bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do Weather Conditions Influence the Onset of Renal Colic? A Novel Approach to Analysis
Authors: Boscolo-Berto Rafael , Dal Moro Fabrizio , Abate Alessandro , Arandjelovic Goran , Tosato Franco , Bassi PierFrancesco
Published: January 2008

Background/Aim: To investigate the seasonal variations of the incidence of renal colic by a computerized analysis of cyclic climatic features. Methods: 1,163 consecutive patients with acute renal colic were studied. Eigendecomposition and signal reconstruction of district temperature and humidity were performed to establish any cyclic variation. Average temperatures and humidity values were calculated at time periods of 15, 30, 45 and 60 days preceding each renal colic. Results: Patients were allocated to groups every 30 days, since eigendeanalysis suggested that intervals of this duration have homogeneous climatic features. With an average time period of 15 days preceding each renal colic, a positive correlation coefficient of temperature (r = +0.75 with CI 0.31–0.93, p < 0.005) and a cubic relationship at the regression analysis (R = 82.4%, p = 0.015) were found with the onset of colics. We observed a negative correlation between humidity and renal colic (rho = –0.70 with CI –0.92 to –0.21, p < 0.01), with an inverse relation as regression model (R = 57.9%, p < 0.05). Conclusions: We demonstrated an association between the onset of renal colics and exposure to hot and dry weather, particularly when temperatures rose above 27°C and relative humidity fell below 45%.
Presentation of Female Urethral Diverticulum Is Usually Not Typical
Authors: Chang Yu-Lung , Lin Alex T.L. , Chen Kuang-Kuo
Published: January 2008

Introduction: Symptoms or signs of female urethral diverticulum are usually not typical, thereby resulting in delayed or wrong diagnosis. This paper relates to our experience on the diversity of presenting symptoms and signs of female urethral diverticula. Materials and Methods: We reviewed the medical records and conducted telephone interviews of 14 patients with the diagnosis of female urethral diverticulum in our institution. Results: The mean patient age at diagnosis was 47.5 years (range 22–65 years) and the mean duration between symptom presentation and diagnosis was 6.46 years (range 1 month to 30 years). Their presenting symptoms were so diverse that many were initially treated under the diagnosis other than urethral diverticulum. Most patients were treated as uncomplicated urinary tract infection for a long time. Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) was so dominant in 2 patients with big diverticula that they were falsely treated with anti-incontinence surgery. Total incontinence happened in 1 patient with genuine SUI and a big urethral diverticulum. One patient with a huge diverticulum, which had a fistula opening into the vagina, presented with day- and night-time incontinence. Some patients even did not have incontinence, but only had dysuria or a painful anterior vaginal wall nodule. Nevertheless, detailed analysis on symptoms and signs usually may suggest urethral diverticulum. We found that recurrent urinary tract infection, urinary incontinence, palpable suburethral mass, vaginal tenderness, and dysuria are the five major presenting symptoms and signs. The diagnostic rate of voiding cystourethrography during video-urodynamics, double-balloon urethrography and MRI were 10/10 (100%), 6/6 (100%) and 10/11 (90.9%) respectively. Conclusions: The presenting symptoms and signs of female urethral diverticula are often diverse and easily overlooked. High suspicion of this disorder, detailed history-taking and physical examination are essential for detecting urethral diverticulum in females.
Prevalence of Positive Potassium Sensitivity Test Which Is an Indicator of Bladder Epithelial Permeability Dysfunction in a Fixed Group of Turkish Women
Authors: Sahinkanat Tayfun , Güven Alanur , Ekerbicer Hasan , Aral Murat
Published: January 2008

Objective: Traditional epidemiologic studies of interstitial cystitis (IC) have focused on diagnosed cases alone while many patients who appear to have IC have been eliminated due to strict diagnostic criteria. An association between positive potassium sensitivity test (PST), epithelial permeability dysfunction (EPD) and painful bladder syndrome/IC (PBS/IC) has been reported but limited attention has been given to these relationships in the epidemiologic area. This study was designed to seek further evidence of potassium sensitivity and therefore bladder EPD in a fixed group of Turkish women. Methods: All female workers of the two textile factories were evaluated for PBS/IC-specific symptoms by using the Pelvic Pain and Urgency/Frequency (PUF) scale and then all were asked to volunteer for PST and further clinical evaluation. Subjects who volunteered for PST were separated into two groups: group 1 consisted of subjects who had a PUF score of ≧7 and group 2 (control group) consisted of subjects who had a PUF score of ≤6. Results: A total of 80 volunteered for PST, 58 were in group 1 and 22 were in group 2. The rate of positive PST was 86.2 and 9.1% in group 1 and 2, respectively (p < 0.05). We estimated that the prevalence of bladder EPD would have been 32.80% (145/442) in a fixed female population in our region when considering the rate of positive PST in group 1. Conclusion: Our data provide further support for the high prevalence of an increased potassium sensitivity which is a reliable indicator of EPD in a fixed female population.
Comparison of Chromogranin A, Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 and Prostate-Specific Antigen Serum Markers in Prostate Adenocarcinoma and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Sciarra Alessandro , Gentile Vincenzo , Monti Salvatori , Dattilo Cristian , Autran Gomez Anna , Salciccia Stefano , Proietti Pannunzi Laura , Toscano Vincenzo , Di Silverio Franco
Published: January 2008

