bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dysfunction of the mononuclear phagocytic system in sepsis
Authors: GUTIÉRREZ‐FERNÅNDEZ J. , MAROTO M. C. , PIÉDROLA G. , ZAMORA E.
Published: August 2009

An in vivo study has been undertaken of the Fc(lgG) receptor‐mediated phagocytic capacity of macrophages (clearance of anti‐rhesus D‐coated‐51Cr‐labelled autologous erythrocytes, expressed as half‐lives) in 15 cases of sepsis to establish its behaviour and correlate this function to levels of circulating immune complexes (anti‐Clq‐nephelometry). Five patients with low activity (2261 ± 859 minutes) developed septic shock; the other ten showed high activity (5.8 ± 1.5 minutes) and did not develop septic shock. Differences from the control group (30 ± 12 minutes) were found (p < 0.001). Receptor activity was related to the presence of circulating immune complexes (p ± 0.001; δ= 0.862) but not to age, sex, or the presence/absence of splenomegaly during the illness. Eight patients responded favourably; seven patients died; but the receptor activity was not related to this. During sepsis it is possible to find higher Fc(IgG) receptor‐mediated phagocytic capacity of macrophages. Excessive formation of circulating immune complexes has a negative influence on Fc(IgG) receptor‐mediated phagocytosis. This activity of macrophages, measured at the start of the sepsis, was not associated with the final outcome of the patients' illness (cure or death).
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa extracellular toxicity in infant mice and the protective effect of antitoxin A
Authors: ØGAARD ALAIN REMI , BERDAL BJØRN PETER
Published: August 2009

The toxin A‐content of crude extracellular preparations from Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been measured by ELISA. Using infant mice as test animal, the toxicity of these preparations was evaluated. The LD 50 in infant mice was determined at 80 ng of purified toxin A in saline. With ten μl of rabbit antitoxin A serum given together with purified toxin, the LD 50 increased to 2,500 ng. Generally there was no correlation between the LD 50 of the extracellular preparations, their quantity of toxin A as measured by ELISA, and the protective effect of antitoxin A.
Preparative polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the isolation of the nephritogenic proteins of passive Heymann nephritis
Authors: MIETTINEN AARO , TÖRNROTH TOM , VARTIO TAPIO
Published: August 2009

To study kidney antigens involved in the formation of glomerular subepithelial immune deposits in passive Heymann nephritis polypeptides of 500, 130 and 105 kDa were isolated from rat kidney brush border (BB) membrane fraction using preparative polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Polyclonal antibodies raised against these proteins were specific for their respective antigens in immunoblotting. All three antisera bound to proximal tubular BB of kidney and to apical surfaces of several other epithelia as shown by indirect immunofluorescence on frozen sections of normal rat tissues. The anti‐500 kDa and anti‐105 kDa, but not the anti‐130 kDa, antibodies also stained glomeruli and the anti‐105 kDa antibodies also endothelial cells. After injection into rats the anti‐500 kDa IgG bound to kidney glomeruli forming diffuse, granular deposits of rabbit IgG along the glomerular capillary walls, as shown by direct immunofluorescence. In electron microscopy the immune deposits were subepithelial and electron dense. The deposits remained in glomeruli for at least 60 days and increased with time. Deposits of C3 were not detected and proteinuria did not develop. The anti‐130 kDa and the anti‐105 kDa IgGs did not form glomerular deposits after in vivo injections. The results suggest that the 500 kDa and the 105 kDa proteins or related antigens are present in glomeruli and the 500 kDa protein is located on the epithelial side of the glomerular basement membrane. Circulating antibodies can bind to the 500 kDa protein forming immune complexes which rearrange and form electron dense deposits. The results further demonstrate that preparative gel electrophoresis is a useful technique for the isolation of kidney proteins of immunopathologic interest.
Detecting inhibition of coxsackievirus replication by measuring DNA synthesis – effect of proteinase inhibitors
Authors: GRINDE BJØRN , FLUGSRUD LIV , TJØTTA ENOK
Published: August 2009

The replication of picornaviruses can be monitored by microscopic examination of the cytopathogenic effect. We found that measuring cellular DNA synthesis gave a more objective and reliable estimate of the viral effect on the cells. Furthermore, by simultaneously measuring DNA synthesis in uninfected cells, we obtained a sensitive indication of whether the agents tested influenced cellular activity. The method was employed to investigate the effect of various proteinase inhibitors on the replication of coxsackie‐B3 virus in HEp2 cells. Certain inhibitors of metallo‐proteinases had a limited, but consistent, protective effect against viral activity.
Desmin antibodies in acute infectious myopericarditis
Authors: KURKI PEKKA , KARJALAINEN JOUKO , HAUTANEN AARNO , VIRTANEN ISMO
Published: August 2009

The role of autoantibodies against cardiac tissue in the pathogenesis of acute myopericarditis is poorly understood – partly because the specificity of the antibodies is unknown. We assayed antibodies against desmin, a cytoskeletal muscle protein, in 18 patients with acute infectious myopericarditis (AIM), in 24 patients with acute uncomplicated infections, in ten patients with acute myocardial infarction, and in 68 blood donors by an immunoenzymatic assay using purified desmin from Purkinje fibers of cow heart. In addition, anti‐heart antibodies were assayed by indirect immunofluorescence.

