bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protein aggregation in neurons following OGD: a role for Na+ and Ca2+ ionic dysregulation
Authors: Chen Xinzhi , Kintner Douglas B. , Baba Akemichi , Matsuda Toshio , Shull Gary E. , Sun Dandan
Published: October 2009

J. Neurochem. (2010) 112, 173–182.

In this study, we investigated whether disruption of Na+ and Ca2+ homeostasis via activation of Na+‐K+‐Cl− cotransporter isoform 1 (NKCC1) and reversal of Na+/Ca2+ exchange (NCXrev) affects protein aggregation and degradation following oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD). Cultured cortical neurons were subjected to 2 h OGD and 1–24 h reoxygenation (REOX). Redistribution of ubiquitin and formation of ubiquitin‐conjugated protein aggregates occurred in neurons as early as 2 h REOX. The protein aggregation progressed further by 8 h REOX. There was no significant recovery at 24 h REOX. Moreover, the proteasome activity in neurons was inhibited by 80–90% during 2–8 h REOX and recovered partially at 24 h REOX. Interestingly, pharmacological inhibition or genetic ablation of NKCC1 activity significantly decreased accumulation of ubiquitin‐conjugated protein aggregates and improved proteasome activity. A similar protective effect was obtained by blocking NCXrev activity. Inhibition of NKCC1 activity also preserved intracellular ATP and Na+ homeostasis during 0–24 h REOX. In a positive control study, disruption of endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ with thapsigargin triggered redistribution of free ubiquitin and protein aggregation. We conclude that overstimulation of NKCC1 and NCXrev following OGD/REOX partially contributes to protein aggregation and proteasome dysfunction as a result of ionic dysregulation.
THE ART AND CRAFT OF COMPILING NATIONAL ACCOUNTS STATISTICS AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS FOR RELIABILITY
Authors: Bos Frits
Published: October 2009

This paper provides a systematic overview of the compilation and reliability of national accounts statistics. It illustrates the various issues with a wide range of examples and stories from national accounts compilation practice. National accounts statistics are estimates of a universal accounting model (SNA93). The operational versions of the model decide what is actually estimated. They are estimated by expanding and transforming the available data with accounting identities, assumptions, and plausibility checks. The estimates reflect personal knowledge and skills, resources, and policy. For a specific type of use, the universal and operational national accounting concepts are usually not perfect. The quantitative importance of such conceptual “measurement errors” is often overlooked but can be substantial. For assessing the reliability of national accounts statistics, sampling theory is not very important. The major methods are consistency checks, sensitivity analysis, and analysis using a description of the data sources, operational model, and compilation methods.
The Utility of the State Buy‐In Variable in the Medicare Denominator File to Identify Dually Eligible Medicare‐Medicaid Beneficiaries: A Validation Study
Authors: Koroukian Siran M. , Dahman Bassam , Copeland Glenn , Bradley Cathy J.
Published: October 2009

Objective. To compare the adequacy of the state buy‐in variable (SBI) in the Medicare denominator file to identify dually eligible patients.

Data Source/Study Settings. We used linked Medicare and Medicaid data from Michigan and Ohio for elders diagnosed with incident breast, prostate, or colorectal cancer between 1996 and 2001.

Study Design. Using the Medicaid enrollment file as the “gold standard,” we assessed the number of duals from Medicare files in cross‐sectional and longitudinal analyses.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods. Data for the study population were linked with Medicare and Medicaid files using patient identifiers.

Principal Findings. Sensitivity was low (74.2 percent, 95 percent confidence interval [CI]: 72.7, 75.6 and 80.8 percent, 79.7, 81.9, in Michigan and Ohio, respectively). PPV was above 95 percent in Michigan and 88.8 percent in Ohio. Both sensitivity and PPV varied between and within the states. Both in Michigan and in Ohio, we observed limited agreement on the length of enrollment in Medicaid between the two data sources.

Conclusions. Except to examine disparities by dual status at a very broad level, the SBI variable alone may be inadequate to identify duals. The findings call for improvements in Medicare and Medicaid information management systems and for uniformity in database linking strategies.
SCHIP's Impact on Dependent Coverage in the Small‐Group Health Insurance Market
Authors: Seiber Eric E. , Florence Curtis S.
Published: October 2009

Objective. To estimate the impact of State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) expansions on public and private coverage of dependents at small firms compared with large firms.

Data Sources. 1996–2007 Annual Demographic Survey of the Current Population Survey (CPS).

Study Design. This study estimates a two‐stage least squares (2SLS) model for four insurance outcomes that instruments for SCHIP and Medicaid eligibility. Separate models are estimated for small group markets (firms with fewer than 25 employees), small businesses (firms under 500 employees), and large firms (firms 500 employees and above).

Data Collection/Extraction Methods. We extracted data from the 1996–2007 CPS for children in households with at least one worker.

Principal Findings. The SCHIP expansions decreased the percentage of uninsured dependents in the small group market by 7.6 percentage points with negligible crowd‐out in the small group and no significant effect on private coverage across the 11‐year‐period.

