bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Some reflections on the influence of Chinese thought on Jung and his psychological theory
Authors: Stein Murray
Published: March 2005

Abstract:  Jung claimed that Richard Wilhelm, whose masterful translations of Chinese wisdom literature into a European language (German) and thence into Western consciousness have brought Chinese modes of thinking to so many, was one of the most important influences on his own life and work. The contacts between the two men, which took place from the early 1920's until Wilhelm's death in 1930, were few but intense and for Jung decisive in several ways. Wilhelm's translations of the I Ching and The Secret of the Golden Flower opened new avenues for Jung that had far‐reaching consequences on his research and writing after 1930. The latter opened the door to the study of alchemy as a key to the archetypal process of individuation as rooted in the collective unconscious. ‘Synchronicity’ is a term that grew out of his contact with Chinese thought, in particular with the I Ching. From his contact with Chinese thought, additionally, he received confirmation of the view, independently arrived at, that adult psychological development is not linear but rather circular and spiral‐like. The letters between Jung and Wilhelm illuminate the great importance Jung ascribed to Wilhelm's contribution toward bridging East and West and the potential value of Chinese philosophy for psychotherapy.
Anti‐D immunization by DEL red blood cells
Authors: Wagner Thomas , Körmöczi Günther F. , Buchta Christoph , Vadon Maria , Lanzer Gerhard , Mayr Wolfgang R. , Legler Tobias J.
Published: March 2005

BACKGROUND: No data are available on the immunogenicity of extremely weak D variants called DEL. Evaluation of alloanti‐D formation in a D– female patient after transfusion of apparently D– blood from an Austrian donor led to discovery of a so far unknown DEL type.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Standard blood group serologic methods were applied. Molecular typing, RHD sequencing, and D epitope mapping was performed and the absolute D antigen density determined.

RESULTS: After transfusion of RBCs typed D– by routine serology, the recipient developed alloanti‐D. Further evaluation with an indirect antiglobulin test confirmed donor RBCs to be D–. Molecular typing, however, demonstrated the presence of the RHD gene in one donor, and RHD sequencing revealed a deletion of four nucleotides in RHD intron 5 (RHD IVS5‐38del4) as the only difference compared to the normal RHD gene. Adsorption‐elution techniques demonstrated a DEL phenotype without apparent loss of D epitopes.

CONCLUSION: This study documents the clinical significance of the DEL phenotype in blood units that was capable of inducing anti‐D in a recipient. Qualitative data are provided on D epitope expression in DEL RBCs.
Fetal‐neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia and unexpected Glanzmann thrombasthenia carrier: report of two cases
Authors: Jallu Vincent , Bianchi Frédéric , Kaplan Cécile
Published: March 2005

BACKGROUND: Discrepancy between phenotyping and genotyping during the investigation of maternofetal alloimmunization leads to the identification of defects on genes encoding membrane glycoproteins (GPs) IIb and IIIa.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Human platelet (PLT) alloantigen (HPA)‐1 and ‐3 PLT phenotypes and genotypes were performed by use of, respectively, the monoclonal antibody‐specific immobilization of PLT antigens and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)–sequence‐specific priming techniques for up to 2400 families with thrombocytopenic newborn. When a discrepancy was detected, genomic DNA from the mother was amplified for coding sequences of either the GPIIb or GPIIIa genes. The genetic abnormality responsible for the discrepancy was determined by direct sequencing of the PCR products.

RESULTS: Two cases of discrepancy were identified among 2400 families tested. In the first case, Mother L, serologically assigned as HPA‐1b‐homozygous, was genotyped HPA‐1a/1b. In the second case, Mother S, serogically defined HPA‐3b‐homozygous, was genotyped HPA‐3a/3b. DNA sequence analysis revealed for Mother L a T1447→C a point mutation within exon 10 of the GPIIIa gene and for Mother S a C480→G point mutation within exon 4 of the GPIIb gene. These mutations reported in Glanzmann thrombasthenia (GT) patients account for nonexpression of the implicated allele on the PLT surface. Thus, the mothers are GT carriers. Alloantibodies, hallmarks of immunization, were not detected in the maternal serum samples.

CONCLUSION: Although this situation is rarely encountered, it is important to combine phenotyping and genotyping to avoid false PLT typing assignation and erroneous diagnosis when alloimmunization might occur.
Development and validation of a mathematical algorithm for quantifying preoperative blood volume by means of the decrease in hematocrit resulting from acute normovolemic hemodilution
Authors: Jacob Matthias , Bruegger Dirk , Conzen Peter , Becker Bernhard Friedrich , Finsterer Udilo , Rehm Markus
Published: March 2005

BACKGROUND: The interindividual variability of blood volume (BV) is high. The aim of this work was to use the decrease in large‐vessel hematocrit (HKLV) during acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) as an instrument for estimating preoperative BV.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In 39 patients, (Group 1) preoperative ANH was performed. Plasma volume, red cell volume, and HKLV were measured before and 30 minutes after ANH, respectively. In a retrospective analysis, a mathematical algorithm was developed for estimating BV before ANH by means of the measured changes in HKLV and the amount of blood removed during ANH. To validate the method prospectively, ANH was performed in an additional 10 patients (Group 2). Preoperative BV was estimated and measured in the same way as in Group 1.

