bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human papillomavirus (HPV) in vulvar dysplasia and carcinoma in situ
Authors: JUNGE JETTE , POULSEN HEMMING , HORN THOMAS , HØRDING ULLA , LUNDVALL FINN
Published: August 2009

Surgical specimens from 62 patients with vulvar dysplasia and carcinoma in situ were morphologically investigated. Lesions were classified according to WHO (mild, moderate, severe dysplasia and carcinoma in situ) and according to Toki et al. (1991) (warty, basaloid, combined warty/basaloid or basaloid/warty types or mixed (warty, basaloid and simple) forms). Following the WHO classification, moderate dysplasia was shown in 4 cases, severe dysplasia in 47 and carcinoma in situ in 11 cases. Pure warty type was shown in 2 cases (both biopsy specimens). One case revealed pure simple dysplasia whereas no case of pure basaloid type was found. Various combinations of warty and basaloid types were shown in 52 cases and mixed forms in 7 cases. The results indicate that pure forms of warty and basaloid types probably do not exist. HPV DNA was detected by PCR in 51/58 cases (88%) (45 with HPV type 16 and 6 with HPV type 33) evenly distributed in all age groups and in all types of lesions (WHO and Toki et al. 1991). By ISH HPV was detected in 24/62 cases (39%) (21 with HPV type 16/18 and 3 with HPV type 31/33), nearly always in warty areas. All these cases were positive for the same virus type by PCR. No case revealed more than one type of HPV. HPV type 6, 11, 18, and 31 were not detected by PCR. The results indicate a correlation between HPV type 16 and 33 and dysplasia/carcinoma in situ in the vulva.
A time‐related study of Brefeldin A effects in HSV‐1 infected cultured human fibroblasts
Authors: JENSEN HELLE LONE , RYGAARD JØRGEN , NORRILD BODIL
Published: August 2009

Glycoprotein D (gD‐1) is an essential virion envelope component of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1) normally transported to the plasma membrane of the infected cells. In the present study, the intracellular transport of gD‐1 was inhibited in cultured HSV‐1 infected human fibroblasts by Brefeldin A (BFA) 1μg/ml medium added for 12 h after virus adsorption. Immunofluorescence light‐ and confocal microscopy revealed abolished transport of gD‐1 to the plasma membrane, juxtanuclear accumulation of gD‐1, and a disorderly arrangement of the tubulin fibres. Withdrawal of BFA influence for more than 60 min resulted in incomplete transport but increasing accumulation of gD‐1 in the plasma membrane and in Golgi‐like areas close to the nuclei. The tubulin pattern was almost normalized 6 h after removal of BFA. The egress of infectious HSV‐1 particles released 9 h post‐BFA treatment was not fully reestablished. The results indicate that BFA effects were not completely reversible and caused a sort of cytotoxic influence involving the structure of tubulin.
Thomsen‐Friedenreich (T) antigen as marker of myoepithelial and basal cells in the parotid dand, pleomorphic adenomas and adenoid cystic carcinomas
Authors: THERKILDSEN MARIANNE HAMILTON , MANDEL ULLA , CHRISTENSEN MARIA , DABELSTEEN ERIK
Published: August 2009

Controversy centres on the role and identification of myoepithelial (MEC) and basal cells in salivary gland tumours, and recent studies suggest that both basal cells and myoepithelial cells participate in the formation of salivary gland tumours. We have correlated the expression of different well‐known markers of normal MEC/basal cells (i.e. a‐smooth muscle actin and cytokeratin 14) with T(Thomsen‐Frieden‐reich) antigen and its sialylated derivative: sialosyl‐T antigen,) in 17 normal parotid glands and in two tumour types with MEC participation (i.e pleomorphic adenomas (PA) and adenoid cystic carcinomas (ACC)) using immunohistology with well‐defined monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). Paraffin‐embedded / fresh frozen tissue sections were studied from 33/17 patients with PA and 15/7 patients with ACC. In normal parotid tissue coexpression of a‐smooth muscle actin, cytokeratin 14, T and sialosyl‐T antigens was found in all MEC and in some of the basal cells lining striated ducts. The remaining basal cells ex‐ clusively expressed cytokeratin 14, T and sialosyl‐T antigens. In the tumours, cells believed to be modified myoepithelial cells showed two different staining patterns: 1) Coexpression of a‐smooth muscle actin, cytokeratin 14, T and sialosyl‐T antigens, and 2) Coexpression of cytokeratin 14, T and sialosyl‐T antigens, but no a‐smooth muscle actin. The epithelial ductular structures in the tumours showed aberrant expression of cytokeratin 14, T and sialosyl‐T antigens, and cytokeratin 14 was the only marker of cells in solid undifferentiated areas of adenoid cystic carcinomas. Our study supports the view, that modified “myoepithelial” cells in the tumours consist of a mixture of basal cells and myoepithelial cells. None of the investigated structures was in itself an ideal marker in the identification of MEC/basal cells. The cells can be identified by a combination of markers (i.e. cytokeratin 14, a‐smooth‐muscle actin, T and sialosyl‐T antigens).
Dissemination in athymic nude mice of lacZ transfected small cell lung cancer cells identified by X‐gal staining
Authors: RØMER MARIA UNNI , CHRISTIANSEN JETTE , BRÜNNER NILS , SPANG‐THOMSEN MOGENS
Published: August 2009

