bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of infectious etiology in subacute thyroiditis – lack of association with coxsackievirus infection
Authors: LUOTOLA KARI , HYÖTY HEIKKI , SALMI JORMA , MIETTINEN ARI , HELIN HEIKKI , PASTERNACK AMOS
Published: August 2009

The etiology of subacute granulomatous thyroiditis (SAT) is obscure, although it is postulated to be associated with viral infections and genetic factors. In the present study, the possibility of an infectious etiology was prospectively studied in 27 consecutive patients with SAT. Special emphasis was put on the role of enteroviruses. Coupled sera (interval one month) were taken from all patients and single sera from 29 control subjects for virus antibody determinations. Stool samples were collected for virus isolation and fine‐needle aspiration samples from thyroid gland for the detection of enterovirus RNA using RT‐PCR were taken from SAT patients. Enteroviral antibodies were tested using three different methods: indirect EIA, heavy chain capture RIA, and standard complement fixation (CF) test. Antibodies against other common viral pathogens, including enteroviruses, were screened using the CF test and those against Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumoniae using EIA and microimmunofluorescence techniques, respectively. Common respiratory viruses were also screened from nasopharyngeal suction samples by antigen detection EIA. Based on serological findings, one patient had acute Cytomegalovirus infection. All other patients were negative in antibody tests, virus isolation, RT‐PCR, and antigen detection. Enterovirus RNA was not detected by PCR in the thyroid tissue in any of the fine‐needle aspiration samples. There was no evidence of recent enteroviral infections in SAT patients. The results suggest that SAT is not usually associated with acute infections. No evidence was obtained to support the proposed role of enteroviruses as an important etiologic agent of SAT.
The effect of conjugation on immunogenicity and potency of protein carriers of polyribosylribitol phosphate (PRP) conjugated vaccines in the mouse model
Authors: SHAMS HOMAYOUN , HERON IVER
Published: August 2009

Immunogenicity and vaccine potency of carrier proteins of two different PRP‐tetanus toxoid (PRP‐T) conjugated vaccines, produced using different size PRP (Act‐Hib & Amvax Hib‐T), and one PRP‐CRM197 (Hib‐TITER) were studied. The immunogenicity and the vaccine potency of the carrier component of the tested PRP‐conjugated vaccines, and their influences on the potency of the tetanus toxoid (T) and of the diphtheria toxoid (D) component of diphtheria toxoid‐tetanus toxoid‐acellular pertussis‐inactivated polio vaccine (DTaP‐IPV) were variable. The T component of Act‐Hib (large size PRP) was as immunogenic and potent as the T component of the DTaP‐IPV vaccine, and a combination of Act‐Hib and DTaP‐IPV resulted in a more than five‐fold increase in the potency of the T. However, Amvax Hib‐T (small size PRP) did not show any anti‐T response on its own, and a combination of Amvax Hib‐T and DTaP‐IPV did not affect the T potency of the DTaP‐IPV vaccine. In immunogenicity studies with multiple shots. Hib‐TITER (small size PRP) produced significantly less anti‐D antibodies than non‐conjugated D. Hib‐TITER did not show any D potency on its own, while a combination of a Hib‐TITER and DTaP‐IPV increased the potency of the D component of DTaP‐IPV vaccine significantly. Thus, in the case of a combination of T‐and D‐containing vaccines with a PRP‐conjugated vaccine in which either T or CRMI 97 has been used as the carrier, the influence of these carriers on basic immunogenicity and vaccine potency of T and D, respectively, should be considered carefully. We propose the techniques employed in this study for the quality control of combined vaccines consisting of diphtheria, tetanus, and PRP‐conjugated vaccines.
Microsporidia in duodenal biopsies from 72 HIV‐infected patients with abdominal complaints
Authors: SVEDHEM V. , LEBBAD M. , STRUVE J. , VERESS B. , ANDSTRÖM E. , AUST‐KETTIS A. , LINDER E.
Published: August 2009

In order to evaluate the capacity of routine histological examination to detect microsporidiosis, a retrospective study was performed on 72 duodenal biopsies from 72 HIV‐infected patients with upper abdominal symptoms of unknown cause. Two light microscopic cytological staining techniques, modified trichrome stain and the fluorochrome Calcofluor, were used. Two cases of microsporidiosis were detected among the 20 patients with prolonged diarrhoea of unknown origin in whom no etiological agent had been demonstrated by stool examination, mycobacterial and cytomegalovirus culture of biopsies, and histological routine staining of duodenal biopsies. The calculated confidence interval of 3–30% corresponds to the prevalence of intestinal microsporidiosis in HIV patients with prolonged diarrhoea in various parts of the world. The findings motivate attempts to identify microsporidia using special cytological staining methods. Improved methods of species identification are needed to aid in the choice of chemotherapy.
Characterization of mechanisms involved in adherence of Haemophilus ducreyi to eukaryotic cells
Authors: FRISK ANDERS , LAGERGÅRD TERESA
Published: August 2009

