bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immunohistochemical study of autoimmune pancreatitis using anti‐IgG4 antibody and patients' sera
Authors: Aoki S , Nakazawa T , Ohara H , Sano H , Nakao H , Joh T , Murase T , Eimoto T , Itoh M 
Published: July 2005

Aims : Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP), characterized by raised serum IgG4 levels, is frequently complicated by disorders of extrapancreatic organs. The aim of the present study was to examine immunohistochemically which extrapancreatic organs are affected, and whether an autoantibody to such organs is present in the serum of AIP patients.Methods : Various tissues/organs obtained from AIP patients were studied immunohistochemically with an anti‐IgG4 antibody. To examine the presence of an autoantibody in the serum of AIP patients, sera were incubated with various normal organs/tissues extracted for other diseases, followed by detection with an anti‐IgG4 antibody. Sera were also examined before and after glucocorticoid therapy.Results : Marked infiltration of IgG4+ plasma cells was observed in the pancreas, liver, bile duct and salivary gland of many of the AIP patients examined. The normal epithelia of the pancreatic ducts, bile ducts, gallbladder and salivary gland ducts reacting with the patients' sera were detectable by the anti‐IgG4 antibody. Following glucocorticoid therapy the IgG4 antibody from the patients' sera showed decreased reactivity with these tissues.Conclusions : AIP may also affect extrapancreatic organs, the serum of AIP patients may contain an IgG4 autoantibody to various organs and glucocorticoid therapy may improve such disorders.
The continued value of central histopathological review of testicular tumours
Authors: Delaney R J , Sayers C D , Walker M A , Mead G M , Theaker J M 
Published: July 2005

Aims : Central histopathological review of testicular tumours prior to definitive treatment can have an important impact on patient management. This study was designed to assess the continued value of central review in the light of increasing subspecialization and increased numbers of consultant histopathologists.Materials and results : The original and review reports of 291 testicular cancer specimens from 1998 to 2002 were analysed, looking particularly at major diagnosis, vascular invasion and the tumour elements within non‐seminomatous germ cell tumours (NSGCT). When a diagnosis was altered any effect on subsequent patient management was assessed. There was a discrepancy in tumour type in 11 cases (4%) compared with 6% in 1992–1997. The commonest change was from seminoma to NSGCT or combined germ cell tumour (5/11). There was also diagnostic difficulty with spermatocytic seminoma (3/11). The clinical management of all 11 cases was influenced as a result of the review diagnosis. Discrepancies in vascular invasion were noted in 13 of the 126 NSGCTs (10%) compared with 20% in 1992–1997. Differences in NSGCT tumour elements, though clinically less important, were frequent in both groups.Conclusions : There continues to be a small number of significant and clinically important errors identified following central histopathological review of testicular tumours. This study highlights the value of central review and supports its continued practice in the management of testicular tumours.
Observer variability in the histopathological reporting of core biopsies of papillary breast lesions is reduced by the use of immunohistochemistry for CK5/6, calponin and p63
Authors: Douglas‐Jones A , Shah V , Morgan J , Dallimore N , Rashid M 
Published: July 2005

Aim : To investigate agreement on core biopsy diagnosis of papillary breast lesions, which is acknowledged as a difficult area, and to determine the effect of the use of immunohistochemistry (IHC) to assist diagnosis.Study design : Haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) sections of 129 core biopsies of papillary breast lesions were circulated to four observers who categorized each case as: B2 (benign), B3a (epithelial proliferation, probably benign but requiring biopsy), B3b (epithelial proliferation with cytological or architectural atypia), B4 (probably malignant but insufficient material or artefact to allow diagnosis), B5 (malignant papillary lesion). In all cases (n = 127) IHC was performed for cytokeratin (CK) 5/6, calponin, p63 (myoepithelial markers), and slides recirculated.Results : There was unanimous agreement in 44% of cases on H&E only which rose to 91% after the use of IHC. Overall, unweighted κ (Ku; five categories) rose from 0.54 to 0.91. The main effect of IHC was to reduce the use of intermediate categories (B3a, B3b and B4) and allow definitive diagnosis (B2 or B5).Conclusion : Agreement on H&E sections alone in papillary core biopsies of breast is only 44% (Ku = 0.54) but is significantly increased to 91% (Ku = 0.91) by the use of IHC for CK5/6, calponin and p63.
Deletion of LTβR augments male susceptibility to Plasmodium chabaudi
Authors: KRÜCKEN J. , BRAUN J. V. , DKHIL M. A. , GRUNWALD A. , WUNDERLICH F. 
Published: July 2005