Anti‐heart antibodies were detected in all groups by indirect immunofluorescence. On the other hand, anti‐desmin antibody levels exceeding the mean + 2 SD of the blood donors could be demonstrated in seven (39%) AIM patients but in only one patient in the other groups. The analysis of serial samples indicated that the antibody level was highest in the acute phase of AIM and declined during the recovery.
Epidermal tumour necrosis factor α and interleukin 6‐like activities in AIDS‐related Kaposi's sarcoma
Authors: OXHOLM ANNEMETTE , OXHOLM PETER , PERMIN HENRIK , BENDTZEN KLAUS
Published: August 2009

Biopsies from 6 patients with AIDS and Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) in the tumour stage, and 6 healthy controls, were immunohistologically examined for the presence of tissue‐bound tumour necrosis factorα (TNFα) and interleukin 6 (IL‐6) in the skin. TNFα was demonstrated using specific polyclonal antiserum to human recombinant TNFα. IL‐6 was visualized indirectly using a polyclonal antiserum to partially purified human crude supernatants of activated human blood monocytes, followed by absorption with recombinant human IL‐6. The cytokines were found identically located in epidermal cell membranes in stratum granulosum and spinosum of the epidermis from unaffected skin in both AIDS patients and in controls. Biopsies from KS elements showed markedly increased epidermal staining for both TNF δ and IL‐6. It was not possible to detect TNFα or IL6 in the endothelial cells of the tumour. The observation of increased amounts of epidermal‐bound TNFα and IL‐6 in AIDS‐related KS elements suplements previous studies indicating that the skin plays an active immunoinflammatory role in patients with AIDS.
Aerococcus‐like organism – an unnoticed urinary tract pathogen
Authors: CHRISTENSEN JENS JØRGEN , KORNER BENT , KJÆRGAARD HELLE
Published: August 2009

Aerococci are only occasionally isolated from urinary tract specimens. A 4‐month' survey revealed 29 patients suspected of urinary tract infection (UTI), from whom an Aerococcus‐like organism (ALO) was isolated in significant numbers from urinary tract specimens and singly in 11 cases. Approximately 0.8% of all urinary tract specimens examined during the period yielded growth of ALO. The median age of patients was 75 years. Half of the patients were found to have conditions predisposing to UTI. 9 of 11 patients without indwelling catheter, having ALO isolated in pure culture from the urine, showed one or more typical signs of UTI (fever, dysuria and/or pollakisuria and pyuria). A phenotypic comparison was made between 29 strains of ALO and 6 related organisms, including Aerococcus viridansT, Streptococcus faeciumT, Streptococcus sanguis, Streptococcus bovis, Streptococcus Group Q and Streptococcus Group R. ALO and A. viridansT showed many similarities, but, owing to characteristic differences with regard to colony morphology, biochemical reactions and antibiotic susceptibility pattern, the strains were easily separated.
Neoplasms of the central nervous system in Norway
Authors: HELSETH ARE , MØRK SVERRE J.
Published: August 2009

Data were analysed from 4859 patients with different histological types of intracranial glioma registered by the Norwegian Cancer Registry between 1955 and 1984. Glioblastoma comprised 57.9% of all cases. The second most common primary brain tumour was astrocytoma (19.0%), then mixed glioma (9.2%), oligodendroglioma (7.9%), medulloblastoma (3.1%) and ependymoma (2.9%). A primary brain tumour in a child is approximately twice as likely to be an astrocytoma as a medulloblastoma. The age‐specific incidence for glioblastoma increases with age, whereas the incidence of astrocytoma and oligodendroglioma peaks at middle age. Both glioblastoma and astrocytoma showed increased incidence rates over the study period and this was most pronounced in the age‐group above 60 years. The prognosis for gliomas varied with age at time of diagnosis, generally being better the younger the patient. For oligodendroglioma patients, survival prospects were independent of age at time of diagnosis. The best prognosis was seen in patients up to 30 years with astrocytoma. Applied in epidemiology, the data indicate that astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, mixed glioma and ependymoma may be treated as a group which should be separated from both glioblastoma and medulloblastoma.
Monoclonal antibodies against three different enterobacterial outer membrane proteins
Authors: HENRIKSEN ARNE Z. , MÉLAND JOHAN A. , BRAKSTAD ODD G.
Published: August 2009

BALB/c mice were immunized with whole‐cells of Escherichia coli 055:B5 or Proteus mirabilis NCTC 60 to produce broadly cross‐reacting monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against outer membrane (OM) proteins. A total of 10 anti‐OM MAbs of the IgG class were selected. These included 5 MAbs against the heat‐modifiable (Hm) protein, 3 against the peptidoglycan‐associated lipoprotein (PALp), and 2 against Braun's lipoprotein (BLp). Based on competition ELISA, the MAbs defined 2 Hm protein binding sites (Hm I and Hm II), 2 PALp sites (PALp I and PALp II), and one BLp site (BLp I). The MAbs showed broad cross‐reactivity against 74 strains of 10 different genera of the Enterobacteriaceae. Non‐cross‐reacting enteric bacilli occurred only among bacteria of the genera Salmonella, Proteus, and Providentia. The results revealed that Proteus and Providentia strains differed from other enteric bacilli with regard to BLp synthesis or specificity. A panel of 30 non‐enteric Gram‐negative bacteria did not cross‐react. Testing of MAb binding to bacteria showed that a part of the BLp I, PALp I, and PALp II sites was immunoaccessible in intact homologous bacteria, and that the Hm I and Hm II epitopes were inaccessible. The MAbs should facilitate studies of structure and immunobiological function of enterobacterial OM proteins and should have a potential as immunodiagnostic reagents.
Do carbohydrate antigens stimulate human T cells?
Authors: Emmrich FRANK
Published: August 2009