Background/Aim: To compare serum chromogranin A (CgA) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) with the classical prostate-specific antigen (PSA) marker in clinically localized prostate adenocarcinomas. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective single-center study that included 64 consecutive men with newly diagnosed clinically localized prostate adenocarcinoma and 20 consecutive men with histologically confirmed benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). A blood sample for the determination of serum total PSA, CgA and IGF-1 levels (RIA) was obtained from all cases. Analysis of variance was performed to evaluate their variations according to disease and the pathological characteristics of prostate adenocarcinoma. Results: Only serum PSA levels (p < 0.0001) and not IGF-1 (p = 0.5475) or CgA (p = 0.5043) were significantly higher in the prostate cancer (PCa) group as compared to the BPH group. A significant variance between BPH and PCa divided on the basis of pT stage was found for PSA levels (p < 0.0001) but not for CgA (p = 0.0869) and IGF-1 (p = 0.6883) levels. Dividing PCa on the basis of Gleason score, a significant variance was found for CgA (p = 0.0100) and for PSA (p < 0.001), but not for IGF-1 (p = 0.6895) levels. Conclusions: In our population the quantification of PSA and CgA serum levels and not of IGF-1 provides independent significant information in the diagnosis and aggressiveness of PCa, respectively.
Malignant Epithelioid Renal Angiomyolipoma Involving the Inferior Vena Cava in a Patient with Tuberous Sclerosis
Authors: Moudouni S.M. , Tligui M. , Sibony M. , Doublet J.D. , Haab F. , Gattegno B. , Thibault P.
Published: January 2008

Renal angiomyolipomas (AMLs) are mesenchymal tumors that occur either sporadically or are associated with tuberous sclerosis, and are generally considered to be benign. Malignant AML is extremely rare, and most are found to be epithelioid histopathologically. The authors report the case of a patient followed for renal AML. On CT surveillance, this lesion developed features of a malignant tumor involving the renal vein and inferior vena cava. The patient was treated by nephrectomy and tumor thrombectomy with retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. Histological examination demonstrated renal AML with a malignant epithelioid contingent. The various aspects of this histological and radiological variant are discussed.
Repair of Hypospadiac Urethral Duplication with Dismembered Urethroplasty
Authors: Deniz Nuri , Kirac Mustafa , Camtosun Ahmet , Irkilata Lokman , Tan Mustafa Ozgur
Published: January 2008

Urethral duplication is a complex and rarely seen anomaly with three anatomic variants: epispadiac (dorsal), hypospadiac (ventral) and Y-type. Here we report an 11-year-old male patient with hypospadiac urethral duplication who presented with daytime urinary incontinence and dribbling, urethral stricture and possible obstructive uropathy. After endoscopic treatment of the stricture in the ventral (dominant) urethra, urethral reconstruction was done anastomosing the ventral (dominant) and dorsal (non-dominant atretic urethra) in a dismembered fashion.
Chromosome Abnormalities and Yq Microdeletions in Infertile Italian Couples Referred for Assisted Reproductive Technique
Authors: Marchina E. , Imperadori L. , Speziani M. , Omodei U. , Tombesi S. , Barlati S.
Published: January 2008

This study analyses the prevalence of karyotype aberrations and Yq microdeletions in infertile couples undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Before undergoing ICSI, each partner of 470 infertile couples was screened for karyotype aberrations by QFQ-banding technique on peripheral blood lymphocytes; male partners were also screened for Yq microdeletions. In 2.55% of the couples karyotype aberrations were found including numerical and structural alterations of autosomes and sex chromosomes. The female group had a high prevalence of low-level sex chromosome mosaicism (1.28%) and 5 cases of structural autosomal abnormalities (1.06%). The male group had 7 structural abnormalities of the autosomes (1.49%), 2 supernumerary marker chromosomes (0.42%), one case of low level gonosomal mosaicism (0.21%), and 2 cases of Y chromosome inversion (0.42%). Eight cases of Yq microdeletions (1.70%) were also found. Screening for genetic factors, chromosomal abnormalities and Yq microdeletions is indicated for couples undergoing assisted reproductive techniques due to the higher prevalence of these factors in infertile couples compared to the population as a whole although different chromosome aberrations have been reported elsewhere.
The Reproductive Tissue Specific Cystatin Subgroup of Genes: Expression during Gonadal Development in Wildtype and Testatin Knockout Animals
Authors: Frygelius J. , Oscarson M. , Nordqvist K. , Wedell A. , Töhönen V.
Published: January 2008

Testatin has been implicated in fetal testis development due to its restricted expression in pre-Sertoli cells immediately after the onset of Sry gene expression. However, testatin knockout mice showed normal testis development and fertility. We investigated the spatial and temporal expression pattern of the Cres/testatin subgroup of genes, including the novel gene Cstl1/Cres4, in fetal mouse gonads and in adult testis, epididymis and ovary. The genes are related to the family 2 cystatins of protease inhibitors. Using real-time PCR and in situ hybridization we could show that 4 subgroup genes, testatin, CstSC, CstTE-1/Cres3 and Cres are expressed in fetal testis. We also confirmed the expression of testatin, CstE2, CstSC, CstTE-1/Cres3, Cres, CstT and Cstl1/Cres4 in adult testis and CstE2, CstTE-1/Cres3, Cres and CstE1/Cres2 in adult epididymis. In testatin knockout animals, the expression of CstE2 was heavily downregulated in adult testis, but not in adult epididymis, compared to wildtype controls. In conclusion, an explanation for the lack of phenotype in testatin knockout mice could be functional redundancy with another member of the Cres/testatin subgroup. The most likely candidate/s would be CstSC, CstTE-1/Cres3 or Cres as they are expressed in the fetal testicular tubules in early testis differentiation together with testatin.
Classical Forms of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia due to 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency in Adults
Authors: Bachelot Anne , Chakthoura Zeina , Rouxel Agnès , Dulon Jérome , Touraine Philippe
Published: January 2008