SUMMARY Disruption of the lymphotoxin β receptor (LTβR) gene has been shown to result in enhanced resistance of female mice to blood‐stage Plasmodium chabaudi malaria. Here, we investigate the effect of LTβR deletion on host defence of males. In contrast to females, male LTβR−/– mice do not exhibit any increase in resistance. Conversely, they are even more susceptible than wild‐type C57BL/6 mice, which becomes evident after lowering circulating levels of testosterone by castration, which makes C57BL/6 males resistant, whereas LTβR−/– remain susceptible. Gene‐expression analysis using cDNA arrays revealed no differences in immunological responses in spleen of malaria‐resistant female and malaria‐susceptible castrated male LTβR−/– mice. In the liver, however, expression levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor PAI1, chemokine CXCL10, dual specificity phosphatase DUSP1, and hydroxysteroid‐specific sulfotransferases Sult2a1/2 were decreased 6‐ to 85‐fold in susceptible castrated male LTβR−/– mice in comparison to resistant female LTβR−/– mice at maximal parasitaemia, as evidenced by Northern blot analyses. The present data support our previous view that the liver is involved in the combat against malarial blood stages and that down‐regulation of the genes DUSP1 and Sult2a1/2 signals dysregulation of protective liver responses, thus possibly contributing to male susceptibility of LTβR−/– mice.
Genetic resistance to Teladorsagia circumcincta: IgA and parameters at slaughter in Churra sheep
Authors: MARTÍNEZ‐VALLADARES M. , VARA‐DEL RÍO M. P. , CRUZ‐ROJO M. A. , ROJO‐VÁZQUEZ F. A. 
Published: July 2005

SUMMARY Previous experiments have shown that genetic resistance to infection by Teladorsagia circumcincta in sheep can be measured by the level of IgA in gastric mucus, jointly with other parameters. The aim of this study has been to observe the influence of IgA on adult worms. The experiment was carried out with Churra sheep experimentally infected with T. circumcincta. At slaughter, gastric content, gastric mucus, blood samples and faeces were recovered to determine the number of eggs in utero, length of adult females, worm burden, number of L4, titre of serum pepsinogen, peripheral eosinophilia and eggs per gram (epg). IgA activity in gastric mucus, serum, nasal secretions and saliva were tested against somatic antigen from fourth‐stage larvae (L4), somatic antigen from the adult stage and excretory–secretory (E/S) antigen from the adult stage. The results showed a significant correlation between serum IgA and gastric mucus (P < 0·01) as well as in nasal secretions (P < 0·01). We found negative correlations between IgA activity in gastric mucus with the eggs in utero and with adult female length. Furthermore there were also strong relationships between the peripheral eosinophilia with serum (P < 0·01) and gastric mucus IgA activity (P < 0·01). Moreover serum pepsinogen and the number of L4 at slaughter were related (P < 0·01).
Effect of a low protein diet on the resistance of Churra sheep to Teladorsagia circumcincta
Authors: MARTÍNEZ‐VALLADARES M. , VARA‐DEL RÍO M. P. , CRUZ‐ROJO M. A. , ROJO‐VÁZQUEZ F. A. 
Published: July 2005