The small cell lung cancer cell lines GLC‐2 and DMS 456 were genetically labeled with the lacZ gene and examined for invasive and metastatic potential in META/BomTM nude mice. The lacZ gene encodes the enzyme β‐D‐ galactosidase, and cells expressing this enzyme were identified by staining with the chromogenic substrate X‐gal. lacZ expressing cells were investigated after subcutaneous (s.c.) inoculation and intravenous (i.v.) injection. The X‐gal detection of β‐D‐galactosidase activity proved to be a rapid and easy means for specific and highly sensitive identification of metastases. All primary s.c. tumors stained by X‐gal. The primary tumors of GLC‐2 regularly demonstrated local invasive growth and produced multiple metastases in several organs. In contrast, primary DMS 456 tumors only occasionally demonstrated local invasion and very rarely generated secondary foci. No experimental metastases were found after i.v. injection of the examined tumor lines. The results indicate an intratumoral heterogeneity among individual SCLC tumors in the capacity for invasion and metastatic spread. The different metastatic pattern of GLC‐2 after s.c. and i.v. inoculation supports the hypothesis that initial steps of the metastatic cascade occurring in the primary tumor are necessary for the subsequent production of growing metastases.
The effect of zinc on bacterial phagocytosis, killing and cytoprotection in human polymorphonuclear leucocytes
Authors: SUNZEL BO , HOLM STIG , REUTERVING CARL‐OLOF , SÖDERBERG THOR , HALLMANS GÖRAN , HÄNSTRÖM LENNART
Published: August 2009

An in vitro study examining the effects of zinc treatment on human PMN cell phagocytosis and killing of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis and the cytoprotection of zinc against staphylococcal toxins. Phagocytosis was studied by transmission electron microscopy using different microbiological techniques, one of which was designed to follow the kinetics of bacterial killing. No effect was found on phagocytosis and bacterial killing. The cytotoxic effects of a crude toxin and an α‐toxin extracted from Staphylococcus aureus preparations were studied on human PMN cells using the standard 51Cr release assay. Both toxins induced a dose‐dependent leakage of 51Cr, indicating cell membrane damage. These results were confirmed by electron microscopy during the phagocytosis of S. aureus, where severe PMN cellular degeneration was observed. The addition of zinc to PMN cells strongly inhibited the release of 51Cr. In conclusion, our results show that zinc in higher than physiological concentrations does not inhibit PMN cell functions such as phagocytosis and intracellular killing of S. aureus and S. epidermidis. The addition of zinc may be beneficial in certain clinical situations, such as wound healing, zinc deficiency and infections involving toxin‐producing bacteria, e.g. S. aureus.
Proposed new bacterial taxa and proposed changes of bacterial names published during 1994 and considered to be of interest to medical and veterinary bacteriology
Authors: FREDERIKSEN WILHELM , URSING JAN
Published: August 2009

At the recent meeting of the International Committee on Systematic Bacteriology (ICSB) in 1994 it was decided to establish an ad hoc committee within the ICSB with the task of formulating an approach to communication of new names to users in medical and veterinary bacteriology. This is the first list which includes 61 names.
Folate receptor in malignant effusions of ovarian carcinoma
Authors: HOLM JAN , HANSEN STEEN INGEMANN , HØIER‐MADSEN MIMI , HELKJÆR POUL‐ERIK , BZOREK MICHAEL
Published: August 2009

Binding of 3H‐folate in human ovarian adenocarcinoma tissue was of a high‐affinity type (K‐1010 M‐1) and displayed apparent positive cooperativity. A high‐affinity folate receptor was also present in ascitic fluid and pleural effusion. Radioligand dissociation was slow at pH 7.4, but rapid at pH 3.5. The folate analogues methotrexate and in particular 5‐formyltetrahydrofolate acted as inhibitors of 3H‐folate binding in ascitic fluid. Ovarian adenocarcinoma tissue showed immunostaining with rabbit antibodies against human milk folate‐binding protein. The gel filtration diagram contained two peaks of radiolabelled folate (at 25 and 100 kDa). The 25 kDa peak was predominant in ascitic fluid and pleural effusion. A single band of 70 kDa was seen on SDS‐PAGE immunoblotting of tissue and malignant effusions. The concentration of folate receptor in tissue and fluid specimens could be determined by an immunochemical method (ELISA) utilizing antibodies against human milk folate‐binding protein.
Thvmomas and thvmic carcinomas
Authors: ENGEL PETER , PILSGAARD BO , FRANCIS DORTHE
Published: August 2009

The morphological heterogeneity of thymomas has caused much confusion respecting their classification. Recently Kirchner & Müuller‐Hermelink (4) proposed a histological subclassification which has been claimed to represent an independent prognostic factor: medullary and mixed thymomas are benign; organoid and cortical type as well as well‐differentiated thymic carcinomas are low‐grade malignant tumors, which have the capacity to recur and spread, even if they are clinically benign. High‐grade malignant thymomas are always malignant. We present the clinicopathological data on 10 clinically benign and 14 clinically malignant thymomas. Having reclassified the thymomas, we found four low‐grade malignant examples among the clinically benign thymomas. It is important to identify this group of patients as they are at risk of tumor recurrence. However, further investigation is needed to support the validity of this subclassification system.
Occurrence of human papillomavirus infection in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
Authors: LIE A. K. , SKJELDESTAD F. E. , HAGEN B. , HAUGEN O. A.
Published: August 2009