The adherence of Haemophilus ducreyi to eukaryotic cells of various origins was investigated by means of a microassay using radiolabelled bacteria. The influence of physicochemical conditions and of different inhibitors on adherence to HEp‐2 cells and human fibroblasts was examined. H. ducreyi strains manifested substantial adherence capacity (range, 11–38% of inoculum) to different cells, not discriminating between human and animal origin. The level of adherence was temperature‐dependent, being substantially decreased by incubation at 4°C, but was unaffected in the pH range 4–10. The adherence level was significantly reduced in the presence of sodium chloride or tetramethylurea (a hydrophobic bond‐breaking agent). In addition, H. ducreyi bacteria manifested a pronounced capacity for binding Congo red to the surface, in comparison with the low binding ability of H. influenzae type b. This further indicates hydrophobic domains to be accessible on the surface of H. ducreyi. Inhibition studies with bacterial EDTA extract, sialic acid, heparin and heparan sulphate resulted in a significant reduction in adherent bacteria. However, adherence was not inhibited with crude 24 kDa pili material, LOS of H. ducreyi or fibronectin. Neither crude nor purified 24 kDa protein of H. ducreyi bacteria showed any capacity to bind monolayers of HEp‐2, HeLa or human fibroblasts cells, as tested by immunoblot using specific polyclonal antibodies. The overall results suggest that adherence of H. ducreyi to eukaryotic cells is not specific to a particular cell type, human or animal. Adherence to HEp‐2 cells involves a multiplicity of factors such as ionic and hydrophobic forces, and can be mediated by tissue heparin/heparan sulfate proteoglycans. However, specific binding to HEp‐2 cells does not seem to be mediated by the 24 kDa pili protein of H. ducreyi.
Antibody response in six HACEK endocarditis cases under therapy
Authors: ZBINDEN REINHARD , HANY ADOLF , LÜTHY RUEDI , CONEN DIETER , HEINZER IVO
Published: August 2009

The antibody response to bacteria of the so‐called HACEK group, i.e. Haemophilus spp., Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Cardiobacterium hominis, Eikenella corrodens and Kingella kingae, was measured in sera of six patients with endocarditis. The corresponding isolates from their blood cultures were identified by conventional methods, including reactions for nitrate reduction and catalase as well as acid production from sugars. Crude antigens were prepared by glycine extraction and sonification of the blood culture isolates, and used to determine titers by complement fixation. A patient with Haemophilus parainfluenzae bacteremia received a short course of antibiotic therapy, and relapsed with spondylitis and endocarditis 5 months later. Titers of sera against his own isolate rose from 1:40 to 1:320 and fell to 1:40 after therapy within one year. A patient with C. hominis endocarditis had a similarly prolonged course. The complement fixation titer against his own isolate was already 1:240 before antibiotics were administered. Another patient with C. hominis endocarditis presented a titer of 1:320 2 weeks after the diagnosis. These three patients revealed C‐reactive protein values over 50 mg/l in the first serum sample. Decrease of both antibody titers and C‐reactive protein values correlated with clinical improvement. Two patients with prosthetic valve replacement 5 months earlier developed C. hominis and K. kingae endocarditis, respectively. At admission, C‐reactive protein values were 64 and 82, respectively, and therapy was instituted immediately. The first sera were received 3 and 6 weeks, respectively, after isolation of the corresponding blood culture isolates and revealed already low titers, i.e. 1:80 and 1:60, respectively. A woman with A. actinomycetemcomitans endocarditis received immediate therapy and did not develope titers against her own isolate. CRP was 100 at admission and remained over 50 5 weeks later. We conclude that the complement fixation assay with individual antigen preparations was easy to perform and allowed monitoring of the antibody response in 5 of 6 HACEK endocarditis cases under therapy, but the usefulness of this method to find culture‐negative HACEK endocarditis needs to be established.
Measles virus antigen in macrophage/microglial cells and astrocytes of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis
Authors: MESQUITA ROBERTO , CASTAÑOS‐VELEZ ESMERALDA , BIBERFELD PETER , TROIAN REGINA M. , DE SIQUEIRA MARILDA M.
Published: August 2009

In two patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) of 10 and 25 months duration we demonstrated by immunohistochemistry the presence of measles‐virus nucleocapsid antigen (MVNA) in CD68+ cells and astrocytes of brain tissues. In both cases, CD68+ hematogenous monocyte/macrophages and perivascular microglial cells (Mφ) were found infiltrating the brain parenchyma, and often partially or completely invested by perivascular reactive astrocytes expressing glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Mφ with cytoplasmic MVNA were often seen in the Virchow‐Robin spaces and in close association with perivascular astrocytes, which often also contained MVNA+ intracytoplasmic inclusions. Reactive astrocytosis was more severe in the patient with long‐standing illness, and a correspondingly elevated number of strongly GFAP+ MVNA+ or MVNA‐ perivascular binucleated astrocytes was observed. An uptake of MVNA+ cell debris by reactive astrocytes was evident in areas of white matter displaying extensive demyelination and necrosis. Taken together, these observations seem to indicate that the brain infiltration by Mφ carrying measles virus could represent one pathway of virus entry and dissemination in the central nervous system. Virus transfer to perivascular astrocytes via cell‐to‐cell contacts with infected macrophages is also suggested.
Common and emerging infectious causes of hematological malignancies in the young
Authors: LEHTINEN TUULA , LEHTINEN MATTI
Published: August 2009

Comparative epidemiological studies have for a long time suggested a link (or links) between infectious agents and hematological malignancies in the young. Identification of Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) as the major cause of specific subtypes of Burkitt's lymphoma and Hodgkin's disease 20 and 10 years ago, respectively, and the recent involvement of human T‐cell leukemia virus in non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas of the T‐cell lineage in young adults in Jamaica have given further credit to early presumptions that these diseases have an infectious etiology. The spectrum of possibly involved viruses: old, EBV, and new, herpesviruses 6, 7 and 8, and unknown retroviruses – as well as the list of partially or totally unresolved disease entities: Hodgkin's disease in adolescents, non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas in the immunocompromised, and acute lymphocytic leukemia – is rapidly expanding. Both direct and indirect transforming effects of the above‐mentioned viruses are being rapidly disclosed. However, the complex interaction between the different viruses and other causes of hematological malignancies in the young guarantees that many things remain to be discovered also in the future.
Molecular detection and quantitation of the chemokine RANTES mRNA in neurological brain
Authors: HVAS JONNA , BERNARD CLAUDE C. A.
Published: August 2009