During childhood, the main aims of the medical treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) secondary to 21-hydroxylase are to prevent salt loss and virilization and to attain normal stature and normal puberty. As such, there is a narrow therapeutic window through which the intended results can be achieved. In adulthood, the clinical management has received little attention, but recent studies have shown the relevance of long-term follow-up of these patients. The aims here are to review the multiple clinical, hormonal and metabolic abnormalities that could be found in adult CAH patients as such a decrease in bone mineral density, overweight and disturbed reproductive functions. In women with classic CAH, a low fertility rate is reported, and is probably the consequence of multiple factors including neuroendocrine and hormonal factors, feminizing surgery, and psychological factors. Men with CAH may present hypogonadism either through the effect of adrenal rests or from suppression of gonadotropins resulting in infertility. Therefore a multidisciplinary team with knowledge of CAH should carefully follow up these patients, from childhood through to adulthood, to avoid these complications and to ensure treatment compliance and tight control of the adrenal androgens.
Growth and Skeletal Development in Families with NOGGIN Gene Mutations
Authors: Oxley C.D. , Rashid R. , Goudie D.R. , Stranks G. , Baty D.U. , Lam W. , Kelnar C.J. , Ahmed S.F.
Published: January 2008

Introduction: There is a scarcity of data on height as well as bone densitometry in humans with NOGGIN mutations. Methods: In 2 families with symphalangism, anthropometry, bone densitometry and genetic analysis of the NOGGIN gene were performed. Results: In family A, the height standard deviation scores of the affected father and son were –0.4 and 3.5, respectively. In family B, the height standard deviation scores of the affected father, twin daughters and another daughter were 1.7, 1.8, 2.4 and 1.8, respectively. In the children, percentage predicted bone mineral content (BMC) for height at the appendicular sites (total femur, femoral neck) was lower than at an axial site lumbar spine. In the 2 fathers, median bone mineral density at total femur and femoral neck was –0.3 standard deviation scores (–0.7, 0.2) and at lumbar spine the scores were –0.4 and 0.9. The children had median tibial and radial speed of sound velocities of –2.1 (–0.9 to –6.4) and –1.4 (–0.2 to –4.9), respectively. DNA analysis revealed a novel missense mutation in family A and family B, resulting in a Met190Val substitution and a Pro42Arg substitution, respectively. Conclusion: Heterozygous gene mutations in NOGGIN are associated with tall stature in children but not necessarily in adults. The appendicular BMC and speed of sound may be low in affected children but normalises by adulthood. However, axial BMC seems normal in childhood and is high in adulthood.
Intersexuality and Alternative Gender Categories in Non-Western Cultures
Authors: Lang Claudia , Kuhnle Ursula
Published: January 2008

Background: In the Western world, it is widely accepted as natural – and seen almost as a law of nature – that mankind is divided into two sexes or genders – males and females. In many cultures and societies, however, more than two sex and/or gender categories are recognized, which in some instances refer to the biological sex and in others to gender roles and social status. Aims: To give an intercultural comparison of various ways of dealing with gender variance. Methods:  In the following paper, we review the anthropological literature during the last 100 years describing individuals who live neither as men nor women in various non-Western cultures. Results: Only rarely, these individuals suffer from disorders of sex development in the modern medical or biological definition: in many if not all societies there have been individuals who are not covered by the gender category of male and female. Conclusion: There thus appears to be a cultural need for people with a special neither-male-nor-female status, which might be classified as ‘gender variance’.
Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment in Chinese Older Adults – A Multistage Validation of the Chinese Abbreviated Mild Cognitive Impairment Test
Authors: Lam Linda C.W. , Tam Cindy W.C. , Lui Victor W.C. , Chan W.C. , Chan Sandra S.M. , Chiu Helen F.K. , Leung Tony , Tham M.K. , Ho K.S. , Chan W.M.
Published: January 2008

Objective: To develop a short cognitive test for screening mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in Hong Kong Chinese older adults. Methods: The Chinese Abbreviated MCI (CAMCI) test was developed with a multistage process. In phase 1, a short version of the cognitive test comprising a 1-min animal fluency test and a 10-min delayed word list recall was developed and tested in 578 volunteers (community-dwelling active elderly persons). In phase 2, the CAMCI test was validated in an independent and randomly recruited sample of 459 participants in a community survey. Additionally, the predictive significance of the CAMCI test was evaluated in a group of 196 subjects assessed in phase 1 for conversion to clinical dementia at 20 months’ follow-up. The discriminating power of the CAMCI test in differentiating MCI from normal control (NC) and mildly demented subjects was compared with Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive (ADAS-Cog) subscales. Results: The CAMCI test was found to have high discriminating power in differentiating NC from MCI and mildly demented subjects in the phase 1 volunteer sample. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) revealed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.91. The ROC were further validated in the phase 2 sample. The AUC of the CAMCI test was compared with MMSE and ADAS-Cog subscales. The short MCI test was comparable to the ADAS-Cog subscale in discriminating NC from MCI and demented subjects (χ2 test, p = n.s.). Logistic regression analysis was carried out to determine significant baseline predictors for conversion to dementia at phase 3 follow-up. Both ADAS-Cog total [Exp(B) = 1.115, p = 0.028] and CAMCI [Exp(B) = 0.88, p = 0.045] scores were significant predictors for dementia status at follow-up. Conclusion: The CAMCI test is able to discriminate NC from MCI and mild dementia in Hong Kong Chinese older adults. Its potential for large-scale community screening for early detection of cognitive impairment in late life should be emphasized and explored.
Tracking Dietary Transitions in Weanling Baboons (Papio hamadryas anubis) Using Strontium/Calcium Ratios in Enamel
Authors: Humphrey Louise T. , Dirks Wendy , Christopher Dean M. , Jeffries Teresa E.
Published: January 2008

