Principal determinants of species and functional diversity of carabid beetle assemblages during succession at post-industrial sites.

Although ecological succession is one of the principal focuses of recent restoration ecology research, it is still unclear which factors drive this process and positively influence species richness and functional diversity. In this study we sought to elucidate how species traits and functional diversity change during forest succession, and to identify important factors that determine the species in the observed assemblages. We analyzed species richness and functional diversity of ground beetle assemblages in relation to succession on post-industrial localities after habitat deterioration caused by spoil deposition. We selected ground beetles as they are known to be sensitive to landscape changes (with a large range of responses), and their taxonomy and ecology are generally well-known. Ground beetles were sampled on the spoil heaps during the last 30 years when spontaneous succession occurred. To calculate functional diversity, we used traits related to habitat and trophic niche, i.e. food specialization, wing morphology, trophic level, and bio-indication value. Ground beetle species were found to be distributed non-randomly in the assemblages in the late phase of succession. Ordination analyses revealed that the ground beetle assemblage was significantly associated with the proportion of forested area. Environmental heterogeneity generated assemblages that contained over-dispersed species traits. Our findings indicated that environmental conditions at late successional stages supported less mobile carnivorous species. Overall, we conclude that the decline in species richness and functional diversity in the middle of the studied succession gradient indicated that the assemblages of open habitats had been replaced by species typical of forest ecosystems.

Thyroid cancer epidemiology and prognostic variables.

Thyroid cancer comprises a broad spectrum of diseases with variable prognoses. Although most patients with this disease have excellent overall survival, there are some who do not fare so well. With the worldwide increase in incidence, the need to identify which tumours pose the greatest risk to patients is more acute than ever. This paper will discuss this rising trend in incidence with an analysis of the possible reasons for the increase. In addition, the paper will explore the factors that portend a worse prognosis for the individual patient. Finally, the limitations of the current staging systems will be discussed, with particular emphasis on why they are not as informative in the management of patients with thyroid cancer.

[Intraabdominal dermoid cyst in the differential diagnosis of ascites]. / Differenzialdiagnostische Aspekte einer intraabdominellen Dermoidzyste.

HISTORY: A 60- year-old Hungarian woman known to be alcohol-dependent, consulted her family physician because of generalized weakness and an enlarged abdomen Her doctor started diuretic treatment assuming that liver cirrhosis with ascites was the cause. After three months she was referred to our hospital because of dyspnea and orthopnea as well as edema in the legs. FINDINGS: On admission to the Department of Medicine, Elizabeth Hospital in Sopron (Hungary) the patient was in a critical condition with severe cachexia, muscular atrophy and no palpable adipose tissue. Her abdomen was severely distended by a large amount of abdominal fluid. Abdominal paracentesis was performed, which revealed feculent and fatty shining fluid. INVESTIGATION: Laboratory tests showed low levels of total protein, albumin, cholesterol and iron. Microcytic anemia, leucocytosis and a high erythrocyte sedimentation rate were also found. Transaminases, urea, creatinine, lipase, amylase and electrolytes were within normal range. Protein and lipid levels of the abdominal fluid were high. DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT: Abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) were performed after hemodynamic stability and normal blood pressure had been achieved. Abdominal ultrasound showed that the abdominal cavity was full of fluid, which contained numerous round shiny objects with a capsule-like covering. Abdominal CT confirmed that the abdomen contained a partly cystic mass within which there were round objects, about 3 cm in diameter. These findings established the diagnosis of dermoid cyst. The patient died five hours after admission. At autopsy there was evidence of organ compression, severe malabsorption and malnutrition, pulmonary congestion, and myocardial atrophy. CONCLUSION: In a patient with ascites, liver cirrhosis or intraabdominal having been ruled out, an intraabdominal dermoid cyst should be considered in the differential diagnosis. The outcome in this patient was largely determined by her failure to consult a doctor early, having failed to appreciate the seriousness of her condition.

Protease-resistant insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-binding protein-4 inhibits IGF-I actions and neointimal expansion in a porcine model of neointimal hyperplasia.