Accumulation of T‐cells in the brains of patients with neurological disorders prompted a molecular analysis of brain tissue for expression of the chemokine RANTES, which is known to be a T‐cell activator and chemoattractant. A fast, sensitive and reproducible technique was developed, based on the polymerase chain reaction and nonradioactive detection. The method could detect and quantitate RANTES in small amounts of brain tissue from all patients with multiple sclerosis, and in some patients with other neural or inflammatory diseases. The data indicate constitutive expression of RANTES in brain from some neurological disorders where its downregulation can have therapeutic benefits.
Surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria isolated from food animals to antimicrobial growth promoters and related therapeutic agents in Denmark
Authors: AARESTRUP FRANK MØLLER , BAGER FLEMMING , JENSEN NIELS EINAR , MADSEN MOGENS , MEYLING ANDERS , WEGENER HENRIK CASPAR
Published: August 2009

This study was conducted to describe the occurrence of acquired resistance to antimicrobials used for growth promotion among bacteria isolated from swine, cattle and poultry in Denmark. Resistance to structurally related therapeutic agents was also examined. Three categories of bacteria were tested: 1) indicator bacteria (Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium), 2) zoonotic bacteria (Campylobacter, Salmonella, Yersinia enterocolitica), and 3) animal pathogens (E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase‐negative staphylococci (CNS),Staphylococcus hyicus, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae). All antimicrobials used as growth promoters in Denmark and some structurally related therapeutic agents (in brackets) were included: Avilamycin, avoparcin (vancomycin), bacitracin, carbadox, flavomycin, monensin, olaquindox, salinomycin, spiramycin (erythromycin, lincomycin), tylosin (erythromycin, lincomycin), and virginiamycin (pristinamycin). Bacterial species intrinsically resistant to an antimicrobial were not tested towards that antimicrobial. Breakpoints for growth promoters were established by population distribution of the bacteria tested. A total of 2,372 bacterial isolates collected during October 1995 to September 1996 were included in the study. Acquired resistance to all currently used growth promoting antimicrobials was found. A frequent occurrence of resistance were observed to avilamycin, avoparcin, bacitracin, flavomycin, spiramycin, tylosin and virginiamycin, whereas resistance to carbadox, monensin, olaquindox and salinomycin was less frequent. The occurrence of resistance varied by animal origin and bacterial species. The highest levels of resistance was observed among enterococci, whereas less resistance was observed among zoonotic bacteria and bacteria pathogenic to animals. The association between the occurrence of resistance and the consumption of the antimicrobial is discussed. The results show the present level of resistance to growth promoters in bacteria from food animals in Denmark. They will form the baseline for comparison with future prospective studies, thereby enabling the determination of trends over time.
Characteristics of four cowpox virus isolates from Norway and Sweden
Authors: TRYLAND M. , SANDVIK T. , HANSEN H. , HAUKENES G. , HOLTET L. , BENNETT M. , MEHL R. , MOENS U. , OLSVIK Ø. , TRAAVIK T.
Published: August 2009

We report the first isolation of cowpox virus from a domestic cat in Norway, and the first confirmed isolation of cowpox virus from a human case in Norway. These two Norwegian cowpox virus isolates, as well as two Swedish human isolates, were partially characterized and compared with each other and with cowpox virus Brighton and vaccinia virus strain Western Reserve. Restriction enzyme analysis of the genomes revealed differences between all six viruses examined, but suggested that the two Norwegian isolates are closely related, as are the two Swedish isolates. Restriction endonuclease digestion of genomic DNA demonstrated that one of the Swedish isolates and the two Norwegian isolates have larger genomes than vaccinia virus strain Western Reserve, but smaller than cowpox Brighton. All four Scandinavian isolates lacked a 72 base‐pair region within the A‐type inclusion body protein gene which is present in the prototype cowpox virus Brighton.
Comparisons of DNA‐mediated immunization procedures directed against surface glycoproteins of human immunodeficiency virus type‐1 and hepatitis B virus
Authors: FOMSGAARD ANDERS , NIELSEN HENRIK VEDEL , NIELSEN CLAUS , JOHANSSON KARIN , MACHUCA ROBERTO , BRUUN LOUISE , HANSEN JAN , BUUS SØREN
Published: August 2009

