THE PHILOSOPHICAL QUARTERLY, Issue 231 2008
J.A. Burgess
I aim to show how and why some definitions can be benignly circular. According to Lloyd Humberstone, a definition that is analytically circular need not be inferentially circular and so might serve to illuminate the application-conditions for a concept. I begin by tidying up some problems with Humberstone's account. I then show that circular definitions of a kind commonly thought to be benign have inferentially circular truth-conditions and so are malign by Humberstone's test. But his test is too demanding. The inferences we actually use to establish the applicability of, e.g., colour concepts are designed to establish warranted assertability and not truth. Understood thus, dispositional analyses are not inferentially circular. [source]

Narrowing of the regions of allelic losses of chromosome 1p36 in meningioma tissues by an improved SSCP analysis

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 8 2008
Yanlei Guan
Abstract Mapping loss of heterozygosity (LOH) regions in the genomes of tumor tissues is a practical approach for identifying genes whose loss is related to tumorigenesis. Conventional LOH analyses using microsatellite or single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers require the simultaneous examination of tumor- and matched normal-DNA. Here, we improved the previously developed SNP-based LOH assay using single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis, so that LOH in tumor samples heavily contaminated with normal DNA can now be precisely estimated, even when matched normal DNA is not available. We demonstrate the reliability of the improved SSCP-based LOH detection method, called the LOH estimation by quantitative SSCP analysis using averaged control (LOQUS-AC), by comparing the results with those of the previous "LOH estimated by quantitative SSCP assay" (LOQUS) method. Using the LOQUS-AC assay, LOH was detected at a high consistency (98.1%) with the previous LOQUS method. We then applied this new method to characterize LOH profiles in 130 meningiomas, using 68 SNPs (i.e., a mean inter-SNP interval of 441 kbp) that are evenly distributed throughout chromosome 1p36. Benign, atypical and anaplastic meningiomas exhibited 1p36 LOH at frequencies of 48.39, 84.62 and 100.00%, respectively, using LOQUS-AC. Subsequently, we detected a candidate common LOH region on 1p36.11 that might harbor tumor suppressor genes related to malignant progression of meningioma. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

An Environmentally Benign, Highly Efficient Catalytic Reduction of p -Nitrophenol using a Nano-Sized Nickel Catalyst Supported on Silica-Alumina

ADVANCED SYNTHESIS & CATALYSIS (PREVIOUSLY: JOURNAL FUER PRAKTISCHE CHEMIE), Issue 7 2010
Islam Hamdy Abd El Maksod
Abstract A green and effective method is reported for the reduction of p -nitrophenol to p -aminophenol using a nano-sized nickel catalyst supported on silica-alumina in the presence of hydrazine hydrate as an alternative source of hydrogen. It was found that nickel loaded on a silica-alumina support is a very effective catalyst in the hydrogenation of p -nitrophenol to p -aminophenol. Thus it attained 100% conversion in only 69 seconds instead of 260 seconds for commercial Raney nickel. In addition, the possibility to reuse it more than one time with great efficiency gives it another advantage over commercial Rainey nickel which cannot be used more than once. This economical and environmentally friendly method provides a potentially new approach for the synthesis of the intermediate product of paracetamol in industry, which overcomes the drawbacks of the known reduction methods. The prepared catalysts were fully characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and electron spin resonance (ESR) tehniques. [source]

Respiratory health in Turkish asbestos cement workers: The role of environmental exposure

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 8 2006
brahim Akkurt MD
Abstract Aim Benign and malignant pleural and lung diseases due to environmental asbestos exposure constitute an important health problem in Turkey. The country has widespread natural deposits of asbestos in rural parts of central and eastern regions. Few data exists about the respiratory health effects of occupational asbestos exposure in Turkey. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate respiratory health effects of occupational asbestos exposure and the contribution of environmental asbestos exposure. Methods Investigations included asbestos dust measurements in the workplace and application of an interviewer-administered questionnaire, a standard posteroanterior chest X-ray and spirometry. Information on birthplace of the workers was obtained in 406 workers and used to identify environmental exposure to asbestos, through a map of geographic locations with known asbestos exposure. Results Asbestos dust concentration in the ambient air of the work sites (fiber/ml) ranged between 0.2 and 0.76 (mean: 0.25, median: 0.22). Environmental exposure to asbestos was determined in 24.4% of the workers. After the adjustment for age, smoking, occupational asbestos exposure, and potential risk factors environmental asbestos exposure was associated with small irregular opacities grade ,1/0 (44.2% vs. 26.6%, P,<,0.01), FVC% (97.8 vs. 104.5, P,<,0.0001), and FEV1% (92.4 vs. 99.9, P,<,.0001). Occupational exposure to asbestos was associated with small irregular opacities grade ,1/0 (OR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.3,3.1, per 1 unit increase in the natural logarithm of fiber/ml) and FEV1/FVC% (beta: 1.1, SEM: 0.54; P,<,0.05, per 1 unit increase in the natural logarithm of fiber/ml). Conclusions Environmental exposure to asbestos could increase the risk of asbestosis and lung function impairment in workers occupationally exposed to asbestos, independent from occupational exposure and smoking. Am. J. Ind. Med. 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Buchbesprechung: Oil Refineries in the 21st Century , Energy Efficient, Cost Effective, Environmentally Benign.