RESULTS: In Group 1, the mean difference between estimated and measured BV before ANH was 200 ± 403 mL (5.14 ± 10.12%; p > 0.05; r = 0.8). In Group 2, the estimated BV before ANH was 41 ± 348 mL (−0.53 ± 7.84%) lower than the measured BV (p > 0.05; r = 0.94). In this group, however, two patients with an extraordinarily small (2691 mL) and large (6172 mL) preoperative BV, respectively, were identified correctly by means of the algorithm.

CONCLUSIONS: The changes in HKLV determined during ANH provide a good “bedside” estimation of preoperative BV.
The 2003 West Nile virus United States epidemic: the America's Blood Centers experience
Authors: Kleinman Steven , Glynn Simone A. , Busch Michael , Todd Deborah , Powell Laurie , Pietrelli Larry , Nemo George , Schreiber George , Bianco Celso , Katz Louis
Published: March 2005

BACKGROUND: A detailed assessment of West Nile virus (WNV) yield is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the WNV nucleic acid amplification technology (NAT) screening implemented in 2003.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: WNV NAT screening and donation data were compiled from members of America's Blood Centers, which collect nearly 50 percent of the US blood supply. WNV RNA screening was performed with either the Gen‐Probe/Chiron Procleix transcription‐mediated amplification assay or the Roche TaqScreen polymerase chain reaction. Results of alternate NAT and WNV immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody assays conducted on index and follow‐up samples were obtained from test manufacturers. Presumed WNV positivity was based on NAT repeat reactivity of the individual index donation whereas confirmatory status was based on additional IgM testing of the index donation and NAT and serology testing of follow‐up samples.

RESULTS: From July through October 2003, 2.5 million donations were screened for WNV RNA. Of 877 NAT‐reactive donations (screening positivity rate of 3.5 per 10,000 units), 430 (49%) were confirmed positive, whereas 68 (8%) lacking follow‐up data remained presumed positive. The sensitivity and positive predictive value of a presumed viremic result relative to final confirmatory status were 92 and 99 percent, respectively. WNV activity was highest in the central plains with prevalence per 10,000 peaking August 1 to 15 in Colorado (67.7) and South Dakota (77.5) and August 16 to 31 in Wyoming (74.1) and North Dakota (102.0).

CONCLUSIONS: WNV screening interdicted many viremic units, thereby reducing transfusion‐transmitted infections. This study demonstrates that a national collaborative effort facilitates timely surveillance of blood donor infectious disease prevalence rates.
Variation in concentration of prion protein in the peripheral blood of patients with variant and sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease detected by dissociation enhanced lanthanide fluoroimmunoassay and flow cytometry
Authors: Fagge Tim , Barclay G. Robin , MacGregor Ian , Head Mark , Ironside James , Turner Marc
Published: March 2005

BACKGROUND: A highly sensitive dissociation‐enhanced lanthanide fluoroimmunoassay (DELFIA) and flow cytometry techniques have previously been developed and employed to characterize soluble cellular prion protein (PrPc) expression in whole blood and separated components from healthy adult blood donors. No previous studies with these techniques have evaluated the concentration and expression of PrP in the blood of patients with variant Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (vCJD).

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: For blood from vCJD patients, sporadic CJD (sCJD) patients, non‐CJD neurological controls, and healthy adults, PrPc was measured by DELFIA and cell‐associated PrP was measured by flow cytometry.

RESULTS: DELFIA analysis identified a significant reduction in the concentration of PrPc in the whole blood of vCJD (p = 0.012) and non‐CJD neurological patients (p = 0.0004) compared with healthy adults. A significant elevation was found in plasma PrPc in sCJD patients compared with healthy adult (p = 0.022) and neurological controls (p = 0.050). Flow cytometry found no significant differences between groups in expression of PrP on platelets and lymphocytes, nor in sensitivity of cellular PrP to proteinase K. Neurological controls show significantly less PrP on red cells than healthy adults.

CONCLUSION: There are differences in free and cell‐associated PrP found in blood of CJD patients and control groups, some of which might be useful with other tests in disease profiling as an aid to diagnoses.
Analytical and clinical sensitivity of West Nile virus RNA screening and supplemental assays available in 2003
Authors: Busch M.P. , Tobler L.H. , Saldanha J. , Caglioti S. , Shyamala V. , Linnen J.M. , Gallarda J. , Phelps B. , Smith R.I.F. , Drebot M. , Kleinman S.H.
Published: March 2005

BACKGROUND:Transfusion‐transmitted West Nile virus (WNV) infections were first reported in 2002, which led to rapid development of investigational nucleic acid amplification tests (NAT). A study was conducted to evaluate sensitivities of WNV screening and supplemental NAT assays first employed in 2003.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:Twenty‐five member‐coded panels were distributed to NAT assay manufacturers. Panels included five pedigreed WNV standards (1, 3, 10, 30, and 100 copies/mL), 15 or 16 donor units with very‐low‐level viremia identified through 2003 screening, and four or five negative control samples. Samples were tested neat in 10 replicates by all assays; for NAT screening assays, 10 replicates were also performed on dilutions consistent with minipool (MP)‐NAT. The viral load distribution for 142 MP‐NAT yield donations was characterized, relative to the analytical sensitivity of MP‐NAT systems.

