bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pericardial haematopoiesis with tamponade in myelofibrosis
Authors: Hædersdal Carsten , Hasselbalch Hans , Devantier Agnete , Saunamäki Karl
Published: August 2010

A 52‐year‐old male with idiopathic myelofibrosis of 8 years' duration developed pericardial tamponade during recovery from acute tubular interstitial nephropathia following septicaemia. Splenectomy had been performed 7 yr previously. The tamponade was relieved by pericardiocentesis and its recurrence was prevented by a minor pericardiectomy. Pathological examination, including staining for factor VIII‐positive cells, demonstrated extramedullary haematopoiesis in the pericardium. In patients with myelofibrosis and increased silhouette on X‐ray film, with or without clinical heart failure, echocardiographic examination is recommended in order to identify a possible pericardial effusion.
Correlation between in vitro and in vivo sensitivity to human leucocyte interferon in patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Brenning G. , Åhre A. , Nilsson K.
Published: August 2010

26 of 32 patients with multiple myeloma (MM) were successfully tested in vitro for human leucocyte interferon (IFN) sensitivity by use of the human tumour stem cell assay (HTCA) and/or 3H‐thymidine incorporation (LI). Altogether, 12 patients were sensitive to IFN in vitro and 14 were resistant. All patients received treatment with leucocyte IFN. 8 patients were classified as responders, 3 as partial responders and 15 as non‐responders. Correlating the in vitro/in vivo results, we found that the in vitro tests of the myeloma cells reflected a true sensitivity in 9 patients (75%) and a true resistance in 12 patients (86%). Furthermore, stimulation by IFN was found in 9 in vitro tests, of which 8 were obtained from non‐responsive patients. Our results show that in vitro testing for IFN sensitivity is of clinical importance in predicting response to IFN treatment. Also, a stimulating effect by IFN in vitro will imply an unfavourable response in vivo.
Repetitive cycles of cytoreductive therapy followed by stem cell autografting for nonlymphoblastic transformation of chronic granulocytic leukaemia
Authors: de Witte T. , Raymakers R. , de Pauw B. , Haanen C.
Published: August 2010

Treatment of nonlymphoblastic transformation of chronic granulocytic leukaemia (CGL) by marrow ablative chemotherapy, followed by autologous stem cell reinfusion, induced a 2nd chronic phase with a median duration of 5.5 monhts at the cost of high morbidity and mortality. One course of intensive cytoreductive chemotherapy, similar to a remission induction course in acute nonlymphoblastic leukaemia (ANLL), followed by a buffy coat reinfusion, induced a short‐lived 2nd chronic phase in 4 out of 9 patients. Two successive courses, each followed by an autologous stem cell reinfusion, induced a new chronic phase in 4 out of 5 consecutive patients. Multiple intensive chemotherapy courses, followed by autologous stem cell rescue, offer an effective palliative treatment of nonlymphoblastic transformation of CGL with a relatively low morbidity due to the treatment itself.
Enhancement of in vitro erythropoiesis by peripheral blood mononuclear cells from allogeneic marrow recipients in the early post‐transplant period
Authors: Nakao Shinji , Harada Mine , Ueda Mikio , Kondo Kunio , Odaka Kazuaki , Ohtake Shigeki , Matsue Kosei , Shiobara Shintaro , Mori Takao , Matsuda Tamotsu ,   The Kanazawa University Bone Marrow Transplant Team
Published: August 2010

The effect of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from bone marrow recipients on in vitro growth of erythroid burst‐forming units (BFU‐E) was studied. PBMCs were obtained from 5 allogeneic, 1 syngeneic and 1 autologous bone marrow recipient(s) at different intervals after transplantation. The number of BFU‐E was significantly increased when donor bone marrow cells were co‐cultured with PBMCs obtained from allogeneic marrow recipients in the early post‐transplant period. No effect was observed using PBMCs obtained in the later post‐transplant period, PBMCs from a syngeneic marrow recipient, or PBMCs from an autologous marrow recipient. The BFU‐E enhancing activity was present among T cells and was abolished by treating them with OKT3 or OKT4 antibody and complement. These observations suggest that chimeric T lymphocytes, probably of the helper/inducer subset, from allogeneic marrow recipients in the early post‐transplant period have a potent enhancing effect on in vitro erythropoiesis.
Pneumococcaemia as a presenting sign in 3 cases of multiple myeloma
Authors: Barasch Eddy , Berger Stephen A. , Golan Eli , Siegman‐Igra Yardena
Published: August 2010

Multiple myeloma was diagnosed in 3 patients following episodes of pneumococcaemia associated with neutropenia and decreased serum concentration of normal immunoglobulins. Severe pneumococcal infection is commonly encountered during the course of multiple myeloma, but has not been stressed as a presenting feature of the disease.
Chromosome abnormalities in secondary myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Bloomfield Clara Derber
Published: August 2010

