions that are very hard to estimate. In an effort to confront these difficulties, this paper adapts an idea first suggested by Greene (1993) that allocative inefficiency ought to be related to input prices and allocative distortions in the input share equations. The system of ‘cost plus input demand equations’ that emerges is estimated by standard seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) techniques using data from private and state firms that operated in Greek manufacturing during the 1979–88 period. Among other findings, the estimates show that overall inefficiency for private and state firms was 63.5% and 102.2%, respectively in comparison with the least inefficient firms in their class. In relative terms these figures imply that state firms were almost 61% less efficient than private firms were. Technical and allocative reasons amounting to 64% and 36%, respectively, accounted for this excess inefficiency of state firms, in addition to differences in the utilization of labour, capital and debt. Lastly, it is found that the magnitudes of technical and allocative inefficiencies depend critically upon a self‐consistent specification of the allocative inefficiency function.
Inhibition of adherence of Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis to a resin composite restorative dental material by salivary secretory IgA and monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Elguezabal N , Maza JL , Pontón J 
Published: December 2004

Objective:  The attachment of Candida to oral surfaces is a crucial step in the colonization of the oral cavity and the eventual development of oral diseases caused by this microorganism. Inhibition of adhesion is one of the strategies currently studied to prevent Candida infections. The main objective of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of the human salivary components on the adherence of Candida albicans and C. dubliniensis to Herculite, a widely used resin composite restorative dental material. We have also investigated the influence on the adherence of three monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directed against C. albicans cell wall antigens.Design:  The adhesion of three strains of C. albicans and one strain of C. dubliniensis was studied by a visual method after incubating the fungus and the resin in presence and in absence of human whole saliva, secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and three mAbs directed against C. albicans cell wall surface antigens.Results:  Adherence of C. albicans was inhibited by whole saliva (41.7%), salivary sIgA (55.7%) and the salivary components that bind to the cell wall (36.7%). Whole saliva significantly reduced the adhesion of C. dubliniensis to Herculite to 45.3% of the control level. Saliva previously adsorbed with fungal cells or sIgA depleted saliva had no effect on adherence. An inhibition in the adhesion of C. albicans and C. dubliniensis to Herculite similar to that shown by whole saliva was also observed when mAbs C7 and 26G7 were used. However, mAb 21E6 increased adhesion of all the strains to Herculite.Conclusions:  The results suggest that sIgA, as well as whole saliva, are important in blocking adherence of C. albicans and C. dubliniensis to Herculite and that this effect can be reproduced with mAbs directed against the cell wall surface of C. albicans.
A comparative study of epithelial cell proliferation between the odontogenic keratocyst, orthokeratinized odontogenic cyst, dentigerous cyst, and ameloblastoma
Authors: Thosaporn W , Iamaroon A , Pongsiriwet S , Ng KH 
Published: December 2004

Objectives:  The aim of the present study was to compare the proliferation index of the epithelial cells between odontogenic keratocysts (OKC), orthokeratinized odontogenic cysts (OOC), dentigerous cysts (DC), and ameloblastomas.Materials and methods:  The proliferation index, employing a novel cell proliferation marker IPO‐38, was studied by the immunohistochemical technique in 10 OKC, seven OOC, eight DC and 10 ameloblastomas.Results:  The ameloblastoma had no higher labeling index (LI) of IPO‐38 than the OKC (P = 0.910) but had higher LI than the OOC (P = 0.001) and DC (P = 0.000); the OKC had higher LI than the OOC (P = 0.002) and DC (P = 0.000); and the OOC had higher LI than the DC (P = 0.011). IPO‐38‐positive cells in the OKC and OOC were located principally in the suprabasal cell layers while the ameloblastoma were found in the peripheral portion in particularly, the follicular and plexiform types.Conclusion:  These findings support previous studies that the proliferation indices are useful in predicting the different biological behavior of the odontogenic lesions and the OKC should be regarded as a benign tumor rather than simply an odontogenic cyst.
Partnering Managed Care and Community‐Based Services for Frail Elders: The Care Advocate Program
Authors: Wilber Kathleen H. , Allen Douglas , Shannon George R. , Alongi Sam 
Published: December 2004