DNA vaccination methods were compared to examine the in vivo expression of HIV‐1 gp160 and β‐galactosidase, and the resulting immune response. β‐galactosidase plasmid showed expression rates of 2–5% of muscle fibers with or without pretreatments using bupivacaine or cardiotoxin facilitators 1 or 5 days earlier, respectively. In contrast, HIV gp160 expression was lower in untreated or bupivacaine‐treated muscles, but was improved by pretreatment with cardiotoxin. Equal expression of β‐galactosidase and HIV gp160 was obtained using gene gun delivery to the epidermis. Unlike the i.m. in situ expression of gp160, the anti‐HIV antibody response did not improve after muscle pretreatments but depended on the vaccination intervals. Gene gun delivery of pMN160 also resulted in a slow and low titered antibody response. In contrast, a single i.m. injection of plasmid encoding another viral envelope, HBsAg, resulted in earlier seroconversion to high titers without the need for pretreatments or boostings. Intradermal inoculation by gene gun using 100‐fold less DNA resulted in the same anti‐HBsAg antibody profile only after boostings. In contrast to the differences in antibody responses, a specific CTL response was obtained in all cases. Bupivacaine‐treated muscles showed an extreme degree of edema with disruption of connective tissue (endo‐ and mesomysium) and was not well tolerated (4 of 19 mice died). Cardiotoxin created muscle necrosis and occasional (2 of 20 mice) development of fibrotic muscles. It is concluded that in vivo expression cannot be properly predicted using reporter gene experiments and that the resulting immune response does not follow directly with the expression rate. It is suggested that the antibody response may depend primarily on the nature of the antigen expressed rather than the DNA vaccination method. It is proposed that gene gun or i.m. injection be used without pretreatment in the case of DNA vaccination with plasmid encoding HIV MN gp160.
Lung morphometry by unbiased methods in emphysema: bronchial and blood vessel volume, alveolar surface area and capillary length
Authors: WIEBE BRITT MARIE , LAURSEN HENNING
Published: August 2009

We have estimated lung volume, bronchial volume, vessel volume, alveolar surface area and capillary length in patients who died of lung failure due to emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and in patients with no clinical signs of respiratory disease. Unbiased morphometric methods were applied to the right lung. The patients with emphysema had equal lung volumes and bronchial and vessel volumes compared to the control group. The alveolar surface area and surface density were significantly decreased to about 67% of control values. The capillary length and length density were significantly decreased to about 68% of control values. The proportional decreases in alveolar surface area and capillary length suggest that compensatory capillary proliferation has not occurred. These unbiased morphometric studies of emphysema have yielded results in end‐stage emphysema that are comparable to those previously reported using biased methods. However, the unbiased methods may provide new insights when applied to earlier stages of the disease.
Overexpression ofrasis an independent prognostic factor in colorectal adenocarcinoma
Authors: SUN XIAO‐FENG , EKBERG HANNA , ZHANG HONG , CARSTENSEN JOHN M. , NORDENSKJÖLD B.
Published: August 2009

The expression ofraswas investigated by using immunohistochemistry in 245 primary colorectal adenocarcinomas and 49 corresponding metastases in the lymph nodes. One hundred and forty‐four (59%) of the primary tumours presented asraspositive and 37 (76%) were positive in metastases. Therasexpression was positively related to cell proliferation (p=0.01) and significantly increased in tumours with aneuploidy (68%) compared to tumours with diploidy (51%) and tetraploidy (53%, p=0.01). The frequency ofrasexpression was increased from Dukes' stage A to stages B—D (41%vs62%, p=0.01).rasexpression was compared in 40 paired primary tumours and their corresponding metastases, and the difference in expression did not reach statistical significance (73%vs83%, p=0.32). In survival analyses,rasoverexpression predicted a poor prognosis independent of Dukes' stage, DNA ploidy and S‐phase fraction (p=0.049). We did not find any significant relationship betweenrasexpression and patients' sex, age, tumour location, growth pattern, differentiation, p53 expression or heat shock protein. The results indicate that the alteration ofrasexpression may be involved in the instability of DNA and cellular overproliferation, but not in the progression to advanced stage and the development of metastases. The expression ofraswas an important biological marker for evaluating the prognosis in patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma.
Evaluation of an rDNA Listeria probe for Listeria monocytogenes typing
Authors: Jacquet Ch. , Thierry D. , Veit P. , Guesdon J.‐L. , Rocourt J.
Published: August 2009

A Listeria monocytogenes UNA fragment, identified as part of the 23S rRNA gene and called B17, was used to type 266 L. monocytogenes strains and 43 strains of other Listeria species. Results were compared with those obtained: i) with pBA2 (which consists of a 2.3 kb Bacillus subtilis DNA fragment encoding 16S rRNA, inserted into the HinIII site of pBR322), a probe previously used for Listeria and L. monocytogenes ribotyping, and ii) with DNA macrorestriction profiles analysis. Twenty profiles were identified for L. monocytogenes using pB17, three of which accounted for 87% of strains. This new rDNA probe had greater discriminatory power for serogroups 1/2 or 3 strains than for serogroup 4 strains. The number of varieties and the discrimination index were higher with this new probe than with pBA2, but DNA macrorestriction patterns analysis gave better discrimination between strains.
Anti‐MIC2 as a tool in examination of testicular biopsies
Authors: Visfeldt J. , Cortes D. , Thorup J. M. , Byskov A. G.
Published: August 2009