CHEMIE-INGENIEUR-TECHNIK (CIT), Issue 3 2005
Von O. Ocic.
No abstract is available for this article. [source]

ChemInform Abstract: Environmentally Benign and Selective Reduction of Nitroarenes with Fe in Pressurized CO2,H2O Medium.

CHEMINFORM, Issue 33 2008
Ge Gao
Abstract ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a "Full Text" option. The original article is trackable via the "References" option. [source]

Benign and Efficient Synthesis of 2-Substituted 4(3H)-Quinazolinones Mediated by Iron(III) Chloride Hexahydrate in Refluxing Water.

CHEMINFORM, Issue 2 2007
Guan-Wu Wang
Abstract ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF. [source]

Tin(II) Doped Anatase (TiO2) Nanoparticles: A Potential Route to "Greener" Yellow Pigments

CHEMISTRY - AN ASIAN JOURNAL, Issue 6 2009
Moumita Ghosh Dr.
Abstract Benign by design: Tin(II) doped anatase TiO2 nanoparticles, a potential candidate as environmentally benign yellow pigments, have been synthesized. The presence of Sn2+ in anatase structure has been confirmed by various analytical techniques including optical and 119Sn Mössbauer spectroscopy. During our exploration of compounds in the SnII -TiIV -O system, we discovered that hydrolysis of titanium alkoxide solution in the presence of SnII salts resulted in stable deep-yellow colored anatase nanoparticles. The samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, electron microprobe, thermal analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and 119Sn Mössbauer spectroscopy. Mössbauer data of the yellow colored samples showed the presence of both SnII and SnIV in a distorted environment as expected in the anatase structure. It is suggested that the cationic charge imbalance is compensated by oxygen vacancies and/or hydroxyl groups as evidenced by Mössbauer data which show two types of SnII environments. When heated in air to 300,°C the samples changed color to completely white and 119Sn Mössbauer data of these samples showed only the presence of SnIV. These observations indicate that the origin of the yellow color in our Sn doped anatase nanoparticles arises from filled Sn 5s states just above the O 2p band, thus decreasing the band gap. The SnII doped anatase TiO2 nanoparticles reported here can potentially lead to environmentally benign yellow pigments. The simplistic nature of the synthetic procedure could easily be adapted to large-scale industrial manufacture. [source]

MRI tumor characterization using Gd-GlyMe-DOTA-perfluorooctyl-mannose-conjugate (Gadofluorine MÔ), a protein-avid contrast agent

CONTRAST MEDIA & MOLECULAR IMAGING, Issue 3 2006
Hans-Jürgen Raatschen
Abstract The rationale and objectives were to define the MRI tumor-characterizing potential of a new protein-avid contrast agent, Gd-GlyMe-DOTA-perfluorooctyl-mannose-conjugate (Gadofluorine MÔ; Schering AG, Berlin, Germany) in a chemically induced tumor model of varying malignancy. Because of the tendency for this agent to form large micelles in water and to bind strongly to hydrophobic sites on proteins, it was hypothesized that patterns of dynamic tumor enhancement could be used to differentiate benign from malignant lesions, to grade the severity of malignancies and to define areas of tumor necrosis. Gadofluorine M, 0.05,mmol,Gd,kg,1, was administered intravenously to 28 anesthetized rats that had developed over 10 months mammary tumors of varying degrees of malignancy as a consequence of intraperitoneal administration of N -ethyl- N -nitrosourea (ENU), 45,250,mg,kg,1. These tumors ranged histologically from benign fibroadenomas to highly undifferentiated adenocarcinomas. Dynamic enhancement data were analyzed kinetically using a two-compartment tumor model to generate estimates of fractional plasma volume (fPV), apparent fractional extracellular volume (fEV*) and an endothelial transfer coefficient (KPS) for this contrast agent. Tumors were examined microscopically for tumor type, degree of malignancy (Scarff,Bloom,Richardson score) and location of necrosis. Eighteen tumor-bearing rats were successfully imaged. MRI data showed an immediate strong and gradually increasing tumor enhancement. KPS and fEV*, but not fPV obtained from tumors correlated significantly (p,<,0.05) with the SBR tumor grade, r,=,0.65 and 0.56, respectively. Estimates for KPS and fEV* but not fPV were significantly lower in a group consisting of benign and low-grade malignant tumors compared with the group of less-differentiated high-grade tumors (1.61,±,0.64 vs 3.37,±,1.49, p,<,0.01; 0.45,±,0.17 vs 0.78,±,0.24, p,<,0.01; and 0.076,±,0.048 vs 0.121,±,0.088, p,=,0.24, respectively). It is concluded that the protein-avid MRI contrast agent Gadofluorine M enhances tumors of varying malignancy depending on the tumor grade, higher contrast agent accumulation for more malignant lesions. The results show potential utility for differentiating benign and low-grade malignant lesions from high-grade cancers. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

