bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunohistochemical analysis of Fas ligand expression in normal human tissues
Authors: Lee Sug Hyung , Shin Min Sun , Park Won Sang , Kim Su Young , Dong Seung Myung , Lee Hun Kyung , Park Jik Young , Oh Ro Ra , Jang Ja June , Lee Jung Young , Yoo Nam Jin
Published: August 2009

Cross‐linking of Fas and Fas ligand (FasL) induces apoptosis in Fas‐bearing cells and regulates apoptosis. Fas is widely expressed in normal human tissues, but FasL expression has been considered to be restricted to lymphoid tissues. Recent studies have demonstrated that FasL is also expressed in some nonlymphoid tissues. To screen the in situ expression of FasL in normal human tissues, immunohistochemistry was performed using paraffin‐embedded human tissues. FasL immunostaining was easily detected in testis, neurons, trophoblasts, tonsil, lymph node, Paneth cells, hepatocytes, renal tubular epithelium and bronchial epithelium, consistent with previous reports. Surprisingly, FasL was also expressed in many other cell types, including thymic medulla, skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, pituitary gland, parathyroid gland, prostate glands, oocytes, epithelium of fallopian tube, endometrial glands, and gastric parietal cells. These findings demonstrate that FasL is widely expressed in human tissues and suggest that wide but cell‐type specific expression of FasL may not only be implicated in the regulation of immune homeostasis but also in the regulation of cell death and life in many cell types in vivo.
In vitro effect of fibrinogen on Candida Albicans germ tube formation
Authors: Rodrigues Acacio , Vaz Cid´lia Pina , MåRdh Per‐Anders , Da Fonseca A. Freitas , De Oliveira J. Martinez
Published: August 2009

Pseudohyphae formation by Candida albicans blastoconidia, as seen in vaginal smears, is a phenotypical change commonly assumed to mean fungal invasiveness, i.e. not mere colonization. C. albicans forms germ tubes in vitro in the presence of serum. In our search for inhibitory components of germ tube formation, we decided to study fibrinogen. The inhibition of germ tube formation by clinical isolates of C. albicans was evaluated in the presence of serial concentrations of fraction I, type IV and fraction I, type Is of fibrinogen from bovine plasma. Fibrinogen showed a dose‐dependent, pH‐independent inhibitory effect on the germ tube formation by C. albicans.
Clinical and histopathological tumour progression in ECL cell carcinoids (“ECLomas”)
Authors: Qvigstad Gunnar , Falkmer Sture , Westre BjøRn , Waldum Helge L.
Published: August 2009

Aims: The aims of this study were to illustrate the malignant potential of gastric enterochromaffin‐like (ECL) cell carcinoids (ECLomas) associated with hypergastrinemia, and the gradual neoplastic progression of such tumours. In addition, we examined whether the tyramide signal amplification (TSA) technique could visualize immunohistochemical (IHC) neuroendocrine (NE) features in the dedifferentiated neoplastic ECL cells which were not detected by conventional methods. Methods: Conventional histopathological and IHC methods for visualizing ECL cells and cell proliferation were used in addition to the TSA technique. Observations: Our patient was followed for 5 years. During that period, her ECLoma displayed all the signs of classical tumour progression, ultimately with the appearance of metastases in the regional lymph nodes, the liver and the skin. The neoplastic ECL cells became progressively dedifferentiated with an increasing number of Ki‐67 immunoreactive (IR) cell nuclei. In addition, there was a substantial decrease in argyrophil and IR NE cells that could be visualized by conventional methods. By applying the TSA technique, however, the number of IR tumour cells increased considerably. Conclusions: ECLomas secondary to hypergastrinemia should be closely followed for signs of clinical and histopathological tumour progression. Such ECLomas deserve early, active, radical surgical treatment. The TSA technique is a valuable tool for visualizing the characteristic IHC features in dedifferentiated NE cells.
Matrix‐degrading proteases and angiogenesis during development and tumor formation
Authors: WERB ZENA , VU THIENNU H. , RINKENBERGER JULIE L. , COUSSENS LISA M.
Published: August 2009

Embryonic development and tumor progression both require the exquisite coordination of programs for extracellular matrix (ECM) formation and remodeling, and those for angiogenesis and vascular development. Without a vascular supply the normal tissue or tumor is limited in size and organization. Without ECM remodeling the alteration of tissue and tumor boundaries and cellular migrations are limited. Recent insights into the molecular mechanisms regulating the extracellular environment of the growing embryonic tissue or tumors have implicated proteases, the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in particular, in both the process of ECM remodeling and angiogenesis, and in a potential causal relationship between these processes. This review focuses on the roles that MMPs play in regulating three processes in which both proteolysis and vascular development are tightly coordinated: embryo implantation, bone development and tumor progression.
Meprin B: Transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of the meprin β metalloproteinase subunit in human and mouse cancer cells
Authors: MATTERS GAIL L. , BOND JUDITH S.
Published: August 2009