Conclusions. The SCHIP expansions have increased coverage for households in the small group market with no significant crowd‐out of private coverage. In contrast, the estimates for large firms are consistent with the substantial crowd‐out observed in the literature.
THE PHOTOGRAMMETRIC SOCIETY: 1952–2001
Authors: Atkinson K. B. , Newton I.
Published: October 2009

A scholarly account of the formative discussions, the founding and the first 20 years of the Photogrammetric Society was published in 1971 and republished in 1974. This present review concentrates on the latter years of the life of the Photogrammetric Society prior to its merger with the Remote Sensing Society in 2001.

The authors joined the Photogrammetric Society in 1960 and were conspicuous in its affairs for many years. Although both occupied the Society's presidential chair, they also fulfilled several other roles in its efficient management. Atkinson's first contribution to the Photogrammetric Record was published in 1968 and Newton's in 1971.

On a publié en 1971 un compte‐rendu détaillé des 20 premières années de la “Photogrammetric Society”, à commencer par les discussions qui présidèrent è sa fondation. Ce récit fut republié en 1974. On se focalise dans cet article sur les dernières années d'activité de la “Photogrammetric Society” qui aboutirent à sa fusion avec la “Remote Sensing Society” en 2001.

Les deux auteurs adhérèrent à la “Photogrammetric Society” en 1960 et y furent d‘éminents animateurs pendant de nombreuses années. Tous deux occupèrent le poste de président de cette Association mais remplirent égulement plusieurs autres fonctions qui contribuèrent à une gestion efficace. La première intervention d'Atkinson dans le Photogrummetric Record remonte à 1968, et celle de Newton à 1971.

Zusummenfussung

Eine wissenschaftliche Abhandlung über die Diskussionen zur Gründung, die Gründung selbst und die ersten 20 Jahre der Photogrammetrischen Gesellschaft wurde in 1971 publiziert und in 1974 wiederholt. Dieser aktulle Rückblick konzentriert sich auf die darauffolgenden Jahre der Photogrammetrischen Gesellschaft bis hin zur Vereinigung mit der Gesellschaft für Fernerkundung in Jahre 2001.

Die Autoren wurden 1960 Mitglieder in der Photogrammetrischen Gesellschaft und trugen viele Jahre massgeblich zu deren Aktivitäsidenten der Gesellschaft auch verschiedene andere Aufgaben im Management wahrgenommen. Der erste Beitrag von Atkinson im Photogrammetric Record erschien 1968, der erste von Newton in 1971.
Pseudo History/Weird History: Nationalism and the Internet
Authors: Melleuish Greg , Sheiko Konstantin , Brown Stephen
Published: October 2009

One of the most important developments in the production of history in the early twenty‐first century has been the capacity of ‘weird history’ or ‘pseudo history’ to have a large impact on the public sphere. Pseudo history mimics professional history in the way that it presents itself to the public but its arguments defy any reasonable assessment of the evidence. In this paper, we examine the phenomenon of pseudo history through a consideration of its origins in travellers’ tales and its current manifestation with particular reference to two practitioners: Anatolii Fomenko and Gavin Menzies. One can attribute much of their popular success to their capacity to appeal to both democratic principles and nationalism, and to make effective use of new media, especially the internet.
Increase in CD230 (cellular prion protein) fluorescence on blood lymphocytes in bovine spongiform encephalopathy–infected nonhuman primates
Authors: Holznagel Edgar , Yutzy Barbara , Schulz‐Schaeffer Walter , Hanschman Kay‐Martin , Stuke Andreas , Hahmann Uwe , Törner Mechthild , Coulibaly Cheick , Hoffmann Andreas , Hunsmann Gerhard , Löwer Johannes
Published: October 2009

BACKGROUND: The cellular prion protein (PrPc) plays a central role in prion diseases such as variant Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease. This disease can be transmitted by blood transfusion. However, the exact kinetics of blood infectivity and the blood fraction carrying infectivity have not yet been identified.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Simian PrPc epitopes were mapped by flow cytometry using monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs). A whole blood/no wash protocol was established, validated, and applied to investigate peripheral blood cell–associated PrPc expression profiles in bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)‐infected cynomolgus monkeys and age‐/sex‐matched controls. In addition, physiologic expression patterns on blood cells and in lymphoid tissues were determined.

RESULTS: In BSE‐infected macaques, blood lymphocyte–associated PrPc fluorescence gradually increased years before the onset of clinical signs (pF test < 0.0001). The increase in fluorescence intensity was detectable with MoAb 12F10, whereas we failed to detect an increase with 3F4. In parallel, plasma concentrations of soluble CD230 also increased. Centrifugation of lymphocytes almost completely eliminated differences between infected and noninfected animals, most likely caused by a partial loss in cell‐associated CD230 into the plasma supernatant.