FATHERS, SONS, AND THE STATE: Discipline and Punishment in a Wolof Hinterland

CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY, Issue 1 2009
DONNA L. PERRY
ABSTRACT This essay builds on fieldwork in rural Senegal to examine three cases in which elder household heads called on gendarmes to physically discipline rebellious youths. These cases, which revolved around harsh acts of corporal punishment, invite inquiry into common assumptions about African families and states. The first assumption is the common dichotomy drawn between African youths, portrayed as modern and menacing, and African elders, portrayed as "traditional" and hence benign. The second assumption is the dichotomy drawn between the African family, conceived as solidary and nurturing, and the African state, conceived as alien and predatory. In examining these cases of discipline and punishment, this essay reveals the ever-shifting power relations that link Wolof household heads, dependent junior males, and state agents, and simultaneously introduces new questions about the morality of farmer,state relations and generational conflict. My analysis reveals the spatial geography of Senegal's youth crisis, which takes different forms in rural and urban locales. The anxiety of rural patriarchs is fed by a fear-mongering media obsessed with youthful anarchy in the cities, and a long-standing political rhetoric about the threat of rural out-migration. Elder men in the countryside, who experience diminishing household authority under neoliberalism, make proactive efforts to keep the urban youth crisis at bay. They seek to augment their domestic power by reestablishing links with a state that has long bolstered patriarchy but whose power is currently in decline. By lending patriarchs their coercive force, gendarmes attempt to accomplish through private, indirect means, what the postcolonial state is unable to do: maintain social order by reining in disruptive youths. The harsh disciplinary measures that gendarmes employ are not alien to Wolof culture, but integral to Wolof conceptions of child rearing. [source]

Utility of CD26 in flow cytometric immunophenotyping of T-cell lymphomas in tissue and body fluid specimens,

CYTOMETRY, Issue 6 2008
Diane M. Pierson
Abstract Background CD26 is expressed by most CD4+ T cells in normal peripheral blood specimens. Neoplastic T cells are frequently CD26, in mycosis fungoides/Sezary syndrome involving the peripheral blood. However, CD26 expression by reactive and neoplastic T cells in solid tissues and body fluids has not been fully characterized by flow cytometry (FC). Methods Solid tissue and body fluid specimens were assayed for CD26 expression using four-color FC immunophenotyping, by qualitative assessment of population clusters, and by quantitation with comparison with isotype controls. Benign T cells were studied in reactive tissues and in the background of other malignancies. Results Many T-cell lymphomas were dim or negative for CD26, whereas a few were brightly positive. In the majority of T-cell lymphomas, CD26 expression could potentially help identify aberrant population clusters. T cells in reactive tissue specimens and tumor-infiltrating T cells were commonly dim to negative for CD26. Conclusions Both T-cell lymphomas and reactive T cells in tissue and body fluid specimens often show low levels of CD26 expression. Therefore, quantitative methods may not reliably distinguish benign from neoplastic T cells in these specimens. However, CD26, in combination with other T-cell markers, can be helpful for identifying aberrant population clusters in T-cell lymphomas. © 2008 Clinical Cytometry Society [source]

Cytomorphological study of soft tissue neoplasms: role of fluorescent immunocytochemistry in diagnosis

CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 5 2005
B. Rekhi
Objectives:, Exact categorization of soft tissue tumours (STTs) on smears requires application of various ancillary techniques. This study was aimed at evaluating the role of fluorescent immunocytochemistry (FICC) in cyto-diagnosis of 30 STT cases. Methods:, Thirty cases of soft tissue tumours were included in the present study. All cases were subjected to routine Giemsa and Papanicolaou stain. Extra smears were made and kept for fluorescent immunostaining. A panel of cytoskeletal antibodies, tagged with FITC (Fluorescein isothyocynate), was employed in all these cases. Fluorescent immunostained smears were examined under Zeiss Confocal Laser scanning microscope, using double immunofluorescence (red-green). Finally, all cases were subjected to biopsy and again immunoperoxidase staining. Results:, Among the 30 cases in the present study, unaided cytological diagnoses ranged from ,spindle cell' tumour in four (13.3%) cases, benign and malignant spindle cell tumour in 17 (56.6%) cases, to malignant mesenchymal tumour in nine (30%) cases. FICC helped in further correct categorization of 25/30 (83.3%) cases viz. leiomyoma (three), benign neurogenic tumour (six), schwannoma (one), dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (three), synovial sarcoma (two), rhabdomyosarcoma (two), malignant fibrous histiocytoma (five) and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour (three). Aggressive fibromatosis was found to be a missed diagnosis in two cases. Overall concordance between cyto-diagnosis with FICC, and histopathology results was 83.3% (P < 0.05). Conclusion:, Fluorescent immunocytochemistry is a significant ancillary technique for making a rapid and specific diagnosis of STT, as required for their timely management. Incorporation of a wide panel of antibody markers with clinico-cytological correlation is recommended in forming an exact diagnosis in these cases. [source]