A novel mRNA isoform encoding the cell surface metalloproteinase meprin β is expressed in mouse teratocarcinoma cells and in a variety of cultured human cancer cells. In both mouse and human cells, the cancer cell‐specific mRNA isoform, referred to as β', has an extended 5′ UTR as compared to the meprin β mRNA isoform expressed in normal kidney and intestinal epithelium. The work herein aimed to determine the molecular mechanisms for the expression of meprin β and β' in normal and cancer cells, respectively. Analysis of the 5′ end of the mouse meprin β gene revealed that the unique sequences in the β and β' mRNA isoforms are encoded by separate exons that are alternately spliced, and transcribed from independent promoters. By contrast, the human meprin β and β' mRNAs have identical sequences except for 87 additional bases in the 5′ UTR sequence of β', indicating that a single, mixed usage promoter directs expression of the isoforms. The region upstream of the human meprin β' transcription start site contained elements with homology to the promoters of intestine‐specific genes, interspersed with AP‐1 and PEA3 elements; the latter were essential to meprin β' promoter activity in cancer cells. Phorbol myristal acetate increased meprin β' mRNA levels in cultured human colon cancer cells, providing further evidence that AP‐1/PEA3 sites are actively involved in meprin β' expression.
Proteolytic control of growth factor availability
Authors: RIFKIN DANIEL B. , MAZZIERI ROBERTA , MUNGER JOHN S. , NOGUERA IRENE , SUNG JOANNE
Published: August 2009

Most growth factors are released from cells in a form that does not permit immediate interaction with their high affinity receptors. An important mechanism for presentation of these released latent growth factors is activation by the plasminogen activator‐plasmin system. The involvement of this system in the biology of Transforming Growth Factor‐β (TGF‐β) is reviewed.
Cancer invasion and tissue remodeling‐cooperation of protease systems and cell types
Authors: DANØ KELD , RØMER JOHN , NIELSEN BOYE S. , BJØRN SIGNE , PYKE CHARLES , RYGAARD JØRGEN , LUND LEIF R.
Published: August 2009

Proteolytic degradation of the extracellular matrix plays a crucial role in both cancer invasion and non‐neoplastic tissue remodeling processes. In human cancers the components of matrix degrading protease systems (uPA, uPAR, PAI‐1 and MMPs) can be expressed by either the non‐neoplastic stromal cells, the cancer cells or both. Studies of the prognostic impact of these components in human cancer and the effect of targeted gene inactivation on cancer metastasis in mice support the assumption that proteases promote cancer progression, independent of whether they are expressed by cancer cells or stromal cells. The pattern of expression of components of protease systems is usually very similar in different cases of the same type of cancer, while it varies between different types of cancer. There are intriguing similarities between the cellular expression pattern of components of protease systems seen in cancer invasion and in certain types of non‐neoplastic tissue remodeling. We propose that cancer invasion can be viewed as tissue remodeling gone out of control. The stromal cell involvement in cancer invasion represents a new paradigm with important implications for cancer pathophysiology and cancer therapy.
Gross and histopathological findings in synovial membranes of pigs with experimentally induced Mycoplasma hyosynoviae arthritis
Authors: HAGEDORN‐OLSEN T. , BASSE A. , JENSEN T. K. , NIELSEN N. C.
Published: August 2009

The aim of this investigation was to describe the gross and histopathological findings in synovial membranes of pigs with experimentally induced Mycoplasma hyosynoviae arthritis and in synovial membranes of non‐infected pigs of the same age. Experimental intravenous or intranasal inoculation or contact exposure with M. hyosynoviae induced arthritis in 13‐to 17‐week‐old pigs. The acute to subacute arthritis was characterized by increased amounts of serohaemorrhagic, serofibrinous or mahogany coloured synovial fluid combined with edema and hyperaemia, followed by yellow to brownish discoloration and moderate villous proliferation of the synovial membrane. In the chronic phase moderate fibrosis was seen, but no periarticular or articular cartilage involvement. The acute to subacute histopathological characteristics were edema, hyperaemia, variable hyperplasia of synovial lining cells, increased density of subsynovial cell populations, diffuse and perivascular infiltration with lymphocytes, plasma cells and macrophage‐like cells, fibrinous material, mild to moderate villous hypertrophy and mild to moderate fibrosis in chronic cases. The morphogenetic changes during the course of the infection may be described as follows: An acute preimmune phase with inflammatory changes and synovial membrane reactions dominates the first week of the infection. By the second and third week, the peak of the immune phase with masses of plasma cells and lymphocytes is seen. By 7 weeks, there is healing with moderate fibrosis. Mild ongoing reactions or recurrence of arthritis, perhaps related to persistence of mycoplasma antigens, may be seen in later phases and local antibody production may be important in this infection.
Hepatic actinomycosis
Authors: ANDERSEN Å. B. , RAVN P. , KAHN R. , ROSTED A. , PHILIPSEN E. K.
Published: August 2009

A case of hepatic actinomycosis contracted one year after removal of an intrauterine device during ongoing Actinomyces cervicitis is reported. During active disease, lymphocytes from the apparently fully immunocompetent patient were able to proliferate but not to produce the proinflammatory lymphokine γ‐interferon in response to Actinomyces antigen. This ability was only partly restored during antibiotic therapy.
Identification of Clinical isolates of Mycobacterium spp. by sequence analysis of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene
Authors: HOLBERG‐PETERSEN M. , STEINBAKK M. , FIGENSCHAU K. J. , JANTZEN E. , ENG J. , MELBY K. K.
Published: August 2009

