bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discrepancy between transcriptional products and cell surface expression of MHC class I antigens in metastatic and non‐metastatic Lewis Lung tumor cells
Authors: Juul‐Madsen H. R. , Olsson L.
Published: August 2009

Major histocompatibility complex class I transcriptional products and cell surface expression of their corresponding proteins were measured in tumorigenic Lewis lung carcinoma cells with either high metastatic activity (G4 cells) or with no metastatic activity (G2 cells). The transcriptional products were measured by hybridization to gene‐specific oligonucleotide probes for H‐2Kb and H‐2Db respectively. The cell surface density of the corresponding H‐2 glycoproteins was determined by FACS cell sorter analysis and by radioimmunoassay using anti‐H‐2Kb and anti‐H‐2Db specific monoclonal antibodies. The analyses revealed that the cell surface density of both Kb and Db was reduced 4–9 fold in G4 cells compared to G2 cells. However, this reduction of G4 cell surface expression of MHC class I molecules was not reflected at the mRNA level since both subclones had similar low levels of detectable Kb and Db specific mRNA. β2‐microglobulin was analysed at the mRNA and protein level and found not to be the rate‐limiting factor in the MHC class I expression of the metastatic G4 cells. Thus, the cell surface expression of H‐2Kb and H‐2Db by the two Lewis lung carcinoma subclones did not correlate with the amount of specific mRNA. Other regulatory mechanisms of gene expression acting at the levels between transcription and the appearance of the gene product at the cell surface must therefore account for the observed difference in the cell surface expression of MHC class I molecules of the two Lewis lung carcinoma cells. The potential importance of MHC class I expression in the metastatic capacity of the tumor cells is discussed.
Rapid diagnosis of Clostridium difficile ‐associated diarrhoea using a latex agglutination test
Authors: Jung K. , Aronsson B.
Published: August 2009

A rapid latex agglutination test, Culturette Brand CDT from Marion Laboratories, was evaluated and compared to a tissue culture assay (TCA) and isolation of Clostridium difficile in 380 faecal specimens from 226 patients with clinically suspected Clostridium difficile‐associated diarrhoea. The sensitivity and specificity of the latex test compared with the TCA were 83% and 80% respectively, and the positive and negative predictive values were 55% and 94% respectively. In patients with repeated sampling the sensitivity increased to 95%. The latex test may be useful as a screening test for negative specimens in laboratories where TCA is not available, but positive specimens have to be confirmed by TCA.
Demonstration of Feline corona virus (FCV) antigen in organs of cats suspected of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) disease
Authors: HÖK KRISTINA
Published: August 2009

Cryosections of organs and smears from membrana nictitans from cats suspected of having spontaneous infection with feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV), were investigated using an indirect immunofluorescence assay (UFA) in order to detect the presence of feline corona virus (FCV). In 113 cats, from each of which six organs were screened, virus antigen was found most often in membrana nictitans and lung. Out of these animals an additional six organs from a group of 30 cats were screened. In these cats membrana nictitans, parotid gland, thymus and apex of caecum had the highest incidence of virus antigen (90%). The lowest incidence of virus antigen was found in the spleen (60%). There was a clear demonstration of a higher incidence of antigen present in more than half of the total number of screened organs per cat (P < 0.0005). No statistical difference was observed between sexes when comparing the incidence of virus antigen in different organs. Virus antigen was present in less organs in cats with no lesions suggestive of FIP disease compared to cats with such lesions (P < 0.001). A similar distribution of the incidence of FCV antigen in the investigated organs was observed in these two groups.
Plasmid profile analysis and restriction enzyme fingerprinting of Salmonella DO‐group strains
Authors: Franklin ANDERS , Linne TOMMY , Rehbinder VERENA
Published: August 2009

In Sweden Salmonella dublin is the most commmon serotype within the DO‐group isolated from animals. In recent years also salmonella strains belonging to the DO‐group but lacking H‐antigen have been isolated from cattle in different areas. It was not possible to further differentiate the latter strains by serological methods. However, all Salmonella dublin strains and those strains lacking H‐antigen carried a 50 Mdal plasmid exhibiting the same EcoRI and Hind III restriction enzyme digestion pattern. Two of the 26 strains contained an additional 5 Mdal plasmid. Other serotypes within the DO‐group investigated, namely Salmonella enteritidis and Salmonellapanama, carried plasmids smaller than 50 Mdal. The plasmid profiles and restriction enzyme digestion patterns indicated that the salmonella strains lacking H‐antigen were variants of Salmonella dublin. Thus, analysis of plasmid profile and restriction enzyme fingerprinting are useful complements to serological methods in the differentiation of salmonella DO‐group strains.
Immunity to mycobacteria: possible role of alpha/beta and gamma/delta T lymphocytes
Authors: Gatrill A.J. , Schoel B. , Gulle H. , Pfeffer K. , Wagner H. , Kaufmann S.H.E. , Munk M.E.
Published: August 2009

Immunity to pathogenic mycobacteria is mediated by T lymphocytes. The possible contribution of CD4 alpha/beta T cells, CD8 alpha/beta T cells and gamma/delta T cells as well as the possible role of inter‐leukin‐mediated macrophage activation and target cell lysis through direct cell contact is discussed. Furthermore, attempts to define mycobacterial antigens for T lymphocytes with particular emphasis on heat shock proteins are described. The data currently available suggest complex interactions between different T‐cell types in immunity to mycobacteria.
Characterization of Herpes simplex virus type 1‐induced Fc receptor in its interaction with rabbit immunoglobulin G (IgG)
Authors: Johansson P. J. HUGO , Blomberg JONAS
Published: August 2009

