bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
(4-Aminobenzoato)tris(2-methyl-2-phenylpropyl)tin(IV)
Authors: Ding Yang-Jun , Zhao Xia , Sun Yu-Xi , Tian Lai-Jin
Published: July 2006

The title compound, [Sn(C10H13)3(C7H6NO2)], crystallizes with two independent molecules in the asymmetric unit. The Sn atom is four-coordinate and has a distorted SnC3O tetrahedral geometry. N—H...O hydrogen bonds help to establish the crystal packing.
Bromotricarbonyl{15-[2-(methylsulfanyl)ethylsulfanyl]pentadecanoic acid-κ2
S,S′}rhenium(I)
Authors: Kraus Werner , Walther Martin , Jung Christian M. , Emmerling Franziska , Pietzsch Hans-Jürgen
Published: July 2006

The title compound, [ReBr(C18H36O2S2)(CO)3], was synthesized and characterized as a non-radioactive surrogate of a novel Tc-containing fatty acid derivative prepared according to the tricarbonyl/dithioether design with the objective of developing new Tc-based radiopharmaceuticals for the non-invasive diagnosis of myocardial metabolism. The Re chelate contains the metal in the oxidation state +1 and is attached to the terminal position of a fatty acid. The complex formation was accomplished by a ligand exchange reaction using [NBu4]2[Re(CO)3Br3] as starting material.
Bis[4-fluoro-N-(quinolin-8-yl)benzenesulfonamidato-κ2
N,N′]zinc(II) hemihydrate
Authors: Silva Luiz Everson da , Joussef Antonio Carlos , Foro Sabine , Schmidt Boris
Published: July 2006

In the title compound, [Zn(C15H10FN2O2 S)2]·0.5H2O, the Zn atom has a distorted tetrahedral geometry, formed by the N atoms of the quinoline and the sulfonamide groups. The water molecule occupies a special position on a twofold axis. Intermolecular C—H...O hydrogen bonds to the sulfonyl O atoms link the molecules into a three-dimensional network.
catena-Poly[(2-phenylethyl)ammonium [dichloromercurate(II)-μ3-chloro]]
Authors: Rademeyer Melanie , Billing David G. , Lemmerer A.
Published: July 2006

The crystal structure of the title compound, {(C8H12N)[HgCl3]}
n
, exhibits alternating organic and inorganic layers, which interact via N—H...Cl hydrogen bonding. In the inorganic layer, an infinite one-dimensional anion chain is formed by [HgCl3]− subunits.
(OC-6-22)-Bis{2-[1-(2-oxidoethylimino)ethyl]phenolato-κ3
O,N,O′}titanium(IV)
Authors: Böhme Uwe , Günther Betty
Published: July 2006

In the title compound, [Ti(C10H11NO2)2], the Ti atom is octahedrally coordinated by two tridentate chelate ligands in a meridional arrangement.
2-(Dipropylamino)-4-[(4-methoxyphenyl)methylene]-1-phenyl-1H-imidazol-5(4H)-one
Authors: Sun Shao-Fa
Published: July 2006

In the title compound, C23H27N3O2, the packing of the molecules in the crystal structure appears to be influenced by C—H...O hydrogen-bonding interactions.
1,3:4,6-Di-O-benzylidene-N-cinnamyl-2,5-dideoxy-2,5-imino-L-iditol
Authors: Yu Chu-Yi , Fu Ying
Published: July 2006

In the crystal structure of the title compound, C29H27NO5, the molecules assemble into a network structure by both intermolecular C—H...O hydrogen bonding and C—H...π stacking interactions.
(E)-3-(1,3-Benzodioxol-5-yl)-1-phenyl-2-propen-1-one
Authors: Yang Xu-Hong , Wu Ming-Hu , Zou Wei-Dong , Li Chuan
Published: July 2006

In the title compound, C16H12O3, the dihedral angle between the benzene rings is 12.0 (1)°. In the crystal structure, the molecules are linked through π–π interactions and C–H...π (arene) hydrogen-bonding interactions.
Urotropine–2,2,3,3-tetramethylcyclopropanecarboxylic acid (1/1)
Authors: Feng Hai , Zhang Hui-Min , Tu Bing , Jin Zhi-Min
Published: July 2006

In the crystal structure of the title compound, C6H12N4·C8H14O2, neutral molecules of urotropine and 2,2,3,3-tetramethylcyclopropanecarboxylic acid are linked together by an O—H...N hydrogen bond.
L-Argininium trifluoroacetate
Authors: Suresh J. , Krishnakumar R. V. , Natarajan S.
Published: July 2006

In the title compound, C6H16N4O2
+·C2F3O2
−, the amino acid exists as a zwitterionic argininium cation, with positively charged amino and guanidinium groups and a negatively charged carboxylate group. The trifluoroacetic acid molecule is deprotonated. The stoichiometry between the argininium ion and the trifluoroacetate anion is 1:1. The aggregation of argininium cations and trifluoroacetate anions is strikingly similar to those observed in the 1:2 stoichiometric analogue.
The Jehovah's Witness and dementia: who or what defines ‘best interests’?
Authors: Hegde R. , Bell D. , Cole P.
Published: July 2006