T cells fail to recognize free antigenic determinants. What the T‐cell receptor recognizes is a complex consisting of a peptide fragment cleaved from antigen and self‐MHC structures on the surface of antigen‐presenting cells. While extensively investigated with protein antigens, only limited information is available on the capability of T cells to recognize carbohydrate antigens in a specific way. Therefore, we have investigated the specificity of human T‐cell lines and clones reactive to streptococcal A (Strep A) vaccine. It was found that neither soluble streptococcal A carbohydrate (A‐CHO) nor synthetic oligosaccharides deduced from bacterial carbohydrates could stimulate Strep A‐reactive T cells, although A‐CHO stimulates specific antibody production in B cells very effectively. In conclusion, Strep A‐specific T cells seem to recognize other structures of the bacterial vaccine than A‐CHO. This was confirmed by retained stimulation after removal of carbohydrate epitopes by periodate treatment. Such Strep A‐reactive T cells are frequently (> 10−3) found in CD4+ T cells of healthy donors. Implications of this finding with regard to anti‐carbohydrate immune responses are discussed.
Placental villitis and intrauterine growth retardation in a Swedish population
Authors: Nordenvall M. , Sandstedt B.
Published: August 2009

Villitis was studied in placentas from 445 singleton infants from an ethnically homogeneous population with a good socioeconomic standard. There were 161 infants small for gestational age (SGA) and 284 appropriate for gestational age (AGA). Villitis was found in 12 SGA‐placentas (7.5 per cent) and 8 AGA placentas (2.8 per cent) (p < 0.05). The degree of villitis was also related to growth retardation (p < 0.05). Except for one placenta with villitis due to CMV infection, the cause of villitis could not be determined. No association was found with various studied factors such as hypertension, pre‐eclampsia, smoking or maternal pyrexia during pregnancy.
A unique plasmid profile characterizing Salmonella enteritidis isolates from patients and employees in a hospital
Authors: SØRum HENNING , BØVre KJELL , Bukholm GEIR , Lassen JØRGEN , Olsvik ØRJAN
Published: August 2009

Plasmid profiling was used as an epidemiological tool during a period of frequent Salmonella enteritidis infection in a hospital. S. enteritidis was isolated from 22 patients and employees. Isolates from 18 persons harbored one 29 and one 36 megadalton (MDa) plasmid. The 29 MDa plasmid has not been previously described in this species and was not found in 54 control strains of S. enteritidis from other sources. The respective restriction endonuclease digest fragments of the 36 and the 29 MDa plasmids were always identical. This plasmid pattern thus served as a marker for the isolates from the outbreak.
Experimental Salmonella typhimurium infections in rats
Authors: Hougen HANS PETTER , Jensen ELSEBETH TVENSTRUP , Klausen BJARNE
Published: August 2009

Immunization against a lethal dose of Salmonella typhimurium was studied in athymic and thymus‐bearing LEW rats. Active immunization was performed with formalin‐killed whole cell vaccine or sublethal infection prior to the lethal infection. After vaccination with killed bacteria the euthymic animals produced antibodies against S. typhimurium, but neither the euthymic nor the athymic animals survived the infection. After non‐lethal infection euthymic and thymus‐grafted nude rats were not affected by the second and otherwise lethal bacterial dose, and had high antibody titres. All the athymic nude rats died after the second and lethal bacterial challenge. Passive immunization with plasma from immunized euthymic animals did not protect any of the animals against the lethal bacterial dose. However, all animals survived when treated with large doses of spleen cells from immunized euthymic rats. Both athymic and thymus‐bearing animals treated with primed spleen cells had high antibody titres. The percentages of splenic and lymph node T lymphocytes in primed spleen cell‐treated athymic rats were comparable to those found in euthymic and thymus‐grafted animals. Treatment with primed spleen cells from immunized thymus grafted animals provided only limited protective effect, and treatment with cells from athymic animals had no effect. The study shows that although isogeneic thymus‐grafted nude rats become resistent to reinfection with S. typhimurium, only large doses of spleen cells from immunized euthymic animals can be used for passive transfer of immunity.
Carriage and antibiotic susceptibility of Haemophilus influenzae type b and non b in Danish day‐care attendees
Authors: Kristensen KIM
Published: August 2009

A study of carriage of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and non b in Danish day‐care facilities, employing a highly selective medium supplemented with three antibiotics and direct detection of the type b capsular antigen by latex‐agglutination and coagglutination, was carried out. Of 329 children, 217 (66%) were found to be carriers of Haemophilus influenzae. Among 64 children from day‐care centers in which a case of invasive Hib infection had occurred, four carriers of type b were found, whereas no type b carriers were identified among 265 children from unexposed day‐care centers (p < 0.003). Of 217 isolated strains, seven (3.2%) were found to have lowered susceptibility to ampicillin, two (0.9%) to chloramphenicol, two (0.9%) to cefuroxim, and one (0.5%) to cefotaxim.
Inhibition of the bacteriolytic effect of β‐lactam‐antibiotics onStaphylococcus aureusby the polyanionic drugs suramin and Evans Blue*
Authors: Wecke JÖRG , Franz MARITA , Giesbrecht PETER
Published: August 2009