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) induces a receptor on infected cells that is able to bind the Fc part of immunoglobulin G (IgG). We have examined some basic physicochemical and binding properties of the Fc receptor induced on HSV‐1 infected green monkey kidney (GMK) cells in its interaction with rabbit IgG. Fixation of HSV‐1 infected cells with glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde, acetone or ethanol did not inhibit the Fc binding ability. The binding specificity of the receptor was not affected by ethanol treatment and all subsequent binding studies were performed with cells treated with ethanol. The receptor was detected within 4 hours of infection and the binding increased until 16 hours post infection. The interaction between ligand and receptor was dependent on pH with a binding optimum around pH 8.0 and 8.5. EDTA, but not EGTA, inhibited receptor binding, suggesting participation of divalent cations in the receptor‐ligand interaction. Inhibition of binding was also seen when cells were preincubated for 30 min at 56 °, 60 ° and 100 °C in contrast with cells incubated at 37 ° and 45 °C. The number of binding sites on ethanol‐treated GMK cells 18 hours after infection was estimated to be around 4 times 106/cell and the affinity constant at approximately 2 times 107M−1.
Cultured rat kidney parenchymal components are damaged by cytotoxic lymphocytes produced in MLC
Authors: Nietosvaara YRJÄNÄ , Renkonen RISTO , Mattila PIRKKO , HÄYry PEKKA
Published: August 2009

Donor‐specific cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTL) can be recovered from rejecting allografts both in animal models and in humans. These allograft infiltrating CTL expressing specific cytotoxicity to relevant MHC‐restricted target cells in vitro most likely constitute the major effector arm during rejection. Effector cells with similar phenotype, specificity and function can be produced in mixed lymphocyte cultures (MLC). Despite the pivotal importance of CTL in allograft rejection, there is limited information about the susceptibility of different parenchymal graft cells to CTL‐mediated damage. We used cultured rat glomerular epithelial cells (GEPC), glomerular mesangial cells (GMC), tubular cells (TC) and heart endothelial cells (HEC) as distinct parenchymal target components in 4 h Chromium release assays. All of these graft components were damaged by CTL produced in 6‐day MLC (specific release: 10–25%). Three‐day gamma‐interferon (IFN‐G) treatment enhanced MHC class I and II surface expression on all our targets and increased their susceptibility for CTL‐mediated lysis in our experiments (specific release: 20–60%).
Ossification in nude mice
Authors: Smetana KAREL , Holub MIROSLAV
Published: August 2009

Ossification was studied in cleared fetuses, newborns, 1‐ and 6‐week‐old nu/nu and nu/+ mice of the B 10 LP background. The same ossification pattern was observed in nu/nu and nu/+ in the embryonal period as well as in newborn animals and mice aged 1 or 6 weeks. On the other hand, 6‐week‐old nu/nu mice exhibited a lower X‐ray density of the skeleton and a lower thickness of the proximal tibial growth plate than 6‐week‐old nu/+ litter mates. The results indicate the influence of postnatal factors on the skeletal developement of nu/nu mice.
The prevalence of plasmids in Danish bovine and human isolates of Salmonella dublin
Authors: Olsen JOHN ELMERDAHL , Baggesen DORTE LAU , Nielsen BENT BREST , Larsen HOLGER ERREBO
Published: August 2009

Nine different plasmid profiles were demonstrated among 135 Danish isolates of Salmonella dublin, with 58% of the strains enclosed in the major profile group. Two strains did not carry any plasmids. The plasmid profiles of 129 strains (96%) were made up of one or more of only four plasmids of approximate sizes 98 kb, 80 kb, 4.0 kb, and 3.8 kb. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of different plasmid profile groups between isolates from cattle and man. The serovar‐specific and virulence‐associated 80 kb plasmid could be demonstrated in all plasmid carrying strains, but one strain carried this plasmid at a very low copy number. Five of 47 strains tested showed resistance to antibiotics (2 to sulphathiazole, 2 to streptomycin, and 1 to streptomycin and tetracycline). Only the combined streptomycin/tetracycline resistance was transferable by a 48 kb conjugative plasmid.
Histological study of the regrowth of a human melanoma xenograft exposed to single dose irradiation
Authors: Falkvoll KNUT H.
Published: August 2009

The aim of this investigation was to find the location and the histological characteristics of cells that were the source of tumour regrowth after single dose irradiation. A human melanoma xenograft was irradiated with a single dose of 25.0 Gy which gives local tumour control in nearly 50% of treated animals. Serial histological sections were made from tumours removed during the first two weeks after irradiation. During the first week the perivascular organization of tumour parenchyma disappeared and the central part of the tumour became necrotic. The occurrence of vascular stasis, thrombosis and endothelial cell changes indicated that radiation injury to the vascular system was involved in the disappearance of the tumour cords. Tumour cells that remained histologically intact were located in subcapsular areas. The incidence of normal mitotic figures increased, and the fraction of abnormal mitoses and the incidence of micronuclei decreased 5 to 7 days before macroscopical regrowth was usually detected. It is concluded that cells which are the source of tumour regrowth were located in the subcapsular areas at the time of irradiation. Radiation injury to the tumour vascular system was an important factor in the necrotization of the tumour centre after treatment.
Different types of mucosal adaptation in the ileal reservoir after restorative proctocolectomy
Authors: Veress BÉLA , Reinholt FINN P. , Lindquist KERSTIN , Liljeqvist LARS
Published: August 2009

