bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The humoral immune response to Helicobacter pylori infection in children with recurrent abdominal pain
Authors: Andersen LEIF PERCIVAL , Wewer ANNE VIBEKE , Christiansen KARSTEN MAIDAHL , Tvede MICHAEL , Hansen JENS PETER HART , Henriksen FINN WILKENS , Krasilnikoff PETER ANDREAS
Published: August 2009

The systemic humoral immune response to Helicobacter pylori antigens was investigated in 36 children with recurrent abdominal pain (RAP). H. pylori was cultured and Helicobacter‐like organisms (HLO) were seen in six children, three of whom had active and two inactive chronic gastritis. None of these children had endoscopic abnormalities. All sex children had increased IgG antibodies to heat‐stable H. pylori antigens which were of the IgG1 and IgG3 subclasses. Using six other IgG tests, four of which were commercially available, two to five H. pylori‐positive children were found seropositive. Five of six H. pylori‐negative children with inactive chronic gastritis and no endoscopic abnormalities had increased IgM antibody levels in addition to increased or borderline increased IgG antibody levels to H. pylori, indicating activity in a chronic H. pylori infection. Five children without H. pylori and with no morphological changes, but with gastritis or duodenitis by endoscopy, had significantly lower IgG and IgA antibody levels compared to other groups. Six of nineteen children without H. pylori, and with no morphological or endoscopic changes had increased IgG and IgM antibody levels to H. pylori. All H. pylori‐negative children were seronegative by the four commercial kits. Overall, 12 (33%) of 36 children with RAP were either H. pylori positive by culture and microscopy or had increased IgG antibody levels to H. pylori, which is significantly different from the 10–14% seropositive rate of asymptomatic children. H. pylori may therefore be a cause of RAP in one quarter to one third of the children with RAP in whom other etiologies of RAP are excluded. Further studies on a large number of children are needed for an extended evaluation of the humoral immune response to H. pylori and for further examination of commercial kits which seem to give a high number of false‐negative results.
Strain‐ and age‐dependent natural and activated in vitro cytotoxicity in athymic nude mice
Authors: RADZIKOWSKI C. , BUDZYNSKI W. , RYGAARD J. , STENVANG J. P. , SCHOU M. , VANGSTED A. , ZEUTHEN J.
Published: August 2009

The defect in athymic nude mice with respect to T‐lymphocyte number and function is accompanied by increased levels of natural cytotoxicity as well as other immune reactions with potential antitumor effects. With increasing age of immunodeficient mice the take rate of xenotransplanted tumors decreases while the number of cells with T‐lymphocyte markers increases and some T‐lymphocyte‐associated functions become detectable. In the present study the natural cytotoxicity of nonadherent splenocytes from young (4–6 weeks) and aged (about 1 year) BALB/c nu/nu mice was analyzed and compared with that of splenocytes from normal euthymic young and old Balb/c mice on the one hand, and with Bar nu/nu and NCr nu/nu young and old mice on the other. To investigate a possible contribution of T lymphocytes to the cytotoxic effect in athymic mice, LAK. cells were generated. For this purpose, the nonadherent splenocytes were exposed in vitro either to IL‐2 or to anti‐CD3 mAb, specifically to activate T lymphocytes expressing TcR‐CD3 in the latter case. Cytotoxic in vitro assays were applied using YAC‐1 (NK‐sensitive) and P‐815 (NK‐resistant, LAK‐sensitive) target cells in parallel experiments in which splenocytes from young and old donors were used as effector cells. Splenocytes from young immunodeficient mice showed consistently high cytotoxicity with YAC‐1 cells. In aged athymic mice, splenocytes stimulated in vitro with anti‐CD3 mAb showed cytotoxicity to P‐815 (LAK‐sensitive) cells. FACS analyses of antigenic markers revealed an increased number of T cells in spleens of aged immunodeficient mice, with differences between mice of the examined strains and a decrease in the number of NK cells in aged mice.
Performance of four different indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) to detect specific IgG, IgA, and IgM in Legionnaires' disease
Authors: BANGSBORG JETTE M. , WRIGHT J. BARRY , SHAND GEOFFREY H. , HANSEN KLAUS
Published: August 2009

Currently recommended methods in Legionnaires' disease serology are based upon crude whole‐cell antigenic preparations. To investigate whether purified antigens would perform better in a given diagnostic test for antibodies against Legionella pneumophila, we compared the performance of three antigenic preparations of L. pneumophila serogroup 1 consisting of outer membrane protein (OMP), flagellin (FLA), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to a sonic extract (SON) in indirect immunosorbent assay (ELISA) measuring both IgG, IgA, and IgM. The reactivity of sera from 20 patients with culture‐verified Legionnaires' disease and sera from 12 patients with pneumonia and a diagnostic rise in titre by a microagglutination test (MA) was studied. Our results indicated that the SON IgA assay was the most sensitive test in both groups of patients. The LPS IgG and IgM assays, however, were the most specific tests, closely followed by the corresponding SON tests. By combining two individual assays, a maximum nosographic sensitivity of 85% could be obtained. Whereas no benefit of using purified outer membrane protein or flagella instead of a sonic extract in the indirect ELISAs was found, the LPS antigen provided a sensitive and specific alternative to the sonic extract.
Nitric oxide synthase in human placenta
Authors: KRISTOFFERSEN EINAR K. , ULVESTAD ELLING
Published: August 2009