An elderly woman with dementia presented for repeat surgical management of fractured neck of femur. Although no advance directive had ever been generated, the patient was declared to be a strict Jehovah's Witness by her daughter, who vetoed the transfusion of any blood products. The fracture was managed conservatively but the patient suffered repeated chest infections, from which she died 4 months after admission. This case raised several clinical, ethical and legal issues and generated a spectrum of opinion as to the appropriateness of operative intervention, transfusion and provision of intensive care. We suggest that professional guidelines and the new Mental Capacity Act 2005 do not provide explicit and comprehensive guidance for practitioners. Further deliberation is required to bring about convergence between the law, ethical principles and professional guidelines.
Transfusion‐related acute lung injury: a literature review
Authors: Barrett N. A. , Kam P. C. A.
Published: July 2006

Transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI) is a serious and potentially fatal complication of transfusion of blood and blood components. TRALI is under‐diagnosed and under‐reported because of a lack of awareness. A number of models have been proposed to explain the pathogenesis of TRALI: an antibody mediated model; a two‐event biologically active mediator model; and a combined model. TRALI can occur with any type of blood product and can occur with as little as one unit. Its presentation is similar to other forms of acute lung injury and management is predominantly supportive. The main strategy in combating TRALI is prevention both through manipulation of the donor pool and through clinical strategies directed at reducing transfusion of blood products including, but not limited to, evidence‐based lower transfusion thresholds. This article presents a review of TRALI and addresses the definition, pathology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, treatment and prevention of the syndrome.
Altered deoxyuridine and thymidine in plasma following capecitabine treatment in colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Li Kong M. , Rivory Laurent P. , Hoskins Janelle , Sharma Rohini , Clarke Stephen J.
Published: July 2006

Aims

To investigate the relationship between changes in plasma deoxynucleoside concentrations and response and toxicity in patients treated with capecitabine.

Methods

Twenty‐six patients received 2 g capecitabine twice daily orally for 2 weeks of a 3‐week cycle. Blood samples were collected on day 0 (baseline), day 8, day 15 and day 22 of the first cycle for the determination of plasma thymidine (TdR) and deoxyuridine (UdR) concentrations. Patients were reviewed weekly during the first cycle, then 3‐weekly for toxicity assessment. Response was assessed according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (RECIST) criteria.

Results

The plasma UdR and UdR/TdR ratios were significantly elevated (P < 0.001) compared with baseline (49.3 ± 20.8 nmol l−1) for the entire 3‐week treatment period. In contrast, the plasma TdR concentrations of these patients were significantly reduced only on day 8 (P < 0.01) compared with baseline (12.1 ± 3.83 nmol l−1), but returned gradually to basal levels by day 15. There were no significant correlations demonstrated between pretreatment or maximal post‐treatment plasma nucleoside ratio and either toxicity or response. The TSER genotype frequencies of homozygous TSER*2, TSER*3 and heterozygous TSER*2/*3 were 7.7%, 42.3% and 50%, respectively. These preliminary data also indicate no direct relationship between thymidylate synthase (TS) genotype and plasma nucleoside levels.

Conclusions

Capecitabine mimics continuous infusion of 5‐FU to achieve sustained cellular TS inhibitory effects and suggests the antiproliferative mechanism of capectabine is at least partly due to TS inhibition through its active metabolite FdUMP. Although plasma UdR and TdR concentrations and the UdR/TdR ratio can provide some pharmacodynamic indication of TS inhibition, they are unlikely to predict therapeutic response or toxicity accurately following capecitabine treatment in cancer patients.
C‐reactive protein promotes platelet adhesion to endothelial cells: a potential pathway in atherothrombosis
Authors: Yaron Gil , Brill Alexander , Dashevsky Olga , Yosef‐Levi Irit Mor , Grad Etty , Danenberg Haim D. , Varon David
Published: July 2006

C‐reactive protein (CRP) is a strong predictor for acute cardiovascular events. Several endothelial prothrombotic effects of CRP have been recently reported. This study examined the effect of CRP on bovine aortic endothelial cell (EC) activation and capacity to recruit human platelets under flow conditions using the cone and plate(let) analyser method. Human recombinant CRP promoted platelet adhesion in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner, with a maximal effect at 20 μg/ml (increase of 174% over baseline, P < 0·01). Similar effects were observed following incubation of EC with sera of transgenic mice that express human CRP (10 μg/ml). Anti‐intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 neutralising monoclonal antibody and nitric oxide donor, sodium nitroprusside, blocked the effect of CRP, reducing adhesion from 202% to 128% (P < 0·05) and 114% (P = 0·02) respectively. The pro‐adhesive effect of CRP was abolished by calphostin C (a protein kinase C inhibitor), whereas the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase antagonist, PD98059, did not have any effect. CRP promoted P‐selectin expression on the EC surface and blockade of P‐selectin reversed CRP‐induced platelet adhesion. In conclusion, CRP promoted platelet adhesion to EC. Our results emphasise the possible role of CRP in linking inflammation and thrombosis and provide a potential mechanism for the high incidence of vascular events associated with high CRP levels.
Activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) in G2 phase delays mitotic entry through p21CIP1
Authors: Dangi S. , Chen F. M. , Shapiro P.
Published: July 2006