Specific chromosome abnormalities occur in most cases of secondary myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), broadly defined to include acute nonlymphocytic leukaemia (ANLL). To explore their relation with the type of prior cancer and its treatment, and their use in predicting response of the secondary MDS to therapy, 216 patients from the literature were analyzed. Abnormal karyotypes were grouped into 10 nonoverlapping categories, depending first upon the presence of abnormalities of chromosomes 5 and 7 (‐5, 5q‐, ‐7, 7q‐), then upon specific rearrangements seen in de novo ANLL, and finally upon other structural or numerical abnormalities. Karyotype correlated with type of prior cancer (p = .002). ‐5, ‐7 and additional whole chromosomes were associated primarily (67–86 %) with prior haematologic malignancies, and the specific rearrangements and 5q‐ groups (70–71 %) with prior solid tumors. Karyotype also correlated with prior therapy (p = .0009). ‐5, ‐7 and 7q‐ were highly (> 85 %) associated with chemotherapy (alone or with radiotherapy); the 5q‐, specific rearrangements, normal, and “other” structural abnormalities groups were often (29–60 %) associated with radiotherapy alone. Finally, karyotype also predicted achievement of complete remission (CR); 5q‐ and ‐5 were associated with the lowest CR rate (13 %), specific rearrangements and other structural abnormalities with the highest (65 %). Prospective studies are required to determine if karyotype is an independent risk factor.
Translocation (2;11) (p21;q23) in acute non‐lymphocytic leukaemia: A non‐random association
Authors: de LaChapelle Albert , Knuutila Sakari , Elonen Erkki
Published: August 2010

A reciprocal apparently balanced translocation between chromosomes 2 and 11, t(2;11) (p21;q23), was the sole chromosome abnormality in mitoses studied from 2 patients because of suspected acute leukaemia. The first patient, a 66 year‐old male who had had no exposure to mutagenic agents, presented with a myelodysplastic preleukaemic syndrome lasting 17 months before ANLL‐M4 was diagnosed. The second patient, who had been irradiated after surgical removal of a mixed parotid gland tumour 36 years earlier, presented with ANLL‐M1. Both patients had prostatic cancer.

We have found 4 patients with the same translocation described in the literature. All had a myelodysplastic syndrome at presentation. One of these patients died of ANLL‐M6; the others survived after different periods of observation.

Comparison of the cytogenetic features of all 6 patients indicates that the translocation was apparently identical. The t(2;11) was the sole abnormality in 5 of the 6 patients. The clinical features were somewhat different. However, features common to all patients included male sex, age over 50, and involvement of the non‐lymphocytic series of haematopoietic cells in a preleukaemic or leukaemic condition. A previous history of exposure to irradiation occurred in 2 or, possibly, 3 patients. This translocation should presently be listed as a non‐randomly occurring one with clinical consequences affecting myeloid cells.
DOSE‐RELATED PHARMACOLOGIC EFFECTS OF HIGH DOSE ARA‐C AND ITS USE IN COMBINATION WITH ASPARAGINASE FOR THE TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH ACUTE NON‐LYHPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA*
Authors: Capizzi Robert L. , Powell Bayard L. , Cooper M. Robert , Rathmell James P. , White J. Courtland , Muss Hyman B. , II Frederick Richards , Jackson Don V. , Stuart John J. , White Douglas R. , Zekan Patricia J. , Cruz Julia M. , Spurr Charles L.
Published: August 2010

Clinical resistance to ara‐C is dose and schedule dependent. Patients refractory to or who have relapsed on combinations of drugs which include standard doses of ara‐C (100–200 mg/m2daily for 5 to 7 days) can be induced into clinical remissions with high dose ara‐C (HiDAC). The interaction between HiDAC and asparaginase is schedule‐dependent; pharmacologic synergy and an improvement in the therapeutic index occurring with sequential HiDAC→Asparaginase. This combination has been applied in clinical trial: ara‐C 3 g/m2as a 3 hr IV infusion was given every 12 hrs for 4 doses. At the end of the 4th infusion, 6000 IU/m2asparaginase was given IM. This therapy was given on days 1 and 8. Refractory/ relapsed patients had a 68% complete remission rate. Treatment of 49 patients with previously untreated ANLL was associated with an 80% and 40% complete remission rate in patients <60 and >60 years of age, respectively. Median time to complete remission for both age groups was 30 days. The lower complete remission rate in older patients reflects higher induction deaths (ID) (50%), not innate drug resistance. Laboratory investigations have focused on the biochemical pharmacology of HiDAC in an attempt to explain the unique therapeutic utility of this mode of drug administration. These data suggest that human leukemia cells transport ara‐C across the cell membrane relatively less efficiently than experimental leukemia cells. The systemic metabolite of ara‐C, ara‐U, may also influence the drug's effect. In the murine leukemia L5178Y, both in vitro and in vivo, high concentrations of ara‐U are cytostatic in S‐phase. the phase of the cell cycle wherein ara‐C cytotoxicity is increased. In vivo, high concentrations of ara‐U also retard systemic deamination of ara‐C as well as its renal excretion. These features increase the terminal half‐life of HiDAC in the plasma and thus prolong cellular exposure to the drug. The interactions between ara‐U and ara‐C thus invoke selfpotentiation of HiDAC.
PHARHACOKINETIC STUDIES ON ARA‐C
Authors: Liliemark Jan
Published: August 2010

Pharmacokinetic studies of ara‐C in plasma are reviewed. The value of monitoring ara‐C in plasma is limited, because ara‐C is an inactive prodrug, and has to be phosphorylated to ara‐CTP intracellularly to excert its activity. Therefore, the pharmacokinetics of ara‐CTP in leukemic cells was studied. The differences between the pharmacokinetics of ara‐C in plasma and ara‐CTP in leukemic cells in terms of elimination rates and heterogeneity are important and there seems to be only poor correlation between the two. This is the rational for attempts to correlate the pharmacokinetics of cellular ara‐CTP to clinical effect of ara‐C treatment. The accumulation of ara‐CTP seems to be saturated during high‐dose ara‐C treatment. As a consequence, the duration of infusion is a more important determinant of the efficacy than the dose in high‐dose ara‐C treatment. This should be considered in design of high‐dose ara‐C treatment protocols.
CELLULAR PHARMACOLOGY AND OPTIMAL THERAPEUTIC CONCENTRATIONS OF 1‐β‐D‐ARABINOFURANOSYLCYTOSINE 5‘‐TRIPHOSPHATE IN LEUKEMIC BLASTS DURING TREATMENT OF REFRACTORY LEUKEMIA WITH HIGH‐DOSE 1‐β‐D‐ARABINOFURANOSYLCYTOSINE
Authors: Plunkett William , Iacoboni Stephen , Keating Michael J.
Published: August 2010