RESULTS:Analytical sensitivities (50% limits of detection [LoD] based on Poisson model of detection of WNV standards) for screening NAT assays ranged from 3.4 to 29 copies per mL; when diluted consistent with MP pool sizes, the 50 percent LoD of screening NAT assays was reduced to 43 to 309 copies per mL. Analytical sensitivity of supplemental assays ranged from 1.5 to 7.7 copies per mL (50% LoD). Detection of RNA in donor units varied consistent with analytical LoD of assays. Detection of low‐level viremia after MP dilutions was particularly compromised for seropositive units, probably reflecting lower viral loads in the postseroconversion phase. Based on the viral load distribution of MP‐NAT yield donations (median, 3519 copies/mL; range, < 50‐690,000), 13 to 24 percent of units had viral loads below the 50 percent LoD of screening NAT assays run in MP‐NAT format.

CONCLUSION:WNV screening and supplemental assays had generally excellent analytical sensitivity, comparable to human immunodeficiency virus‐1 and hepatitis C virus NAT assays. The presence of low‐level viremic units during epidemic periods and the impact of MP dilutions on sensitivity, however, suggest the need for further improvements in sensitivity as well as a role for targeted individual‐donation NAT in epidemic regions.
Reconsidering the evaluation of addiction treatment: from retrospective follow‐up to concurrent recovery monitoring
Authors: McLellan A. Thomas , McKay James R. , Forman Robert , Cacciola John , Kemp Jack
Published: March 2005

Historically, addiction treatments have been delivered and evaluated under an acute‐care format. Fixed amounts or durations of treatment have been provided and their effects evaluated 6–12 months after completion of care. The explicit expectation of treatment has been enduring reductions in substance use, improved personal health and social function, generally referred to as ‘recovery’. In contrast, treatments for chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension and asthma have been provided for indeterminate periods and their effects evaluated during the course of those treatments. Here the expectations are for most of the same results, but only during the course of continuing care and monitoring. The many similarities between addiction and mainstream chronic illnesses stand in contrast to the differences in the ways addiction is conceptualized, treated and evaluated. This paper builds upon established methods of during‐treatment evaluation developed for the treatment of other chronic illnesses and suggests a parallel evaluation system for out‐patient, continuing‐care forms of addiction treatment. The suggested system retains traditional patient‐level, behavioral outcome measures of recovery, but suggests that these outcomes should be collected and reported immediately and regularly by clinicians at the beginning of addiction treatment sessions, as a way of evaluating recovery progress and making decisions about continuing care. We refer to this paradigm as ‘concurrent recovery monitoring’ and discuss its potential for producing more timely, efficient, clinically relevant and accountable evaluations.
Tobacco abstinence symptom suppression: the role played by the smoking‐related stimuli that are delivered by denicotinized cigarettes
Authors: Buchhalter August R. , Acosta Michelle C. , Evans Sarah E. , Breland Alison B. , Eissenberg Thomas
Published: March 2005

Aims  Cigarette smoking causes cancer and disease, yet people find quitting difficult due to aversive symptoms that accompany tobacco abstinence. Understanding how to suppress these symptoms is critical in developing effective smoking cessation treatments. Pharmacologically, pure nicotine suppresses tobacco abstinence symptoms partially, and non‐nicotine, smoking‐related stimuli suppress these abstinence symptoms fully, at least for 24 hours. The current study was designed to clarify the impact of smoking‐related stimuli on tobacco withdrawal, and to explore the duration of their ability to suppress withdrawal in smokers.

Design  Three double‐blind, within‐subjects, Latin square‐ordered, 5‐day conditions in which participants smoked nicotinized, denicotinized or no cigarettes.

Setting  Out‐patient laboratory at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Participants  Thirteen women and 19 men.

Measurements  Subjective, physiological and performance measures were collected daily and compliance with study conditions was verified objectively.

Findings  Smoking‐related stimuli are sufficient for suppressing some symptoms of tobacco abstinence over a 5‐day period [i.e. Questionnaire of Smoking Urges (QSU) factor 1, ‘Desire for sweets’, ‘Hunger’ and ‘Urges to smoke’], while in this study a combination of nicotine and smoking‐related stimuli suppressed other symptoms (i.e. ‘Difficulty concentrating’, ‘Increased eating’, ‘Restlessness’ and ‘Impatient’).

Conclusions  These results indicate that, while some tobacco abstinence symptoms may be suppressed with nicotine, suppressing others may also require strategies that address the absence of smoking‐related stimuli.
Biology and management of relapsed acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Craddock Charles , Tauro Sudhir , Moss Paul , Grimwade David
Published: March 2005

Disease relapse remains the major cause of treatment failure in adults with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). This reflects both the failure of current salvage regimens and the absence of effective strategies to secure long‐term disease‐free survival in those patients who achieve a second remission. Recent progress in understanding the pathogenesis of relapsed disease has enabled the identification of a variety of dysregulated molecular pathways and these now provide a rational basis for the design of novel targeted therapies. At the same time, advances in allogeneic stem‐cell transplantation have permitted the extension of the curative potential of allografting to patients in whom it was previously contraindicated. As a result, a range of novel drug and transplant therapies has become available in patients with relapsed AML, and it is realistic to anticipate that a co‐ordinated assessment of their clinical and biological impact will provide the basis for the design of future, more effective treatments in relapsed disease.
Gains on 9p are common genomic aberrations in idiopathic myelofibrosis: a comparative genomic hybridization study
Authors: Al‐Assar O. , Ul‐Hassan A. , Brown R. , Wilson G. A. , Hammond D. W. , Reilly J. T.
Published: March 2005

