bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EXPERIMENTAL ENDOCARDITIS IN RABBITS.
Authors: Gutschik Ernö , Norwood Robert S. , MøLler Susanne , Olling Sante
Published: August 2010

In order to investigate the course of Serratia marcescens endocarditis in groups of rabbits with and without an indwelling catheter, 130 rabbits were pretreated to produce left‐sided endocarditis. Three clinical isolates of S. marcescens were used to infect the rabbits, i.e. CDC 013 (serum sensitive, proteolytic), SM 104 (serum resistant, proteolytic) and SM 55 (highly serum resistant, non‐proteolytic). Ten rabbits with an indwelling catheter were challenged with CDC 013 and none of them died or showed evidence of endocarditis 28 days later. In groups of rabbits with indwelling catheters which were challenged with SM 104 or SM 55 there was a high incidence of endocarditis (19/20, 18/20, respectively), while groups without catheters inoculated with the same strains had a lower incidence (5/20, 15/20, respectively). In contrast to earlier observations with Streptococcus faecalis, the clinical and pathological data were not significantly influenced by the presence or absence of proteolytic capacity of the infecting strains. The results indicate that the ability of S. marcescens to establish endocarditis depends significantly on the degree of serum resistance of the strains. This difference was only demonstrable in experiments without an indwelling catheter during the infection period. The distrurbing influence of an indwelling catheter is discussed, and it is concluded that experimental models using indwelling catheters are inappropriate for studies on the pathophysiology of endocarditis.
CHARACTERISTICS OF ANTISERA AGAINST PERIODATE‐RESISTANT MEMBRANE ANTIGENS FROM. NEISSERIA GONORRHOEAE
Authors: Rø Sissel F. , Eggset Guri , Iversen Ole‐Jan , Mæland Johan A.
Published: August 2010

Crude outer membrane (OM) was prepared by extraction of bacteria of the Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains 8551, V, and VII, with an EDTA‐containing buffer. The preparations contained the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and at least 10 proteins as shown by SDS‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Immunization of rabbits with untreated OM resulted in production of antibodies against several antigens, including LPS. Antisera raised against periodate‐treated OM did not contain antibodies against LPS. These latter antisera agglutinated heat‐treated (100°C, 60 min) gonoccal cells by means of antibodies to one or more common agglutinogens and against a strain‐specific agglutinogen that was susceptible to digestion with proteolytic enzymes. Both slide agglutination and a plate agglutination test could be used to detect antibodies against these agglutinogens.
COMPARISON OF SEROLOGICAL TESTS FOR DETECTION OF MYCOPLASMA HOMINIS ANTIBODIES IN FEMALE GRIVET MONKEYS WITH EXPERIMENTALLY INDUCED SALPINGITIS
Authors: MÖLLER BIRGER R.
Published: August 2010

Four serological tests, viz. indirect hemagglutination (IHA), metabolism inhibition (MI), immunofluorescence (IMF), and a modification of the growth‐inhibition (GI) test have been compared for the detection of antibodies against Mycoplasma hominis in female grivet monkeys with experimentally induced pelvic inflammatory disease. Moreover, cold hemagglutinins (CHA), and immunoglobulins, M, G, and A have been determined. The IHA test was found to be superior to the other methods used. The antibodies were present in all inoculated monkeys two weeks after the inoculation and a maximum in titre occurred one week later. Antibodies detected by the modified GI test occurred in all monkeys inoculated with the organism together with the IHA antibodies, but the maximum in titre was less marked. The IMF test was less sensitive than the GI test; the antibodies generally occurred later and disappeared faster. Using the MI test, no antibodies could be detected in any of the monkeys during the experimental period and no CHA antibodies were found in any of the sera. IgM rose earlier and declined more rapidly than IgG. It is concluded that the IHA test is most suitable for the measurement of serum antibodies caused by infection with M. hominis in grivet monkeys. The modified GI test, although less sensitive, may also be useful because of its simplicity in performance.
DIFFUSION‐IN‐GEL ENZYME LINKED IMMUNOSORBENT ASSAY (DIG‐ELISA) FOR DETECTION OF ANTIBODIES TO YERSINIA ENTEROCOLITICA O:3
Authors: LANGE STEFAN , GUNNARSSON HARRIET , LARSSON PETER , NYGREN HAKAN
Published: August 2010

The Diffusion‐In‐Gel Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (DIG‐ELISA) is a new and simple method for the quantitation of antibodies. The prodedure is based on the ability of the antibodies to diffuse from wells in gel in petri dishes and adsorb to an antigen coated to the plastic surface prior to testing. The antigen‐antibody reaction is visualized with horseradish‐peroxidase conjugated class‐specific anti‐immunoglobulins. The DIG‐ELISA permits detection of 0.1 μg/ml of specific antibodies. This method was used to determine the IgG, IgA and IgM antibody levels to Yersinia enterocolitica O:3 in sera from patients with antibody titres to this microorganism, as determined by direct agglutination and complement‐fixation tests. The DIG‐ELISA IgG antibody values, in contrast to IgA and IgM, correlated well to titres obtained by the direct agglutination method. Low degrees of correlations were found for all three immunoglobulin classes when compared to the complement fixation test.
GENETIC TRANSFORMATION OF STREPTOCOCCUS SANGUIS
Authors: GAUSTAD P. , ERIKSEN JORUNN
Published: August 2010