The pharmacology of 1‐β‐D‐arabinofuranosylcytosine 5′‐triphosphate (ara‐CTP) has been studied in the circulating leukemic blasts of patients with refractory leukemia during therapy with high doses of single‐agent ara‐C. Cellular ara‐CTP was analyzed by high‐pressure liquid chromatography. The median trough concentrations of ara‐CTP in blasts of patients who responded to intermittent high‐dose ara‐C (3 g/m2× 4–12 doses) was 196 μM, whereas 75 μM was the lowest trough ara‐CTP concentration that discriminated between complete remission and treatment failure (p=0.03). The median steady state ara‐CTP concentrations in the blasts of patients who responded to a high dose continuous infusion protocol (2 doses of 3 g/m2every 12 hr followed by a continuous infusion of 330–3000 mg/m2× 4 d) were clustered between 79 and 206 μM. The values of treatment failures were predominantly outside this range (p<0.005). These results suggest that the optimal concentration range for intracellular ara‐CTP in the treatment of refractory leukemia may be 75 to 200 μM.
A preliminary study of low‐dose splenic irradiation for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic and prolymphocytic leukaemias
Authors: Singh A. K. , Bates T. , Wetherley‐Mein G.
Published: August 2010

21 patients, 18 with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and 3 with prolymphocytic leukaemia (PLL), all B‐lymphocyte origin and with progressive disease, were treated with a regime of low‐dose splenic irradiation (SI). All patients experienced a rapid relief of disease‐related symptoms. Following SI the total lymphocyte count (TLC) was markedly reduced in 18 patients. Partial to complete regression of splenomegaly occurred in 9 patients. Pre‐existing anaemia of production failure type improved in 6 patients and as a result the haemoglobin rose to normal or near normal levels. SI caused the loss of T‐, B‐ and Null‐lymphocytes, but the loss of B‐lymphocytes predominated. CLL/PLL became quiescent for long periods in 9 patients (CLL = 8; PLL = 1) but remained progressive in the other 9, all CLL. SI had no demonstrable effects on TLC, splenomegaly or anaemia in the 3 remaining patients (2 CLL, 1 PLL). The treatment was well tolerated by all, and side effects were almost absent. Transient reduction of neutrophils and platelets occurred commonly. No patient with initially normal neutrophil and platelet counts developed irreversible neutropenia or thrombocytopenia. In view of these effects, the ease of administration and the lack of side effects, further evaluation of low‐dose SI, particularly in comparison with other regimes, seems worthwile.
Hypoxanthine and xanthine in stored SAGM‐blood
Authors: Andersen Per Thorgaard , Bacher Theis , Stentoft Jesper
Published: August 2010

The concentration of xanthine and hypoxanthine was measured in 8 portions of SAGM red cell concentrates during 4 wk storage. The concentration of xanthine increased from 4.2 to 35.1 umol/l and the concentration of hypoxanthine increased from 16.8 to 165.2 μmol/l (mean values). Previous studies have demonstrated several important effects of purine bases ‐ among these a reduced cytotoxicity of purine antimetabolites. It is concluded that further studies are necessary to investigate the clinical role of purines in stored blood products.
Large granular lymphocyte/natural killer cell proliferative disease: Clinical and laboratory heterogeneity
Authors: Bassan Renato , Introna Martino , Rambaldi Alessandro , Viero Piera , Chisesi Teodoro , Mantovani Alberto , Barbui Tiziano
Published: August 2010

6 patients with a chronic, clinically heterogeneous proliferative disorder of the large granular lyphocytes (LGL) were investigated. In each case the majority of peripheral blood lymphocytes reacted with HNK‐1, OKT3 and T11 monoclonal antibodies, whereas morphology and other immunological features varied from case to case. 2 cases were of particular interest. 1 patient had an expansion of HNK‐1 stained, large agranular rather than granular lymphocytes; another patient's LGL simultaneously expressed NHK‐1, OKT4 and T8 antigens. The heterogeneous features of these abnormally expanded cell populations are similar to those of the normal cell subsets from which they are likely to have originated.
The erythropoietic stimulating activity of normal mouse serum: Effect on erythroid precursors from different haematopoietic tissues and suggested role of accessory cells
Authors: Arnaud Sylvie , Blanchet Jean Paul
Published: August 2010