SUMMARY The aim of this study was to understand the influence of a low protein diet on the resistance of the Churra breed sheep to infection with Teladorsagia circumcincta. A previous experiment in our department demonstrated significant differences between resistant and susceptible sheep infected with T. circumcincta, in eggs per gram of faeces, serum pepsinogen, serum IgA and peripheral eosinophilia (unpublished). The sheep were fed with a balanced protein diet. In the current assay there were significant differences between the resistant and susceptible groups in egg output, serum pepsinogen and worm burden. The optical densities (OD) of the IgA in blood samples, nasal secretions and saliva were tested throughout the study and the differences between groups were not significant. At necropsy adult worm length, the number of eggs in utero in adult females, the number of fourth stage larvae and the OD of gastric mucus IgA did not differ between groups either. Moreover, due to diet there was a loss of weight in both groups but this was not significant. Our results support the view that low protein diets could influence immune function and as a result resistant genotypes do not show any superiority in comparison with susceptible ones.
Host humoral immune response to Leishmania lipid‐binding protein
Authors: MAACHE M. , AZZOUZ S. , DIAZ DE LA GUARDIA R. , ALVAREZ P. , GIL R. , DE PABLOS L. M. , OSUNA A. 
Published: July 2005

SUMMARY We report on the use of Leishmania donovani lipid‐binding proteins (LBPs) as antigens capable of being recognized by serum from immunocompetent patients from southern Spain suffering from visceral leishmaniasis and from Peruvian patients with localized cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania braziliensis. The absorbance found by immunoenzymatic techniques gave significantly different results for the serum samples from patients with and without leishmaniasis. Specificity by ELISA testing was 93·2% and sensibility 100%. Dot blots from human patient serum samples or naturally infected dogs from Spain gave similarly significant results. All the human serum samples from individuals with visceral leishmaniasis and the Leishmania‐positive canine samples recognized two bands, with molecular weights of 8 and 57 kDa. The serum from individuals with cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by L. braziliensis recognized an additional band of 16 kDa. We discuss the role of Leishmania FABP and compare the immunological reactions found with serum samples from other protozoan infections such as toxoplasma and Chagas as well as bacterial infections such as tuberculosis and syphilis.
Antigens from Ascaris suum trigger in vitro macrophage NO production
Authors: ANDRADE M. AMPARO , SILES‐LUCAS MAR , LÓPEZ‐ABÁN JULIO , CARRANZA CRISTINA , PÉREZ‐ARELLANO JOSÉ L. , MURO ANTONIO 
Published: July 2005

SUMMARY We investigated the in vitro effect of total excretory/secretory and somatic antigens from Ascaris suum adults (ESA and SA) and larvae 3 (ESL3 and SL3), and of 10 purified protein fractions from ESA components on rat alveolar macrophage nitric oxide (NO) production. Our results showed that in vitro incubation of macrophages with SA and SL3 antigens of A. suum did not result in NO release from cells, whereas incubation with ESA or ESL3 antigens resulted in the stimulation of NO production by these cells, both in a specific (inhibited by l‐NAME and l‐canavanine) and dose‐dependent manner. In addition, we could demonstrate that a purified ESA fraction consisting of three Coomassie‐stained bands of approximately 37, 44 and 46 kDa is involved in the in vitro triggering of NO production by host cells. These three bands were subjected to MALDI‐peptide mass fingerprint, showing similarities with phosphoglycerate kinase, elongation factor Tu and enolase molecules, respectively. Future studies will focus on the characterization of these parasite‐derived molecules.
Characterisation of Heterotrophic Microorganisms Isolated form the “Grotta Azzura” of Cape Palinuro (Salerno, Italy)
Authors: Canganella Francesco , Bianconi Giovanna , Gambacorta Agata , Kato Chiaki , Uematsu Katsuyuki 
Published: July 2005

Abstract. Hydrothermal vent ecosystems have been extensively investigated during the last 20 years; shallow water hot springs (typically found below 50 m depth) have also been studied, and from these ecosystems many thermophilic and hyperthermophilic organisms were isolated and described.The submarine caves of Cape Palinuro were discovered long ago, but only during the last decades were geological and biological investigations carried out, yielding a large number of reports on this fascinating environment. During the last two years, several samples of water, mud, and/or bacterial mat were collected within the “Grotta Azzurra”, and enrichment experiments were performed using peptone, starch, glucose or pullulan as main organic nutrients. Many heterotrophic strains were isolated and most of them grew optimally between 37 and 43 ° C with the addition of 0‐2 % NaCl. Growth was usually observed between 10 and 50 ° C the range of growth pH was 4 to 9, and NaCl concentrations up to 10–12 % were tolerated in most cases.The analysis of 16S rDNA performed with the most representative isolates showed a close phylogenetic relationship with the genera Bacillus, Vibrio, Citrobacter and Escherichia. Moreover, an isolate showing morphological and physiological similarities with the genus Enterococcus was characterised and taxonomically described based on the 16S rDNA sequence.
Thermohaline Anomalies in the Spring and Early Summer of 2000 in the Gulf of Trieste
Authors: Celio Massimo , Comici Cinzia , Bussani Andrea 
Published: July 2005