Nitric oxide synthase is demonstrated immunohistochemically in the cytosol, on granules, and on syncytiotrophoblasts membranes. The enzyme is also detected on placental villous stroma cells, and on endothelial cells. The histochemical staining method NADPH‐diaphorase stains the syncytiotrophoblasts intensely, and stroma cells more weakly. Membranes of syncytiotrophoblasts immobilized on nitrocellulose paper are also stained by NADPH‐diaphorase, and by antisera to nitric oxide synthase. Oxidases of sex steroid synthesis do, however, influence placental trophoblasts and there are discrepancies in the staining pattern of endothelial cells. Caution should therefore be exercised when using NADPH‐diaphorase as a staining method for nitric oxide synthase in placenta.
Salmonella Typhimurium phage types from human salmonellosis in Denmark 1988–1993
Authors: WEGENER H. C. , BAGGESEN D. L. , GAARSLEV K.
Published: August 2009

A total of 989 isolates of Salmonella enterica ssp. enterica serovar Typhimurium from cases of human salmonellosis were investigated by phage typing. The isolates comprised all isolates recovered during the month of August in each of the years from 1988 to 1993. Phage typing assigned 82.6% of the strains to 36 different definitive types, 11.9% of the strains belonged to types of unknown lysis pattern (RDNC), and 5.5% could not be typed by the phages used (NT). Three phage types (12, 66 and 110) made up approximately 50% of the isolates in each of the years investigated. During the period in question these types showed major changes in prevalence: phage type 12 increased from 4.0% in 1988 to a maximum of 55.2% in 1992, and phage type 66 and phage type 110 were reduced from 40.1% and 27.8% to a minimum of 3.9% and 4.8% in 1993 and 1992, respectively. The increasing prevalence of phage type 12 among isolates from human salmonellosis most likely reflects the increasing significance of pork as a source of human salmonellosis. The reduction in phage types 66 and 110 is paralleled by a reduction in S. Typhimurium in Danish poultry. Some phage types were associated with travel, namely 17, 193 and 194. It is concluded that phage typing, although here performed retrospectively, produces valuable epidemiological information regarding changes in the relative importance of different sources of infection in humans. It is suggested that phage typing be performed prospectively on both human and animal S. Typhimurium isolates in Denmark.
Surface properties of Staphylococcus saprophyticus: hydrophobicity, haemagglutination and Staphylococcus saprophyticus surface‐associated protein (Ssp) represent distinct entities
Authors: MEYER HEINZ‐GEORG WILHELM , GATERMANN SÖREN
Published: August 2009

Cell surface hydrophobicity may contribute to virulence in urinary tract pathogens. In this study we assess the influence of differential expression of the two major surface proteins (Ssp and the haemagglutinin) of Staphylococcus saprophyticus on cell surface hydrophobicity. The haemagglutinating strain CCM883, which does not produce Ssp, was hydrophobic regardless of the growth conditions. Strain 9325, which is non‐haemagglutinating and produces Ssp, was hydrophobic only when grown in liquid media. Although these results suggest an association between the ability to express the haemagglutinin and the structure responsible for cell surface hydrophobicity, they refute any major role of Ssp and haemagglutinin in hydrophobicity. Treatment of bacteria with proteases reduces hydrophobicity, indicating that the structure mediating hydrophobicity is a protein.
Clearance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from normal rat lungs after immunization with somatic antigens or toxin A
Authors: JOHANSEN HELLE KROGH , CRYZ STANLEY J. , HØIBY NIELS
Published: August 2009

In a recent study we observed that in most Danish CF patients a period of approximately one year of intermittent colonization precedes the onset of chronic P. aeruginosa lung infection. An experimental model of acute P. aeruginosa pneumonia in normal rats was utilized to investigate the possibility of improving bacterial clearance by vaccination. Rats were immunized with either P. aeruginosa whole bacteria] sonicate, O‐polysaccharide toxin A conjugate, alginate toxin A conjugate or purified alginate. Saliva and serum samples were obtained to investigate the potential of different vaccines to induce local IgA and systemic IgM, IgG and IgA antibodies. In all immunized rats a significant (p<0.05) rise in antibody titers against the vaccine components could be demonstrated in both saliva and serum. The macroscopic pathological changes observed at 6, 24 and 48 h after bacterial challenge included a pronounced inflammatory reaction in all groups of rats, whether vaccinated or not (p>0.05). Approximately 99.5% of the initial inoculum was cleared within the first 6 h after challenge in all groups of rats (p>0.77). Four weeks after challenge no bacteria could be cultured and no sign of previous inflammation could be demonstrated in any of the groups. The results of this study show that the inflammatory reaction and the natural capacity to clear bacteria in the lungs of normal rats are very efficient against P. aeruginosa and could not be improved by immunization.
Effect of gamma‐interferon on the synthesis of the functional alternative and terminal comdement pathways by human umbilical vein endothelial cells in vitro
Authors: BERGE V. , JOHNSON E. , NAZIR M.
Published: August 2009

The cytokine gamma‐interferon (gIFN) has been reported to modulate synthesis by endothelial cells (EC) of alternative pathway complement factors (H, I, and B). However, the net effect of gIFN on the synthesis and expression of the functional alternative and terminal pathways has not yet been reported. EC cultured under serum‐free conditions were treated with different concentrations of gIFN and simultaneously co‐incubated with agarose beads, which activate the alternative pathway. C3b and the terminal complement complex (TCC) bound to co‐incubated beads were measured by radioimmunoassay using anti‐human C3c and TCC antibodies. gIFN in concentrations 5004000 U/ml increasingly reduced the amount of C3b and TCC detected on the beads. The down‐regulating effect of gIFN on EC complement biosynthesis may be physiologically relevant by locally controlling complement activation.
Serological tumor markers for small cell lung cancer and their therapeutic implications
Authors: VANGSTED ANNETTE JUUL
Published: August 2009

