bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lipids and lipoproteins in persons with Down's syndrome
Authors: PUESCHEL S. M. , CRAIG W. Y. , HADDOW J. E.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT. This study was designed to investigate whether the observed decreased prevalence of coronary artery disease in individuals with Down's syndrome may be explained by their serum lipid and lipoprotein profiles. Twentyseven persons with Down's syndrome and 23 non‐afiFected control individuals were enrolled in this study. Their fasting venous blood was analysed for total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDH cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, apo B and apo AI. The results revealed no significant differences between the study and control group with regard to total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, apo B and the apo B:apo AI ratio. However, triglyceride levels were significantly increased, and serum HDL cholesterol, apo AI and HDL cholesterohtotal cholesterol ratio were significantly decreased in patients with Down's syndrome when compared with the control group. The latter observations are all associated with an increased risk for coronary artery disease. Therefore, it is concluded that the decreased prevalence of coronary artery disease in individuals with Down's syndrome carmot be explained by the lipid and lipoprotein levels observed in this study population.
The nature and extent of aggressive behaviour amongst people with learning difficulties (mental handicap) in a single health district
Authors: HARRIS P.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT.This paper describes the method and results of a survey of aggressive behaviour amongst people with learning difficulties. The study was confined to a single health district in the South Western Region of the UK with a general population of about 370000. At the time of the survey, the Handicap Register for the district recorded 1362 people as having a learning difFiculty. The overall prevalence of aggressive behaviour amongst people with learning difficulties for whom base population data was available was 17.6%. The lowest rate was identified amongst day facilities (9.7 %) and the highest in hospitals within the district (38.2%). The prevalence rate amongst those attending schools for children with severe learning difSculties was 12.6%. Proportionately more males than females were reported to present problems of aggressive behaviour. The gender difference appeared to be largely accounted for by the disproportionate number of men identified within day facilities. There was no significant evidence of an association between the person's gender and the presence aggressive behaviour within schools or hospitals. The results indicated that, although physical and verbal aggression were the most frequently reponed behaviours, many of the sample were also said to engage in other forms of challenging behaviour, particularly self‐injurious, ritualistic, stereotypical and withdrawn behaviour. The risk of a serious or very serious injury to another person was very low; 0.7% or six people with learning difiSculties firom the district were reponed to be currently presenting such a risk. Similarly, only 2% of the base population (n=18) were reponed to be extremely difficult to manage. The implications of the findings are discussed.
The effect of dietary caffeine manipulation on blood caffeine, sleep and disturbed behaviour
Authors: SEARLE G. F.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT.The effect of withdrawal of caffeine from the diet of a group of highly disturbed severely retarded adult patients was studied. Two weeks with drawal produced no improvement in sleep pattern or behaviour, but re‐introduction of normal diet was accompanied by a highly significant increase (P<0.001) in ward disturbance ratings.
A study of the prescribing for people with learning disabilities living in the community and in National Health Service care
Authors: BRANFORD D.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT. The prescribing of medicines for people with learning disabilities living in Leicestershire, England, was surveyed. Prescribing in both National Health Service (NHS) and non‐NHS settings was compared.
A prospective study of menopause in women with Down's syndrome
Authors: Seltzer G. B. , Schupf N. , Wu H.‐S.
Published: August 2010

The present study prospectively examined the age at menopause of 92 women with Down's syndrome (DS) and the influence of hypothyroidism on the age of menopause. Three methods were used to determine the distribution and median age at onset of menopause: (1) Kaplan–Meier life tables; (2) Cox proportional hazards modelling; and (3) maximum likelihood logistic regression. All three methods provided distributions and similar estimates of the median age at menopause, which was ≈46 years. The presence of hypothyroidism did not influence age at menopause. The earlier‐than‐expected age at onset of menopause suggests that women with DS are at an increased risk for post‐menopausal health disorders.
Localized photodamage of the human erythrocyte membrane causes an invagination as a precursor of photohaemolysis
Authors: WONG FELIX H. C. , NG‐KAMSTRA JOSHUA S. , CHEN NELSON L. H. , FRADIN CÉCILE
Published: August 2010

