bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combinations of Maternal KIR and Fetal HLA-C Genes Influence the Risk of Preeclampsia and Reproductive Success
Authors: Hiby Susan E. , Walker James J. , O'Shaughnessy Kevin M. , Redman Christopher W.G. , Carrington Mary , Trowsdale John , Moffett Ashley
Published: October 2004

Preeclampsia is a serious complication of pregnancy in which the fetus receives an inadequate supply of blood due to failure of trophoblast invasion. There is evidence that the condition has an immunological basis. The only known polymorphic histocompatibility antigens on the fetal trophoblast are HLA-C molecules. We tested the idea that recognition of these molecules by killer immunoglobulin receptors (KIRs) on maternal decidual NK cells is a key factor in the development of preeclampsia. Striking differences were observed when these polymorphic ligand: receptor pairs were considered in combination. Mothers lacking most or all activating KIR (AA genotype) when the fetus possessed HLA-C belonging to the HLA-C2 group were at a greatly increased risk of preeclampsia. This was true even if the mother herself also had HLA-C2, indicating that neither nonself nor missing-self discrimination was operative. Thus, this interaction between maternal KIR and trophoblast appears not to have an immune function, but instead plays a physiological role related to placental development. Different human populations have a reciprocal relationship between AA frequency and HLA-C2 frequency, suggesting selection against this combination. In light of our findings, reproductive success may have been a factor in the evolution and maintenance of human HLA-C and KIR polymorphisms.
Intracellular Ca2+ Regulates the Phosphorylation and the Dephosphorylation of Ciliary Proteins Via the NO Pathway
Authors: Gertsberg Irena , Hellman Vardit , Fainshtein Michal , Weil Simy , Silberberg Shai D. , Danilenko Michael , Priel Zvi
Published: October 2004

The phosphorylation profile of ciliary proteins under basal conditions and after stimulation by extracellular ATP was investigated in intact tissue and in isolated cilia from porcine airway epithelium using anti-phosphoserine and anti-phosphothreonine specific antibodies. In intact tissue, several polypeptides were serine phosphorylated in the absence of any treatment (control conditions). After stimulation by extracellular ATP, changes in the phosphorylation pattern were detected on seven ciliary polypeptides. Serine phosphorylation was enhanced for three polypeptides (27, 37, and 44 kD), while serine phosphorylation was reduced for four polypeptides (35, 69, 100, and 130 kD). Raising intracellular Ca2+ with ionomycin induced identical changes in the protein phosphorylation profile. Inhibition of the NO pathway by inhibiting either NO syntase (NOS), guanylyl cyclase (GC), or cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) abolished the changes in phosphorylation induced by ATP. The presence of PKG within the axoneme was demonstrated using a specific antibody. In addition, in isolated permeabilized cilia, submicromolar concentrations of cGMP induced protein phosphorylation. Taken together, these results suggest that the axoneme is an integral part of the intracellular NO pathway. The surprising observation that ciliary activation is accompanied by sustained dephosphorylation of ciliary proteins via NO pathway was not detected in isolated cilia, suggesting that the protein phosphatases were either lost or deactivated during the isolation procedure. This work reveals that any pharmacological manipulation that abolished phosphorylation and dephosphorylation also abolished the enhancement of ciliary beating. Thus, part or all of the phosphorylated polypeptides are likely directly involved in axonemal regulation of ciliary beating.
Voltage-dependent Anion Channel-1 (VDAC-1) Contributes to ATP Release and Cell Volume Regulation in Murine Cells
Authors: Okada Seiko F. , O'Neal Wanda K. , Huang Pingbo , Nicholas Robert A. , Ostrowski Lawrence E. , Craigen William J. , Lazarowski Eduardo R. , Boucher Richard C.
Published: October 2004

Extracellular ATP regulates several elements of the mucus clearance process important for pulmonary host defense. However, the mechanisms mediating ATP release onto airway surfaces remain unknown. Mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion channels (mt-VDACs) translocate a variety of metabolites, including ATP and ADP, across the mitochondrial outer membrane, and a plasmalemmal splice variant (pl-VDAC-1) has been proposed to mediate ATP translocation across the plasma membrane. We tested the involvement of VDAC-1 in ATP release in a series of studies in murine cells. First, the full-length coding sequence was cloned from a mouse airway epithelial cell line (MTE7b−) and transfected into NIH 3T3 cells, and pl-VDAC-1-transfected cells exhibited higher rates of ATP release in response to medium change compared with mock-transfected cells. Second, ATP release was compared in cells isolated from VDAC-1 knockout [VDAC-1 (−/−)] and wild-type (WT) mice. Fibroblasts from VDAC-1 (−/−) mice released less ATP than WT mice in response to a medium change. Well-differentiated cultures from nasal and tracheal epithelia of VDAC-1 (−/−) mice exhibited less ATP release in response to luminal hypotonic challenge than WT mice. Confocal microscopy studies revealed that cell volume acutely increased in airway epithelia from both VDAC-1 (−/−) and WT mice after luminal hypotonic challenge, but VDAC-1 (−/−) cells exhibited a slower regulatory volume decrease (RVD) than WT cells. Addition of ATP or apyrase to the luminal surface of VDAC-1 (−/−) or WT cultures with hypotonic challenge produced similar initial cell height responses and RVD kinetics in both cell types, suggesting that involvement of VDAC-1 in RVD is through ATP release. Taken together, these studies suggest that VDAC-1, directly or indirectly, contributes to ATP release from murine cells. However, the observation that VDAC-1 knockout cells released a significant amount of ATP suggests that other molecules also play a role in this function.
Molecular Basis of Inward Rectification
Authors: Kurata Harley T. , Phillips L. Revell , Rose Thierry , Loussouarn Gildas , Herlitze Stefan , Fritzenschaft Hariolf , Enkvetchakul Decha , Nichols Colin G. , Baukrowitz Thomas
Published: October 2004