Twenty‐one mycobacterial type strains and 334 clinical isolates of mycobacteria were identified by standardized sequence analysis using part of the gene encoding 16S rRNA. Apart from two clinical isolates, the resulting sequences corresponded to previously published sequences. The results of the molecular determinations of the type strains completely overlapped the identities obtained using conventional techniques (cultural characteristics, biochemical tests, commercial DNA probes, and gas chromatographic lipid profiles). Of 323 isolates conventionally identified as slow‐growing mycobacteria, 318 (98.5%) were identified to the same species or group level by 16S rDNA sequence analysis, while 6 of the 11 strains of rapid growers obtained a corresponding identity with the two approaches. The sequencing protocol combined with a few cultural characteristics (i.e. growth rate, pigmentation and susceptibility testing) offers a rapid, reliable and usually definite identification of mycobacterial isolates.
Proximal‐type epithelioid sarcoma in the pelvic soft tissues
Authors: FUKUNAGA MASAHARU , USHIGOME SHINICHIRO
Published: August 2009

A case of proximal‐type epithelioid sarcoma arising in the pelvic soft tissues of a 46‐year‐old man is presented. The tumor showed a predominantly epithelioid component with rhabdoid features, cordlike arrangement, small nests, abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm containing intracytoplasmic, paranuclear, hyaline‐like globules, large vesicular nuclei, and prominent nucleoli. There were foci with alveolar arrangement and a spindle‐cell proliferation. The tumor cells were positive for cytokeratin CAM5.2, vimentin, epithelial membrane antigen, and CD34. Flow cytometry showed a diploid DNA content with high S‐phase fraction. The patient had pelvic lymph‐node metastases. He died of the disease 5 months after diagnosis. It is important to include proximal‐type epithelioid sarcoma in the differential diagnosis of pelvic tumors.
The postvaccination antibody response to influenza virus proteins
Authors: COX REBECCA JANE , BROKSTAD KARL ALBERT
Published: August 2009

The radio‐immunoblot (RIB) assay was used to examine the antibody response to proteins of the vaccine strains induced after influenza vaccination. Vaccination stimulated an antibody response to the surface glycoproteins (HA and NA) and to the internal antigens (NP and M) of the three vaccine strains. Antibodies were detected to both the monomeric form of the haemagglutinin (HA) and its two subunits HA1 and HA2. In addition, antibody to the monomeric form of NA was detected. A wide range of response patterns was observed to the viral proteins. All three major antibody classes (IgG, IgA and IgM) were induced after vaccination and in the majority of volunteers the antibody reactivity increased one week after vaccination. IgM antibodies had a wider reactivity pattern, recognising proteins and subunits which were not fully processed or slightly degraded. The varied antibody response induced after influenza vaccination reflects the differing infection histories of the volunteers with influenza. We show some of the practical limitations of studying the antibody response to influenza vaccination.
Autometallographic mercury correlates with degenerative changes in dorsal root ganglia of rats intoxicated with organic mercury
Authors: SCHIØNNING JØRGEN DRASBÆK , DANSCHER GORM
Published: August 2009

Organic mercury intoxication in rats produces degenerative changes in the dorsal root ganglia and dorsal nerve roots. In a previous study of rats treated with organic mercury (2 mg/kg) for 19 days, significant losses of ganglion cells (especially A‐cells) and myelinated axons were observed in dorsal nerve roots and there was qualitative evidence of glial cell proliferation and the formation of Nageotte bodies (1). In the present study, the autometallographic silver‐enhancement technique, for tracing inorganic mercury bound to sulphide or selenide (AMG‐ Hg), was applied to tissue sections of dorsal root ganglia and dorsal nerve roots of the same rats used in the earlier study. Satellite cells and macrophages that surrounded ganglion cells and formed Nageotte bodies were heavily labelled by coarse deposits of AMG‐Hg, while the labelling of ganglion cells was less pronounced. A‐cells were consistently labelled, while B‐cells were only occasionally labelled. In the dorsal nerve roots, only a few AMG‐Hg deposits could be seen in macrophages. At the ultrastructural level, AMG‐Hg was observed within lysosomes of target cells. It is concluded that AMG‐Hg is primarily located in glial cells and that the pattern of deposition of AMG‐Hg is the same as that for the morphological changes observed in rats intoxicated with organic mercury.
Sudden unexpected cardiac deaths among young Swedish orienteers — Morphological changes in hearts and other organs
Authors: LARSSON ERIK , WESSLÉN LARS , LINDQUIST OLLE , BAANDRUR ULRIK , ERIKSSON LARS , OLSEN ECKHARDT , ROLF CHRISTER , FRIMAN GÖRAN
Published: August 2009

During the years 1979–1992 an accumulation of sudden unexpected cardiac deaths (SUD) occurred among young Swedish orienteers. A reevaluation of material saved from 16 autopsies was undertaken. Myocarditis was most frequent. It was found in different stages in the majority of cases, indicating subacute or chronic disease with ongoing reparative processes. There were severe morphological changes in all cases. All but one showed a picture of fibrosis and unspecific hypertrophy and/or degenerative changes in myocytes. The hearts were classified into three groups (A‐C), based on the morphological picture of the retrieved heart tissue and the macroscopic description. Group A comprised five cases in which areas with active myocarditis combined with areas of healing or healed myocarditis widely distributed in the left ventricle were the only morphological changes found. Group B comprised four cases demonstrating foci of myocarditis in different stages in the left ventricle and changes resembling those found in arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD), including degenerative changes with fibrosis and fatty infiltration located in either ventricle. Group C comprised the remaining seven cases. In none of the cases were coronary artery or valvular anomalies present, nor significant coronary sclerosis or changes outside the heart that could cause SUD.
Morphological findings and value of placental examination at fetal and perinatal autopsy
Authors: LARSEN1 LISE GRUPE , GRÆM NIELS
Published: August 2009