The anionic polyelectrolytes suramin and Evans Blue inhibited different autolytic systems involved in wall growth and wall turnover of growing staphylococci and in wall autolysis of resting bacteria. Moreover, both substances lowered the β‐lactam‐induced pre‐lytic release of cytoplasmic constituents from staphylococci, and inhibited the β‐lactam‐induced bacteriolysis as well as the loss of viability. The protective effects of these sulfonated drugs against bacteriolysis were also monitored by electron microscopy. Some medical implications of our results are discussed.
Reappraisal of uterine sarcoma diagnosis in the Swedish Cancer Registry
Authors: Larson B. , SilfverswÄRd C. , Nilsson B.
Published: August 2009

An investigation of over‐and under‐registration of uterine sarcomas in the Swedish Cancer Registry during the period 1958–1980 was carried out. A histopathologic review of a 10% sample (159 cases) revealed that 18% of the cases, the majority of which were benign leiomyomas, could not be reclassified as sarcomas. All 186 cases of uterine sarcoma treated at Radiumhemmet during the period 1958–1980 were found in the Cancer Registry, but only 90% as sarcomas. As a consequence of over‐and under‐registration of the sarcoma tumors, the estimated incidences will be affected. In this study, however, we could not find any time trend in the erroneous registration, which implies that comparisons in incidence over time would still be valid.
Basic concepts and practical applications of recombinant DNA techniques in detection of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections
Authors: SyrjÄNen STINA M.
Published: August 2009

Recent studies on the role of infectious agents in the pathogenesis of malignancy have demonstrated a strong association between HPV and several human benign and malignant epithelial neoplasms. There are 60 distinct types of HPV, of which HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 35 and 39 have been associated with squamous cell neoplasia of the genital tract. Rapid progress in the field of recombinant DNA technology with the availability of specific probes has enabled the detection of HPV genomic sequences in characteristic HPV lesions. In addition, HPV sequences have been found in malignant squamous cell lesions, and even in normal tissues lacking the morphologic signs of HPV infection. Currently, hybridization analysis of the nucleic acid is the most reliable method for diagnosis of HPV infections, also permitting the genotyping of these viruses. A variety of hybridization procedures have been developed with different sensitivities and specificities. Despite the divergent technical modifications, however, all hybridization tests working according to the same basic principles. The double helix of DNA composed of two complementary polynucleotide chains can be opened by heating or by increasing pH. Cooling of the two strands allows reassociation. Labeled HPV DNA or RNA probe hybridizes with the complementary sequences allowing the detection of HPV sequences in the samples. Hybridization assays can be conducted under conditions in which virtually all HPVs will be detected, but not specifically typed (low stringency) or under conditions in which the type can be identified (high stringency). Widely divergent results have been reported both in prevalence of HPV infection and distribution of different HPV types in the genital tract. These discordant results have been explained on the basis of sampling effects, differences in histopathological diagnosis, geographical variations in HPV types and interlaboratory variation in HPV detection and typing techniques. In this review the various procedures for detecting HPV sequences by hybridization and related techniques are shortly described.
An assessment of the factors contributing to the killing of type 3 Streptococcus pneumoniae by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes in vitro
Authors: Esposito ANTHONY L. , Clark CAROLYN A. , Poirier WILLIAM J.
Published: August 2009

To characterize the factors that contribute to the killing of type 3 S. pneumoniae, human neutrophils were obtained from healthy donors and incubated with viable organisms. In contrast to prior observations with other pneumococcal serotypes, killing was not detected when 106 colony forming units (cfu) were incubated at 37°C for 2–4 hours with 106 neutrophils in the presence of 20–80% fresh autologous serum; further, pneumococcidal activity was not found when preopsonized bacteria and primed neutrophils were employed in the standard assay. However, when the bacterium to cell ratio was reduced to 1:100 and 1:1000, microbicidal action was detected; a 10‐fold reduction in the number of viable bacteria was observed when 2 times 103 cfu were incubated with 2 times 106 neutrophils and 80% autologous serum at 37°C for 4 hours. To assess the effects of serum factors on killing, bactericidal assays were performed in the presence of normal human serum (NHS), heat‐inactivated human serum (HIHS) and absorbed human serum (AHS); heating reduced and absorption eliminated the capacity of serum to support killing. Studies performed with mutanolysin, an enzyme that lyses type 3 pneumococci, demonstrated that the effects of HIHS and AHS on bactericidal activity were highly correlated with alterations in the ability of the sera to support phagocytosis. Studies of neutrophil activation revealed changes in the production of superoxide anion that correlated well with phagocytosis and killing; however, the results of assays of leukotriene B4 generation and degranulation (beta‐glucuronidase and lactoferrin release) were more variable. In mixing experiments, the capacity of HIHS to support killing was normalized with NHS; however, the ability of AHS to promote killing was not restored with HIHS or NHS. Thus, these studies demonstrate the relatively limited capacity of human serum to support the killing of type 3 pneumococci, and they emphasize the importance of killing assays in assessing interactions between the bacterium and neutrophils.
Mixed bacterial meningitis in an adult caused by Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Jensen ANNETTE , Kjaeldgaard POUL , Lukman BERIT , Overgaard SØREN
Published: August 2009