Abstract.  Extracellular signal‐regulated kinase activity is essential for mediating cell cycle progression from G1 phase to S phase (DNA synthesis). In contrast, the role of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase during G2 phase and mitosis (M phase) is largely undefined. Previous studies have suggested that inhibition of basal extracellular signal‐regulated kinase activity delays G2‐ and M‐phase progression. In the current investigation, we have examined the consequence of activating the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase pathway during G2 phase on subsequent progression through mitosis. Using synchronized HeLa cells, we show that activation of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase pathway with phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate or epidermal growth factor during G2 phase causes a rapid cell cycle arrest in G2 as measured by flow cytometry, mitotic indices and cyclin B1 expression. This G2‐phase arrest was reversed by pre‐treatment with bisindolylmaleimide or U0126, which are selective inhibitors of protein kinase C proteins or the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase activators, MEK1/2, respectively. The extracellular signal‐regulated kinase‐mediated delay in M‐phase entry appeared to involve de novo synthesis of the cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor, p21CIP1, during G2 through a p53‐independent mechanism. To establish a function for the increased expression of p21CIP1 and delayed cell cycle progression, we show that extracellular signal‐regulated kinase activation in G2‐phase cells results in an increased number of cells containing chromosome aberrations characteristic of genomic instability. The presence of chromosome aberrations following extracellular signal‐regulated kinase activation during G2‐phase was further augmented in cells lacking p21CIP1. These findings suggest that p21CIP1 mediated inhibition of cell cycle progression during G2/M phase protects against inappropriate activation of signalling pathways, which may cause excessive chromosome damage and be detrimental to cell survival.
Adult stem cell homing and differentiation in vitro on composite fibrin matrix
Authors: Sreerekha P. R. , Divya P. , Krishnan L. K.
Published: July 2006

Abstract.  Strategies to generate differentiated cells from haematopoetic progenitor cells will enhance potential use of adult stem cells for therapeutic transplantation or tissue engineering. Transplantation of undifferentiated stem cells into recipient tissue hinges on the hypothesis of a milieu dependent differentiation and it has been suggested that a clot‐equivalent scaffold is crucial for these circulating cells to anchor and multiply. Here a natural scaffold, fibrin along with fibronectin, gelatin and growth factors has been used to induce endothelial progenitor cells and smooth muscle progenitor cells to differentiate into endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells, respectively, from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Characteristics of endothelial cells have been verified by the detection of mRNA for and immunostaining the cells for von Willebrand factor, uptake of acetylated low‐density lipoproteins and measurement of released nitric oxide in the culture medium, as nitrite. The specific molecules that characterized smooth muscle cells were alpha smooth muscle actin and calponin, besides deposition of collagen type I and elastin, onto the culture matrix. The adhesive proteins used for the fabrication of endothelial progenitor cells matrix and smooth muscle progenitor cells matrix were the same, but specific differentiation was brought about by modulating the growth factor composition in the matrix and in the culture medium. Both endothelial and smooth muscle cells were consistently developed from 20 ml of human blood.
Facilitating access to services for children and families: lessons from Sure Start Local Programmes
Authors: Garbers Claudia , Tunstill Jane , Allnock Debbie , Akhurst Sofie
Published: July 2006

With the introduction of the highly publicized Sure Start Local Programme (SSLP) initiative in 1998, the UK government introduced a community‐based set of provisions targeted at families with children under 4 years who were living in some of the 20% most deprived and disadvantaged geographical areas in England. These programmes were designed to combat the adverse effects of poverty and disadvantage on the long‐term outcomes for children and families. One challenging dimension for programme development has been the facilitation of access to the services on offer in these programmes. Drawing on findings from the implementation module within the government‐commissioned National Evaluation of Sure Start, this paper examines the way in which SSLPs have sought to facilitate access to services for their local communities and to encourage community members to take up and continue using those services. This paper presents a detailed overview of programme activity in respect of access. It identifies a continuum of access and a model of three styles of parental service use. The paper highlights the implications of the SSLP implementation process for the development of subsequent related initiatives such as children’s centres and extended schools.
IgE binding studies with large peptides expressed from Der p II cDNA constructs
Authors: CHUA K. Y. , GREENE W. K. , KEHAL P. , THOMAS W. R.
Published: July 2006

The major mite allergen Der p II shows marked resistance to denaturation and is expressed from cDNA in bacteria with almost all of its IgE binding activity. Despite these properties, the IgE binding activity appears to be dependent on maintaining the complete primary structure. Random fragment libraries of cDN A, able to code for up to 93 of the 129 amino acid residue protein, did not express IgE binding peptides. Large overlapping peptides 1–69, 69–129 and 42–117 expressed as the fusions from the glutathione transferase of pGEX vectors only had binding activity with IgE in 15 out of 57 sera, and this was typically weak. Sera from children with atopic dermatitis bound IgE in seven out of eight cases but this was also weak compared with their strong reactivity to intact recombinant Der p II. The inability of such large peptides to form IgE binding structures suggests that the antigenic determinants of Der p II are highly conformational and restricted.
Structural and secretory characteristics of bovine lung and skin mast cells: evidence for the existence of heterogeneity
Authors: HUNT T. C. , CAMPBELL A. M. , ROBINSON C. , HOLGATE S. T.
Published: July 2006