The purpose of this study was to report on the morphological findings in placentae from abortions, stillbirths and perinatal deaths, and to assess the value of the results of the placental examinations. The material included 341 placentae and their matched autopsies. Fifty placentae came from abortions induced for medical reasons, 194 from spontaneous abortions, 84 from stillbirths, and 13 from livebirths. Histological slides from all placentae were reviewed and the placental diagnoses were related to the autopsy diagnoses. Frequently observed placental lesions were inflammation of the membranes and/or umbilical cord, placental edema, vascular lesions, single umbilical artery, and degenerative lesions. The placental examination in pregnancies terminating with fetal or perinatal death was of value in half the cases. Some placental lesions provide us with clues when assessing the cause of fetal death, but such lesions are rare. Two important groups of lesions, acute inflammation of the membranes and/or umbilical cord and lesions consistent with uteroplacental vascular insufficiency, seen mainly as infarction and decidual arteriopathy, were observed. Gross examination is informative, though microscopic examination is often necessary.
The effect of surgical stress and endotoxin‐induced sepsis on the NK‐cell activity, distribution and pulmonary clearance of YAC‐1 and melanoma cells
Authors: TOFT P. , DAGNÆS‐HANSEN F. , TØNNESEN E. , BASSE P. M.
Published: August 2009

Following surgery the activity of natural killer (NK) cells is decreased in the blood. It is possible that sepsis with release of endotoxin will further decrease the NK‐cell activity. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the NK‐cell cytotoxicity, the clearance in the lungs of YAC‐1 and melanoma cells, as well as the distibution of NK‐cells in the liver, following abdominal surgery and intraperitoneally (i.p.) administered endotoxin. Ten mice in each group were allocated to abdominal surgery, i.p. endotoxin or anaesthesia alone. Following abdominal surgery, the cytotoxicity of NK‐cells isolated from the spleen was decreased and 4 h after injection the clearance of YAC‐1 cells from the lungs was only 79.5±6.1% compared to 99.5±0.3% in the control group. The number of NK‐cells in the liver was also significantly reduced following abdominal surgery. In contrast, i.p. endotoxin increased the activity of NK‐cells by 28.5% compared to 11.8% in the control group and 8.1% in the surgery group, lowered the number of melanoma metastases in extrapulmonary organs and significantly increased the number of NK‐cells in the liver. Following abdominal surgery, activity of NK‐cells, pulmonary clearance and number of NK‐cells in the liver were decreased. The number of NK‐cells in the liver correlated with the NK‐cell activity throughout the study. The increased NK‐cell cytotoxicity and the increased number of NK‐cells in the liver following i.p. administered endotoxin might initially be an appropriate measure against intra‐abdomnal infection.
Changes in male:female ratio among newborn infants in Ireland
Authors: MOYNIHAN J. B. , BREATHNACH CAOIMHGHIN S.
Published: August 2009

Trends in the male proportion of live births in Ireland were examined by extracting the numbers of male and female live births from Registrar General's Reports (1864–1952) and Department of Health Annual Reviews (1953–1996), and subjecting them to statistical analysis. Except for 10 years (1947–1956) the proportion of male births has risen, significantly so since 1957. The global fall in male proportion of live births in recent decades has not been seen in Ireland, even though the country has undergone progressive industrialisation. It would be prudent not to assume that the same environmental factors alter sex ratio and cause pathological changes in male reproductive organs.
Epidemiological typing of Streptococcus pneumoniae from various sources in Sweden and India using Box A PCR fingerprinting
Authors: LALITHA M. K. , BÄÄRNHIELM MARIA , KIHLSTRÖM ERIK , KRONVALL GÖRAN
Published: August 2009

Epidemiological typing of Streptococcus pneumoniae is essential to determine strain relatedness and also to trace resistant clones. The novel Box A PCR assay was used for characterization of S. pneumoniae isolates from two Scandinavian countries and to compare those from India on the Asian continent. In addition, the assay was employed to determine the clonality of 25 pneumococcal strains from an outbreak in a day‐care centre in Linköping, Sweden. All 25 snowed a unique pattern with 100% homology for 24 of them, thereby establishing the clonal nature of the outbreak. The pneumococcal strains involved in the outbreak belonged to serotype 9 and were resistant to penicillin, with an MIC value of 2 mg/l. Thirty‐eight genotypes were obtained when the Box A results were analysed by computer (Molecular Analyst® Software with GelCompar). The discriminatory index of the method was D=0.98, which indicates excellent performance. No major segregation of strains from the different geographical locations was observed when a lower level of similarity was used for typing (80%, 13 types). However, at the level chosen for genotyping, 95% (38 genotypes) there was a clear geographical segregation. No correlation between genotype and serotype was seen as strains from a common place of origin were most often of different serotypes. Computer‐assisted analysis of the results of Box A PCR typing facilitated the evaluation.
The role of volume‐weighted mean nuclear volume in predicting disease outcome in patients with stage M1 prostate cancer
Authors: FUJIKAWA KEITA , AOYAMA TERUYOSHI , ITOH TADAHIRO , NISHIO YASUNORI , MIYAKAWA MIEKO , SASAKI MIHARU
Published: August 2009

