bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth Management and Agriculture: An Examination of Local Efforts to Manage Growth and Preserve Farmland in Wisconsin Cities, Villages, and Towns*
Authors: Diaz Daniel , Green Gary Paul
Published: August 2010

Abstract In this paper we examine the effectiveness of growth management policies in Wisconsin cities, villages, and towns. Unlike most other studies, we consider the impact of growth management policies on agriculture, specifically the preservation of farmland, in addition to population growth. Our analysis examines these relationships separately in towns and in cities/villages because of differences in their institutional structures. We mailed a survey to every city, village, and town in Wisconsin; the surveys were supplemented by data collected from several secondary sources. For both towns and cities/villages, growth management policies are related positively to the rate of population growth. The fiscal structure of localities proved to have a stronger effect on population growth for cities and villages than for towns. Growth management capacity had little effect for either type of municipality. The analysis of farmland preservation suggests that exclusive agriculture zoning is marginally effective in limiting farmland conversion in towns, but ineffective in cities/villages.
Policing Mechanisms in Agricultural Contracts*
Authors: Wolf Steven , Hueth Brent , Ligon Ethan
Published: August 2010

Abstract In this paper we focus on mechanisms of coordination in agricultural contracts. Our approach is intended to advance understanding of social relations of production and distribution of power in agrofood systems. Through an analysis of contracts between farmers and intermediaries (e.g., processors, shippers, consignment agents) for California fruits and vegetables, we identify three functions of contracts: they help to coordinate production, they provide incentives (and penalties) to induce particular behaviors, and they allow farmers and intermediaries to share risk. These functions are implemented via four policing instruments: input control, monitoring, quality measurement, and revenue sharing. The instruments are employed by intermediaries to mitigate “blind spots” in contracts and to control farmers' actions and the quality of their output. This mechanism design approach is complemented by a sociologically oriented analysis emphasizing the embeddedness of economic institutions. We problematize the stylized fashion in which the concept of authority has been treated in the contract farming literature, and propose an alternative approach to studying new organizational forms and divisions of labor among farmers and intermediaries.
Gender and Agricultural Science: Evidence From Two Surveys of Land‐Grant Scientists*
Authors: Buttel Frederick H. , Goldberger Jessica R.
Published: August 2010

Abstract We test two sets of hypotheses concerning the association between gender and various structural and attitudinal variables, using data collected in two surveys (1979 and 1995–1996) from random samples of land‐grant agricultural scientists. The first set of hypotheses centers on the expectation that the resources and rewards of agricultural science are distributed unequally by gender. We find significant gender differences in scientists' postdoctoral work experience, academic rank, employment of graduate students, rate of book publication, and links with private industry. Our second set of hypotheses, drawing on the literatures of feminist epistemology and situated knowledge, focuses on the relationship between scientists' gender and perceptions of the goals of agricultural research. Our findings indicate that gender is unimportant in explaining differences in scientists' commitment to agricultural sustainability, environmental issues, and family farm preservation as important goals of land‐grant research. Yet we find significant gender differences in attitudes toward biotechnology and the growing links between land‐grant universities and private industry.
Civic Community in Small‐Town America: How Civic Welfare Is Influenced by Local Capitalism and Civic Engagement*
Authors: Tolbert Charles M. , Irwin Michael D. , Lyson Thomas A. , Nucci Alfred R.
Published: August 2010

Abstract The aims of this paper are twofold: first, to gain a fuller understanding of factors that foster community cohesion and contribute to the residents' social and economic well‐being; and, second, to move beyond previous research that used larger spatial units such as states, counties, or aggregates of counties and to focus instead on American small towns (population 2,500–20,000). The data on small towns are drawn from public‐use files and from confidential microdata from various economic censuses. From these sources we construct measures of locally oriented firms, self‐employment, business establishments that serve as gathering places, and associations. The local capitalism and civic engagement variables generally perform as hypothesized; in some cases they are related quite strongly to civic welfare outcomes such as income levels, poverty rates, and nonmigration rates. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of working with place‐level data and suggest some strategies for subsequent work on small towns and other incorporated places.
Alternative and Conventional Agricultural Paradigms: Evidence From Farming in Southwest Saskatchewan*
Authors: Abaidoo Samuel , Dickinson Harley
Published: August 2010

Abstract Agricultural analysts have suggested that the emergence of an alternative agriculture system represents more than changes in practices; it is also thought to represent a shift in environmental beliefs, values, attitudes, and norms. This means that conventional and alternative systems of agriculture represent distinct paradigms which are informed by two contradictory worldviews. Insofar as this claim is correct, it is possible to delineate, target, and promote one paradigm, depending on the system of agriculture that policy makers wish to encourage. In this paper we seek to clarify the practical application of the two agricultural paradigms by examining the practices, beliefs, values, norms, and attitudes of farmers in southwest Saskatchewan, part of the semi‐arid section of the North American Great Plains. Findings support the view that different farming systems correspond to different worldviews. Strong confidence in the market, however, is not limited to conventional farmers, as suggested by the literature.
Women's Voices: Explaining Poverty and Plenty in a Rural Community*
Authors: Wells Barbara
Published: August 2010