The addition of normal mouse serum (NMS) to mouse bone marrow cell cultures was found to stimulate the growth of late erythroid precursors (CFU‐E). The stimulating activity was called Erythropoietic Stimulating Cofactor (ESCF) (Blanchet et al 1984). In this article, we report that CFU‐Es from foetal liver are not sensitive to serum addition, in contrast to CFU‐Es from bone marrow or spleen taken from the same foetuses. When foetal liver cells were co‐cultured with irradiated adult bone marrow cells, addition of NMS stimulated the foetal liver CFU‐Es, suggesting that ESCF acts via some accessory cells not present (or in too low a frequency) among foetal liver cells. Moreover, NMS should be added at onset of adult bone marrow cell culture to be fully stimulatory. In addition, a very large increase (by a factor of 5 to 7) was observed for CFU‐Es from spleen and bone marrow from 6‐ to 20‐d‐old newborn mice. This high sensitivity was correlated with a post‐natal anaemia. We propose the existence of two different CFU‐E population, one stimulated by the accessory cells, the other not, the proportion of which could be modified in response to anaemia.
Role of iron in the proliferation of the established human tumor cell lines U‐937 and K‐562: Effects of suramin and a lipophilic iron chelator (PIH)
Authors: Forsbeck Klas , Bjelkenkrantz Kaj , Nilsson Kenneth
Published: August 2010

Suramin was used to analyze the growth‐effects of blockade of iron uptake on two established human cell lines, U‐937 (monocytoid) and K‐562 (erythroleukemic). Suramin suppressed cell surface transferrin (Tf) binding and uptake of iron via inhibition of receptor‐mediated endocytosis (RME). As a result, both lines accumulated in the S‐phase. DNA synthesis and cell division were inhibited in the suramin‐treated U‐937, but not in K‐562. Iron, supplied by a route alternative to Tf ‐ to suramin‐suppressed U‐937 cells, reinitiated DNA synthesis and cell division, although at a lower level than in control cells. Multiple effects on iron‐dependent enzymes and an inhibition of binding of undefined growth factors necessary for the transition through the cell cycle are suggested to be mechanisms by which suramin affects the U‐937 cells. The results imply that clinically observed side effects of suramin may be caused by interference with cellular iron metabolism.
Distinct histamine‐induced cyclic AMP synthesis in acute leukemia
Authors: Maurer Wolfgang M. , Litos Martin , Lutz Dieter
Published: August 2010

Histamine receptors of the H2 type are found on mature hemopoetic cells such as lymphocytes and monocytes. Since little is known about histamine receptors on immature cells, we studied histamine‐induced cAMP synthesis in leukemic cells of 51 patients using 73 samples of peripheral blood and/or bone marrow. Histamine‐induced cAMP synthesis was found in all cALL (FAB L1, L2), but only occasionally in AML. In 1 out of 11 myelomonocytic leukemias (M4), and also in 2 out of 5 monocytic leukemias (FAB M5), histamine‐inducible cAMP synthesis was found, but no induction of cAMP synthesis by histamine was found in 19 cases from the remaining subgroups (FAB M1‐M3, M6). The inhibiting action of H2 antagonists on cAMP synthesis indicates that the receptor is of the H2 type. Since H2 receptors were found in all cALL blasts, we assume a compulsory expression of this receptor on immature cells of the B‐lymphocytic lineage.
Neutrophil glutathione peroxidase activity in iron deficiency anaemia
Authors: Sevgi Yetgin , Goneng Ciliv , Qigdem Altay
Published: August 2010

Neutrophil glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐PX) activity was studied in 30 children with nutritional iron deficiency anaemia and 25 healthy age‐matched controls. Initially GSH‐P, in iron deficient anaemic children was significantly (p < 0.001) low compared to the control group. All patients were subjected to iron therapy but only 8 returned for follow‐up. The GSH‐PX activity in all 8 cases rose to normal levels after therapy. These results suggest a relationship between iron and GSH‐P, activity.
Immunological subclassification of non‐T, non‐B acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in childhood
Authors: Komada Yoshihiro , Azuma Eiichi , Tanaka Shigeki , Ochiai Hitoshi , Sakurai Minoru
Published: August 2010

41 cases of non‐T, non‐B acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) were classified by immunological criteria using a panel of monoclonal antibodies against common ALL antigen (cALLa), p24, p20 and HLA‐DR antigens. Out of 41 cases, cALLa, p24, p20 and HLA‐DR antigens were positive in 31 cases, 34 cases, 35 cases and 41 cases, respectively. 4 cases expressing cytoplasmic (i heavy chains were included in the group of common ALL. We demonstrated that a majority of non‐T, non‐B ALL would be derived from B‐lineage cells. The expression of p24 and p20 was followed by the expression of cALLa and the synthesis of cytoplasmic immunoglobulin. These items of evidence support the idea that the expression of cALLa, p24, p20 and HLA‐DR antigens on ALL cells would be universal in the USA, Europe and Japan. Although morphologically identical, non‐T, non‐B ALL cases could be subdivided into phenotypically‐defined subgroups on the basis of cALLa, p24, p20 and HLA‐DR antigens.
Aspirin does not inhibit human megakaryocyte thromboxane synthesis in vivo
Authors: Huijgens P. C. , v.d. Berg C. A. M. , Imandt L. M. F. M. , Miltenburg A. , Langenhuijsen M. M. A. C.
Published: August 2010

Cyclooxygenase activity in human platelets reappears after ingestion of aspirin as a function of the platelet production rate. In different studies the activity reappeared without delay or with an interval of at least 48 h after stopping the drug. Because inhibition of megakaryocyte cyclooxygenase is the sole likely explanation for a delay we determined thromboxane B2 in human megakaryocytes obtained under local anaesthesia. We found that aspirin does not inhibit human megakaryocytes in vivo but does so in vitro. Therefore, it does not seem likely that there is actually a delay in platelet cyclooxygenase resurgence after aspirin intake. In order to suppress platelet cyclooxygenase constantly, aspirin should be given once or twice a day and not once or twice a week.
Heparin cofactor II activity in plasma: Application of an automated assay method to the study of a normal adult population
Authors: Andersson Terje R. , Larsenxy Mette L. , Handeland Grete F. , Abildgaard Ulrich
Published: August 2010