The aim of the study was to compare the histological outcome of the cone specimens with the diagnoses of the preoperative biopsies, to assess the distribution of histological features consistent with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and, finally, to analyse the impact of cellular HPV features on classification of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). The study comprised a population of 317 women treated for CIN by laser conization during the period 1983‐85. A total of 634 cervical specimens (317 preoperative biopsies and their corresponding cones) were studied retrospectively for CIN classification and examined for morphological signs of HPV infection. For presentation of the results, we used a modified terminology for CIN. Low‐grade (LG) CIN included borderline lesions and CIN I, while high‐grade (HG) CIN included CIN II and CIN III. The blinded histopathological review revealed HG CIN both in the preoperative biopsies and the cones in 71% of the cases. LG CIN or benign lesions were found in the preoperative biopsies and their corresponding cone specimens in 6% of the study population. HPV features were present in 65% of the preoperative biopsies, and were most prevalent in women under 29 years of age (p<0.001). Thirteen percent of the total biopsy material was downgraded. The downgrading was most prevalent among original CIN II (p=0.009) and HPV‐negative biopsies (p<0.001). This study demonstrates that CIN lesions are frequently associated with HPV features, which are significantly more prevalent in the youngest women. Concomitant HPV features do not influence the CIN classification.
Quantification of the endotoxin‐neutralizing capacity of serum and plasma
Authors: Koch Claus
Published: August 2009

A new procedure for quantifying the endotoxin‐neutralizing capacity (ENC) of plasma or serum is described. Serially diluted samples were preincubated with endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide; LPS) and the sample dilution producing 50% inhibition of Tachypleus amebocyte lysate activation was measured by a Limulus peptide C enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The assay was not subject to interference from plasma or serum at a 500‐fold dilution. The ENC of fresh sera from 120 healthy human donors, determined with Salmonella abortus LPS, had a median value of 7.7 kEU/ml (95% confidence limits 3–24 kEU/ml). Values for heparinized fresh plasma were close to those for the corresponding sera. Serum ENC varied greatly with different types of LPS. Neutralization of LPS by serum was rapid, heat‐labile, and fully reversed by acidification. Addition of 2 mM EDTA to the serum diluent or pretreatment of LPS with 0.5% deoxycholate enhanced the ENC of serum about 25‐fold or 10‐fold respectively. The neutralization of LPS by polymyxin B or lysozyme could be demonstrated by the ENC assay, while that by human serum albumin, fibronectin or anti‐LPS immunoglobulins was only detected in the presence of 2 mM EDTA. The kinetic changes of LPS and ENC during rabbit endotoxemia were also determined. The ENC assay may be used to study the significance of plasma ENC in Gram‐negative infections and to identify the components contributing to plasma ENC.
Broad‐range PCR amplification and DNA sequence analysis reveals variable motifs in 16S rRNA genes of Mobiluncus species
Authors: TIVELJUNG ANNIKA , BACKSTRÖM JAN , FORSUM URBAN , MONSTEIN HANS‐JÜRG
Published: August 2009

Using DNA primers based on highly conserved regions of bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA genes, a technique was established for detection of Mobiluncus species by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and hybridization analysis. Part of the 16S rRNA genes of Mobiluncus mulieris, Mobiluncus curtisii and uncharacterized Mobiluncus strains were analyzed by broad‐range PCR amplification and direct DNA sequencing analysis. Sequence comparison of the partial 16S rRNA genes of Mobiluncus curtisii, Mobiluncus mulieris and atypical Mobiluncus strains studied indicated genus and species‐specific motifs within the variable regions V3, V4 and V9 of 16S ribosomal DNAs. A Mobiluncus curtisii‐specific primer, located within the variable region V3 of the 16S rRNA gene, was designed for Southern blot hybridization analysis of broad‐range PCR products. Broad‐range amplification combined with a M. curtisii‐specific hybridization probe, Mob V3, distinguished between Mobiluncus curtisii, Mobiluncus mulieris, and atypical Mobiluncus strains.
The immunobiology and immunopathology of chlamydial infections
Authors: WARD MICHAEL E.
Published: August 2009

Chlamydiae are obligate intracellular bacterial pathogens of eukaryotic cells responsible for a wide variety of important human and animal infections. In humans, chlamydial infections are generally localised to superficial epithelial or mucosal surfaces, are frequently asymptomatic and may persist for long periods of time if untreated, inducing little protective immunity. Nevertheless, neutralising antibodies of limited efficacy are produced against the main chlamydial outer envelope protein, while gamma interferon (IFNγ) is chlamydiastatic and paradoxically may play a role both in chlamydial persistence and in protective immunity. Delayed hypersensitivity responses to chlamydiae caused by repeated or persistent infection are thought to be important in the development of the severe scarring sequelae characteristic of cicatricial trachoma and of chronic salpingitis. Chlamydial heat shock proteins bearing close homology with their human equivalents may be major targets for immunopathological responses and their expression is upregulated in IFNγ induced persistent infection. C. pneumoniae, a common cause of acute respiratory infection in humans, may persist in coronary arteries and is strongly implicated as a risk factor in atherosclerosis and in acute myocardial infarction. This paper reviews the immunology and immunopathology of chlamydial infections in the context of the unique biology of this fascinating but challenging group of organisms.
Nitric oxide regulates the chemiluminescence from stimulated human neutrophils
Authors: FORSLUND TONY , SUNDQVIST TOMMY
Published: August 2009