Strontium and calcium are incorporated into developing teeth in a manner that reflects changing physiological concentrations in the body. A new model predicts changes in strontium/calcium (Sr/Ca) ratios in response to dietary transitions experienced at birth and during the weaning period. Microsampling of longitudinal thin sections of tooth enamel using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry provides a basis for the systematic evaluation of variation in Sr/Ca ratios within the tooth crown. Incremental growth markers in enamel are used to determine the age of onset of enamel mineralization at each sampling point. Thin sections of 5 teeth from 2 wild-caught baboons (Papio hamadryas anubis) were systematically analysed using this technique. Intra- and intertooth analyses of Sr/Ca ratios reveal a pattern of dietary development during the period of enamel formation that is consistent with observational data on the timing of weaning behaviour in anubis baboons.
Sexuality after Delivery with Episiotomy: A Long-Term Follow-Up
Authors: Ejegård Hanna , Ryding Elsa Lena , Sjögren Berit
Published: January 2008

Aim: To investigate the quality of women’s sex life 12–18 months after first, episiotomy-assisted childbirth and risk factors for long-term dyspareunia after childbirth. Methods: Two hundred and six women who gave birth vaginally at the Karolinska University Hospital between September 1997 and February 1998 and from June 1998 to January 1999 received postal questionnaires at 12–18 months postpartum. Obstetrical, psychological and sexological data, concerning 110 primiparae who underwent episiotomy and 153 age-matched women who did not, were compared. Possible risk factors for postpartum dyspareunia were investigated in the entire sample. Results: Women who underwent episiotomy experienced a more complicated and emotionally difficult delivery. They reported a higher frequency of dyspareunia and insufficient lubrication than women who had given birth without episiotomy. Arousal, orgasm and satisfaction with sex were not affected. Episiotomy, perineal lacerations, fundal pressure at delivery and a history of dyspareunia were independent risk factors for dyspareunia 12–18 months postpartum. Conclusion: Episiotomy may affect women’s sex life during the second year post partum with more frequent pain and vaginal dryness at intercourse. Other obstetrical factors and pain history may also influence the propensity for dyspareunia.
Correlation of Metabolic Syndrome with Residual Renal Function, Solute Transport Rate and Peritoneal Solute Clearance in Chronic Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Chen Hung-Yuan , Kao Tze-Wah , Huang Jenq-Wen , Chu Tzong-Shinn , Wu Kwan-Dun
Published: January 2008

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and insulin resistance (IR) strongly promote macrovascular complications and endothelial dysfunction. They accelerate the progression of renal dysfunction in chronic kidney disease patients. However, their correlation with residual renal function (RRF) and peritoneal characteristics have never been investigated. Methods: The inter-relationships of IR (homeostatic model assessment, HOMAIR), serum adiponectin level, body mass index (BMI), highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), RRF, peritoneal solute clearance (Kt/Vurea) and solute transport rate of 104 chronic peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients were examined. Results: Patients with (n = 57) and without (n = 47) clinically diagnosed MetS had the same degree of RRF, peritoneal Kt/Vurea, and solute transport rate. Higher HOMAIR (p = 0.011), BMI (p = 0.01) and hs-CRP (p = 0.032), as well as lower adiponectin (p = 0.019), were associated with lower peritoneal Kt/Vurea. Serum adiponectin was negatively associated with solute transport rate (p = 0.02). In multiple regression analysis, higher HOMAIR (p = 0.005), BMI (p = 0.021) and hs-CRP (p < 0.001) correlated with lower peritoneal Kt/Vurea. Conclusions: MetS plays an important role in both macrovascular complications and endothelial dysfunction in chronic PD patients, which correlates with changes in peritoneal solute clearance and solute transport rate but not RRF.
Sarcoplasmic Calcium-Binding Protein: Identification as a New Allergen of the Black Tiger Shrimp Penaeus monodon
Authors: Shiomi Kazuo , Sato Yuichiro , Hamamoto Shohei , Mita Hajime , Shimakura Kuniyoshi
Published: January 2008