MIC2 is a pseudoautosomal gene localized on X and Y chromosomes. The MIC2 gene product is a glycoprotein expressed on the cell membranes of a number of somatic cells, including Sertoli cells of the testis, but not on the cell membranes of germ cells. In cases of cryptorchidism, a testicular biopsy is recommended in order to evaluate future fertility potential. The spermatogonia are identified on histological sections and the number per tubular transverse section is compared with normal values for age. The patient is at 33–100% risk of subsequent infertility when the number of spermatogonia per tubular transverse section is lower than 1% of the lowest normal age‐matched value. Besides Sertoli cells the seminiferous tubules in undescended testes contain only a few germ cells, and it may be difficult to pinpoint the germ cells in small biopsies. Especially in nonpalpable testes their number may be heavily reduced. A reliable identification of germ cells may also be difficult in cultures of testicular biopsies from undescended testes. Against this background, we tried the use of an immuno‐histochemical method with DAKO antibody to the MIC2 gene product (MIC2, 12 E7, code no. M3601) in order to obtain a “negative reaction” of germ cells, contrasting with the stained Sertoli cells. The material comprised: 44 specimens of testicular parenchyma taken at time of surgery for cryptorchidism from 24 cryptorchid boys with nonpalpable testes and 14 testicular biopsies from 13 cryptorchid patients with palpable testes which had been cultured in vitro for 7, 14 or 21 days. In all cases the immunohistochemical method with DAKO antibody to the MIC2 gene product was helpful for identification of Sertoli cells and germ cells, and we therefore recommend the use of anti‐MIC2 in all testicular biopsies where it is difficult to pinpoint the germ cells.
Apoptosis‐related genes and proteins in Hodgkin's disease
Authors: Lauritzen Anne F. , Møller Peter Horn , Nedergaard Trine , Guldberg Per , Hou‐Jensen Klaus , Ralfkiaer Elisabeth
Published: August 2009

During recent years it has become increasingly evident that L&H cells in nodular lymphocytic predominance (LP) Hodgkin's disease (HD) and Hodgkin and Reed‐Sternberg (H‐RS) cells in approximately half the cases of classical HD originate from B‐lymphocytes, and that H‐RS cells in most of the remaining cases of classical HD express a null phenotype. The pathogenesis of HD is unknown. An association with Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) has been suggested and there are also indications that genes involved in programmed cell death (apoptosis) may be implicated. In this study, the expression of four apoptosis‐related proteins (bcl‐2, bcl‐x, bax and p53) in 53 cases of HD was examined and the data were correlated with the genotype, the EBV status and the phenotype (B, T or null) of the neoplastic cells. The H‐RS cells expressed a B‐cell phenotype in 3/3 cases of nodular LP and in 19/50 (38%) cases of classical HD. The remaining cases showed a null‐cell phenotype in 29/50 (58%) and a T‐cell phenotype in 2/50 (4%). EBV was more often positive in B (14/19, 74%) than in null (7/29, 24%) type HD. The H‐RS cells were bcl‐2‐positive in 19/53 (36%), bcl‐x‐positive in 17/53 (32%), bax‐positive in 1/53, and p53‐positive in 41/53 (77%) cases. No relationship was found between bcl‐2 expression and EBV status, or between bcl‐2 and bcl‐x expression. A t(14;18) translocation was seen in 2 of 34 cases. P53 point mutations were not detected. Our findings indicate that nodular LP and classical HD originate from B‐cells in a high proportion of cases. They also suggest a role for bcl‐2, bcl‐x and p53 in tumorigenesis. The pathogenesis is not known at this stage.
B‐Cell development in lamina propria of the large intestine: influence of age and t‐cell densities
Authors: Hacsek Gabor , öRmäLä Timo , Rintala Risto , Savilahti Erkki
Published: August 2009

The development of B‐cells and immunoglobulin‐isotype and IgA subclass‐positive cells in the lamina propria of the large intestine during infancy was investigated. Biopsy specimens from 36 infants, taken for diagnostic purposes, were available. All samples showed normal morphology. Monoclonal antibodies to CD22, IgA, IgA1, IgA2, IgM and IgG and a peroxidase method were used to demonstrate positive cells in the cryostat sections. Cell densities were counted from a known area. T‐cells had been measured in a previous study using the same specimens. The density of CD22+ cells was already high in infants below the age of 1 month and increased little with age. Four specimens from infants below the age of 40 days lacked IgA‐, IgA1‐ and IgA2‐positive cells. The densities of these cells increased with age; the correlation coefficient between the age and the density of the cells was for IgA: R = 0.47, p=0.04; for IgA1: R=0.57, p=0.001, and for IgA2: R=0.34, p=0.04. The densities of IgG‐ and IgM‐positive cells remained unchanged with age. The negative correlation between density of IgG+cells and CD8+ cells in the lamina propria (R=‐0.43, p=0.01) was significant. Strong local stimulation results in early accumulation of CD22+, IgM+ and IgG+ cells in the large intestine, but little change takes place after the first few days of life. The terminal differentiation to IgA‐positive cells is slowest, and this population showed significant developmental change.
Are resistance patterns in uropathogens published by microbiological laboratories valid for general practice?
Authors: Baerheim Anders , Digranes AsbjøRn , Hunskaar Steinar
Published: August 2009

During 7 months from August 1994, 171 urine samples were collected consecutively in general practice in Western Norway from female patients with suspected lower urinary tract infection. For each of the 171 samples, 2 samples from adult females received from general practice at the microbiological laboratory on the same day were selected using a predetermined system. Samples noted as treatment controls and samples from pregnant patients were discarded. Bacteriuria was found in 101/171 (59.1%) vs 220/342 (64.3%) of the samples. The general practice material contained more bacteriuric samples with Escherichia coli (83.2% vs 71.8%, p<0.05) and Staphylococcus saprophyticus (11.9 vs 6.4%), and fewer with other Gram‐negative rods (4.0% vs 15.9%, p<0.01) and enterococci (1.0% vs 5.9%, p<0.01). The frequency of resistant isolates was substantially lower in the samples from general practice for all antibacterial agents tested: amoxycillin 18.9% vs 23.9%, mecillinam 1.1% vs 4.7%, trimethoprim 12.9% vs 18.5%, cotrimoxazole 12.0% vs 15.4%, sulphonamide 20.0% vs 28.4%, nitrofurantoin 3.0% vs 9.7% (p<0.05). Data from local laboratories exaggerate the resistance problems among uropathogens found in urine samples in general practice.
Catamenial pneumothorax caused by diaphragmatic stromal endometriosis
Authors: Fukunaga Masaharu
Published: August 2009