A histomorphologic study of the pelvic pouch mucosa during the first two years of function was performed in 11 consecutive patients treated for ulcerative colitis. Two types of mucosal adaptation were delineated. Type A response (5 patients) showed stable slight atrophy, normal numbers of goblet cells, and numerous sulphated mucin positive cells. The frequency of mitoses was higher than in the normal ileum. The degree of acute and chronic inflammation was low and decreasing or stable. Dysplasia was never seen. Type B response (5 patients) comprised progressive, finally severe atrophy accompanied by increasing degree of acute inflammation. The number of mitoses was higher than in type A response. In two patients the number of goblet cells was moderately/severely decreased and epithelial atypia or low grade dysplasia occurred repeatedly. The response was regarded as indeterminate in one patient. The determination of the types of mucosal adaptation may help in the planning of the follow‐up of these patients.
The expression of placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) and PLAP‐like enzymes in normal and neoplastic human tissues
Authors: Hamilton‐Dutoit STEPHEN J. , Lou HANNE , Pallesen GORM
Published: August 2009

The immunohistological expression of placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) and PLAP‐like enzyme was studied in frozen sections from a wide variety (n = 254) of normal and malignant tissues using monoclonal antibodies reactive with PLAP (H317) and PLAP/PLAP‐like enzyme (H17E2; H315). PLAP/PLAP‐like reactivity was seen in normal thymus, and foetal and neonatal testis, and in 21 out of 22 malignant germ cell tumours (GCTs), but was also found in normal endocervix, normal Fallopian tube and in 28 out of 167 non‐GCTs (particularly in ovarian and proximal gastrointestinal tract tumours). Positivity for true PLAP (as demonstrated with H317) was seen in term placenta, in endocervix, and in Fallopian tube (but not in other normal tissues) and was commonly found in ovarian and proximal gastrointestinal tract tumours. Reactivity with H317 was unusual in malignant GCTs (2 out of 22 cases). These findings confirm that PLAP/PLAP‐like positivity is a highly sensitive immunohistological marker for malignant GCTs, but one which by itself is of only moderate specificity. Furthermore, expression of true PLAP is rare in GCTs and favours instead an origin from the ovary or proximal gastrointestinal tract. The results also indicate that the predominant heat‐stable alkaline phosphatase species in normal foetal and neonatal testis, and in thymus has a similar immunohistological profile to that found in malignant GCTs, and is a PLAP‐like enzyme (“germ cell alkaline phosphatase”) distinct from true PLAP. The occurrence of this marker in GCTs would appear to reflect increased eutopic production of an enzyme present in trace amount in corresponding normal tissues rather than a genuine example of ectopic expression.
The effects of capsular polysaccharide on the capacity of serum to support the killing of type 3 Streptococcus pneumoniae by human neutrophils
Authors: Esposito ANTHONY L. , Clark CAROLYN A.
Published: August 2009

To assess the effects of purified capsular polysaccharide from type 3 S. pneumoniae (PPS‐3) on the capacity of serum to support pneumococcal killing by human neutrophils, varying concentrations of PPS‐3 (0.01–100 μg/ml) were incubated (4 °C) with pooled serum for 30 min, and the resulting preparation, termed absorbed serum, was evaluated in bactericidal and phagocytic assays. The ability of serum to promote the killing of type 3 S. pneumoniae was significantly reduced at 1.0 μg/ml PPS‐3; similarly, serum absorbed with 1.0 μg/ml PPS‐2 failed to support the killing of type 2 S. penumoniae. However, the impact of these penumococcal polysaccharides was serotype specific, since the killing of type 3 S. pneumoniae was not impaired in serum absorbed with PPS‐2, and the killing of type 2 S. pneumoniae was not attenuated in serum treated with PPS‐3. The failure of serum absorbed with PPS‐3 to promote the killing of type 3 S. pneumoniae was primarily a consequence of impaired bacterial ingestion; the reduction in phagocytosis was associated with parallel changes in superoxide anion release. The defects in phagocytosis and killing induced by PPS‐3 were not associated with alterations in classical or alternative complement pathway activity; however, they were highly correlated with changes in serum antibody levels to the polysaccharide. The addition of polyclonal human IgG to serum treated with PPS‐3 did not restore its capacity to support killing; however, preopsonization of the bacterium with the IgG preparation did partially correct the deficiency. Finally, neutrophils preincubated with serum containing 10.0 μg/ml PPS‐3 exhibited an impaired bactericidal activity against type 3 S. pneumoniae. Thus, these studies demonstrate that the presence of PPS‐3 decreases the capacity of serum to support the killing of type 3 S. pneumoniae by absorbing immunoglobulins and by generating factors that interfere with neutrophil function.
Intestinal microbial conversion of cholesterol to coprostanol in man
Authors: Midtvedt T. , Lingaas E. , Carlstedt‐Duke B. , HÖVerstad T. , Midtvedt A. C. , Saxerholt H. , Steinbakk M. , Norin K. E.
Published: August 2009