Two new media were developed, containing only the dialyzable components of Todd Hewitt broth (TH) with (medium II) or without (medium IV) inactivated horse serum. The two media were used to detect activity of the competence factor (CF) and the competence factor inactivator (CFI) of Streptococcus sanguis, and in preliminary experiments of CF isolation. Because all the disolved substances with molecular weight (mol. wt.) <12,000 can be removed from these media by dialysis, leaving the CF and possible other high mol. wt. substances formed by growth in the dialysis tube, the use of these media should facilitate the isolation of CF and other high mol. wt. substances involved in genetic transformation of S. sanguis. Dialysis experiments suggest a mol. wt. >12,000 of the CFs of the strains Challis and 13b. The CF of strain 13b was further isolated by Sephadex gel filtration and was eluted in the fractions of low mol. wt. compounds.
STAPHYLOCOCCI PRODUCING A NON‐IMMUNE PRECIPITATION LINE WITH HUMAN SERUM
Authors: Osland Arve
Published: August 2010

When grown on brain heart agar plates. Staphylococcus capitis, S. warneri and S. xylosus produced a precipitation line with normal human serum in the double diffusion test. Eight other staphylococcal species did not produce this line. Of 20 strains of S. capitis, all produced the precipitation line, and the type strain of S. capitis produced the precipitation line against the sera from eight animal species. The precipitation is not caused by protein A and it is not an immune reaction because the serum component is in the albumin fraction of serum when fractionated on Sephadex G‐200.
EFFECT OF INTERFERON PREPARATIONS ON THE UPTAKE OF NON‐OPSONIZED ESCHERICHIA COLI BY MOUSE PERITONEAL MACROPHAGES
Authors: ROLLAG HALVOR , DEGRÉ MIKLOS
Published: August 2010

Uptake of non‐opsonized Escherichia coli by mouse peritoneal macrophages (MPM) is influenced by pre‐treatment of MPM with homologous interferon preparations. Incubation of MPM with 102‐103 units of interferon per ml for 18 hours resulted in a 30–70 per cent increase in the phagocytosis rate as well as maximal phagocytic capacity. This effect was time dependent. At least seven hours of interferon pre‐treatment and a phagocytosis period of 90 minutes were necessary for a statistically significant increase of the phagocytosis. Treatment of MPM with high concentrations of interferon (i.e. more than 104 units per ml) had a depressive effect on the phagocytosis. Both the enhancing and the depressive effects were characterized by the standard physico‐chemical properties of interferons. Both effects were species specific. The phagocytosis enhancing effect was neutralized by anti‐interferon serum.
THE Ibc PROTEIN FRACTION OF GROUP B STREPTOCOCCI: CHARACTERIZATION OF PROTEIN ANTIGENS EXTRACTED BY HC1
Authors: BEVANGER LARS , IVERSEN OLE‐JAN
Published: August 2010

The Ibc protein fraction of group B streptococci was prepared by HC1 extraction of the type Ic strains A909 and 335. The fraction from strain A909 contained two protein antigens (αA909 and βA909) that could be separated by ion‐exchange chromatography and isoelectric focusing. The 335 extract contained the α (α335) — but not the β antigen. The α335 antigen was purified by similar procedures. The βA909 antigen had a molecular weight of several hundred thousands, was immunogenic in rabbits and dissociated into several polypeptides on SDS‐PAGE. Polypeptides with sub‐unit molecular weights corresponding to 70,000, 45,000, and 23,000 daltons showed antigenic activity. The α335 antigen had a molecular weight of approximately 75,000 daltons as judged from gel filtration and SDS‐PAGE. The antigen was immunogenic in rabbits. In contrast, the αA909 antigen showed neither protein lines on SDS‐PAGE, nor immunogenicity in rabbits. However, the two α antigens showed serological crossreactivity in tests with the anti‐α335 serum.
PRECIPITATING CARBOHYDRATE ANTIGENS OF BACTEROIDES FRAGILIS NCTC 9343
Authors: HOFSTAD TOR
Published: August 2010

An antigen fraction isolated by various forms of chromatography from phenol/water extracts of Bacteroides fragilis NCTC 9343 was devoid of phosphorus, fatty acids and amino acids. Rhamnose, fucose, galactose, glucose and a neutral sugar tentatively identified as arabinose were present at molar ratios of 1:1:1.2:0.9:0.7. The fraction contained an unidentified reducing and ninhydrin positive substance and trace amounts of glucosamine and galactosamine. The antigen fraction produced three immunoelectrophoretic bands against NCTC 9343 antiserum, and reacted in complement fixation tests.
OCCURRENCE AND SPECIFICITY OF ANTIBODIES AGAINST GROUP‐SPECIFIC POLYSACCHARIDES IN BETA‐HEMOLYTIC STREPTOCOCCAL INFECTIONS
Authors: SEPPÄLÄ ILKKA J. T. , LARINKARI ULLA , RÄSÄNEN TARJA , VALTONEN VILLE V.
Published: August 2010

We studied the possibility of detecting β‐hemolytic streptococcal infections by determining antibodies against the group specific polysaccharides from streptococci of groups A, A‐variant, C and G. The methods used were radio‐immunoassay with these four polysaccharides and hemagglutination of group A polysaccharide sensitized erythrocytes. Significant increases in these antibodies were rare in tonsillitis patients, whereas high concentrations of antibodies could often be observed in association with severe systemic infections or rheumatic fever. Both strictly immunogen‐restricted and crossreactive antibodies could be demonstrated by isoelectric focusing and inhibition of antigen‐binding. Although previously considered nonexistent, group specific carbohydrate antibodies of IgM class could also be demonstrated.
RUBELLA IgG ANTIBODY DETECTION BY ELISA USING CAPILLARY BLOOD SAMPLES COLLECTED ON FILTER PAPER AND IN MICROTAINER* TUBES
Authors: Vejtorp M. , Leerhoy J.
Published: August 2010