Polyamines cause inward rectification of (Kir) K+ channels, but the mechanism is controversial. We employed scanning mutagenesis of Kir6.2, and a structural series of blocking diamines, to combinatorially examine the role of both channel and blocker charges. We find that introduced glutamates at any pore-facing residue in the inner cavity, up to and including the entrance to the selectivity filter, can confer strong rectification. As these negative charges are moved higher (toward the selectivity filter), or lower (toward the cytoplasm), they preferentially enhance the potency of block by shorter, or longer, diamines, respectively. MTSEA+ modification of engineered cysteines in the inner cavity reduces rectification, but modification below the inner cavity slows spermine entry and exit, without changing steady-state rectification. The data provide a coherent explanation of classical strong rectification as the result of polyamine block in the inner cavity and selectivity filter.
Environmental causes for plant biodiversity gradients
Authors: Davies T. Jonathan , Barraclough Timothy G. , Savolainen Vincent , Chase Mark W.
Published: October 2004

One of the most pervasive patterns observed in biodiversity studies is the tendency for species richness to decline towards the poles. One possible explanation is that high levels of environmental energy promote higher species richness nearer the equator. Energy input may set a limit to the number of species that can coexist in an area or alternatively may influence evolutionary rates. Within flowering plants (angiosperms), families exposed to a high energy load tend to be both more species rich and possess faster evolutionary rates, although there is no evidence that one drives the other. Specific environmental effects are likely to vary among lineages, reflecting the interaction between biological traits and environmental conditions in which they are found. One example of this is demonstrated by the high species richness of the iris family (Iridaceae) in the Cape of South Africa, a likely product of biological traits associated with reproductive isolation and the steep ecological and climatic gradients of the region. Within any set of conditions some lineages will tend to be favoured over others; however, the identity of these lineages will fluctuate with a changing environment, explaining the highly labile nature of diversification rates observed among major lineages of flowering plants.
Evolution of the species–rich Cape flora
Authors: Linder H. P. , Hardy C. R.
Published: October 2004

The Cape Floristic Region (‘fynbos biome’) has very high levels of plant species diversity and endemism. Much of this diversity is concentrated in a relatively small number of clades centered in the region (Cape clades), and these form a vegetation called ‘fynbos’. The general explanation for the origin of this diversity is that much of it evolved in the Pliocene and Late Miocene in response to progressive aridification. We present a phylogenetic analysis of an almost complete species sample of the largest clade of Restionaceae, the third largest Cape clade. This indicates that the radiation of the Restionaceae started between 20 and 42 Myr ago, and since then there were no, or at most gradual, changes in the speciation rate in this clade. For seven other clades, the estimated starting dates for their radiation ranges from 7 to 20 Myr ago. Combining the radiation patterns for these clades shows thatca. 15% of the modern species evolved during the Pleistocene, and almost 40% since the beginning of the Pliocene. We suggest that these clades might have radiated in response to the fynbos vegetation increasing its extent in the Cape as a result of climatic change.
Interspecific competition among urban cockroach species
Authors: Boyer Stéphane , Rivault Colette
Published: October 2004

The aim of this study was to quantify and to compare the effects of intraspecific and interspecific competition among pairs of urban cockroaches [Blatta orientalisL.,Periplaneta americana(L.), andPeriplaneta australasiaeFabricius (Dictyoptera: Blattodea)] in relation to the limitation of resources such as shelter or food. Our approach was to assess whether the presence of one species affected the resource exploitation of another. A reduction in access to shelters or to food for one species revealed dominant/subordination relationships among species and induced spatial segregation in shelters and temporal segregation during food exploitation. The fragmentation of available resources facilitated spatial segregation and the access of more individuals of the subordinate species. Individuals of each species were aware of the presence of non‐conspecifics. The outcome of interspecific competition under laboratory conditions should help us to understand how segregated spatial distributions occur under natural conditions in urban areas.
Response of alate aphids to green targets on coloured backgrounds
Authors: Döring T.F. , Kirchner S.M. , Kühne S. , Saucke H.
Published: October 2004