Ideopathic myelofibrosis (IMF) is a chronic myeloproliferative disorder resulting in bone marrow fibrosis as a consequence of growth factor release from clonal haematopoiesis. Conventional cytogenetic analysis identifies abnormalities in approximately a third of cases at diagnosis, although rarely uncovers unique, primary genetic events. We have used comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) to study 25 IMF cases and have compared the results with conventional cytogenetics. Metaphase cells were available for analysis in 13 cases, of which seven showed an abnormal karyotype. CGH chromosomal profiles showed imbalances in 21 of 25 cases. The most frequent aberrations were gains of 9p (12 cases), 2q (seven cases), 3p (seven cases), chromosome 4 (seven cases), 12q (seven cases), 13q (eight cases). The main losses were at 17q and occurred in six cases. The results for CGH and cytogenetics were matched for one case only. Investigation of IMF by CGH suggests that genomic aberrations are much more common than has been previously indicated by conventional cytogenetic analysis and occur in the majority of cases. Gains of 9p were the most frequent finding, occurring in 50% of patients and suggests that genes on 9p may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of IMF.
A single‐centre prospective study of clinical and haemostatic risk factors for venous thromboembolism following lower limb arthroplasty
Authors: Joseph Joanne E. , Low Joyce , Courtenay Brett , Neil Michael J. , McGrath Michael , Ma David
Published: March 2005

Previous studies report conflicting results concerning the potential significance of thrombophilic genotypes in postarthroplasty venous thromboembolism (VTE). This study assessed thrombophilic genotypes, haemostatic and clinical variables as independent risk factors for VTE postarthroplasty. A total number of 569 patients undergoing elective lower limb arthroplasty at a single centre were prospectively studied. All patients were interviewed and had blood samples collected preoperatively. Bilateral lower limb ultrasonography was performed at day 7 ± 2 postoperatively in all patients (ventilation/perfusion lung scanning in symptomatic patients only). The incidence of inhospital postoperative VTE was 26%. In univariate analysis – increased age, knee arthroplasty, recent surgery, general anaesthesia, shorter operation time, non‐receipt of blood transfusion and differences in surgical practice (including use of pneumatic calf compression, surgical drains and postoperative bandaging techniques) were significantly associated with VTE. Factor V Leiden, prothrombin G20210A and MTHFR C677T mutations were not significant risk factors for VTE, and of all haemostatic variables tested, only median activated partial thromboplastin time showed significant difference between VTE and non‐VTE patients (34 s vs. 33 s). Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that increased age, knee arthroplasty and individual surgeon's routine practices were the only significant independent risks for VTE; hence routine preoperative blood screening for a potential hypercoaguable state is not indicated in this surgical setting.
A serine‐rich glycoprotein of Streptococcus sanguis mediates adhesion to platelets via GPIb
Authors: Plummer Christopher , Wu Hui , Kerrigan Steven W. , Meade Gerardene , Cox Dermot , Ian Douglas C. W.
Published: March 2005

Streptococcus sanguis is the most common oral bacterium causing infective endocarditis and its ability to adhere to platelets, leading to their activation and aggregation, is thought to be an important virulent factor. Previous work has shown that S. sanguis can bind directly to platelet glycoprotein (GP) Ib but the nature of the adhesin was unknown. Here, we have shown that a high molecular weight glycoprotein of S. sanguis mediates adhesion to glycocalacin. The bacterial glycoprotein was purified from cell extracts by chromatography on GPIb‐ and wheatgerm agglutinin affinity matrices and its interaction with GPIb was shown to be sialic acid‐dependent. We designated the glycoprotein serine‐rich protein A (SrpA). An insertional inactivation mutant lacking the SrpA of S. sanguis showed significantly reduced binding to glycocalacin, reduced adherence to platelets and a prolonged lag time to platelet aggregation. In addition, under flow conditions, platelets rolled and subsequently adhered on films of wild‐type S. sanguis cells at low shear (50/s) but did not bind to films of the SrpA mutant. Platelets did not bind to wild‐type bacterial cells at high shear (1500/s). These findings help to understand the mechanisms by which the organism might colonize platelet‐fibrin vegetations.
Attenuating effect of H+K+ATPase inhibitors on airway cough hypersensitivity induced by allergic airway inflammation in guinea‐pigs
Authors: Oribe Y. , Fujimura M. , Kita T. , Katayama N. , Nishitsuji M. , Hara J. , Myou S. , Nakao S.
Published: March 2005

Background
Gastrooesophageal reflux (GER) is a frequent cause of chronic cough. Several investigators have indicated that inhibitors of H+K+ATPase (proton pump inhibitors; PPIs) could relieve coughing via inhibition of acid reflux. However, we considered that PPIs might directly inhibit increased cough reflex sensitivity.

Objective
The present study was designed to examine whether PPIs directly inhibit antigen‐induced increase in cough reflex sensitivity and to elucidate the mechanism.

Methods
Actively sensitized guinea‐pigs were challenged with aerosol antigen (ovalbumin, OVA) and cough reflex sensitivity to inhaled capsaicin was measured 24 h later. The PPIs (omeprazole and rabeprazole) or the histamine H2 blocker cimetidine were administered intraperitoneally 1 h before OVA challenge and before measuring cough reflex sensitivity, then bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was immediately collected. The pH of the fluid obtained by bronchial washing was determined after examining the effect of rabeprazole on the cough response to capsaicin.

