Germ cell tumors in children and adolescents in Finland: trends over 1969-2008.

Purpose: Malignant germ cell tumors (GCTs) are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms putatively originating from the primordial germ cell. In adults, an increasing incidence of GCTs, particularly testicular tumors, has been reported in recent decades. However, population-based evidence in children and adolescents remains limited.

High prevalence of sacrococcygeal teratoma in Finland - a nationwide population-based study.

Aim: The birth prevalence of sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) has been reported to range from 1:27 000 to 1:40 000. We assessed the population-based prevalence and clinical presentation of SCT over 22 years.

Methods: We identified all cases of SCT, including live births, stillbirths and terminations of pregnancy (TOPs), in the Finnish Register of Congenital Malformations, covering 1987-2008.

The incidences of malignant gonadal and extragonadal germ cell tumors in males and females: a population-based study covering over 40 years in Finland.

Purpose: Germ cell tumors (GCTs) comprise a heterogeneous group of tumors derived from primordial germ cells. The incidence of malignant testicular GCTs has increased in recent decades, but little is known about possible changes in malignant female GCTs. Population-based data covering all malignant GCTs in both sexes remain limited.

Influence of text cohesion on the persuasive power of expository text.

The present study examined how global text cohesion affects persuasion and memory for message arguments presented in expository text. Sixty-nine participants who held a neutral prior attitude towards NATO read a persuasive text about NATO that was either high or low in global cohesion. After reading, participants voted whether Finland should seek NATO membership and filled in an attitude questionnaire.

Differential developmental expression of transcription factors GATA-4 and GATA-6, their cofactor FOG-2 and downstream target genes in testicular carcinoma in situ and germ cell tumors.

Objective: Testicular germ cell cancer is the most common malignancy among young males. The pre-invasive precursor, carcinoma in situ testis (CIS), presumably originates from arrested and transformed fetal gonocytes. Given that GATA transcription factors have essential roles in embryonic and testicular development, we explored the expression of GATA-4, GATA-6, cofactor friend of GATA (FOG)-2, and downstream target genes during human testis development and addressed the question whether changes in this pathway may contribute to germ cell neoplasms.

Oestrogen receptors and small nuclear ring finger protein 4 (RNF4) in malignant ovarian germ cell tumours.

The peak incidence of malignant ovarian germ cell tumours occurs soon after puberty. Thus, gonadal steroids may play a role in their development. Oestrogen receptors (ERalpha and ERbeta) and their co-regulators, including small nuclear ring finger protein 4 (SNURF/RNF4) mediate oestrogen actions.

Tissue AP-2gamma and Oct-3/4, and serum CA 125 as diagnostic and prognostic markers of malignant ovarian germ cell tumors.

Histology, clinical stage and treatment response are used to define the prognosis of malignant ovarian germ cell tumors (MOGCTs). However, additional biological tools to guide treatment in MOGCTs would be desirable. We evaluated the prognostic value of several serum and tissue markers in MOGCTs.

Transcription factors GATA-4 and GATA-6, and their potential downstream effectors in ovarian germ cell tumors.

Ovarian germ cell tumors (GCTs) are histologically heterogeneous neoplasms originating from activated germ cells, the oocyte stem cells. These rare tumors often contain many different tissues mixed together, and malignant components are occasionally hidden within benign tissues thus complicating the diagnosis. The reasons for the variable differentiation of germ cells are still largely unknown.