We have examined cells dispersed enzymatically from three different sites in (he bovine lung (tracheal mucosa, bronchial mucosa and parenchyma) and the skin, in order to ascertain whether the bovine model could be used to study mast cell heterogeneity. Histochemically there were two sub‐populations of mast cells present in both lung and skin (on the basis of toluidine blue staining and the sensitivity to formalin fixation), but their proportions were similar in all sites studied. Skin mast cells contained approximately twice the amount of histamine than their counterparts in the lung (P < 0.05). Functional heterogeneity was examined by in vitro release of histamine following secretagogue challenge. Calcium ionophore induced a substantial release of histamine; skin mast cells releasing significantly more histamine than any of the lung mast cells (at 10 μm ionophore, 37.1% and 20.7% net histamine release, respectively, P < 0.05), although the time‐course of release from the two tissues was similar. The neuropeptides vasoactive intestinal peptide and somatostatin induced a modest but statistically significant release of histamine from both skin and lung mast cells, whilst substance P only induced histamine secretion from skin mast cells. A range of other potential immunological and non‐immunological secretagogues was unsuccessful in eliciting histamine release from mast cells in any of the tissues. We conclude that there were no convincing histochemical differences between mast cells from the sites examined in the lung or skin. Additionally, there was no discernabie functional heterogeneity between mast cells within the lung, but functional differences were evident between mast cells of the bovine lung and skin. However, in the absence of a suitable immunological stimulus the bovine model cannot be regarded as a good model of mast cell heterogeneity.
Inhibitory effect of inhaled procaterol on anaphylactic bronchoconstriction and thromboxane A2 production in guinea‐pigs
Authors: FUJIMURA M. , SAKAMOTO S. , NISHI K. , SAITO M. , MIYAKE Y. , MATSUDA T.
Published: July 2006

This study was designed to examine whether an inhaled β2‐agonist, procaterol, inhibits thromboxane A2 (TXA2) production induced by antigen challenge in passively sensitized guinea‐pigs in vivo. Antigen‐induced bronchoconstriction was markedly inhibited by pre‐treatment with procaterol. Inhaled procaterol significantly reduced in a dose‐dependent manner the increment in TXB2 concentration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid obtained 5 min after antigen challenge. Aerosol administration of procaterol significantly inhibited bronchoconstriction induced by inhaled hislainine. These results suggest that inhalation of procalerol has an inhibitory effect on antigen‐induced TXA2 production as well as a protective effect against bronchoconstriction induced by bronchoactive agents.
Effects of maternal diet during late pregnancy and lactation on the development of IgE and egg‐ and milk‐specific IgE and IgG antibodies in infants
Authors: LILJA G. , DANNAEUS A. , FOUCARD T. , GRAFF‐LONNEVIG V. , JOHANSSON S. G. O. , ÖMAN H.
Published: July 2006

The IgE levels and food‐allergen‐specific IgE‐ and IgG‐antibodies (Ab) to oval bumin (OA), ovomucoid (OVO) and β‐Mactoglobulin (BLG) were determined up to 18 months of age in 163 infants born to women who were atopic. A high (HIGH group) or a low (REDUCED group) intake of hen's egg and cow's milk by the mother during the third trimester gave no significant differences in the concentrations of IgE or in IgE‐Ab (OVO, BLG) and IgG‐Ab (OA, OVO, BLG). Similarly, a prolongation of the abstention diet to the early lactation period did not influence the immune response. The IgG‐Ab levels to all three food allergens decreased significantly (P < 0.001) in both study groups between birth and 2 months of age, but then increased significantly (P < 0.001) between 6 and 18 months of age. The presence in serum of IgE‐Ab to OVO (≥ 0.15 PRU/ml) was associated with significantly higher IgG‐Ab levels to OVO at 6 months (P < 0.001) and at 18 months (P < 0.05). Infants with positive skin‐prick tests (SPT) to OA and OVO showed higher IgG‐Ab levels at 6 and 18 months of age than did infants with negative SPT reactions to the two egg allergens. This indicates a relation between the IgE‐ and IgG‐Ab response and it also suggests that some individuals are ‘high responders’ to both types of immunoglobulin isotypes while others are ‘low responders’.
Functional inactivation of Dermatophagoides spp. (house dust mite) reactive human T‐cell clones
Authors: O'HEHIR R. E. , AGUILAR B. A. , SCHMIDT T. J. , GOLLNICK S. O. , LAMB J. R.
Published: July 2006

Staphylococcal enterotoxins are able both to stimulate powerful polyclonal proliferative responses and to induce non‐responsiveness of T lymphocytes expressing the appropriate T‐cell antigen receptor Vβ gene products. T‐cell clones representative of the human response to house dust mite were identified that express either Vβ3 or Vβ6 gene products. The specificity of the latter was confirmed by serology. Pre‐treatment of cloned Vβ3+ T cells with the Staphyhcoccus aureus enterotoxins B or C1 rendered them non‐responsive to immunogenic challenge with their natural ligand, while retaining responsiveness to exogenous IL‐2. Similarly, exposure of the Vβ6+ dust mite reactive T cells to the Staphylococcal enterotoxin of the appropriate specificity, SEE, induced specific anergy. The development of non‐responsiveness was associated with changes in the T‐cell phenotypes. Downreguiation of the T‐cell receptor, Ti‐CD3, was paralleled by enhanced expression of both CD2 and the IL‐2 receptor, CD25. Differential co‐modulation of CD4 and Ti‐CD3 suggested that for some T cells CD4 may form part of the specific antigen recognition structure. Toxicity of the Staphylococcal enterotoxins may be removed by chemical modification, thus their ability functionally to inactivate subpopulations of T cells expressing antigen‐specific receptors with shared characteristics may be of potential value in the regulation of allergic diseases if the diversity of the T‐cell repertoire proves to be limited.
The effect of genetic and environmental factors on the prevalence of allergic disorders at the age of two years
Authors: Arshad S. H. , Stevens M. , Hide D. W.
Published: July 2006