Serological tumor markers may become widely used as inexpensive and non‐invasive methods of cancer detection. Markers of current interest for small cell lung cancer (SCLC) comprise enzymes, peptides, proteins, and carbohydrates. None of the serological markers for SCLC have yet proven to be of diagnostic value and at present their use is limited to monitoring disease and indicating prognosis. However, whilst serological markers related to the metabolic state of SCLC cells, such as neuron‐specific enolase, serum thymidine kinase and tissue polypeptide antigen, may only be used for monitoring patients and for estimating prognosis, the other serological markers under current investigation may be used to indicate new treatment forms. Several novel approaches, including interference in the autocrine growth‐regulating loop of SCLC by either peptides or antibodies, have been tried. SCLC is a highly heterogeneous tumor with respect to antigen expression, regulation of growth, and differentiation state. It is therefore important that new interventions are directed against both antigen‐positive and antigen‐negative tumor cells. For instance, radioisotopes or enzymes coupled to antibodies may be effective by exerting toxicity at some distance from the target. Antigens expressed on SCLC cells, such as peptide receptors involved in growth regulation, carbohydrate antigens like Lewis antigens, carcinoembryonic antigen and the ganglioside fucosylGM1, provide potential targets for antibody‐conjugated therapy.
Excessive production of insulin‐like growth factor‐I by silicotic rat alveolar macrophages
Authors: CHEN FEI , DENG HONG‐YE , DING GUI‐FENG , HOUNG DA‐WU , DENG YI‐LAN , LONG ZHENG‐ZHOU
Published: August 2009

The supernatant of silicotic rat alveolar macrophages can stimulate fibroblast growth. The present study demonstrates that this activity is mainly attributed to insulin‐like growth factor‐I. Partial purification of the supernatant of alveolar macrophages, which were from silica‐exposed 5 to 6‐week‐old rats, revealed a protein peak (peak 5) eluted from a molecular‐sieve HPLC column, corresponding to a MW of 6–9 kDa. Activity assay and radioimmunoassay indicated that this peak is more potent with regard to stimulation of fibroblast growth and has higher insulin‐like growth factor‐I immuno‐reactivity, but there was no detectable activity of interleukin‐1 or tumor necrosis factor. Quantification of insulin‐like growth factor‐I also manifests elevated insulin‐like growth factor‐I levels in silicotic rat bronchoalveolar lavage fluids which tend to increase with prolongation of silica exposure in vivo, but no alteration in insulin‐like growth factor‐I level can be found in sera. These findings suggest that excessive production of insulin‐like growth factor‐I by alveolar macrophages locally may play a pivotal role in silica‐induced pulmonary interstitial fibrosis.
Effect of lymphocyte activation status on binding to endothelium
Authors: TURUNEN JUHA PEKKA
Published: August 2009

When endothelial cells (EC) were stimulated with IL‐1 and/or lymphocytes with rIL‐2 or PHA, the binding of lymphocytes to EC was increased. PMA treatment of lymphocytes alone did not increase their binding to EC, but when EC were additionally induced with IL‐1 the binding was increased. The expression of LFA‐1 was constant, whilst the expression of CD49d was increased after rIL‐2 and PHA stimulation. The PMA‐ and rIL‐2‐induced lymphocyte binding to IL‐1‐induced EC was inhibited by anti‐CD11a, CD18 and CD49d mAbs; on the other hand, the enhanced binding of PHA‐stimulated lymphocytes to EC could not be blocked by these mAbs. These results show that activation of lymphocytes by various stimuli leads to different usage of adhesion pathways in their binding to inflammatory EC.
Tumour necrosis factor and eicosanoid production from monocytes exposed to HTV in vitro
Authors: SKØT J. , KABRIT P. , HANSEN J.‐E. S. , NIELSEN J. O. , LUNDGREN J. D. , NIELSEN L.
Published: August 2009

We investigated the hypothesis that exposure of monocytes to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) augments production of proinflammatory mediators. The production of tumour necrosis factor a (TNF‐α) and the eicosanoids PGE2 and LTB4 from human monocytes was evaluated after exposure to two strains of HIV (SSI‐002 or HIV‐1IIIB). After 16 h incubation with low doses of SSI‐002, lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated TNF‐α production was enhanced 70–85% while PGE2 production was decreased. Heat‐inactivated virus failed to alter the production of these mediators. Higher viral doses tended to decrease TNF‐α and PGE2 production concomitantly, but this might be due to toxicity. HIV‐1IIIB had no effect on either TNF‐α or PGE2 production. Calcium ionophore‐stimulated LTB4 production was doubled by HIV‐lIIIB, but significantly decreased by SSI‐002. Three or seven days after exposure to both HIV strains, increased PGE2 production was found. In conclusion, HIV only modestly altered the production of mediators from monocytes. The effects were strain‐specific. In most experiments a second stimulus was required to demonstrate differences.
Development of granulomas and vascular fibrocellular proliferation in the lungs of pigs receiving long‐term lipid‐based parenteral nutrition
Authors: AKSNES J. , ÅBERG T. , FOERSTER A. , HOVIG T. , SCHMIDT H. , NORDSTRAND K.
Published: August 2009