Nitric oxide, produced from L‐arginine by a variety of cells, is a biologically active compound that can react with iron and thiols. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of nitric oxide on the respiratory burst from human neutrophils. Treatment with nitroprusside increased the chemiluminescence from neutrophils stimulated with PMA or collagen, but not from cells stimulated with FMLP. Addition of L‐arginine increased the chemiluminescence after stimulation with any of the three stimuli, while Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester decreased it. Low doses of nitric oxide, either endogenously or exogenously produced, probably inhibited catalase or glutathione, leading to an increase in hydrogen peroxide available for chemiluminescence detection. This indicates that nitric oxide may reduce the protection against hydrogen peroxide in tissue and in invading catalase‐positive bacteria.
Histopathology of postpartum placental sites in mink (Mustela vison) exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls or fractions thereof
Authors: BÄCKLIN B.‐M. , BERGMAN A.
Published: August 2009

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) cause reproductive failure in mink. Ovulation and nidation occur, but the fetuses die during gestation. The toxicity of different chlorinated biphenyl (CB) congeners differs markedly. Dioxin‐like congeners with no (0‐orth CBs) chlorine in the ortho position to the biphenyl bond are considered to be highly toxic. Altogether, 13 groups of 10 female mink (Mustela vison) were exposed to PCB or CB fractions thereof during the reproductive season of 1988 and 1989. In 1988, one group of mink received 2 mg/day of Clophen A50 and five groups received single fractions thereof or synthetic 0‐ortho CB in their diet. In 1989, one group received 1.64 mg/day of Aroclor 1254 and six groups received combinations of fractions thereof. The daily amounts of the fractions administered per animal were equivalent to those present in 2 mg of Clophen A50 or 1.64 mg of Aroclor 1254. After administration for 3 months in both experiments, the animals were killed 5 days after parturition. Histological examination focused on the placental sites. The most involuted placental sites were those of early fetal death in primiparous, non‐whelping animals in the 1989 experiment. The least involuted placental sites, displaying a hyperplastic and pleomorphic uterine luminal epithelium, in which proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was present, were those of late fetal death in biparous, non‐whelping animals in the 1988 experiment. The survival of the fetoplacental unit was related to PCB exposure. The histology of the placental sites seemed only to be related to the survival time of the fetuses and to the number of former reproductive seasons.
Mobilization of annexin V during the uptake of DNP‐albumin by human dendritic cells
Authors: LARSSON MARIE , MAJEED MEYTHAM , STENDAHL OLLE , MAGNUSSON KARL‐ERIC , ERNST JOEL D. , FORSUM URBAN
Published: August 2009

Dendritic cells play a crucial role in antigen presentation in various tissues. The endocytic capacity of these cells has been regarded as minimal, but recent work on dendritic cells from mouse spleen has disclosed that the fluid‐phase traffic through late endosomes is as active in dendritic cells as in other antigen‐presenting cell types. We show that cultured human dendritic cells express the annexins I, III, IV, V and VI, as detected by immunofluorescence staining. The annexins are cytosolic Ca2+‐dependent proteins with the ability to promote vesicle aggregation and membrane fusion through their capacity to bind to membrane phospholipids. Annexin I and VI appeared to outline the cytoskeleton and the plasma membrane in cultured human dendritic cells. Studies using confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that during the endocytosis of fluorescent dinitrophenyl‐conjugated albumin by dendritic cells, there was a redistribution of annexin V which was found to colocalize with vesicles containing dinitrophenyl‐FITC‐conjugated albumin.
Multiresistance in Staphylococcus spp. blood isolates in Finland with special reference to the distribution of the mecA gene among the Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates
Authors: HYVÄRINEN JUKKA , HUOVINEN PENTTI , JÄRVINEN HELINÄ , KOTILAINEN PIRKKO
Published: August 2009

A total of 570 Staphylococcus spp. blood isolates collected in Finland in 1991 were tested for susceptibility to oxacillin and 19 additional antimicrobial agents. The Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates were also analyzed for the presence of the mecA gene by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Of the 238 S. epidermidis, 137 (58%) were in vitro identified as methicillin‐resistant and 5 (2%) exhibited oxacillin MICs between 1 and 3 μg/ml. All these isolates were positive for the mecA gene in PCR as an indication of genetic resistance to methicillin, while none of the remaining 96 S. epidermidis isolates (oxacillin MICs ≥0.25 μg/ml) was positive. Multiresistance was observed in 123 (87%) of the 142 mecA‐positive S. epidermidis. Of the 332 Staphylococcus aureus isolates, only one (0.3%) was phenotypically resistant to methicillin; the strain was also resistant to three other unrelated classes of antimicrobials. True methicillin resistance of this strain was manifested by the presence of the mecA gene in PCR. Based on these results, multiresistance was still extremely rare among the S. aureus in our country, whereas among the S. epidermidis as many as half of the blood isolates in central hospitals were multiresistant.
Gastrointestinal carcinoids—aspects of diagnosis and classification
Authors: Nilsson Ola
Published: August 2009

Gastrointestinal carcinoids are a heterogeneous group of hormone‐producing tumours originating from the diffuse neuroendocrine system of the gastrointestinal mucosa. Recent studies have shown that carcinoid tumours share many of the morphological, biochemical and functional properties of the neuroendocrine cells from which they are derived. Identification of these properties, e.g. specific hormone production, contents of secretory granules or specific proteins of the secretory granules/vesicles, forms the basis for the diagnosis of carcinoid tumours. Classification of gastrointestinal carcinoids is based on the clinical settings under which the tumours develop, tumour site, as well as the morphological and biochemical characteristics of the tumour. Although generally considered a low grade malignancy, carcinoid tumours show a highly variable clinical course from benign tumours discovered incidentally to highly malignant tumours presenting with disseminated spread and disabling hormonal symptoms. Precise knowledge of tumour location, size and stage, as well as growth pattern and hormonal syndromes, is necessary to predict the behaviour of the tumour and optimise treatment.
Increased expression oi keratinocyte interleukin‐8 in human contact eczematous reactions to heavy metals
Authors: Chen Libing , Nordlind Klas , Liden Sture , Sticherling Michael
Published: August 2009