CONCLUSION: Blood lymphocytes from asymptomatically infected as well as diseased macaques were characterized by increased CD230 fluorescence, and phosphatidylinositol‐phospholipase C–resistant PrP molecules contributed at least partially to this increase. Conformational changes within PrPc molecules may be the underlying mechanism for the increased PrPc fluorescence. This cell‐associated phenomenon contributed at least partially to an increase in soluble plasma‐derived PrPc levels. It is not yet known whether these changes reflect infectivity.
Scrub typhus induced by peripheral blood stem cell transplantation in the immunocompromised patient: diagnostic usefulness of nested polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Kang Seung‐Ji , Park Kyung‐Hwa , Jung Sook‐In , Jang Hee Chang , Ji Soo Young , Ahn Jae Sook , Kim Hyeoung Joon , Shin Jong‐Hee , Kim Dong Min
Published: October 2009

Scrub typhus (Orientia tsutsugamushi) is a Gram‐negative rickettsial disease in parts of Asia, transmitted from wild rodents to human by mites. This is a case report of scrub typhus contraction in an acute leukemia patient by transfusion of peripheral blood stem cells collected during the incubation period. Although human‐to‐human transmission of scrub typhus by needle‐stick injury or transplacental transmission has previously been reported, this is the first case confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing. This type of incident shows the need to heighten awareness of the threat of rickettsial agents in transfused blood. Nested PCR is a useful diagnostic method to confirm the diagnosis during incubation period and in the early phase of disease, especially for immunocompromised patients.
Following the Rules? Candidate Strategy in Presidential Primaries*
Authors: Ridout Travis N. , Rottinghaus Brandon , Hosey Nathan
Published: October 2009

Objectives. The competitiveness of the 2008 presidential primaries in both the Republican and Democratic parties has prompted a reconsideration of the role of delegate‐selection rules in influencing the strategic behavior of presidential candidates. Using advertising and candidate state‐visit data from the 2004 and 2008 presidential nominating campaigns, we reexamine the strategies presidential candidates use when competing for the nomination of their party.

Methods. Using the Wisconsin Advertising Project Data from 2004 and 2008, we estimate several multiple regressions designed to analyze the factors predicting candidate visits and advertising.

Results. We find that, to a large extent, the rules of the game help predict where candidates allocate their political advertising and campaign stops; candidates consider whether a contest is a primary or caucus, they pay attention to how many delegates are at stake, and they consider whether a state's delegate‐allocation method is largely proportional or winner take all. Yet we also find some differences in how the rules influence frontrunners and long‐shot candidates, and we discover how other factors, including a candidate's access to financial resources, influence the allocation of ads and visits.

Conclusion. Our findings offer some of the first empirical evidence for the idea that a state's delegate‐allocation method influences candidates' resource‐allocation behavior. That these rules matter at all is somewhat of a surprise given that the delegate‐allocation methods used by states have become more homogenous within each party.
Presentation of Partisanship: Constituency Connections and Partisan Congressional Activity*
Authors: Meinke Scott R.
Published: October 2009

Objectives. This article explores how House members relate their involvement in partisan Washington activity to constituency representation.

Methods. Building on Fenno's familiar conception of home style, I argue that certain House members have an incentive to develop a partisan home style that emphasizes party activity in Washington. I examine this relationship by studying the extended party leadership (party committees and whip networks), looking for connections between member/constituency characteristics and extended leaders' choices to advertise partisan leadership activity on their official websites. Logit models are used to test for relationships between these variables.

Results. Members vary widely in whether and how they communicate their partisan activity, with constituency factors, career stage, and majority party status all affecting the choice.

Conclusions. House members make strategic choices about incorporating partisan Washington activity into their home style.
Personal Values and Public Opinion*
Authors: Kilburn H. Whitt
Published: October 2009

Objective. Social science considers values a key motivator of human behavior, yet studies of values in public opinion have tended to focus on more limited political values. I investigate how a general theory of human values (Schwartz, 1992) shapes public opinion. In one dimension, individuals are motivated by a desire for independent thought and action versus conformity to traditional social norms; in the second, individuals are motivated by a desire to care for others versus control or achieve superior social status over them.

Methods. Statistical analysis of the European Social Survey, nationally representative surveys in 15 western European nations.

Results. Human values are systematically related to a citizen's left‐right self‐identification, displaying appropriate sensitivity to party system context in Scandinavia, and explaining attitudes toward ethnic minority immigration, even when controlling for reasonable alternate explanations.

Conclusion. Personal values along these two dimensions of social conflict merit further attention as sources of public opinion.
Institutional Incentives and Trust: Marginalized Groups and the Creation of Trust in Local Government*
Authors: Richey Sean , Ikeda Ken'ichi
Published: October 2009

Objectives. There is an important theoretical debate concerning whether institutional trust can be created. Since very few governments actually try to promote trust directly, it has been difficult to test this debate empirically. To investigate this debate, we examine an innovative new program in Japan that is specifically designed to promote trust in institutions—community currencies.

Methods. We use propensity score matching to determine if community currency program participation in Japan increases institutional trust.

Results. We find that participation increases institutional trust. Additionally, we find that supporters of political parties with little political power receive a greater impact from program participation.

Conclusions. These results show that institutional trust can be increased by participation in incentive programs of cooperation, and suggest that members of marginalized groups will benefit more from program participation.
Presidential Direct Action and Policy Continuity: The Case of U.S. International Population Policy*
Authors: Gupta Debasree Das , Rozell Mark J.
Published: October 2009

Objectives. The purpose of this study is to describe and analyze the modern practice of unilateral presidential policy making in the area of U.S. international population policy. The analysis focuses on the implications of this practice in a constitutional system intended to limit and constrain direct presidential action in policy making.

Methods. The authors conduct their analysis using a variety of qualitative sources, including leading studies on the topics of presidential direct action and U.S. international population policy, and government documents.