A manual chromogenic substrate method for the determination of heparin cofactor II (HC II) activity in plasma has been adapted to the Cobas Bio centrifugal analyzer. By reducing the dermatan sulfate concentration used, interference by opacity was avoided, and the correlation between the manual and the new automated method was high (r = 0.96). Plasma samples from 182 females and 197 males were examined. The mean values of HC II activities in this normal population was relatively high, with a total range of 43–150% and a standard deviation of 17%. 4 apparently healthy individuals had levels below 60%. In males, the mean HC II activity was higher in the 50–59 yr age group than in either the 20–29 yr group or in the group above 60 yr (p < 0.05). In females, the postmenopausal age group had higher mean HC II activities, but the difference was not statistically significant.
Benign monoclonal gammopathy presenting with severe renal failure
Authors: Gavarotti Paolo , Fortina Felice , Costa Daniela , Verzetti Giuseppe , Redoglia Valter , Boccadoro Mario
Published: August 2010

A patient with monoclonal gammopathy and renal failure due to K light chain deposition in the glomerular basement membrane is reported. After 8 months, he developed a progressive and severe renal failure requiring haemodialysis. 30 months later, the monoclonal gammopathy was unchanged. Clinical features, as well as kinetic and immunological studies, were consistent with a diagnosis of benign monoclonal gammopathy (BMG). This case suggests that the renal failure complicating a monoclonal gammopathy is not related to its malignancy.
In the Beginning was the (Written) Word
Authors: Champion Margrét Gunnarsdóttir
Published: August 2010

A pivotal text within Peter Ackroyd's oeuvre,Hawksmooris most fruitfully read as a kind of mythography where a special version of deconstructive play dominates all levels of the fiction, from single words through characters and action to the level of meta‐reflection itself. In fact, the novel's design can be said to reflect the philosophy of space of the eighteenth‐century architect Nicholas Dyer: his seven churches are embodiments ofdifférance, subtly infusing alterior knowledge into urban reality. Similarly,Hawksmoor’s ‘‘vision‐house of language,’’ its post‐structuralist myth, advocates the post‐1968 Derridean/Deleuzean enterprise ofreterritorialization– of reconnecting the uprooted postmodern subject to estranged territory. At the base of this myth, mobilizing it as its non‐originary source, as the exemplary figure of thetrace, is the child, the spatial thinker in the novel; by folding language into the city of London, the Derridean child imagines the permeable bounds between building/dwelling/thinking, encouraging individuals to transgress them and, in Ackroyd's words, to re‐situate themselves in ‘‘the riddle of London, which is perpetually new and always old.’’
Periodontal response to all‐ceramic crowns (IPS Empress) in general practice
Authors: Al‐Wahadni AM , Mansour Y , Khader Y
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the periodontal response to the presence of all‐ceramic crowns (IPS Empress) in general practice patients. Methods: The convenience sample included 82 IPS Empress crowns placed in 64 patients. These crowns had been in place for an average of 16.27 (SD 9.26) months and ranged from 6.2 to 48.87 months at the time of clinical examination. Periodontal health status (as determined by dental plaque, gingival health status, periodontal pockets) was assessed around all crowned teeth and around matched contralateral teeth by one calibrated examiner. Periodontal indices utilized included the Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI) and pocket depth (PD) with calibrated probes graduated in millimetres. Plaque, gingival and PD values for crowned teeth were compared with those for control teeth using Wilcoxon signed‐rank test for each clinical parameters. Chi‐square was used to test the significance of the difference in their distribution between crowns and control teeth. Results: Statistically, PI (0.35), GI (0.41) and mean PD scores (1.42) of IPS Empress crowned teeth compared less favourably with scores of the control teeth (0.27, 0.23 and 0.86 respectively). Conclusion: Teeth with IPS Empress crowns had poorer periodontal health and more clinically evident plaque than uncrowned teeth.
Risk factors for periodontitis
Authors: Timmerman MF , van der Weijden GA
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  This review presents a selected overview of the literature concerning risk factors for periodontitis. That in some individuals gingivitis develops into periodontitis is still a matter of extensive research. Cross‐sectional studies of clinical and microbiological factors can be meaningful. Longitudinal studies of the natural history allow analysis of potential factors and conditions that may have an impact on the disease process. At present, several possible risk factors for the initiation and progression of periodontitis have been identified: age, gender, plaque, calculus, existing attachment loss. A consistent finding appears to be genetic predisposition for the development of the disease. In terms of microbiology, several micro‐organisms have been identified. The results of the Java Project on natural development of Periodontal Disease clearly pinpoint Actinobacillus actinimycetemcomitans as being associated with the onset of disease. The presence of subgingival calculus was found to be associated with onset and dental plaque with progression of disease. Consistent with literature males are more susceptible to disease. The presence of pockets ≥5 mm appear to be a useful tool, since it was found to be a prognostic factor for disease progression.
Dental unit water: bacterial decontamination of old and new dental units by flushing water
Authors: Watanabe E , Agostinho AM , Matsumoto W , Ito IY
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  Objective:  To evaluate by means of Petrifilm™ system (3M, St Paul, MN, USA) the level of bacterial contamination in water from old and new dental units (air–water syringes and high‐speed turbines) before and after flushing water through waterlines. The old dental units had been used for 13 years and the new dental units for 1 year. A fast method named Petrifilm™ AC (3M) was employed to evaluate the level of water contamination with total aerobic bacteria and Petrifilm™ EC for Escherichia coli and coliforms.