AbstractThis paper explores how a multiclass sample of white rural women in an economically depressed, overwhelmingly nonfarm community explain both their own families' economic circumstances and those of the most disadvantaged families in their community. All women in the sample—even those with a history of economic instability and welfare receipt—articulate an ethic of family self‐sufficiency. They uniformly believe that anyone who can work should work, although they vary in their definition of who “can work.” In general, the lower the social class, the greater the understanding of the social processes that precipitate and perpetuate poverty. Both working‐class and poor women clearly recognize the limitations of the local market for labor. Sample women are ambivalent about welfare receipt and welfare reform. Although they believe that families should be self‐supporting, many recognize the necessity of welfare for the survival of some families in the community.
Women's Status, Fertility Decline, and Women's Health in Developing Countries: Direct and Indirect Influences of Social Status on Health
Authors: Wickrama K.A.S. , Lorenz Frederick O.
Published: August 2010

Abstract In the present three‐wave study of 72 developing countries, we use growth curves to examine how changes in fertility and level of fertility mediate the effect of women's social status on women's health as measured by infant mortality, maternal mortality, and female life expectancy. We find that level of female education, average age at marriage, and the percentage of married women using contraceptives influence attained level of fertility, with controls for economic growth and dependency status. Change in fertility, however, is predicted only by average age at marriage and by level of education. Change in fertility, in turn, predicts improvement in all three women's health indicators, while the level of fertility predicts improvement in maternal mortality and infant mortality. In addition to the mediating effects of fertility, both age at marriage and education contribute directly to reduced level of infant mortality; level of primary education contributes directly to reduced levels of maternal mortality; and use of contraceptives contributes directly to improvement in female life expectancy. These findings provide strong evidence that women's social status makes direct contributions to women's health which cannot be attributed to economic growth, dependency status, and/or the mediating effects of level and change in fertility. The policy implication for developing countries is that greater gains can be made in women's health, particularly maternal health, by improving women's social status, especially in rural areas.
Social Disorganization Theory and the Contextual Nature of Crime in Nonmetropolitan Counties*
Authors: Barnett Cynthia , Mencken F. Carson
Published: August 2010

Abstract This research explores violent and property crime rates in nonmetropolitan counties. It is argued that crime rates are lower in these counties because of higher levels of social integration. We test the hypothesis that predictors of crime from social disorganization theory exert different effects on violent and property crimes at different levels of population change in nonmetropolitan counties. We use a spatial lag regression model to predict the 1989–1991 average violent and property crime rates for these counties, taken from the Uniform Crime Reports (UCR). The results show that a factor‐analyzed index of resource disadvantage (poverty rate, income inequality, unemployment, percent female‐headed households) has different effects on both violent and property crime at different levels of population change in nonmetropolitan counties. Contrary to expectations, we find that resource disadvantage exerts a greater positive effect on both violent and property crimes in nonmetropolitan counties that lost population between 1980 and 1990. Implications for theory and research are discussed.
The Role of Local Development Organizations in Rural America*
Authors: Green Gary Paul , Haines Anna , Dunn Adam , Sullivan Daniel Monroe
Published: August 2010

Abstract Rural communities rely increasingly on local development organizations (LDOs) to promote economic development. The rise of LDOs has been the source of much debate. Using a national data set that links local governments with development organizations, we contrast the economic development activities, and their outcomes, of local governments and development organizations in rural America. We find that LDOs are involved in more economic development activities than are local governments. They are more successful at business recruitment and more effective at retention/expansion, both in number of firms and in jobs. The organizational networks of LDOs and local governments consistently influence their effectiveness. Finally, we examine the effects of an LDO's presence on the outcomes of business recruitment and of retention and expansion activities. The results suggest that the LDOs' success may be due in part to the networks in which they are embedded and to the amount of effort they make to promote growth.
Local Labor Markets and Caseload Decline in Louisiana in the 1990s*
Authors: Lee M.A. , Harvey Mark , Neustrom Allison
Published: August 2010

AbstractEfforts to explain declines in welfare caseloads in the 1990s focus on three factors (economic opportunity, welfare policy, and demographic characteristics) and produce mixed results. Although several recent studies consider state differences, few consider local differences within states. Failure to control for caseload persistence and within‐state variation in program implementation may be one reason why studies produce contradictory results regarding the effect of economic conditions on caseload decline. Using data for Louisiana parishes from 1991 to 1998, we analyze local caseload decline. Our results support other researchers' finding of a “threat effect” before 1996 welfare reform; they indicate that, all else being equal, reducing caseloads will be most difficult in nonadjacent nonmetropolitan parishes and easiest in adjacent nonmetropolitan parishes.
Spatial Variations in Church Burnings: The Social Ecology of Victimized Communities in the South*
Authors: Bartkowski John P. , Howell Frank M. , Lai Shu‐Chuan
Published: August 2010