IGF-I has been shown to play a role in the progression of atherosclerosis in experimental animal models. IGF-binding protein-4 (IGFBP-4) binds to IGF-I and prevents its association with receptors. Overexpression of a protease-resistant form of IGFBP-4 has been shown to inhibit the ability of IGF-I to stimulate normal smooth muscle cell growth in mice. Based on these observations, we prepared a protease-resistant form of IGFBP-4 and infused it into hypercholesterolemic pigs. Infusion of the protease-resistant mutant inhibited lesion development by 53.3 +/- 6.1% (n = 6; P < 0.01). Control vessels that received an equimolar concentration of IGF-I and the protease-resistant IGFBP-4 showed no reduction in lesion size compared with control lesions that were infused with vehicle. Infusion of a nonmutated form of IGFBP-4 did not significantly inhibit lesion development. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen analysis showed that the mutant IGFBP-4 appeared to inhibit cell proliferation. The area occupied by extracellular matrix was also reduced proportionally compared with total lesion area. Immunoblotting revealed that the mutant IGFBP-4 remained intact, whereas the wild-type IGFBP-4 that was infused was proteolytically cleaved. Further analysis of the lesions revealed that a marker protein, IGFBP-5, whose synthesis is stimulated by IGF-I, was decreased in the lesions that received the protease-resistant, IGFBP-4 mutant, whereas there was no change in lesions that received wild-type IGFBP-4 or the mutant protein plus IGF-I. These findings clearly illustrate that infusion of protease-resistant IGFBP-4 into the perilesion environment results in inhibition of cell proliferation and attenuation of the development of neointima. The findings support the hypothesis that inhibiting IGFBP-4 proteolysis in the lesion microenvironment could be an effective means for regulating neointimal expansion.

Immunohistochemical assessment and prognostic value of hepatitis B virus X protein in chronic hepatitis and primary hepatocellular carcinomas using anti-HBxAg monoclonal antibody.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the most meaningful risk factor in chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and primary hepatocellular carcinoma (PHC). The hepatitis B virus X protein (HBxAg) is a multifunctional protein with many important functions in hepatocellular carcinogenesis. A monoclonal anti-HBxAg antibody was developed in our laboratory and characterized by different methods. Using this antibody HBxAg was detected in formaldehyde fixed paraffin embedded tissue sections of 72 liver biopsies from patients with acute hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and primary hepatocellular carcinoma. The co-expression of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) and HBxAg was compared. The histological and cytological localization of the detected HBxAg showed a characteristic distribution in different stages of HBV infection. Strong and diffuse nuclear reaction was detected in PHC cases in contrast to the focal, cytoplasmic and nuclear labeling in the acute and chronic B hepatitis cases. Our antibody seems to be a suitable prognostic marker for routine pathohistological diagnosis and for comparative pathological and epidemiological research on the development of PHC.

Immunological and histopathological changes in the atrial tissue during and after cardiopulmonary bypass.

BACKGROUND: Ischemia and reperfusion injury occur in cardiac operations using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Little is known about the immunological and histopathological changes in the atrial tissue under these conditions. OBJECTIVES: To investigate and compare multiple right atrial biopsy specimens by means of a self-developed pathological and immunohistochemistry panel. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-six nonselected adult patients (mean age 59+/-11.6 years, range 34 to 75) who had undergone different types of heart surgery (26 with and 10 without the use of CPB). RESULTS: Circumscribed necrosis was not found in any of the samples. Contractile bundle necrosis deteriorated only moderately with CPB. The share of hibernated myocardium seemed to increase during CPB, reaching 30% regardless of the basic disease. From the subepicardial toward the subendocardial surface, the amount of contractile proteins decreased continuously. Features similar to those seen with the phenomenon of 'stunning', which develops due to acute ischemia, were also noted. The apoptosis index did not exceed 1%. Apoptotic cells were generally randomly spread. It was very characteristic that with the use of CPB neither pro- nor antiapoptotic peptides (Bax, Bcl-2) were seen. In samples taken from patients who underwent surgery performed without the use of CPB both proteins were detected. The occurrence of cellular stress (heat shock protein 70 reaction) was rather variable in the samples. CONCLUSIONS: These investigations should be continued on homogeneous patient populations with the inclusion of proinflammatory cytokine determination.

[Castleman's disease]. / Castleman-betegség.

Castleman's disease is an example of the so-called atypical lymphoproliferative disorders. The optimal therapy of this morphologically and clinically heterogeneous disease is largely unknown. The authors report three cases of multicentric Castleman's disease (two hyalin vascular and one mixed variant). They analyze the pathogenesis, clinicopathologic features and management of this rare entity and review the literature.