Abstract. In the framework of the Interreg II Project (July 1998 ‐ June 2001), hydro‐logical, chemical and biological data were collected in the Gulf of Trieste.During spring and summer 2000, some particular thermohaline anomalies were observed in the Gulf of Trieste. Especially in May and June the water body showed: a very strong thermohaline stratification, an increase of advective salt water coming from the south and the presence of sharp pycnoclines. In July the temperature was higher than usual in the whole water column. Moreover, in late May and in June, massive mucilaginous aggregates were observed along the water column and at the surface.In order to highlight these particular thermohaline features the hydrological data of 16 stations were analysed (Fig. 1). Two stations, in particular, were considered: one offshore (St. AA1, average depth 20 m) and one close to the coast (St. C1, average depth 17 m). For these two stations a best‐fit analysis, computed over 11 and 7 years, respectively, was performed on temperature, salinity and density excess data.Moreover, the hydrological features were compared with the rainfall, air temperature, wind speed data (Istituto Sperimentale Talassografico di Trieste ‐ ISTT) and the Isonzo River's flow rate (Direzione Regionale dell'Ambiente ‐ Regione F. V. G.) collected from January 1998 to December 2000.
Seabed Morphology and Pollution Along the Bagnoli Coast (Naples, Italy): a Hypothesis for Environmental Restoration
Authors: De Pippo Tommaso , Donadio Carlo , Pennetta Micla , Terlizzi Francesco , Vecchione Carlo , Vegliante Margherita 
Published: July 2005

Abstract. The interaction of coastal and submarine morphology with the hydrodynamic regimes exerts a control on coastal dynamic processes, conditioning the dispersion of sediments and potential pollutants existing in the area. Thus, the study of such parameters is useful in order to define environmental threats. Within the submerged sector of the Bagnoli coast and particularly in the southern part of the investigated area, there are sediment groups composed of very fine sands located in low‐energy zones due to wave refraction and diffraction; they can also be found on the sea bottom and on the man‐made structures typical of this zone. These areas show high pollutant levels of N, P, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, Cd, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated bi‐phenyls (PCBs). The northern area, a place of high‐energy hydrodynamic processes, also shows high concentration levels of pollutants due to the presence of secondary cell circulation.Morphological research and analysis of textural characteristics of bottom sediments along the Bagnoli coast allowed the actual processes and their evolution in space and time to be defined. It has also been possible to correlate such processes to the seabed morphology system, the wave formations which affect the coast, the complex system of sediment transport, as well as to the man‐made interventions in the area. The results of recent chemical analyses of beach sediments and bottom sediments off the Bagnoli coast were also incorporated. They prove the presence of heavy metals, PAHs and PCBs in high and sometimes very high concentrations. Finally, based on the results of research and analyses, a hypothesis for an intervention for environmental restoration has been formulated in order to renaturalise the coast through dredging and treatment of the sand, both on the seabed and on the emerged beach.
Natural and Anthropic Middle‐term Variations in the Delta System at the Mouth of the Goro River (Po Delta, Italy)
Authors: Grande Carlo Del , Gabbianelli Giovanni , Simeoni Umberto 
Published: July 2005

Abstract. The modern delta system of the Po River is the result of an evolution strictly controlled by anthropic factors and mainly developed during a period of climatic deterioration (Little Ice Age 1550/1850).At the beginning of the 17th century the main branch of the Po River, Fornaci Po, was modified with the “Cut of Viro” in order to avoid landfill of the Venetian Lagoon. Simultaneously, the southernmost branch of Ariano, or Goro, was forced to flow southwards. Subsequent sedimentary variations, caused by changes in the climatic conditions, contributed to make the area supplied by the Goro Po River increasingly lagoonary. In the second half of the 19th century (end of the Little Ice Age – L.I.A. –), the first coastal spits started to take shape and developed in different systems throughout the entire following century. Coastal spits turned out to produce in the original bay, a progressive closure towards the sea. The strong decrease in solid loads, characterising the second half of the 20th century and mainly due to anthropic factors, marks the beginning of a new phase extending to the overall Po Delta system, in which the mouth layout is controlled by wave energy.
Distrubution of Dissolved and Particulate Iron, copper and Manganese in the Shelf waters of the Ross sea (Antarctica)
Authors: Ianni Carmela , Rivaro Paola , Frache Roberto 
Published: July 2005