Heavy metal‐induced contact eczematous human skin reactions to cobalt chloride and mercuric chloride were investigated for immunoreactivity to interleukin‐8 (IL‐8), by using an indirect immunoperox‐idase staining technique. There was suprabasal epidermal staining for IL‐8, with a decrease in the vicinity of areas with parakeratotic epithelium. However, in the immediate vicinity of a vesicular formation, intense staining of some apically situated keratinocytes was found. In addition, increased immunoreactivity over the acrosyringial area compared with the surrounding epidermis was obtained. These findings indicate an increased synthesis of keratinocyte IL‐8 in contact eczematous skin.
Lipid entrapment and cellular changes in the rat myocard, lung and liver after long‐term parenteral nutrition with lipid emulsion:
Authors: Aksnes Jon , Eide Tor J. , Nordstrand Kenneth
Published: August 2009

We have demonstrated organ damage after long‐term administration of lipid‐based parenteral nutrition, possibly initiated by intravascular pooling of lipid and phagocytes, in both rats and pigs. To evaluate whether accumulation of lipid could simply be caused by mechanical filtration, a comparative study of three separate capillary beds was performed. Rats were given lipid emulsion (n = 5) or isotonic saline (n=4) through central venous catheters for 3 weeks. Using both light and electron microscopy, lipid accumulation and structural changes in the rat myocard were compared to those in the lung and liver. The study provides evidence that within myocardial capillaries both peripheral blood monocytes and endothelial cells performed phagocytosis of lipid droplets following administration of lipid emulsion, but no large‐scale intravascular pooling of lipid resulted. Morphometry of the myocard detected no lipid increase in the myocytes from the rats given lipid emulsion compared with controls and in neither were there any stigmata of vasculitis or myocardial damage, in contrast to the lung and liver, where intravascular pooling of lipid and phagocytes was seen. This indicates that phagocytosis was an important mechanism involved in entrapment and elimination of lipid.
Cefuroxime resistance in Escherichia coli:
Authors: Schumacher H. , Skibsted U. , Skov R. , Scheibel J.
Published: August 2009

In order to characterize cefuroxime resistance in Escherichia coli 22 clinical isolates were investigated for susceptibility to different β‐lactam antibiotics and ciprofloxacin. The production of β‐lactamases, the pattern of the major outer membrane proteins (OMPs), and the plasmid profiles were determined for these isolates. Ten of the isolates were resistant to ceftazidime, two to cefotaxime, and none was resistant to imipenem or ciprofloxacin. The dominating resistance mechanism was hyperproduction of the chromosomally encoded β‐lactamase to some extent accompanied by alterations of the OMP's. Two isolates with low ampicillin MIOs seemed solely to have alteration of the OMPs. None of the isolates produced plasmid‐mediated extended‐spectrum p‐lactamases. In addition, the prevalence of cefuroxime resistance was investigated. The prevalence as attained in 8704 clinical isolates of E. coli collected from Copenhagen County during a 5‐year period (1990–1994) was 4.4%, but there was considerable variation among specimens from different sites of the body. Isolates from blood were much less resistant (2.5%) than isolates from the respiratory tract (9.7%))
Two cases of benign vaginal rhabdomyoma:
Authors: Iversen U. M.
Published: August 2009

Two cases of benign vaginal rhabdomyoma, which occurred in women aged 38 and 54 years, are reported. The macroscopic and microscopic appearance is described. The literature on this rare tumour is reviewed and the differential diagnoses are discussed. Local excision is considered adequate treatment.
The influence of incubation conditions on the adherence of oralEnterobacteriaceaeto HeLa cells
Authors: Sedgley Christine M. , Samaranayake Lakshman P. , Darvell Brian W.
Published: August 2009

The adherence of 12 oral isolates and 4 type strains ofEnterobacteriaceae(equally representingEnterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coliandCitrobacter freundii) to HeLa cell monolayers following five different incubation conditions (sucrose,d‐mannose, serum, MEM andCandida albicansGDH 1957) was investigated. Incubation with sucrose andd‐mannose resulted in the greatest and least adherence, respectively. The presence of preadherentC. albicansGDH 1957 on the HeLa cells tended to enhance the adherence of certain strains ofE. cloacaeandC. freundii, but had no overall impact onEnterobacteriaceaeadherence. While heterogeneity of behaviour existed between strains within species,E. cloacaewas the most, andK. pneumoniaethe least, adherent species irrespective of incubation conditions. Haemagglutination assays indicated the presence of mannose‐resistant type 1 fimbriae associated with allEnterobacteriaceae. In clinical terms, the variations in adherence properties observedin vitromay contribute to an understanding of the different prevalence rates of oralEnterobacteriaceaereported in the literature.
Biotypes of oral Candida albicans isolates in a Tanzanian child population
Authors: Matee M. I. , Samaranayake L. P. , Scheutz F. , Simon E. , Lyamuya E. F. , Mwinula J.
Published: August 2009