Fluorescence excitation can result in the formation of reactive oxygen species and free radicals damaging to live cells. In the case of erythrocytes, reaction of these reactive oxygen species with membrane components causes large‐scale morphological changes followed by cell haemolysis. In an effort to understand the origin of these morphological changes, we have studied the consequences of localized photodamage on the erythrocyte membrane. For this, we irradiated a small area of the cell membrane using a focused laser beam in the presence of an external photosensitizer. We observed the rapid formation of an invagination (approximately 1 μm deep) at the laser focus, long before photohaemolysis occurred. We measured the rate of invagination formation and the rate of cell haemolysis, using a combination of fluorescence contrast imaging (to detect the membrane position) with fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (to measure photosensitizer concentration). We found that the kinetics of both processes depend in a similar manner on light energy flux, fluorophore concentration and the presence of oxygen scavenger. This leads us to the conclusion that the observed invagination is due to the photooxidation of membrane‐associated proteins, representing a precursor of cellular photohaemolysis. We then discuss two different molecular mechanisms (conformational change of the protein band 3 and detachment of the spectrin cytoskeleton from the lipid membrane) that may explain how the photodamage of membrane‐associated proteins can lead to a deformation of the lipid bilayer.
A vacuum‐compatible wet‐specimen chamber for compact X‐ray microscopy
Authors: STOLLBERG H. , POKORNY M. , HERTZ H. M.
Published: August 2010

Soft X‐ray microscopy is a powerful tool for investigations of, for example, polymers or soils in their natural liquid environment. This requires a wet‐specimen chamber. Compact X‐ray microscopy allows the horizontal mounting of such samples, thereby reducing the influence of gravitational forces. We have developed a wet‐specimen chamber for such compact X‐ray microscope. The chamber is vacuum compatible, which reduces the exposure time. The vacuum sealing is achieved by a combination of mechanical sealing and sealing by bio‐compatible glue. With the wet‐specimen chamber the specimens can be kept in an aqueous environment in a vacuum of 10−4 mbar for several hours. Imaging of lipid droplets in water demonstrates the function of the wet‐specimen chamber.
LED illumination for video‐enhanced DIC imaging of single microtubules
Authors: BORMUTH VOLKER , HOWARD JONATHON , SCHÄFFER ERIK
Published: August 2010

In many applications high‐resolution video‐enhanced differential interference contrast microscopy is used to visualize and track the ends of single microtubules. We show that single ultrabright light emitting diodes from Luxeon can be used to replace conventional light sources for these kinds of applications without loss of function. We measured the signal‐to‐noise ratio of microtubules imaged with three different light emitting diode colours (blue, red, green). The blue light emitting diode performed best, and the signal‐to‐noise ratios were high enough to automatically track the ends of dynamic microtubules. Light emitting diodes as light sources for video‐enhanced differential interference contrast microscopy are high performing, low‐cost and easy to align alternatives to existing illumination solutions.
Masticatory features, EMG activity and muscle effort of subjects with different facial patterns
Authors: GOMES S. G. FARIAS , CUSTODIO W. , FAOT F. , DEL BEL CURY A. A. , GARCIA R. C. M. RODRIGUES
Published: August 2010

Summary  It has been suggested that craniofacial morphology plays an important role in masticatory function, however, there are controversies and unsolved questions that still require elucidation. The aims of this study were to evaluate masticatory performance, mandibular movement, electromyographic (EMG) activity and muscle effort of masseter and anterior temporal muscles during mastication. Seventy‐eight dentate subjects were selected and divided into three groups according to vertical facial pattern: brachyfacial, mesofacial and dolichofacial. Silicon‐based material was used for chewing tests. Masticatory performance was determined by a 10‐sieve method, and masticatory movements during mastication were assessed using a 3D mandibular tracking device. Electromyographic activities of masseter and anterior temporal muscles were evaluated during mastication, and muscle effort was calculated by the percentage of activity required for mastication based on maximum muscle effort. Data were analysed using anova and anova on‐ranks tests. Dolichofacial subjects presented significantly poorer masticatory performance (6·64 ± 2·04; 4·33 ± 0·70 and 3·67 ± 0·63), slower rate of chewing (1·34 ± 0·27, 1·18 ± 0·22 and 1·21 ± 0·20 cycles per second) and larger posterior displacement during mastication (6·22 ± 2·18; 5·18 ± 1·87 and 5·13 ± 1·89) than meso‐ and brachyfacial individuals, respectively. No statistical difference was detected among groups for the other masticatory movement parameters. There was no difference in absolute EMG amplitudes of masseter and anterior temporal muscles during mastication among groups, but the relative effort of both muscles was higher in dolichofacial, followed by meso‐ and brachyfacial subjects (masseter: 39·34 ± 2·25; 36·87 ± 4·05 and 33·33 ± 4·15; anterior temporal: 38·12 ± 1·61; 38·20 ± 8·01 and 35·75 ± 2·48). It was concluded that the vertical facial pattern influences masticatory performance, mandibular movement during mastication and the effort masticatory muscles required for chewing.
Temporomandibular disorders assessment: medicolegal considerations in the evidence‐based era
Authors: MANFREDINI D. , BUCCI M. B. , MONTAGNA F. , GUARDA‐NARDINI L.
Published: August 2010