Rubella IgG antibodies were determined by ELISA of capillary blood samples collected on filter paper and in Microtainer™ tubes. The results correlated well to those found in tests of venous blood samples. Capillary blood samples can be collected with little inconvenience and by relatively untrained personel. Such samples seem therefore especially suited for large scale screening for rubella antibodies.
EFFECTS OF NICOTINE ON ENDOCYTOSIS AND INTRACELLULAR DEGRADATION OF HORSERADISH PEROXIDASE IN CULTIVATED MOUSE PERITONEAL MACROPHAGES
Authors: THYBERG JOHAN , NILSSON JAN
Published: August 2010

Thioglycollate‐elicited mouse peritoneal macrophages were cultivated in vitro in control medium or medium containing nicotine (1 nM‐1 μM). The drug caused a moderate lysosomal vacuolation and formation of vesicles with a dense core or ring. Furthermore, it partially inhibited uptake and intracellular degradation of horseradish peroxidase without affecting the specific activities of the lysosomal enzymes β‐glucuronidase and β‐N‐acetylglucosaminidase in lysates of the cells. A slight inhibitory effect on the phagocytosis of latex beads was also noted. Since nicotine was used in concentrations of the same magnitude that may be obtained in the blood after smoking one cigarette, it seems worthwhile to further explore these findings in relation to the medical risks of smoking.
MORPHOLOGICAL AND HISTOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF THE MEDULLARY CELLS IN THE BURSAL FOLLICLES OF THE CHICKEN
Authors: Naukkarinen Anita , Sorvari Tapani E.
Published: August 2010

Using light and electron‐microscopy and enzyme‐histochemical methods the cells in the follicular medulla of the chicken bursa of Fabricius were characterized. The following cell types were identified: lymphocytes of both B and T cell series, lymphoblasts, plasma cells, dendritic reticulum cells and histiocytic reticulum cells ‐ the latter being the only cells phagocytosing the tracer substance used (colloidal carbon). The medullary cells observed showed electron‐microscope and histochemical characteristics typical of the germinal center cells in mammalian lymphoreticular tissues. Furthermore, a distinct bursal follicular epithelial cell was identified, and so was a medullary epithelial structure resembling Hassall's corpuscle of the thymus. These findings give further support to the idea that the avian bursa has functions of a peripheral lymphoid organ as well as containing T‐derived lymphocytes.
QUALITATIVE STUDY ON THE KUPFFER CELLS IN THE LIVER OF ETHANOL‐ AND CARBON TETRACHLORIDE‐TREATED RATS
Authors: Lautenschlager Irmeli , Väänänen Hannu , Kulonen Eino
Published: August 2010

The treatment of rats with ethanol or CCl4 caused in addition to an increase in numbers, qualitative changes in the Kupffer cells. The rate of phagocytosis of opsonized erythrocytes was greatly increased in the Kupffer cells from CCl4‐treated rats, compared with a slightly decreased phagocytosis in similar cells taken from ethanol‐treated rats. The number of Fc‐receptors per cell was slightly higher in the Kuppffer cells from ethanol‐ and CCl4‐treated rats than in normal rats. Although the nonparenchymal cell fraction from the livers of ethanol‐ and CCl4‐treated rats contained more mononuclear phagocytes than the respective control samples, both the adhering and nonadhering subtractions from the livers of ethanol‐treated rats contained proportionally fewer mononuclear phagocytes following an assessment of adhesiveness than the other samples. No difference in esterase staining was observed between the groups.
DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF ENDOSCOPIC GASTROBIOPSY IN CARCINOMA OF THE STOMACH
Authors: Vyberg Mogens , Hougen Hans Petter , TØNnesen Klaus
Published: August 2010

101 gastrobioptic series from 93 consecutive patients with a final diagnosis of carcinoma of the stomach were reviewed. 20 false negative cases were found. Of these, ten cases were missed because of erroneous histopathological interpretation, two because of too few sections, and eight because carcinoma was not represented in the biopsies. The frequency of false negatives was slightly larger in ulcerating carcinomas than in polypoid and diffusely spreading carcinomas, mainly due to seven cases of ulcerating carcinoma being missed by the pathologist. There was no correlation between false negatives and histological type. The rate of false negatives was significantly higher in cases, where the number of biopsies taken was below seven. The rate of histopathological misinterpretations was significantly higher in cases, where the number of actually positive biopsies was below four. Attempts to increase the positive yield should be based on not only an evaluation of the biopsy technique, but also an analysis of the histopathological method and interpretation.
PLACENTAL ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE IN TESTICULAR GERM CELL TUMOURS AND IN CARCINOMA‐IN‐SITU OF THE TESTIS
Authors: JACOBSEN GRETE KRAG , NØRGAARD‐PEDERSEN BENT
Published: August 2010