Although biotypes of Candida albicans from adult populations, especially in the West, have been described, there are no data either from a child population, or from the African continent. Hence a total of 200 oral C. albicans isolates from Tanzanian children aged 6–24 months were biotyped using two commercially available API micromethod kit systems and a boric acid resistance test. The predominant biotypes, which comprised two thirds of the organisms isolated, were J1S (19.5%), A1S (16.0%), J1R (14.5%), A1R (9.5%) and P1R (7.5%). In total, 16 new biotypes comprising 44 (22%) isolates which have not hitherto been described were found in this Tanzanian population and, of these, the P1R biotype predominated with 15 (7.5%) isolates. There was no significant association between predominant biotypes (with clusters ≤15 isolates) and age, gender, breast feeding and malnutrition. These data indicate that the biotype profile of C. albicans isolates may differ in paediatric and adult populations, and/or global distribution of various subtypes of this common opportunistic pathogen.
Luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone and innervation pathways in human prenatal nasal submucosa: factors of importance in evaluating Kallmann's syndrome
Authors: KjæR Inger , Hansen Birgit Fischer
Published: August 2009

A previous study has demonstrated that luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone (LHRH) is localized in the human bilateral vomeronasal organs in the nasal septum during a 4‐week period of intrauterine life (22). The purpose of the present study was to elucidate the location of LHRH‐expressing cells outside the vomeronasal organs, with special emphasis on the submucosa of the medial wall and roof of the nasal cavity. An additional aim was to study the innervation pathways in the same regions. Both regions can be affected in Kallmann's syndrome, which is characterized by hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (lack of LHRH) and often associated with anosmia. Histological sections of craniofacial regions (49 normal human fetuses, 6–19 weeks) were examined by immunohistochemical techniques for LHRH and for neuronal tissue (protein gene product 9.5, PGP 9.5). LHRH reactions were only seen in the septal submucosa extending from the vomeronasal organs to the olfactory bulb. There was a close spatiotemporal association between the occurrence of LHRH and neuronal tissue. From the rhino‐olfactory epithelium separate nerve tissue extended to the olfactory bulb. It is suggested that the medial region of the nasal placode giving rise to the septal wall is always affected in Kallmann's syndrome, and in cases in which the phenotypic features are associated with anosmia, also the more lateral part of the nasal placode, from which the rhino‐olfactory region originates, is affected.
Virus‐induced autoimmune disease: transgenic approach to mimic insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus and other autoimmune diseases:
Authors: Oldstone Michael B. A. , Von Herrath Matthias
Published: August 2009

The technology of cloning viral genes and expressing them in vivo under cell‐specific promoters allows to dissect the role of viruses, host self proteins, host genetics and immune responses in the complex etiology of autoimmune disease. Expression of a viral transgene, that is really a marker for a host “self” protein per se in ß cells of the islets of Langerhans, need not cause disease. In our model, expression of a viral gene was not associated with disease over the lifetime of the animal. However, when the host becomes infected with a virus encoding the same gene as the transgene or one closely related to it, a resultant immune response directed against the virus also recognizes the transgene leading to progressive T‐cell‐mediated response and destruction of the tissue expressing the viral (“self”) gene, leading to autoimmune disease. This multifactorial process is influenced by whether the viral transgene is expressed in the thymus as well as in the disease‐related cell or target tissue. Thymic expression influences negative selection of responder lymphocytes and thus delays the onset of the autoimmune disorder. Further, the MHC haplotype or other background genes of an individual undergoing autoimmune dysfunction play a role in the affinity of binding of the transgene products to the MHC molecule and influence the degree of negative selection that occurs, thereby influencing the vigor of the resulting immune response. The current ability to express host or viral genes in unique cell populations, and to make double‐ or triple‐tg mice in which various cytokine genes or lymphocyte activation genes can be expressed along with the viral gene, offers a unique possibility for molecular dissection of autoimmunity. With the information on hand, approaches to the prevention and treatment of human autoimmune disease are likely to be uncovered. Finally, animal models are available in which the onset, progression and control of molecular mimicry can be evaluated. Future studies should define roles played by cytokines, bystander and immune‐specific cross‐reactivity to viruses and other microbes in several autoimmune diseases.
Immunohistochemistry (Ki‐67 and p53) as a tool in determining malignancy in smooth muscle neoplasms (exemplified by a myxoid leiomyosarcoma of the uterus)
Authors: SprogØE‐Jakobsen Susan , HØLund Berit
Published: August 2009

Smooth muscle tumours of the uterus at times represent a problem as it may be difficult to distinguish between benign and malignant tumours. The myxoid leiomyosarcoma (a rare type of neoplasm) reported here is an example of this. We present a case history and examine the suitability of Ki‐67 and p53 as indicators of malignancy. The two antibodies were tested on seven leiomyomas, three atypical (borderline) leiomyomas, seven leiomyosarcomas and the myxoid leiomyosarcoma using microwave oven antigen retrieval. The leiomyomas had the lowest and the leiomyosarcomas the highest proliferation rate. The leiomyomas had no expression of p53, the atypical leiomyomas had a few scattered positive nuclei, and 5/7 of the leiomyosarcomas had overexpression of p53. The myxoid leiomyosarcoma had a positive reaction for p53 in clusters. The results suggest that Ki‐67 and p53 might be useful as indicators of malignancy.
Local and systemic antibody levels against protein D of Haemophilus influenzae following immunization and infection in rats
Authors: Akkoyunlu Mustafa , Forsgren Arne
Published: August 2009