Conclusions. Policy development in this area has been marked by dramatic back‐and‐forth shifts due to the modern practice of presidents making many decisions without legislative involvement. Although not the only policy area in which this practice has become the norm, the case study of U.S. international population policy reveals the pitfalls of deviating from the constitutional design of a system of balanced and constrained powers.
Public Perception of Environmental Issues in a Developing Setting: Environmental Concern in Coastal Ghana*
Authors: White Michael J. , Hunter Lori M.
Published: October 2009

Objective. Balancing environmental quality with economic growth in less developed settings is clearly a challenge. Still, surprisingly little empirical evidence has been brought to bear on the relative priority given environmental and socioeconomic issues among the residents themselves of such settings. This research explores such perceptions.

Methods. We undertake survey research with 2,500 residents of coastal Ghana on policy issues, focusing on environmental topics.

Results. Our analyses reveal a significant amount of environmental awareness, with education and political engagement consistently predicting higher levels of concern. In addition, environmental issues are deemed important even when considered relative to other socioeconomic issues.

Conclusion. In the end, we argue that our work sheds light on global environmentalism and the ways local populations in less developed settings prioritize social and environmental concerns. This work also has important policy implications since insight on local perceptions may help buttress policy responses designed to cope with global change.
Rationale for esthetic tissue preservation of a fresh extraction socket by an implant treatment concept simulating a tooth replantation
Authors: Trimpou Georgia , Weigl Paul , Krebs Mischa , Parvini Puria , Nentwig Georg‐Hubertus
Published: October 2009

Abstract –  In cases of an immediate insertion and loading of implants after a traumatic loss of the patient’s own dentition or due to an inevitable extraction of an anterior tooth, it is essential to provide the patient with an adequate provisional crown. A soft‐tissue recession must be avoided, whether it is due to a compression of the peri‐implant soft‐tissue caused by an over‐dimensioned restoration in the cervical collar of the provisional crown or to a too small dimensioned sulcus former. A simulation of the exact dimension of the lost tooth – especially on the cervical part of the new provisional restoration – is expected to preserve all relevant information and allows the design of a naturally looking emergence profile. Based on theoretical considerations and a case report, the authors intend to demonstrate that a near‐naturally dimensioned sealing of the dento‐gingival soft‐tissue collar may initiate a tissue‐maintaining healing process, similar to a tooth replantation. The natural dental crown, connected to an implant instead of the root, is applied for a tight sealing of the wound. If due to traumatic impact the tooth is no longer available, a naturally dimensioned crown restoration will serve as an alternative wound sealant.
Prevalence of maxillofacial injuries by motorized two wheeler road traffic accidents in Bangalore city
Authors: Mallikarjuna Shwetha Kanyaloor , Krishnappa Pushpanjali
Published: October 2009

Abstract – Introduction: Two wheeler users in India are the most vulnerable for road fatalities and two wheelers constitute the major portion of vehicular traffic. Objectives:  To assess the prevalence of maxillofacial injuries among the victims of motorized two wheeler road traffic accidents in Bangalore city. Materials and methods:  Medical records of cases reported during January 2006–June 2007 to hospitals were considered and data regarding age, sex, date of trauma, rider or pillion rider, alcohol consumption, site of injury on the face and associated injuries to other parts of the body were recorded. Results: The prevalence of injuries among males and females was in the ratio of 3:1. Most of them were in the age group of 21–30 years. Most of the cases were recorded on Saturdays (17.4%) and in the months of August (9%) and September (9.7%) and the least number of cases were reported in January, March and June (2.1%) of 2007. The decrease in number of cases coincides with the implementation of the Helmet Rule in the city. Conclusion:  There is a need to stress on the importance of usage of helmets and adherence to traffic rules during the high‐risk periods to reduce the incidence of road traffic accidents and accompanying maxillofacial injuries.
International comparison of blood pressure and BMI values in schoolchildren aged 11–16 years
Authors: Baráth Á , Boda K , Tichy M , Károly É , Túri S
Published: October 2009

Aims:  This study comprised part of a larger cross‐sectional survey performed in Hungary in the period 2005–2006, which was designed first to reveal the representative age‐, gender‐ and height‐specific percentile values for the systolic blood pressure (SBP) and the diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in Hungarian children aged 11–16 years. The second aim was to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity.

Methods:  Analyses were performed on 14 290 Hungarian children aged 11–16 years. All blood pressure (BP) measurements were made with a validated, automated, digital device. The criteria recommended by international guidelines were used.

Results:  The prevalence of overweight and obesity among the Hungarian children was found to be 23.4% (3347 adolescents; International Obesity Task Force criteria). Previous studies have reported that the strongest correlation is observed between the BP values and weight, and our results are in accordance with this.