Recently, placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) has been suggested as a tumour marker in patients with seminomas (S), since elevated serum levels of PLAP were found with high frequency in these patients. The present immunoperoxidase study of 33 testicular germ cell tumours was undertaken to localize PLAP in the various types of these tumours as well as in the carcinoma‐in‐situ (CIS) pattern. Eighteen out of 19 (95%) S were PLAP positive compared to nine out of 14 (64%) non‐seminomas (NS). In the NS the positive staining reaction was localized to tumour components of embryonal carcinoma (EC) in six cases, of choriocarcinoma (CC) in one and of S in two, while components of yolk sac tumour and teratoma were PLAP negative. The number of positively stained cells in S was much higher than in EC. The staining reaction was pronounced in the syncytiotrophoblast of CC and in some syncytiotrophoblast‐like cells present in S. The staining reaction product was mainly confined to the cell membrane in the positive tumour types. In 20 out of 24 cases with CIS various numbers of CIS cells were PLAP positive, while PLAP was not found in normal germinal epithelium. Sixty three per cent of S patients had serum values above 1.0 μg/1, while such values occurred in 21% of NS patients. The tissue staining pattern for PLAP was found to correspond to the preoperative serum value. On the basis of these findings it is concluded that PLAP may be a useful marker in patients with S. Serum levels of PLAP may be used diagnostically in patients with testicular tumours and for monitoring therapy and detection of recurrences in patients with S. For optimal utility of this marker, determinations of serum profiles of PLAP are recommended. Finally, demonstration of PLAP in CIS indicates a functional relationship between CIS and S supporting the hypothesis that CIS is the precursor state of these tumours.
PERFORMANCE TESTING OF ANTIGEN‐COATED POLYSTYRENE MICROPLATES FOR ELISA MEASUREMENTS OF SERUM ANTIBODIES TO BACTERIAL AND DIETARY ANTIGENS
Authors: SCOTT HELGE , ROGNUM TORLEIV OLE , BRANDTZAEG PER
Published: August 2010

The adsorption of dietary antigens to polystyrene microplates was influenced by pH. Coating for 5 h at 37 °C followed by at least 18 h at 4 °C gave the best result with the six dietary and nine bacterial antigens tested in this study. Unwanted background activity was mainly caused by direct binding of human immunoglobulin in the second layer. This problem was mainly observed with coats based on antigens with relatively poor binding activity and could be reduced to an acceptable level by addition of 0.5% bovine serum albumin in the diluents. Microplates from various manufacturers showed large differences in antigen adsorbing properties and there were considerable variations among batches. Careful performance testing of microplates and selection of appropriate batches are therefore necessary.
INTERNAL CAROTID AND VERTEBRAL ARTERIES OF SPONTANEOUSLY HYPERTENSIVE AND NORMOTENSIVE RATS
Authors: NORDBORG C. , FREDRIKSSON K. , JOHANSSON B. B.
Published: August 2010

Arteries from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar Kyoto controls (WKY) were investigated. Specified cross‐sections were collected from the extra‐ and intracranial parts of the internal carotid arteries, from the carotid segment situated in the skull bone and from intra‐ and extracranial segments of the vertebral arteries. The internal radius, media thickness and ratio between media thickness and internal radius (m/r ratio) were calculated for a standardized condition implying a smooth and circular internal elastic membrane. The m/r ratio was significantly increased in all arterial segments of 7‐month‐old SHR compared to WKY. This was caused mainly by decrease of radius in the vertebral arteries and in the intracranial carotid segment. In the extracranial and intraosseous carotid segments the increase of m/r ratio in SHR was mainly due to an increase of media. Whereas the radius was the same in the intra‐osseous and intracranial carotid segments of WKY, the m/r ratio was greater intracranially. The results suggest that the physical properties of supporting tissues may influence the normal arterial development and modify the influence of an increased arterial pressure on the vessel wall.
HISTOCHEMISTRY OF SACROCOCCYGEAL CHORDOMA
Authors: Uhrenholt Lene , Stimpel Hans
Published: August 2010

A characteristic feature of chordomas is the content of a great amount of mucinous material. A sacrococcygeal chordoma surgically removed from a 76‐year‐old man was histochemically investigated in order to obtain some information about the composition of the mucopolysaccharides. From the results of the staining reactions, we concluded that they are of the acid category and probably a mixture of weakly sulphated and carboxylated glycoproteins.
THE PHAGOCYTIC PROCESS OF HUMAN PERITONEAL MACROPHAGES IN CANCER OR UREMIA
Authors: Athlin LEIF , DomellÖF LENNART
Published: August 2010

The ingestion and adherence components of the overall phagocytic process have been studied in human peritoneal macrophages (HPM) from cancer or uremic patients and compared with HPM from healthy controls. No difference was found in the studied functions between cancer patients and controls. However, HPM from uremic patients showed a highly significant impairment in the overall phagocytosis and the studied components of this function. In all groups the ingestion phase was significantly depressed after 24 hours of culture. Despite this functional impairment, the total phagocytic process was unchanged, owing to a significant increase in the adherence of test particles.
THALIDOMIDE ENHANCES SUPEROXIDE ANION RELEASE FROM HUMAN POLYMORPHONUCLEAR AND MONONUCLEAR LEUKOCYTES
Authors: Nielsen H. , Valerius N. H.
Published: August 2010