Biclonal primary plasma cell leukemia.

Authors present a multiparameter pathological study in a case of rapid biclonal primary plasma cell leukemia. The immunohistochemical data revealed aberrant phenotypes (monocyte, epithelial and T-cell) probably in connection with microenvironmental influences. Biclonality can be attributed to class switching during malignant transformation. Static image cytometry showed aneuploidy. The blasts of this process are active immunoregulatory cells.

[Clinical immunological features and interferon therapy in chronic hepatitis C]. / Klinikai immunológiai megfigyelések és interferon terápia krónikus C hepatitisben.

Clinical and immunological findings of 74 patients with chronic hepatitis C have been reported and experiences with interferon-alpha treatment of 31 patients are summarized. In addition, the first results of anti-HCV screening of blood donors are also briefly described. Transfusion in the history was noted in 69% of patients and the time, elapsed from the transfusion to the diagnosis was a mean of 7.15 +/- 8.1 years. Concerning the severity of the liver disease, chronic persistent hepatitis was established in 40%, active hepatitis in 45% and cirrhosis in 15% of the patients, respectively. Cholestasis was recorded in 32% of the cases. A significant elevation of serum immunoglobulin levels was noted in 83%, an antibody to liver specific protein (anti-LSP) has occurred in 80%, cryoglobulinaemia in 44% and circulating immune complexes in 33% of the patients. Natural killer cell activity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells significantly decreased. HLA B8 and DR3 antigens were found with elevated frequency (36.6% and 42.1%). Recombinant interferon-alpha at a weekly dose of 3MU thrice, for six months, has normalized serum alanine aminotransferase in 45% of patients and a sustained remission was found in 26%. The treatment resulted in the clearance of HCV-RNS from the serum in 40% of patients and that well correlated with the complete remission. In the good responders, a decrease in CD4+ cell count and a moderate decrease in CD8+ cell count as well as a transient rise in B cell count were seen during the treatment. Mitogen-induced lymphoproliferative response and natural killer cell activity increased. Predictors of response were as follows: female sex, shorter time elapsed from transfusion, absence of HLA, A1, B8, DR3 and serum anti-HBc negativity. Anti-HCV has been found in 0.33--0.38% of blood donors screened, and it is suggested, that a liver disease accompanied with elevated serum alanine aminotransferase, may be present in about 25-30% of anti-HCV positive symptom-free persons.

Ultrasonographic detection of abnormal fetal growth with the gestational age-independent, transverse cerebellar diameter/abdominal circumference ratio.

OBJECTIVES: We prospectively evaluated the accuracy of a gestational age-independent method of detecting abnormal growth, the transverse cerebellar diameter/abdominal circumference ratio, and compared this with standard ultrasonographic methods of growth assessment. STUDY DESIGN: We prospectively studied 825 low-risk obstetric patients and 250 patients having risk factors for fetal macrosomia (n = 92) or growth retardation (n = 158). Measured fetal parameters included the biparietal diameter, head circumference, transverse cerebellar diameter, abdominal circumference, and femur length. The estimated fetal weight, head circumference/abdominal circumference, cerebellar diameter/abdominal circumference, and femur length/abdominal circumference ratios were calculated. Reference curves for these parameters were created from a cross-sectional analysis of the low-risk group. Univariate analysis was used to determine the sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and odds ratios of each individual parameter in identifying a small- or large-for-gestational-age infant. A multivariate logistic regression model with a variable selection procedure was then used to determine whether significance remained when we controlled for other parameters. RESULTS: Within the low-risk group, the transverse cerebellar/abdominal circumference ratio was gestational age independent between 14 and 42 weeks with a mean of 13.68 +/- 0.96. A value exceeding 2 SD of the mean was significantly associated with birth or a small-for-gestational-age infant, being abnormal in 98% and 71% of asymmetrically and symmetrically growth-retarded infants, respectively. Significance was maintained in the multivariate regression model. The ratio was not helpful in detecting the large-for-gestational-age infant. CONCLUSION: The fetal transverse cerebellar diameter/abdominal circumference ratio is an accurate, gestational age-independent method of identifying the small-for-gestational-age but not the large-for-gestational-age infant.