The intestinal microbial conversion of cholesterol to coprostanol has been measured in groups of healthy subjects before, during and after they received the antibiotics ampicillin, bacitracin, clindamycin, co‐trimoxazole, doxycycline, erythromycin, metronidazole, nalidixic acid, ofloxacin or vancomycin orally for 6 days. Before they received antibiotics, the subjects demonstrated two distinct patterns of cholesterol conversion. One pattern was characterised by extensive conversion of cholesterol, the other by little or no conversion. Intake of bacitracin, clindamycin, erythromycin, metronidazole and vancomycin significantly reduced the conversion to coprostanol. In the groups receiving ampicillin or doxycycline, marked reductions were found in most of the subjects. No alterations were found in the groups receiving co‐trimoxazole, nalidixic acid or ofloxacin. In 6 subjects no conversion of cholesterol to coprostanol was found up to 5 weeks after the end of the antibiotic intake. We conclude that orally given antibiotics may cause alterations in the intestinal conversion of cholesterol, reflecting changes in the anaerobiC., Gram‐positive component of the gut flora.
DNA content and nuclear size of megakaryocytes in thrombocythaemia
Authors: Ridell B. , Kutti J. , Revesz P. , BergstrÖM S. , EnerbÄCk L.
Published: August 2009

Total nuclear DNA content and nuclear size of megakaryocytes were studied in biopsies of the iliac bone marrow of individuals with normal or increased platelet counts. The DNA content was determined using Feulgen cytophotometry of bone marrow smears and the nuclear area by morphometric analysis of megakaryocytes of bone marrow sections. The mean DNA content and the mean nuclear area were both significantly larger in megakaryocytes of patients with thrombocytosis as a result of myeloproliferative disease than in patients with secondary thrombocytosis as well as in two control groups of individuals with normal platelets counts, one comprising healthy volunteers, the other with various non‐haematological disorders. There was a statistically significant correlation between the DNA content and nuclear area of the megakaryocytes (r = 0,92) in the entire group of bone marrows studied.
Effect of astrocyte‐derived factors on ischemic brain edema induced by rat MCA occlusion
Authors: Kinoshita A. , Yamada K. , Kohmura E. , Hayakawa T.
Published: August 2009

To clarify whether astrocyte‐derived factors may protect cerebral tissue from ischemia, we examined brain edema, demyelination and astrocyte proliferation in brains with focal ischemia and treated with astrocyte‐cultured medium. We occluded the left middle cerebral artery of rats and implanted the Osmotic Minipump, which continuously infused the glial‐cultured medium or control medium into the left lateral ventricle. Animals were sacrificed at 3 days or 7 days after occlusion. Brains of both groups were compared by several markers, i.e. extravasation of Evans blue, demyelination by Woelcke's staining and glial proliferation by GFAP staining. We found that the astrocyte‐cultured medium reduced leakage of Evans blue‐plasma protein complex from ischemic lesions and reduced the size of demyelinated lesions. However, the degree of astrocyte proliferation was similar in both groups. From these data, we speculate that humoral factors derived from cultured astrocytes lessened the brain edema by modifying the blood‐brain barrier. These factors might also induce proliferation of the microglia, and may protect the neurons from secondary injury by oxygen‐free radicals.
Inherited complement deficiency states: implications for immunity and immunological disease
Authors: SjÖHolm ANDERS G.
Published: August 2009

The study of complement deficiency states and their influence on immune function has generated new insights and still provides a challenge to continued investigation. The association of classical pathway deficiencies (C1, C4, C2 or C3) with immunological diseases such as SLE and glomerulonephritis has contributed to current knowledge concerning complement‐dependent immune complex handling and elimination. Susceptibility to systemic infection with encapsulated bacteria is encountered in most forms of inherited complement deficiency. Recurrent neisserial infection is the only clinical manifestation clearly associated with defects of the mem‐branolytic sequence C5‐C9, while deficiency of properdin, a component of the alternative activation pathway, appears to predispose to nonrecurrent meningococcal disease. Inherited complement deficiency is rare, but the perspective is widened by the more common occurence of acquired defects in immunological diseases, and the apparent requirement for efficient complement recruitment in host defense. Another aspect is the possibility that complement deficiency might alleviate or prevent inflammatory symptoms. Notably, complement deficiency has not been reported in classical rheumatoid arthritis. Considerations of this kind would be refuted or modified by findings of complement deficiency in single patients.
Neutrophil chemotactic activity of peptidoglycan A comparison between Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis
Authors: Riber ULLA , Espersen FRANK , Wilkinson BRIAN J. , Kharazmi ARSALAN
Published: August 2009

The ability of peptidoglycan from Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus to generate in human serum chemoattractant for peripheral blood neutrophils was studied. It was shown that PG from the two bacteria was able to induce chemotactic activity in normal human serum. Sonication of PG was required to generate this activity. Very little or no activity was generated in heat‐treated or C5‐deficient human serum by PG, indicating that PG treatment of serum resulted in generation of chemoattractants by activation of complement. Kinetics studies employing C2‐deficient or MgEGTA‐chelated serum revealed that S. epidermidis induced chemotactic activity by activating the alternative complement pathway. The alternative complement activation induced by S. epidermidis occurred rapidly and was completed after 15 min, whereas S. aureus activated the alternative pathway much more slowly, with activation reaching a maximum at 60 min. The rapid activation of the alternative complement pathway by S. epidermidis PG may partly explain why this bacterium does not normally cause infections in healthy individuals.
Alterations of infrastructure and of cytoplasmic filaments in remodelling rat jejunal epithelial cells during recovery from deoxycholate
Authors: Matovelo JAYRO AMOS , Landsverk THOR , Sund REIDAR BREDO
Published: August 2009