Background. Various factors have been reported to be of value in predicting the prognosis of prostate cancer. Gleason score (GS) and prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) are the two most powerful prognosticators among them. We previously reported that estimation of volume‐weighted mean nuclear volume (MNV) was a more useful prognosticator for prostate cancer than subjective histologic grading. In this study, we compared estimates of MNV with PSA and GS for predicting the prognosis of stage M1 prostate cancer. Experimental design. A retrospective prognostic study of 66 patients with stage M1 prostate cancer diagnosed between January 1989 and December 1996 at Shizuoka City Hospital and Shizuoka Prefectural Hospital was performed. The prognostic value of unbiased estimates of MNV were compared with PSA and histologic grading according to GS. Results. Univariate analysis revealed that estimates of MNV (p=0.0136) and post‐treatment nadir PSA level (p<0.0001) correlated significantly with the prognosis of stage Ml prostate cancer, whilst GS (p=0.9377), pre‐treatment PSA level (p=0.7377) and rate of decrease in PSA level within 1 month after the beginning of therapy (p=0.8999) had no prognostic value. Multivariate analysis revealed that post‐treatment PSA level and estimates of MNV were the two most powerful prognosticators. Conclusions. This study indicates that estimation of MNV is an important prognosticator, in conjunction with post‐treatment nadir PSA level, in stage M1 prostate cancer.
Detection of clinical vancomycin‐resistant enterococci in Denmark by multiplex PCR and sandwich hybridization
Authors: POULSEN RIKKE LYKKE , PALLESEN LARS V. , FRIMODT‐MØLLER NIELS , ESPERSEN FRANK
Published: August 2009

Since the first cases of human infection with vancomycin‐resistant enterococci (VRE) were reported in the late eighties, there has been a dramatic increase in VRE all over the world. So far, there have not been any reports of clinical VRE in Denmark. In this study we have investigated 131 clinically important enterococci sent to Statens Serum Institut from all over Denmark during the period July 1995 to May 1997. The susceptibility to vancomycin, teicoplanin, ampicillin and gentamicin was tested by the agar dilution method. In addition, two methods were developed to detect the different genotypes of glycopeptide resistance described in enterococci: a multiplex PCR assay for detection of vanA, vanB, vanC‐1, vanC‐2/3 ligase genes including 16S rRNA gene control primers and a sandwich hybridization assay to confirm vanA and vanB PCR‐positive strains. The highest frequency of resistance to the tested antibiotics was found in the Enterococcus faecium group. Four strains were found with acquired resistance to glycopeptides: one E. faecium and one E. galünarum were vanA positive, and two E. faecium isolates were vanB positive. These strains were isolated from different hospitals in different periods of time, and all patients recovered from their infections with VRE. Today, the PCR and sandwich hybridization methods are used for screening of vancomycin‐resistant enterococci in humans as part of the Danish surveillance programme.
Direct antimicrobial susceptibility testing in bacteriuria
Authors: BRÖNNESTAM ROLF
Published: August 2009

A method for diagnosis of bacteriuria using semiquantitative culture in combination with direct susceptibility testing is described. Susceptibility testing with the breakpoint method was performed by means of a multiple inoculation technique. A simple biochemical typing on solid media of lactose‐fermenting Enterobacteriaceae strains and aesculin testing of Enterococcus strains were performed simultaneously. Staphylococcus and Streptococcus strains were tested for susceptibility using the conventional disc diffusion technique. The results of the direct susceptibility test and the disc diffusion test were compared in a study of 983 consecutively positive urine cultures: 6624 susceptibility tests from 882 specimens with one microorganism revealed complete agreement in 6343 cases (95.8%); the discrepant results were 15 very major errors (0.2%), 84 major errors (1.3%) and 182 minor errors (2.7%). The direct susceptibility test revealed 42 more cases of bacteriuria with enterococci in combination with Enterobacteriaceae strains compared to the conventional method. 59% of all positive urine cultures were completed, including the susceptibility test report, within 24 h after arriving at the laboratory. The diagnostic costs were approximately the same as for the conventional method.
Relationship between pinworm and urinary tract infections in young girls
Authors: OK Ü. Z. , ERTAN P. , LIMONCU E. , ECE A. , ÖZBAKKALOGLU B.
Published: August 2009

Urinary tract infection is particularly common in young girls and Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) is one of the most prevalent worms found in children worldwide. Young girls, with or without urinary tract infection, were examined for pinworms in order to explore a possible relationship between these two problems. Of the 55 young girls with urinary tract infection, 20 (36.4%) had pinworm eggs in the perianal and/or perineal region monitored using the cellophane tape method, while 9 (16.4%) of 55 young girls who had never previously had a urinary tract infection were found to have Enterobius eggs in at least one of the cellophane tape tests, and the difference was found to be significant (p<0.05). These results suggested that urinary tract infections may be related to pinworms. When a urinary tract infection is diagnosed in young girls, cellulose tape should be applied to both the perianal and the perineal regions on at least three consecutive occasions.
Evidence for an oral‐faecal transmission of Helicobacter pylori infection in an experimental murine model
Authors: CELLINI LUIGINA , DAINELLI BENEDETTO , ANGELUCCI DOMENICO , GROSSI LAURINO , DI BARTOLOMEO SORAYA , DI CAMPLI EMANUELA , MARZIO LEONARDO
Published: August 2009