Conclusions:  Regional differences in morphometry (different prevalences of overweight and obesity) and the genetic background, disparate eating habits and other cultural factors may account for the differences in BP levels during childhood. As the prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing worldwide, it is important that countries carefully monitor the weight and BP status of their children and adolescents.
Invasiveness of enterobacteria related to the presence of high molecular weight plasmids
Authors: BUKHOLM GEIR , FIGENSCHAU KARL J.
Published: October 2009

A study of 41 strains of Shigella, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella was performed. The presence of high‐molecular‐weight plasmids, invasiveness in HEp‐2 cells and the ability to produce a positive Serény test were tested. Five of the seven strains of Salmonella typhimurium harboured a 62 Md plasmid and invaded HEp‐2 cells. Two strains of S. typhimurium and a S. paratyphi‐B strain lacked plasmids but were still invasive. Among the 27 strains of Shigella and enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC) 25 strains harboured a high molecular weight plasmid. 27 of the Shigella/EIEC strains invaded HEp‐2 cells and 25 produced a positive Serény test. One strain of Shigella sonnei was invasive in HEp‐2 cells and gave a positive Serény test, but plasmids were not demonstrated. Of the eight non‐enteropathogenic E. coli 5 strains harboured plasmids of 100 to 140 Md size; only one of the strains invaded HEp‐2 cells; none of the strains produced a positive Serény test. The study shows that tests for pathogenicity (Serény test, HEp‐2 cell test) are usually positive in the Shigella and EIEC group of bacteria; these bacteria also usually carry a high molecular weight plasmid. However, among non‐enteropathogenic bacteria plasmids of 100 to 140 Md size can be observed without any correlation to invasive properties. Genetic information from gene loci located to plasmids and chromosomes is required to give a positive Serény test. The presence of high molecular weight plasmids does not seem to be neessary for expression of in vitro invasiveness of S. typhimurium.
Characterization of the dermal lesions induced by a purified protein from toxigenic Pasteurella multocida
Authors: ELLING F. , PEDERSEN K. B. , HØGH P. , FOGED N. T.
Published: October 2009

The dermonecrotic effect of purified Pasteurella multocida toxin (PMT) was studied sequentially in guinea pigs and rats. The skin reaction was initially an acute inflammatory reaction, with edema and emigration of neutrophils and a few eosinophils and diapedesis of some erythrocytes. Four hours after intracutaneous injection the vessels were congested and thrombocytes were focally attached to the endothelial wall. Twenty‐four h after the injection the inflammatory reaction appeared more severe and venules and arterioles were thrombosed. Necrotic changes were seen in hair follicles and in striated muscle fibers. Crude extracts from P. multocida and Clostridium perfringens injected intracutaneously into guinea pigs induced skin lesions qualitatively similar to the lesions induced by the purified PMT, indicating that dermonecrotic bacterial toxins may share similar biochemical properties.
Campylobacter pylori is associated with chronic gastritis but not with active peptic ulcer disease
Authors: SIPPONEN PENTTI , VARIS KALLE , SEPPÄLÄ KARI , IHAMÄKI TIMO , CEDERBERG ANTTI , SALMI HEIKKI A. , KOSUNEN TIMO U.
Published: October 2009

Campylobacter pylori is supposed to be involved in the pathogenesis of gastroduodenal peptic ulcer diseases and chronic gastritis. In order to study whether the Campylobacter pylori in the stomach of peptic ulcer patients is related to ulcer itself or to a co‐existing chronic gastritis, we examined the frequency of the bacteria in Giemsa stained histological sections of biopsy specimens from a series of patients with active peptic ulcer and from series of non‐ulcer control subjects. We found no difference in the frequency of Campylobacter‐ positive cases between ulcer patients and non‐ulcer controls when the comparison was done within the same category of chronic gastritis; e.g., within the category of chronic superficial gastritis 74% and 78% of cases showed the bacteria in antral biopsies from ulcer patients and from non‐ulcer controls, respectively. In both ulcer patients and control subjects, in similar way in both antral and body mucosa, the Campylobacter pylori was strongly associated with chronic superficial gastritis but was more weakly associated with chronic atrophic gastritis, and the bacteria were only occasionally seen in normal mucosa. We conclude that Campylobacter pylori is associated with chronic gastritis in peptic ulcer patients but is not related to active ulcer.
Genotypic and phenotypic markers in the differentiation of Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains
Authors: FALK EDVARD S. , VOLDEN GUNNAR , EGGLESTONE S. I. , DIGRANES ASBJØRN , BJORVATN BJARNE
Published: October 2009

Restriction enzyme (RE) patterns, using Hind III enzyme, were analysed on 101 urogenital strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The strains were also analysed serologically, using monoclonal antibodies, and tested for nutritional requirements by auxotyping. In addition, testing susceptibility to doxycycline was performed by an agar‐dilution method. The strains were distributed into 23 RE patterns, of which the five most common accounted for 67.3% of all isolates. The same strains were distributed into 17 serovars, of which the four most common accounted for 77.3% of all isolates. Eleven auxotypes were demonstrated, of which the four most common accounted for 85.1% of all isolates. When the methods were combined, 38 combinations of RE patterns and serovars, 25 combinations of RE patterns and auxotypes, and 31 combinations of serovars and auxotypes were seen. Combining all three methods, 40 combinations of RE patterns, serovars and auxotypes were found. Correlations were particularly seen between RE patterns and auxotypes. The strains were moderately sensitive to doxycycline, those with serological markers for WII/WIII being less sensitive than those with markers for WI.
Clinical and histological intercorrelations in pigmented naevi indicating potential melanoma precursor lesions
Authors: LARSEN T. E. , MOGENSEN S. B. , HOLME I.
Published: October 2009