Abstract In recent years, church burnings in the South have attracted a great deal of attention. Many commentators have charged that they are a product of strained race relations throughout the South, and particularly of severe racial tensions in Southern rural areas. In this study we evaluate these claims. We begin by mapping the spatial coordinates of recorded church burnings from 1990 to 1997, and find that church arsons indeed are concentrated in the South. Church burnings, however, are a more urban phenomenon than popular media accounts would suggest. Our analysis then explores the influence of contextual factors (population and locale, racial composition and inequality, so‐cioeconomic conditions, local religious ecology, and patterns of reported crime) on church burnings in counties located in the study region. Logistic regression models confirm that church arsons are most likely to occur in small metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) and non‐MSA counties containing a city of at least 10,000 residents. Church burnings also are especially likely in counties with a higher percentage of black residents, a larger number of churches relative to the rest of the state, and a higher arson rate. We conclude by discussing the implications of these findings for future research and public policy.
Standardization as a Means for Globalizing a Commodity: The Case of Rapeseed in China*
Authors: Tanaka Keiko , Busch Lawrence
Published: August 2010

Abstract Not all commodities are things, nor are all things available in society commodities. Then, what are commodities? Using the case of rapeseed and its products in China, this paper examines the role of grades and standards (G&S) in simultaneously determining the life of things as commodities and the position of humans as market participants. In the first section, we summarize our conceptual understandings of commodities. Next, the paper examines tests and trials to which rapeseed in China were subjected by the mid 1990s. We then discuss how G&S represent political processes among commodity chain actors for creating, legitimizing and maintaining the social relations between things and people. Lastly, we discuss our conclusion that the analysis of tests and trials helps us understand the process of commodification as simultaneous transformations of humans and things in a commodity chain while reorganizing linkages among these actors.
Farmers, the Practice of Farming and the Future of Agroforestry: An Application of Bourdieu's Concepts of Field and Habitus
Authors: Raedeke Andrew H. , Green John J. , Hodge Sandra S. , Valdivia Corinne
Published: August 2010

Abstract Agroforestry, the practice of raising crops and trees together in ways that are mutually beneficial, provides farmers with an alternative to more conventional farming practices. In this paper, we apply Bourdieu's concepts of “field” and “habitus” in an attempt to better understand the practice of farming and the role that agroforestry may have in farming systems. Analysis is based on qualitative and quantitative interviews of farmers and other key informants in two regions, Fox‐Wyaconda Watershed in northeast Missouri and Scott County in southeast Missouri. Within the field of farming, farmers emphasized the importance of economic, family and rental relations. Important habitus considerations include different interpretations of what constitutes farming and what constitutes forestry. Based on Bourdieu's theoretical framework, we offer three alternative paths of social change that may lead to more widespread utilization of agroforestry.
Determinants of Countywide Voting Behavior on Environmental Ballot Measures: 1990–2000*
Authors: Salka William M.
Published: August 2010

Abstract There is considerable debate in the literature regarding the variables that produce differing levels of countywide support for environmental protection. Competing explanations include differences stemming from individual attributes of residents, economic conditions, and urban‐rural differences. The present study examines why some counties express higher levels of support for environmental protection when voting on environmental ballot measures. Using voting data aggregated at the county level on state‐wide environmental ballot measures in five states, OLS regression is employed to examine the utility of each explanation. The results suggest that while all three hypotheses are accurate in a number of cases and urban counties tend to be more supportive of environmental protection than rural counties, individual attributes and economic conditions appear to be the most influential.
Innovating Conservation Agriculture: The Case of No‐Till Cropping
Authors: Coughenour C. Milton
Published: August 2010

Abstract The extensive sociological studies of conservation agriculture have provided considerable understanding of farmers' use of conservation practices, but attempts to develop predictive models have failed. Reviews of research findings question the utility of the conceptual and methodological perspectives of prior research. The argument advanced here is that actor‐network theory is useful in analyzing conservation agriculture as a radically different agriculture: a new paradigm with new beliefs about soils, plants, the environment, and farmers themselves as well as new crop production systems. The new indigenous cultures of conservation tillage and cropping are innovative products of social networks that join farmland, farmers, farm advisors, and farm supply representatives in new ways. The spread of conservation agriculture has occurred as the result both of new agricultural science of conservation tillage and cropping and the spread of these new networks and their innovative cropping systems.
Rural Telephone Company Adoption of Service Innovations: A Community Field Theory Approach*
Authors: Korsching Peter F. , Sapp Stephen G. , El‐Ghamrini Sami
Published: August 2010

Abstract Recent telecommunications innovations have the potential to improve the economic vitality of rural communities, but many rural telephone companies have not adopted them to provide needed advanced services. To explain the differences in adoption by rural telephone companies we distinguish between service innovations, adopted primarily to improve direct services to clients, and operations innovations, adopted primarily to improve the operation of the business. Using community interaction field theory we develop and test a conceptual framework for the adoption of innovative service telecommunications technologies by Iowa rural telephone companies. As field theory predicts, involvement in local economic development activities has a strong, direct effect on innovativeness. Results suggest that the service and operations innovations distinction has theoretical utility in explaining organizational innovativeness.
Dairy Industrialization in the First Place: Urbanization, Immigration, and Political Economy in Los Angeles County, 1920–1970*
Authors: Gilbert Jess , Wehr Kevin
Published: August 2010