Outer membrane proteins of Haemophilus influenzae are considered as possible vaccine candidates against non‐typable H. influenzae (NTHi), a major cause of respiratory infections. Here, we study local and systemic antibody responses to protein D, a well‐conserved 42‐kDa membrane protein, following local and systemic immunization, and experimental acute otitis media (AOM) with NTHi and H. influenzae type b (Hib) in rats. Animals that were challenged and rechallenged in the middle ear with Hib strain Minn A or NTHi strain 1161 developed IgG and IgA antibodies in serum but not in middle ear lavage (MEL) material or saliva. In contrast, following per oral immunization with NTHi strain 772 and Escherichia coli JM83 (pHIC348) (containing protein D gene) and, to a lesser degree after intranasal inoculation of NTHi strain 772, high saliva IgA antibodies to protein D developed, but there was no rise in antibodies to protein D in the MEL material or the sera of these animals. These results show that protein D can elicit different systemic and local antibody responses depending on the site of delivery and the form of administration. Furthermore, experimental AOM with NTHi and Hib induces systemic IgG and IgA antibodies to protein D but fails to induce a mucosal immune response.
High incidence and aggressive growth of non‐AIDS‐defining cancers among AIDS patients in Oslo
Authors: Goplen Anne K. , LiestØL Knut , Dunlop Oona , StrØM Erik H. , Bruun Johan N. , MæHlen Jan
Published: August 2009

The spectrum of cancers advanced by AIDS is disputed. To supplement the register‐based investigations, we have studied the occurrence of non‐AIDS‐defining malignancies in a closely followed population of AIDS patients. The population comprises 255 patients fulfilling CDC's clinical AIDS definition, representing 91% of all adult AIDS patients from Oslo 1983–1995. Full autopsy was performed on 73% of the 211 fatal cases. Adding patients with CD4 cell counts below 200 cells/mm3 to match the US AIDS definition, the population increases to 344, including 225 deceased. The expected number of cancer cases was calculated from age‐ and sex‐specific cancer incidence rates for Oslo 1988–1992. The number of non‐AIDS‐defining cancers was six (clinical CDC criteria) or eight (US AIDS definition), compared to expected numbers of 0.54 and 1.0, respectively. At autopsy, four of eight cases showed extensive tumor dissemination with involvement of the heart. These observations suggest that (at least some) non‐AIDS‐defining cancers occur at increased rates and show aggressive growth pattern in AIDS.
Immunity to experimental Salmonella typhimurium infections in rats:
Authors: Thygesen Peter , Christensen Henning BjøRn , Hougen Hans Petter , Rygaard JøRgen
Published: August 2009

The protective effect of primed CD4 T cells against a lethal dose of Salmonella typhimurium was studied in Lewis rats. Primed CD4 T cells were obtained by inoculating Lewis rats with a non‐lethal dose of S. typhimurium. Four weeks after the infection, spleen CD4 T cells were separated by antibody‐coated magnetic microspheres using an antibody against the CD4 molecule (W3/25). The cells were separated according to their expression of the CD45RC isoform of the leukocyte common antigen by FACS. CD45RC+ and CD45RC− CD4 T‐cell subpopulations were transferred to untreated rats 24 h prior to infection with S. typhimurium. Transfer of CD45RC+ and CD45RC− CD4 T cells induced a significant survival, p=0.022 and p=0.023 respectively, following inoculation with S. typhimurium compared to animals with no cells transferred. The infection induced an increase in CD4 T cells expressing the CD45RC isoform compared to untreated controls (p<0.001). It is concluded that both CD45RC+ and CD45RC− cells can induce a significant protection against S. typhimurium infections in rats. Therefore the CD45RC antigen cannot be used as a phenotypic marker for functionally distinct CD4 T‐cell subpopulations. The infection‐induced increase in CD45RC+ cells is most likely due to generation of antigen‐specific memory T cells.
Structure, growth and cell proliferation of human osteosarcoma and malignant fibrous histiocytoma xenografts in serial transplantation in nude mice
Authors: BrostrÖM L.‐Å. , Crnalic S. , LÖFvenberg R. , Stenling R. , Boquist L.
Published: August 2009

Tumour specimens from one patient with osteosarcoma and one with malignant fibrous histiocytoma were transplanted in serial passages in nude mice. Structure, growth and cell kinetics of the xenografts were studied in order to assess the validity of the two tumour models. Cell proliferation was analysed using in vivo labelling with the thymidine analogue iododeoxyuridine (IdUrd) and the IdUrd labelling index (LI) was determined by immunohistochemistry. The DNA index (DI) was examined by flow cytometry. The c‐myc oncoprotein expression was studied by immunohistochemistry. More intense proliferation was observed in the peripheral parts of the tumours. There was no correlation between tumour growth and cell proliferation in the two tumour groups. Stability of the tumour models was indicated by low intrapassage and interpassage variations of DI, LI, and volume doubling time, and also by retained histopathological characteristics and c‐myc staining patterns of donor patients' tumours during serial transplantation.
Detection of apoptotic cells and expression of Ki‐67 antigen, Bcl‐2, p53 oncoproteins in human parathyroid adenoma
Authors: Wang Wenliang , Johansson Henry , Kvasnicka Tomas , Farnebo Lars‐Ove , Grimelius Lars
Published: August 2009