Results
The number of coughs elicited by capsaicin was significantly increased 24 h after challenge with OVA compared with saline, indicating antigen‐induced increase in cough reflex sensitivity. Both PPIs dose dependently and significantly inhibited antigen‐induced cough hypersensitivity. Omeprazole did not influence the antigen‐induced increase in the total number of cells or ratio (%) of eosinophils in BALF. Cimetidine did not affect the antigen‐induced cough hypersensitivity or cellular components of BALF. The pH of the bronchial washing fluid was significantly decreased in antigen‐challenged animals. Rabeprazole did not affect the antigen‐induced decrease in the pH of bronchial washing fluid.

Conclusion
These findings show that PPIs, but not histamine H2 blockers, can directly decrease antigen‐induced cough reflex hypersensitivity, while the mechanism remains unclear.
Prevalence of latex allergy in the community at age 7 years
Authors: Roberts G. , Lack G. , Northstone K. , Golding J. ,   the ALSPAC Study Team
Published: March 2005

Background
Latex allergy has been highlighted as a problem in children during the last decade based on a number of case series of children with particular problems such as spina bifida. The actual prevalence of latex allergy in the general United Kingdom population is unclear.

Objective
To estimate the prevalence of childhood latex allergy in the general population.

Methods
The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children is a geographically based cohort that has been prospectively followed since birth. The children were invited for skin prick testing at 7 years of age.

Results
Four subjects out of 1877 tested were sensitized to latex. None had a history of clinical reactions to latex.

Conclusion
This study suggests that the prevalence of latex sensitization and clinical latex allergy in the general childhood population are very low, 0.2% (95% confidence interval 0.1–0.6%) and 0.0% (0–0.2%), respectively.
Bilateral nasal allergen provocation monitored with acoustic rhinometry. Assessment of both nasal passages and the side reacting with greater congestion: relation to the nasal cycle
Authors: Gotlib T. , Samoliński B. , Grzanka A.
Published: March 2005

Background
The effect of bilateral nasal provocation on nasal mucosa measured with the use of acoustic rhinometry (AR) can be assessed for both nasal passages or for the side responding with greater congestion. Assessment of changes in nasal congestion during the nasal provocation test (NPT) can be affected by the nasal cycle (NC). The aim of this study was to find out the most accurate method to evaluate changes observed during bilateral nasal provocation.

Methods
Cross‐sectional areas (CSA) at the level of inferior nasal turbinate (CSA‐2) were recorded by AR in 26 volunteers with allergic rhinitis during the NC for 5–7 h and subsequently during NPT. The risk of spontaneous total and unilateral CSA‐2 decrease was established.

Sensitivity of the NPT assessment for the total CSA‐2 and for the side responding with greater congestion was evaluated at chosen thresholds. These thresholds were selected in a way that the risk levels of spontaneous decrease of unilateral and total CSA‐2 were equal.

Results
The assessment of the total CSA‐2 was found to be more sensitive than the assessment of the side responding with greater congestion. The highest sensitivity and specificity of the test was achieved by using a combination of both assessments. Optimum thresholds of the CSA‐2 decrease for assessment at 15 min after provocation, with this method, were 27% and 40% for the side responding with greater congestion and for the total CSA‐2, respectively.

Conclusions
Recognition of the risk of spontaneous unilateral and total CSA‐2 decreases enables introduction of combined assessment of bilateral NPT. This assessment seems to be the most accurate method for evaluation of the test results.
Pho d 2, a major allergen from date palm pollen, is a profilin: cloning, sequencing, and immunoglobulin E cross‐reactivity with other profilins
Authors: Asturias J. A. , Ibarrola I. , Fernández J. , Arilla M. C. , González‐Rioja R. , Martínez A.
Published: March 2005

Background
Up to now, some date palm pollen (DPP) allergens have been described but very few data are available about their molecular nature. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize Pho d 2, a major allergen from this pollen.

Methods
Sera from 25 patients allergic to DPP were analysed by immunoblotting. Purification of DPP profilin was performed by poly‐l‐proline affinity chromatography. Profilin‐encoding cDNA from DPP was cloned by using a RT‐PCR strategy and recombinant allergen was expressed as a non‐fusion protein in Escherichia coli. Natural and recombinant Pho d 2 were investigated by means of enzyme allergosorbent test to compare the immunologic properties of both allergens and to analyse cross‐reactivity with other profilins.

Results
A 14.4 kDa protein was identified as a major allergen in DPP extract. Purification, cloning, heterologous expression, and inhibition experiments identified it as profilin (Pho d 2). Pho d 2 comprises 131 amino acids and has high sequence identity with other allergenic food and pollen profilins. The prevalence of specific IgE antibody reactivity to natural Pho d 2 by ELISA was 56% and 64% by skin prick test (SPT). Pho d 2 is an important allergen as it is responsible for more than 70% of the IgE reactivity to the pollen extract. IgE directed against Pho d 2 showed a strong cross‐reactivity with other profilins such as those from olive tree and grass pollens.