Methods:  Dental unit water were collected before and after flushing of 4 (air–water syringes) and 2 min (high‐speed turbines) from 24 old and new dental units. Thereafter, samples were diluted, inoculated onto Petrifilm™ plates and incubated.

Results:  The filtered tap water that filled up dental unit reservoirs showed a low level of bacterial contamination (4 and 15 CFU ml−1). However, all water samples from old and new dental units were highly contaminated. The flushing of dental unit waterlines reduced the bacterial count in all dental unit water, but the reduction was better in water from new dental units than from old dental units. E. coli and coliforms were not detected in any water samples analysed.

Conclusion:  Flushing water is a simple measure that should do part of dental routine, because it was able to reduce the level of total aerobic bacteria in water from old and new dental units.
Quality of life of public health service dental hygienists in Goiânia, Brazil
Authors: Nunes MF , Freire MCM , Leles CR
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  The aim of this study was to assess quality of life (QoL) and related factors among dental hygienists. A cross‐sectional study was conducted in a sample of dental hygienists working in the public health service of Goiânia, Central‐West Region, Brazil, in 2004. All active dental hygienists received a mailed questionnaire containing the shortened version of the World Health Organization instrument to measure quality of life (WHOQOL‐Bref), demographic and job‐related data, and questions about self‐rated general health status and QoL. Response rate was 58.5% (n = 93). Descriptive statistics, simple and multiple logistic regressions were used in the analysis of data. The WHOQOL‐Bref instrument revealed that the Social Relationships domain had the highest mean score (70.56), followed by the Physical (65.49), Psychological (61.3) and Environment domains (56.25). Most of the dental hygienists had a high QoL in the Social Relationships domain and a low QoL in the Physical, Psychological and Environment domains. There was an association between self‐rated health status and the Physical domain; satisfaction with health and the Physical, Psychological and Social Relationships domain and self‐rated QoL and the Psychological and Social Relationships domains. The conclusion is that a low QoL was common among the dental hygienists and has perceptible effects on their perceptions of their health status and QoL.
OCCURRENCE OF MYCOPLASMA PNEUMONIAE INFECTION IN PATIENTS HOSPITALIZED WITH ACUTE RESPIRATORY ILLNESS
Authors: Lind Klaus , Ravn Thomas Jessen , Møller Jorn
Published: August 2010

Two hundred and forty‐six patients with acute respiratory illness and 68 control patients, hospitalized in Copenhagen between March 1966 and March 1968, were examined. By isolation procedures and/or by tests for specific antibodies and cold agglutinins, 2 per cent of the patients with pneumonia were found to be infected with Mycoplasma pneumoniae in the first year, while the percentage in the following year was 18. This variation in incidence was also found on examination of sera from patients from the whole of Denmark hospitalized during and beyond the same period. No seasonal variation in the incidence was observed. Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection was diagnosed exclusively in patients suffering from pneumonia. Mycoplasmas other than Mycoplasma pneumoniae were found to be without aetiological significance; they were isolated most frequently from adults.
A NEW EPIDEMIC PHAGE TYPE OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS
Authors: Bülow P.
Published: August 2010

In Staphylococcus aureus strains of type 83A/6557, and in “type 6557” and other group III strains insusceptible to phage 83A, two kinds of temperate phages were frequently found, belonging to the serological group A (α phages) and B (β phages), respectively. The two phages have been characterized by conventional criteria including plaque morphology, serological grouping, host range, and ultrastructure. To meet with the need for more specific identification the following characteristics were included: lysogenic conversion—in casu the ability to convert a positive Tween 80 reaction to a negative one—, ability to block susceptibility to certain typing phages, and kinetics of inactivation with specific anti‐phage sera. These tests were found valuable and may deserve wider application as criteria in phage identification. It is made probable that the β phage has been responsible for the evolution from type 83A/6557 to “type 6557”, due to its ability to block susceptibility to phage 83A. Suggestive evidence is presented for an actual “epidemic” spread of this particular phage within the existing population of susceptible hospital staphylococci, contributing materially to the recently observed change in prevalent epidemic types.
BLOOD GROUP CHIMERISM IN A DANISH PAIR OF TWINS
Authors: Gundolf F.
Published: August 2010

The first case of blood group chimerism in a Danish pair of twins is reported. Twin A (Mr. T. S.) is group O with 27 per cent B red cells in his circulating blood, while twin B (Mrs. M. R.) is group B with 31 per cent O cells in her circulating blood.
DIFFERENCES IN THE MIGRATION OF ASCARIS SUUM LARVAE IN CONVENTIONAL MICE AND IN SPF‐MICE
Authors: Bindseil Erling
Published: August 2010

Conventional mice and SPF‐mice were infected with Ascaris suum. The results showed that much more larvae started migration in the latter group. No delay of the larval penetration of the gut wall, as noticed in the conventional mice, was seen in the SPF‐mice. It is concluded that the factors responsible for the delayed passage of larvae through the gut wall both in conventional mice and in immune mice might be similar in nature.
THE FATAL HAEMORRHAGIC DISEASE OF CHICKEN EMBRYOS INJECTED WITH NORMAL ALLANTOIC FLUID
Authors: Simonsen Morten
Published: August 2010