Background: Tropomyosin and arginine kinase have been identified as crustacean allergens. During purification of arginine kinase from black tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon, we found a new allergen of 20-kDa. Methods: A 20-kDa allergen was purified from the abdominal muscle of black tiger shrimp by salting-out, anion-exchange HPLC and reverse-phase HPLC. Following digestion of the 20-kDa allergen with lysyl endopeptidase, peptide fragments were isolated by reverse-phase HPLC, and 2 of them were sequenced. The 20-kDa allergen, together with tropomyosin and arginine kinase purified from black tiger shrimp, was evaluated for IgE reactivity by ELISA. Five species of crustaceans (kuruma shrimp, American lobster, pink shrimp, king crab and snow crab) were surveyed for the 20-kDa allergen by immunoblotting. Results: The 20-kDa allergen was purified from black tiger shrimp and identified as a sarcoplasmic calcium-binding protein (SCP) based on the determined amino acid sequences of 2 enzymatic fragments. Of 16 sera from crustacean-allergic patients, 8 and 13 reacted to SCP and tropomyosin, respectively; the reactivity to arginine kinase was weakly recognized with 10 sera. In immunoblotting, an IgE-reactive 20-kDa protein was also detected in kuruma shrimp, American lobster and pink shrimp but not in 2 species of crab. Preadsorption of the sera with black tiger shrimp SCP abolished the IgE reactivity of the 20-kDa protein, suggesting the 20-kDa protein to be an SCP. Conclusions: SCP is a new crustacean allergen, and distribution of IgE-reactive SCP is probably limited to shrimp and crayfish.
Single Cell Assessment of Allergen-Specific T Cell Responses with MHC Class II Peptide Tetramers: Methodological Aspects
Authors: Wambre Erik , Van Overtvelt Laurence , Maillère Bernard , Humphreys Robert , von Hofe Eric , Ferhat Lydia , Ebo Didier , Moingeon Philippe
Published: January 2008

Background: We report herein critical methodological principles for assessing, at a single cell level, allergen-specific T cell responses using MHC class II peptide tetramers. Methods: We developed MHC class II peptide tetramers to monitor T cell responses against the immunodominant Bet v 1141–155 peptide in individuals with either an HLA-DRB1*0101, DRB1*0401 or DRB1*1501 background. In vitro stimulation was performed with serially truncated versions of the Bet v 1141–155 epitope chemically conjugated to the Ii-Key peptide. Results: Identification of Bet v 1141–155 as a high-affinity epitope for multiple HLA-DRB1 allotypes led to the development of corresponding tetramers detecting Bet v 1141–155-specific T cells with a high specificity and sensitivity. Stimulation with Bet v 1141–155 Ii-Key conjugate peptides is the most efficient procedure to expand Bet v 1141–155-specific CD4+ T cells, allowing to detect such cells in both allergic and healthy individuals. MHC class II Bet v 1141–155 tetramer-positive T cells produce IFN-γ and IL-10 in healthy individuals, and IL-5 in allergic patients. Frequencies of Bet v 1-specific CD4+ T cells circulating in the blood of allergic or nonallergic individuals range from approximately 10–5 to 10–3 CD4+ T cells, outside or within the pollen season, respectively. Conclusions: MHC class II peptide tetramers are valuable tools to assess allergen-specific T cell responses, both qualitatively and quantitatively. Selection of a high-affinity T cell epitope, as well as optimization of in vitro stimulation conditions to expand rare T cell progenitors are critical success factors in those analyses.
Immunogold Electron Microscopic Localization of the 2 EF-Hand Calcium-Binding Pollen Allergen Phl p 7 and its Homologues in Pollens of Grasses, Weeds and Trees
Authors: Grote Monika , Westritschnig Kerstin , Valenta Rudolf
Published: January 2008

Background: The 2 EF-hand calcium-binding allergen from timothy grass pollen, Phl p 7, contains the majority of relevant IgE epitopes among calcium-binding allergens occurring in pollen species of different plants. Objective: To describe the ultrastructural localization of Phl p 7 allergen in timothy grass pollen and its homologues in a broad spectrum of allergologically relevant pollens from grasses (timothy grass, rye grass), trees (birch, alder, olive) and weeds (mugwort, ribwort, ragweed) commonly growing in Europe. Materials and Methods: Mature pollens from 8 different plant species were collected and anhydrously prepared for transmission electron microscopy. In ultrathin sections, allergens were localized using an antibody prepared against a Phl p 7-derived peptide comprising the C-terminal half of the Phl p 7 wild-type molecule in combination with a secondary antibody coupled to 10-nm colloidal gold particles. Results: Phl p 7 and Phl p 7 homologues were detected in pollen from each of the 8 pollen species investigated. The allergens were found in the cytoplasm of the pollen grains (cytoplasmic matrix, mitochondria, nuclei) and in the pollen wall (preferably the exine). Reserve materials were unlabeled. Conclusions: The 2 EF-hand calcium-binding allergen Phl p 7 from timothy grass and its homologues can be localized in all pollen species under investigation. This finding confirms that Phl p 7 is a marker allergen for sensitization of patients to a novel family of 2 EF-hand calcium-binding pollen allergens occurring in a number of important allergenic plants in Europe.
Interleukin-4 and Interleukin-13 Enhance Human Bronchial Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation
Authors: Bossé Ynuk , Thompson Charles , Audette Karine , Stankova Jana , Rola-Pleszczynski Marek
Published: January 2008