Fine needle aspiration cytology in the diagnosis of bone lesions

CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 2 2005
U. Handa
Objective:, Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in combination with radiological examination has recently gained clinical recognition for evaluating skeletal lesions. We evaluated our experience with the use of FNA in diagnosing bone lesions with emphasis on areas of difficulty and limitations. Materials and Methods:, Over a period of 5 years FNA was performed in 66 cases of bone lesions. Aspirations were done by cytopathologists using 22-gauge needle. Out of 66 cases unsatisfactory aspirate was obtained in 12 cases. Cytohistological correlation was available in 19 cases. Results:, Adequate aspirates were categorized into neoplastic (27 cases) and non-neoplastic (27 cases) lesions. Of the 27neoplastic aspirates, 20 were malignant (12 primary, 8 metastatic deposits) and 7 were benign. In the malignant group osteosarcoma was correctly diagnosed in 3 cases while other 3 were labeled as sarcoma NOS because of lack of osteoid. Metastatic deposits were sub-typed in 6 cases; from renal cell carcinoma (3 cases), proststic adenocarcinoma, follicular carcinoma thyroid, and squamous cell carcinoma. Neoplastic group comprised of 6 cases of cysts and 21 cases of chronic osteomyelitis. Thirteen cases were diagnosed as tuberculous osteomyelitis. Conclusions:, FNA is a frequent indication in metastases in the bone where distinct cytologic features can even identify an unknown primary. However, diagnosis of primary tumours of the bone is limited by precise subtyping of the tumours. FNA has emerged as a cost effective tool for initial diagnosis of both neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions of the bone. [source]

Stereotactic biopsy and cytological diagnosis of solid and cystic intracranial lesions

CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 3 2003
L. M. Collaço
Cytological smears from 115 consecutive cases of stereotactic biopsies of intracranial lesions were reviewed. Ninety-five lesions were solid and 20 cystic. Material from 90 solid and 13 cystic lesions was sent both for cytological and histological examination. In 66 of the solid lesions, the cytological diagnosis was confirmed by histology (five were benign lesions and 61 malignant tumours: 56 primary brain tumours, three metastases and two lymphomas). In 24 cases with discrepant cytology and histology, the histology was inconclusive or insufficient in 14 cases, while cytology established the diagnosis of astrocytoma grade II (seven cases), metastases (two cases), gliosis (one case) and benign (four cases). Necrosis of tumour type was observed cytologically in six patients representing glioblastoma (two cases), anaplastic astrocytoma (one case), lymphoma (one case) and normal brain (two cases) histologically. Three cases reported cytologically as benign were primary brain tumour (two cases) and gliosis (one case). One smear of a glioblastoma was insufficient for cytological diagnosis. Cystic lesions were cytologically benign in 17 cases and malignant in three cases. Histology from the cyst wall confirmed the malignant diagnosis in three cases and showed tumour in six more cases, a benign process (two cases), changes induced by radiotherapy for arteriovenous malformation (one case) and insufficient material (one case). In conclusion, cytology from solid brain lesion allows an accurate diagnosis and subtyping of tumours in a majority of cases, and can thus be used to choose type of therapy. In cystic brain tumours, however, examination of the cystic fluid, is often inconclusive and a biopsy from the cyst wall should be performed if there is clinical or radiological suspicion of tumour. [source]

Peripheral endothelial cells are not reliable in differentiating primary benign and malignant hepatocellular lesions in fine needle aspirates of the liver

CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 3 2002
GORDON H. YU
The distinction of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from benign lesions of the liver in fine needle aspiration (FNA) specimens can be problematic. In an attempt to separate well-differentiated HCC from benign hepatocellular lesions, the presence of tissue fragments displaying peripheral endothelial cells (PE) has been proposed in a previous study as a useful feature in favour of malignancy. In this study, we evaluated slides from 59 cases of liver masses undergoing FNA (19 HCC, 40 benign) and evaluated them for the presence of tissue fragments containing PE. We found that 90% of cases of HCC contained tissue fragments in which PE were either focally present or abundant. However, 68% of cases containing only benign hepatocytes also contained tissue fragments in which PE were at least focally present. In addition, it appears that within the group of benign lesions, the presence of PE was related to the overall cellularity of the specimen rather than the specific nature of the lesion. Thus, the presence of PE in tissue fragments does not, in isolation, appear to be a useful morphological feature for the separation of benign and malignant hepatocellular lesions in FNA material. [source]