The effect of genetic and environmental factors on the prevalence of allergic disorders in early childhood was determined in a prospective follow‐up study. Information was available on 1174 children at the age of 2 years. Two‐hundred and seventy‐five were considered to have an allergic disorder. The prevalence varied from 3.2% for rhinitis to 10.9%, for asthma. At 2 years 60 children reacted positively on skin‐prick test (SPT). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to obtain adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for each factor. For asthma, positive family history, male sex, low birth‐weight, maternal smoking and season of birth were significant risk factors. For eczema, positive family history was the only significant risk factor. For rhinitis, lower socio‐economic group and autumn birth were significant. Maie sex and low birth‐weight were significant for skin test positivity. Positive family history and low birth‐weight were significant risk factors for any allergy. Low birth‐weight was also a significant risk for skin test reactivity to house dust mite. Genetic and environmental factors have a profound effect on the development of allergic disorders in the first two years of life.
Surfactant dysfunction develops when the immunized guinea‐pig is challenged with ovalbumin aerosol
Authors: LIU M. , WANG L. , ENHORNING G.
Published: July 2006

Background
The cause of the airway resistance developing during an asthma attack is not completely understood. Besides bronchospastn and airway oedema a surfactant dysfunction has been suggested as a reason for an increased airway resistance.

Objective
This paper airns at exatnining if itideed surfactant dysfunction develops when an asthma attack is induced in guinea‐pigs.

Methods
Guinea‐pigs, immunized against ovalbumin and ihcn challenged (by inhal‐ing the antigen) underwent lung function tests (n=7) and were compared with seven animals challenged, but not immunized. Lung lavage was carried out in three groups of guinea‐pigs: controls. never immunized nor challenged (n=7), not immunized but challenged (n=6), immunized and challenged, no lung function test (n=6). After concctUruting the tavage fluit 10 times the surface activity was evaluated wilh the pulsatitig bubble surfactometer. The fluid's concentration of phospholipids and proteins was determined as was ihe phospholipid composition.

Results
The 19 immunized and challenged animals all developed severe respiratory distress, six so seriously that they died. Lung function tests showed significantly increased airway resistance and decreased tidal volume, minute volume, and dynamic compliance. Surface activity of lavage fluid from immunized and challenged animals was significantly reduced when compared with fluid from control animals (p<0.01). Immunization and challenge had no effect on the lavage fluid's phospholipid concen‐tration or composition, but the proteins were at a higher concentration that in ihe fluid of the controls (P<0.01).

Conclusion
Proteins leaking into the airways inhibited the surfactant. This, in turn might have caused conducting airways to become blocked by liquid columns, which would increase airway resistance.
Evaluation of atopy through an expert system: description of the database
Authors: RAY P. , VERVOLET D. , CHARPIN D. , GAUTIER V. , PROUDHIN H. , REDIER H. , GODARD PH.
Published: July 2006

Background
In order to understand the medical decision taken during the intaial visit of a new asthmatic patient, a group experts designed an expert system which provides conclusions about severity, precipiting factors and treatment. Rules for atopy and the assesment of allergic factors have been discussed and implementedin the expert system. Conclusion about severity have been yet validated using an appropriate methodology.

Objective
The aim of this study was to investigate a sample of 471 patients according to conclusions regarding atopy.

Methods
A total of 471 cases report forms (CRf) was filled in for adult asthmatic outpatients, seen for the first time in our clinic without emergency situtations. Data of each CRF were used by the expert systemto draw conclusion. The expert systsm discerns threee patterns fir atopy, yes, possible or no. The variables known to reflect different features according to the classification of asthma as atopic or not have been studied. The Variables used in the rules for atopy, obviously linked to the conclusion, were not completed. For many medical problem no unique objectives solution esixts and this is why a group of patients with possible atomy was introduced.

Results
Patients with atopy had less severe asthama (P=0.01), a better FEV1 value (P=0.0007)and showed their first symptoms of asthama erlier (P=0.00001)than patients without atopy.

Conclusion
The Characteristics of the group studied here are consistent with the literature. This could be considered as an indirect validation of the expert system. Moreover, Patients with possible atopy show intermediate findings for these variables and it is possible to suggest a‘dose‐effect’relationship.
Skin‐prick test and RAST responses to cereals in children with atopic dermatitis. Characterization of IgE‐binding components in wheat and oats by an immunoblotting method
Authors: VARJONEN E. , VAINIO E. , KALIMO K. , JUNTUNEN‐BACKMAN K. , SAVOlAINEN J.
Published: July 2006

Background
Hypersensitiviiy to cereals may occur via inhalation or ingestion. Although cereals are essential in the daily nutrition, only little information is available of the allergens causing symptoms in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD).

Objective
The purpose of the present study was to analyse the IgE immune‐response to various cereals and specific cereal fractions of wheat and oats in children with severe AD and correlate the results with challenge studies.

Methods
Skin‐Prick tests (SPT) with a NaCL suspension of wheat. oats, rice, corn. millet and buckwheat and the ethenol soluble sliadin fraction of wheat were performed to 34 wheat/oats challange positive or negative children with AD Simultaneously serum total IgE and specific IgE antibody radioallergosorbent test (RAST), levels to wheat, oats and gluten were determined, In addition serum samples of these 34 AD patients and five age matched controls were analysed with IgE immunoblotting using neutral and acidic protien extracts of wheat and oats.

Results
From the 34 AD children 33 were SPT positive with wheat and 18 with oats. Positive RAST to wheat and oats could be detected in 32 and 30 samples respectively. From the oral Wheat challange positive children 12/14 appeared positive with gliadin SPT and revealed positive RAST to gluten, but each of the wheat challenge negative were negtive in SPT with gliadin. In immunoblotting using neutral and acidic fractions of cereals the IgE binding with sera of challenge positive children showed the most intensive staining, but no correlation was found between differrent staining patterns and the clinical wheat sensitivity. The 26,38 and 69 KDa bands in wheat and the 46 and 66 KDa in oats could be classified as major IgE binding proteins of these cereals (>50% of the sera were positive). SPT with rice, corn, miller or buckwheat and oats was positive in 16/34 patients.