Background: TH2 inflammation and bronchial smooth muscle cell (BSMC) hyperplasia are characteristic features of asthma, but whether these phenomena are linked remains unknown. This study aims to define the effect of the TH2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 on human BSMC proliferation when administered alone or in combination with the fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) growth factor. In addition, the effects of the proinflammatory mediators TNFα and IL-1β and the involvement of members of the well-known family of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) mitogens were tested. Methods: BSMC proliferation was measured by crystal violet staining and PDGF and PDGF receptor (PDGFR) expression were determined by RT-PCR, immunocytochemistry, ELISA, flow cytometry and dot plot analysis. Results: Neither IL-4 nor IL-13 alone induced BSMC proliferation, despite both being potent inducers of PDGF-CC. However, following a pretreatment with FGF2, which increased PDGFR α chain expression, both IL-4 and IL-13 increased FGF2-induced BSMC proliferation in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. TNFα and IL-1β did not affect basal or FGF2-induced BSMC proliferation, but both proinflammatory mediators enhanced the proliferative synergism between FGF2 and the TH2 cytokines. Conclusions: IL-4 and IL-13 potently induce FGF2-primed BSMC proliferation via an autocrine loop involving PDGFRα and PDGF-CC, and this proliferative synergism is amplified by proinflammatory cytokines.
Cytokine Production from Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Mite Allergen-Sensitized Atopic Adults Stimulated with Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Mite Allergen
Authors: Hirose Hiroko , Matsuse Hiroto , Tsuchida Tomoko , Fukahori Susumu , Fukushima Chizu , Mizuta Yohei , Kohno Shigeru
Published: January 2008

Background: The interaction between viral respiratory tract infection and allergen sensitization in allergic asthma is unclear. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has attracted attention as an important lower respiratory pathogen during childhood, while recent evidence indicates that RSV is also an important lower respiratory pathogen for adults. Immunity against RSV differs between children and adults. Several reports suggest that RSV infection in children results in a Th2-skewed immune response. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of RSV infection in adults who had previously been sensitized with a common aeroallergen. Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from 9 mite-sensitized atopic subjects and 11 healthy nonatopic subjects were exposed to live or UV-inactivated RSV concomitant to incubation with or without mite allergen, and the subsequent production of cytokines – interleukin (IL)-5, interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-10 and IL-12p70 – was measured. Results: Mite allergen significantly increased IL-5 production in atopic PBMCs. RSV infection significantly increased IFN-γ production from healthy and atopic PBMCs; the levels of IFN-γ were significantly higher for atopic PBMCs. Live RSV infection significantly attenuated IL-5 production from mite allergen-stimulated atopic PBMCs. UV-inactivated RSV, but not live RSV, significantly enhanced allergen-specific IL-10 production in atopic PBMCs. IL-12 could not be detected in the present study. Conclusion: The present findings suggest that RSV infection did not simply enhance allergen-specific Th2-like response in atopic adults. Live RSV-induced IFN-γ and RSV protein-induced IL-10 appear to play important roles in the regulation of allergic airway inflammation in atopic adults.
Reintroduction of Cow’s Milk in Milk-Allergic Children: Safety and Risk Factors
Authors: Vassilopoulou Emilia , Konstantinou George , Kassimos Dimitrios , Douladiris Nikolaos , Xepapadaki Paraskevi , Manoussakis Emmanuel , Saxoni-Papageorgiou Photini , Papadopoulos Nikolaos G.
Published: January 2008

Background: Although development of clinical tolerance is the rule in allergy to cow’s milk (CM), food challenges are required in order to reintroduce CM into the patient’s diet. Less ‘invasive’ procedures able to predict tolerance would be useful as clinical tools. The purpose of this study was to identify potential risk factors for clinical reactivity in CM-allergic children assessed for CM reintroduction. Methods: One hundred and sixteen open challenges performed in children 10–47 months old with IgE-mediated allergy to CM, in order to reintroduce CM into the diet, were retrospectively evaluated. Specific IgE (sIgE) levels assessed by the CAP System FEIA and skin prick tests (SPT) were obtained at diagnosis and prechallenge. Demographic parameters and measures of sIgE were evaluated as potential predictors of a positive challenge in univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. Results: Twenty-four out of 116 challenges were positive, 9 of which required the use of adrenaline. In order of performance, prechallenge sIgE <3.94 kU/l, the combination of SPT and sIgE or an SPT wheal <4 mm could correctly predict a negative challenge outcome, whereas values of SPT >7.5 mm or sIgE >25.4 kU/l, or their combination, had a high positive predictive value. The presence of atopic dermatitis did not affect the predictive accuracy of these values. Conclusions: Milk sIgE level prechallenge is a useful predictor of challenge outcome in patients with milk allergy. SPT do not offer an additional predictive value, but can be used when sIgE is not available.
Fatal Anaphylactic Sting Reaction in a Patient with Mastocytosis
Authors: Wagner N. , Fritze D. , Przybilla B. , Hagedorn M. , Ruëff F.
Published: January 2008

We report on a 33-year-old female patient with indolent systemic mastocytosis and urticaria pigmentosa who died of an anaphylactic reaction after a yellow jacket sting. As she had no history of previous anaphylactic sting reaction, there was no testing performed in order to detect hymenoptera venom sensitization. But even if a sensitization had been diagnosed, no venom immunotherapy (VIT) would have been recommended. It is almost certain that VIT would have saved her life and it is most likely that VIT is indicated in some patients with mastocytosis with no history of anaphylactic sting reaction. However, no criteria have been established in order to allow a selection of mastocytosis patients eligible for such a ‘prophylactic’ VIT.
Acquired Angioedema Associated with Primary Antiphospholipid Syndrome in a Patient with Antithrombin III Deficiency
Authors: Széplaki Gábor , Varga Lilian , Szépvölgyi Anikó , Simon Kornél , Blaskó Bernadett , Nagy Eszter , Karádi István , Füst George , Farkas Henriette
Published: January 2008