To study the effect of background colour on aphid landing on green targets (water pan traps), two field experiments were set up in Hessen, Germany, in 2003. Traps were put onto coloured plastic sheets (13 colours, straw mulch, transparent foil, and uncovered soil, Experiment 1). In Experiment 2, green water pans were again put on coloured plastic sheets (red, white, green, and yellow), and the sheets were either sprayed with insect glue or not. Backgrounds and traps were spectrally characterised with a field radiometer (320–950 nm). Aphid catches were highest in the traps on the uncovered background, and lowest in the traps on white or silver backgrounds. For Brevicoryne brassicae, Myzus persicae (Homoptera: Aphididae, Macrosiphini) and five further aphid species, there was a significant negative correlation between UV‐reflectance (320–400 nm) and log(N + 1)‐transformed number of individuals. However, the effect of straw mulch (reduced aphid catches with straw compared to the uncovered background), could not be attributed to differences in UV‐reflectance, as UV was almost identical in soil and straw. High numbers of alate aphids were caught in traps with dark backgrounds (e.g. black, dark green), a result which was attributed to the high contrast between the background and target. The substantially higher aphid numbers from targets with bare soil than from targets with spectrally similar black backgrounds were thought to be caused by the structure of the background surface: for alate aphids, landing close to the target on smooth surfaces may induce probing, and the lack of appropriate substrate will result in take‐off, whereas soil will not induce probing, and aphids will continue to move towards the green targets.
Are Gay and Lesbian cohabiting couples really different from heterosexual married couples?
Authors: Kurdek Lawrence A.
Published: October 2004

Both partners from gay and lesbian cohabiting couples without children were compared longitudinally with both partners from heterosexual married couples with children (N at first assessment = 80, 53, and 80 couples, respectively) on variables from 5 domains indicative of relationship health. For 50% of the comparisons, gay and lesbian partners did not differ from heterosexual partners. Seventy‐eight percent of the comparisons on which differences were found indicated that gay or lesbian partners functioned better than heterosexual partners did. Because the variables that predicted concurrent relationship quality and relationship stability for heterosexual parents also did so for gay and lesbian partners, I conclude that the processes that regulate relationship functioning generalize across gay, lesbian, and heterosexual couples.
The future of marriage and hispanics
Authors: Oropesa R. S. , Landale Nancy S.
Published: October 2004

At least two important demographic changes will occur in the United States in the future: the growth of the Hispanic population and the growth of the second and third generations among Hispanics. We argue that the expansion of the Hispanic population is unlikely to slow the retreat from marriage, despite the pronuptial cultural orientations of some groups of immigrants and their native‐born coethnics. On the contrary, the second‐ and third‐generation descendents of immigrants will join in the retreat from marriage as a result of their exposure to the cultural and economic environment of the United States, as well as changes in the countries from which their immigrant parents originate. Sources of uncertainty about this scenario are noted.
The changing importance of white women's economic prospects for assortative mating
Authors: Sweeney Megan M. , Cancian Maria
Published: October 2004

Given recent changes in the labor force participation and economic standing of women, we ask whether a woman's position in the labor market has become a more important determinant of her position in the marriage market. Unlike much prior research on trends over time in assortative mating, we take an individual‐level approach to the analysis and rely on improved measures of labor market position, such as measuring wives' wages before marriage and considering multiple indicators of husbands' longer term economic standing. Our analysis relies on data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Young Women (N = 759) and the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (N = 767). Our results are consistent with growth over time in the importance of women's earnings potential in determining their marriage prospects.
The desire to date and remarry among older widows and widowers
Authors: Carr Deborah
Published: October 2004

This study explores gender differences in older widowed persons' interest in dating and remarriage, and the implications of these desires for psychological adjustment to loss. Analyses are based on the Changing Lives of Older Couples study (N = 210). Men's interest in dating and remarriage is conditional upon the amount of social support received from friends. Six months after spousal loss, only those men with low or average levels of social support from friends are more likely than women to report interest in remarrying someday. Similar patterns emerge for interest in dating 18 months after loss. Persons who both want and have a romantic relationship report significantly fewer depressive symptoms 18 months after loss, yet this relationship is attributable to their greater socioeconomic resources.
Sesquiterpene lactone mix patch testing supplemented with dandelion extract in patients with allergic contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis and non‐allergic chronic inflammatory skin diseases
Authors: Jovanović M. , Poljački M. , Mimica‐Dukić N. , Boža P. , Vujanović Lj , Ðuran V. , Stojanović S.
Published: October 2004