Conclusion
Intensive IgE staining to natural acidic soluble proteins in wheat and oats was seen with major IgE binding to 26.38 and 69 KDa protiens in wheat and 46 and 66 KDa in oats, but no specific IgE staining patterns correlating with clinical cereal sensitivity were found. The strong association between the positive SPT with the ethnol soluble gliadin suggest that also gliadin is an important allergen in wheat‐allergic children with AD. The allergens in rice, corn, millet and buckwheat should be better studied before they can be recommended as alternatives for cereal allergic children.
Human eosinophils prefernentially surivive on tissue fibronectin compared with plasama fibronection
Authors: WALSH G.M , SYMON F. A. , WARDLAW A. J.
Published: July 2006

Background
Eosinphil‐derived inflamatory mediators including cytolines are considered to be important in the pathogenesis of allergic inflammation. Fibronectin (Fn) has been shown to be a physiogical trigger of autocrine cytokihne production by human eosinophils. Fn is encoded by a single gene, but alternate splicing of the primary RNA transcript results in polypeptide diversity in a cell type‐specific fashion. Thus, tissue Fn contains approxmately 50% more of the CS‐1 cell binding region recognized by the integrin α4 β1 compared with lasma Fn.

Objective
Since eosinophil;s are predominantly tissue‐dwelling cells we compared the effect of tissue and plasama Fn on eosinophil surivivial in culture.

Methods
The viability and vytokine generation of eosinophils (>99.9%) pure) cultured for up to 4 days in 96 well plates coated with tissue Fn. Plasama Fn or BSA was compared.

Results
There was a deingficant difference in the ablity if tissue Fn to support eosinophil survival com‐pared with plasma Fn (P <0.001). Optimal survivial with tissue Fin was seen at 25 μ. w4ell (70%‐+2.0%) viability at 3 days vs 7%‐+ 2.2 % viability on BSA). Significant (p <0.001) cell viability on tissue Fn was observed for up to 4 days in culture (54%‐+ compared with BSa coated wells. Addition of autologous mononuclear cells (final concentration 0.5%, 1% or 2%) resulted in plasama Fndependent eosinophil surivival comparable to that 99.9% pure eosinophils adhreent to tissue Fn. Tissue Fn‐dependent survival was significantly inhibited by anti‐interleukin‐3, anti‐granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (gm‐csf) and anti ‐Il‐5 monoclonal antibodies. Picogram quantities of these three cytokins were detected in supernatants from eosinophils cultured for 3 days on tissue Fn was significantly inhibited by anti‐31 and α4 β monoclonal antibody (MoAb) and also by MoAB specific for the Cs‐1 motif in the IIICS region of fn.

Conclusion
These observations show preferential survival of eosinophils cultured on tissue Fn as a result of α4 β‐dependent interaction with the CS‐1 region of tissue Fn triggering autocrine cytokine synthesis and release,thereby promoting their survival and presistence within the tissues.
Total serum immunoglobulin E levels in a case–control study in asthmatic/allergic patients, their family members, and healthy subjects from India
Authors: Sharma S. , Kathuria P. C. , Gupta C. K. , Nordling K. , Ghosh B. , Singh A. B.
Published: July 2006

Background
Total immunoglobulin E (IgE) is an important indicator of allergic disorders. However, its role in allergic patients in India has not been evaluated in relation to atopic status for a reference range as compared with healthy subjects.

Objective
The aim of the study was to establish serum IgE levels in a diseased group, study its relationship with atopy, and to compare the same with healthy volunteers in Indian subjects.

Methods
Four hundred and eighty asthmatics/allergic patients, 100 first‐degree relatives of asthmatics, and 120 unrelated normal healthy volunteers from Delhi region were recruited for the study. Atopy was established by family history and skin test to common indigenous allergens and, total and specific IgE measurements. Statistical analysis was performed with the help of SPSS software program.

Results
The mean IgE levels were the highest in asthmatic patients and the lowest in the control healthy group. IgE was significantly high in the male than the female healthy volunteers (P<0.05), but not in the diseased group. Prosopis juliflora among pollen allergens and Alternaria alternata among fungal allergens were important sensitizers in allergic patients with 34.7% and 17.7% skin positivity, respectively. Atopic status and asthma were found to be the best predictor of IgE, which was highly significant (r2=0.239, P<0.00001). However, at 95% confidence interval as many as 50% of asthmatic patients had their IgE values in the normal range.

Conclusion
The IgE levels in Indian allergic patients is significantly related to atopy, but due to wide overlap of IgE levels in patients and healthy subjects, its diagnostic significance in Indian population seems to be limited.
Prolonged exclusive breastfeeding is associated with increased atopic dermatitis: a prospective follow‐up study of unselected healthy newborns from birth to age 20 years
Authors: Pesonen M. , Kallio M. J. T. , Ranki A. , Siimes M. A.
Published: July 2006

Background
Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months is recommended by the World Health Organization and considered allergy preventive. However, it is not known whether prolonging exclusive breastfeeding for over 6 months provides further benefit in allergy prevention.

Objective
The aim of this prospective 20‐year follow‐up study was to find out whether the allergy protective effect can be enhanced by prolonging strictly exclusive breastfeeding for 9 months of age.