A series of 577 pigmented naevi from an equal number of patients has been studied histopathologically without access to clinical information. Later the histological findings have been compared with clinical information obtained by sending a questionnaire to the patients. The correlations between the many histological and clinical variables have been studied. Patients with a red or fair hair colour, a freckled, easily sunburnt skin type and/or a poor suntanning ability have the tendency to develop irregular and atypical naevi. Histological variables like nuclear atypia, mitoses, lymphocyte reaction, fibrosis and “shoulder”‐phenomenon regarding the growth pattern of naevi are correlated to this delicate skin type. These findings support til theory that irregular and atypical naevi may be potential precursors to malignant melanomas as patients with this skin type belong to the melanoma risk group.
ELISA versus routine tests in the diagnosis of patients with systemic and neurobrucellosis
Authors: ARAJ GEORGE F. , LULU A. R. , KHATEEB M. I. , SAADAH M. A. , SHAKIR R. A.
Published: October 2009

Sera from patients in different stages of brucellosis as well as sera and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with central nervous system (CNS) brucellosis and controls, were tested by ELISA for Brucella‐specific IgG, IgM and IgA. The results were compared with culture findings, micro‐agglutination (MA), slide agglutination with Rose Bengal (RB), and Brucella melitensis stained antigens (SA). In sera of patients with acute brucellosis (296), ELISA was positive for IgM (100%), IgG (97%) and IgA (98%), and comparable results were found in sera of patients with subacute brucellosis (44): IgG (100%), IgM (86%) and IgA (100%). However, in patients with chronic brucellosis (40), IgG and IgA were consistently positive (100%) while IgM was only positive in 33% of their sera. The MA and RB showed similar results, being more positive in patients with acute (98%) and subacute (84%) than in chronic (61%) brucellosis. The SA and culture showed significantly lower positive results. In the CSF of patients with CNS brucellosis (45), ELISA was positive in 100%, 20% and 85% for IgG, IgM and IgA, respectively, compared to 13% positive by culture, 25% by MA and 22% by RB. ELISA was negative in the CSF specimens from patients with brucellosis without CNS involvement (66), or meningitis other than Brucella (62), and no meningitis (144). Thus, ELISA with its IgG, IgM and IgA profiles is the test of choice in the diagnosis of patients with brucellosis, especially those with chronic or CNS infection.
Immune hemolytic assay for identification of human anti‐dsDNA antibodies with DNA‐coated red blood cells as target cells
Authors: LOFTAGER METTE‐K. , ANDERSEN V. , KOCH C. , HELLUNG‐LARSEN P.
Published: October 2009

A hemolytic assay was developed with the primary aim of being able to identify human lymphocytes producing anti‐dsDNA antibodies found in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The coating of sheep red‐blood cells with DNA was performed after precoating the cells with poly‐L‐lysine. The DNA‐SRBC were lysed by anti‐DNA antibodies from SLE sera, and the percent hemolysis was found to correlate with the anti‐DNA activity demonstrated by the Farr assay (r=0.87). Single‐stranded DNA at the surface of the coated cells could be removed after digestion with nuclease S1. The effect of the digestion was verified by SLE serum specific for single‐stranded DNA. With slight modifications, the target cells may be used to determine not only the titer of anti‐DNA antibodies but also the complement‐consumption and immunoglobulin classes of the anti‐DNA antibodies.
Use of anti‐seminoma monoclonal antibody to confirm the diagnosis of mediastinal seminoma
Authors: BAILEY DENIS , BAUMAL REUBEN , MARKS ALEXANDER
Published: October 2009

Chest x‐ray in a 20‐year‐old man showed a large anterior mediastinal mass and a neddle aspirate was diagnosed by light microscopy (LM) as non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma. Treatment with CHOP (cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, vincristine and prednisone) was ineffective and a tissue biopsy was performed. LM showed large, non‐cohesive cells with abundant cytoplasm and rounded nuclei. Differential diagnoses included malignant lymphoma, seminoma, thymoma, anaplastic carcinoma, malignant melanoma and paraganglioma. Electron microscopy was not conclusive and immunoperoxidase staining was carried out. The malignant cells were negative for common leukocyte antigen, Leu M1, alpha‐fetoprotein, chorionic gonadotrophin, cytokeratin, epithelial membrane antigen, carcinoembryonic antigen, S‐100 protein and neuron‐specific enolase but positive for placental alkaline phosphatase. In addition, there was strong positivity with a monoclonal antibody (mAb) which was recently shown to react with testicular seminomas. This case illustrates the value of this mAb in confirming the diagnosis of mediastinal seminoma.
In vitro susceptibility of Listeria monocytogenes isolated from human blood and cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: POULSEN PATRICIA NUNEZ , LESTER ANNE , ANDREASEN JAN , CARVAJAL ANA
Published: October 2009

The in vitro susceptibility of 156 strains of Listeria monocytogenes isolated since 1958 from human cerebrospinal fluid or blood to twelve antibiotics was determined by an agar dilution technique. Erythromycin (0.05), trimethoprim (0.2), netilmicin (0.2), and penicillin (0.2) were the most active drugs on weight basis (MIC90 0.05–0.2 μg/ml). Ampicillin and imipenem had MICs for 90% of the strains of 0.4 μg/ml. Ceftazidime was inactive (MIC90 > 100 μg/ml). Comparison of susceptibility pattern between strains isolated in different years showed that the antimicrobial susceptibility of L. monocytogenes has not changed during the last 25 years. The minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of penicillin was determined by a macro tube dilution method in ten recent isolates. Penicillin was bactericidal for all the strains with a MBC of 0.4–3.1 μg/ml, i.e. one to three two‐fold dilutions above the MIC of 0.2–0.8 μg/ml, which means that no tolerant strains were found.
Non‐immune Fab‐ and Fc‐ mediated interactions of avian Ig with S. aureus and group C and G streptococci
Authors: ERNTELL MATS , MYHRE ERLING B. , SJØBRING ULF , KRONVALL GØRAN
Published: October 2009