A case of catamenial pneumothorax caused by stromal endometriosis of the diaphragm is described. A 40‐year‐old woman suffered two episodes of right‐sided pneumothorax which occurred after onset of menstruation. Thoracoscopy revealed brownish spots in the right diaphragm and partial excision of the diaphragm was performed. Histological examination showed that the lesion was characterized by sheets of cells resembling endometrial stromal cells, small thin‐walled blood vessels and extrava‐sated erythrocytes in varying proportions. Some clusters of these cells were transmural. No endometrial‐type glands were found. Immunohistochemically, the nuclei of the endometrial stromal cells were strongly positive for both estrogen and progesterone receptors. Therapy with a gonadotropin‐releasing hormone analogue was started and the patient has since been asymptomatic for 6 months. Pathologists should not overlook diaphragmatic stromal endometriosis as a possible cause of pneumothorax.
The expression of p53, Ki‐67 and urokinase plasminogen activator receptor in colorectal adenomas with true invasion and pseudoinvasion
Authors: Hansen Tine Plato , Fenger Claus , Kronborg Ole
Published: August 2009

The recognition of pseudoinvasion is important in the differential diagnosis of adenocarcinoma in patients with adenomas. This distinction might occasionally be difficult, particularly when the dysplasia is pronounced. The present study was undertaken in order to investigate whether the immuno‐histochemical expression of p53, Ki‐67 and the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) was different in adenomas with true invasion and pseudoinvasion. We studied 26 formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tumor samples, consisting of 10 cases of adenomas with pseudoinvasion and 16 cases of adenocarcinomas in adenomas. In this series of selected histologically typical cases a constant moderate or strong reaction for uPAR was present at the invasive front in all of the 16 adenomas with adenocarcinoma, but only focally in one of 10 adenomas with pseudoinvasion. The reactions for p53 and Ki‐67 showed only minor differences. In conclusion, the immunohistochemical reaction for uPAR seems to be a useful supplement in cases without typical histology or with severe dysplasia.
Extraorbital giant cell angiofibroma
Authors: Wiebe Britt Marie , Gottlieb JøRgen Otto , Holck Susanne
Published: August 2009

A number of intriguing fibrovascular mesenchymal proliferations with benign or low grade malignant potential have recently been described. Giant cell angiofibroma was introduced as an entity by Dei Tos et al. in 1995 and initially considered to be a lesion of the orbit. We describe an extraorbital example, indicating that giant cell angiofibroma is not confined to the orbit. Immunologically, giant cell angiofibroma is positive for CD 34, bcl‐2 and vimentin, and negative for epithelial and muscle markers, and S‐100. The tumor shares several morphological and immunological properties with giant cell fibroblastoma and solitary fibrous tumor, yet it features a histology sufficiently characteristic to allow its categorization as a separate entity. The recommended treatment is complete but conservative excision. Metastases have not been reported.
An evaluation of susceptibility testing methods for ampicillin‐sulbactam using a panel of β‐lactamase‐producing bacteria
Authors: Siu L. K. , Lo J. Y. C. , Cheng W. L. , Ho P. L. , Ng W. S. , Chau P. Y.
Published: August 2009

Bacteria possessing TEM‐1‐like β‐lactamases are generally regarded as susceptible to ampicillin‐sulbactam (SAM), while those harboring OXA‐1 enzymes are considered resistant. The current study was undertaken to compare susceptibility testing using various combinations of ampicillin and sulbactam to improve clinical correlation. Members of the Enterobaeteriaceae family harboring TEM‐1, SHV‐1 or OXA‐1‐like β‐lactamases were tested using the agar dilution method. A substantial proportion of strains harboring OXA‐1‐like β‐lactamases showed false susceptibility to SAM at the 1:1 ratio or fixed sulbactam concentration of 8 μg/ml. At a fixed sulbactam concentration of 4 μg/ml, the activity of ampicillin‐sulbactam appeared to be reduced, with large numbers of TEM‐1 producers becoming frankly resistant. Results obtained with the 2:1 ratio exhibited the closest correlation with that obtained by the currently recommended disk diffusion test. However, very major errors were still found between the disk diffusion test and agar dilution test, suggesting the necessity for consideration of a change in criteria for interpretation of disk diffusion test results. In conclusion, SAM susceptibility testing by agar dilution using other than a 2:1 ratio is not recommended and results should be interpreted with caution.
Genetic and epigenetic contributions to colorectal cancer
Authors: Dumont Nancy
Published: August 2009

Both genetic and epigenetic factors contribute to the development of colorectal cancer. Specific genetic changes in proto‐oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and DNA mismatch repair genes have led to a genetic model of colorectal tumorigenesis. Recent data highlight the importance of the TGF‐β signaling pathway in regulating the progression of colorectal cancer. The loss of the tumor suppressor activity of this pathway as well as the potentially cooperative genetic aberrations involving APC, K‐rav, and p53 are reviewed in the context of the multi‐step adenoma‐carcinoma sequence that characterizes the development of colorectal tumorigenesis. In addition, contributing epigenetic factors including age, diet, angiogenesis, and immune response are also discussed. Combining our knowledge of the genetic and epigenetic events implicated in this disease may allow a broader understanding of the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer and hence the design of better anti‐tumor interventions.
Anti‐miracidial effect of recombinant glutathione S‐transferase 26 and soluble egg antigen on immune responses in murine schistosomiasis mansoni
Authors: Hassanein Hanaa , Kamel Manal , Badawy Afkar , El‐Ghorab Nemat , Abdeen Hesham , ZADA SUHER , El‐Ahwany Eman , Doughty Barbara
Published: August 2009