Abstract Rural sociologists are currently debating the pace and extent of industrialization in the dairy sector of the United States. We offer the perspective of historical sociology to this debate, arguing that time and place significantly determine the outcomes of processes such as industrialization. We present an historically‐grounded explanation for the rise of industrial dairying, which first occurred in Los Angeles County. Beginning with the immigration of Dutch dairy farmers to Los Angeles (L.A.) in the 1920s, a contingent and sequential process—embedded within the local/California political economy—of exploding population growth, rapid urbanization, and skyrocketing land prices led to repeated geographical relocations and expansions of large‐scale dairies during the next three decades. We conclude that agricultural industrialization is not inevitable but instead is the result of contingent factors (cultural and political‐economic) as well as the particular sequencing of events and processes. In thus historicizing the industrialization debate, we seek limited, rather than universal, generalizations.
Food Deserts and Overweight Schoolchildren: Evidence from Pennsylvania*
Authors: Schafft Kai A. , Jensen Eric B. , Hinrichs C. Clare
Published: August 2010

Abstract  The concept of the food desert, an area with limited access to retail food stores, has increasingly been used within social scientific and public health research to explore the dimensions of spatial inequality and community well‐being. While research has demonstrated that food deserts are frequently characterized by higher levels of poverty and food insecurity, there has been relatively little research examining the relationship between food deserts and obesity, particularly in rural areas. In this article we use Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques to identify food desert areas in rural Pennsylvania. We then analyze student body mass index (BMI) data along with census and school district‐level data to determine the extent to which the percentage of a school district's population residing within a food desert is positively associated with increased incidence of child overweight among students within the district. We find that school districts with higher percentages of populations located within food deserts are more likely to be structurally and economically disadvantaged. Net of these district‐level structural and economic characteristics, we additionally find a positive relationship between increased rates of child overweight and the percentage of the district population residing in a food desert.
Social Disorganization in New Latino Destinations?*
Authors: Crowley Martha , Lichter Daniel T.
Published: August 2010

Abstract  Rural industrial restructuring, including growth in meat processing and other nondurable manufacturing, has generated employment opportunities that have attracted Latino in‐migrants to new nonmetropolitan destinations. Long‐time residents, however, are not always receptive. While some observers point to economic and social benefits of a Latino influx, others believe that the newcomers drain local resources, raise poverty and crime rates, and diminish the quality of life in their communities. We evaluate the influence of rapid population growth on emerging Latino destinations—new boomtowns. We use data from the U.S. census and other sources to measure changes in local economic circumstances and quality of life in nonmetropolitan boom counties experiencing high rates of Latino growth between 1990 and 2000. Our findings indicate that large influxes of Latinos had surprisingly few negative economic consequences for local populations. Furthermore, the quality of life in new destinations did not deteriorate in comparison to other nonmetropolitan counties, especially with regard to crime. Mounting pressure to educate students with limited English proficiency is nevertheless apparent. Our conclusion highlights relevant national policy debates and underscores the need for commitment on the part of firms responsible for Latino growth.
Prevalence of Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 in water distribution systems in İzmir province of Turkey
Authors: UZEL ATAÇ , UÇAR FÜSUN , ESİN HAMEŞ‐KOCABAŞ E.
Published: August 2010

Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 occurrence has been investigated in 168 hot water samples from 24 hotels, situated in 6 counties in İzmir province of Turkey, from 15 June to 30 September of the year 2000. Sampling was carried out at 15‐day intervals and seven samples were taken from each of the hotels' hot water reservoirs and hot water networks. The samples were (1 L) concentrated using polycarbonate filters (mesh size 0.22 μm). Isolation was achieved using selective medium, GVPC agar. The samples were concentrated by membrane filtration, divided into three portions and cultured without pretreatment, after acid treatment, and after heat treatment, on GVPC agar. One hundred and ten isolates were identified as L.pneumophila sg 1 using the Legionella Latex Test (Oxoid). Arbitrarily primed PCR (AP PCR) was employed to assess the clonal relationship between Legionella pneumophila sg 1 isolates from the hot water samples of the hotels. Three genotypes of L. pneumophila sg 1 isolates were identified. With a high prevalence of type A, 22 hotels were found to be colonized with L. pneumophila serogroup 1, while only 2 were free from the bacteria.
Kinetic bactericidal activity of telithromycin, azithromycin and clarithromycin against respiratory pathogens
Authors: DRAGO L. , DE VECCHI E. , NICOLA L. , LEGNANI D. , GISMONDO M. R.
Published: August 2010