The lungs of pigs receiving long‐term total parenteral nutrition (TPN) have been studied. A total of 20 pigs were tentatively infused with TPN through central venous catheters for 7 weeks. To secure adequate nutrition and gastrointestinal absorbance of nutrients, an additional full oral diet was given to eight of these animals. Fifteen control animals received Ringer solution through central venous catheters in addition to the oral diet. All animals infused with TPN for 7 weeks developed lung granulomas, a finding not observed in control animals. No lung granulomas were seen in three TPN animals sacrificed after 3 to 5 weeks owing to illness. All TPN animals also developed tissue reactions suggesting long‐standing lung vascular inflammation. Similar vascular changes were seen in seven control animals that had bacterial infection or endotoxemia. The total amount of neutral fat in lung homogenate tended to increase in animals given TPN, and the linoleic acid content was significantly increased. In conclusion, long‐term TPN caused lung granulomas in pigs. Vascular damage seemed to be accelerated by bacterial infection as well as by the TPN. The tissue reactions presumably involved long‐term activation of monocytes/macrophages.
Necrotizing lymphadenitis of the neck (Kikuchi's disease)
Authors: HUSSEIN AZIZ , HELLQUIST HENRIK B.
Published: August 2009

Kikuchi's histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis is a benign condition originally described in the Japanese literature in 1972. We here describe the clinicopathological features, including fine needle aspirate and bone marrow biopsy, of a case of Kikuchki's disease, which to our knowledge is the first reported from a Scandinavian country. The histopathological features of the enlarged lymph nodes were documented by multiple small necrotic foci snowing karyorrhectic debris and haemorrhage. The necrotic foci were surrounded by a mantle of large histiocytic‐like cells with vesicular nuclei and clear cytoplasm. The nodal architecture was almost completely effaced and the node infiltrated by a mixture of lymphoid cells of variable size. Neutrophils, eosinophils, and plasma cells were very few. The fine needle aspirate biopsy showed a mixture of small dark lymphocytes, larger activated lymphocytes, and many histiocytes. The bone marrow biopsy showed normal haematopoiesis but some large cells with phagocytosed leukocytes, i.e. similar to haemophagocytosis. Kikuchi's disease has a predilection for lymph nodes in the neck of young women, and is usually self‐limited and subsides in 1 to 4 months. The patient described in this report received no treatment. Within 5 weeks the fever subsided and the lymph nodes diminished in size. One year later the patient is well and free of disease. We emphasize the benign nature of Kikuchi's disease, and that SLE and malignant lymphoma are the majori differential diagnoses.
Partial moles with maze‐like vascular anomaly
Authors: KLAUSEN SIRI , LARSEN LISE GRUPE
Published: August 2009

Two cases of combined maze‐like vascular anomaly and partial mole are described. Immunohisto‐chemical staining showed the abnormal vessels to be of endothelial origin. The vessels had been a functioning part of the fetal circulation. Both partial moles were triploid, and both were evacuated in the second trimester.
Gastropathies in the Lundehund
Authors: KOLBJØRNSEN Ø. , PRESS C. McL. , LANDSVERK T.
Published: August 2009

The results from gross and microscopic examination of the stomachs of Lundehunds and examination of stomachs of control dogs from other breeds were compared. Over a 13‐year period, 12 of 14 autopsied Lundehunds have been diagnosed as having intestinal lymphangiectasia. In the present study, histological examination revealed gastritis as manifested by an increase in the number of mononuclear cells infiltrating the lamina propria in all the Lundehunds. The inflammation was chronic and restricted to the fundic and body regions, except in one Lundehund where antral gastritis was also present. Computer‐assisted morphometric analysis was used to quantify the increased number of mononuclear cells. Atrophy of mucosal fundic glands was prominent in most Lundehunds and mucous metaplasia was often present. Conventional morphometry revealed a significant decrease in the height of the gastric mucosa. A relative expansion in area of the basal part of the lamina propria in Lundehunds with chronic atrophic gastritis corresponded to the observed increase in mononuclear cells and stromal elements. Primary gastric carcinoma with neoplastic cells infiltrating layers of the stomach wall was found in four Lundehunds. The high incidence of gastric carcinoma and the consistent presence of gastritis in Lundehunds suffering from intestinal lymphangiectasia suggest that these changes represent features of a single pathogenetic process.
Seroprevalence of hepatitis and HTV infection among rural pregnant women in Cameroon
Authors: NDUMBE PETER M. , SKALSKY JÜRG , JOLLER‐JEMELKA H. I.
Published: August 2009

Since some hepatitis viruses and the human immunodeficiency viruses share common modes of transmission, such as the sexual route, we undertook to investigate the prevalence of antibodies to these and other pathogens among 384 rural pregnant women. Our study was intended to form the basis of infection management policies in pregnancy. Antibodies and other markers of the hepatitis A, B, C, and D viruses (HAV, HBV, HCV, HDV), the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) and Treponema pallidum were sought. We tested for antibodies to the viruses using the appropriate enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. HCV and HIV‐1 infection were confirmed using standard immunoblotting techniques. Regarding HBV, we tested for the surface antigen (HBsAg), antibody to the surface antigen (anti‐HBs) and antibody to the core antigen (anti‐HBc). A non‐specific test, the rapid plasma reagin test (RPR), was used for estimating Treponema pallidum (syphilis) infection. We found an overall prevalence of antibodies to HAV of 91.4%, to HCV of 6.8%, to HDV of 0%, and to HIV‐1 of 3.5%. We found no IgM antibodies to HAV. The incidence of HBV markers was as follows: 5.4% for HBsAg, 61.3% for anti‐HBs, and 84.6% for anti‐HBc. RPR reactivity was found in 15.8% of the women. These results will be used to establish appropriate management and preventative policies for women attending the antenatal clinic. Prevention and appropriate early treatment of infections in these women will be considered.
Immunoelectron microscopy of antigens of Bordetella pertussis using monoclonal antibodies to agglutinogens 2 and 3, filamentous haemagglutinin, pertussis toxin, pertactin and adenylate cyclase toxin
Authors: BLOM JENS , HERON IVER , HENDLEY J. OWEN
Published: August 2009