A case of mixed bacterial meningitis with Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae is reported in a 26‐year‐old woman without demonstrable predisposing conditions, who recovered after treatment with ampicillin, without sequelae.
Effects of local and systemic immunization on serum antibody titres in splenectomized chickens
Authors: HippelÄInen MIKKO , Naukkarinen ANITA
Published: August 2009

The role of spleen in local (per anum) and systemic (intravenous = i.v.) immunization was studied by splenectomizing chickens and immunizing them twice with sheep red blood cells (SRBC) and Brucella abortus. The number of germinal centers in spleen and the splenic weight were also recorded. Splenectomy had no effect on the serum titres evoked by the per anum immunization but it affected the anti‐SRBC and, to a lesser extent, anti‐Brucella titres in serum after i.v. immunization. The effect of splenectomy was less obvious both in the secondary response and when the chickens were younger at operation and the time between splenectomy and immunization was increased. The i.v. immunizations induced germinal centre formation in the spleen whereas immunization per anum did not significantly do so. Also the splenic weight in the i.v. immunized chickens was higher than that in the per anum immunized birds. The present study shows that the spleen is the major site of antibody production against i.v. administered antigens in chickens. Antibody production to antigens applied per anum occurs mainly in other lymphatic organs, most probably in the gut‐associated lymphoid tissues.
Histological and histochemical studies on local coronary wall thickenings (cushions) in Finnish children who died violently
Authors: Raekallio JYRKI , Hirvonen JORMA , Laaksonen HANNU , MÖTtÖNen MATTI , Nikkari TAPIO , Pesonen ERKKI , YlÄ‐Herttuala SEPPO , ÅKerblom HANS K.
Published: August 2009

Coronary arteries of 93 clinically healthy Finnish children of both sexes were collected from successive, medicolegal autopsies of victims of violent death. In the histological and histochemical study, local, cushion‐type thickenings of the coronary walls were demonstrable in 47, i.e. 50 per cent, of the children, the occurrence increasing with age. The most prominent change was the splitting of the internal elastic membrane and the accumulation of smooth muscle cells, forming a new, musculo‐elastic layer. Glycosaminoglycans appeared in the luminal parts of the thickenings. There was an average decrease in the succinate dehydrogenase reaction in the cushion area, implying a degenerative process. The increase in the reaction of “injury markers”, acid phosphatase and esterase based on the increase of cells rich in these enzymes, indicated pathologic process. It was concluded that change of this kind, demonstrable early in childhood, may dispose coronary arteries to atherosclerosis.
The psoriasis‐associated antigen, pso p27, participates in the formation of complement activating immune‐complexes in psoriatic scale
Authors: ÅSbakk KJETIL , Bergh KAARE , Iversen OLE‐JAN
Published: August 2009

The psoriasis‐associated antigen, pso p27, and antibodies recognizing this antigen were demonstrated in extracts from psoriatic scales. It was demonstrated that the antigen was present in complexes containing IgG as well as complement factor Clq. The complexes were studied with respect to complement‐activating potential. This was measured as the ability of the complexes to induce the generation of the complement factor C5a using rabbit serum as the source of complement. The data obtained showed that the pso p27‐containing complexes were able to activate the complement system, indicating that the pso p27 antigen may contribute to the inflammatory process in psoriasis.
In vitro activity of norfloxacin and other antibacterial agents against gastro‐intestinal pathogens isolated in Sweden
Authors: Olsson‐Liljequist BARBRO , MÖLlby ROLAND
Published: August 2009

The in vitro activity of norfloxacin was compared to that of ampicillin, doxycycline, chloramphenicol, trimethoprim in combination with sulfamethoxazole (1/20), and erythromycin, against 272 clinical isolates of gastro‐intestinal pathogens. Norfloxacin was the most active compound of those tested with MICs in the range 0.004–2 mg/l. Concentrations inhibiting 90% of the strains (MIC 90) were 0.008 mg/l for Vibrio cholerae, 0.016 mg/l for Aeromonas hydrophila, 0.032 mg/l for Vibrio cholerae non 01, 0.064 mg/l for Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Yersinia enterocolitica 03, enterotoxigenic (ETEC) and enteropathogenic (EPEC) Escherichia coli and Shigella species, 0.125 mg/l for Salmonella species, and 0.5 mg/l for Campylobacter species. Resistance to one or several of the other drugs was seen with higher or lower frequency in all the bacterial species tested. No cross‐resistance between any of the other agents and norfloxacin was recorded.
A new sensitive bioassay for precise quantification of interferon activity as measured via the mitochondrial dehydrogenase function in cells (MTT‐method)
Authors: Berg KURT , Hansen MORTEN BAGGE , Nielsen SVEND ERIK
Published: August 2009

A biological method for precise quantification of interferons has been developed. The method is based upon the dehydrogenase system of the intact target cells, which will normally convert an artificial substrate, MTT, into formazan (blue), which, in turn, can be measured spectrophotometrically. This conversion is greatly reduced by cytocidal viruses in a dose‐dependent manner. The protection of target cells by interferon against challenge virus is reflected in a diminished reduction in the production of formazan, thus giving a very precise method for quantification of interferon. The lowest level of detection is around 0.10 international units. The intra‐ and inter‐assay variability appear to be below 10%. The assay, which makes no use of expensive ingredients, is performed in 96‐well micro‐trays and read in an inexpensive ELISA‐scanner.
Antibody response to defined domains on enterobacterial outer membrane proteins in healthy persons and patients with bacteraemia
Authors: Henriksen ARNE Z. , MæLand JOHAN A.
Published: August 2009