The present study assessed the comparative in vitro killing kinetics of telithromycin, azithromycin and clarithromycin. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBC) were determined against Streptococcus pneumoniae, β‐haemolytic streptococci, Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis strains characterized by different susceptibilities to β‐lactams and macrolides. For each bacterial species, representative strains were chosen for time‐kill studies. Telithromycin showed high activity against all the tested strains with MIC ranging from ≤0.004 to 0.5 mg/L for streptococci, from 0.008 to 8 mg/L for H. influenzae, and from 0.008 to 0.5 mg/L for M. catarrhalis. In time‐kill studies, telithromycin showed an overall superior bactericidal activity in respect to macrolides, particularly against resistant strains. In conclusion, telithromycin proved to possess bactericidal activity against a wide range of respiratory pathogens, including strains resistant to common macrolides.
Bactericidal activity of neutrophils with reduced oxidative burst from adults with bronchiectasis
Authors: KING PAUL , BENNETT‐WOOD VICKI , HUTCHINSON PAUL , ROBINS‐BROWNE ROY , HOLMES PETER , FREEZER NICHOLAS , HOLDSWORTH STEPHEN
Published: August 2010

Recent work has shown that the most common abnormality on screening of immune function in cohort of adult subjects with bronchiectasis was a low neutrophil oxidative burst. To assess the functional significance of a low oxidative burst in subjects with idiopathic bronchiectasis. Neutrophils with a low oxidative burst were obtained from six bronchiectasis patients and assessed for their ability to kill Staphylococcus aureus. The results were compared with those obtained using neutrophils from 12 healthy controls subjects and control neutrophils treated with dimethylthiourea (DMTU), an inhibitor of the oxidative burst. The results showed that the bronchiectasis subjects had significantly reduced killing of bacteria compared with controls (p<0.001). The addition of DMTU to neutrophils of control subjects significantly impaired both the oxidative burst and bactericidal activity. The addition of interferon‐γ enhanced oxidative burst in both groups. Abnormal neutrophil function in some subjects with bronchiectasis may account for their high rate of infection.
Inter‐observer variation of symptoms and signs in jaundice
Authors: Theodossi A. , Knill‐Jones R. P. , Skene A. , Lindberg G. , Bjerregaard B. , Holst‐Christensen J. , Williams R.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT— Five observers each examined 20 jaundiced patients, recording clinical signs and symptoms on a form which also gave the definitions used for the study. The balanced design of the study allowed examination for order effects, but none were found, except for a tendency for agreement on indicants with more than two categories to improve as the study progressed. Chance agreement was corrected by the use of kappa statistics which showed that 80% of the indicants showed agreement significantly greater than expected by chance. Certain indicants (dark urine, variability of jaundice, abdominal pain, character of liver edge and presence of spleen) showed no evidence of significant agreement, even though the indicants were frequently observed in both states – present or absent. The percentage of correct clinical diagnoses reached by the observers (without biochemical or any other information) varied between 65% and 84%. The consensus diagnosis was correct in 80% of cases. Agreement was higher if the diagnosis was simplified to a ‘Medical’ or ‘Surgical’ diagnosis, the observers' accuracy being between 90 and 100%.
Peliosis hepatis as a late and fatal complication of thorotrast liver disease. Report of five cases
Authors: Okuda Kunio , Omata Masao , Itoh Yoshimi , Ikezaki Hidefumi , Nakashima Toshio
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT— Five autopsy cases of peliosis hepatis occurring as a late complication of thorotrast (ThO2) liver disease are described. The liver contained many blood‐filled cystic spaces of various sizes. Marked sinusoidal dilatation, disruption of cell cords and reticulin fiber framework, and cystic dilatation of sinusoids seem to represent the developmental stages of peliosis hepatis in sequence. Of the five cases, two had no other liver disease except for hepatic fibrosis, and the other three had associated neoplasms, such as angiosarcoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, benign hemangioma, and their combinations. Peliosis hepatis seemed to have directly contributed to the patient's death in four cases. The most characteristic clinical feature was the fulminant terminal course with massive ascites, deep jaundice, and hepatic failure, often accompanied by hepatorenal syndrome and tendency to hemorrhage. Liver function study suggested progressive hepatic insufficiency with reduction in serum albumin, prothrombin and the clearance rate for test dyes, and increase in bilirubin. Clinical diagnosis was almost impossible without biopsy.
Cytotoxicity of mononuclear cells and vulnerability of hepatocytes in alcoholic fatty liver of baboons
Authors: Lue S. L. , Paronetto F. , Lieber C. S.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT— Mononuclear cell cytotoxicity against autologous, allogeneic and xenogeneic (rabbit) hepatocytes was investigated in nine baboons fed alcohol for 17–21 months and in nine pair‐fed controls. All alcohol‐fed animals developed fatty liver. Cytotoxicity of mononuclear cells was not observed when rabbit hepatocytes were used as target cells, but mononuclear cells of alcohol‐fed baboons were cytotoxic against hepatocytes of both control animals and hepatocytes from alcohol‐fed baboons, including the animals' own hepatocytes. Increased vulnerability of hepatocytes of alcohol‐fed baboons was also demonstrated since mononuclear cells of both controls and alcohol‐fed animals were more cytotoxic against hepatocytes of alcohol‐fed baboons than against those of controls. Thus, autologous and heterologous hepatocytes are more sensitive in the baboon than rabbit hepatocytes in demonstrating cytotoxicity already at the stage of fatty liver. Two factors are contributory: mononuclear cells cytotoxicity and vulnerability of hepatocytes.
