bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in lipoxygenase products from synovial fluid in carragheenan induced arthritis in dogs
Authors: Herlin T. , Fogh K. , Ewald H. , Hansen E. S. , Knudsen V. E. , Holm I. , Kragballe K. , Bunger C.
Published: August 2009

A non‐suppurative chronic arthritis was induced in the juvenile dog knee by intra‐articular instillations with Carragheenan. Lipoxygenase products of arachidonic acid were separated from synovial fluid by reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC). After ten weeks we observed an accumulation of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) in synovial fluid in five out of six experimental knees (0.94 to 5.5 ng/ml), as judged by integrated optical density. Biological activity of LTB4 was confirmed by chemokinesis. LTB4 was not detected in control knees. The 15‐lipoxygenase products, 15‐hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15‐HETE) and 13‐hydroxy‐9, 11‐octadecadienoic acid (13‐HODD), being inhibitors of 5‐lipoxygenase, were found in relatively high levels in the control knees compared to the arthritic knees. The results denote LTB4 as a pro‐inflammatory local mediator during carragheenan‐induced arthritis; possibly, the decreased levels of 15‐HETE and 13‐HODD in the arthritic knees may have a regulatory function, thus facilitating LTB4 generation.
IgG response to Mycoplasma pneumoniae in patients with community‐acquired pneumonia determined by ELISA
Authors: Hirschberg Lotta , Holme Tord , Krook Aud , Vikerfors Tomas
Published: August 2009

In a prospective study of community‐acquired, radiologically verified pneumonia, a solubilized mycoplasma antigen was used in an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of IgG‐antibodies to Mycoplasma pneumoniae in paired sera from 60 patients. All of the 13 patients with a positive complement fixation (CF) test for M. pneumoniae were positive in the ELISA, and 46 out of 47 patients with a negative CF test were negative. The only false positive test was recorded from a patient with a positive CF test for Chlamydia. Specific IgG antibodies were also determined in paired sera from 50 pneumonia patients, all positive in the CF test for M. pneumoniae, and collected over a period of 10 years. Of these 50 patients, 45 were recorded as positive in the ELISA for IgG antibodies to M. pneumoniae. In the prospective as well as in the retrospective study, the time for admission to hospital after onset of disease showed considerable variation (1–14 days), with the consequence that high titers were recorded in the CF as well as in the ELISA in some of the first serum samples. A tendency to earlier detection of significant titers was noted in the CF test as compared to the ELISA.
Contaminating coagulase‐negative staphylococci isolated in a lysis‐centrifugation (Isolator®) blood culture system
Authors: Arpi Magnus , Gahrn‐Hansen Bente , Rosdahl Vibeke Thamdrup
Published: August 2009

The lysis‐centrifugation blood culture system, Isolator®, is a promising system with respect to detection of many significant microorganisms, e.g. Staphylococcus aureus and Enterobacteriaceae, as compared with conventional systems. A drawback of the Isolator® system is a disturbingly high rate of clinically insignificant, supposedly contaminating coagulase‐negative staphylococci, which leads to considerable waste of time and materials in the laboratory. Several sources of these isolates have been proposed (viz. the patient, the ward environment, the laboratory handling, and the plate media). The aim of this study was to pinpoint the origin of these clinically doubtful coagulase‐negative staphylococci, using different epidemiological markers, such as species identification, antibiotic susceptibility patterns, phage‐types, and plasmid profiles. Plasmid profile analysis proved to be more discriminating than the other techniques and made it possible to conclude that the laboratory handling of the Isolator® system was a major source of coagulase‐negative staphylococci in this system.
Studies of the MHC class I molecules of veto—active and veto—inactive lectin—stimulated spleen cell populations
Authors: Claesson M. H. , Sorensen L. P. , Malte L.
Published: August 2009

Mouse spleen cells activated for three days with ConA, but not with PHA and LPS, were found to possess strong veto activity. Thus, Con A‐activated spleen cells were capable of preventing a cytotoxic T cell response generated in MLC against the H–2 haplotype of the ConA—activated cells. Radiolabelling and chemical cross‐linking of veto—active and veto—inactive cells, followed by immunoprecipitation of H–2, class I antigens, and analyses of the precipitates by one and two dimensional SDS PAGE were performed. By these procedures we were unable to demonstrate qualitative and quantitative differences between precipitates of veto—active and veto—inactive cell populations.
Intramucosal cysts of the stomach. VIII: Histochemical studies
Authors: Rubio C. A. , Kato Y. , Kitagawa T. , Sugano H. , Grimelius L.
Published: August 2009

Intramucosal cysts of the human stomach have been earlier classified on the basis of their epithelial lining into 1. fundic, 2. foveolar, 3. pyloric, 4. with intestinal metaplasia and 5. with ciliated metaplasia. Four histochemical methods (high iron diamine (HID)– Alcian blue pH 2.5 (AB), PAS, Concanavallin A (ConA), and Grimelius reaction were used. The cells of foveolar cysts contained neutral mucins and sialomucins, and those of pyloric cysts, neutral mucins, sialomucins, manose—rich glycoprotein and argyrophilic material. The goblet cells in intestinal metaplastic cysts contained neutral mucins and sialomucins as well as sulphated mucins, while ciliated cells in ciliated metaplastic cysts demonstrated manose—rich glycoproteins and argyrophilic material (although some ciliated cells were negative for both). The cells of fundic gland cysts were negative for all tested methods. The frequency of intramucosal gastric cysts is known to be high in stomachs having adenocarcinoma, and low in stomachs with peptic ulcers. Several reports have demonstrated alterations in the composition of gastric mucins in stomachs harbouring an adenocarcinoma. Consequently, the histochemical stains may prove of value to investigate the true significance of intramucosal cysts in gastric carcinogenesis.
Suppression of the number of clonally expanding T cells by CD8+ cells as demonstrated by murine T‐cell colony formation
Authors: Ropke Carsten
Published: August 2009