Structural features associated with reversibility of lesions induced by deoxycholic acid (DOC) were studied by electron microscopy and immunofluorescence techniques. Tied jejunal loops were incubated in vivo with 2.5–20 mmol/1 DOC in isotonic solution. Immediately after this treatment, or after a recovery period of 15 or 150 minutes following washout of the bile acid, the loops were excised and processed. DOC produced epithelial lesions whose severity and reversibility were concentration‐dependent. Ultrastructural features associated with the reversibility of the lesions were particularly apparent in specimens exposed to 10–20 mmol/1 DOC. These features included cell flattening with the formation of thin, veil‐like structures into the eroded area by cells at the edges of the erosions. Immunofluorescence studies showed a redistribution of actin and cytokeratin filaments to the margins and leading edges of the flattened cells. It is suggested that cell flattening and migration are responsible for the rapid morphological recovery of the injured epithelium. Actin and cytokeratin appear to be instrumental in the remodelling and migration.
Cytological and bacteriological aspects of secretory otitis media
Authors: Olling S. , Lind L. , Roos K. , Karlsson G. , GranstrÖM G. , Renvall U.
Published: August 2009

Bacteriological and cytological examinations were performed on 105 middle ear secretions from 66 children with middle ear effusion (MEE) of more than 3 months' duration. The secretions were searched for granulocytes and the activity of these cells was judged by their capacity for random locomotion and their ability to reduce nitroblue tetrazolium. The functional characteristics of the granulocytes were compared with the bacteriological findings on cultures from MEE. Bacteria commonly regarded as pathogens in middle ear infections (Hemophilus influenzae, Branhamella catarrhalis or Streptococcus pneumoniae) were found in 25% of the secretions. Granulocytes with activity or lacking activity, virtually dead, were found in all secretions where these bacteria were isolated. In secretions where bacteria commonly regarded as commensals, mainly staphylococci, were isolated, about two thirds of the secretions showed phagocytes with or without activity. No relation between bacterial growth and the functional state of the granulocytes was observed. In contrast, no phagocytes were found in over 60% of MEE lacking bacterial growth. These findings suggest a role for bacteria in the development and maintenance of secretory otitis media.
Effect of polyoxyethylene sorbate compounds (Tweens) on colonial morphology, growth, and ultrastructure ofMycobacterium paratuberculosis
Authors: VAN Boxtel REBECCA M. , Lambrecht RANDALL S. , Collins MICHAEL T.
Published: August 2009

Polyoxyethylene sorbate (Tween) compounds were tested to compare their growth stimulation effects onMycobacterium paratuberculosis.Three low passage and three high passage clinical isolates and ATCC strain 19698 were used. Tween 20, 40, 60, and 80 were tested at concentrations of 0, 0.001, 0.01, 1.0, and 3.0% (w/v) in radiometric broth culture media and in Middlebrook 7H9 agar plates. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy were used to examine cell wall appearance and ultrastructure, respectively. In broth culture, 0.1% (w/v) Tween 60 most dramatically enhanced growth ofM. paratuberculosisATCC strain 19698. The effects of Tween 40 and 80 on growth took a bimodal form, enhancing growth at concentration ranges of 0–0.01% and 0.1–1.0% (w/v) but suppressing growth at concentrations of 0.01–0.1% (w/v). Two of three high passage clinical isolates grew optimally in the presence of 1.0% (w/v) Tween 80, while the remaining high passage isolate and all three low passage isolates grew best in media containing 0.1% (w/v) Tween 80. Colonial morphology of all strains grown on Middlebrook 7H9 agar without Tween 80 was irregular and granular whereas colonies on plate media containing > 0.01% (w/v) Tween 80 were entire, smooth, and domed. Scanning electron microscopy also revealed a transition from rough to smooth cell walls with increasing Tween 80 concentration. Transmission electron microscopy showed the presence of low electron dense intracellular vacuoles in Tween 80 grownM. paratuberculosiscells. Thus, Tweens altered colonial morphology, the cell wall surface, and ultrastructure ofM. paratuberculosisand stimulated its growthin vitroin a concentration‐dependent, and often bimodal, fashion. These data suggest that Tween may also influence the chemical or antigenic structure ofM. paratuberculosis.
Local immune reaction in syngeneic mice against tumorigenic and nontumorigenic BPV‐transformed mouse cell lines
Authors: Laatikainen AINO , Sarkkinen HANNU , SyrjÄNen KARI , MantyjÄRvi RAUNO
Published: August 2009

The role of cytotoxic T cells in immune response to Bovine Papillomavirus type 1 (BPVl)‐transformed mouse cell lines was assessed. The chromium release assay was used to follow the induction of cytotoxicity in local lymph nodes of syngeneic C57BL/6J (B6) mice after injection of BPV1‐transformed cell lines tumorigenic in nude mice but tumorigenic or nontumorigenic in B6 mice. The nontumorigenic cell line B6B31. C‐NuT.A induced cell line‐specific cytotoxicity with a maximal activity on day 7 after subcutaneous inoculation of one million B6B31.C‐NuT.A cells. After injection of nontumorigenic B6B31.J or tumorigenic B6B31 J‐NuT. A or B6B31. A cell lines, only low levels of nonspecific cytotoxicity were observed. These results suggest a role for cytotoxic T cells only in rejection of B6B31. C‐NuT. A cells. One reason for the poor immunogenicity could be the lack of transformation‐induced/virus‐specific antigens on most of the present BPV1‐transformed cell lines. However, in a transplantation rejection experiment, protection was induced in B6 mice against a challenge of the highly tumorigenic B6B31.A‐B6T. 1 line by repeated injections of BPV1 ‐transformed cells. These results suggest the expression of common transplantation rejection antigens on the three BPV 1‐transformed cell lines used in the immunization experiments.
Estrogen and progesterone receptors in epithelial ovarian tumours
Authors: Glavind KARIN , Grove ANNI
Published: August 2009