The effect of thalidomide on the function of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and blood monocytes was testedin vitro.The chemotactic and spontaneous migration was not affected by thalidomide between 0.001 and 0.1 mg/ml. PMN oxygen consumption was not changed after pre‐incubation with thalidomide. However, superoxide anion release upon stimulation of the cells with phorbol‐myristate‐acetate or the chemotactic tripeptide N‐f‐Methionyl‐Leucyl‐Phenylalanine was enhanced in a dosedependent manner after pre‐incubation with thalidomide. Both PMNs and monocytes were influenced. Leukocytes from two patients with chronic granulomatous disease (defective in oxidative burst response) remained unable to produce superoxide anion after pre‐incubation with thalidomide. Thus, we suggest that thalidomide primes the phagocytes to respond with an enhanced superoxide anion release upon stimulation. These findings do not explain the anti‐inflammatory effect of thalidomide but could have relevance in conditions with quantitative defects in phagocyte oxidative responsiveness.
MOUSE PERITONEAL MACROPHAGES CULTURED SERUM‐FREE DEPOSIT COMPLEMENT ON IgM‐COATED SHEEP ERYTHROCYTESIN VITRO
Authors: Hetland G. , Eskeland T.
Published: August 2010

We conclude that the macrophages during cultivation produce the complement components of the classical pathway of complement, deposit complement components on EIgM and then phagocytose these cells via complement receptors. The conclusion is based on the following: EIgM, an activator of the classical pathway, are ingested when cultured serum‐free with mouse peritoneal macrophages. We found a significantly higher binding of labelled protein to EIgM than to E kept in macrophage cultures in the presence of tritiated leucine, showing thatde novosynthesis of macrophage‐derived protein with affinity to EIgM takes place. A fraction of the bound protein is C3b and iC3b, since anti‐mouse C3 antibodies bound to the co‐cultured EIgM. Cycloheximide or anti‐Mac‐1 in the cultures inhibited macrophage attachment and uptake of EIgM. The phagocyte uptake of EIgM coated with complement by serum pretreatment was not inhibited by cycloheximide. This shows that the phagocytosis of the EIgM is dependent on erythrocyte‐bound complement proteins made by the macrophage.
ABSENCE OF HOST‐CELL INFLUENCE ON BINDING SPECIFICITY OF HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS TYPE 1 INDUCED FC RECEPTOR
Authors: Johansson P. J. Hugo , Blomberg Jonas
Published: August 2010

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infected cells express on their surface a receptor with affinity to the Fc portion of immunoglobulin G (IgG). The influence of the infected host cell on the specificity of the receptor was investigated with radiolabeled human IgG Fc fragment and four animal IgGs (rabbit, dog, cow, and rat) and eight human and animal (primate, rabbit, dog, cow, and rat) fibroblastoid and epitheloid cell lines. Human IgG Fc, rabbit IgG and cow IgG bound to all cell lines infected with HSV type 1 strain F (HSV‐1 F), whereas dog IgG and rat IgG did not bind to any of these cells. The same binding pattern was seen when two additional HSV‐1 strains infected rabbit epithelial (GMK AH1) cells. The results support the view that the specificity of the HSV Fc receptor is mainly under viral control and not primarily influenced by the species of the host cell.
RECOMBINANT INTERLEUKIN 2 INDUCES PROLIFERATION AND DIFFERENTIATION OF HUMAN B LYMPHOCYTES
Authors: Punnonen Juha , Eskola Jussi
Published: August 2010

Highly purified normal human tonsillar B lymphocytes were cultured with recombinant IL 2 (rIL 2). The responses were minimal when the cells were cultured with rIL 2 alone. Dose‐dependent proliferation and differentiation into immunoglobulin‐secreting cells were found when the cells were simultaneously activated with Staphylococcus aureus Cowan I (SAC). T cells were not found to proliferate in these cultures. B‐cell responses were not augmented when 16% T cells were added to the B‐cell population. In contrast, B‐cell proliferation and Ig secretion were significantly enhanced by adding 0,5% T cells when cultured in the presence of pokeweed mitogen (PWM). Moreover, B‐cell stimulation by rIL 2 was detected at very low cell densities. It is concluded that IL 2 directly affects the function of activated B cells.
TUMOURS IN ICELAND 9. Malignant Tumours of the Ovary. A Histological Classification, Epidemiological Considerations and Survival
Authors: BJARNASON OLAFUR , TULINIUS HRAFN
Published: August 2010

In the period 1955 – 1979, 337 patients with carcinoma of the ovary were reported to the Icelandic Cancer Registgry. Sufficient histological material existed for 314 of these to make it possible to classify the tumours according to the Histological Typing of Ovarian Tumours of WHO (11). The tumour was in the right ovary in 85 and the left in another 85 patients. In 137 patients both ovaries were involved at the time of diagnosis and in 30 patients the side was not known.

The most frequent tumours were the group of serous adenocarcinomas, papillary adenocarcinomas and papillary cystadenocarcinomas (IA3a), occurring in 113 patients, giving an age‐standardized incidence of 4.4 per 100.000. Second in frequency was the endometrioid adenocarcinoma (IC3al), in 58 patients, and the third the group of mucinous adenocarcinomas and cystadenocarcinomas (IB3a) in 43 patients. The fourth type in frequency was undifferentiated carcinoma (IG) in 18 patients. During the period, the overall incidence of ovarian cancer did not change. However, there was an increase in the frequency of mucinous and endometrioid types of carcinoma and a decrease in serous carcinoma. Granulosa cell carcinoma was found to have been under‐reported to the Icelandic Cancer Registry.

ABO blood groups for 192 of the patients were available and showed a significant excess of blood group A, with patients of blood group B significantly fewer than expected.