Immunogold electron microscopy and monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) were used to localize surface‐related antigens of Bordetella pertussis. Unfixed organisms of B. pertussis strains which are included in the Danish whole‐cell pertussis vaccine and fixed cells from a vial of vaccine were examined. Mabs to agglutinogens 2 and 3 labelled fimbria‐like structures on both live and fixed cells in a serotype‐specific manner. Mab against pertactin, a 69 kDa outer membrane protein, produced intense labelling of the surface of unfixed cells, whereas staining was reduced when fixed cells were examined. Mabs against filamentous haemagglutinin (FHA) stained aggregates of material between or adherent to both live and fixed cells. Negligible labelling of FHA on cell surfaces was observed. Mabs to pertussis toxin and adenylate cyclase toxin labelled loose‐structured material which was adherent to or between cells, but neither of these toxin antigens was expressed on the surface of B. pertussis in Mab recognizable form. It is therefore suggested that these antigens are readily dispersed after exit from the outer membrane of B. pertussis.
Polymerase chain reaction as a rapid diagnostic assay for cytomegalovirus infection in renal transplant patients
Authors: LISBY GORM , DESSAU RAM B. , ANDERSEN CLAUS B. , LADEFOGED SØREN
Published: August 2009

The aim of this study was to apply a polymerase chain reaction for diagnosis of CMV infection and determine its clinical value in renal transplant recipients. We have applied the PCR to urine and blood specimens collected from 27 renal transplant recipients as well as blood from 49 normal blood donors. Ten of twenty‐seven patients, compared to 3 of 49 normal blood donors, had CMV‐DNA present in one or more samples. Six of the ten CMV‐DNA‐positive patients had positive CMV serology, and 3 of the 10 had severe clinical symptoms of active CMV infection. In four additional patients with positive CMV serology — but without clinical signs of active CMV infection — no CMV‐DNA could be detected by the PCR. In the three patients with severe symptoms, PCR could detect CMV‐DNA before serology became positive, and in one of these three patients, serology remained negative despite the patient's death from clinically obvious CMV pneumonia. PCR thus appears capable of detecting active CMV infection at a time when CMV serology is inconclusive, but cannot substitute for serology as the only routine analysis since a transient viraemia might be missed. However, in immunosup‐pressed patients with severe CMV infection, PCR could provide an early diagnosis, enabling the clinician to implement early specific treatment.
Oncofetal fibronectins in oral carcinomas:
Authors: MANDEL ULLA , DABELSTEEN ERIK , GAGGERO BARBARA , REIBEL JESPER , THERKILDSEN MARIANNE HAMILTON , CLAUSEN HENRIK
Published: August 2009

Different isoforms of fibronectin are derived from a single gene by alternative processing of the primary RNA transcript or by posttranslational modifications. We have previously demonstrated that an oncofetal fibronectin (FN) isoform derived by O‐glycosylation is highly associated with malignancy in breast and oral tumors. Another oncofetal FN isoform containing the ED‐B sequence is derived by alternative splicing, and FN containing ED‐B has been found to be a stromal marker of malignancies in various tissues. Here we report a comparative study by immunohistology of the distribution of the ED‐B‐containing isoform and the oncofetal FN isoform derived by O‐glycosylation, in oral squamous cell carcinomas, premalignant lesions, and normal oral mucosa. A selective expression of the ED‐B‐containing isoform was demonstrated in close relation to the invading carcinoma (38/38), whereas there was virtually no staining in submucosa underlying premalignant lesions (1/11) and normal epithelium (0/5). The ED‐B‐containing FN showed close co‐distribution and staining pattern with the oncofetal isoform derived by O‐glycosylation. These results demonstrate that accumulation of FN adjacent to oral carcinomas includes both the ED‐B‐containing isoform and the isoform derived by O‐glycosylation. Although both the change in primary structure and glycosylation of FN create conformational and immunologically detectable changes, the functional consequences in association with invasive carcinoma are poorly understood at present. Diagnostic implications especially of borderline lesions as well as evaluation of tumor aggresiveness may, however, be important.
Infection with human cytomegalovirus enhances bacterial adhesiveness and invasiveness in permissive and semipermissive cells
Authors: HOLBERG‐PETERSEN M. , BUKHOLM G. , ROLLAG H. , DEGRÉ M.
Published: August 2009

The effect of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection on adhesiveness and invasiveness of Salmonella typhimurium was examined in cells permissive (human embryo fibroblasts (HE)), semipermissive (A549) and nonpermissive (HEp‐2) for the virus. Preinfection of the cells with HCMV induced enhanced adhesiveness and invasiveness of bacteria in the permissive HE cells. In the semipermissive A549 cells, where HCMV immediate‐early (IE) mRNA transcripts and IE proteins were detected, a significant effect on the initial phase of invasiveness, the adherence phase, was demonstrated. HCMV had no effect on invasiveness of S. typhimurium in nonpermissive HEp‐2 cells. Neither HCMV IE transcripts nor IE proteins could be detected in these cells.
Gastric carcinoma: Correlation of diagnosis based on biopsies and resection specimens with reference to the Laurén classification
Authors: JÓNASSON LÁRUS , HALLGRÍMSSON JONAS , ÓLAFSDÓTTIR GUDRÍDUR
Published: August 2009