An experimental murine model was used to evaluate the possible animal‐to‐animal transmission of Helicobacter pylori and the mechanism involved. Twenty‐four Balb/C mice were infected with H. pylori type I strain culture and kept with 24 noninoculated mice to evaluate the possible transmission of the microorganism. Twelve inoculated mice were housed with 12 noninoculated mice in a grated cage (supporting an oral‐oral transmission); the remaining inoculated and noninoculated mice were housed in another cage without grating on the floor (supporting a faecal‐oral transmission). The bacterial colonization was assessed by culture and immunohistochemistry. The systemic antibody response to H. pylori and the histopathological changes were evaluated; controls were examined at 2, 4, 8, 12 weeks after the start of the experiment. Faecal samples were also collected from each mouse on the day before sacrifice, to assess the presence of H. pylori by culture and by immunohistochemistry. In the gastric mucosa of inoculated mice, histopathological changes were recorded at each control time and H. pylori was detected both by immunohistochemistry and by a systemic antibody response; the microorganism was also cultured at 2, 4, 8 weeks postinoculation. H. pylori was detected in noninoculated mice, housed in the cage without grating, using an immunoperoxidase technique at 2, 4, 8 weeks after starting the experiment, and these positive values were supported by histopathological changes, and, in one case, at 8 weeks, also by the serum immune response. No colonies of H. pylori were detected by culturing faecal samples from either noninoculated or inoculated mice. The results obtained in this study seem to support an oral‐faecal route as the mode of transmission of H. pylori infection in this animal model.
Bacterial binding to extracellular matrix proteins — in vitro adhesion
Authors: SCHOU CHRISTIAN , BØG‐HANSEN THORKILD C. , FIEHN NILS‐ERIK
Published: August 2009

A binding assay was developed and used to study the binding of oral streptococcus to immobilized human fibronectin, laminin, vitronectin, fibrinogen, heparin, and collagen IV. The protein binding was dependent on the broth used for bacterial growth. The binding after growth in brain heart infusion broth, trypticase soy broth, Todd‐Hewitt broth, and Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium was examined. Most of the strains were able to bind to immobilized fibronectin and laminin, and to a minor extent vitronectin. Binding was not observed on immobilized fibrinogen, collagen IV, or heparin. Measured surface hydrophobicity correlated well with the bacterial binding strength to the proteins. Streptococcal incubation with putative inhibitors indicates multiple binding mechanisms of a lectin‐like and protein nature, possibly involving protein receptors.
Postantibiotic effect and postantibiotic sub‐mic effect of dirithromycin and erythromycin against respiratory tract pathogenic bacteria
Authors: DORNBUSCH KATHRINE , OLOFSSON CARIN , HOLM STIG
Published: August 2009

The postantibiotic effect (PAE) of dirithromycin and erythromycin against strains Streptococcus pyogenes group A M12, NCTC P1800, Streptococcus pneumoniae 23, Staphylococcus aureus Oxford strain 209, Moraxella catarrhalis 15616 and Haemophilus influenzae 5590 was investigated in vitro and in vivo by use of the tissue cage model in rabbits. By exposing strains to 2.5–5×MIC levels for 6 h or 12 h, both compounds induced in vitro PAEs of 1–9 h, and in two cases >20 h. Cultures in the PAE‐phase were then re‐exposed to subinhibitory concentrations (0.25×MIC and 0.5×MIC) of antibiotic and prolonged suppression of regrowth was obtained for 2‐>20 h. Following i.v. antibiotic treatment of rabbits (10 mg/kg or 20 mg/kg dirithromycin and 20 mg/kg or 40 mg/kg erythromycin) and bacterial infection of the implanted tissue cages in the same rabbit, the tissue cage fluid (TCF) was sampled 6 h after infection and regrowth was monitored by sampling from new tissue cages in untreated rabbits. These i.v. single doses of both antibiotics induced in vivo PAEs of >6 h, but <20 h against 5. pyogenes. Suppression of regrowth in TCF was also obtained for ≥20 h on infection with exposed S. pyogenes in the PAE‐phase in newly implanted tissue cages in rabbits that had been treated with low doses of antibiotic to produce subinhibitory concentrations in the TCF. Dirithromycin was in general as active as erythromycin in inducing PAE and in prolonging suppression of bacterial regrowth in the PAE phase.
Interrelations of clinicopathological variables, local immune response and prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: MA YUXIANG , XIAN MEISHENG , LI JIE , KAWABATA TERUYUKI , OKADA SHIGERU
Published: August 2009

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the local immune response, clinicopathological variables and prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). A total of 377 cases of esophageal SCC without preoperative radiotherapy, chemotherapy or immunotherapy were studied. Corrected 5‐year survival for pronounced, moderate and sparse immunocyte infiltration was 66%, 43% and 24%, respectively. In multivariate survival analysis, the immunocyte infiltration was an independent prognostic factor for survival (p<0.001). A correlation was found between density of T‐cell and macrophage infiltration, depth of tumor invasion and lymph node metastasis using immunohistochemical analysis of the expression of T‐cell, B‐cell and macrophage markers. The results indicate that the local immunocyte infiltration is a manifestation of the host defense against cancer. It is therefore reasonable to infer that the local immunocyte infiltration in and around the cancer stroma is an important factor in predicting the prognosis of patients with esophageal SCC.
Origins and morphogenesis of colorectal neoplasms
Authors: WONG WAIMAN , GARCIA SERGIO B. , WRIGHT NICHOLAS A.
Published: August 2009