Conclusion
Pho d 2, a 14.4 kDa protein identified as profilin, is a major and relevant allergen in DPP, as confirmed by SPT and thereby may elicit clinical symptoms in sensitized patients.
Wheeze, allergic sensitization and geohelminth infection in Butajira, Ethiopia
Authors: Davey G. , Venn A. , Belete H. , Berhane Y. , Britton J.
Published: March 2005

Background
The effect of geohelminth infection on wheeze and allergen sensitization is inconsistent across different epidemiological studies.

Objective
To investigate the association between self‐reported wheeze, self‐reported asthma, allergic sensitization and geohelminth infection in urban and rural areas of Butajira, southern Ethiopia.

Methods
Questionnaire data on wheeze, asthma and a range of confounding variables was gathered in a cross‐sectional study of 7649 people aged 5 years or more from the Butajira Rural Health Project database. Allergic skin sensitization to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and cockroach was measured, and a stool sample collected for qualitative and quantitative geohelminth analysis.

Results
Wheeze was weakly associated with allergic sensitization to D. pteronyssinus and cockroach (odds ratios (OR) 1.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.98–1.51, and 1.27, 95% CI 1.00–1.62, respectively). Self‐reported asthma was related to sensitization to D. pteronyssinus only (OR 4.09, 95% CI 2.86–5.84). Geohelminths were present in 33.8% of participants, and the median egg load in infested individuals was 6 eggs/g. Overall, presence of any geohelminths was associated with a diminished risk of cockroach sensitization (adjusted OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.68–0.99) but there were no significant protective effects of any geohelminth infection against wheeze or asthma.

Conclusion
In a developing country community with relatively low geohelminth prevalence and intensity, we found weak association between allergic sensitization and wheeze, but no evidence of a protective effect of geohelminths against wheeze or asthma.
Effect of a concomitant diagnosis of allergic rhinitis on asthma‐related health care use by adults
Authors: Price D. , Zhang Q. , Kocevar V. S. , Yin D. D. , Thomas M.
Published: March 2005

Background
Asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR) frequently coexist, but have usually been studied separately in health economic analyses.

Objective
To determine the incremental effect of documented AR on health care resource use in adults with asthma.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study using data from a UK general practice database for the period 1998–2001 enrolled subjects 16–55 years of age, with one or more asthma‐related general practitioner (GP) visits during a 12‐month follow‐up period. The study outcomes were asthma‐related hospitalizations, GP visits, and prescription drug costs during the 12‐month follow‐up period for patients with and without physician‐diagnosed AR.

Results
Concomitant AR was documented in 4611 (16.9%) of the total sample of 27 303 adults with asthma. Compared with those with asthma alone, patients with concomitant AR experienced more GP visits (5.2 vs. 4.2; P<0.0001) and more of them were hospitalized for asthma (0.76% vs. 0.45%; P<0.01) during the 12‐month follow‐up period. In multi‐variable regression analyses, AR was predictive of hospitalization for asthma (odds ratio 1.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–2.24) and was associated with an increase in the annual number of asthma‐related GP visits (mean increase per patient 0.42, 95% CI 0.42–0.43) and annual asthma‐related drug costs (mean increase GBP 5.1, 95% CI 5.0–5.3).

Conclusion
Adults with asthma and documented concomitant AR experienced more asthma‐related hospitalizations and GP visits, and incurred higher asthma drug costs than did adults with asthma alone. A unified treatment strategy for asthma and AR might reduce the costs of treating these conditions.
Deficiency in immunoglobulin G2 antibodies against staphylococcal enterotoxin C1 defines a subgroup of patients with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Mrabet‐Dahbi S. , Breuer K. , Klotz M. , Herz U. , Heeg K. , Werfel T. , Renz H.
Published: March 2005

Background and aim
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease often accompanied by cutaneous Staphylococcus aureus colonization and, in this regard, especially complicated by the presence of superantigen‐producing strains. Because IgG antibodies comprise an important defence mechanism of the adaptive immune system against bacteria, it was investigated whether AD patients have an abnormal pattern or distribution of superantigen‐specific IgG subclass antibodies in association with disease severity and activity.

Methods
Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) and staphylococcal enterotoxin C1 (SEC1) specific IgG antibody subclasses were assessed in n=89 adult AD patients with mild to severe disease activity as determined by the SCORAD score and in n=28 healthy age‐matched controls. Results were correlated with the current status of bacterial skin colonization and severity score.

Results
Thirty‐eight per cent of the AD patients showed a selective deficiency in IgG2 antibodies against SEC1 compared with only 14% in the control group. The absence of these antibodies was found in both currently colonized and non‐colonized AD patients and was associated with a severe phenotype (SCORAD more than 40 points in two‐thirds of the deficient patients). However, these patients had normal production levels of IgG2 antibodies against pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide (PCP) and SEB, but higher IgG1 and IgG4 titres against SEC1. Except for elevated total IgG1, total IgG subclass levels were normal in this AD subgroup. Yet, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) derived from these patients clearly produced IL‐4 and IL‐5 upon SEC1 re‐stimulation whereas PBMCs from those providing SEC1‐specific IgG2 antibodies failed in the production of these cytokines.