Gastric carcinomas in 382 patients were studied histologically and the results from the preoperative endoscopic biopsies were compared with those from the resected specimens. Using the Lauren classification an overall histological diagnostic agreement between the two specimens was reached in 317 cases, or 83%. The highest diagnostic agreement, 87%, was for intestinal carcinomas. For diffuse carcinomas the diagnostic agreement was 75%. The disagreement in intestinal carcinomas was mainly due to foci of undifferentiated cells and/or signet‐ring cells predominating in the biopsy. The disagreement in diffuse carcinomas was mainly because glandular structures were present at the surface in some of the cases and therefore led to an erroneous diagnosis of intestinal carcinoma. In conclusion, the intestinal type of gastric carcinoma can in most cases be diagnosed correctly from an endoscopic biopsy, whereas the diagnosis of a diffuse carcinoma is less accurate until the resected specimen is available for histological study.
Thyroid autoantibodies in serum samples with abnormal TSH levels
Authors: KONTIAINEN SIRKKA , MELAMIES LIISA , MIETTINEN AARO , WEBER TEDDY
Published: August 2009

Serum samples with normal and abnormal levels of thyrotropin (TSH) were tested for thyroid autoantibodies. Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies were detected by a radioimmunoassay (RIA) and by an agglutination method, and thyroglobulin (Tg) antibodies by an agglutination method. Elevated levels of TPO antibodies were detected in 47% of samples with abnormal and in 12% of samples with normal levels of TSH (p<0.001). Sixty‐one percent of the biochemically hypothyroid and 26% of the biochemically hyperthyroid samples contained these antibodies (p<0.001). Tg antibodies were only detected together with TPO antibodies. Testing of TPO antibodies from samples with abnormal TSH levels is discussed.
Epidemiology of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: SILMAN A. J.
Published: August 2009

Rheumatoid arthritis remains the most important form of arthritis seen in rheumatological practice in the developed world. It presents some tantalizing epidemiological features. It is a relatively rare disease particularly in young life. It has a marked female excess in all populations studied. There are suggestions that it might be declining in incidence, though the reasons for this are unexplained. The geographical distribution of the disease is remarkably homogeneous. There is evidence of a genetic factor as witnessed by familial aggregation particularly by increased disease occurrence in identical twins; though the large majority of such twins remain disease discordant throughout life. Whilst undoubtedly one of the most important genetic factors in explaining disease occurrence is located in HLA class II, genes encoded in this region are neither necessary nor sufficient on their own for disease development. The female excess remains unexplained but it suggests a hormonal basis for disease development. Factors supporting this hypothesis include the observed protective effect of the oral contraceptive pill, the increased risk in women who are nulliparous and the increased susceptibility to disease during the first three months postpartum. This latter finding may be linked with breast feeding: women who have breast fed, particularly after their first pregnancy, have an increased risk for disease development. It is possible that this is explained by a massive increase in circulating prolactin levels.
Application of an immunocolloid gold technique for the ultrastructural demonstration of IgE‐receptor complexes on rat mast cells
Authors: CHEN XIAO‐JUN , ENERBÄCK LENNART
Published: August 2009

In previous works using cytofluorometry, we demonstrated a broad range of IgE and IgE‐receptor levels within individual mast cell populations with a 60 to 80% occupancy of the IgE receptors on mast cells by native IgE. This study was performed in order to confirm our previous findings using an independent method and to visualize the distribution of IgE‐receptor complexes on mast cells at an ultrastructural level. For this purpose an indirect immunocolloidal gold‐labelling technique has been applied. By counting the number of labelled gold particles, a relative measure of IgE‐receptor surface expression and IgE occupancy of the receptors could be obtained. With respect to mast cell morphology and anti‐IgE binding specificity criteria, 1% glutaraldehyde+4% paraformaldehyde (1 : 1, vol/vol) was found to be the best of the seven fixatives applied in this study. This technique revealed numerous gold particles on the surface of mast cells from barrier‐maintained rats (26±11 per mast cell section, mean±SD). Increased numbers of gold particles were counted if the mast cells were incubated with rat myeloma IgE (20 μg/ml) (46±33 per mast cell section, mean±SD). There were significantly increased numbers of gold particles on the mast cells of rats infected with N. brasiliensis (126±30 per mast cell section, mean±SD). This indicates that some of the IgE receptors (about 50% of the total number of IgE receptors in this case) on mast cells were occupied by native IgE and that parasite infection significantly increased the number of IgE molecules on the surface of the mast cells. These results correspond with the findings we have made using the cytofluorometric technique and confirm the large individual variations in the density of IgE receptors and IgE among the mast cells of a given cell population. Macrophages, lymphocytes and eosinophils, carrying the low‐affinity IgE receptors (FcεRII), contained less than 5 (normal rats after incubation in rat IgE) or 10 (nematode‐infected rats) gold particles per cell section. We also observed some non‐granulated lymphocyte‐like cells which bound a large number of gold particles after incubation with rat myeloma IgE (20 μg/ml), indicating that they contained IgE receptors (FcεRI). They were interpreted as mast cell precursors which have previously been shown to exist in the peritoneal cavity.
IgG antibody response in bacterial endocarditis using ELISA with multiple antigens
Authors: KJERULF ANNE , ESPERSEN FRANK , TVEDE MICHAEL
Published: August 2009