Clonally developing murine T cells in the form of T‐cell colonies (TCC) in methylcellulose were used to investigate the interaction between polyclonally activated T cells. Only CD8+ T cells proliferate in the methylcellulose and form TCC after stimulation with PHA and IL‐2. When the number of developing TCC was counted as a measure of developing clones, it was found that increased cell numbers in the cultures led to decreased percentages of TCC (Number of TCC per 100 seeded cells). This was found already at very low cell concentrations: 40 cells per ml culture, and was maintained at least up to 10,000 cells per culture. Cell sorting (FACS) of cells showed that the suppression of developing clones was mediated via a non‐adherent, Thy‐1+, CD8+ cell, present in lymph nodes, spleen and the thymic medulla. Such seemingly non‐specific suppressor cells may be considered in the network regulation of the functionally mature T‐cell population.
Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay compared with indirect immunofluorescence test for detection of Pneumocystis carinii specific immunoglobulins G, M, and A
Authors: Nielsen Peder Bo , Mojon Madeleine
Published: August 2009

An ELISA to measure Pneumocystis carinii‐specific IgG, IgM, and IgA has been developed. The antigen was prepared from purified cysts by sonication and ultracentrifuation. Antigen particles with sedimentation coefficients less than 165 S were used. The technique has been compared with indircect immunofluorescence, using whole cysts as antigen. Ninety human sera were assayed. The results were significantly correlated. The ELISA‐technique was more sensitive, and owing to the soluble antigen the daily variation was less than 1 per cent. The technique is useful for quick and reliable detection of Pneumocystis carinii antibodies in a routine laboratory.
In vitro immune functions in patients with minor, moderate, and severe kidney impairment
Authors: Langhoff Erik , Ladefoged JøRgen
Published: August 2009

We examined the in vitro immune response of lymphocytes from 86 non‐dialyzed patients with progressive renal failure and 48 healthy control subjects by comparing the production of interleukin‐2, the mitogen‐in‐duced proliferative response and sensitivity to glucocorticoid of lymphocyte cultures. The patients were divided in three groups with minor, moderate, and severe uremia. The uremic lymphocyte responses to stimulation with concanavalin A (Con A) were significantly lower than those of control lymphocyte cultures. A similar but not significant decrease was also seen in phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and pokeweed mitogen stimulated cultures. There was no trend towards diminishing mitogen responses with decreasing renal function. The median interleukin‐2 activity in the uremic cell cultures was decreased by 50% during the culture period but the decrease was not significant. However, PHA and Con A stimulated lymphocyte cultures from all groups of patients were significantly more sensitive to the immunosuppressive effect of methylprednisolone. Thus an increased sensitivity to the immunosuppressive effect of glucocorticoid can be demonstrated in vitro at an early stage of progressive renal disease.
Accumulation and elimination of particulate iodipamide ethyl ester in the lungs and kidneys of the rat
Authors: Lauteala Lauri , Kormano Martti , Violante Michael R.
Published: August 2009

Particulate iodipamide ethyl ester, a new hepatolienographic x‐ray contrast agent, was intravenously injected into rats. Lung and kidney biopsies taken at various intervals after the injection were examined by light and electron microscopy. IDE particles could be found in the lung capillaries phagocytized by polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs). There were also free particles in the alveolar capillaries in the samples taken 5 min to 4 hours after the injection. No aggregates or emboli were seen. Two days or more after the injection no intra‐ and extracellular particles were present. The PMNs underwent transient local hydropic degeneration; the lung cells were morphologically intact. In the kidneys, the particles first appeared in both cortical and medullary capillaries. No emboli were observed. The kidney cells did not ingest IDE, but polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) with ingested IDE were often seen loosely attached to the glomerular capillary walls. In addition, free particles were evident in the capillaries in the samples taken up to 1 hour after injection. All particles in subsequent kidney samples were located in PMNs in the glomeruli. After three or more days the renal tissue was totally devoid of particulate IDE. No morphological evidence of kidney cell injury was observed.
A monoclonal antibody as a marker for carcinoma in situ germ cells of the human adult testis
Authors: Giwercman Aleksander , Marks Alexander , Bailey Denis , Baumal Reuben , SkakkebæK Niels E.
Published: August 2009

Carcinoma in situ of the testis (CIS) is a precursor of invasive testicular germ cell tumours. The diagnosis of CIS is however often missed when conventional histological techniques are used. No specific immunological marker for CIS germ cells of the testis has been demonstrated previously. A novel monoclonal antibody, M2A, reacting with malignant germ cells of seminomas has recently been developed. Using the immunoperoxidase reaction on tissue sections, we tested the reactivity of M2A with CIS germ cells of the human adult testis. Positive reaction was found in 19 of 20 testicular specimens showing CIS, whereas no staining was found in 39 testicular biopsies without CIS. Thus, M2A may serve as a diagnostic marker in detection of CIS germ cells.
Effects of bilirubin on murine peritoneal and spleen cells
Authors: Vetvickka Vaclav , Fornusek LUbor , Sima Petr , Bilej Martin , Taborsky Ludek , Riahova Blanka , Simeckova Jana , Miler Ivo
Published: August 2009