OBJECTIVES:To describe a demonstration program that uses master's‐level care managers (care advocates) to link Medicare managed care enrollees to home‐ and community‐based services, testing whether referrals to noninsured services can reduce service usage and increase member satisfaction and retention.DESIGN:Using an algorithm designed to target frail, high‐cost users of Medicare insured healthcare services, the program partners PacifiCare's Secure Horizons and four of its medical groups with two social service organizations.SETTING:Three care advocates located in two community‐based social services agencies using telephone interviews to interact with targeted elders living in the community.PARTICIPANTS:Three hundred ninety PacifiCare members aged 69 to 96 receiving care from four PacifiCare‐contracted medical groups.INTERVENTION:The 12‐month intervention provides telephone assessment, links to eight types of home‐ and community‐based services, and monthly follow‐up contacts.MEASUREMENTS:Sociodemographic characteristics of intervention participants, types of service referrals, and acceptance rates.RESULTS:Lessons learned included the importance of building a shared vision among partners, building on existing relationships between members and providers, and building trust without face‐to‐face interactions.CONCLUSION:The program builds on current insured case management services and offers a practical bridge to community‐based services.
Deep dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: a subcutaneous variant
Authors: Diaz‐Cascajo C. , Weyers W. , Rey‐Lopez A. , Borghi S. 
Published: December 2004

AimsDermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a distinctive cutaneous spindle cell neoplasm that invariably infiltrates the subcutaneous tissue. Other reports have suggested that exceptional cases of DFSP may be confined to the subcutaneous tissue and lack dermal involvement. We wish to confirm this observation by describing cases of a rare variant of DFSP confined to the subcutaneous tissue, and analyse possible histogenetic implications.Methods and resultsThree cases of DFSP located in the subcutaneous tissue are reported. Multiple step sections demonstrated the lack of dermal involvement in two of them, whereas the third case infiltrated the dermis at the junction with the subcutis minimally in one of five blocks. Immunohistochemical studies using a battery of monoclonal antibodies were performed. All the tumours stained strongly for vimentin and CD34.ConclusionsBecause of the lack of dermal involvement in two cases and only minimal dermal involvement in one case, we called this variant deep DFSP. Except for deep setting of the tumour, deep DFSP is indistinguishable from typical DFSP clinically, histologically and immunohistochemically. The existence of deep DFSP provides evidence that specific structures of the skin may be not involved in this tumour's histogenesis.
Lymphoblastic lymphoma of natural killer cell origin, presenting as pancreatic tumour
Authors: Tamura H. , Ogata K. , Mori S. , An E. , Tajika K. , Sugisaki Y. , Dan K. 
Published: December 2004

AimsWe describe the first case of lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL) of natural killer (NK) cell origin initially presenting as a pancreatic tumour, and review this type of lymphoma.Methods and resultsA 38‐year‐old woman with abdominal pain was found to have a pancreatic mass. Twenty days later, she developed diffuse lung infiltrates and leucoerythroblastosis of the peripheral blood, and her bone marrow was diffusely infiltrated with blasts. The blasts were positive for CD56, CD16 and P‐glycoprotein, but lacked cytoplasmic azurophilic granules, T, B and myeloid cell markers on the cell surface, rearrangement of the genes for T‐cell receptor and immunoglobulin, and the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) genome. The diagnosis was LBL of NK cell origin. She received aggressive therapy, but died of the lymphoma. In contrast to ordinary NK‐cell lymphoma, this case and reported cases of LBL of NK‐cell origin showed the following common characteristics. The tumour cells often lack cell surface CD2, cytoplasmic CD3, cytoplasmic azurophilic granules, and EBV genome. The prognosis was extremely poor.ConclusionsLBL of NK‐cell origin should be included in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic tumours. To fully characterize this type of lymphoma, further cases must be evaluated.
Verrucous angiosarcoma of the skin: a distinct variant of cutaneous angiosarcoma
Authors: Diaz‐Cascajo C. , Weyers W. , Borghi S. , Reichel M. 
Published: December 2004