By means of enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) the antibody responses were detected in sera from normal persons (n=275), patients with various types of bacteremia (n=137), and patients with endocarditis (n=28). Four ELISAs were evaluated. As antigens ultrasonic extracts of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis, and nonhemolytic streptococci were used. The antibody levels against S. aureus increased with age, while antibodies against the other bacteria showed no age variation. The different ELISA systems showed many serological cross‐reactions. The ELISA in this limited material was 72% successful in identifying cases of bacterial endocarditis caused by S. aureus (diagnostic sensitivity 84%; diagnostic specificity 89%), while in other cases of bacterial endocarditis it was less successful.
Increase in CD4+ and CD45RO+ memory T cells in the nasal mucosa of allergic patients
Authors: KARLSSON MATS G. , DAVIDSSON ÅKE , HELLQUIST HENRIK B.
Published: August 2009

By means of immunocytochemistry we have investigated subsets of T lymphocytes in frozen sections of nasal mucosa from patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis and healthy control persons. All participants were subjected to time‐course provocation during the non‐pollen season, and samples were taken during provocation as well as during the natural pollen season. Computerized image analysis was applied for evaluation of the immunostained lymphocytes. CD45RO+ memory T cells outnumbered the remaining leukocyte populations in the mucosa of both allergic patients and controls on all occasions. During the repeat provocation there was no difference in numerical values, with respect to any of the five leukocyte subpopulations studied (CD4, CD8, CD25, CD45RA and CD45RO), between patients and controls. However, during continuous exposure in the pollen season a significant increase in CD4+ cells was observed in allergic patients compared to before provocation (p<0.05). No changes were observed with respect to CD8+ and CD25+ cells. Similarly, an increase in CD45RO+ memory was found in allergic patients during the pollen season compared to the non‐pollen season (p<0.02). This latter finding was, however, only evident in the patients who did not use nasal corticosteroids. Hence the present investigation has demonstrated an allergen‐induced increase in CD4+ and CD45RO+ memory T cells in the mucosa of allergic patients during the pollen season. These events may constitute a cellular basis for local continuous production of certain cytokines, particularly interleukin‐4, which is essential for IgE synthesis.
Helicobacter pylori infection and fasting serum gastrin levels in a series of endoscopically diagnosed gastric polyps
Authors: VARIS OLLI , LAXÉN FRANK , VALLE JULIO
Published: August 2009

The occurrence of H. pylori infection and the levels of fasting serum gastrin (SEGA) were examined in 97 patients with different morphological types of endoscopically diagnosed gastric polyps. According to the histology of the polyps the series was divided into three groups: inflammatory polyps (43 cases), polyps with foveolar hyperplasia (25 cases), and hyperplastic polyps including adenomas (29 cases). The prevalence of H. pylori infection was significantly lower in patients with hyperplastic polyps (45%) and foveolar hyperplasia (48%) than in the group with inflammatory polyps (81%). SEGA levels were higher in patients with hyperplastic polyps (mean±sd: 335±298 pmol/l) and foveolar hyperplasia (183±216) than in patients with inflammatory polyps (89±127). Signs of so‐called “autoimmune” gastritis, i.e. corpus atrophy and presence of parietal cell antibodies, were commonly found in patients with hyperplastic polyps and foveolar hyperplasia, but rarely in patients with inflammatory polyps. These results suggest that the polyps with hyperplastic changes (hyperplastic polyps and foveolar hyperplasia) are in some of the cases closely related to autoimmune gastritis. The presence of corpus atrophy, hypoacidity and various types of metaplasia, which characterizes autoimmune gastritis, could explain the low prevalence of H. pylori and the high SEGA levels found in these patients.
Increased mineral dust‐induced production of reactive oxygen species by blood monocytes from patients with malignant diseases
Authors: NYBERG PETER W. , NORDMAN SUSANN A. S. , KLOCKARS MATTI L. G.
Published: August 2009

Mononuclear leukocytes were isolated from the peripheral blood of 15 patients with malignant pulmonary diseases, 17 patients with pulmonary infections, 18 patients with chest film abnormalities of non‐malignant, non‐infectious etiology, and 15 healthy persons. The cells were exposed to zymosan yeast, BCG vaccine, quartz, or chrysotile asbestos, and the subsequent production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured by luminol‐dependent chemiluminescence. All the stimulants caused significantly higher ROS production in the patient groups than in the healthy control group, and the asbestos‐induced ROS production was significantly more pronounced in the cancer group than in the two non‐cancer patient groups combined. After one‐year follow‐up, 5 of the 15 cancer patients were alive, and these patients had significantly lower mineral dust‐induced ROS responses at the time of diagnosis than were found in the patients who died. This result was verified in a subsequent study comprising 19 patients with malignant pulmonary disorders (6 alive after one year). In conclusion, monocytes from patients with malignant diseases seem to be primed for an increased ROS production, and high ROS responses seem to correlate with a poor one‐year survival of the patients.
Early entry of plasma proteins into damaged neurons in brain infarcts
Authors: LØBERG E. M. , HASSEL B. , FONNUM F. , TORVIK A.
Published: August 2009