The effect of bilirubin on murine peritoneal and spleen cells was investigated. Bilirubin was found to have a strong and rapid effect on the expression of various kinds of Fc receptors on peritoneal macrophages. Significant changes were observed 30 min after the infection of bilirubin. The return to normal values was not observed earlier than after 24 h. The effect of bilirubin on Fc receptor expression of splenic macrophages was less pronounced. Expression of la antigen on macrophages was not influenced by bilirubin. The changes in percentage of slg+ and Thy 1.2+ lymphocytes reflect a change in the ratio of T to B cells in the peritoneal cavity, as bilirubin caused 40% increase in numbers of B cells and a similar decrease in numbers of T cells. The percentage of splenic B lymphocytes was not influenced by bilirubin injection; but the ratio of T helper to suppressor cells was altered.
Reduced thickness of gastric mucosa and retarded progression of chronic gastritis in patients with renal failure
Authors: Ala‐Kaila KYöSti , Sipponen Pentti , Orlowska Janina , Kekki Matti , Paronen Ilkka , Pasternack Amos
Published: August 2009

Conflicting results are reported in the literature on the structure and function of gastric mucosa in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). In the present endoscopic study of 68 CRF patients on conservative treatment (regular dialyses or transplantations had not yet been undertaken), we sought to clarify whether CRF leads to hypertrophic or hypotrophic phenomena in gastric mucosa, as interpreted by the presence and grade of gastritis and by the thickness of the gastric mucosa. We found that the mean progression of gastritis in both antrum and body was significantly slower than expected in CFR patients, and that the thickness of both antral and body mucosa was significantly lower in CFR patients than in non‐CRF controls. Furthermore, although the thickness of the oxyntic body mucosa in CRF showed a positive correlation to serum gastrin (SeGa) levels and even though 12 of the patients showed high SeGa levels corresponding to those seen in the Zollinger‐Ellison synbdrome (300–1500 ng/l), the thickness of the oxyntic body mucosa in CRF patients did not exceed that seen in control subjects with normal SeGa. We conclude that CRF exerts inhibitory effects on the gastric mucosa resulting in retardation in the progression of chronic gastritis and hypotrophy of the gastric mucous membrane.
Vascularization of the continuous human colonic cancer cell line LS 174 T deposited subcutaneously in nude rats
Authors: AhlstrÖM Håkan , Christofferson Rolf , LÖRelius Lars Erik
Published: August 2009

The macro‐ and microvasculature of the human colonic cancer cell line LS 174 T, 2–8 weeks after subcutaneous deposition in both hind legs of congenitally athymic rats was investigated by light microscopy, angiography, and microvascular corrosion casting with analysis in a scanning electron microscope. The tumour blood vessels were connected to branches of the femoral artery. Only the outer 200–500 μm of the tumour was extensively vascularized, with several concentric, incomplete layers of tortuous vessels, resembling onion skin. Light microscopy revealed necrosis and bleeding in the centre of the tumour, especially in the older tumours, which corresponded well to the central avascularity observed in the casts. There was an increase in venular and capillary density and tortousity towards the tumour in the adjacent muscular fascia. It is concluded that the cell line LS 174 T grows invasively inwards and recruits its vessels from the nude rat host. The overall tumour vascular pattern was unorganized, suggesting limited control of new vessel formation. Extravasations of resin, which were encountered in all cast tumours, can be a rough indicator of enhanced vascular permeability.
A comparison between Bactec® aerobic resin and hypertonic blood culture media
Authors: SjÖBerg Lennart , Fredlund Hans , Duberg Ann‐Sofie
Published: August 2009

The presence of antimicrobial agents in patients' blood is thought to represent an important source of false‐negative blood cultures. This has led to the incorporation of agents with inhibitory effects on antimicrobial drugs into culture medium. In the present study, Bactec® aerobic resin‐containing blood culture medium was compared with Bactec® hypertonic blood culture medium. 504 patients receiving cytostatic and/or antibiotic treatment were studied. Sensitivity calculations on detection of bacteremia in these patients gave 0.91 for the resin medium and 0.79 for the hypertonic blood culture system and showed a significant difference (p=0.016). In addition, the resin‐containing system more rapidly detected positive cultures than the hypertonic system.
Ultrastructure of psoriatic epidermis
Authors: Jahn H. , Nielsen E. Holm , Elberg J. J. , Bierring F. , RØNne M. , Brandrup F.
Published: August 2009

The ultrastructure of human affected and unaffected psoriatic epidermis was studied in skin biopsies from 5 patients and 3 normal controls. Transmission electron microscopic investigations revealed abnormalities in all cell layers of the affected epidermis. Common to psoriatic keratinocytes from affected epidermis was the reduction of tonofilaments. The essential ultrastructural changes were located in the stratum granulosum and stratum corneum. Thus, abscence of the fusion between the keratohyalin granules and the tonofilaments was found in stratum granulosum. The keratinocytes of the stratum corneum showed a large accumulation of ribosomes and vesicles resembling lipid vesicles.
The Tween 80 reaction does not correlate to triglyceride lipase production of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Rollof J. , HedstrÖM S.å , Nilsson‐Ehle P.
Published: August 2009