The fetal transverse cerebellar diameter/abdominal circumference ratio: a gestational age-independent method of assessing fetal size.

The relationship between the fetal TCD and the AC throughout pregnancy was investigated in a prospective, cross-sectional study of 700 well dated, normal pregnancies between 14 and 42 weeks of gestation and tested in 30 known SGA infants. Fetal measurements included the TCD, AC, BPD, HC, and FL. The TCD/AC ratio was calculated for each patient. Statistical analysis using linear regression and Student's t-test was performed. Strong correlation existed between gestational age and transcerebellar diameter (R2 = 0.9464), between gestational age and AC (R2 = 0.9685), and between TCD and AC (R2 = 0.9561). The TCD/AC ratio was normally distributed with a mean +/- SD of 13.69 +/- 0.94% (median, 13.71%). The 10th and 90th percentiles were 12.50% and 14.86%, respectively. The ratio remained constant throughout pregnancy with respect to gestational age (R2 = 0.0084). A TCD/AC ratio greater than the 90th percentile was present in 87% (26/30) known SGA infants. The TCD/AC ratio is a stable, gestational age-independent parameter that may be useful in the early detection of fetal growth abnormalities.

Synthesis and gastroprotective activity of 4H-pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4-ones.

The cytoprotective effect of different types of 4h-pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4-one derivatives was investigated. Short synthesis of the investigated compounds was depicted. The gastroprotective effect was determined against acidified ethanol induced mucosal lesions in rats. The most effective compounds belong to unsaturated 4-oxo-4h-pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidine-3-carboxamide derivatives, and the most active one contains a methyl group in position 6 and a cyclopentyl group on the nitrogen of the carboxamide group. Further pharmacological, biochemical and clinical studies may justify, that the representative of this type of compounds may be useful as prophylactic agents against gastric damage caused by non-steroidal antiinflammatory agents.

[Subscapular liver hematoma and liver hemorrhage in neonatal age]. / Subcapsularis májhaematoma és májvérzés újszülöttkorban.

By analysing their newborn patients of 15 years the authors confirm the earlier observation, that the subcapsular haematoma is a common finding at postmortem examination of the newborns dying during neonatal period. The association of the pathological symptoms of hypoxic origin of the other organs observed at autopsy and the decreasing incidence of subcapsular haematoma as a results of obstetrical and neonatal intensive care make this disease of hypoxic origin probable. In spite of common subcapsular haematoma the haemorrhage of liver causing haemascos is relatively uncommon. In their five patients suffering from liver rupture they observed two types of this (immediate and delayed rupture of liver's capsule), which also differed from one another in their clinical picture. They are drawing attention to general use of ultrasound in diagnostics which means a new chance to diagnosis in alive of both types.

Antibodies against the hepatic asialoglycoprotein receptor perfused in situ preferentially attach to periportal liver cells in the rat.

Autoantibodies reacting with the galactose-specific hepatic asialoglycoprotein receptor--a liver-specific component expressed on the surfaces of hepatocytes--are often found in patients with chronic active hepatitis of presumed autoimmune origin. As part of an investigation into whether these anti-asialoglycoprotein receptor antibodies might be involved in the development of periportal liver damage in chronic active hepatitis, livers of ether-anesthetized rats were perfused in situ with polyclonal guinea pig anti-rabbit asialoglycoprotein receptor or murine monoclonal anti-human galactose-specific hepatic asialoglycoprotein receptor antibodies in excess at less than 8 degrees C or, as a control, with guinea pig anti-human plasma protein antibodies or normal guinea pig serum. Rapid (1 min) antegrade (by way of portal vein) or retrograde (through hepatic veins by way of vena cava) perfusions were performed in a nonrecirculating (once-through) mode in Ca+(+)-free medium. Blocks of liver tissue were immediately snap-frozen and the distribution of the antibody examined in cryostat sections by using an avidin-biotin immunohistochemical technique. In all of the perfusions with anti-asialoglycoprotein receptor (six antegrade, seven retrograde), the antibodies were found to be prominently and almost exclusively deposited on liver cells in the periportal areas. No deposition of immunoglobulins was detected in livers perfused with the control guinea pig sera. The findings suggest that the asialoglycoprotein receptor is expressed at high density mainly on cells in zone 1 of the hepatic lobule, and this may have implications for the development of periportal liver damage in chronic active hepatitis.