Entry of plasma proteins into damaged neurons has previously been demonstrated in various pathological conditions, but little is known about brain infarcts in this respect. In the present study, focal ischemic lesions were produced in rats by permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). The animals were killed from 1 to 48 h postlesion. Leakage of plasma proteins across the blood‐brain barrier into the infarcted area was visualized with immunostaining 2–3 h after the occlusion. This is earlier than in most previous reports. Entry of plasma proteins into ischemic neurons was seen 3 h after permanent occlusion of the MCA, while reliable changes were not seen until 12–24 h in sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H & E). Ischemic neurons stained for plasma proteins irrespective of their morphological appearance. Even cells that appeared normal with H & E staining were positively labeled. The technique may be used to diagnose very early ischemic lesions.
p53 immunohistochemical positivity as a prognostic marker in intracranial tumours
Authors: SOINI YLERMI , NIEMELÄ ASKO , KAMEL DIA , HERVA RIITTA , BLOIGU RISTO , PÄÄKKÖ PAAVO , VÄHÄKANGAS KIRSI
Published: August 2009

The frequency and scale of positive p53 immunohistochemistry in 107 intracranial tumours of different types was studied as a possible prognostic marker using a polyclonal antibody CM‐1 which detects both the wild‐type and mutated p53 proteins. Fifty of the tumours (46.7%) showed nuclear p53 positivity with different percentages of positive nuclei. The positivity was concentrated in glial tumours of which 52.8% were positive. Forty‐two of seventy‐four astrocytomas (56.8%), 4 of 12 oligodendrogliomas (33.3%), and 1 of 3 ependymomas (33.3%) showed p53‐positive nuclei. Cytoplasmic positivity, found in 25 astrocytomas, was always associated with nuclear positivity. Some p53‐positive nuclei were seen in 16.7% of the non‐gliomatous tumours, but in all cases p53 positivity was seen in less than 1% of the nuclei. The patients with astrocytomas containing more than 5% p53‐positive nuclei were younger (mean 27.3 years) (p=0.016) and their tumours larger in diameter (mean 4.4 cm) (p=0.05) than those with p53‐negative astrocytomas (mean 41.0 years and mean 3.3 cm, respectively). In p53‐positive (≥1% of nuclei) grade IV astrocytomas, survival time was significantly shorter (mean 7.2 months) than in p53‐negative grade IV astrocytomas (mean 15.5 months (p=0.024). The results indicate frequent p53 expression in intracranial tumours, especially in gliomas. The association of p53 positivity with young age, larger tumour size, and poor prognosis in high‐grade astrocytomas suggests that p53 may be involved in the development of more aggressive types of intracranial tumours. According to these results, p53 immunohistochemical positivity may serve as a prognostic marker in high‐grade astrocytomas.
Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis in individual and pooled endocervical and urethral scrapes by a commercially available polymerase chain reaction
Authors: LISBY GORM , SCHEIBEL JENS , ABRAHAMSSON LARS‐OLOF , CHRISTENSEN ELSE SKYTTE , PALOHEIMO SAKARI
Published: August 2009

The aim of this study was to compare a commercially available PCR kit (Amplicor, Roche) with our present routine analysis (SYVA EIA) for the detection of genital C. trachomatis infection in females. Furthermore, we wished to investigate the possibility of pooling samples for PCR analysis. Two hundred and sixty‐eight consecutive female patients attending two gynecology clinics in Copenhagen, Denmark were included in this study. Compared to the number of samples regarded as true positives, PCR had a sensitivity of 100% (18/18) and EIA a sensitivity of 83.3% (15/18). The specificity of the PCR analysis was 99.2% (248/250) compared to 100% (250/250) for the EIA. By pooling patient samples (five patient samples in each pooled sample), a 39% reduction in reagent costs was obtained without affecting the sensitivity. In conclusion, the implementation of a standardized commercially available C. trachomatis PCR kit leads to a marked increase in analytical sensitivity compared to EIA without affecting the specificity. When pooled samples were analyzed, the cost per patient sample was reduced, but further large‐scale studies are needed to rule out the possibility of a reduced sensitivity due to the dilution of individual patient samples.
Bacterial interference in vitro
Authors: JOHANSSON ANDERS , BERGENHOLTZ AXEL , HOLM STIG E.
Published: August 2009

The aim of the present study was to compare two methods for estimation of bacterial growth interference between various bacteria using a Bioscreen robot analyzer, allowing kinetic documentation, and a cocultivation test on blood agar plates. Six laboratory strains with different virulence and growth requirements were used: Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Streptococcus mitis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The interference activity was correlated with a reference system of Streptococcus sanguis (strain α 89) and Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococci, GAS serotypes T 9 and T 22). The methods used and results obtained were as follows: 1. Estimation of synergistic and antagonistic bacterial interferences using a Bioscreen robot analyzer. Suspensions of viable bacteria were added to microtiter plates with different concentrations of UV light‐killed bacteria in liquid media. The Bioscreen analyzer monitored bacterial growth every 10 min for 24 h giving kinetic data during the growth period. Synergisms as well as antagonisms were demonstrated between the tested bacterial strains which have not earlier been reported in the literature. However, the antagonistic effect observed between the six strains was less than that induced by the S. sanguis strain on the two strains of S. pyogenes. 2. Cocultivation of bacterial strains on blood agar surface with precultivated or simultaneously stamped interfering bacteria indicated no detectable interference between the six tested bacterial strains, while the S. sanguis strain inhibited the growth of S. pyogenes strains as well as the hemolysis around the colonies. The Bioscreen method was found more sensitive for testing bacterial interference compared to the commonly used blood agar test.