An audit of ,equivocal' (C3) and ,suspicious' (C4) categories in fine needle aspiration cytology of the breast

CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 4 2001
R. A. Deb
An audit of ,equivocal' (C3) and ,suspicious' (C4) categories in fine needle aspiration cytology of the breast We have audited the frequency of use and outcome of the ,equivocal/atypia probably benign' (C3) and ,suspicious of malignancy' (C4) category for breast cytology in our Unit. A total of 14 935 cytological specimens were reported by at least one of the three pathologists with a special interest in breast pathology, according to five categories of the NHSBSP guidelines for cytology reporting, 1992; 3.7% (555 cases) and 3.9% (587 cases) of cases were classified as equivocal (C3) and suspicious (C4), respectively, giving a total rate (C3 + C4) of 7.6%. Of the C3 cases, 68% were subsequently benign and 32% were malignant. Of the C4 cases, 19% were subsequently benign and 81% malignant. The commonest benign lesions in both categories were fibroadenomas (7.6% of C3 and 19.8% of C4), fibrocystic change (14.3% of C3 and 12.5% of C4), radial scars (6.2% of C3 and 10.4% of C4) and papillomas (6.2% of C3 and 6.3% of C4). Of the malignant lesions (particularly those classified as C3), a high proportion were low grade or special type cancers. The categories of atypia probably benign (C3) and suspicious of malignancy (C4) in breast cytology provide a strategy for classification of problematic or uncertain cases; this maintains the predictive value of the benign (C2) and malignant (C5) categories, and allows separation of these difficult cases into clinically useful groups with differing probabilities of malignancy. [source]

Melanoacanthoma Simulating Pigmented Spitz Nevus: an Unusual Dermoscopy Pitfall

DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 5 2006
LUIGI ROSSIELLO MD
BACKGROUND The starburst pattern is the dermoscopic hallmark of pigmented Spitz nevus, although it has been rarely observed in melanoma as well. OBJECTIVE To describe a case of melanoacanthoma simulating pigmented Spitz nevus. MATERIAL AND METHODS Clinical, dermoscopic, and histopathologic examinations were performed for the occurrence of a 4-mm pigmented skin lesion on the hip of a 38-year-old Caucasian woman. RESULTS Dermoscopy examination of the lesion disclosed a stereotypical starburst pattern characterized by pigmented streaks symmetrically distributed at the periphery. A preoperative diagnosis of pigmented Spitz nevus was made, and the lesion was excised. However, subsequent histopathologic examination revealed a melanoacanthoma. CONCLUSION The starburst pattern, although diagnostic for pigmented Spitz nevus, can be rarely observed in other benign or malignant pigmented skin lesions. Accordingly, all lesions in adults exhibiting a starburst pattern or other spitzoid features should be excised for histopathologic evaluation. [source]

Eruptive Epidermoid Cysts Resulting from Treatment with Imiquimod

DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 7 2005
Chelsy L. Marty MD
Background Because of its unique mechanism of action and safety profile, imiquimod, a topical immune response modifier, is used for many benign and malignant dermatologic conditions. Adverse effects are typically limited to treatment site erythema and erosion. Objective To describe a newly recognized adverse effect of imiquimod. Methods A 79-year-old woman being treated with imiquimod 5 days per week for a nodular basal cell developed a verrucous plaque over the treatment area after 7 weeks of therapy. Results Scouting biopsies demonstrated multiple comedones and ruptured epidermoid cysts. There was no evidence of residual basal cell carcinoma. Conclusions Imiquimod is a new and novel treatment option for cutaneous malignancies. We report its successful use in the treatment of a nodular basal cell carcinoma. The multiple comedones and ruptured epidermoid cysts are newly reported adverse effects of imiquimod therapy. [source]

Acquired Melanocytic Lesions and the Decision to Excise: Role of Color Variegation and Distribution as Assessed by Dermoscopy

DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 2 2005
Stefania Seidenari MD
Background Because melanoma may sometimes be difficult to differentiate from nevi with clinical atypia, many benign lesions also undergo surgical removal. Objective To assess color type and distribution in dermoscopic melanocytic lesion images and to analyze the influence of color parameters on the diagnostic process and the decision to excise. Methods Overall, 603 images, referring to 112 melanomas and 491 nevi, were retrospectively subdivided into four groups: "clearly benign,""follow-up,""dermoscopic atypical nevi," and "dermoscopic melanomas," according to their dermoscopic aspects. The frequency of color type, number, and asymmetry were evaluated on digital images. Results With respect to lesions not eligible for excision according to dermoscopy (but excised for cosmetic reasons), those excised with a suspicion of malignancy showed a higher number of colors, whose distribution was also more asymmetric. Moreover, the frequency of the presence of black and blue-gray progressively increased from clearly benign lesions to atypical nevi and dermoscopic melanomas. Conclusion In dermoscopic images, color parameters are essential elements for the diagnosis of atypical nevus, which can be differentiated from both a clearly benign lesion and a melanoma. Furthermore, pigmentation asymmetry and the presence of blue-gray represent the main color features, which should lead to the decision to excise. THIS STUDY WAS PARTIALLY SUPPORTED BY A GRANT FROM MINISTERO ISTRUZIONE UNIVERSITÇ E RICERCA. [source]

Patients Spend More Time With the Physician for Excision of a Malignant Skin Lesion Than for Excision of a Benign Skin Lesion

DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 3 2004
Steven R. Feldman MD
Background. Currently, there is a difference in reimbursement between excision of malignant and benign lesions. There is concern that there is not sufficient rationale for differential reimbursement for these two procedures. Objective. To assess whether there is a difference in physician work involved with excision of benign versus malignant skin tumors. Method. We searched National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey data for visits at which excision of benign and malignant skin lesions was performed. We compared the time spent with the physician at these two types of visits. To exclude confounding issues unrelated to the excision that would affect the time of visit, we excluded visits at which multiple diagnoses were addressed. Results. The mean time spent with the physician at visits for excision of benign lesions was 22.9±1.0 minutes. The mean time spent with the physician at visits for excision of malignant lesions was 30.0±1.7, 30% longer (p < 0.001). The longer time for excision of malignant lesions remained significant after controlling for age, gender, and race. Conclusion. Excision of malignant lesions involves more physician work than does excision of benign lesions. Elimination of differential compensation for benign versus malignant skin lesion procedures would not enhance the accuracy of reimbursement. In the absence of any compelling rationale to change the existing differential reimbursement, the proposals to do so are not warranted. [source]

Large Ulcerated Perianal Hidradenoma Papilliferum in a Young Female

DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 7 2003
Yoshihiro Handa MD
Background. Hidradenoma papilliferum is an uncommon benign tumor that is located almost exclusively in the vulvar and anal areas. It is usually very small and asymptomatic, and to make a correct diagnosis is clinically very difficult. Occasionally the tumor becomes elevated to form a reddish brown papillary mass, and the surface ulcerates, which may erroneously suggest malignancy. Objective. We report a case of a large, perianal hidradenoma papilliferum with suspected malignancy in a young Japanese female. Results. A 22-year-old female had been aware of a perianal nodule for approximately 1 year. Examination of the perianal area revealed a wide pedunculated, reddish nodule with several white maculae. It was ulcerated and bleeding, 2.0 × 1.2 × 0.8 cm in size, and located in the 3 o'clock position. The nodule was totally excised with a narrow margin. The histopathologic diagnosis was hidradenoma papilliferum. No recurrence was observed for 23 months. Conclusion. When dermatologists encounter tumors of the anogenital area of adult females, it is important to keep hidradenoma papilliferum in mind as the differential diagnosis. Dermatologists should recognize that the tumor is benign, eliminating the need for wide resection. [source]

Malignant Eccrine Spiradenoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 1 2001
Masashi Ishikawa MD
Background. Eccrine spiradenoma is a well-differentiated benign tumor of the sweat glands. Malignant change arising within eccrine spiradenoma is rare. Objective. We describe a patient with malignant eccrine spiradenoma exhibiting both carcinomatous and sarcomatous differentiation. Methods. Case report and literature review. Results. A 37-year-old woman noted enlargement of a left axillary tumor that had been present for 20 years. The tumor was resected and the specimen, measuring 3.0 cm × 1.5 cm, revealed an encapsulated benign eccrine spiradenoma as well as an undifferentiated carcinoma possessing both carcinomatous and sarcomatous components. A transition zone was evident between the benign eccrine spiradenoma and the undifferentiated carcinoma, suggesting that the latter had arisen from the benign tumor. The malignant areas consisted principally of undifferentiated carcinoma (70%), although squamous cell carcinoma (10%), adenocarcinoma (10%), and chondrosarcomatous (10%) components were also present. Numerous mitotic figures were noted within the areas of malignant change, suggesting that the tumor was aggressive in nature. The patient died of systemic metastases 7 months after diagnosis. Conclusion. Although eccrine spiradenomas are usually benign, they can, on rare occasions, undergo malignant transformation. This case report describes one such occurrence of malignant transformation of a benign eccrine spiradenoma that unfortunately resulted in the patient's death from systemic metastases 7 months after diagnosis. [source]