Methods
A total of 200 unselected healthy newborns were enrolled in the study. Their mothers were encouraged to maintain exclusive breastfeeding for as long as possible. The number of infants on strictly exclusive breastfeeding was 167 at 2, 116 at 6, 36 at 9 and 7 at 12 months of age. Of the 200 infants, 42% had a family history of allergy. The children were re‐assessed at ages 5 (n=163), 11 (n=150) and 20 years (n=164) with clinical examination, skin prick testing, and parental and personal structured interviews.

Results
Exclusive breastfeeding prolonged for 9 months was associated with atopic dermatitis (P=0.002) and symptoms of food hypersensitivity (P=0.02) at age 5 years, and with symptoms of food hypersensitivity at age 11 years (P=0.01), in children with a family history of allergy.

Conclusion
Prolonging strictly exclusive breastfeeding for 9 months was not helpful in atopy prevention, instead, it was associated with increased atopic dermatitis and food hypersensitivity symptoms in childhood.
Gene and protein expression of protease‐activated receptor 2 in structural and inflammatory cells in the nasal mucosa in seasonal allergic rhinitis
Authors: Dinh Q. T. , Cryer A. , Trevisani M. , Dinh S. , Wu S. , Cifuentes L. B. , Feleszko W. K. , Williams A. , Geppetti P. , Fan Chung K. , Heppt W. , Klapp B. F. , Fischer A.
Published: July 2006

Background
Protease‐activated receptor 2 (PAR 2) has been shown to be responsible for trypsin and mast cell tryptase‐induced airway inflammation. Here, the present study aimed to explore the expression of PAR 2 in the nasal mucosa of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR).

Methods
Study subjects were recruited for the study by medical history, physical examination and laboratory screening tests. Using immunohistochemistry, laser‐assisted cell picking and subsequently real‐time PCR, nasal mucosa biopsies of SAR patients were investigated for PAR 2 gene and protein expression in complex tissues of the nasal mucosa.

Results
Gene and protein expression of PAR 2 was firstly detected in nasal mucosa of SAR patients. The relative gene expression level of PAR 2 was significantly increased in complex tissues of the nasal mucosa of SAR (6.21±4.02 vs. controls: 1.38±0.86, P=0.004). Moreover, PAR 2 mRNA expression in epithelial cells (SAR: 4.78±4.64 vs. controls: 0.84±0.61, P=0.003) but not in mucus (SAR: 1.51±1.15 vs. controls: 1.35±1.02, P=0.78) and endothelial cells (SAR: 1.20±0.57 vs. controls: 1.73±1.30, P=0.5) was found to be significantly changed in the nasal mucosa in SAR. Using double immunohistochemistry the present study demonstrated that the total numbers of mast cells (P=0.0003) and eosinophils (P=0.03) and the numbers of eosinophils expressing PAR 2 (P=0.006) were significantly elevated in the nasal mucosa of SAR compared with the controls.

Conclusion
The abundant presence and distribution of gene and protein expression of PAR 2 in different cell types in the nasal mucosa under normal situation, the increased expression of PAR 2 in epithelial cells and the increased number of eosinophils with PAR 2 suggest that PAR 2 may contribute to the pathogenesis of allergic diseases such as SAR.
Ghrelin, motilin, insulin concentration in healthy infants in the first months of life: relation to fasting time and anthropometry
Authors: Savino F. , Grassino E. C. , Fissore M. F. , Guidi C. , Liguori S. A. , Silvestro L. , Oggero R. , Miniero R.
Published: July 2006

Aims  This study aimed to investigate: (i) the relation between fasting time and serum ghrelin, motilin and insulin concentrations and (ii) the correlations between these hormones and anthropometrical parameters of infants in the first 18 months of life.

Patients and methods  A cross‐sectional study on 62 term infants was performed. Blood samples for hormonal assay were obtained at least 1 h after feeding. Weight, length and head circumference were recorded. Plasma ghrelin, motilin and insulin concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay.

Results  Ghrelin and motilin had a significant direct correlation with fasting time (r = 0·447; P < 0·001 and r = 0·36; P = 0·004, respectively). We observed a negative influence of insulin on ghrelin levels (β = −0·32; P = 0·036). Plasma ghrelin levels correlated significantly with age (r = 0·45, P < 0·001), weight (r = 0·31, P = 0·013), head circumference (r = 0·35, P = 0·006) and length (r = 0·39, P = 0·001). A significant correlation emerged between motilin and age (r = 0·45, P < 0·001), weight (r = 0·43, P = 0·001), head circumference (r = 0·47, P < 0·001) and length (r = 0·48, P < 0·001).

Conclusions  Fasting influence on serum ghrelin concentration confirms the role of this hormone as a physiological meal initiator also in infancy. The correlation between ghrelin, anthropometrical parameters and age supports the hypothesis that this hormone could exert an important influence on growth in the first months of life. Considering motilin, age and weight might play a role in determining its secretion; motilin could be considered one of the numerous factors involved in long‐term regulation of energy balance.
Phaeochromocytomas presenting as acute crises after beta blockade therapy
Authors: Sibal L. , Jovanovic A. , Agarwal S. C. , Peaston R. T. , James R. A. , Lennard T. W. J. , Bliss R. , Batchelor A. , Perros P.
Published: July 2006

Objective   Phaeochromocytoma crisis is a life‐threatening emergency that may be undiagnosed because of its numerous, nonspecific manifestations. We analysed, retrospectively, the presentation, management and outcome of patients who were admitted to our institution with phaeochromocytoma crises over a 5‐year period.