This study of malignant tumours of the ovary is the ninth in a series of investigations into the histological classification of tumours occurring in Iceland during the 20‐year period between 1955 and 1974. The tumours occurring in the period 1975 – 1979 were included in this particular study to increase the number available for classification.
DISCOURSES IN THE DESERT: IRAQ, THE WEST, AND THE PERSIAN GULF WAR
Authors: Abdulla Louay , Davis Thomas C.
Published: August 2010

The Persian Gulf War of 1990–1991 is examined through an analysis of the discourses within which the United States and its allies, and Iraq operate. The West, under the leadership of the U.S., acts within the assumptions and constraints of a Western discourse which privileges state sovereignty, international law, national interests, and balances of power. This discourse currently occupies a position of hegemony in the perception and conduct of international relations. In contrast, Iraq functions under the assumptions of the pan‐Arabist discourse which emphasizes a rejection of current state boundaries in the Middle East, a belief in the unification of all Arabs within the framework of a single Arab state, and opposition to Western intervention in Arab affairs. The pan‐Arabist discourse, manifested through the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, posed a direct threat to the survival of the Western discourse both within the region and beyond. Thus, the Persian Gulf War can be understood as a clash between two fundamentally different understandings of international behavior, and their competition for dominance in the practice of Middle Eastern inter‐state relations.
MAINTAINING MOMENTUM: AN OVERVIEW OF SOUTH AFRICA'S PROGRESS TOWARD DEMOCRATIC CONSOLIDATION
Authors: Griffiths Robert J.
Published: August 2010

South Africa's first all‐race elections in April 1994 marked the beginning of the country's democratic consolidation efforts. Consolidation involves the polity's acceptance of democratic processes, the establishment of the rule of law, institutional reform, the emergence of civil and political society, and economic progress. Although there has been substantial progress toward these requirements, deep political divisions and assuring economic growth and redistribution are among the major challenges facing South Africa. This article reviews South Africa's transition to democracy and assesses the country's progress toward democratic consolidation.
Slavery Reparations and Race Relations in America: Assessing How the Restitutions Debate Influences Public Support for Blacks, Civil Rights, and Affirmative Action
Authors: Woessner Matthew , Kelly‐Woessner April
Published: August 2010

The subject of slavery reparations has received considerable attention from both the popular press and the research community. Yet while some speculate that the reparations movement may be increasing racial hostility, to date there has been no systematic study of the impact of reparation arguments on white attitudes toward blacks. Using a simple priming experiment incorporated within a statewide survey, we examine public reactions to the slavery reparations debate by measuring its impact on support for blacks, civil rights and affirmative action. Using a question as an experimental treatment, half of survey respondents were randomly asked whether or not they support payment of reparations by the US government to compensate for its past support of slavery. Despite the innocuous treatment, economically vulnerable subjects responded to the reparations treatment with less favorable attitudes toward blacks and a greater propensity to characterize blacks as “willing to get ahead at the expense of others.” From a policy perspective, this cooling of relations resulted in a drop in support for affirmative action.
Multilevel Governance: Policy and Interpretive Approaches in One European Region
Authors: Hodgett Susan
Published: August 2010

Academics have argued for more interpretive approaches to public policy development. This paper outlines how such interpretive approaches have been undertaken in one European region, Northern Ireland, during the period of civil unrest when the province was oft‐considered a European Commission social laboratory. The article explores one interpretive policy approach funded under European Structural Policy, and considers how such processes can validate ethnographic approaches to policy making. The policy study raises issues of the impact of globalization upon the local, the development of democracy, particularly in post‐conflict situations, as well as the shifting boundaries between the state and civil society. The article concludes with a discussion of the general merits of hermeneutical interpretive approaches and their associated theories to the maintenance of liberal democracy, strong civil society, and human flourishing.
Hospital Admissions among Returning Migrant Children and Adolescents
Authors: Vuorenkoski Lauri , Penninkilampi Varpu , Ebeling Hanna , Moilanen Irma
Published: August 2010

The purpose of the present study was to explore the morbidity, especially psychiatric and psychosomatic morbidity, of Finnish remigrant children and adolescents who have lived part of their lives in Sweden. The study subjects consisted of 287 remigrants and 305 controls. Hospital admissions in these two groups were analyzed over an eleven year period after the study subjects' remigration to Finland. We found psychiatric morbidity, frequent hospitalizations and infectious diseases to be more common among the remigrants. These findings were consistent with the previous studies on Finnish remigrants from Sweden.
Segmented Assimilation, Local Context and Determinants of Drug Violence in Miami and San Diego: Does Ethnicity and Immigration Matter?
Authors: Martinez Ramiro , Lee Matthew T. , Nielsen Amie L.
Published: August 2010

Does the ethnic and immigrant composition of a community and existence of immigrant enclaves or barrios influence community level drug violence? This study explores the relationship between these and other factors in Miami and San Diego census tracts. We employ data about the distribution of Cubans, Central Americans, Haitians, Mexicans and Southeast Asians, controlling for social and economic influences of drug versus non-drug violence. We also analyze the impact of various waves of immigration and immigrant communities to understand the circumstances under which drug violence occurs or is limited at the census tract level. The findings lend some support to the positive and negative aspects of Portes and Rumbaut's (2001) segmented assimilation hypothesis in Miami and San Diego neighborhoods. The strength of this conclusion varies and is contingent upon ethnic composition, new versus old immigration, and the all-encompassing effects of economic deprivation
What are people like who respond to television offers of further information? The case of the Bodyshow series
Authors: Rissel Christopher
Published: August 2010

Abstract: In some Western populations television is the principal source of health information. Such dependence on the media for health information is cause for concern when the reliability of health information is considered, and media promotion of ‘unhealthy’ products such as tobacco, alcohol and confectionery.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation television series Bodyshow, broadcast over 17 weeks in mid‐1988, was the first general preventive health series screened on Australian television. This study aimed to assess the demographic profile of viewers of the Bodyshow series who responded to invitations for further information, the extent of exposure of these viewers to the series, and their perceptions of the series. The study involved a random sample survey of 500 people selected from 2080 New South Wales viewers who wrote to the ABC requesting further health information. A response rate of 79 per cent was achieved. Respondents were predominately female and married, aged 25 to 39 years, lived outside Sydney, and were well educated. Respondents had seen the majority of episodes and were overwhelmingly positive about the series. Popular aspects were the information provided, the ‘human interest’ segments and the nutrition information. Unpopular aspects were the Friday night time‐slot and the artificially glamorous ‘middle class’ presentation.