Gastrointestinal stem cells are considered pivotal in colonic carcinogenesis. There is evidence to suggest that early microadenomas in the colon are polyclonal in origin. Adenomas, once initiated, enlarge by the process of crypt fission. It is also the main mechanism by which neoplastic clones spread through the colorectal epithelium. Both concepts are important for our understanding of the early events in colonic carcinogenesis.
Carrier rate of resistant enterococci in a tertiary care hospital in Norway
Authors: TORFOSS DAG , AUKRUST PÅL , BRINCH LORENTZ , MATHIESEN ØYSTEIN , SIMONSEN GUNNAR S. , AXELSEN ANNE K. , GAUSTAD PETER
Published: August 2009

The prevalence of resistant enterococci varies geographically. In the present study we looked at the carrier rate of resistant enterococci in the hematology and gastrointestinal surgery units of a tertiary care hospital in Norway. Anal swabs were taken from all 82 hospitalized patients on 4 different dates, at least 4 weeks apart, in 1995. 51% had positive cultures for enterococci. 6% of all patients carried enterococci resistant to ampicillin. 7% carried enterococci with high‐level gentamicin resistance. Two strains resistant to vancomycin were found, including the first vanA Enterococcus faecium isolated in a Norwegian hospital. There was a correlation between use of antibiotics and being a carrier of enterococci per se, but the correlation with resistant enterococci did not reach statistical significance owing to the small number of isolates. The carrier rates both for presence of enterococci and for resistant enterococci were generally lower than those found in other studies.
An in vitro study of the susceptibility of mobile and cystic forms of Borrelia burgdorferi to metronidazole
Authors: BRORSON ØYSTEIN , BRORSON SVERRE‐HENNING
Published: August 2009

The aim of this study was to examine the susceptibility of mobile and cystic forms of Borrelia burgdorferi to metronidazole. Because B. burgdorferi is a microaerobic bacterium like Helicobacter pylori, metronidazole (MZ) was chosen in the susceptibility test. For both microaerobic and aerobic incubation the normal mobile spirochetes were resistant to this antibiotic with an MBC ≥512 μg/ml. Conversion of mobile spirochetes to cystic forms was not observed when they were incubated with MZ. When they were incubated under microaerobic conditions, the biologically active cystic forms had an MBC ≥4 μg/ml, but the MBC was ≥32 μg/ml with aerobic incubation at 37°C. Staining with acridine orange (AO), dark field microscopy (DFM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the contents of the cysts were degraded when the concentration of MZ was ≥MBC. Some cysts were also ruptured. When incubated with a sufficient concentration of MZ, core structures did not develop inside the cysts, and AO revealed less RNA in the cysts. Our observations may help efforts to treat resistant infections caused by B. burgdorferi with a combination of MZ and other antibiotics in order to eradicate both cystic and mobile forms of B. burgdorferi.
Moving Beyond Resistance to Restraint Minimization: A Case Study of Change Management in Aged Care
Authors: Johnson Susan , Ostaszkiewicz Joan , O'Connell Beverly
Published: August 2009

Aim: This case study describes a quality initiative to minimize restraint in an Australian residential aged care facility.

Approach: The process of improving practice is examined with reference to the literature on implementation of research into practice and change management. The differences between planned and emergent approaches to change management are discussed. The concepts of resistance and attractors are explored in relation to our experiences of managing the change process in this initiative. The importance of the interpersonal interactions that were involved in facilitating the change process is highlighted.

Implications: Recommendations are offered for dealing with change management processes in clinical environments, particularly the need to move beyond an individual mind‐set to a systems‐based approach for quality initiatives in residential aged care.
Cannabis Use and Sexual Health
Authors: Smith Anthony M.A. , Ferris Jason A. , Simpson Judy M. , Shelley Julia , Pitts Marian K. , Richters Juliet
Published: August 2009

Introduction

Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit substance worldwide. Despite this, its impact on sexual health is largely unknown.

Aim

The aim of this article is to examine the association between cannabis use and a range of sexual health outcomes.

Main Outcome Measures

The main outcome measures include the number of sexual partners in the past year, condom use at most recent vaginal or anal intercourse, diagnosis with a sexually transmissible infection in the previous year, and the occurrence of sexual problems.

Methods

Method used in this article includes a computer-assisted telephone survey of 8,656 Australians aged 16–64 years resident in Australian households with a fixed telephone line.

Results

Of the 8,650 who answered the questions about cannabis use, 754 (8.7%) reported cannabis use in the previous year with 126 (1.5%) reporting daily use, 126 reported (1.5%) weekly use, and 502 (5.8%) reported use less often than weekly. After adjusting for demographic factors, daily cannabis use compared with no use was associated with an increased likelihood of reporting two or more sexual partners in the previous year in both men (adjusted odds ratio 2.08, 95% confidence interval 1.11–3.89; P = 0.02) and women (2.58, 1.08–6.18; P = 0.03). Daily cannabis use was associated with reporting a diagnosis of a sexually transmissible infection in women but not men (7.19, 1.28–40.31; P = 0.02 and 1.45, 0.17–12.42; P = 0.74, respectively). Frequency of cannabis use was unrelated to sexual problems in women but daily use vs. no use was associated with increased reporting among men of an inability to reach orgasm (3.94, 1.71–9.07; P < 0.01), reaching orgasm too quickly (2.68, 1.41–5.08; P < 0.01), and too slowly (2.05, 1.02–4.12; P = 0.04).