We investigated the value of patch testing with dandelion (Compositae) extract in addition to sesquiterpene lactone (SL) mix in selected patients. After we detected a case of contact erythema multiforme after patch testing with dandelion and common chickweed (Caryophyllaceae), additional testing with common chickweed extract was performed. A total of 235 adults with a mean age of 52.3 years were tested. There were 66 men and 169 women: 53 consecutive patients with allergic contact dermatitis (ACD); 43 with atopic dermatitis (AD); 90 non‐atopics suffering from non‐allergic chronic inflammatory skin diseases; 49 healthy volunteers. All were tested with SL mix 0.1% petrolatum (pet.) and diethyl ether extracts from Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) 0.1 and 3.0% pet. and from Stellaria media (common chickweed) 0.1 and 3% pet. A total of 14 individuals (5.9%) showed allergic reaction (AR) to at least 1 of the plant allergens, 4 (28.6%) to common chickweed extract, and 11 (78.6%) to Compositae allergens. These 11 persons made the overall prevalence of 4.7%: 8 (3.4%) were SL‐positive and 3 (1.3%) reacted to dandelion extract. 5 persons (45.5%) had AD, 2 had ACD, 2 had psoriasis and 2 were healthy controls. The Compositae allergy was relevant in 8 cases (72.7%). The highest frequency of SL mix sensitivity (9.3%) was among those with AD. Half the SL mix‐sensitive individuals had AD. ARs to dandelion extract were obtained only among patients with eczema. A total of 9 irritant reactions (IRs) in 9 individuals (3.8%) were recorded, 8 to SL mix and 1 to common chickweed extract 3.0% pet. No IR was recorded to dandelion extract (P = 0.007). Among those with relevant Compositae allergy, 50.0% had AR to fragrance mix and balsam of Peru (Myroxylon pereirae resin) and colophonium. SLs were detected in dandelion but not in common chickweed. Our study confirmed the importance of 1 positive reaction for emerging, not fully established, Compositae allergy. In conclusion, the overall prevalence of 4.7% in our study represents a basal SL mix detection rate of 3.4% reinforced and safely supplemented by testing with the dandelion extract.
Patch test results with the metalworking fluid series of the German Contact Dermatitis Research Group (DKG)
Authors: Geier Johannes , Lessmann Holger , Dickel Heinrich , Frosch Peter J. , Koch Patrick , Becker Detlef , Jappe Uta , Aberer Werner , Schnuch Axel , Uter Wolfgang
Published: October 2004

Based on the information of the interdisciplinary task force on allergy diagnostics in the metal branch, in 2001, the German Contact Dermatitis Research Group (DKG) compiled two metalworking fluid (MWF) test series with currently and previously used components, respectively. After 2 years of patch testing, we present results obtained with these series, based on data of the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK). 251 metalworkers who were patch tested because of suspected MWF dermatitis in 2002 and 2003 were included in this retrospective data analysis. Of these, 206 were tested with the current MWF series and 155 with the historical MWF series. Among the current MWF allergens, monoethanolamine ranked 1st with 11.6% positive reactions. Diethanolamine (3.0%), triethanolamine (1.1%), and diglycolamine (1.9%) elicited positive reactions far less frequently. Allergic reactions to p‐aminoazobenzene were frequently observed (6.0%), but the relevance of these reactions is still obscure. Positive reactions to biocides ranged from 4.5% for Bioban® CS 1135 to 0.5% for iodopropynyl butylcarbamate and 2‐phenoxyethanol. Concomitant reactions to formaldehyde, which caused positive reactions in 3.3%, and formaldehyde releasers occurred to varying extents without conclusive pattern. No positive reactions were seen to dibutyl phthalate, di‐2‐ethylhexyl phthalate, tricresyl phosphate, isopropyl myristate or benzotriazole. With the historical MWF test series, positive reactions to methyldibromo glutaronitrile (MDBGN) were observed most frequently. However, sensitization via allergen sources other than MWF seems likely, as MDBGN, during the study period, has been one of the most frequent preservative allergens in cosmetics and body care products. Other historical MWF allergens comprised morpholinyl mercaptobenzothiazole (3.3%), benzisothiazolinone (BIT; 2.0%) and Bioban® P 1487(1.3%). BIT is currently used in MWF again, so it was shifted to the current MWF test series. As decreasing reaction frequencies to former MWF allergens that are no longer used can be expected, the historical series should be re‐evaluated after some years. The test series with current MWF allergens has to be kept up‐to‐date based on information from industry and to be kept concise by eliminating test substances which never cause positive reactions.
Characteristics of wet work in the cleaning industry
Authors: Jungbauer F. H. W. , Van Der Harst J. J. , Schuttelaar M. L. , Groothoff J. W. , Coenraads P. J.
Published: October 2004

Wet work is the main cause of occupational contact dermatitis in the cleaning industry. Dermatologists and occupational physicians need to base their primary and secondary prevention for workers in the cleaning industry on the characteristics of wet work exposures. We quantified the burden of wet work in professional office cleaning activities with a continuous standardized observation by trained observers of 41 office cleaners. Duration and frequency of wet work exposure and of different cleaning activities were assessed. Wet work made up 50% of such cleaning work. Within a typical 3‐hr shift, a mean frequency of 68 episodes of wet work was observed, which classifies office cleaning as wet work. Skin exposure to irritants was markedly different among cleaners who did the same cleaning activities. Reduction in skin irritation can be achieved by training the workers. Because this group of workers, who have a low level of education, has a high risk of developing irritant hand dermatitis, a special effort on training and instruction should be made. A reduction of exposure can be achieved by: using gloves more often; using gloves for a shorter period of time; using gloves while doing activities that otherwise cause the skin to be in contact with water and cleaning substances and washing hands with water only, reserving soap for when the hands are visibly dirty.
Auditor Detected Misstatements and the Effect of Information Technology
Authors: Messier William F. , Eilifsen Aasmund , Austen Lizabeth A.
Published: October 2004