Conclusion
A subgroup of AD patients suffers from a selective deficiency to produce anti‐SEC1 IgG2 antibodies. This patient group is characterized by a severe AD phenotype.
Characterization of the porcine neonatal Fc receptor—potential use for trans‐epithelial protein delivery
Authors: Stirling Catrina M. A. , Charleston Bryan , Takamatsu Haru , Claypool Steven , Lencer Wayne , Blumberg Richard S. , Wileman Thomas E.
Published: March 2005

The neonatal Fc receptor transports maternal immunoglobulin across the gut wall and has the potential to deliver genetically engineered proteins bearing immunoglobulin Fc domains across the gut to the mucosal immune system. Here we have characterized the porcine neonatal Fc receptor and tested its utility as a model system to study this kind of protein delivery. The complete DNA sequence obtained from an EST revealed 70–80% homology to mouse and human receptors, respectively, and tyrptophan and di‐leucine endocytosis motifs were identified in the cytoplasmic tail. Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction analysis showed expression of the receptor mRNA in gut, liver, kidney and spleen tissue, aortic endothelial cells and monocytes. Pig kidney cell lines showed saturable pH‐dependent binding and uptake of porcine immunoglobulin G (IgG) and also bovine, mouse and human IgG. Polyclonal antibodies raised against the receptor immunoprecipitated a protein of 40 000 MW when the cDNA was expressed in cells and the receptor required assembly with porcine β2‐microglobulin for transport from the endoplasmic reticulum to recycling and early endosomes. Immunohistochemical analysis showed the receptor expressed in epithelial cells of the gut of young and adult animals. The ability of the receptor to deliver immunoglobulin across the gut was demonstrated by feeding piglets bovine colostrum as a source of bovine IgG. Bovine IgG was delivered into the pig circulation. Pigs express the neonatal Fc receptor and the receptor has the potential to deliver protein antigens to the pig immune system.
Cell cycle profiles of EcR, USP, HR3 and B cyclin mRNAs associated to 20E‐induced G2 arrest of Plodia interpunctella imaginal wing cells
Authors: Siaussat D. , Bozzolan F. , Queguiner I. , Porcheron P. , Debernard S.
Published: March 2005

Using the IAL‐PID2 cell line established from pupally committed imaginal wing discs of Plodia interpunctella, we have investigated the dynamics of cellular and molecular events involved in the G2/M arrest. We have first cloned a cDNA sequence named PIUSP‐2 that likely encodes a homologue of the Ultraspiracle‐2 isoform of Manduca sexta. When the IAL‐PID2 cells were exposed to a 8 h 20E treatment applied at different times of the cell cycle, an optimal period of sensitivity of cells to 20E, in inducing G2 arrest, was determined at the S/G2 transition. Using cDNA probes specifically designed from Plodia B cyclin (PcycB), ecdysone receptor B1‐isoform (PIEcR‐B1) and HR3 transcription factor (PHR3), we provide evidence that the 20E‐induced G2 arrest was correlated to a high induction of PHR3, PIEcR‐B1, PIUSP‐2 mRNAs at the S/G2 transition and a decrease in PcycB mRNA level at the end of G2 phase.
cpbAg1 encodes an active carboxypeptidase B expressed in the midgut of Anopheles gambiae
Authors: Lavazec C. , Bonnet S. , Thiery I. , Boisson B. , Bourgouin C.
Published: March 2005

We previously used differential display to identify several Anopheles gambiae genes, whose expression in the mosquito midgut was regulated upon ingestion of Plasmodium falciparum. Here, we report the characterization of one of these genes, cpbAg1, which codes for the first zinc‐carboxypeptidase B identified in An. gambiae and in any insect. Expression of cpbAg1 in baculovirus gave rise to an active enzyme, and determination of the N‐terminal amino acids confirmed that CPBAg1 contains a signal peptide and a pro‐peptide, typical features of digestive zinc carboxypeptidases. cpbAg1 mRNA was mainly produced in the mosquito midgut, where it accumulated in unfed females and was rapidly down‐regulated upon blood feeding. Annotation of the An. gambiae genome predicts twenty‐three sequences coding for zinc‐carboxypeptidases of which only two (cpbAg1 and cpbAg2) are expressed at a significant level in the mosquito midgut.
A role for alcohol dehydrogenase in the Drosophila immune response?
Authors: Schlenke T. A. , McKean K. A.
Published: March 2005

In a recent study Drosophila larvae were injected with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) suspended in 1% ethanol and differentially induced protein fractions were identified. The levels of several proteins, including alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), increased in LPS‐treated flies and were labelled as immune response proteins. However, because control larvae were not injected with ethanol alone the identified proteins could represent a response to ethanol. Here, we injected Drosophila larvae with combinations of ethanol and LPS. While ADH activity increased in larvae receiving 1% ethanol, it was not increased after LPS injection. These results suggest that ADH plays no role in the Drosophila immune response, and that other proteins identified in the previous study may instead mediate ethanol tolerance in flies and other organisms.
Independent mutations in the Rdl locus confer dieldrin resistance to Anopheles gambiae and An. arabiensis
Authors: Du W. , Awolola T. S. , Howell P. , Koekemoer L. L. , Brooke B. D. , Benedict M. Q. , Coetzee M. , Zheng L.
Published: March 2005

Substitutions of a conserved alanine residue in the Rdl locus coding for a γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor subunit with serine or glycine confer resistance to dieldrin in various insect species. Here, we show that alanine to glycine substitution in the Rdl locus of the malaria vector, Anopheles gambiae, is genetically linked to resistance to dieldrin. An alanine to serine substitution developed independently in a dieldrin resistant strain of An. arabiensis. An allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was able to differentiate dieldrin resistant and susceptible mosquitoes.
The physiological basis of human sexual arousal: neuroendocrine sexual asymmetry
Authors: MOTOFEI ION G. , ROWLAND DAVID L.
Published: March 2005