The study demonstrated that there is clearly an audience for a self‐help preventive health television series. Television has considerable unrealised potential for education, particularly regarding nutrition.
Factors associated with successful risk reduction after a community coronary risk factor screen
Authors: Gill Timothy P. , Wahlqvist Mark L. , Strauss Boyd J.G. , Dennis Peter M. , Balazs Nick D.
Published: August 2010

Abstract: Debate continues over the effectiveness of coronary risk factor screening as a strategy for the prevention of coronary heart disease in the community. We reviewed changes in risk factors one year after a community coronary risk factor screen and found highly significant reductions in the blood cholesterol (mean reduction of 0.6 mmol/1) and body mass index (mean reduction of 1.03 kg/m2) in those participants who at the initial screening were found to have elevated (> 6.5 mmol/1) blood cholesterol concentrations. Comparison of this group with a reference group not given health advice and a group of hypercholesterolaemic clinic attenders showed that the blood cholesterol reduction could not be accounted for solely by regression to the mean, and was as good as the blood cholesterol reduction achieved by regular clinic attendance. Although there were many factors that could account for these reductions, we found that participants who received risk factor measurement and counselling during the screening process and who sought medical follow‐up after the screen had a greater reduction in risk factors.
Does the occupational structure of the Hunter Region explain the high rates of ischaemic heart disease among its men?
Authors: Dobson Annette , Halpin Stephen , Alexander Hilary
Published: August 2010

Abstract: To compare rates of ischaemic heart disease (IHD) among men in occupation groups defined by the new Australian Standard Classification of Occupations (ASCO) and to investigate whether their high mortality rates from IHD in the Hunter Region of New South Wales (NSW) could be explained by its occupational structure, we used official death records and data from the World Health Organization MONICA Project conducted in Newcastle. The study population consisted of men aged 25 to 64 years in NSW and in the Hunter Region for whom occupational information was available. For deaths from IHD between 1984 and 1988 in NSW, indirectly standardised mortality and morbidity ratios (SMRs) were: significantly low for professionals, 66 (95% confidence interval (CI) 60–71) and managers and administrators, 79 (95% CI 74–83); intermediate for paraprofessionals (92), clerks (94) and salesmen and personal service workers (97); and significantly high for tradesmen, 113 (95% CI 107–118), labourers and related workers, 118 (95% CI 113–124) and plant and machine operators and drivers, 125 (95% CI 118–133). Broadly similar patterns were found for IHD deaths and for fatal and nonfatal myocardial infarction in the Hunter Region. When occupation‐ and age‐specific mortality rates from IHD were used to calculate SMRs for the Hunter Region, SMRs for all ASCO groups except paraprofessionals were over 100. Mortality rates for occupational groups classified by ASCO were consistent with well‐established differences associated with socioeconomic status. Rates were higher, however, for most occupational groups in the Hunter Region than for the same groups in NSW as a whole, so the Region's occupational structure, as described by ASCO, cannot alone ‘explain’ the high death rates.
Social class, gay men and AIDS prevention
Authors: Connell R.W. , Dowsett G.W. , Rodden P. , Davis M.D. , Watson L. , Baxter D.
Published: August 2010

Abstract: The relationship between sexuality, gay communities and class is potentially a very large problem for AIDS prevention. Class is a historical process which interacts with sexuality in ways still little understood. The complexities of modern class structures need full acknowledgment; labour market groupings are internally divided, and cultural privilege and exclusion are important. A community survey in New South Wales of men who have sex with men shows the class selectiveness usual in such research. An exploration of correlates of labour market position, income and education finds few relationships with attachment to milieu except for involvement with gay organisations, and minor differences in broad measures of sexuality but some class differences in HIV risk‐taking and some differences in exposure to information and in attitude. An exploration of several cases from a life‐history study of working‐class gay men shows the impact of class circumstance on the formation of sexual relationships and points to the accessibility of unlabelled homosexual activity in working‐class milieux. Research on working‐class education points to the importance of curriculum change in overcoming class exclusion, and is moving towards empowerment models of great relevance in AIDS education.
Beyond stereotypes: a study of some New Zealand women alcohol drinkers
Authors: Park Julie
Published: August 2010

Abstract: A comparison of folk categories of types of drinker and recorded alcohol consumption data, both derived from New Zealand women, with established risky levels of drinking indicates that there is some correspondence between folk categories of non‐‘ordinary’ drinking and drinking at epidemiologically defined risky levels. However, of more importance to the majority of women drinkers, women's drinking which is completely socially acceptable and certainly regarded as quite ‘ordinary’, can also be at or well above risky levels. These findings are discussed in the context of the increasing normalisation of alcohol in women's lives. I argue that they support a ‘reduced consumption’ rather than a ‘safe limits’ alcohol policy.
A feasibility study of organised cervical screening in southern New Zealand
Authors: Cox B. , Skegg D.C.G. , Paul C. , Smeijers J.
Published: August 2010