AimsCutaneous angiosarcoma is a malignant vascular neoplasm with well established clinical and histopathological features. Epidermal changes in cutaneous angiosarcoma other than atrophy and necrosis have not been described. In this study, we report three cases of a peculiar variant of angiosarcoma with striking verrucous changes of the overlying epidermis.Methods and resultsOn light microscopy, verrucous changes characterized by marked pseudocarcinomatous epithelial hyperplasia with hypergranulosis, compact orthokeratosis, and papillomatosis were present overlying an angiosarcoma in the dermis. Clinically the lesions presented as violaceous to brown scaly verrucous nodules or plaques. All lesions developed on an extremity.ConclusionsVerrucous epidermal changes seem to be a manifestation of pseudocarcinomatous hyperplasia, presumably caused by lymphoedema and the superficial setting of the tumour in the papillary dermis. It is important to be aware of this presentation of angiosarcoma because verrucous epidermal changes may be seen in a wide variety of skin diseases. Furthermore, a biopsy that includes the dermis is necessary to ensure that the angiosarcoma underlying the hyperplastic epidermis is correctly identified. The descriptive appellation verrucous angiosarcoma of the skin is proposed to designate a newly recognized variant of angiosarcoma.
Microlithiasis in parotid sialadenosis and chronic submandibular sialadenitis is related to the microenvironment: an ultrastructural and microanalytical investigation
Authors: Triantafyllou A. , Harrison J.D. , Donath K. 
Published: December 2004

AimsMicrolithiasis was investigated in parotid sialadenosis and chronic submandibular sialadenitis to determine if it relates to the glandular microenvironment as has been found experimentally.Methods and resultsSemithin sections were stained by a mixture of methylene blue and Azure II followed by basic fuchsin, which stains calcified parts of microliths red and organic parts green, and ultrathin sections were examined electron microscopically and microanalytically. Microliths in sialadenosis were found in periacinar stroma, in which necrotic acinar cells were found, and in parenchyma, and consisted of consolidated organic material with little or no crystalline calcium. Microliths in sialadenitis were found in stroma, particularly around intercalary ducts, in lumina and in parenchyma, and contained much crystalline calcium. Macrophages enclosed some microliths.ConclusionsThe paucity of calcium in microliths in sialadenosis and the abundance in sialadenitis relates to the glandular calcium. The periacinar distribution of microliths in sialadenosis possibly relates to formation in periacinar necrotic debris. The distribution of microliths in sialadenitis around intercalary ducts possibly relates to formation in matrix vesicles formed from atrophic parenchyma, and in lumina to formation in stagnant secretory material. Microliths appear to be scavenged by macrophages. Thus the experimental finding that salivary microlithiasis relates to the microenvironment pertaining in humans.
Spindle and cuboidal renal cell carcinoma, a tumour having frequent association with nephrolithiasis: report of 11 cases including a case with hybrid conventional renal cell carcinoma/ spindle and cuboidal renal cell carcinoma components
Authors: Hes O , Hora M , Perez‐Montiel D M , Suster S , Curík R , Sokol L , Ondic O , Mikuláštík J , Betlach J , Peychl L , Hrabal P , Kodet R , Straka L , Ferák I , Vrabec V , Michal M 
Published: December 2004

Aims:  We present the largest series of an unclassified subtype of renal cell carcinoma, which seems to be a distinct morphological entity and which is sometimes designated as spindle and cuboidal renal cell carcinoma.Methods and results:  Eleven cases of spindle and cuboidal renal cell carcinoma were found among 7000 primary renal cell tumours in Pilsen's routine and consultation files. The patients were five men and six women. They ranged in age from 22 to 65 years (mean 56.8). Microscopically, the tumours were composed of two main populations of cells. First, the preponderant type of cells was formed by flattened, spindle cells with sparse cytoplasm. The second cell type was a small cuboidal cell with clear to light eosinophilic cytoplasm. Spindle‐shaped cells were arranged in a fascicular pattern often reminiscent of low‐grade smooth muscle tumours. Solid areas of spindle cells were also present. Small cuboidal cells formed sparse tubular structures lined by a row of single cells. In addition to all previous published cases of spindle and cuboidal renal cell carcinoma we observed an association of nephrolithiasis in our cases. It was seen in 3/11 of our patients. A previously unreported feature is the occurrence of a conventional renal cell carcinoma component in one of our cases. Seven of our patients are currently well without signs of recurrence or metastasis, one had metastasis in a regional lymph node at the time of nephrectomy, one died of an unrelated condition, and two were lost to follow‐up.Conclusions:  We present 11 cases of spindle and cuboidal renal cell carcinoma, which is believed to be a distinctive morphological entity. Our cases were histologically, immunohistochemically and ultrastructurally similar to the previously reported cases of spindle and cuboidal renal cell carcinoma. In contrast to all previously reported cases of spindle and cuboidal renal cell carcinoma, we observed an association with nephrolithiasis in three of our cases; moreover, one of our tumours had a conventional renal cell carcinoma component and another revealed a metastatic focus in a regional lymph node. None of our patients died of the disease. This study confirms that spindle and cuboidal renal cell carcinoma has a low malignant potential.
Expression of mucins (MUC1, MUC2, MUC5AC and MUC6) in mucinous carcinoma of the breast: comparison with invasive ductal carcinoma
Authors: Matsukita S , Nomoto M , Kitajima S , Tanaka S , Goto M , Irimura T , Kim Y S , Sato E , Yonezawa S 
Published: December 2004