This comparison of Tween 80 reaction with triglyceride lipase production comprises 357 Staphylococcus aureus strains from various clinical sources. Tween 80 is a water‐soluble substrate, and thus estimates esterase acitivty. Lipase production was assayed using water‐insoluble substrates (radiolabelled triglyceride emulsions). Only a minor proportion of Tween 80 ‐ positive strains had significant triglyceride lipase production (>5 mU/109 bacteria). The discrepancy between the two methods was most pronounced in subgroups of samples with low frequency of lipase production, e.g. from isolates from superficial locations such as nasal mucosa and impetigo. Owing to its low specificity, the Tween 80 reaction therefore seems unsuitable as a marker for lipase activity in clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus.
Attempts to demonstrate a polysaccharide capsule in Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Reimann Karin , Heise Helmut , Blom Jens
Published: August 2009

The presence or absence of a polysaccharide capsule on the human pathogen Neisseria (N.) gonorrhoeae is still a topic of controversy. For this reason we compared the results obtained by light microscopy (dry India ink‐Fuchsin stain) and electron microscopy (Alcian blue‐lanthanum nitrate stain) of encapsulated strains of N. meningitidis and Streptococcus (S.) pneumoniae and of non‐encapsulated strains of S. pneumoniae and Escherichia (E.) coli with those obtained using the same methods on strains of pilliated and non‐pilliated N. gonorrhoeae. After staining with India ink‐Fuchsin no capsules could be demonstrated on any of the N. gonorrhoeae strains studied. If present the capsules on these cells are too delicate to be identified by light microscopy. After treatment with Alcian blue‐lanthanum nitrate sections of cells of N. meningitidis and S. pneumoniae generally showed the presence of a capsular layer. Sections of cells of the non‐encapsulated strain of S. pneumoniae which possess C (common)‐polysaccharide also showed surface associated capsule‐like material. Similarly the surface of the cells of the E. coli strain showed material which appeared to be tufts of pili and/or M (mucoid)‐antigen. In experiments where the N. gonorrhoeae cells were harvested as early as after six hours of growth a capsule‐like material was demonstrated on cells of all strains studied.
Flow‐cytometric analysis of lymphocyte subsets in relation to virus infections at the onset of Type 1 (insulin‐dependent) diabetes
Authors: HyÖTy Heikki
Published: August 2009

Alterations in T‐lymphocyte subsets have been connected to the autoimmune pathogenesis of Type 1 (insulin‐dependent) diabetes. In this study peripheral blood lymphocytes were analysed by flow cytometry using OKT3, OKT4, OKT8, anti‐HLA‐DR, anti‐IL‐2 receptor and anti‐membrane immunoglobulin antibodies in newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetic children, their healthy siblings and healthy control children. The results were compared to the occurrence of serologically verified recent virus infections, some of which can induce lymphocyte subset alterations and have also been connected with the onset of diabetes. In most diabetic patients the amounts of OKT3, OKT4, OKT8 and membrane‐Ig‐positive cells were within the normal range. Exceptional helper/inducer and suppressor/cytotoxic T cell profiles were observed in a few patients, most of whom had serologically verified recent Epstein‐Barr, rubella, mumps or Coxsackie B virus infection. In addition, increased numbers of activated IL‐2 receptor‐positive cells were observed in the patient group. These results suggest that significant lymphocyte subset alterations are not characteristic of Type 1 diabetes but can occasionally be induced by recent virus infections in newly diagnosed patients. However, the slight increase in activated lymphocytes could reflect the activation of cellular immune systems to the autoantigens in the pancreas.
Regression of glycogen nephrosis in experimental diabetes after pancreatic islet transplantation
Authors: Rasch Ruth , GØTzsche Ole
Published: August 2009

Glycogen nephrosis, i.e. the Armanni‐Ebstein lesion which manifests itself by intracellular accumulation of beta‐glycogen has been studied in two groups of streptozotocin diabetic rats and compared to controls. One diabetic group was left untreated and the other diabetic group received pancreatic islet transplantation after 4 weeks duration of diabetes. The kidneys were studied after another 4 week period with normoglycemia. In the non‐transplanted diabetic animals glycogen containing tubules comprised 43% of the distal tubule length in the cortex but in the transplanted animals no abnormal, glycogen containing cells could be recovered at the light microscope level. Measurements of the total distal tubule length in the non‐transplanted diabetic animals showed that the distal tubules increased in length by 24%. In the transplanted diabetic animals distal tubule length remained the same as in the non‐transplanted diabetic animals in spite of normalization of the tubular morphology. This finding could possibly be responsible for the incomplete normalization of kidney weight after treatment.
Malignant Sertoli cell tumour of the testis
Authors: Nielsen Karsten , Jacobsen Grete Krag
Published: August 2009

The fifteenth case of malignant Sertoli cell tumour is reported and the literature is reviewed. The reported case was unilateral with lung metastases. Immunohistochemical examination showed positive staining reaction within the tumour cells for vimentin and cytokeratin, while AFP, HCG, PLAP, EMA and CEA were not found, which is in accordance with the staining pattern found in normal Sertoli cells.
Combined effect of xylitol, NaF and ZnCl2 on growth and metabolism of Streptococcus sobrinus OMZ 176
Authors: Scheie Anne Aamdal , Assev SynnøVe , RÖLla Gunnar
Published: August 2009