Summary  Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a frequent finding in cases of facial trauma or dental malpractice, and legal claims for TMD damage have been increased over the years. Temporomandibular disorders assessment in the medical legal setting is complicated by the peculiarities of these disorders, whose symptoms are heterogeneous, fluctuant, and recognise a multifactorial origin. A systematic Medline search in the National Library of Medicine’s PubMed database pointed out that, despite the medical legal aspects of the dental profession are gaining a growing attention, there is a paucity of literature dealing with patients with TMD assessment. For these reasons, evidence‐based knowledge in the field of TMD diagnosis and treatment was summarised in this article with the aim of providing useful suggestions for a medical legal approach to TMD.
Postnatal Maturation of Small Intestinal Motility in Preterm and Term Infants
Authors: Amarnath Rathna P. , Berseth Carol Lynn , Malagelada Juan‐R. , Perrault Jean , Abell Thomas L. , Hoffman Alan D.
Published: August 2010

Perfusion manometry was used to study the maturation of small intestinal motility in 15 preterm and term infants before the initiation of enteral feeding (study 1); seven of the 11 preterm infants were restudied after 3 weeks or more of enteral feeding (study 2). During study 1, the interdigestive motility of the four term infants exhibited cycles of quiescence and rhythmic activity, compatible with migrating motor complexes observed regularly in adults; in response to feeding, motility changed to irregular, phasic activity. Preterm infants, however, showed only unorganized clusters of phasic activity during fasting, and there was no consistent pattern of motor response to feeding. After 3 or more weeks of enteral feeding, interdigestive cycles with migratory motor complexes and a consistent, obvious motor response to feeding were present. Preterm infants as young as 32 weeks' gestation showed “mature” motor patterns in study 2, results suggesting that intestinal motility matures with postconceptual age.
Long‐Term pH and Manometric Evaluation of the Distal Esophagus After Endoscopic Sclerotherapy of Esophageal Varices
Authors: Costantini Mario , Zaninotto Giovanni , Ancona Ermanno , Battaglia Giorgio , Roveran Antonietta , Scibetta Domenico , Cusumano Antonino , Peracchia Alberto
Published: August 2010

Endoscopic sclerotherapy (ES) of esophageal varices is widely used as an effective treatment for recurrent esophageal bleeding. Retrosternal pain, dysphagia, and esophageal strictures are frequently reported after ES. Alterations in esophageal motility have also been described. In this study, the motility pattern of the esophagus and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) competence were evaluated in a group of 11 patients with portal hypertension and esophageal varices treated by means of ES. Esophageal manometry and pH monitoring of the distal esophagus were carried out before starting ES of esophageal varices, and 2 months and 6 months later. The results of the study demonstrated that ES does not affect LES competence or reduce the amplitude of esophageal motor contractions, but does induce esophageal motility changes consisting of a reduction of esophageal coordination, an increase in the percentage of contraction abnormalities (multipeaked contractions), an increase of the average contraction duration, and an alteration in LES relaxation after swallowing. These motor abnormalities are evident at both early and late control evaluations. However, since only few patients, in the authors' experience, develop esophageal symptoms after ES, these findings represent a minor side effect of the procedure, without clinical implications.
Colonic Motility and Transit After Intermesenteric Nerve Transection and Mesenteric Ganglionectomy in Dogs
Authors: Brugère Hubert B. , Ferré Jean‐Pierre , Ruckebusch Yves
Published: August 2010

Mechanical activity of the large intestine of fasted and fed conscious dogs was recorded with strain gauges, before and after intermesenteric nerve transection, inferior and superior mesenteric ganglia ablation, or inferior mesenteric ganglion ablation. Radiography performed at fixed intervals after a test meal containing barium sulfate was used to assess the transit rate of colonic contents. Modifications of the quantity of eliminated feces, the number of defecations, and fecal dry matter content were associated with transit disturbance. After surgery the cyclical organization of colonic motility persisted in both fasted and fed states. The cyclical fasted pattern remained unchanged, but the inhibitory colocolonic reflex disappeared. After mesenteric ganglia ablation, the fed state activity was enhanced and apparent colonie residence time was shortened. Associated with giant migrating contractions, the number of fecal evacuations increased, and their dry matter content decreased. Transit disturbances were still observed 5 months after the surgical procedures. We conclude that the cyclical organization of colonic motility did not require extrinsic nervous inputs. The mesenteric ganglia had a sympathetic inhibitory effect on postprandial colonic motility. The factor triggering this effect was related to the arrival of the digesta in the colon. Hyperreflexia of the entire colon induced immediate evacuation of the contents, preventing the normal distention of the colon for storage of feces.
A Barrier Kinetic Mapping Unit: Application to Ionic Transport in Gastric Smooth Muscle
Authors: Skinner Frances K. , Bardakjian Berj L.
Published: August 2010