Abstract: The 1985 electoral roll was used as a register to invite 1013 women to participate in a screening program. Appointment times and a choice of venues for having a smear were not provided. Overall, 26 per cent of the women sent invitations registered with the program. After adjustment for the prevalence of hysterectomy, the proportion who registered with the program was about 32 per cent. The low level of registration and difficulties experienced in tracing registrants and nonregistrants over time using the electoral roll resulted in the cessation of the program after 3 years. An assessment of the original invitation was made using a small case‐control study, and associations between the screening history stated at interview and screening over the duration of the program were examined in nonregistrants.
The lung cancer epidemic in Australia, 1910 to 1989
Authors: Giles Graham G. , Hill David J. , Silver Bronwyn
Published: August 2010

Abstract: Deaths that occurred in Australia between 1985 and 1989 that were ascribed to cancers of the respiratory tract and intrathoracic organs were obtained to update Australian lung cancer mortality trends. The age‐standardised mortality rate from lung cancer in males decreased significantly from 49/100 000 in 1980–1984 to 46.4/100 000 in 1985–1989 (‐5.5%). Lung cancer mortality in females increased significantly to 12.3/100 000 in 1985–1989 from an average of 10.7/100 000 in 1980–1984 (+ 15%). We conclude that lung cancer mortality in males is declining and although mortality in females continues to increase, there is evidence that the rate of increase has started to slow. The decline in male mortality has been anticipated from their trends in smoking cessation. The slowing increase in womencannot be ascribed to similar patterns of cessation. It is considered more likely to be due to decreasing trends in tar consumption linked to the tar content of preferred brands.
Kiwis, food and cholesterol: New Zealand consumers' food concerns and awareness of nutritional guidelines
Authors: Worsley Anthony , Worsley Andrea , McConnon Stephanie
Published: August 2010

Abstract: New Zealand food shoppers' nutrition and food concerns and attitudes to cholesterol screening were assessed during four consecutive surveys. Over 1000 shoppers were interviewed during each survey, as part of the evaluation of the Heart Food Festival in 1988‐89. Over two thirds of the respondents reported that they usually read the ingredients label on food products. Over a third were concerned about the presence of additives in foods (36 per cent), along with fat (27 per cent), salt (18 per cent), sugar (14 per cent) and fibre (5 per cent). Over half indicated that reductions in fat intake would make their diets healthier. One in five reported they were aware of the New Zealand nutrition guidelines. Only one third of respondents could correctly identify the bottom row of the healthy food pyramid. Almost one in eight respondents knew their cholesterol levels and a further two thirds wished to know them. Few differences were observed between the responses of early and late school leavers. In contrast, pronounced differences were associated with gender and the respondents' age groups. The results suggest that awareness of links between nutrition and heart disease is widespread. Educational and empowerment strategies are required to translate such awareness into dietary change.
Low birthweight and socioeconomic status, Victoria 1982 to 1986
Authors: Bell Robin , Lumley Judith
Published: August 2010

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the incidence of low birthweight and socioeconomic status, in particular whether the relationship was different for very low birthweight (< 1500 g) and moderately low birthweight (1500 to 2499 g). The study population was births from 1982 to 1986 to women resident in Victoria (300 704). Data on socioeconomic status were derived from an indicator developed by the Australian Bureau of Statistics from the 1981 census and applied to postcodes.

Using the rates of very low birthweight and moderately low birthweight in the highest socioeconomic status decile as the reference value we found that the relative risk for very low birthweight was significantly raised in only the lowest socioeconomic status decile (relative risk = 1.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17 to 1.42). The relative risk for moderately low birthweight was increased in the two lowest deciles: 1.19 (CI 1.12 to 1.26) and 1.09 (CI 1.01 to 1.17) respectively.

Women not married at the time of the birth had a higher rate of low birthweight and were more likely to live in the lower socioeconomic status postcode areas. The relationships between very low birthweight, moderately low birthweight and socioeconomic status were attenuated but still significant when this factor was taken into account. Differences in low birthweight by socioeconomic status decile were not apparent for nonsmoking women. The relationship between smoking and low birthweight was different in the two lowest socioeconomic status deciles: the relative risk of low birthweight in smokers was 2.60 (CI 1.73 to 3.91) compared with a relative risk of 1.64 (CI 1.33 to 2.03) in deciles 3 to 10.
Changes in reported drug prevalence among New South Wales secondary school students, 1983 to 1989
Authors: Donnelly Neil , Oldenburg Brian , Quine Susan , Macaskill Petra , Flaherty Bruce , Spooner Catherine , Lyle David
Published: August 2010

Abstract: Three drug use surveys employing a standardised questionnaire format and sampling procedure were conducted on samples of New South Wales school students in 1983, 1986 and 1989. Alcohol and tobacco were the most frequently used substances across the surveys, with rates of use of illicit substances being considerably lower. Declines in the prevalence of alcohol, tobacco and stimulant use were found between 1983 and 1986 and between 1986 and 1989 for both males and females. Rates of use of inhalants, sedatives, hallucinogens and narcotics declined between 1983 and 1986, but remained unchanged between the 1986 and 1989 samples. Cannabis use declined significantly among females between 1983 and 1989, but not among males. Possible reasons for the general decline in drug use over the six‐year period are discussed.