A study of the estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) status and content in 43 patients with histologically proven primary epithelial ovarian tumours was undertaken. The results of ER and PR status in 604 primary epithelial ovarian carcinomas of different histological types were analyzed in a combined material collected from the literature (576 cases) and 28 cases from our own study. Statistical analysis showed significant difference in ER status, but not in PR status, between the different histological types. The highest proportion of ER positive tumours was found among the serous and endometrioid types. Thus when analysing the correlation of ER status with other parameters in ovarian cancer, histological type should be taken into account. In 3 benign, 4 borderline and 14 malignant serous ovarian tumours no statistically significant difference was found in steroid receptor content and status. In 11 patients with multiple tumour locations, only two patients with mixed serous/endometrioid malignant tumours had different receptor status in different tumour locations.
The prognostic importance of syncytial growth pattern in medullary carcinoma of the breast
Authors: Pedersen LISE , SchiØDt TORBEN , Holck SUSANNE , Zedeler KARIN
Published: August 2009

The histopathological criteria for medullary carcinoma of the breast (MC) used by most pathologists today were delineated by Ridolfi et al. in 1977. The prime criterion is: “A predominantly syncytial growth pattern”, predominantly being defined as including 75% or more of the tumour. However, no indication has been given as to why this limit was set at 75%. The present study analyzes the prognostic importance of the extent of syncytial growth in a population of 102 breast cancers with medullary features. Generally, we find a positive prognostic influence of an extensive syncytial growth. The prognostic importance of setting the limit for predominantly syncytial growth at 90% and at 75%, respectively, is evaluated. This comparative study provides no basis for changing the definition of predominantly syncytial growth pattern.
Mapping of the rat mast cell granule proteinases RMCPI and II by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and paired immunofluorescence
Authors: Huntley JOHN F. , George ANNE MACKELLAR , Newlands F. J. , Irvine JOE , Miller HUGH R. P.
Published: August 2009

The distribution of the rat mast cell granule proteinases, rat mast cell proteinase I and II (RMCPI and II respectively) has been determined in rat tissues with the aid of highly sensitive and specific enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and paired immunofluorescence. The major source of RMCPII is the gastrointestinal tract, although low concentrations were also detected in non‐mucosal sites including thymus, mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, bone marrow, heart, kidney and spleen. Cellular localization by paired immunofluorescence showed that most cells contained either RMCPI or RMCPII, although a minor subpopulation in which individual cells contained both proteinases was also identified in a few tissues. RMCPII‐containing cells predominated at mucosal surfaces but were also found in non‐mucosal tissues. Individual cells expressing both RMCPI and II were present in lung, liver mesenteric lymph node and submucosa of stomach and were occasionally represented amongst serosal cells from the peritoneal cavity. Connective tissue mast cells of skin and tongue were identified as major sources of RMCPI, although this proteinase was widely distributed in all tissues examined. The present study demonstrates the heterogeneity of mast cell proteinase phenotypes in the rat and emphasises the difficulties in determining mast cell subtypes on tissue location alone.
Establishment and characterization of six human melanoma xenograft lines
Authors: Rofstad EINAR K. , Wahl ANNE , Stokke TROND , Nesland JAHN M.
Published: August 2009

Six new human melanoma xenograft lines differing considerably in biological properties were established in athymic nude mice and characterized with respect to growth in vivo. Mean volume‐doubling time ranged from 1.8 to 17.7 days, mean necrotic fraction from 7 to 39%, and mean fraction of cells in S from 11 to 31% at a tumor volume of 500 mm3. DNA‐index and median chromosome number were in the ranges 1.15–1.76 and 46–80, respectively. The lines were all highly malignant by histopathological criteria, but showed significant differences with respect to cell type, cellular pleomorphism, nuclear atypia, nucleolar prominence, and mitotic activity. Several biological characteristics of the donor patients' melanomas were retained in the xenograft lines. All lines showed a human karyotype and the histological appearance was very similar to that of the source tumor material. The distribution of cells in the cell cycle was comparable to that reported for melanomas in man. The six melanoma xenograft lines constitute a tumor panel that shows great promise for future studies of the biology and treatment sensitivity of malignant melanoma.
Minimal criteria for identification of Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis
Authors: JÖNsson INGEGERD , Eriksson BJÖRN , Krook AUD
Published: August 2009

A study was performed which aimed at testing the reliability of our routine diagnostic tests for identification of Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis in clinical samples from the respiratory tract. A preliminary diagnosis of 122 isolates as Moraxella catarrhalis was obtained by using colony morphology and results of Gram stain and oxidase test as the sole diagnostic criteria. By using additional tests we could show that the preliminary diagnosis was incorrect for 21 isolates, which were classified as different Neisseria species. 20 of these were isolated from sputum samples. We propose that at least a test for DNA hydrolysis should be included in the routine procedure for identification of Moraxella catarrhalis in sputum.
Glomus tumours
Authors: Daugaard SØREN , Jensen MERETE EGHOLM , Fischer SIMON
Published: August 2009