Acquired angioedema (AAE) due to the functional deficiency of the C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) is a rare disease characterized by recurrent bouts of edema that involve subcutaneous tissues, the larynx or the gastrointestinal tract. In the present paper, we report the case of a male patient with symptoms of AAE and recurrent deep venous and arterial thrombosis. As a trigger of AAE in the present patient, we revealed primary antiphospholipid syndrome accompanied by antithrombin III deficiency, along with malignancy in the history, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor therapy. Although anti-C1-INH titers (type I AAE) were normal initially, we observed a sharp increase in anti-C1-INH titers (suggestive of type II AAE) during follow-up. It seems that thrombosis might worsen angioedematous attacks in functional C1-INH deficiency. Thrombophilia should be considered a provoking factor of AAE and should be carefully sought for in these patients, as the key to successful management of AAE is the effective treatment of the underlying disease.
Anaphylaxis to Polyvinylpyrrolidone in Povidone-Iodine for Impetigo Contagiosum in a Boy with Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Yoshida Koichi , Sakurai Yoshihiko , Kawahara Shingo , Takeda Tomohiro , Ishikawa Tomoaki , Murakami Tomohiko , Yoshioka Akira
Published: January 2008

Background: Povidone-iodine (PVP-I) is widely used in antiseptic agents. Immediate allergic reaction to PVP-I preparations is very rare and often overlooked, as it is difficult to diagnose. Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is thought to play a role in the underlying mechanism. We examined the usefulness of the histamine release test (HRT) for definite diagnosis of PVP allergy. Method: A 9-year-old boy with eosinophilia (1,500/µl) and elevated total IgE (1,376 IU/ml) was suspected clinically of having a PVP allergy, as he had anaphylaxis twice when he was administered a PVP-I solution for impetigo contagiosum. Skin prick tests (SPTs) were performed with a PVP-I solution, PVP (K30), gentamicin sulfate and 2 other medicines containing PVP. HRT was assessed using peripheral blood basophils. Results: SPTs to PVP-I solution, PVP-K30 and other medicines were all negative. Histamine release was observed on stimulation by PVP in the presence of autologous serum, although it was not observed in the absence of autologous serum. Conclusions: This observation was in line with the clinical findings that anaphylaxis had not developed despite the long use of PVP-I solution, but developed only when he received PVP-I solution treatment where basophils could contact PVP-I in the presence of serum, which was probably due to a broken skin and vessel condition. Furthermore, our results suggest the usefulness of HRT in the diagnosis of PVP allergy, and the possibility that negative SPT does not entirely rule out PVP allergy.
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Nucleotide Excision Repair Genes XPA, XPD, XPG and ERCC1 in Advanced Colorectal Cancer Patients Treated with First-Line Oxaliplatin/Fluoropyrimidine
Authors: Monzo Mariano , Moreno Isabel , Navarro Alfons , Ibeas Rafael , Artells Rosa , Gel Bernat , Martinez Francisco , Moreno Jose , Hernandez Raquel , Navarro-Vigo Marta
Published: January 2008

Background/Aims: Oxaliplatin damages the DNA, leading to apoptosis. XPA, XPD, ERCC1 and XPG genes are involved in DNA repair, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in these genes can influence the efficacy of oxaliplatin. We examined SNPs in these genes and correlated the results with time to progression (TTP), overall survival and response to oxaliplatin in 42 advanced colorectal cancer patients (CRC) treated with first-line oxaliplatin/fluoropyrimidine. Methods: DNA was obtained from peripheral blood cells, and the allelic discrimination assay was used to analyze the XPA 5′UTR T/C, XPD Lys751Gln, ERCC1 Lys259Thr and XPG, C/T. Results: Patients with XPG C/C genotype had a longer survival (p = 0.001) and TTP (p = 0.009) than patients with XPG C/T or T/T genotypes, and patients with both XPG C/C and XPA T/C or C/C genotypes had a longer survival (p = 0.0001) and TTP (p = 0.0001) than patients with other genotypes. XPG (CC) combined with XPA (TC/CC) genotypes showed an independent role for TTP (relative risk, RR = 6.38; p = 0.0001) and survival (RR = 34; p = 0.0005). Conclusion: Polymorphism in XPG combined with XPA may be an important prognosticator of clinical outcome following oxaliplatin/ fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy. Further studies in larger patient cohorts are warranted to confirm their role in CRC.
Why Is There Significant Overlap in Volume Status between Hypertensive and Normotensive Patients on Dialysis?
Authors: Cheng Li-Tao , Tian Jun-Ping , Tang Li-Jun , Chen Hui-Min , Gu Yue , Du Feng-He , Wang Tao
Published: January 2008