The already known toxicity of normal chicken allantoic fluid (AF) for the embryo itself, or for other chicken embryos has been analysed and found to be due the content of thromboplastic lipo‐proteins in the AF. The haemorrhagic syndrome caused by i. v. injection of the embryo with AF is suggested as an experimental model for the study of intravascular clotting and the “defibrination” syndrome. The lethality of the haemorrhagic syndrome could be largely prevented not only by heparin but also by natural inhibitors present in both chicken serum and a variety of mammalian sera. At least one of these inhibitors has been isolated from mammalian sera and identified as the previously described antithrombin III (progressive antithrombin).
SPECIFIC UPTAKE OF HOMOLOGOUS DNA ACCOMPANYING TRANSFORMATION IN NEISSERIA MENINGITIDIS
Authors: Jyssum Sidsel , Jyssum Kaare
Published: August 2010

Transformation of N. meningitidis by homologous, genetically marked DNA may be competitively inhibited by non‐marked DNA from N. sicca, E. coli and calf thymus. It seems that homologous DNA has higher inhibiting activity than the other DNA's tested. The binding by recipient cells of radioactivity from labelled DNA preparations was measured in the transformation system. An uptake of radioactivity from intact DNA which could not be removed by deoxyribonuclease treatment and repeated washings was found with homologous DNA but not with DNA from E. coli. This irreversible uptake was restricted to competent recipient cells. The uptake was correlated with genetic transfer. The findings indicate that the first step in DNA uptake is a reversible binding to the surface which may depend upon structures common to double‐stranded DNA. The following step appears to be an irreversible phase resulting in deoxyribonuclease insensitivity. This stage seems to be characterized by a specificity for homologous DNA.
SPECIFIC AND NON‐SPECIFIC IMMUNOFLUORESCENT REACTIONS SHOWN BY DIFFERENT PREPARATIONS OF FITC‐LABELLED RABBIT ANTI‐GONOCOCCAL GLOBULIN
Authors: Lind Inga , Rhodes Joan M.
Published: August 2010

In the present study different dye‐to‐protein ratios were used for the conjugation of rabbit anti‐gonococcal globulin with fluorescein isothiocyanate. The conjugates were fractionated on DEAE‐cellulose columns. The fractions obtained were tested for specific and nonspecific reactions by FAT; they were also examined by immunoelectrophoretic analyses and in the gonococcal complement‐fixation test. Specific antibody activity was correlated with the presence of γG‐globulin molecules; the non‐specific staining of leucocytes in FAT was found exclusively in fractions containing heavily‐labelled γG‐globulin molecules. Even when these molecules were removed by chromatography on DEAE‐cellulose, a satisfactory, specific staining of gonococci in direct smears of secretion was not obtained.
SEROTYPING OF PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA
Authors: Mikkelsen Ole Steen
Published: August 2010

An account is given of the distribution of 958 strains of Ps. aeruginosa among 14 O groups, investigated by means of a tube agglutination technique and heat‐treated antigen suspensions. Use has been made of unabsorbed O sera corresponding to Habs 12 O groups, an O group 13 from Sandvik's material, and an O group 14 prepared with a strain from the present material. 75 per cent of the strains, which originated chiefly from patients in a hospital environment, could be O group determined. 55 per cent of the strains belonged to O groups 6, 2, 5, 3 and 11. Strains belonging to O groups 2, 5 and 6 were the ones most frequently occurring in a hospital environment. The results showed that strains belonging to O groups 2 and 5 were more frequent than O group 6 strains in a hospital environment and that they colonized more easily than O group 6 strains wounds, urinary tract, ears, pleura and lower respiratory tract, whereas strains belonging to O groups 2 and 5 and O group 6 were equally frequent in the upper respiratory tract and in the large intestine (stools). The frequent occurrence of strains belonging to O groups 2 and 5 in samples from blood and central nervous system can be explained by the finding of these O group strains at sites from where Ps. aeruginosa is presumed to advance into the circulation and central nervous system.
IMMUNITY TO ASCARIS SUUM.
Authors: Bindseil Erling
Published: August 2010

The effects of different stimuli of mice upon a following infection with Ascaris suum were elucidated. The results were as follows:—1. Repeated injections with bovine albumin (plus Freund's complete adjuvant) significantly increased the resistance against the ascarids.—2. A tendency towards a decreased resistance to Ascaris suum was observed in the mice initially infected with Schistosoma mansoni.—3. The injection with indigo carmine had no apparent effect on the host response.—Possible mechanisms, by which bovine albumin, etc. may increase or decrease resistance, are discussed.
THE EFFECT OF BACTERIAL GROWTH ON THE HYDROGEN ION CONCENTRATION IN URINE
Authors: Gnarpe Håkan
Published: August 2010

Organisms common as urinary pathogens were grown in urine and their effect on the urinary pH was followed. Proteus organisms caused a rapid rise in the pH to high levels. When glucose was present in the urine, a slight initial rise was superseeded by a fall of the pH. In mixed infections with P. vulgaris and E. coli the pH did not rise when E. coli was dominating but rose at equal concentrations of the two species and when Proteus dominated. These results offer possible explanations why the pH does not always rise in the urine in patients with urinary tract infections with Proteus. Possible alternative mechanisms are under investigation.
THE EFFECT OF COMMERCIAL AND PURE GENTAMICIN ON THE GROWTH OF HUMAN DIPLOID LUNG FIBROBLASTS
Authors: Litwin Jack
Published: August 2010