Xylitol, NaF and ZnCl2 in combination inhibited the growth of S. Sobrinus OMZ 176 when added to Brain Heart Infusion broth. Thin‐layer chromatography, followed by autoradiography of cell extracts, was used to study the inhibiting mechanism. Glucose uptake was reduced, the glycolysis inhibited at the glucose 6‐phosphate‐ and fructose‐ 1.6‐diphosphate level and the accumulation of xylitol metabolites was increased. These effects in combination probably accounted for the inhibition of growth.
The significance of 3H‐thymidine degradation in cell culture experiments with special reference to rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: NykÄNen P. J. , Raunio P. V. , KankaanpÄ,Ä P. U.
Published: August 2009

The degradation of 3H‐thymidine under various cell culture conditions was analysed. It was found that a half of 3H‐thymidine was degraded to 3H‐thymine during 24 hours in PHA stimulation of blood lymphocytes. A control culture in which PHA was not added also caused 3H‐thymidine degradation. 3H‐thymidine degradation was prevented by adding 5‐nitrouracil to the incubation medium at a concentration of 0.577 mg/ml. At the same time 5‐NU increased 3H‐thymidine incorporation into lymphocytes by 47%. 5‐NU also eliminated the inhibitory effect of rheumatoid arthritis synovial tissue eluate on PHA stimulation. In addition 5‐NU and nonradioactive thymine increased the 3H‐thymidine labelling index of fresh rheumatoid arthritis synovial membrane biopsies, and also more of the isotope was accumulated in the individual cells of the membrane. These studies demonstrate that 3H‐thymidine degradation is an important phenomenon in cell cultures and that it can be prevented effectively by using 5‐nitrouracil with 3H‐thymidine.
Reduced redox potential during growth of some Gram‐negative bacteria
Authors: Maluszynska Gizela M. , Magnusson Karl‐Eric , Stendahl Olle , Lock Ronny , Kniola Barbara
Published: August 2009

When cultivated at reduced redox potential the physico‐chemical surface properties were altered in strains of E. coli, Salmonella and Yersinia bacteria. In particular, strains which showed hydrophilic surface properties under normal aerobic cultivation became more hydrophobic when exposed to anaerobic conditions (e.g. E. coli K12, E. coli K12D21, E. coli K12D22, S. minnesota S99, S. typhimurium 395MS, S. braenderup 2828 and Yersinia enterocolitica). Moreover, there were qualitative as well as quantitative differences in the protein profiles of whole bacterial lysates and membrane preparations analysed in SDS‐PAGE. There were no qualitative differences in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) bands. However, when E. coli K12D22 were cultivated aerobically, remarkably more high molecular temperature‐sensitive (70 °C for 45 min) carbohydrate material was produced (weight about 360 KD and 660 KD). Interaction between polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) and the E. coli K12D22 strain, measured as chemiluminescence, showed that the anaerobically cultivated bacteria induced a chemiluminescence that was mainly of intracellular origin, while the aerobically cultivated induced an extracellular response. Phagocytosis and killing‐studies showed that only anaerobically‐grown E. coli were effectively inactivated by the PMNL.
Characterization of bladder tumours by multiparameter flow cytometry with special reference to grade II tumours
Authors: Kirkhus B. , Clausen O. P. F. , Fjordvang H. , Helander K. , Iversen O. H. , Reitan J. B. , Vaage S.
Published: August 2009

Sixty‐three human transitional cell carcinomas of the urinary bladder were studied by multiparameter flow cytometry (FCM). The cellular DNA content, the cellular protein content, the fraction of cells in S phase, and the nuclear size were registered and correlated to histological grade (WHO) and histologically determined infiltration through the basement membrane. Aneuploidy was found in the great majority of grade III tumours, but in only 24% of grade II tumours. A new, combined variable, viz. the cellular DNA to protein ratio, indicated a possibility for further subdivision of the tumours. Grade II tumours, which constitute a rather heterogeneous group with regard to prognosis, could be classified in two subgroups: One group of diploid tumours with the FCM characteristics of grade I tumours, and another group of diploid and aneuploid tumours with the characteristics of grade III tumours. Infiltration was most frequently seen in the latter subgroup. The putative prognostic relevance of such a subdivision will be the subject of a future study. Compared to FCM measurement of DNA alone, multiparameter FCM, including measurement of the total cellular protein content, has given additional information that may be of prognostic value.
Bacteroides fragilis lipopolysaccharide and group B streptococcus serotype II glycocalyx have a common major antigenic determinant
Authors: Linko Linnea , Viljanen Matti K.
Published: August 2009