Normal sexual arousal and response suppose an integrated process involving both physiological and psychological processes. However, the current understanding of sexual arousal does not provide a coherent model that accounts for the integration of multiple physiological systems that subsequently generate a coordinated sexual response at both the spinal peripheral and cerebral central levels. Herein we suggest a model that involves both sympathetic and parasympathetic activation during sexual arousal via the two classes of gonadal hormones, androgens and oestrogens. We discuss the manner in which gonadal hormones may activate such a system, transforming pre‐pubertal (non‐erotic) genital stimulation to post‐pubertal erogenization of stimulation and subsequent sexual arousal. Finally, we indicate that the different balance of androgens and oestrogens in men and women may generate asymmetric effects on each of the components of the autonomic nervous system, thereby explaining some of the differences in patterns of sexual arousal and the responses cycle across the sexes.
Penile veins play a pivotal role in erection: the haemodynamic evidence
Authors: HSIEH CHENG‐HSING , WANG CHII‐JYE , HSU GENG‐LONG , CHEN SHYH‐CHYAN , LING PEI‐YING , WANG TSU , FONG TSORNG‐HARN , TSENG GUO‐FANG
Published: March 2005

Although penile venous surgery has almost been abandoned and the venous factor eliminated as a contributing factor to erectile dysfunction, new concepts of erection‐related veins has recently been described and reported in literature. We sought to conduct a haemodynamic study on human cadavers in order to elucidate to what extent penile veins act in erection, and to explore the possible role of erection‐related veins as an important contributor to impotence. From November 2002 to December 2003, seven fresh human cadavers of men who had no sexual activity for at least 6 months prior to death, and in whom the penis was intact were used for this study. Infusion cavernosometry was carried out with an induction flow of 150 mL/min before and after the erection‐related veins were removed. A rigid erection was attained in all subjects, lasting significantly longer (p = 0.043) after removal of erection‐related veins. Similarly, there were significant differences in the maintenance flow (p = 0.043), Tmax (p = 0.043), Vmax (p = 0.043), and pressure loss (p = 0.043). In cadaveric penises, a rigid erection could be maintained in spite of the fact that the low flow rate of 21 mL/min is much lower than the average arterial perfusion rate observed in cases of arterial insufficiency. We therefore concluded that penile veins may play a significant role in attaining sufficient erection, and further research is required to study this possible clinical implication.
A neglected gland: a review of Cowper's gland
Authors: CHUGHTAI BILAL , SAWAS AHMED , O'MALLEY REBECCA L. , NAIK ROHAN R. , ALI KHAN S. , PENTYALA SRINIVAS
Published: March 2005

Cowper's glands are pea sized glands present inferior to the prostate gland in the male reproductive system. They produce thick clear mucus prior to ejaculation that drains into the spongy urethra. Though it is well established that the function of the Cowper's gland secretions is to neutralize traces of acidic urine in the urethra, knowledge regarding the various lesions and associated complications of this gland is scarce. This review provides a comprehensive report on the development, function and various lesions associated with Cowper's gland.
The viscoelastic properties of soybean curd (tofu) as affected by soymilk concentration and type of coagulant
Authors: Cheng Yongqiang , Shimizu Naoto , Kimura Toshinori
Published: March 2005

The viscoelastic properties of different types of tofu were investigated. Soymilk concentrations were 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9%. Coagulants used were 30 mm CaSO4 or 30 mm glucono‐delta‐lactone (GDL). As the concentration of soymilk was increased viscosity and handling difficulties increased. A high concentration of soymilk in tofu gave a high break stress and produced hard tofu. The four‐element Burgers model fitted the creep behaviour and both viscous and elastic parameters could be acquired from model analysis, reflecting changes in elasticity and viscosity of tofu. The constant viscous parameter in the model increased with increasing soymilk concentration. The viscous parameters of viscoelastic materials like tofu gel, obtained from small deformation tests, seemed to correlate, to some extent, with the break stress obtained from large deformation tests. For hard tofu production increasing the soymilk concentration within a certain range and the partial replacement of calcium sulphate coagulant by GDL could be effective options.
Improving textural quality in frozen jalapeño pepper by low temperature blanching in calcium chloride solution
Authors: Pérez‐Alemán Rosario , Márquez‐Meléndez Rubén , Mendoza‐Guzmán Virginia , Jiménez‐Castro Jorge , Torre Luis de la , Rodríguez‐Terrazas Bertha , Barnard John , Quintero‐Ramos Armando
Published: March 2005

The effects of low temperature blanching in calcium chloride solution of jalapeño peppers prior to freezing, on firmness retention, pH, methanol, colour and calcium ions of the product, were evaluated by response surface methodology. Texture, methanol content and pH were affected by all of the variables studied (P = 0.05). The optimum response was obtained at temperatures of 63.3–66 °C, calcium chloride concentrations of 0.17–0.21 m, immersion time of 11.6–14.4 min, with a holding time after blanching of 56.6–66.1 min. Microscopic evaluation of the thawed pepper showed that blanching in CaCl2 solution provided a protective effect in maintaining cell wall integrity.