Background/Aim: Volume overload is believed to play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of hypertension in dialysis patients. Although the extracellular water (ECW) content in hypertensive dialysis patients was significantly higher than in normotensive dialysis patients on the whole, there was considerable overlap in ECW between the two groups. Little is known about the hemodynamic characteristics in subgroups of patients with normotension but a high volume (HV) status or with hypertension but a normal volume (NV) status. We investigate the overlap in ECW between controlled and uncontrolled hypertension in dialysis patients. Methods: Fifty-two patients (mean age 62 years, 26 males and 26 females) on peritoneal dialysis were enrolled into this study. The ECW was assessed by bioimpedance analysis and normalized by individual height in meters (NECW). The mean value of NECW in both sexes was arbitrarily set to define NV status (lower than mean value) or HV status (higher than mean value). All patients were thus divided into four subgroups: controlled hypertension with NV (CHT-NV), controlled hypertension with HV (CHT-HV), uncontrolled hypertension with NV (UHT-NV) and uncontrolled hypertension with HV (UHT-HV). The stroke volume, cardiac output and total peripheral resistance were echocardiographically measured and their respective indices were calculated. Results: There were 12 (23%), 8 (15%), 14 (27%) and 18 (35%) patients in the CHT-NV, CHT-HV, UHT-NV and UHT-HV subgroups, respectively. The four subgroups were matched for sex, diabetes and age. The NECW in the CHT-HV group was higher than that in CHT-NV and UHT-NV groups (p < 0.01), but was comparable with that in the UHT-HV group. The stroke volume and cardiac output indices in the CHT-HV group were not significantly different from those in the CHT-NV and UHT-NV groups. The total peripheral resistance index in the CHT-HV group was lower than that in UHT-NV and CHT-NV groups (p < 0.05), but was comparable to that in the UHT-HV group. There was no difference in heart rate among the four groups. Conclusions: The overlap in ECW between controlled hypertension and uncontrolled hypertension in dialysis patients was related to a significant difference in total peripheral resistance index, but not to significant differences in stroke volume and cardiac output indices. The CHT-HV patients were characterized by lower total peripheral resistance indices.
Valproic Acid and CEBPα-Mediated Regulation of Adipokine Gene Expression in Hypothalamic Neurons and 3T3-L1 Adipocytes
Authors: Brown Russell , Imran Syed A. , Ur Ehud , Wilkinson Michael
Published: January 2008

Background/Aims: Valproic acid (VPA) is the drug of choice for treating epilepsy, but has the unwanted effects of inducing weight gain and increasing the risk of developing insulin resistance. The mechanism through which these side effects occur is unknown. VPA inhibits histone deacetylase (HDAC), but also decreases the transcriptional activity of CCAAT enhancer binding protein α (CEBPα). Given the possible association between VPA, CEBPα and adipokine gene regulation, we hypothesized that they would alter the expression of resistin (rstn), fasting-induced adipose factor (fiaf) and suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (socs-3), genes implicated in the development of leptin and insulin resistance. Methods: We investigated the effects of VPA (1 mM; 24 or 48 h) on gene expression using real-time RT-PCR in 3 distinct models: N-1 hypothalamic neurons, 3T3-L1 adipocytes and male CD-1 mice. Subsequently, cells were treated with 5 nM of the more specific HDAC inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA). CEBPα expression was also modified in N-1 neurons using either RNA interference (RNAi) or an overexpression vector to evaluate its effects on target gene expression. Results: In N-1 neurons, VPA induced significant increases in CEBPα and socs-3, but inhibited rstn and fiaf gene expression. In contrast, TSA induced rstn and socs-3, but inhibited fiaf. VPA also induced the expression of CEBPαin 3T3-L1 adipocytes, but had no effect on other target genes, and TSA suppressed fiaf and socs-3.Subsequently, CEBPα was overexpressed (24 h) or silenced using RNAi (24 and 48 h) in N-1 neurons. The silencing of CEBPα led to significant decreases in rstn mRNA, but increased fiaf and socs-3 expression, whereas its overexpression had the opposite effect. When male CD-1 mice were treated with either a single (100 mg/kg; 24 h), or multiple (200 mg/kg; 72 h) daily injections of VPA, no changes in body weight or gene expression were detected in either hypothalamic or adipose tissues. Conclusions: In summary, these experiments reveal a potentially important role for CEBPα in the regulation of hypothalamic gene expression in N-1 neurons and suggest that it might modulate central energy metabolism. Although VPA also modified hypothalamic gene expression in vitro, it remains to be determined whether it has similar effects in vivo.
Therapeutic Angiogenesis Using Tissue Engineered Human Smooth Muscle Cell Sheets
Authors: Hobo Kyoko , Shimizu Tatsuya , Sekine Hidekazu , Shin’oka Toshiharu , Okano Teruo , Kurosawa Hiromi
Published: January 2008

Objective—

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) can have severe consequences on patient mortality and morbidity. In contrast to approaches using growth factor administration or isolated cell transplantation, we attempted to develop an alternative method for ischemic therapy using the transplantation of tissue engineered cell sheets with angiogenic potential.

Methods and Results—

Human smooth muscle cell (SMC) and fibroblast cell (FbC) sheets were harvested from temperature-responsive culture dishes and transplanted into ischemic hind limbs of athymic rats. ELISA showed significantly increased in vitro secretion of angiogenic factors by SMCs in comparison to FbCs. Twenty-one days after transplantation, laser doppler analysis demonstrated significantly increased blood perfusion in the SMC group. Perfusion with Indian ink and immunohistochemistry also revealed significantly greater numbers of functional capillaries in the SMC group. Finally, cell tracing experiments revealed that some SMCs from the transplanted cell sheets migrated into the ischemic tissues, contributing to newly formed vessels.

Conclusions—

SMC sheet transplantation allows for controlled and localized delivery of cells that possess angiogenic potential directly to ischemic tissues. Through the secretion of angiogenic factors, as well as cell migration and integration with newly formed vessels, SMC sheet transplantation provides an effective method for the revascularization of ischemic tissues.