Monoclonal antibody (MAb)‐based competitive enzyme immunoassays (cELISAs) were elaborated to measure antibodies against MAb‐defined domains on three different enterobacterial outer membrane (OM) proteins in sera from healthy individuals (n= 30) and in paired serum samples from patients (n= 45) with bacteraemia caused by enterobacteria or by various nonenteric bacteria (n= 15). The MAb‐defined domains were Hm I and Hm II on the heat‐modifiable (Hm) protein, PALp I and PALp II on the peptidoglycan‐associated lipoprotein (PALp), and BLp I on Braun's lipoprotein (BLp). All MAbs have shown broad cross‐reactivity with and specificity for enterobacteria. Sera from healthy individuals and from patients with infections caused by nonenteric bacteria contained low levels of MAb‐blocking antibodies. Bacteraemia caused by enterobacteria resulted in generation of antibodies against the MAb‐defined domains in many of the patients. Thus, 40% and 69% showed a positive BLp I cELISA with the first and second serum samples, respectively. Of the second serum samples, 20–38% showed positive Hm and PALp cELISAs. The BLp I cELISA showed higher diagnostic sensitivity than the previously described indirect ELISA for IgG antibodies against E. coli 055 OM protein antigens. Assays using the MAbs as competitors showed that the patients bacteraemic with enterobacteria, also generated antibodies against other domains on the OM proteins. The cELISAs may be useful in the diagnosis and management of patients with serious infections caused by enterobacteria. In this regard, the BLp I cELISA showed the most promising results.
Adherence, enterotoxigenicity, invasiveness and serogroups in Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli strains from adult humans with acute enterocolitis
Authors: Lindblom GUN‐BRITT , Cervantes LUZ‐ELENA , SjÖGren EVA , Kaijser BERTIL , Ruiz‐Palacios GUILLERMO M.
Published: August 2009

Two hundred Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli strains from the same number of adult Swedish patients with acute enterocolitis were tested regarding adherence to and invasiveness in HEp‐2 cells and for enterotoxigenicity by the CHO‐cell assay. The serogroup characteristics, heat‐stable and heat‐labile, for each strain were also investigated. Eighty‐four percent of the strains were classified as C. jejuni and 16 percent as C. coli. All of the strains were adherent to HEp‐2 cells, 39% were invasive and 31.5% enterotoxigenic. We found significantly more invasive strains in the non‐enterotoxigenic group than in the enterotoxigenic one. There would seem to be no correlation between enterotoxigenicity or invasiveness and serogroup. The results of this study suggest the existence of multiple mechanisms for C. jejuni‐ and C. coli‐induced diarrhoea and that the mechanisms may differ from one strain to another.
Cancer among captains and mates on Norwegian tankers
Authors: Moen BENTE E. , Riise TROND , Helseth ARE
Published: August 2009

A cohort of 1687 registered captains and mates from a Norwegian census in 1970 was followed until 1987 using a historical prospective design. By matching the data from the census to the Norwegian Cancer Registry, 104 cases of cancer were found. A control group of 376 was chosen among non‐cases at baseline (1970). Information about the seamen's work on different ships was obtained from the National Register of Norwegian Seamen. The material was analysed using multivariate logistic regression. An increased risk of developing cancer was found in the group of seamen who had been working on tankers, especially oil tankers (OR = 6.47,95%CI: 1.14, 7.24). The increased risk was found to be significantly correlated to working as mate on these tankers (OR = 6.95, 95%CI: 3.70, 13.04), whereas working as captain showed a much lower risk (OR = 1.42, 95%CI: 0.64, 3.15). Chemical exposure is the major factor separating tankers from other ships. Mates are exposed to chemicals while captains are not. The study indicates the presence of several carcinogenic agents on these tankers.
Immunohistochemistry of solid tumors Brief review of selected problems
Authors: Miettinen MARKKU
Published: August 2009

The immunohistochemical approach to tumor typing has dramatically improved our possibilities in the objective diagnosis of neoplasms. Use of optimal material and careful techniques will help to maintain good sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility of immunohistochemistry. However, the complexity of antigen patterns in tumors, and lack of comprehensive knowledge about them requires caution in the interpretation of results, and may prohibit the simple use of diagnostic algorithms. Especially it is not certain whether the results obtained from typical representatives of various tumor entities will pertain to borderline cases and to undifferentiated variants of the same entities. Use of panels of antibodies rather than the use of single “diagnostic” tests will help to avoid these diagnostic pitfalls. However, all tumor types do not have immunohistochemically distinctive features. This emphasizes the need to use other techniques in such cases, and also suggests that some entities, such as malignant fibrous histiocytoma, are from the point of view of immunohistochemistry diagnoses only made by exclusion rather than being specifically diagnosable entities. All diagnostic immunohistochemistry has to be interpreted in the context of standard histological examination.
Microwave‐assisted frozen section diagnosis
Authors: Therkildsen MARIANNE HAMILTON , Pilgaard JESS
Published: August 2009