A monoclonal antibody (MAB) to the β‐1–6‐linked digalactose structure in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Bacteroides fragilis reacted with 47 of 416 group B Streptococcus (GBS) strains tested by an immunofluorescence technique (IF). The reactivity of MAB was, with a few exceptions, limited to type II GBS. Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis demonstrated that an antigen purified by immunoaffinity chromatography using MAB from type II GBS contained galactose, glucose and fatty acids. This confirmed that MAB is directed to the digalactose (which in earlier studies was found to occur) in the capsular lipocarbohydrate specific to type II GBS. The positive strains yielded a strong, apple‐green surface stain by means of the IF using MAB. Various immuno‐electron microscopic (IEM) methods showed that the determinant was located in the glycocalyx layer of GBS at a distance of about 15 nm from the streptococcal cell wall. The structure harbouring the determinant was found to be very loosely attached to the bacteria. However the cross‐reactive determinant seemed to maintain its immunoreactivity whether it was extracted by gentle washing with saline or with harsher treatments usually reserved for preparing streptococcal polysaccharide antigens. In conclusion, the study shows that the determinant is an integral part of the type‐specific antigen of type II GBS and that MAB has a potential use as a serotyping reagent.
Premalignant and malignant oral lesions are associated with changes in the glycosylation pattern of carbohydrates related to ABH blood group antigens
Authors: Dabelsteen Erik , Clausen Henrik , Holmstrup Palle , Reibel Jesper
Published: August 2009

The distribution of carbohydrate structures related to the ABO(H) blood group antigen system was studied in biopsies from eight squamous cell carcinomas, and eight erythroplakias with epithelial dysplasia. Twenty oral lesions without histological evidence of malignancy (13 lichen planus lesions and 7 homogeneous leukoplakias) were also examined. The distribution of Lex, Ley, H type 2 chain, and N‐acetyllactosamine, all type 2 chain carbohydrate structures, was investigated by immunohistological stainings using monoclonal antibodies with selected specificity. The histological pattern of expression of these antigens in the benign lesions was similar to that of normal oral mucosa, i.e. expression of: N‐acetyllactosamine on basal cells, H antigen on parabasal cells, and Lex and Ley on spinous cells. However, lesions with epithelial dysplasia showed H antigen on all spinous cells, and often also on basal cells, with expression of Lex and Ley restricted to the most superficial part of the epithelium above the H‐positive cell layers. In carcinomas most cells were negative for H antigen but were positive for Ley and Lex in 5 out of 8 cases.
Resistance to avirulent Toxoplasma gondii in normal and vaccinated rats
Authors: Pettersen Eiliv K.
Published: August 2009

Investigation of the innate resistance to infection with Toxoplasma gondii showed that the Toxoplasma ‐hostile factor present in rats has an important lytic effect on the parasites but is unable to prevent an infection alone. Vaccination experiments showed that innate resistance was also related to specific immunity, which appeared faster in rats than in rodents with less innate resistance. Complete resistance to toxoplasmosis was only present in rats vaccinated with live parasites. In rats vaccinated with killed parasites, avirulent parasites were able to encyst themselves almost as readily as in unvaccinated rats.
Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the rectum in Denmark
Authors: Prener Anne , Nielsen Karsten
Published: August 2009

Only a limited number of cases of primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) developed in the colon and rectum have been described in the world literature. This study represents the first population‐based study of this rare cancer. Sixteen patients with primary SCC of the rectum diagnosed in the period 1978–1983 were identified from the Danish Cancer Registry. Eleven patients were excluded after revision of the histological specimens because the SCC in these cases were in connection with the squamous epithelium of the anal canal. SCC of the rectum in Denmark in the period 1978–1983 thus constituted 0.06% and 0.11% of the histologically verified rectal tumours in men and women, respectively. Case reports on these cases are given. One of the two males was homosexual and the other had never been married or lived with a woman. It is concluded that our findings support the hypothesis proposed by Austin that there may be an association between the frequency of anal intercourse and occurrence of squamous cell carcinoma of the rectum.
Transforming growth factor‐β1 is a potent inducer of plasminogen activator inhibitor type‐1 in human glioblastoma and carcinoma cell lines
Authors: Helseth Eirik , Dalen Are , Unsgaard Geirmund , Skandsen Toril , GrØNdahl‐Hansen Jan , Lund Leif R.
Published: August 2009

Transforming growth factor‐β1 has been shown to suppress the urokinase activity in the glioblastoma cell line T‐MG1 and the carcinoma cell line T‐CAR1. The molecular mechanisms behind the decrease in the proteolyic activity is shown to be at least partly due to increased synthesis of plasminogen activator inhibitor type‐1 and not by decreased synthesis of urokinase.
Immune functions in inflammatory bowel and coeliac diseases
Authors: Soppi E. , Eskola J. , Lehtonen O.‐P. , Leino R.
Published: August 2009

Different immune functions of 10 patients with glutein‐sensitive enteropathy (GSE), 9 with Crohn's disease (CD), 11 with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 13 healthy controls were characterized. The numbers of suppressor T cells in GSE were comparable to those of the controls; otherwise, the lymphocyte subpopulations were decreased in these bowel diseases. In the whole‐blood cultures, the lymphocyte proliferative responses to PHA were normal in the bowel diseases, but the responses to Con A were decreased in CD. In cultures with D‐penicillamine, the inhibition of the helper effect of CD patients was more pronounced in PHA‐stimulated cultures than in Con A‐stimulated cultures. The total Ig and IgA production did not markedly differ among the groups. PWM‐induced IgM secretion was significantly decreased in GSE, CD and UC, and IgG secretion in CD and UC, as compared to controls. In GSE, an increased Con A inducible suppressor cell activity was observed in the IgM production. Altogether, no clear‐cut immunological imbalance was detected in any of the bowel diseases; this in agreement with previous works. However, there are some differences in the regulatory cell balance among the patients with GSE, CD and UC. The determination of lymphocyte proliferative responses to PHA and Con A together with D‐penicillamine seems to provide a new immunological criterium for distinguishing between Chrohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
The new stereological tools: Disector, fractionator, nucleator and point sampled intercepts and their use in pathological research and diagnosis
Authors: Gundersen H. J. G. , Bagger P. , Bendtsen T. F. , Evans S. M. , Korbo L. , Marcussen N. , MØLler A. , Nielsen K. , Nyengaard J. R. , Pakkenberg B. , SØRensen F. B. , Vesterby A. , West M. J.
Published: August 2009