The anti‐miracidial potential of recombinant Schistosoma mansoni glutathione S‐transferase 26 (rSmGST26) or native crude soluble egg antigens (SEA) was assessed. The associated dynamics of granuloma formation and immune responses were evaluated. Naive C57BL/6 mice were injected intravenously with multiple doses of either SEA (SEA‐group) or rSmGST26 (GST‐group) 7 days before cercarial infection. The immunized groups and the respective controls were sacrificed 6, 8 and 16 weeks postinfection (p.i.). Acceleration of ova destruction and reduction of granuloma diameter were greater in the GST‐group than the SEA‐group, mainly at 8 weeks p.i. However, the amelioration of hepatic pathology and function was more evident in the SEA‐group. Concurrently, serum‐specific IgG1 levels were elevated throughout the course of infection in the immunized groups compared to the infected controls. Initial rise of all splenic cytokines and serum anti‐SEA IgE levels at 6 weeks p.i. was observed, followed by a dramatic drop in the levels of the proinflammatory cytokines IL‐2, IFNγ, IL‐4 and TNF‐α and IgE at 8 weeks of infection. IL‐I0 level was lower at 8 weeks p.i. than at 6 weeks, but was higher in immunized groups than in infected controls. Several responses may be implicated as an outcome of the present immunization protocol, such as increased levels of blocking antibody (IgG1) and IL‐10 with decreased levels of proinflammatory cytokines and IgE.
Moraxella catarrhalis‐induced purulent otitis media in the rat middle earL
Authors: Westman Eva , Melhus Åsa , HellströM Sten , Hermansson Ann
Published: August 2009

To study the effects of viable and heat‐killed Moraxella catarrhalis bacteria on the middle ear mucosa and to evaluate the protection after whole‐cell immunizations, Sprague‐Dawley rats were challenged and rechallenged with four different M. catarrhalis strains. The animals were monitored by clinical observations, bacterial and histological samples from middle ears, and serum IgG levels. Only viable bacteria at a high concentration induced purulent otitis media, which was culture positive in 58% of the cases on day 4. The infection was characterized by a mild acute reaction lasting otomicroscopically about 8 days, together with quantitative and qualitative changes of the goblet cells. Structurally the mucosal effects of the heat‐killed bacteria were less pronounced in the early phase compared to the viable bacteria, but similar at the end of the experiment at 6 months. The intrabullar and subcutaneous immunizations evoked an IgG antibody response in all animals, and the protection rate after immunization was 50% or more. The induced protection was not strain‐specific. The study showed the rat to be a possible alternative for the study of different aspects of M. catarrhalis otitis media, an infection that is clinically and structurally different from that elicited by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haentophilus influenzae in the rat.
Basaloid type adenoid cystic carcinoma of the breast
Authors: Fukuoka Keiko , Hirokawa Mitsuyoshi , Shimizu Michio , Sadahira Yoshito , Manabe Toshiaki , Kurebayashi Junichi , Sonoo Hiroshi
Published: August 2009

We report a case of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the breast with a prominent basaloid feature. The patient was a 62‐year‐old Japanese woman with a right breast mass, measuring 1.5 cm in diameter. Histologically, the tumor was composed of basal cell‐like tumor cells, and it was originally diagnosed as invasive ductal carcinoma. The presence of PAS‐positive basement membrane material around the tumor cell nests may be a diagnostic clue to ACC. The prognosis of ACC of the breast considered to be favorable. However, basaloid type ACC may represent a poor prognosis. since our case revealed an aggressive behavior in spite of its small size.
Blood‐group‐related carbohydrates are expressed in organotypic cultures of human skin and oral mucosa
Authors: GrøN Birgitte , Andersson Anders , Dabelsteen Erik
Published: August 2009

Cellular maturation and migration are usually associated with changes in cell‐surface carbohydrates, but the relationship between these changes and cell behaviour is at present largely unknown. To investigate whether an organotypic culture system can be used as an in vitro model to study the function of cell‐surface carbohydrates, we established organotypic cultures of skin and buccal mucosa. In these cultures, keratinocytes are grown at the air‐liquid interface on a supporting matrix consisting of homologous fibroblasts embedded in a collagen type I gel. We examined the expression of blood‐group‐related carbohydrate structures, including Lewis x, sialylated Lewis x, Lewis y, Lewis a, and Lewis b, on the surface of epithelial cells in the cultures. We compared the results with the expression of more well‐established markers, including cytokeratins, integrins, bullous pemphigoid antigen and laminin, in the same cultures. The organotypic skin and oral mucosa cultures showed a histological differentiation pattern analogous to that of normal skin and buccal mucosa, and a tissue‐specific expression of carbohydrate structures and cytokeratins. However, both types of organotypic cultures also expressed markers which are normally seen during wound healing, including Lewis y, cytokeratin 16, and cytokeratin 19. We conclude that the organotypic cultures of oral mucosa and skin are suitable models for future studies of the function of cell‐surface carbohydrates, although the expression of wound healing markers has to be taken into consideration.
Unbiased estimation of total β‐cell number and mean β‐cell volume in rodent pancreas
Authors: Bock Troels , Svenstrup Kirsten , Pakkenberg Bente , Buschard Karsten
Published: August 2009