Serum samples from 19 avian species representing 8 orders were tested for their capacity to inhibit the Fab‐ and Fc‐mediated immunoglobulin binding to protein A‐carrying S. aureus and protein G‐carrying group C and G streptococci. Four species (mallard, dunlin, starling and blackbird) belonging to three different orders showed a high degree of Fc‐mediated protein A‐ and protein G‐reactivity. Five species demonstrated a high level and nine species exhibited a low level of Fab‐mediated protein A‐reactivity. The four species identified as Fc‐reactive were capable of Fab‐mediated immunoglobulin binding with streptococcal surface proteins but incapable of Fab‐mediated protein A binding. SDS‐PAGE analysis confirmed that the protein A‐Sepharose affinity purified material contained proteins corresponding to immunoglobulin chains. Inhibition results by avian sera were confirmed by direct binding of protein A‐reactive proteins to bacteria, by precipitation in gel and by Western blot analysis of binding to protein A and protein G, respectively.
On the effect of Al(OH)3 as an immunological adjuvant
Authors: JENSEN OLE MAJGAARD , KOCH CLAUS
Published: October 2009

Using mice in a tetanus vaccination system, we have examined the mode of action of the immunological adjuvant, aluminium hydroxide (Al(OH)3), on antibody titers as measured by an ELISA‐method. A profound effect of the adjuvant was observed after primary imunizations, increasing titers about 100‐fold compared to plain (not adjuvanted) controls. However, no effect on titers could be attributed to a content of Al(OH)3 in the vaccines when used for booster immunizations, as the increase in titers after boosting was either the same for groups given plain or adsorbed toxoids, or even higher in the groups receiving the plain vaccine. Thus, the effect of Al(OH)3 as an adjuvant seems to be exerted mainly on the primary antibody response. Investigating the mode of action by the adjuvant, we adsorbed a certain amount of toxoid onto varying doses of Al(OH)3. An antigen ELISA revealed that all toxoid had been adsorbed to the Al‐gel in the preparations. The antibody titers after immunization showed a significantly higher response to toxoid adsorbed to the higher amount of adjuvant, indicating that this effect was most probably due to free, not antigen‐bound, Al‐particles. Moreover, this effect could be inhibited when BSA was added in excess to the preparation, thereby blocking the free residues on the Al‐gel.
Construction and characterization of complementary DNA libraries from Vero cells infected with measles virus
Authors: KALLAND KARL‐ H. , ENDRESEN CURT , HAUKENES GUNNAR
Published: October 2009

Several cDNA libraries have been generated from poly(A)RNA from Vero cells infected for 24 hours with measles virus. Different protocols for cDNA library construction were compared and some critical steps were evaluated. From these libraries, a measles virus specific sequence corresponding to 885 of 1600 nucleotides of the measles virus phosphoprotein gene has been cloned. The phosphoprotein gene accounts for 1% of the total cDNA library after 24 hours of infection at 37 °C. The technique of differential colony hybridization was used to analyze the distribution and change of the poly(A)‐RNA expression in uninfected Vero cells and in cells infected with measles virus for 24 hours.
Characteristics of the granulocyte chemiluminescence reaction following an interaction between human neutrophils and Salmonella typhimurium bacteria
Authors: LOCK RONNY , DAHLGREN CLAES
Published: October 2009

The production of reactive oxygen metabolites by neutrophils is thought to play a key role in the host defence against invading microorganisms. The production of these oxidative metabolites can be measured as chemiluminescence. In this study, two strains of Salmonella typhimurium were used as stimuli, and the opsonin‐independent CL response from neutrophils challenged with these bacteria was investigated. The strains used, S. typimurium 395 MS and a rough (Rd Epi‐2) mutant 395 MR 10, differ with respect to physicochemical surface characteristics. When neutrophils were exposed to the phagocytic prey, only the MR 10 bacteria induced a CL response. The response induced by the MS bacteria was less than 2% of that induced by MR 10. In order to study the relation between intra and extracellularly generated CL, systems were used which selectively inhibit the intra and extracellular CL, respectively. Using these systems it was found that a predominant part of the response was of intracellular origin. When the neutrophils were treated with cytochalasin B (5ug) before the addition of the bacteria, the CL response was reduced to around 37% of the value obtained from untreated cells, and the relation between the extra and the intracellular parts of the response was changed. The mechanism(s) and biological consequences of the extracellular and intracellular generation of oxygen metabolites, respectively, are discussed.
A physico‐chemical comparison of the monocyte‐derived fibroblast growth factor and the tumour necrosis factor
Authors: AUSTGULEN RIGMOR , NISSEN‐MEYER JON
Published: October 2009