Clinical pathologic correlations for diagnosis and treatment of nail disorders

DERMATOLOGIC THERAPY, Issue 1 2007
Olympia I. Kovich
ABSTRACT:, Clinicopathologic correlation is crucial to the correct diagnosis of disorders of the nail unit. This chapter will explore four common clinical scenarios and how pathology can help differentiate between their various etiologies. These include: dark spot on the nail plate (melanin versus heme), subungual hyperkeratosis (onychomycosis versus psoriasis), longitudinal melanonychia (benign versus malignant), and verrucous papule (verruca versus squamous cell carcinoma). Consideration must be given to both when to perform a biopsy and the location of the biopsy site, which must be based on an understanding of the origin of the changes. An overarching principle is that lesions within the same differential diagnosis may be present concomitantly, such as malignant melanoma of the nail unit associated with hemorrhage. Therefore, even with a biopsy-proven diagnosis, the clinician must always monitor lesions of the nail unit for appropriate response to treatment and consider an additional biopsy for recalcitrant lesions. [source]

The Political Ecology of Transition in Cambodia 1989,1999: War, Peace and Forest Exploitation

DEVELOPMENT AND CHANGE, Issue 4 2000
Philippe Le Billon
Over the last decade, forests have played an important role in the transition from war to peace in Cambodia. Forest exploitation financed the continuation of war beyond the Cold War and regional dynamics, yet it also stimulated co-operation between conflicting parties. Timber represented a key stake in the rapacious transition from the (benign) socialism of the post-Khmer Rouge period to (exclusionary) capitalism, thereby becoming the most politicized resource of a reconstruction process that has failed to be either as green or as democratic as the international community had hoped. This article explores the social networks and power politics shaping forest exploitation, with the aim of casting light on the politics of transition. It also scrutinizes the unintended consequences of the international community's discourse of democracy, good governance, and sustainable development on forest access rights. The commodification of Cambodian forests is interpreted as a process of transforming nature into money through a political ecology of transition that legitimates an exclusionary form of capitalism. [source]

Cytologic features and frequency of plasmacytoid dendritic cells in the lymph nodes of patients with histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease)

DIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 7 2010
I.A.C., Koji Kishimoto C.T., Ph.D.
Abstract Histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (HNL), also known as Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease, is a benign and self-limiting disease. It is histologically characterized by nodal lesions that show the infiltration of histiocytes, lymphoid cells, myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs), and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), along with either apoptotic or karyorrhexic nuclear debris. pDCs have been proposed to be lymphoid early-committed immature DCs which are positive for CD123, CD303, CD68, and HLA-DR but negative for fascin, a mature DC marker, as well as CD13 and CD33,which are mDC markers. In the present study, we analyzed the cytomorphologic features and frequency of pDCs in the lymph nodes of HNL patients. Because the cytologic apprearance of pDCs with Papanicolau staining was quite similar to that of large lymphocytes, immunocytochemistry against CD123 was necessary for the distinction of pDCs. Counting the number of CD123-positive pDCs in the HNL lymph nodes revealed that pDCs more frequently infiltrated the lymph nodes in the setting of HNL than in either reactive lymphadenitis or T and B cell lymphoma. In addition, interestingly, the numberof pDCs did not depend on the age of the HNL lesion, thus suggesting that pDCs are excellent indicators for the cytologic diagnosis of HNL. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Making the diagnosis with only two levels of nongynecologic cell blocks as opposed to three is more cost effective

DIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 5 2010
Gina Zanchelli-Astran D.O.
Abstract Two hundred forty-three of 246 cases in phase I (98.8%) and 246 of 247 cases in phase II (99.6%) had adequate or the same material present on the level two cell blocks. Sixty-nine cases were malignant (28.1%), 20 were atypical (8.1%), 157 were benign (63.8), and 16 were signed out on the cell block only (6.5%) in phase I. In phase II, 69 (27.9%) cases were malignant, 22 (8.9%) were atypical, 156 (63.2%) were benign, and 18 (7.3%) were signed out based on material present in the cell block. Fifteen cases in phase I (6.1%) and 17 (6.9%) in phase II needed immunohistochemical staining for further evaluation. Twenty-four upper urinary tract (UUT) cases were signed out as malignant (49.0%), 10 were atypical (20.4%), and 15 were benign (30.6%) in phase I. In phase II, 18 (56.3%) UUT were malignant, 8 (25.0%) were atypical, and 6 (18.7%) were benign. In phase I, 13 (26.5%) and in phase II, 18 (56.3%) were graded on the cell block only. On comparing the two phases, there was no significant difference in the amount of diagnostic material present between the level three and level two cell blocks (98.8% and 99.6%, respectively) or the number of cases diagnosed based on the cell block (6.5% and 7.3%, respectively). Cases signed out as malignant, atypical, and benign were similar in both phases. Likewise, the cases that required immunohistochemical staining to aid in the diagnosis between phase one and phase two were similar (6.1% and 6.9%, respectively). respectively). Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Immunohistochemical expression of E-cadherin in sclerosing adenosis, ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast

DIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 4 2010
Gil Facina M.D., Ph.D.
Abstract E-cadherin (EC) is an important glycoprotein cell-adhesion molecule that appears to play a significant role in the progression of breast lesions. The objective of this study was to evaluate EC expression in sclerosing adenosis, ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive ductal carcinoma. Samples of breast lesions from 44 women were used in this study, comprising cases of sclerosing adenosis (n = 11), ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) (n = 10) and invasive ductal carcinoma (n = 23). Immunohistochemical evaluation of EC expression was assessed semiquantitatively and considered negative (<10% of cells with stained cytoplasmic membranes), positive+ (10,50% of cells stained) or positive++ (> 50% of cells stained). Fisher's exact test was used to compare the distribution of staining intensity in the lesions (P< 0.05). There was a progressive loss of EC expression from benign to malignant lesions. This difference was statistically significant when sclerosing adenosis was compared with DCIS (P < 0.0002), when sclerosing adenosis was compared with invasive ductal carcinoma (P < 0.008) and when DCIS was compared with invasive ductal carcinoma (P < 0.007). The present findings point to a significant association between reduced EC expression and the progression and aggressivity of breast lesions. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Preparation of thyroid FNA material for routine cytology and BRAF testing: A validation study

DIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 3 2010
Giancarlo Troncone M.D., Ph.D.
Abstract V600E BRAF mutation is emerging as an independent marker of papillary thyroid carcinoma aggressive behavior. Papillary thyroid carcinomas harboring this mutation should be extensively resected. However, this requires an unquestionable cytological diagnosis of malignancy. Thus, cytological specimens should be properly handled to provide both morphological and molecular information. Here, we assessed whether our method of preparation of fine-needle aspiration material is suitable for both tests. A series of 128, routinely performed, fine-needle aspirations was analyzed. Each nodule was punctured three times. A representative Diff-Quik smear prepared from the first two passages was evaluated onsite. When microscopy was diagnostic (n = 44), the third needle pass was dedicated to harvest material for BRAF testing; in the remaining cases (n = 84), additional direct smears for cytology were prepared and the remaining material in the needle plus the needle rinsing was collected for BRAF testing. Cellularity was adequate in 126/128 (98%) cases. Cytological diagnoses were inadequate (2%), benign (85%), follicular lesion of undetermined significance (5%), follicular neoplasms (2%), suspicious for malignancy (2%), and malignant (4%). Higher average of extracted DNA concentration was observed in the dedicated pass group (25.9 vs 7.95 ng/,l). However, the rate of successful exon 15 BRAF amplification was similar with (43/44; 97.7%) or without (79/84; 94%) the dedicated pass. Thus, our protocol is suitable for both tests. Whenever necessary BRAF testing may also be performed on the residual samples of thyroid nodules, without interfering with routine cytology. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Fine needle aspiration cytology in a case of fibrous dysplasia of jaw

DIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 12 2009
Nalini Gupta M.D.
Abstract Fibro-osseous lesions of the jaw comprise of a spectrum of diseases which include osseous dysplasia, fibrous dysplasia, and ossifying fibroma. The differentiation amongst these individual pathological lesions is difficult and a combined clinico-radiological and histological correlation is essential for exact categorization. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is frequently carried out to distinguish between benign and malignant lesions of the jaw as is a quick and reliable modality of investigation which guides in further management. We report, a case of a jaw swelling in a young male, diagnosed as fibrous dysplasia on FNAC. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Implications of the proposed thyroid fine-needle aspiration category of "follicular lesion of undetermined significance": A five-year multi-institutional analysis

DIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 10 2009
Lester J. Layfield M.D.
Abstract National Cancer Institute State of the Science Conference on thyroid fine-needle aspiration (FNA) summarized diagnostic terminology. Six diagnostic categories were proposed including "follicular lesion of undetermined significance" (FLUS). FLUS was defined as findings neither convincingly benign nor sufficiently atypical for a diagnosis of "follicular neoplasm" or "suspicious for malignancy." It was proposed that this category represent less than 7% of thyroid FNAs. A search of the cytology records at three University Hospitals was performed for the term FLUS or older equivalent terms. Usage of FLUS was compared between institutions and among pathologists. Surgical pathology outcome for FLUS cases was determined. Twenty-eight pathologists evaluated 6,872 cases at the three institutions. Use of FLUS varied among pathologists (2.5 to 28.6%). Frequency of use of FLUS among institutions varied from 3.3 to 14.9%. FLUS cases [127 of 673 (18.9%)] underwent surgical exploration with malignancy identified in 36 cases (28.3%) undergoing resection. Use of FLUS varied substantially among pathologists and institutions. FLUS category requires more rigorously defined morphologic criteria for it to become a useful guide in clinical management. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]