New ultrastructural marker in hepatocytes in non‐A, non‐B viral hepatitis
Authors: De Vos R. , De Wolf‐Peeters C. , Van Stapel M. J. , Callea F. , De Groote G. , Desmyter J. , Mortelmans J. , Fevery J. , De Groote J. , Desmet V. J.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT— A new ultrastructural cytoplasmic marker designated as type 2, and distinct from type 1 previously associated with NA‐NB hepatitis in chimpanzees, was found in hepatocytes of two patients and of one experimentally infected chimpanzee. These cases represent a minority of all cases we studied as presumed NA‐NB viral hepatitis. Type 2 marker consists of tubular structures composed of an assembly of ring‐like units coated with smaller uniform fragments, accumulated in different patterns in dilated cisternae of the endoplasmic reticulum. Preliminary data using immunofluorescence with NA‐NB hepatitis convalescent serum and antiserum against fibrinogen are reported. Type 2 marker may represent a different agent or a different reaction pattern to one agent of NA‐NB viral hepatitis. Its features are compared with those of hepatitis B.
Hepatitis B virus antigens in liver tissue in hepatocellular carcinoma and advanced chronic liver disease, relationship to liver cell dysplasia
Authors: Omata Masao , Mori Junko , Yokosuka Osamu , Iwama Shosuke , Ito Yoshimi , Okuda Kunio
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT— Hepatitis B surface (HBs) and core (HBc) antigens (Ag) were studied in liver tissue in HBsAg seropositive patients with chronic liver disease complicated (n=32) and not complicated (n=36) by hepatocellular carcinoma. Both groups were matched by age, sex and underlying disease. There was no qualitative and quantitative difference in tissue HBsAg between the two groups. However, HBcAg was significantly less in quantity in hepatocytes of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma compared to chronic liver disease without cancer. Serum hepatitis B e antigen tested by radioimmunoassay was also less frequently positive in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. These findings seem to suggest that hepatitis B virus replication becomes less active in the process of hepatocarcinogenesis. The relationship between intrahepatic hepatitis B antigens and liver cell dysplasia was also studied. In hepatocellular carcinoma, tissue hepatitis B antigens often coexisted in the same liver having liver cell dysplasia, but no such association was observed in chronic liver disease without cancer. However, no indication was obtained that the dysplastic cells harbor HBsAg more frequently than non‐dysplastic cells.
Activation of monocytes by portal serum and its relationship to immunoglobulin, immune complex and endotoxin content
Authors: Holdstock Greg , Hammond P. G. St. J. , Iles S. , Smith J. L. , Tanner A. R. , Wright Ralph
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT— To investigate the possibility that a “spillover effect” of substances from the portal vein into the systemic circulation accounts for the abnormal monocyte function in patients with liver disease, we have incubated human peripheral blood monocytes with paired specimens of portal and systemic serum from humans and rabbits. Monocytes incubated with portal serum released more of a lysosomal enzyme, N‐acetyl‐B‐glucosaminidase, than those incubated with systemic serum (p<0.05). In order to delineate the factors responsible for this increased activity, the content of immune complexes, immunoglobulins and endotoxin in the paired specimens of portal and systemic serum was measured. Endotoxin was found in none of 16 human specimens of portal blood and five of the 16 rabbit specimens. Modestly increased levels of immune complexes, particularly of the IgG class, were found in the portal serum compared to the systemic serum (p<0.01). Corresponding studies on immunoglobulins showed a higher concentration of IgA in portal serum (p<0.05), but no difference in other classes of immunoglobulins or complement levels. There was good correlation between the enzyme production by monocytes and the concentration of immune complexes, particularly IgA (r=0.687, p<0.001), but there was no relationship to the presence or absence of endotoxin. This evidence suggests that portal serum contains substances, particularly immune complexes, which under normal circumstances are sequestered by the liver. These are capable of “activating” monocytes in vitro and may play a role in the pathogenesis of certain types of liver disease.
Immunocytochemical study of pyruvate kinase isoenzymes in normal and pathologic human liver
Authors: Gali P. , Hartmann L.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT— In healthy human livers, L pyruvate kinase (L PK) was detected by immunofluorescence and double labelling in hepatocytes and M PK was detected in bile duct epithelial cells. Numerous associations between isoenzyme type and hepatological lesion were observed. In 10 cases of ethanolic cirrhosis, L and M PK were simultaneously observed in the hepatocytes of regenerative nodules, as they were in biliary neoductules; fibrotic regions were L and M PK negative and the hepatocytes in the anastomosing plate system were almost exclusively L PK positive, as in normal subjects. In 12 hepatocarcinomas, cancer cells had a double L and M specificity with variations in the intensity of the M isoenzyme, while the stroma reaction was L and M negative. In five hepatoblastomas, the simultaneous presence of L and M PK was also observed, but the consistently marked intensity of M PK argues in favour of the embryonic nature of this type of cancer. The results suggest that mature, highly differentiated cells exclusively and specifically synthesize one isoenzyme. A double specificity in pathology reflects the dysfunctional state of the hepatic and biliary epithelial cells or a dedifferentiated state which may terminate with the appearance of a cancer.