This paper presents information on the causes and detection of misstatements by auditors and the relationship of those misstatements with information technology (IT). The last major study of misstatements and IT used data that were gathered in 1988. In the intervening period, there have been significant changes in IT, possibly altering the error generation and detection process. Two research questions related to detected misstatements and the effect of IT are examined. The six largest public accounting firms in Norway provided data from 58 engagements. We find that (1) the major causes of misstatements were missing, poorly designed, and improperly applied controls; inadequate methods used to select, train and supervise accounting personnel; and an excessive workload for accounting personnel, (2) missing and poorly designed controls, and excessive workload for accounting personnel were more likely to be causes of misstatements in computerized business processes than those that were not computerized, and (3) the increased use of tests of details over attention directing procedures on audits appears to result from auditors deciding that it is more effective or efficient to conduct such tests than rely upon IT controls. These findings have important implications for both audit practitioners and researchers.
Pegylated interferons: chemical and clinical differences
Authors: Foster G. R.
Published: October 2004

Pegylated interferon therapy for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus provides significant increases in sustained virological response rates compared with standard interferons. Two pegylated interferons are now available and are used in conjunction with ribavirin to maximize response rates in infected patients. The two pegylated interferons, peginterferonα‐2a and peginterferonα‐2b, differ substantially in terms of their chemical and structural characteristics, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, and dosing and administration. A full understanding of the differences between the two drugs is important to maximize the clinical benefits. Controlled studies designed to characterize the effects of the two drugs on viral kinetics and sustained virological response rates are emerging and may help to shed additional light on the use of these compounds in patients with chronic hepatitis C.
Non‐cardiac chest pain: predictors of health care seeking, the types of health care professional consulted, work absenteeism and interruption of daily activities
Authors: Eslick G. D. , Talley N. J.
Published: October 2004

Aims : To determine the predictors of health care seeking, assess the types of health care professional consulted and to calculate the work absenteeism rates and interruptions to daily activities among non‐cardiac chest pain patients.

Methods : A total of 212 patients who presented to a Tertiary Hospital Emergency Department over a 1‐year period with acute chest pain were assessed according to a standard diagnostic protocol and completed the Chest Pain Questionnaire (CPQ).

Results : In the previous 12 months prior to presentation to the Emergency Department, 78% of patients had seen a health care professional for chest pain. The main health care professionals seen were general practitioners (85%), cardiologists (74%) and gastroenterologists (30%). Work absenteeism rates because of non‐cardiac chest pain were high (29%) as were interruptions to daily activities (63%). Multiple logistic regression found that acid regurgitation was the only independent predictive symptom associated with consulting for non‐cardiac chest pain (OR = 3.97, 95% CI: 1.25–12.63).

Conclusions : Consulting for chest pain is common is this group of patients. The type of health care professional seen appears to be moderated by the frequency and severity of reflux symptoms among these chest pain patients. Work absenteeism and interruptions to daily activities is high among chest pain sufferers.
Treatment of Budd‐Chiari syndrome in a Liver Transplant Unit, the role of transjugular intrahepatic porto‐systemic shunt and liver transplantation
Authors: Attwell A. , Ludkowski M. , Nash R. , Kugelmas M.
Published: October 2004

Background : Budd‐Chiari syndrome is an uncommon cause of liver failure usually associated with an underlying hypercoagulable state.

Aim : To evaluate current trends in management of Budd‐Chiari syndrome at our institution.

Methods : Twenty‐two patients with Budd‐Chiari syndrome underwent transjugular intrahepatic porto‐systemic shunt, liver transplantation, or both in between 1992 and 2001. We analysed underlying diagnosis, medical therapy, complications, follow‐up and overall outcomes.

Results: Five patients (17%) presented with fulminant liver failure and 17 patients (83%) with new‐onset ascites or chronic liver disease. Seventeen patients (74%) underwent transjugular intrahepatic porto‐systemic shunt: improvement or stabilization occurred initially in 14 (82%), whereas the other three patients died within a month. At a mean 3 years follow‐up eight patients (47%) continued to do well clinically and four have died (23.5%); seven have required transjugular intrahepatic porto‐systemic shunt revisions (mean 2.3 interventions), five have experienced transjugular intrahepatic porto‐systemic shunt occlusion managed with new transjugular intrahepatic porto‐systemic shunt placement and five patients underwent subsequent transplantation. Of the 10 patients who underwent liver transplantation, patient and graft survival are 80% at a mean 5.7 years of follow‐up. No patient developed post‐transplant Budd‐Chiari syndrome.

Conclusions : Transjugular intrahepatic porto‐systemic shunt is usually feasible in patients with Budd‐Chiari syndrome, and is best suited as a bridge to more timely liver transplantation. Long‐term success of transjugular intrahepatic porto‐systemic shunt is limited and usually requires revision, placement of a new shunt or liver transplantation. Liver transplantation with chronic anticoagulation offers excellent short‐ and medium‐term patient and graft survival. In our series, there was no recurrence of Budd‐Chiari syndrome after liver transplantation.
Increased incidence of azathioprine‐induced pancreatitis in Crohn's disease compared with other diseases
Authors: Weersma R. K. , Peters F. T. M. , Oostenbrug L. E. , van den Berg A. P. , van Haastert M. , Ploeg R. J. , Posthumus M. D. , Homan van der Heide J. J. , Jansen P. L. M. , van Dullemen H. M.
Published: October 2004

Background : Azathioprine is widely used in Crohn's disease. A major drawback is the occurrence of side‐effects, especially acute pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis is rarely seen when azathioprine is used for other diseases than Crohn's disease.