Presence of apoptotic cells and immunoreactivity to Ki‐67, bcl‐2 and p53 were studied in 20 cases of parathyroid adenoma. To determine apoptosis, the DNA nick end labeling method was used. 85% of the parathyroid adenomas were found to harbor apoptotic cells. All of the 20 adenomas contained Ki‐67 immunoreactive cells. Proliferative activity was not more confined to nodular than to diffuse areas, but there was a highly significant difference in Ki‐67 immunoreactivity between adenomatous tissue and the residual rim of normal tissue outside the adenoma. No Ki‐67 immunoreactive cells were found in two normal parathyroid glands used as controls. All but one of the adenomas (95%) demonstrated immunoreactivity to bcl‐2, but expression of p53 was detected in only a few adenomas (15%). There was a significant relationship between the adenoma weights and both Ki‐67 and bcl‐2. This study suggests that parathyroid adenomas contain cell populations with proliferative activity (clonal proliferation), but the weak immunoreactive expression of p53 combined with the relatively strong expression of bcl‐2 might contribute to a slow glandular growth.
Sertoli cells, but not tumor cells, of seminoma in situ express ICAM‐1
Authors: BræNdstrur Otto , Jensen Leif , Werdelin Ole
Published: August 2009

Tumor and surrounding testicular tissue from six seminomas and one combined seminoma/embryonal carcinoma were examined for the expression of ICAM‐1, VCAM‐1 and ELAM‐1. This was done by immunohistochemical staining of frozen samples using monoclonal antibodies and the avidin‐biotin/ peroxidase or alkaline phosphatase staining method. ICAM‐1 was expressed by Sertoli cells of intratu‐bular germ cell neoplasia, but not by any of the cells in normal seminiferous epithelium, or by neoplastic germ cells whether invading or not. In addition inflammatory cells and endothelium expressed ICAM‐1. VCAM‐1, and also occasionally ELAM‐1, was expressed only on endothelial cells in and outside the tumors. These results are discussed in relation to lymphocytic infiltration and immune surveillance of seminomas and T‐cell tolerance to the antigens of the immunologically privileged seminiferous epithelium.
Mast cells in human coronary arteries; is there any correlation with luminal narrowing?
Authors: Falck Geir , Halgunset Jostein
Published: August 2009

Histamine in the human coronary arteries is harboured in mast cells and possibly in a non‐mast cell store. Upon histamine exposure atherosclerotic coronary arteries react differently than normal coronary arteries, and histamine has been proposed to provoke vasospasms, ischaemia and sudden cardiac death. Previous reports have indicated a correlation between the mast cell density and the histamine content on the one hand and the degree of atherosclerosis on the other hand. Since previous reports applied visual assessment of the luminal narrowing only, we reexamined these results utilising plani‐metric methods. The study was accomplished by examining coronary arteries from autopsy cases (50–70 years, N=29) with a diagnosis of sudden death, myocardial infarction or a non‐cardiac cause. The mast cell density was calculated as the ratio between the mast cell count and the adventitial area as seen by light microscopy, and was compared to the degree of luminal narrowing. We were not able to find any correlation between the mast cell density and the luminal narrowing. The myocardial infarction group had the most severe degree of luminal narrowing, but there was no significant difference in mast cell density between the groups. We therefore question the previous notion that there is a correlation between the adventitial mast cell density in the coronary arteries and the luminal narrowing. Earlier reports may have been biased by visual assessment and by erroneously treating several measurements from the same person as independent samples.
Molecular genetics and biochemistry of Yersinia lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Skurnik Mikael , Zhang Lijuan
Published: August 2009

Studies on the molecular genetics of bacterial LPS1 serve at least two main purposes: (i) to help develop an understanding of the biology, biochemistry and genetics of this bacterial surface macro‐molecule, and (ii) to provide a basis for both vaccine development and virulence experiments. Both of these goals have been the driving force in studies of Yersinia LPS carried out during the last decade. Here we will review the progress made in the molecular genetics and biochemistry of Yersinia LPS. A deep understanding has been achieved with respect to Y. enterocolitica serotype 0:3, reaching as far as a detailed analysis of the gene clusters directing the biosynthesis of the outer core oligosaccharide and of the O‐ag2. The O‐ag gene clusters of Y. enterocolitica serotype 0:8 and Y. pseudotuberculosis serotypes 0:2a and 0:5a have also been cloned and partially characterized. LPS biosynthesis of these Yersinia species includes examples of the two major variations recognized in the biosynthesis of this macromolecule: (i) homopolymeric or O‐antigen polymerase‐independent biosynthesis, and (ii) heteropolymeric or O‐antigen polymerase‐dependent biosynthesis.
Immunohistochemical characterization of the cellular infiltrates in Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis with special reference to calprotectin‐producing cells
Authors: Cuida Mihaela , Brun Johan G. , Johannessen Anne Christine , Jonsson Roland
Published: August 2009

The aim of this study was to analyse the nature of infiltrating cells in minor salivary glands of patients with Sjogren's syndrome (SS). Furthermore, we wanted to characterize the tissue distribution of calprotectin‐producing cells in inflamed salivary gland tissue of SS and in synovial tissue of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). Cryostat sections of labial salivary gland tissue from patients with SS and synovial tissue from RA and OA patients were stained (ABC‐immunoperox‐idase technique) using monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) to T cells (CD3), monocytes/ macrophages (CD 14, CD68), and calprotectin. Monocytes and macrophages were widely distributed in focal infiltrates of salivary gland tissue from SS patients. Calprotectin markers showed a distinct staining of infiltrating macrophages and around blood vessel walls. In synovial tissue samples, calprotectin was expressed in a high percentage of cells in the synovial lining, the subsynovium, and vessel walls. The percentages of cells stained for calprotectin were significantly higher in RA than in OA and SS tissues. Antibodies to the calprotectin complex stained cells with a similar distribution as antibodies against the separate polypeptide chains of calprotectin. The localization and differentiated expression of calprotectin in these chronic inflammatory conditions indicate a role in the inflammatory process and may be an additional marker of macrophages/granulocytes in SS, RA and OA.