The histological and immunohistochemical features of 20 glomus tumours (glomangiomas) were studied retrospectively in routinely processed material. The tumours came from 18 patients (9 women and 9 men, aged 25 to 80 years); two were recurring lesions. Twelve were classified as solid glomus tumours, eight as glomangiomas. Small nerve fibres were present in all except one. A variable number of mast cells were found in the stroma. The glomus tumour cells were negative when stained for Neuron‐Specific Enolase, Glial Fibrillic Acidic Protein, S‐100 Protein, Chromogranin, or with the Ulex Europaeus Lectin type 1. Conversely, all were found to be positive for Actin, Myosin, and Vimentin. Four exhibited an equivocal reaction for Desmin, the rest were negative. This immunohistochemical profile is in accordance with the findings of other investigators and can be helpful in differential diagnosis. It also shows the glomus cell to be related to smooth muscle cells and pericytes. The majority of these lesions are probably hamartomas, but a few may be true neoplasms.
Carcinosarcoma of the stomach
Authors: Cho KYUNG JA , Myong NA HYE , Choi DONG WOOK , Jang JA JUNE
Published: August 2009

A carcinosarcoma of the stomach in a 66‐year‐old man is reported. The tumor which had a diameter of 4 cm was an ulcerofungating mass in the posterior wall of the antrum. Histologically it was composed of well‐differentiated adenocarcinoma admixed with sarcomatous elements which showed chondrocytic differentiation on light and electron microscopy. The sarcomatous areas were multifocally scattered in the central portion of the tumor and intimately blended with adenocarcinoma cells. CEA immunoreactivity was found not only in the adenocarcinoma but also in the transitional sarcomatous cells, supporting the hypothesis that this tumor might derive from mesenchymal metaplasia of a primarily epithelial neoplasm.
Prognostic factors and long‐term survival in breast cancer in a defined urban population
Authors: Toikkanen SAKARI , Joensuu HEIKKI
Published: August 2009

During the years 1945 ‐ 1965 461 women in the city of Turku, Southwestern Finland, were diagnosed as having a biopsy‐verified breast cancer. Fourhundred and thirty‐nine patients (95%) with complete clinicopathologic data have now been followed up for a mean of 28 years (range from 22 to 42 years) or until death. The survival rate corrected for intercurrent deaths was 44%, 35%, and 34% 10, 20, and 30 years after the diagnosis, respectively. Only 1.2% of all deaths caused by breast cancer occurred more than 20 years after the diagnosis, and therefore about one third of the patients are likely to be cured. Fifty‐six (12.8%) patients developed a second primary breast cancer or cancer of other sites. Survival of the patients diagnosed in the 1960s was better than that of the patients diagnosed earlier (p = 0.02), but the relative percentage of prognostically unfavorable poorly differentiated (Gr III) cancers became smaller with time (p = 0.009). Axillary nodal status was the most important independent prognostic factor for the 342 patients with an operable, unilateral, and invasive breast cancer in Cox's multivariate analysis (p < 0.001), followed by histologic grade, type of tumor margin, the primary tumor size (p < 0.001), and the extent of tumor necrosis (p = 0.003). Histologic type, mitotic count, nuclear pleomorphism, extent of tubule formation, amount of elastin, and extent of intraductal tumor growth were also significant prognostic factors in a univariate analysis.
Experimental Salmonella typhimurium infections in rats
Authors: Hougen HANS PETTER , Jensen ELSEBETH TVENSTRUP
Published: August 2009

The protective effect of primed lymphocytes against a lethal dose of Salmonella typhimurium was studied in athymic and euthymic LEW rats. Primed lymphocytes were obtained by inoculating euthymic and thymus‐grafted animals with a non‐lethal dose of Salmonella typhimurium. Four weeks after the infection, spleen lymphocytes were separated by panning technique and antibody‐coated magnetic microsphere separation using antibodies to pan T and pan B lymphocytes and subsequent sorting in a fluorescense activated cell sorter by means of monoclonal antibodies against CD4+ and CD8+ cells. Euthymic and athymic rats were injected with different doses of primed pan B, pan T, CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes before inoculation with a lethal bacterial dose. Most of the animals treated with pan B, pan T or CD8+ cells died within two weeks. After treatment with primed CD4+ cells, only six of 39 animals died. Doses as low as 104 cells from both euthymic or thymus‐grafted animals were effective, and athymic and euthymic recipients survived equally well. Four weeks after the infection both athymic and euthymic animals housed very few bacteria and had high antibacterial antibody titres. The percentages of splenic and lymph node CD4+ cells in the athymic rats were comparable to those found in the euthymic animals. The study shows that primed CD4+ lymphocytes even in very low doses are able to induce immunity against a Salmonella typhimurium infection.
Early response in neonatal septicemia. The effect of Escherichia coli, Streptococcus agalactiae and tumor necrosis factor on the generation of lactoferrin
Authors: Gutteberg TORE JARL , Dalaker KNUT , Vorland LARS H.
Published: August 2009