Abstract. During the austral summer 1997–98, within the framework of the activities of the Climatic Long‐term Interaction for the Massbalance in Antarctica (CLIMA) Project of the Italian National Program for Antarctic Research (PNRA) in the Ross Sea, measurements were conducted to focus on the role of dissolved iron, copper and manganese as micronutrients, and on their distribution in suspended particulate matter in different water masses. Sampling was carried out in two selected shelf areas, both important for formation and mixing processes of the water bodies.Metal data were evaluated together with physical measurements and classical chemical parameters such as oxygen and nutrients.In both the studied areas, the distribution of dissolved metals along the waste column confirmed their micronutrient behaviour, showing depletion where phytoplanktonic activities occurred.The trend of particulate metals underlined the scavenging phenomena along the water column and presented an interesting correlation at intermediate depths with the amount and origin of suspended matter.
Comparison Between the Energy Flow Networks of Two Habitats in the Venice Lagoon
Authors: Libralato Simone , Pastres Roberto , Pranovi Fabio , Raicevich Saša , Granzotto Angela , Giovanardi Otello , Torricelli Patrizia 
Published: July 2005

Abstract.The energy flows of two habitats are quantified and compared by using a trophic network model. The habitats are representative of two typical subsystems of the Venice Lagoon: the seagrass meadows, which represent a mature stage in the ecological succession of lagoon environments, and theTapes philippinarumfishing grounds, which are subjected to mechanical clam harvesting.The results obtained for the 'seagrass habitat’are consistent with other field studies, confirming the‘key‐stone’role played by phanerogams in a lagoon environment. The results for the‘Tapeshabitat’show that the energy flow from the sediment to the water column is extremely important. Indeed, the highT. philippinarumbiomass cannot be supported solely by the primary production of the local phytoplankton. Instead, this biomass could be supported by a supply provided by the sediment resuspension caused by intensive clam fishing. These findings suggest the presence of a positive feedback between fishing effort andT. philippinarumstanding crop.
Variations of Hydrochemical Features in the Coastal Waters of Monte Conero: 1982–1990
Authors: Marini Mauro , Fornasiero Paola , Artegiani Antonio 
Published: July 2005

Abstract. This paper briefly summarises research carried out in 1982–1990 in the coastal area off Monte Conero, SW northern Adriatic Sea. Oceanographic data on temperature, salinity, oxygen saturation, nutrients (nitrates, silicates and orthophosphates), and chlorophylls were collected to characterise this coastal ecosystem in view of the setting up of the “Costa del Monte Conero” protected marine area.Towards the coast the physical and chemical parameters exhibited a seasonal periodicity.Temperature showed a clear annual periodicity with a certain interannual variability; this also holds true for oxygen saturation, with peaks in March and minima in September, though without hypoxic events.Nutrient concentrations peaked at the surface layer at the coastal station from December to March (nitrates: 35–50 μmol 1−1; silicates: 22–70 μmol 1−1; orthophosphates: 0.37–0.54 μmol 1−1) and minima in summer (Jul‐Aug) on surface and bottom (0–12μmol 1−1, 0–18.5 μmol 1−1, and 0–0.15 μmol 1−1, respectively). From 1988 to 1990 nutrient peaks were lower and coastal salinity exceed 33, with nitrates below 16 μmol 1−1, silicates below 8 μmol 1−1, and orthophosphates less than 0.2 μmol 1−1.In the coastal area of Senigallia, 40 km to the north, where the influence of the coastal current that carries the river inflows to the south is stronger, the seasonal cycle was similar, albeit with higher values for nutrients and chlorophylls.