The study evaluates the morphology of frozen tissue sections treated by microwave‐stimulated fixation compared with unfixed cryostat sections. Furthermore, microwave fixation has been compared with fixation at room temperature. Improved preservation of nuclear structures (chromatin pattern and nucleoli) was found with the microwave combination, while other parameters were indistinguishable from the unfixed cryostat sections. Fixation at room temperature showed no difference compared with the unfixed cryostat sections. The combined method might be useful in rapid diagnosis of mesenchymal tumors, lymphoid proliferations and tumors of the CNS.
Induction of experimental chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infection with P. aeruginosa entrapped in alginate microspheres
Authors: Pedersen SVEND STENVANG , Shand GEOFFREY H. , Hansen BENTE LANGVAD , Hansen GEORG NØRGAARD
Published: August 2009

Alginate‐producing, mucoid P. aeruginosa is frequently found in the lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), where it causes a chronic infection. The importance of alginate in the pathogenesis was demonstrated by the ability to establish chronic P. aeruginosa lung infection in rats if P. aeruginosa entrapped in minute alginate‐beads were inoculated transtracheally. Alginate beads containing P. aeruginosa were formed by nebulizing a suspension of seaweed sodium‐alginate and P. aeruginosa into a calcium solution. The alginate bead method of establishing infection was compared to an agar‐bead method and proved to be quantitatively similar after 4 weeks. The ability of the two methods to induce formation of precipitins, IgA and IgG antibodies against P. aeruginosa antigens, including outer membrane proteins, flagella, exoenzymes and alginate, was assessed by crossed immunoelectrophoresis, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and immunoblotting. The two methods of inducing infection were comparable and infected rats had significantly higher antibody response than rats inoculated with sterile beads. We suggest that the alginate bead model closely resembles the later stages of CF‐lung infection and that it offers the theoretical advantage of using a substance which is chemically similar to the alginate produced in vivo by P. aeruginosa.
Structural changes in the ribosomal genes of immortalized and transformed mouse embryo C3H/10T1/2 cell lines
Authors: ØYan ANNE M. , Lillehaug JOHAN R.
Published: August 2009

Comparative studies of DNA isolated from adult C3H mouse liver, immortalized mouse embryo cells (C3H/10T1/2 Cl 8) and the tumorigenic methylcholanthrene transformed C3H/10T1/2 Cl 16 cell line have been carried out in order to analyze possible structural changes in the ribosomal genes associated with the immortalization and tumorigenic transformation of mouse cells. Southern blot hybridization experiments revealed a mutation hotspot within repetive sequences 13 kb upstream from the 18S rRNA genes in the non‐transcribed spacer (NTS). Other DNA changes were localized near the initiation and termination regions of rRNA transcription. The differences found in the restriction maps of the 5′‐region resided 5 to 6 kd upstream from the 18S 5′‐end and the changes located in the 3′‐end mapped approximately 5 kb downstream from the 28S 3′‐end. Thus, oncogenic transformation of the C3H/10T1/2 Cl 8 cells by methylcholanthrene treatment was associated with stable genetic changes in the 18S rRNA gene. There was no evidence for rRNA gene amplification.
Cell surface glycosylation patterns in psoriasis
Authors: Dabelsteen ERIK , Broby‐Johansen URS , Jeppe‐Jensen DORTE , Mandel ULLA
Published: August 2009

Cell surface carbohydrates are excellent markers of cellular differentiation and maturation processes due to their great structural and antigenic diversity as well as their known biosynthetic precursor/product relationships. Using a panel of monoclonal antibodies with well‐defined carbohydrate specificities we have studied the expression of biosynthetically related antigens in normal and psoriatic skin. Two “families” of carbohydrate structures were investigated. One series of structures based on N‐acetyllactosamine chains (type 2 chain: N‐acetyllactosamine and fucosylated derivates hereof H, Lex Ley and sialyl‐Lex) and another based on the simple mucin type core structures (type 3 chain: Tn, T and sialylated derivates hereof as well as the fucosylated derivative, H). Previously we have found these carbohydrate structures define distinct cell layers in stratified squamous epithelia of mucosa of the cheek, esophagus and uterine cervix. In normal and uninvolved epidermis, N‐acetyllactosamine and T carbohydrates were found in the spinous cell layer, whereas the fucosylated derivates, H structures, were found in the granular cell layers above. The fucosylated and sialylated derivate of N‐acetyllactosamine, sialylated Lex, had the same distribution as N‐acetyllactosamine and T structures. This sequential expression of carbohydrates is similar to our previous findings in mucosa. However, in contrast to mucosa, normal skin basal cells did not label. The glycosylation pattern in psoriatic epithelium was changed in two ways. 1) Some carbohydrates (types 2 and 3 chain H and T) were expressed at an earlier stage of cell maturation. 2) The biosynthetic precursors to T structures, Tn and sialyl‐Tn, which are not expressed in normal skin, and are often considered cancer‐associated antigens, appeared in psoriatic skin. The Tn‐antigen was expressed on basal and lower spinous cells, whereas the sialyl‐Tn was only found on basal cells above the dermal papillae. The findings in the present work support previous studies of changes in cell surface glycosylation in psoriatic epidermis and demonstrate the appearance of tumor‐associated antigens in highly proliferative, but benign, stratified epithelium.
Histological evaluation of prostatic cancer (II): Reproducibility of a histological grading system
Authors: Svanholm H. , Starklint H. , Barlebo H. , Olsen S.
Published: August 2009