The new stereological methods for correct and efficient sampling and sizing of cells and other particles are reviewed. There is a hierarchy of methods starting from the simplest where even the microscopic magnification may be unknown to the most complex where typically both section thickness and the magnification must be known. Opticalsections in suitably modified microscopes can be used to improve the ease and speed with which even the most demanding of these methods are performed. The methods are illustrated by practical examples of applications to a wide range of histological entities including synapses, neurons and cancer cells, glomerular corpuscles and ovarian follicles.
Anti‐corticosteroid antibodies in AIDS patients
Authors: Salim Yussuf S. , Faber Viggo , Wiik Allan , Andersen Paul L. , HØIer‐Madsen Mimi , Mouritsen SøRen
Published: August 2009

Patients suffering from AIDS tend to have symptoms that resemble those encountered in adrenocortical insufficiency. Serum sodium concentrations and blood pressure values were monitored and found to be

subnormal despite the fact that renin activity and aldosterone levels were either normal or elevated. We report the presence of autoantibodies directed against hydrocortisone among such AIDS patients. Indirect immunofluorescence technique using patients' sera and adrenal glands from AIDS patients as antigen showed antibodies to adrenocortical cells in sera from 9 of the 12 AIDS patients and in none from patients with autoimmune diseases and viral diseases or healthy blood donors. No similar reaction was seen in normal human or monkey adrenal glands. An ELISA technique was developed using hydrocortisone as antigen and using this technique 45% of the AIDS patients were found to have antibodies to hydrocortisone. It is possible that anti‐corticosteroid antibodies (ACSA) may play a role in the pathophysiology of the Addison's like syndrome seen in terminal phases of AIDS.
Ciliated metaplasia in a gastric adenoma in a Swedish patient
Authors: Rubio C. A.
Published: August 2009

The second European case of ciliated gastric metaplasia is presented this time in a Swedish patient. Cilia were found in cystically dilated glands underneath a gastric adenoma. The possibility that cilia represent adaptative metaplasia aimed at expelling the retained mucus within the cysts is discussed.
The lymphoepithelial phenomenon of the stomach
Authors: Rubio C. A. , ÖSt Å , Larsson B.
Published: August 2009

A large number of lymphocytes each surrounded by a clear halo were found in the foveolar epithelium of the fundic region and the antrum in a gastric biopsy from a patient with epigastric complaints. Electron microscopical studies demonstrated the presence of intraepithelial “in‐halo” lymphocytes both underneath, between two contiguous, and within foveolar gastric cells. Normal numbers of lymphocytes (without haloes) were found in the lamina propria, suggesting that this epithelial lymphocytosis may be unrelated to “classical” chronic gastritis. The possibility of an autoimmune phenomenon at the foveolar cell level was discussed. The absence of intraepithelial lymphocytes in the glandular epithelium suggests that this phenomenon may be unrelated to the type of autoimmunity found in pernicious anaemia.
Age‐dependent IgG subclass distribution of phosphocholine antibodies in humans
Authors: Freijd Anders , Jonsson Anette , Rynnel‐DagÖ,Ö Britta
Published: August 2009

Plasma antiphosphoryl‐choline (Pc) antibodies were analyzed regarding class and subclass distribution (IgG, IgG 1–4, IgM and IgA). Plasma was collected from healthy and otitis‐prone children, 1 and 3 years of age, and healthy adults. An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used, utilizing monoclonal antibodies to human IgG subclass determinants. Divergent patterns emerged when comparing children with adults. At 1 year of age the anti‐PC IgG 1 levels were higher in both of the two children groups than in adults, while the reverse pattern was seen for IgG2 antibodies. There was no correlation between total plasma levels of IgG 1–4 immunoglobulins and the ELISA value of specific antibody. The age‐dependent subclass patterns corresponded to the earlier descriptions of antibodies to certain pneumococcus polysaccharides. Anti‐Pc antibody levels were unrelated to predisposition to otitis media.
Neutrophil migration in vivo and in vitro in healthy neutropenic subjects
Authors: Koivuranta‐Vaara PäVi , Repo Heikki
Published: August 2009

Migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) was studied in six healthy subjects with neutropenia (peripheral blood neutrophil count ≥ 1.5 times 109/1). Determined as migration differentials, chemotactic and chemokinetic responsiveness tended to be higher in the neutropenic group. Despite this slight tendency to increased responsiveness in vitro, migration in vivo proceeded more slowly in the neutropenic group than in the control group: at 12 hours the leukocyte counts in the skin chamber media were significantly lower, whereas at 24 hours they were nearly normal. Our results show that PMN migration in healthy neutropenic subjects is different from that in healthy non‐neutropenic subjects. These differences should be taken into account in the evaluation of the role of aberrant PMN migration in the development of infectious episodes in a neutropenic patient.
The mast cells of the human uterus
Authors: Crow Julie , More Linda , Howe S.
Published: August 2009