Using an in vitro model, we report the early effect of Escherichia coli (E. coli), Streptococcus agalactiea (group B streptococci, GBS) and recombinant tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF) on the release of lactoferrin (LF) and the generation of interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) due to E. coli, using heparinized whole blood from healthy full‐term newborns. We wanted to find a dose response relationship between lactoferrin generation on the one hand and the amount of E. coli, GBS and TNF on the other hand. In a final concentration of 107 per ml both bacteria increased the release of LF significantly. The response to E. coli was immediate and increased during the subsequent 20 minutes (mean ± S.D.: control 0.66 mg/1 ± 0.29 mg/1, E. coli 1.83 mg/1 ± 0.76 mg/1, p < 0.001). GBS was a less potent stimulant than E. coli and the response was only apparent after 20 minutes (mean ± S.D.: 1.06 mg/1 ± 0.49mg/l,p < 0.01). TNF in a concentration of 10000 pg/ml as well as 1000 pg/ml increased the release of LF significantly (after 20 minutes mean ± S.D.: 1.09 mg/1 ± 0.42 mg/1 and 0.97 mg/1 ± 0.36 mg/1, respectively), whereas a concentration of 100 pg/ml had no effect. Whole blood incubated with different preparations of LF for 20 minutes did not increase the generation of LF significantly. No significant changes in IL‐1 levels were observed. Lactoferrin had bacteriostatic but no bactericidal effect on GBS and Streptococcus mutans.
Long‐term prognosis of scar and non‐scar cancers of the breast
Authors: Toikkanen SAKARI , Joensuu HEIKKI
Published: August 2009

The prognostic significance of histopathologic classification of ductal breast carcinoma as scar and nonscar types was studied among 311 patients with breast cancer, followed up for a minimum of 22 years after the diagnosis or until death. Ninety‐six (31%) cancers were of scar type and they had a more favourable prognosis than the cancers of non‐scar type (p = 0.0001). The scar cancers were more often well differentiated (p < 0.0001), had more pronounced inflammatory cell reaction (p < 0.0001), less nuclear pleomorphism (p < 0.0001), less tumor necrosis (p < 0.0001), and a lower mitotic rate (p < 0.0001) than the non‐scar cancers. It was less common for patients with scar cancer to have axillary lymph node metastases (p = 0.01) and their primary tumor was smaller (p = 0.006). In flow cytometric analysis the scar cancers were more often DNA diploid (p = 0.004) with S‐phase fraction below the median (p = 0.0002). In a multivariate analysis the association of cancer with a scar did not appear as an independent prognostic factor, whereas histologic grade (p < 0.001) and extent of tumor necrosis (p < 0.001) did. We conclude that the classification of breast cancer as scar and non‐scar types has less prognostic value than the conventional histopahtologic grading.
Antimicrobial susceptibility and β‐lactamase characterization of Branhamella catarrhalis isolates from 1983/1984 and 1988
Authors: Christensen J.J. , Keiding J. , Bruun B.
Published: August 2009

Branhamella catarrhalis isolates from lower respiratory tract specimens collected in 1983/84 (n=50) and 1988 (n=30) were examined for β‐lactamase production. The percent of β‐lactamase‐producing strains increased from 25% to 63% from 1983/84 to 1988. β‐lactamases from 30 strains could be typed, and of these 28 were of the BRO‐1 type and two the BRO‐2 type. The two β‐lactamase inhibitors, clavulanic acid and brobactam were very active against β‐lactamase extracts whether of the BRO‐1 or the BRO‐2 type. Susceptibility to a number of antimicrobial agents or combinations of agents was determined by a plate dilution method (MICs) and by a tablet diffusion method. The penicillin tablet (Rosco Neo‐Sensitabs®) was found to be useful in discriminating between β‐lactamase‐producing and non‐β‐lactamase‐producing strains of B. catarrhalis.
Arginine catabolism by strains of oral streptococci
Authors: Floderus EUGENIE , Linder LARS E. , Sund MARIE‐LOUISE
Published: August 2009

Arginine catabolism via the arginine deiminase pathway was found in Streptococcus sanguis 903. Citrulline and ornithine were released from resting cells incubated with arginine, arginine‐containing peptides, or saliva. Maximum arginine catabolism by resting cells of S. sanguis 903 was found in the pH range 7–8 and at 45–48°C. Arginine deiminase activity was found in the cytoplasm and in the cell‐wall extract of this strain, while ornithine carbamoyltransferase activity was found in the cytoplasm and in extracts of cell walls and cytoplasmic membranes. Streptococcus mutans GS‐5 and Streptococcus sobrinus strains OMZ 176 and 6715 could release arginine from salivary peptides but were incapable of significant arginine catabolism.
The additive effect of certain drugs on the Cyclosporine A inhibition of human T‐cell proliferation
Authors: Bruserud ØYSTEIN
Published: August 2009

The inhibitory effect of Cyclosporine A (CsA) when combined with theophyllamine, warfarin, verapamil or dipyridamol on in vitro proliferation of human T lymphocyte was investigated. All drugs caused an additional inhibition of PHA activation compared with CsA alone, also when the CD8‐negative and ‐positive subsets were tested separately. This effect was dose‐dependent for all drugs. Theophyllamine, verapamil and warfarin had to be added early during PHA‐stimulated T‐cell activation to cause maximal inhibition. Also when testing the proliferative response in mixed lymphocyte cultures, the drugs showed a dose‐dependent additional inhibition compared with CsA alone. CsA alone cuased no inhibition of lymphokine‐dependent growth of T‐cell lines, whereas all four drugs caused a weak inhibition in this test system.
The proliferative response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to streptokinase
Authors: Bruserud ØYSTEIN
Published: August 2009

In vitro proliferative PBM responses were investigated for 26 patients with and 5 patients without acute myocardial infarction. All patients were initially treated with streptokinase (1.5 MIU infused for 1 hour). Five weeks after the disease increased responses to streptokinase, PPD and PHA were seen; but only for streptokinase had original nonresponders become responders (7 out of 14 nonresponders). The increased responsiveness to streptokinase could be detected five days after antigen infusion, and CD2‐positive cells constituted a major part of the proliferating PBM population. The responses after antigen infusion varied within a wide range both for patients with and without myocardial infarction.