Aims:  Mucinous carcinoma of the breast usually shows less frequent lymph node metastasis and more favourable outcome compared with invasive ductal carcinoma. The aim of this study is to compare the expression profiles of several mucins in mucinous carcinomas and invasive ductal carcinomas to gain insight into the relationship between the less aggressive biological nature of mucinous carcinoma and the role of mucins.Methods and results:  We examined the expression profiles of MUC1 (membrane‐bound mucin) of different glycoforms (from non‐glycosylated form to fully glycosylated form), MUC2 (intestinal type secretory mucin), MUC5AC (gastric surface type secretory mucin) and MUC6 (gastric pyloric gland type secretory mucin) in 17 mucinous carcinomas and 46 invasive ductal carcinomas using immunohistochemistry. Various glycoforms of MUC1 were expressed frequently in both mucinous carcinomas (65–100%) and invasive ductal carcinomas (92–100%), although non‐glycosylated MUC1 (MUC1/CORE) and fully glycosylated MUC1 (MUC1/HMFG‐1) showed significantly lower expression rates in mucinous carcinomas compared with those in invasive ductal carcinomas. The expression rates of MUC2 (94%) and MUC6 (71%) in mucinous carcinomas were significantly higher than those of MUC2 (15%) and MUC6 (15%) in invasive ductal carcinomas. There was no significant difference in the expression rate of MUC5AC in mucinous carcinomas (12%) and that in invasive ductal carcinomas (4%).Conclusions:  The expression rate of MUC1/CORE and MUC1/HMFG‐1, which is related to poor prognosis in the gastric and colorectal cancers, is low in mucinous carcinomas. The high expression rate of gel‐forming secretory mucins (MUC2 and MUC6) in mucinous carcinoma suggests that high production of these types of mucins may act as a barrier to cancerous extension resulting in their less aggressive biological behaviour.
Focal nodular hyperplasia‐like areas in cirrhosis
Authors: Quaglia A , Tibballs J , Grasso A , Prasad N , Nozza P , Davies S E , Burroughs A K , Watkinson A , Dhillon A P 
Published: December 2004

Aims:  Focal nodular hyperplasia‐like lesions have rarely been described in cirrhotic livers. We describe five cases of such lesions.Methods and results:  Between 1998 and 2001, 146 liver transplants were performed at the Royal Free Hospital for cirrhosis of the liver. Nodular lesions identified in the livers removed at transplantation were defined histologically according to the International Working Party classification (Hepatology 1995; 22; 983). They were present in 63 of these livers, as follows: 36 dysplastic nodules, 121 macroregenerative nodules, and 71 hepatocellular carcinomas. In five patients, an additional 12 nodules (size range 4–23 mm, median 10.5 mm) showed histological features suggestive of focal nodular hyperplasia including mildly inflamed vascular fibrous septa, and ductular proliferation. Pre‐transplantation imaging showed features suspicious for hepatocellular carcinoma, in three of these lesions (12, 23 and 23 mm diameter) from two different patients. These lesions were histologically indistinguishable from focal nodular hyperplasia occurring in non‐cirrhotic livers, with fibrous scars and septa which contained vascular and ductular structures.Conclusions:  It is important to recognize that these lesions may occur in the context of cirrhosis and that they should be considered in the differential diagnosis with hepatocellular carcinoma, dysplastic nodules and macroregenerative nodules.