Aim : To survey side‐effects of azathioprine after liver or renal transplantation, for systemic lupus erythematosis, Wegener's granulomatosis, autoimmune hepatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.

Methods : A computerized search using the term ‘azathioprine’ or ‘imuran’ was performed on the Hospital Information System of the university hospital Groningen, resulting in 1564 patients matching our criteria.

Results : Eleven of 224 patients with Crohn's disease experienced acute pancreatitis (4.9%) compared with two of 129 (1.5%) with autoimmune hepatitis, two of 388 (0.5%) after renal transplantation, one of 254 (0.4%) after liver transplantation. Acute pancreatitis was more prevalent in Crohn's disease compared with any other disease. Azathioprine‐toxicity necessitating withdrawal occurred significantly (P < 0,05) more in rheumatoid arthritis(78 of 317), ulcerative colitis (20 of 94) and Crohn's disease (52 of 224) compared with systemic lupus erythematosis (five of 73), Wegener's granulomatosis (six of 85), autoimmune hepatitis (eight of 129), after liver transplantation (17 of 254) and after renal transplantation (22 of 388).

Conclusions : Acute pancreatitis is strongly associated with Crohn's disease and rarely occurs with other underlying conditions. Overall azathioprine‐induced toxicity and the necessity of withdrawal is more common in inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis compared with other diseases.
The effects of cryoanalgesia combined with thoracic epidural analgesia in patients undergoing thoracotomy
Authors: Yang M. K. , Cho C. H. , Kim Y. C.
Published: October 2004

This study was performed to evaluate the effects of cryoanalgesia combined with thoracic epidural analgesia on pain and respiratory complications in patients undergoing thoracotomy. Ninety patients were prospectively randomised to epidural analgesia alone (n = 45) or epidural analgesia and cryoanalgesia combined (n = 45). We monitored the use of rescue pain medication and changes in forced vital capacity and forced expired volume in 1 s, and recorded pain and opioid‐related side‐effects during the immediate postoperative period. The incidence of post‐thoracotomy pain and numbness were also assessed up to the sixth month after surgery. Cryoanalgesia combined with thoracic epidural analgesia was associated with earlier recovery in pulmonary function, less pain during movement and a lower daily requirement for rescue analgesia one week after surgery. However, the combination of cryoanalgesia and epidural analgesia failed to decrease the incidence of long‐term pain and numbness. In view of its associated long‐term morbidity, cryoanalgesia combined with thoracic epidural analgesia is not recommended for patients undergoing thoracotomy.
Effect of non‐selective, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 selective inhibitors on the PFA‐100 closure time
Authors: Blaicher A. M. , Landsteiner H. T. , Zwerina J. , Leitgeb U. , Volf I. , Hoerauf K.
Published: October 2004

The place of cyclo‐oxygenase (COX)‐2 selective non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the peri‐operative period remains under discussion. Due to the absence of COX‐2 in platelets, the risk of bleeding in patients who use selective NSAIDs is thought to be decreased. We studied the influence of aspirin, diclofenac, lornoxicam and rofecoxib on the in vitro bleeding time using the platelet function analyser (PFA‐100). The PFA‐100 simulates the process of platelet adhesion and aggregation after vascular injury in vitro. Measurements in 43 volunteers were performed at three time points: before, 3 h, and 12 h after oral ingestion of one of the randomly assigned study medications. Aspirin, diclofenac and lornoxicam had a significant effect on the in vitro closure time, while rofecoxib did not show this effect. This supports the use of COX‐2 selective drugs in the peri‐operative period to minimise the risk of bleeding.
A BIS‐guided study of sevoflurane requirements for adequate depth of anaesthesia in Caesarean section
Authors: Chin K. J. , Yeo S. W.
Published: October 2004

Caesarean section carries a high risk of awareness, especially in the period prior to neonatal delivery. We investigated the concentration of sevoflurane required to maintain bispectral index (BIS) < 60 until delivery occurred. We enrolled 23 parturients into an up–down sequential allocation study. The median effective end‐tidal concentration (EC50) of sevoflurane was defined as that which maintained BIS < 60 between skin incision and delivery in 50% of patients. This was calculated using Dixon and Massey's method. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to establish BIS response probability thresholds. The EC50 for sevoflurane was 1.22% (1.08–1.33, 95% CI). The probability of maintaining BIS < 60 was < 55% at a concentration of < 1.1%; this increased to 80% at concentrations of 1.2–1.3%. We conclude that sevoflurane concentrations of at least 1.2–1.3% should be administered in uncomplicated Caesarean section, so as to minimise the risk of awareness and recall.
A prospective audit of cost of sedation, analgesia and neuromuscular blockade in a large British ICU
Authors: Al‐Haddad M. , Hayward I. , Walsh T. S.
Published: October 2004