The effect of different concentrations of pure and commercial preparations of gentamicin on the growth of human embryonic diploid lung fibroblasts was studied. The commercial preparation was slightly more stimulatory than the pure antibiotic at concentrations of 1 μg/ml and 10 μg/ml. At concentrations of 100μg/ml and 500 μg/ml the commercial preparation was toxic but the pure antibiotic still permitted growth. Cell growth was stimulated above that of the control and cell longevity in vitro increased with 10 μg/ml. Gentamicin had no effect on cell adsorption at any of the concentrations used.
EFFECT OF PRIMARY IMMUNIZATION WITH SHEEP ERYTHROCYTES ON THE RELEASE OF CELLS FROM THE SPLEEN AND ON PERIPHERAL BLOOD LYMPHOCYTE POPULATION IN YOUNG GUINEA‐PIGS
Authors: Sandberg Göran
Published: August 2010

Splenic cell migration was evaluated by lymphocyte counts in splenic afferent and efferent blood, the lymphocytes being divided into groups with different mitochondrial content (corresponding to the different size of the lymphocytes). The effect of a single intraperitoneal injection of sheep red blood cells (SRBC) was studied 3–15 days after the injection. Cell counts of splenic arterial blood showed a decreased percentage of lymphocytes with low mitochondrial content after injection with SRBC. Per mm3 of blood the absolute number of lymphocytes with 0–5 mitochondria (the smallest lymphocytes) was reduced up to 40 per cent 9–15 days after injection of SRBC. The number of lymphocytes with higher mitochondrial content tended to decrease earlier, and to reach a normal, or above normal, level within a few days. The normal increase in the total number of lymphocytes in growing guinea‐pigs was not affected by the treatment. No effect of SRBC on splenic cell emigration was observed for certain, although there was a possible increase 6–12 days after injection, reaching a maximum on the 6th day. Thymic weight was reduced 3 days after SRBC injection and remained somewhat lower than in control animals 9–15 days after the injection. There was no significant effect on splenic or lymph‐node weight. Initially, the normal increase in cervical lymph‐node weight was to some extent suppressed in the treated animals, however, and splenic weight tended to increase after SRBC.
FLUORESCENT EBV ANTIBODIES IN INFECTIOUS MONONUCLEOSIS
Authors: Marker Ole
Published: August 2010

The fluorescent EBV antibodies in infectious mononucleosis (IM) have been studied in 33 patients admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of IM and bled at intervals over periods from 5 to 16 weeks after onset of illness. EBV antibodies were demonstrable in all these patients. In 18 patients, maximum titres up to 2560 appeared already in the first blood specimen obtained. A slight decrease in titre was seen in these patients during the first month of illness, after which period the titres remained constant. A significant rise in antibody titre was demonstrated in sera from only 3 patients, while 13 patients showed no change in titre. The control group consisted of 24 apparently healthy individuals and 11 patients suffering from diseases other than IM. In sera from one of these patients and from 7 of the healthy persons, EBV antibodies were not demonstrable while sera from the rest of the control group showed titres ranging from 10 to 640. Studies of blood samples from 4 persons obtained over a period of 15 years show that EBV antibodies persist for this length of time without change in titre. The results show that the actual titre value of fluorescent EBV antibodies may be of very limited diagnostic significance in IM. In order to demonstrate a rise in titre it seems necessary to obtain blood specimens before or immediately after onset of illness.
ISOLATION OF LYMPHOCYTES FROM BLOOD.
Authors: Tärnvik Arne
Published: August 2010

Lymphocytes were isolated from human blood by a simple procedure combining nylon fibre filtration and centrifugation in colloidal silica‐polyvinylpyrrolidone. In the preparation obtained 99.5 ± 0.6 per cent of the leukocytes were lymphocytes; it contained 0–202, mostly less than 20, platelets, and 0–1.5, mostly 0, RBC per 100 leukocytes. The lymphocyte recovery was 13.3 ± 3.3 per cent. In the trypan blue test 2.2 ± 3.0 per cent of the cells were stained.
EFFECTS OF THYMECTOMY UPON THE FORMATION OF FÓA‐KURLOFF CELLS IN THE GUINEA PIG
Authors: Ranlov Poul , Christensen Hans Ewald , Wanstrup John
Published: August 2010

The peculiar cytoplasmic inclusion body found in mononuclear cells of guinea pig blood and lymphoid tissues—the Fóa‐Kurloff body—is believed to play an undefined role in the humoral immune mechanism of that animal. On the ultrastructural level, similarities between such cells and plasmocytic cells have earlier been noted. In order to test an often postulated thymic origin of these cells and to evaluate the effects of an immunological ablation on their formation, thymectomy was carried out on guinea pigs subsequently subjected to repeated injections of oestrogen. The experiment demonstrated unequivocally that the presence in the guinea pig of thymic tissue has no influence on the rate of formation of Fóa‐Kurloff bodies in its tissues.
ENDOGENOUS INCORPORATION OF 32P IN NEISSERIA MENINGITIDIS
Authors: Jyssum Sidsel , Jyssum Kaare
Published: August 2010

The incorporation of 32P which is mediated by meningococcal extracts in the presence of ADP and Mg++ is strongly increased by acetate, succinate, propionate and acetoacetate. The incorporation is due to an increased appearance of32P, first in ATP and later in ADP. The incorporation is dependent upon the presence of CoA, and it is inhibited by fluoride as well as of p‐chloromercuribenzoate. The incorporation does not seem to be related to an electron flux to ferricytochrome c. The acetate added is not metabolized, and the succinate effect is not reduced when the succinic dehydrogenase is inhibited, either by the addition of malonate, or by an interruption of the electron transport. The nature of the 32P incorporation has been discussed, and the importance of the phenomenon as a source of error in experiments aimed at the study of oxidative phosphorylation has been emphasized.