Immunocytochemical identity of hepatocellular hyalin in alcoholic and non‐alcoholic liver diseases
Authors: Peters Marion , Tinberg Harold M. , Govindarajan S.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT— Intracellular, eosinophilic, hyaline inclusions (alcoholic hyalin, Mallory bodies) are found in livers of patients with a number of hepatic disorders, although they are most common in alcoholic liver disease. Tissues from patients with primary biliary cirrhosis, jejunoileal bypass, hepatocellular carcinoma, Wilson's disease, and Indian childhood cirrhosis were all positive for hyalin by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Immunocytochemical labeling, using guinea‐pig antiserum specific for alcoholic hyalin, was utilized to determine the extent of crossreactivity between hepatocellular hyalin in these various conditions. This antiserum bound to hyalin in fixed paraffin‐embedded sections of all liver tissues studied as detected by indirect immunoperoxidase labeling. Binding to normal human liver, however, was restricted to light staining at the surface of hepatocytes. Preimmune guinea‐pig serum did not bind to either normal liver or to the test tissues. Our results suggest that hyalin found in a diverse group of liver conditions represents an immunologically related structure and that its formation may involve a common mechanism.
The inconvenience of investigations used in hepatology: patients' and hepatologists' opinions
Authors: Poynard Thierry , Lebrec Didier
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT— The purpose of this study was to estimate and compare the inconvenience of six investigations used in hepatology, as experienced by 113 inpatients and imagined by 80 hepatologists. For patients, the investigations, in order of increased inconvenience rate were: (1) venous puncture, (2) BSP clearance, (3) transvenous liver biopsy, (4) percutaneous liver biopsy, (5) laparoscopy and (6) oesogastroscopy. Hepatologists gave a higher inconvenience rate for all investigations than patients and the ranking of the crude inconvenience rate of each investigation was different for hepatologists and patients. For 84% of patients, oesogastroscopy was over 10 times more inconvenient than a venous puncture, whereas only 15% of hepatologists considered oesogastroscopy over 10 times more inconvenient (p<0.001). Multidimensional analysis indicated that hepatologists underestimated the role of pain in the rejection of re‐investigation for transvenous liver biopsy, percutaneous liver biopsy and oesogastroscopy. These results suggest that hepatologists must improve the psychological and pharmacological premedication of these investigations according to the reaction of their patients, especially before oesogastroscopy.
Lymphocytotoxicity against autologous hepatocytes and membrane‐bound IgG in viral and autoimmune chronic active hepatitis
Authors: Stefanini G. F. , Meliconi R. , Miglio F. , Mazzetti Maura , Baraldini M. , Facchini A. , Gasbarrini G.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT— Membrane‐bound IgG and lymphocytotoxic activity of total, T‐enriched and T‐depleted lymphocytes, using autologous hepatocytes have been evaluated in: (a) 31 patients with chronic active hepatitis (CAH) (six autoimmune and 25 hepatitis B virus ‐ HBV‐related); (b) five patients with inactive alcoholic cirrhosis; and (c) nine subjects with normal hepatic histology. Lymphocytotoxicity was positive in 83% of autoimmune CAH and 68% of HBV‐related cases; it was confined to the T‐depleted subpopulation in the first group, while it was present in both the T‐enriched and T‐depleted subpopulations in 81% of HBV‐related cases. Membrane‐bound IgG was present in 58% of group (a) and in none of the other groups. A linear pattern was found in four out of five autoimmune CAH patients with positive lymphocytotoxic activity. The autoimmune patient with lymphocytotoxic activity within the normal range did not show any membrane fluorescence. Among HBV‐related CAH patients, 13 presented a granular pattern, two an associated granular and linear pattern and ten were negative. These data suggest that different lymphocytotoxic mechanisms are involved in the two forms of CAH studied.
Correlation between Ito cells and fibrogenesis in an experimental model of hepatic fibrosis. A sequential stereological study
Authors: Ballardini G. , Esposti Silvia Degli , Bianchi F. B. , De Giorgi Lucilla Badiali , Faccani A. , Biolchini L. , Busachi C. A. , Pisi E.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT— The relationship between Ito cells and hepatic fibrogenesis has been investigated in an experimental model: intraperitoneal injection of heterologous serum in rats leads to the appearance of fibrous septa within 5 weeks. Groups of rats were sacrificed at various intervals (from 2.5 to 20 weeks), saline‐injected rats being used as controls. Liver fragments were prepared for light and electron microscopy and determination of hydroxyproline. Ito cells were identified by defined morphological criteria on 1 μm sections. The volume density (VD) of Ito cells and fibrous septa, and the Ito cell index were determined. Ito cells represent a very relevant component of early septa. In later stages, the VD of cells with morphological features of Ito cells falls to very low values. This might be related to modulation of Ito cells to fibroblasts. The increase of tissue hydroxyproline is delayed with respect to the peak VD of septal Ito cells, actually corresponding to the fall in the VD of septal Ito cells. The striking increase in the VD of total Ito cells cannot be related to a theoretically possible increase in the volume of single Ito cells, as VD always parallels the Ito cell index. These data suggest a hyperplastic reaction, possibly associated with a cellular migration from the lobules to early septa.