Bottom‐up costs of sedative, analgesic and neuromuscular blocking drugs used in the intensive care unit have not been reported. We performed a prospective audit of the cost of these drugs using a bottom‐up approach by prospectively recording the daily amount of drugs administered to patients over a 3‐month period. Of 172 admissions, complete data were collected for 155 (92%). Propofol and alfentanil were the drugs most commonly used, being administered to 136 (88%) and 106 (68%) patients, respectively. The total cost was £14 070, which was 81% of the pharmacy figure (based on central purchasing). Ninety‐four per cent of the cost was for drugs administered to the 50% of patients who stayed in the intensive care unit longer than 48 h. The median (interquartile range [range]) cost per day was £9.30 (3.60–20.10 [0–61.20]). This represents less than 1% of reported total daily cost of intensive care per patient.
Extensive in vitro cross‐reactivity to seed storage proteins is present among walnut (Juglans) cultivars and species
Authors: Comstock S. S. , McGranahan G. , Peterson W. R. , Teuber S. S.
Published: October 2004

Background
Tree nuts, including English walnuts (Juglans regia), are sources of food allergens often associated with life‐threatening allergic reactions. It is unknown if seed storage proteins from other Juglans species have IgE epitopes similar to those of the important English walnut allergens, Jug r 1 (2S albumin) and Jug r 2 (vicilin‐like).

Objective
To screen for potential germplasm sources of hypoallergenic seed storage proteins of relevance in walnut food allergy. We sought to identify English walnut cultivars (cvs) or other Juglans species that showed decreased IgE binding to major seed storage proteins or an inability to cross‐react with Jug r 1 or Jug r 2.

Methods
We determined if IgE in sera of patients who have had life‐threatening systemic reactions to English walnut bound protein extracts from all tested walnut cvs (57 cvs total) or species (six) by Western immunoblot. Further, we used immunoblot inhibition to determine the in vitro cross‐reactivity of Jug r 1 and Jug r 2, native and recombinant, with several walnut species.

Results
All walnut cvs and species contain allergenic proteins. Furthermore, as shown by in vitro immunoblot inhibition, the major walnut allergens in the species tested cross‐reacted with those in J. regia cv. Chandler and J. nigra cv. Thomas extracts.

Conclusions
Based on our findings, it is unlikely that a composite hypoallergenic walnut could be bred from available germplasm. In addition, patients with severe allergy to English walnut are likely to be clinically allergic to all commercial English walnut cvs and other closely related Juglans species.
Ovalbumin‐specific immunoglobulin G and subclass responses through the first 5 years of life in relation to duration of egg sensitization and the development of asthma
Authors: Vance G. H. S. , Thornton C. A. , Bryant T. N. , Warner J. A. , Warner J. O.
Published: October 2004

Background
Egg sensitization, particularly persistent sensitization, is a risk factor for later asthma. However, little is known about accompanying IgG and subclass responses and how they might relate to asthmatic outcome.

Objective
To characterize hen's egg ovalbumin (OVA) IgG and subclass responses through the first 5 years of life in relation to duration of egg sensitization and later asthma.

Subjects and methods
The subjects (n=46) formed part of a larger cohort, born to atopic parents, who had been evaluated prospectively for the development of asthma. Egg sensitization was classified as transient (positive egg skin prick test at 1 year only) or persistent (positive skin test for at least 2 years). Plasma OVA IgG, IgG1 and IgG4 concentrations at birth (cord), 6 months, 1 and 5 years of age were measured by ELISA.

Results
The kinetics of OVA IgG and IgG1 responses, but not IgG4, differed between egg sensitized and non‐egg sensitized (NES) children. Only persistently sensitized children had a rise in OVA IgG1 concentration through the first year of life, and at 1 year of age they had significantly higher OVA IgG and IgG1 than either transiently sensitized or NES children. High OVA IgG1 was associated with later asthma: at 1 year of age, OVA IgG1 greater than 14 500 U predicted asthma with a sensitivity 64% and specificity 74%.

Conclusion
OVA IgG and subclass responses relate to the duration of egg sensitization. Measurement of OVA IgG1 concentration in infancy might offer a useful adjunct to identify those at an increased risk of asthma.
Impacts of climate change on aeroallergens: past and future
Authors: Beggs P. J.
Published: October 2004

Summary Human activities are resulting in increases in atmospheric greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, and changes in global climate. These, in turn, are likely to have had, and will continue to have, impacts on human health. While such impacts have received increasing attention in recent years, the impacts of climate change on aeroallergens and related allergic diseases have been somewhat neglected. Despite this, a number of studies have revealed potential impacts of climate change on aeroallergens that may have enormous clinical and public health significance. The purpose of this review is to synthesize this work and to outline a number of research challenges in this area. There is now considerable evidence to suggest that climate change will have, and has already had, impacts on aeroallergens. These include impacts on pollen amount, pollen allergenicity, pollen season, plant and pollen distribution, and other plant attributes. There is also some evidence of impacts on other aeroallergens, such as mould spores. There are many research challenges along the road to a more complete understanding of the impacts of climate change on aeroallergens and allergic diseases such as asthma and hayfever. It is important that public health authorities and allergy practitioners be aware of these changes in the environment, and that research scientists embrace the challenges that face further work in this area.
T‐helper 2 cytokines attenuate senescent eosinophil activation by the CXCR4 ligand stromal‐derived factor‐1α (CXCL12)
Authors: Dulkys Y. , Buschermöhle T. , Escher S. E. , Kapp A. , Elsner J.
Published: October 2004

Background
Different chemokine receptors have been suggested to play a pivotal role in allergic diseases and therefore to be relevant for the activation of effector cells and propagation of the inflammatory response. The CXC chemokine receptor CXCR4 has recently been found on the surface of eosinophils implicating a role in allergic diseases.