Results   Five patients (two males, three females; mean age 34·6 years, range 19–51 years) who presented as emergencies requiring intensive care, with multiple non‐specific manifestations and previously undiagnosed pheochromocytoma, were identified. The initial presentation included features of cardiomyopathy (n = 3), atypical pneumonia with myocarditis (n = 1) and acute abdomen (n = 1). Only one of the five cases had a raised blood pressure at the time of the acute presentation. Initiation of beta blockers in four patients was associated with further deterioration in haemodynamic status, labile blood pressure and cardiac arrhythmias, which led to the diagnosis of the underlying phaeochromocytoma. Following intensive supportive therapy and alpha blockade, all five patients recovered and underwent elective surgical removal of phaeochromocytoma, uneventfully.

Conclusion   Unexplained cardiopulmonary dysfunction, particularly after the institution of beta blockers, should alert clinicians to the possibility of phaeochromocytoma. A high index of suspicion is essential to reduce morbidity and mortality in these patients through early diagnosis and aggressive management.
Resting and exercise energy use in Antarctica: effect of 50% restriction in temperate climate energy requirements
Authors: Case H. Samuel , Reed H. Lester , Palinkas Lawrence A. , Reedy Kathleen R. , Van Do Nhan , Finney Nancy S. , Seip Richard
Published: July 2006

Objective  To determine the impact of energy restriction (ER) upon the previously reported increased resting and exercise‐related oxygen utilization, reduced body temperature, increased serum TSH, and reduced serum free T3 concentrations found during Antarctic residence (AR).

Design  Prospective, intervention with both paired controls and a similar reference control group (RG).

Patients and measurements  Seven subjects were assessed before and after a 50% ER period of 60 h. This ER was carried out within 30 days of arriving in Antarctica in October (OCT) and again after 10 months AR in August (AUG). During the periods of ER, mean energy consumption was 5662 ± 1344 kJ/day in OCT and 5529 ± 967 kJ/day in AUG. Resting metabolic rate (RMR), a calculated resting metabolic rate (RMRreg) using a submaximal work regression, serum TSH, FT3 and tympanic temperature (Tty) were measured. These values were compared with a similar RG of 12 subjects reported previously who were studied in California, USA before and then again during AR.

Results  Weight declined by 1·1 ± 0·1 kg/day (OCT) and 0·92 ± 0·2 kg/day (AUG) with ER, resulting in a reduction of body weight by 3·1 ± 0·4% in OCT (P = 0·0001) and 2·5 ± 0·4% in AUG (P = 0·0015) during AR. The RMR before ER did not change with AR and it was not significantly different from the RG studied in California. With ER the RMR tended to decline in both OCT (132 ± 5 to 122 ± 4 mlO2/min/m2) and AUG (134 ± 5 to 126 ± 5 mlO2/min/m2), but these were not significant. By contrast, RMRreg obtained before ER was increased with AR by 22·5 ± 7·8% (P = 0·01) in OCT and by 28·1 ± 7·0% (P = 0·0008) in AUG over the RG values obtained in California. RMRreg did not decrease with ER in either OCT or AUG. The total energy expenditure derived from these measures of weight loss suggests that 24‐h energy requirements are 74·4%[95% confidence interval (CI) 2·6–146·3; P < 0·05] more than those expected in temperate climates. Tty declined by 0·6 ± 0·2 °C (P < 0·01) with AR compared with the RG measured in California, but was not affected by either period of ER. ER had no effect on FT3 but tended to decrease serum TSH in AUG (P = 0·06).

Conclusions  Exercise‐related energy requirements are increased with AR. Moderate ER may reduce resting but not exercise‐related energy expenditure and it is associated with a weight loss exceeding expectations for 50% restriction of temperate climate energy predictions.
The androgen receptor gene CAG repeat polymorphism does not predict increased risk of heart disease: longitudinal results from the Massachusetts Male Ageing Study
Authors: Page Stephanie T. , Kupelian Varant , Bremner William J. , McKinlay John B.
Published: July 2006

Objective  Sex steroids may contribute to the increased prevalence of heart disease (HD) in men compared to age‐matched women. Androgens bind their cognate receptor, and androgen action is inversely proportional to the number of CAG repeats in exon 1 of the androgen receptor gene. Longer, less androgenic CAG repeats have been associated with higher high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, which might protect against HD. Therefore, we hypothesized that CAG repeat length contributes to HD risk in men.

Design  Longitudinal, population‐based cohort study.

Population  One thousand thirty‐four participants from the Massachusetts Male Ageing Study, a cohort of 1709 men from the Boston area, aged 40–70, observed at three time points over 15 years.

Methods  Poisson regression.

Measurements  Heart disease was determined by self‐report, medical records or from the National Death Index. Lipids and hormones were measured from blood samples drawn at each time point. CAG repeat length was assessed from DNA collected at the second time point.

Results  We found no increased risk of HD associated with CAG repeat length in our analyses. Moreover, CAG repeat length was not related to body mass index, HDL, low‐density lipoprotein or waist to hip ratio in this cohort; nor did CAG repeat length predict changes in these variables over 15 years of follow‐up.

Conclusions  In contrast to previous smaller, cross‐sectional analyses, in this large cohort of community‐dwelling men followed over 15 years, CAG repeat length was not related to the incidence or prevalence of HD or alterations in HDL. If androgens impact HD risk, this effect is unlikely to be mediated via CAG repeat length.