In vitro uptake of IgA complexes by Kupffer cells
Authors: Fernandez‐Tello Diana S. , Frommel Dominique
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT— Cultured murine Kupffer cells were tested for their ability to bind TNP‐sensitized erythrocytes coated with IgA myeloma proteins (MOPC 315 & 460) which have high affinity for TNP ligands, and to ingest TNP‐enzyme‐IgA soluble immune complexes. In these experimental conditions, 6–18% of Kupffer cells were found to express surface binding sites for IgA, a feature they share with lymphocytes and granulocytes. This functional property, also displayed by circulating monocytes, is thus maintained in liver‐residing macrophages, and may contribute to the regulation of immune response to gut‐derived antigens.
Selective isolation of intact periportal or perivenous hepatocytes by antero‐ or retrograde collagenase gradient perfusion
Authors: Väänänen H. , Lindros K. O. , Salaspuro M.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT— To study the role of functional heterogeneity in the pathogenesis of liver damage, a new technique for separation of intact periportal and perivenous parenchymal cells was developed. After a brief portal perfusion in situ, the upper vena cava was also cannulated and the medium was simultaneously and slowly pumped via the portal and hepatic veins so that the medium had to ooze through the liver capsule. For the isolation of periportal cells collagenase was added selectively to the medium perfused through the portal vein in order to concentrate the digestive effects of collagenase in the periportal parenchyma. Conversely, to obtain cells of perivenous origin, collagenase was added to the medium perfused via hepatic veins. After 6–7 min and a brief reoxygenation by portal perfusion the liver was rapidly sliced. The slices were shaken for 3 min in preoxygenated medium and free hepatocytes were isolated by centrifugation. Injured cells were eliminated by brief and gentle trypsin‐DNase treatment terminated with trypsin inhibitor. With this procedure, 0.2–1 g packed cells with viability of over 90% could be routinely obtained. LDH‐leakage during incubation of either hepatocyte preparation was small and similar to that of hepatocytes isolated by conventional collagenase perfusion. Histological HE‐stained preparations of liver parenchyma after perfusion demonstrated selective loosening of either periportal or perivenous cellular subpopulations. Moreover, the activity of alanine aminotransferase was three times higher (p<0.001) in “periportal” than in “perivenous” cells. This difference is similar to that obtained by the microdissection technique. The isolated “perivenous” cells were significantly larger (+28%, p<0.001) than “periportal” cells, as measured from the packed cell volume. The results demonstrate that with this technique intact hepatocytes of either periportal or perivenous origin can be obtained in sufficient amounts to enable their further characterization by incubation or culture experiments.
The influence of endotoxin in vitro on hepatic macrophage lysosomal enzyme release in different rat models of hepatic injury
Authors: Tanner A. R. , Keyhani A. H. , Wright Ralph
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT— Since bacterial endotoxin is known to be involved in the pathogenesis of hepatic injury, the influence of endotoxin on lysosomal enzyme production by hepatic macrophages has been investigated. Macrophages have been isolated from the livers of normal rats, from the livers of rats given stilboestrol subcutaneously 4 days previously and from the livers of rats given Corynebacterium parvum intravenously 6 days previously. Following isolation and overnight culture, the macrophages have been maintained in in vitro culture for a further 24 h and the production of N‐acetyl‐β‐glucosaminidase (NAG) has been measured. Histological assessment has shown that in the stilboestrol model an approximate doubling of sinusoidal cell numbers occurs and in the C. parvum model a heavy mononuclear cell infiltrate is present, together with granuloma formation. These changes are reflected in the numbers of macrophages isolated from the respective models. Levels of NAG production by resident macrophages from normal livers are low (0.25±0.05 nmol substrate hydrolysed/μg cell protein/h) and unchanged following endotoxin exposure (0.25±0.05 units). Macrophages isolated from the stilboestrol model show levels of NAG production similar to normal (0.34±0.06 units), but this increases significantly following exposure to endotoxin (0.42±0.07 units). Macrophages from the C. parvum model demonstrate markedly enhanced production (0.61±0.09 units), but this does not increase significantly following endotoxin exposure (0.65±0.09 units). In contrast to macrophages from normal rat livers, macrophages recently recruited in the stilboestrol model demonstrate enhanced lysosomal enzyme production following endotoxin exposure. It is suggested that endotoxin, as well as other mediators of macrophage activation, may promote hepatic damage through this influence on newly recruited macrophages.