Immunohistochemical demonstration of the asialoglycoprotein receptor in rat liver by a sensitive avidin-biotin technique.

An immunohistochemical technique for the detection of the hepatic asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGP-R) in cryostat sections of liver by polyclonal and monoclonal anti-ASGP-R antibodies is described. The procedure is based on the alkaline-phosphatase-avidin-biotin complex (ABC-AP) system and important features include fixation of the sections with periodate-lysine-paraformaldehyde (with or without dichromate) and an absolute requirement for blocking of endogenous biotin activity. The sensitivity of the technique is such that binding to ASGP-R can be detected with femtomolar concentrations of monoclonal anti-ASGP-R antibodies and, with polyclonal antisera, approaches that of a radioimmunoassay.

Sensitive avidin biotin based technique for identifying liver membrane antigens in tissue sections.

An enzyme immunohistochemical technique for the localisation of liver membrane antigens in tissue sections by antisera raised in guinea pigs against the liver preparation known as "liver specific membrane lipoprotein (LSP)" was developed, based on the alkaline phosphatase avidin biotin complex (ABC AP) system. Of a wide range of fixatives and fixation conditions investigated, a short (five minute) exposure of cryostat sections to Bouin's fluid provided the most satisfactory results and--together with procedures to block endogenous biotin and alkaline phosphatase--yielded clear sections with no background staining or other artefacts to interfere with specific staining patterns. The sensitivity of the technique approaches that of a radioimmunoassay, as shown by the staining of the sinusoidal domains of hepatocellular plasma membranes by the guinea pig anti-LSP antisera at dilutions up to 1/50,000. Apart from its reliability and sensitivity the procedure offers additional advantages over techniques such as indirect immunofluorescence in that it provides a permanent preparation with well defined morphological details which can be seen by ordinary light microscopy.

Drug hepatitis of cholestatic type in association with a FAC-regimen for breast cancer.

The case of a 36 year old patient in whom breast cancer was diagnosed in February 1983 is reported. At the time of the diagnosis bone metastases, were already present. Therapy was started on the basis of a FAC-regimen (Ftorofur-, Adriamycin-Cyclophosphamide), where after the patient developed clinical and laboratory signs of hepatic lesion. At the time of the first FAC-course the suspicion of viral hepatitis of cholestatic type was raised; HBsAg was consistently negative. In the 3rd week after completion of the second FAC-course clinical signs of cholestatic hepatitis with high fever and leucopenia of increasing severity were suggestive of drug-induced hepatitis. Cyclophosphamide was incriminated, therefore, this component was omitted from the subsequent FAC-course. Nevertheless, the clinical manifestations reappeared in a more pronounced form. This time, too steroids were administered, with beneficial effect. In view of the complaints pointed to bone-metastases further cytostatic treatment, Vepesid monotherapy was started, but after the first course the patient developed hepatitis and died. Necropsy revealed, in addition to extensive bone-metastases, microscopic signs of drug-induced hepatitis. The types of liver damage caused by the cytostatic agents used in this study are reviewed. No hepatitis has been reported in connection with these drugs (Adriamycin + Ftorofur or Vepesid) thus far. The diagnostic criteria of drug-induced hepatitis are outlined. It is pointed out that with the eves more extensive use of cytostatic therapy a growing incidence of this complication should be taken into account.

Effect of (+)-cyanidanol-3 on receptor activity of lymphocytes and hepatocytes and on hepatocyte-lymphocyte conjugation in alcoholic liver disease.

The recirculation of lymphocytes and cell-mediated immunity show profound alterations in alcoholic liver disease. The use of cianidanol corrects a lot of these disturbances, in that: a) it can modify the receptor avidity of hepatocytes, b) it reduces the cell-mediated immune reactivity against liver specific protein antigen, diminishing the auto-immune reactions in alcoholic liver disease, c) it has no effect upon the conjugation process between the hepatocytes as target cells and cytotoxic effector cells, d) it decreases, however, the number of hepatocytes damaged after the conjugation process, and e) as a potent free-radical scavenger, it inhibits the cytotoxic effect of natural killer cells and monocytes, and in the same manner prevents the alteration of the hepatocyte membrane.