Staining of mast cells in the human uterus has been studied using four fixatives and five staining methods to determine whether there are subpopulations of mucosal (endometrial) and connective tissue (myometrial) mast cells, and to discover how they can best be demonstrated. Following formalin fixation none of the staining methods showed maximum staining of mast cells in either endometrium or myometrium. The best demonstration of uterine mast cells is by fixation with either isotonic formol acetic acid or Mota's basic lead acetate followed by staining with the long toluidine blue technique. Although the degree of MC understaining following formalin fixation was greater for the endometrium than for the myometrium this is inadequate evidence to designate two cell populations. The findings suggest that the mast cells of the human uterus are all one population but show heterogeneity of histological properties possibly related to their functional state.
The role of host factors for the chemotherapy of BCG infection in inbred strains of mice
Authors: Cox J. H. , Ivanyi J.
Published: August 2009

Host factors have previously been considered to play a role in the efficacy of “incomplete” antituberculous chemotherapy. We investigated this aspect using a model of intravenous infection with M. bovis ‐ BCG in three inbred strains of mice. Viable splenic counts of bacilli (CFU) were monitored following a three week regimen of rifampicin (R) and isoniazid (H) given either immediately or from three weeks after infection. At the end of the immediate (0–3 weeks) therapy the spleens of all mice were sterile and only a minority of animals had demonstrable CFU's at 23 weeks after infection. However, following the delayed ‐ onset (3 ‐ 6 weeks) therapy we found a pronounced relapse of BCG growth which was about 10 times higher in CBA/Ca and BALB/C than in C57B1/6 mice. These results indicated that host immunity which developed during the first three weeks after infection may have aggravated the relapse of bacterial growth following chemotherapy. This interpretation was corroborated by the finding that the immunosuppressive drug cyclosporin given concurrently with R/H reduced the splenic viable counts of BCG.
Bone formation in experimental myositis ossificans
Authors: Aho Heikki J. , Aro Hannu , Juntunen Seppo , Strengell Liisa , Michelsson Jarl‐Erik
Published: August 2009

The development of ectopic ossification in experimental myositis ossificans of the rabbit thigh was studied. The right hind limb of 25 rabbits was immobilized with the knee in extension. Once a day the limb was passively mobilized for 2–3 minutes. The animals were killed 3,5,7,14,21,28 and 35 days after the beginning of the experiment. Specimens for light and electron microscopy were obtained from both hind limbs. Extensive necrosis and fibrosis were observed in the right vastus intermedius muscle during the first week. Proliferation of chondrocytes and osteoblasts with newly formed woven bone and cartilage formation were found in the periosteum within 7 and 14 days after the beginning of the experiment. Intensive enchondral ossification and hard calcified tissue were observed later. It was evident that bone formation in this experimental model started in the periosteum after necrosis of the adjacent skeletal muscle. Therefore the temporal and spatial relationship of traumatic changes in the periosteum and muscle seems important for the development of myositis ossificans.
A reference procedure to study chemiluminescence induced in polymorphonuclear leukocytes by Neisseria meningitidis
Authors: Fredlund Hans , Olcen Per , Danielsson Dan
Published: August 2009

Luminol‐enhanced chemiluminescence (CL) was used to study the ability of various strains of Neisseria meningitidis (MC) to induce oxidative metabolism of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL); an indirect measure of phagocytic activity. To circumvent variations related to different PMNL donors, a MC serogroup X strain was used as a control for indexing the CL responses induced by other MC strains. This procedure, with pooled serum from healthy blood donors to standardize opsonising conditions, gave reproducible and comparable results, irrespective of PMNL donors. Under these conditions, there was a highly significant difference between pathogenic and non‐pathogenic MC strains as regards their ability to induce CL responses (p < 0.001). The results indicated that the differences were due partly to opsonizing antibodies, partly to other differences related to pathogenicity of tested MC strains. These differences in leukocyte/MC interaction were also confirmed by phagocytic‐killing experiments. The index procedure of CL measurements may be a suitable method to study the appearance of natural immunity to MC disease, as well as the pathogenicity of particular MC strains.
False‐positive band in the gp41 region in anti‐HIV western blotting
Authors: Myrmel Helge , Haukenes Gunnar
Published: August 2009

A consistently positive ELISA reaction and a band in the gp41‐region of the HIV‐1 western blot were found in repeated serum samples from a healthy pregnant woman. The band was more clearly defined than the HIV gp41 band. Additional ELISA testing and repeated western blot analyses using different test kit batches confirmed our suspicion of a false‐positive reaction.
Trends in cutaneous malignant melanoma in Denmark 1943–1982 by anatomic site
Authors: ØSterlind Anne , Engholm Gerda , Jensen Ole MøLler
Published: August 2009

Time trends in the incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma were examined by analysing data from the Danish Cancer Registry, 1943–1982, by sex and subsite for 3509 male and 5305 female cases. The age‐standardized incidence rate for cutaneous malignant melanoma for men and women in Denmark increased by five‐ to six‐fold between 1943 and 1982. The increase varied by site; a particularly pronounced elevation was seen for tumours of the trunk in both men and women and of the leg in women. A statistical analysis of the effects of age, time and cohort showed steep increases in risk for progressively younger birth cohorts. This association was particular pronounced for sites ofther than the face, scalp and neck; for the latter sites, there was a much smaller increase for younger cohorts.