Conclusions

Frequent cannabis use is associated with higher numbers of sexual partners for both men and women, and difficulties in men’s ability to orgasm as desired.
Effects of Weight Loss Intervention on Erectile Function in Older Men with Type 2 Diabetes in the Look AHEAD Trial
Authors: Wing Rena R. , Rosen Raymond C. , Fava Joseph L. , Bahnson Judy , Brancati Frederick , Gendrano Isaias Noel C. , Kitabchi Abbas , Schneider Stephen H. , Wadden Thomas A.
Published: August 2009

Introduction

Overweight men with diabetes often report erectile dysfunction (ED), but few studies have examined effects of weight loss on this problem.

Aim

This study examined 1-year changes in erectile function (EF) in overweight/obese men with type 2 diabetes participating in the Look AHEAD (Action for Health in Diabetes) trial.

Methods

Participants in Look AHEAD were randomly assigned to a control condition involving diabetes support and education (DSE) or to intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) involving group and individual sessions to reduce weight and increase physical activity. Men from five of the clinical sites in Look AHEAD completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) at baseline (N=372) and at 1 year (N=306) (82%).

Main Outcome Measures

Changes in EF as reported on the EF subscale of the IIEF.

Results

At 1 year, the ILI group lost a greater percent of initial body weight (9.9% vs. 0.6 %) and had greater improvements in fitness (22.7% vs. 4.6%) than DSE. EF improved more in ILI (17.3 ± 7.6 at baseline; 18.6 ± 8.1 at 1 year) than in DSE (18.3 ± 7.6 at baseline; 18.4 ± 8.0 at 1 year); P = 0.04 and P = 0.06 after adjusting for baseline differences. Using established norms for none (i.e., normal EF), and three grades (i.e., mild, moderate, and severe) ED, 8% of men in ILI reported a worsening of EF from baseline to 1 year, 70% stayed in the same category, and 22% reported improvements. In contrast, 20% of DSE reported worsening, 57% stayed in the same category, and 23% improved (P = 0.006).

Conclusion

In this sample of older overweight/obese diabetic men, weight loss intervention was mildly helpful in maintaining EF.
The Place of Female Sexual Dysfunction in the Urological Practice: Results of a Dutch Survey
Authors: Bekker Milou , Beck Jacky , Putter Hein , Van Driel Mels , Pelger Rob , Lycklama à Nijeholt August , Elzevier Henk
Published: August 2009

Introduction

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a highly prevalent and often underestimated problem. There is a strong association between urological complaints and FSD.

Aims

The purpose of this survey was to evaluate how Dutch urologists address FSD in their daily practice.

Methods

We performed an anonymous survey study. A 17-item anonymous questionnaire was mailed to all 405 registered members of the Dutch Urology Association (urologists and residents in urology).

Main Outcome Measures

The survey results.

Results

One hundred eighty-six complete surveys of eligible respondents were returned (45.9% response rate). Ten respondents (5.5%) stated that they ask each female patient for sexual function; 87.1% stated that they ask for sexual function when a patient complains about lower abdominal pain (87.2%), incontinence (75.8%), urgency or frequency (70.5%), or urinary tract infections (65.8%). Many respondents (40.3%) do not think that FSD is meaningful in a urological practice. The majority of respondents (91%) underestimate the frequency of FSD in a urological clinic. Respondents who believe the frequency of FSD to be at least 30% tend to ask more often for sexual function than the rest of the group (P = 0.08).

Conclusion

Overall, many urologists do not consistently ask each female patient for sexual function and underestimate the prevalence of FSD. For the majority of the members of the Dutch Urological Association, FSD is not part of routine urological practice. There is, therefore, a need for better implementation of education and training at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction Due to C677T Mutation of the MTHFR Gene with Vitamin B6 and Folic acid in Patients Non Responders to PDE5i
Authors: Lombardo Francesco , Tsamatropoulos Petros , Piroli Emanuela , Culasso Franco , Jannini Emmanuele Angelo , Dondero Franco , Lenzi Andrea , Gandini Loredana
Published: August 2009

Introduction

Epidemiological studies conducted on erectile dysfunction (ED) have demonstrated its close correlation with cardiovascular disease. Since hyperhomocysteinemia is considered an important cardiovascular risk factor, it could also be involved in the pathogenesis of ED.

Aim

To study the role of the C677T MTHFR mutation with subsequent hyperhomocysteinemia in the determination of ED.

Methods

We studied 75 consecutive patients presenting with ED. Patients were interviewed using the International Index of Erectile Function. Blood samples were drawn for determination of MTHFR gene C677T mutation, homocysteine (Hcy) and folate levels. Penile color Doppler was also performed.

Main Outcome Methods

Patients were administered sildenafil citrate for 2 months. The nonresponders were treated with combination of sildenafil, vitamin B6, and folic acid for 6 weeks. Patients were split into three groups, A, B, and C on the basis on their MTHFR genotype, and in a further group defined as “sildenafil nonresponders” (NR).

Results

We found 20 patients homozygous for mutant MTHFR 677T, 36 heterozygous, and 19 wild type. Difference in baseline values for Hcy and folic acid was found between groups A and B, and A and C. The NR group (18 patients from group A and B), presented high levels of Hcy and low levels of folic acid. After combination treatment 16 of them (88.9%) revealed an improvement in the IIEF questionnaire. Moreover, it was measured a significant difference between the values of Hcy and folic acid at the baseline and at the end of the study for the nonresponders.

Conclusions

Hyperhomocysteinemia in patients homozygotes for the C677T mutation may interfere with erection mechanisms and thus be responsible for ED. In case of hyperhomocysteinemia associated with low levels of folates, the administration of PDE5 inhibitors may fail if not preceded by the correction of the alterated levels of Hcy and folates.