Objective
The aim of this study was to investigate the functional expression of CXCR4 on senescent eosinophils. Moreover, we questioned whether the cytokine profile – T‐helper (Th)1 and Th2 cytokines – affect the activation of eosinophils via the CXCR4 that could be important for the different phases of the allergic reaction.

Methods
CXCR4 expression on human eosinophils was analysed by flow cytometry and RT‐PCR. Functional analyses of intracellular calcium fluxes, actin polymerization, release of reactive oxygen species and, chemotaxis were carried out using spectrofluorometry, flow cytometry, chemiluminescence and modified Boyden chamber technique.

Results
Whole blood and freshly isolated eosinophils weakly express CXCR4 surface protein. Incubation in culture medium without addition of cytokines for 24 h always lead to strong CXCR4 surface expression that paralleled with stromal‐derived factor‐1α (CXCL12)‐induced eosinophil activation. Stimulation of eosinophils with CXCL12 leads to an internalization of CXCR4, which could be prevented by phenylarsine oxide. Co‐incubation of eosinophils with Th2 cytokines such as IL‐3, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13, and granulocyte macrophage‐colony stimulating factor prevented the expression of CXCR4 and affected eosinophil activation after stimulation with the CXCR4 ligand CXCL12. From these cytokines, IL‐3 was the only cytokine completely inhibited intracellular calcium fluxes and chemotaxis of eosinophils in response to CXCL12.

Conclusion
Senescent eosinophils express functional CXCR4 receptors, which are prevented by Th2 cytokines that are found in the early phase of allergic reaction. Therefore, CXCR4 activation of eosinophils seems to be important in the chronic phase of allergic reaction, which is dominated by a Th1 cytokine profile.
Assessment of recombinant dog allergens Can f 1 and Can f 2 for the diagnosis of dog allergy
Authors: Saarelainen S. , Taivainen A. , Rytkönen‐Nissinen M. , Auriola S. , Immonen A. , Mäntyjärvi R. , Rautiainen J. , Kinnunen T. , Virtanen T.
Published: October 2004

Background
The use of recombinant allergens for the diagnosis and immunotherapy of allergy may offer several advantages over allergen extracts.

Objective
To produce recombinant dog allergens Can f 1 and Can f 2 in Pichia pastoris yeast and to assess their suitability for the diagnosis of dog allergy.

Methods
Clinically diagnosed dog‐allergic patients' and healthy non‐atopic dog owners' reactivities against recombinant Can f 1 and Can f 2 and commercial dog epithelial extract were studied by a panel of methods including skin prick test (SPT), ELISA and IgE immunoblotting.

Results
Recombinant Can f 1 and Can f 2 were found immunologically functional: they bound dog‐allergic patients' IgE in immunoblotting and inhibited specifically the binding of IgE to their natural counterparts in the dog allergen extract. Moreover, patients' IgE reactivity in immunoblotting to natural Can f 1 and their SPT with the recombinant allergen were perfectly concordant (φ coefficient 1.0, P<0.001). The concordance was slightly lower with recombinant Can f 2 (φ coefficient 0.92, P<0.001). A lower number of dog‐allergic patients, 52%, reacted against Can f 1 than previously reported. About one‐third of the patients reacted to Can f 2. In immunoblotting, the highest prevalence of reactivity, 60%, was directed to an 18 kDa component. Aminoterminal sequencing showed this to be a previously unidentified allergenic protein.

Conclusions
The recombinant allergens can be used reliably to identify Can f 1 and Can f 2‐sensitized individuals. However, the two allergens are insufficient as reagents for diagnosing dog allergy.
Birch pollen rupture and the release of aerosols of respirable allergens
Authors: Taylor P. E. , Flagan R. C. , Miguel A. G. , Valenta R. , Glovsky M. M.
Published: October 2004

Backgound
Birch pollen allergens have been implicated as asthma triggers; however, pollen grains are too large to reach the lower airways where asthmatic reactions occur. Respirable‐sized particles containing birch pollen allergens have been detected in air filters, especially after rainfall but the source of these particles has remained speculative.

Objective
To determine the processes by which birch pollen allergens become airborne particles of respirable size with the potential to contribute to airways inflammation.

Methods
Branches with attached male catkins were harvested and placed in a controlled emission chamber. Filtered dry air was passed through the chamber until the anthers opened, then they were humidified for 5 h and air‐dried again. Flowers were disturbed by wind generated from a small electric fan. Released particles were counted, measured and collected for immuno‐labelling and high‐resolution microscopy.

Results
Birch pollen remains on the dehisced anther and can rupture in high humidity and moisture. Fresh pollen takes as long as 3 h to rupture in water. Drying winds released an aerosol of particles from catkins. These were fragments of pollen cytoplasm that ranged in size from 30 nm to 4 μm and contained Bet v 1 allergens.

Conclusion
When highly allergenic birch trees are flowering and exposed to moisture followed by drying winds they can produce particulate aerosols containing pollen allergens. These particles are small enough to deposit in the peripheral airways and have the potential to induce an inflammatory response.