We describe a method for unbiased assumption‐free estimation of the total number of β‐cells and the mean β‐cell volume in mouse and rat pancreas based on light microscopy. Such a method, which takes advantage of one of the most recent developments in stereology, the fractionator, has not previously been described. It relies on repeated fractionation of the tissue using systematic uniform random sampling combined with an unbiased counting principle. The method was applied to eight BALB/cBom male mice (56 days) and six Lewis/MOL male rats (47 days). In mice, the total number of β‐cells was 1.06±0.07±106 (mean±SEM) per pancreas with a mean β‐cell volume of 1280±17 μm3, while in rats the total β‐cell number was 2.76±0.42±106 per pancreas with a mean β‐cell volume of 1170±65 μm3. Furthermore, the results showed that in both species the biological variability in the total β‐cell volume is due to differences in the number of β‐cells rather than variability of the mean β‐cell volume. The method can be used to give a precise description of number and volume of β‐cells at different ages, and will make it possible to estimate the contributions of hyper/hypotrophia and hyperlhypoplasia to a given induced or spontaneous change in the total β‐cell mass.
A novel and efficient regimen for producing chronic relapsing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (CR‐EAE) in SJL mice
Authors: Yang Jinghui , Lindal Sigurd , Ylinen Eeva , SetäLä Niko , Hukkanen Veijo , Seljelid Rolf
Published: August 2009

We report that SJL mice developed chronic relapsing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (CR‐EAE) when injected with a mixture of mouse spinal cord homogenate (MSCH), killed mycobacteria tuberculosis (M. tb), and mycobacteria butyricum (M. b) in PBS 2 months before a conventional acute experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) induction injection. The altered progression of the disease involved an accelerated but less severe acute attack and development of a chronic course with relapsing‐remitting episodes. Histological examination revealed inflammatory cell infiltration and demyelination in the brain. The dose of neuroantigen as well as the anatomical sites of injections were found to be crucial for the development of the disease.
Selection in a T‐dependent primary humoral response: new insight from polypeptide models:
Authors: Rao Kanury V. S.
Published: August 2009

Regulatory mechanisms involved in the induction and progression of T‐dependent humoral responses have been extensively delineated using a variety of haptens as model antigens. However, several unanswered questions remain with respect to those elicited by structurally more complex molecules. Our own laboratory has been pursuing this latter aspect using designed synthetic peptides as model systems. The cumulative results indeed support that humoral responses to such antigens involve several additional layers of regulation, beyond that identified with haptens. At the first level, the multiplicity of antigenic determinants recognized by the preimmune B‐cell pool is soon subject to competitive pressures that restrict, both at the level of repertoire and epitope, fine specificities of early activated clonotypes. Selection at this stage is on the basis of affinity for epitope, which, in turn, is under thermodynamic control. This selected B‐cell subset proceeds to populate germinal centers, where further optimization ‐ by way of somatic hypermutation followed by clonal selection ‐ is in favor of increased on‐rates of antigen binding. Thus, contrary to findings with hapten antigens, maturation of antibody responses to polypeptides occurs in two discrete, but sequential, stages. The first is for B cells with optimum affinity for the corresponding epitope. This is then followed by further improvement on the basis of increased on‐rates of antigedepitope binding. It is a combination of these two processes which results in the high fidelity of antibodies produced in the secondary response.
In situ expression of E‐selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 in chronic inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Lazaris Andreas Ch. , Dicoglou Christina , Tseleni‐Balafouta Sofia , Paraskevakou Helen , Davaris Panayiotis S.
Published: August 2009

Aim. The study of cell adhesion molecules contributes to our understanding of the inflammatory mechanisms which include the endothelial activation of newly formed or pre‐existing vessels, the increase of inflammatory cells' adhesive capability and their migration into perivascular tissues. The aim of the present study was to investigate the local presence and the extent of expression of E‐selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) in the mucosa of patients with chronic gastritis, chronic inflammatory bowel disease, and controls, as well as to identify possible correlations between in situ expression of the above adhesion molecules and degree of inflammatory activity or therapeutic response. Design. In cryostat tissue sections we examined the immunohistochemical expression and localization of E‐selectin and the intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1). Our specimens consisted of 27 cases of chronic gastritis, 42 cases of ulcerative colitis, and 15 cases of Crohn's disease. Results. E‐selectin was expressed in capillary endothelia as well as on neutrophils, located either the lamina propria or in the glandular epithelia or lumina. This marker's expression was associated with the active phase of ulcerative colitis (p<0.0005) and possibly of chronic gastritis (p=0.06). ICAM‐1 immunolabelling was localized in endothelia and chronic inflammatory components which had passed through the vascular walls. This marker's immunoreactivity was generally increased in our specimens compared to normal mucosa and generally tended to correlate with chronic phases the inflammatory process (p<0.10). Conclusions. E‐selectin regulates the accumulation of neutrophils in the early stages of the inflammatory process and is thus associated at least with the active phase of ulcerative colitis. Whether any post‐therapy alteration of E‐selectin immunopositivity seems indicate a good response to drug therapy is well worth investigating in ulcerative colitis patients. ICAM‐1 immunoreactivity in lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates might serve as a marker of chronic immune stimulation, which is potentially responsible for the persistence of the inflammatory disorders.