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproducibility, expressed by kappa coefficients, of the histological grading system of prostatic cancer as proposed by Schroeder, Hop, Blom and Mostofi in 1985. This grading system has five prognostic groups based on combinations of growth pattern, mitoses and nuclear anaplasia. All histological slides from 85 cases of prostatic carcinoma were blindly evaluated on two independent occasions by each of four pathologists. The overall INTER‐observer agreement and mean INTRA‐observer agreement regarding “prognostic group” were 0.55 and 0.69 respectively, whereas the kappa coefficients were 0.38 and 0.57 respectively. An acceptable level of INTER‐observer reproducibility of prognostic group I (kappa = 0.70), of the parameter “growth pattern” (kappa = 0.60) and of “slight nuclear anaplasia” (kappa = 0.62) was found. A low overall kappa coefficient of “mitoses” and “nuclear anaplasia” was found. Based on the well reproducible parameters a simplified grading system is proposed.
Extraction and localization by electron microscopy of an immunosuppressor fraction from Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette‐Guérin (BCG)
Authors: Hiu I.‐JAN
Published: August 2009

BCG has been used all over the world to immunize against tuberculosis. Nevertheless in certain areas (South India) BCG vaccines failed to show any protective efficacy. Furthermore immunosuppressive cell populations have been reported in experimental mycobacterial infection in mice. The present work reports the localization and isolation of an immunosuppressor fraction from BCG. This lipid fraction called WDB inhibited the skin reactivity of delayed‐type hypersensitivity (DTH) to the test antigen CEWA (crystalline egg white albumin) in guinea pigs and depressed the production of immune antibody to SRBC (sheep red blood cells) in mice. WDB is a glycolipid with an approximate mol. wt. of 62,000. By electron microscopy, WDB was located among the BCG extracellular metabolic products (ECMP) surrounding the BCG cell wall.
Peyer's patches in experimentalSalmonella dublininfection in calves
Authors: Landsverk T. , Lium B. , Matovelo J. A. , Liven E. , Nordstoga K.
Published: August 2009

Six calves were infectedper oswithSalmonella dublinand killed nine hours to seven days later. Early changes included occlusion of capillaries with a hyaline material, particularly in the ileal Peyer's patch (PP). Central areas of the follicles contained hemorrhages and edema. In later stages the follicle‐associated epithelium (FAE) of both the jejunal and ileal PP was fused with the adjacent epithelium and the follicles were collapsed. As judged from 5′nucleotidase histochemistry, follicles were depleted of lymphocytes whereas reticular cells were retained. Carbonic anhydrase (CA) histochemistry showed a decreased reaction in the ileal FAE and a reduced amount of CA reactive material in the follicles of the ileal PP, indicating loss of FAE differentiation and function. Hyaline material and fibrinous thrombi were seen occluding the blood capillaries and the lymphatics, respectively. The villi were atrophied and covered with thick fibrin deposits. Using antifibrinogen antibodies, immunoperoxidase stained fibrin in the lymphatics and the lumenal deposits but not the hyaline material in the capillaries. Reaction for CA indicated that this hyaline material originated from erythrocytes. Factors contributing to the follicle atrophy may include anoxia due to stasis in the microcirculation with the formation of erythrocyte thrombi, and reduced lymphopoiesis due to a decrease in the stimulating factors provided by the FAE.
Postantibiotic effect of the penem FCE 22101 against selected Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria in vitro and in vivo by the use of a tissue cage model in rabbits
Authors: Bergholm ANN‐MARIE , Dornbusch KATHRINE
Published: August 2009

Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Klebsiella pneumoniae were tested for their bactericidal activity and postantibiotic effect (PAE) with the new penem FCE 22101. The tissue cage model in rabbits was used to study PAE in vivo. The bactericidal activity against all four species was shown to be in the range of 0.05‐4.0 mg/1. A 99.9% killing effect at MBC concentrations was reached within 2 hours with S. pneumoniae and K. pneumoniae and within 6–8 hours with S. aureus and H. influenzae. After in vitro exposure by FCE 22101 a PAE in vitro and in vivo was obtained against S. aureus, S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae strains but no PAE could be demonstrated against K. pneumoniae. FCE 22101 showed a good bactericidal activity and PAE against the strains investigated, except for K. pneumoniae.
Evaluation of chlamydial tests in early trachoma
Authors: Elbagir ADIL , MÅRdh PER‐ANDERS
Published: August 2009

An enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and an immunofluorescence (IF) test were compared with culture for their value in the diagnosis of chlamydial infection in early trachoma. Conjunctival swabs and scrapings from 81 school children with active trachoma from Khartoum, Sudan, were tested. Fourteen (17.3%) of the children with signs of active trachoma were positive by isolation. The sensitivities of the ELISA and IF tests, compared to cultures, were 85.0% and 68.2%, while the specificities for the ELISA and IF tests were 99.2% and 99.3%, respectively. Chlamydial IgM and IgG antibodies reactive with serotypes A‐C and D‐K of Chlamydia trachomatis were detected in sera of 28 (71.2%) of the 39 children from whom serum was obtained. Only eight of the 14 isolation‐positive children were tested for chlamydial antibodies, and all of them had IgM and IgG antibodies at a titer of ≥ 1:16. An IgG antibody titer of 1:16 or greater was detected in 20 (65.0%) of the 31 isolation‐negative patients tested for chlamydial antibodies. The geometric mean titers of IgG antibodies to the antigen pools A‐C and D‐K were 132 and 42, respectively. Our study suggests that trachoma is prevalent in the child population studied. Clinical signs of active trachoma were found in 47.0% of the altogether 172 children investigated. ELISA can be recommended as a diagnostic tool in trachoma field surveys.