The chromatographic characteristics of the human monocyte‐derived growth stimulatory activity towards diploid FS‐4 human fibroblasts has been studied. The fibroblast growth stimulatory factor had an apparent isoelectric point of 5.8 as determined by chromatofocusing, and a molecular weight in the range 70,000 ‐30,000 as determined by gel filtration. The growth stimulatory factor eluted together with the tumour necrosis factor (TNF) upon cation exchange chromatography, chromatofocusing and gel filtration. Moreover, the fibroblast growth stimulatory activity in crude monocyte supernatants as well as the activity in the gel filtration column fractions was neutralized by antiserum raised against recombinant TNF (rTNF). The results indicate that the monocyte‐derived fibroblast growth stimulatory activity is largely due to TNF.
Effect of trans(E)‐clopenthixol on Plasmodium berghei in vivo
Authors: KURTZHALS JØRGEN A. L. , ANDERSEN BIRGITTE J. , KRISTIANSEN JETTE E. , JEPSEN SØREN
Published: October 2009

Previous in vitro studies have shown suppression of the growth of Plasmodium falciparum by the neuroleptic agents chlorpromazine and zuclopenthixol (formerly known as cis(Z)‐clopenthixol) as well as by the neuroleptic inactive steroisomer trans(E)‐clopenthixol. These compounds are chemically related to riboflavin and may act as inhibitors of riboflavin metabolism. As trans(E)‐clopenthixol has been found active against chloroquine‐resistant strains of P. falciparum in vitro and has been approved for human use, though inactive as a neuroleptic, this drug was selected for the present in vivo study. The dosage of trans(E)‐ clopenthixol was optimized through a pharmacokinetic study, and the suppression of the growth of Plasmodium berghei in vivo was tested in mice, with chloroquine acting as the positive and saline as the negative control. Trans(E)‐clopenthixol did not inhibit the growth of P. berghei, whereas chloroquine almost eradicated the infection. The use of in vitro screening for anti‐malarial activity in drugs approved for human use for other indications is discussed in the light of the results. It is concluded that the selection of drugs for further studies in vivo cannot solely be based on positive results in vitro.
Prognostic significance of differential cell counts in non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas
Authors: SCHULTZ HENRIK B. , ERSBØLL JENS , HOUGAARD PHILIP
Published: October 2009

The use of differential counting on H & E stained sections is proposed as a simple means to define low grade malignant and high grade malignant cytologic categories in non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas. Differential counts were performed in lymphoma biopsies from 6 16 cases. In each biopsy we counted 100 lymphoma cells and classified each cell as belonging to a “small”, “medium‐sized”, or “large” cell type. The results indicate the presence of two prognostically distinct cytologic categories: a low grade and a high grade malignant. Lymphomas with less than 10%“large” cells represented low grade malignant cytology. Included in this category were also the, mainly follicular, lymphomas with more then 70%“medium‐sized” cells (up to about 25%“large” cells). In addition to the cytologic category, the architectural pattern is of major prognostic importance. We recommend the use of three prognostic categories in non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas: I) Favourable architecture + favourable cytology. II) Unfavourable architecture + favourable cytology. III) Unfavourable cytology.
Antibodies to Yersinia enterocolitica in a healthy population in Tanzania
Authors: MHALU FRED S. , MYRMEL HELGE , DIGRANES ASBJØRN , OEDING PER
Published: October 2009

A micro‐agglutination technique was used for the detection of antibodies to Yersinia enterocolitica serogroups 03,08 and 09 in sera from healthy individuals in Dar es Salaam, including 38 school children and 8 1 adults. Antibody titres > 128 to serogroup 03 were found in 2.6Y0 of the children and 0.8% of the adults, and to serogroup 09 in 5.3% ofthe children and 2.5% ofthe adults. Antibody titres > 128 serogroup 08 were not detected.
Vesicular stomatitis virus infection enhances invasiveness of Salmonella typhimurium
Authors: BUKHOLM GEIR , BJØRNLAND KRISTIN , ELLEKJÆR HANNE , BERDAL BJØRN PETER , DEGRE MIKLOS
Published: October 2009

When mouse fibroblast L‐929 cells were pre‐infected with vesicular stomatitis virus, an enhancement of invasiveness by Salmonella typhimurium was observed. The effect was more pronounced when higher virus doses were used. Short‐time (5 h) pre‐incubation with virus caused a moderate enhancement of invasiveness. When virus pre‐incubation time was increased to 8 h or 13 h, a further enhancement was observed. Results obtained after pre‐incubation with UV inactivated virus were similar to that achieved by the short‐time pre‐incubation with the corresponding viable virus preparation. This indicates (i) an early phase of virus infection, when virus causes enhancement of invasiveness that is not dependent on viral nucleic acid induced metabolism, and (ii) a later phase, when virus‐induced metabolism is necessary for the enhancement. When virus and bacteria were given concomitantly to infant mice, lethality was increased compared to groups that only received virus or bacteria. The data indicate that vesicular stomatitis virus aggravates infection with a facultatively intracellular bacterium, partly by enhancing the invasiveness of the bacteria.
Primary signet‐ring cell carcinoma of the ureter
Authors: EKFORS TAUNO O. , NURMI MARTTI
Published: October 2009

We describe here a 65‐year‐old woman with a right‐sided ureteral tumour that was treated by nephroureterectomy. The tumour appeared to be a signet‐ring cell carcinoma obstructing the lumen and infiltrating the whole thickness of the ureteral wall. No other primary site could be found, and the tumour is believed to represent the first reported case of primary signet‐ring cell carcinoma of the ureter.