A model has been developed to characterize the ionic basis of the shape of the electrical control activity (ECA) observed in gastric smooth muscle. The model uses barrier kinetics to describe the underlying ionic transport mechanisms responsible for the gastric ECA. The transmission coefficient parameter, which has been given little importance in the past, plays a major role in our model. It represents the gating and kinetics of the different channels. The model compares well with the Goldman‐Hodgkin‐Katz current equations for the sodium, calcium, and potassium channels. The model illustrates the importance of the calcium pump in maintaining the resting membrane potential and shows how the waveshape is influenced by the ratio of free to total intracellular calcium concentration. The effects of potassium accumulation and calcium on the waveform were also investigated. In the fundus of the stomach, where there are no voltage oscillations, the potassium channels were found to be more important than the other channels in maintaining the resting membrane potential.
Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric emptying of solids in humans
Authors: CALDWELL S. H. , VALENZEULA G. , MARSHALL B. J. , DYE K. R. , HOFFMAN S. R. , PLANKEY M. W. , McCALLUM R. W.
Published: August 2010

Helicobacter pylori has been implicated in a number of upper gastrointestinal illnesses. In a controlled study, we have investigated the relationship between H. pylori infection and gastric emptying of solids in two groups of patients with chronic symptoms of dyspepsia. In the first group, 19 patients with non‐ulcer dyspepsia and H. pylori infection underwent a standard test of gastric emptying after ingestion of 500 μCi of Tc‐labelled chicken liver. The results were compared to a control group of 16 uninfected volunteers. We also studied a second group of 20 patients with previously diagnosed idiopathic gastroparesis for the prevalence of H. pylori infection and its relationship to symptom severity and rates of gastric emptying.

In the first group of patients, the half‐time of gastric emptying was significantly less among the infected patients compared to the uninfected volunteers (108 ± 9 vs. 142 ± 14 min, P < 0.05). In the second group of patients with gastroparesis, the prevalence of H. pylori was not significantly different among these patients than among 21 age and sex matched controls (20% vs. 38%, P = 0.32). Gastric emptying was markedly slow in all 20 patients in the second group but less so among the four with H. pylori infection. Symptom scores were no different between infected and uninfected patients.

We conclude that H. pylori infection is not associated with abnormally slow gastric emptying. On the contrary, gastric H. pylori infection appears to be associated with mildly accelerated emptying of solids compared to normal controls. Idiopathic gastroparesis and dyspepsia related H. pylori infection are separate but sometimes overlapping disorders.
Human gut‐brain interactions
Authors: ENCK P. , FRIELING T.
Published: August 2010

In recent years, new neurophysiological techniques have been developed which allow access to the gut‐brain axis in humans. Among these tools, recording of cerebral evoked potentials following stimulation of a viscera (rectosigmoid, oesophagus) as well as the striated anal sphincter muscle have gained importance for evaluation of afferent pathways in functional bowel disorders. Oesophageal and anal motor evoked potentials after transcranial magnetoelectrical stimulation of the motor cortex and the spine have demonstrated the feasibility to access the efferent motor pathways to these muscles as well, but studies are still needed to demonstrate their clinical importance. Finally, recording of electromechanical coupling at the level of a single muscle (external anal sphincter) will give further insight into the continence mechanism in health and disease.
Age‐related changes in rat colon mechanics
Authors: BUTT W. G. , WANG M. , KAUFMAN S. T. , RYAN J. P. , COHEN S.
Published: August 2010

To determine whether myogenic factors are responsible for slowed colonic transit in senescent rats, maximum shortening velocity (V0), compliance of the series elastic component (SEC), measurements of passive force in calcium‐depleted tissue and peak isometric force (F0) were examined in proximal and distal colonic circular smooth muscle from 6‐ and 30‐monthold Fischer rats (n = 5). After mucosa was removed, measurements were made on strips stimulated with 80 m>m KCl in a 2.5 m>m Ca2+ Kreb's solution. Muscle strips were quick released at peak isometric force (F0) to afterloads of 60% of F0. The changes in muscle length from zero to 40 msec and 1 to 2 sec after release during isotonic contraction were used to calculate the SEC and V0 as a fraction of total muscle length. Passive force (Fp) was measured in 2.5 m>m Ca2+ Kreb's solution and in a zero Ca2+, 0.1 m>m EGTA solution to determine the contribution of contractile and passive elements to passive force. The results of these studies indicate there is no difference in the V0 (L0/sec) of adult (8.4 ± 1.5) and aged (7.5 ± 2.0) animals (P ± 0.05). Peak force (F0) in the distal colon of the aged rats was greater than adult rats (1.23 ± 0.1 vs 0.85 ± 0.01 kg/cm2, P = 0.05). The stiffness of the parallel elastic component and the length‐tension relationship were similar in adult and aged animals. Negligible decreases in Fp were observed in zero calcium medium. However, basal contractile tone was elevated in aged animals (P = 0.05). These studies indicate basic differences in aged colonic circular muscle that may contribute to altered bowel transit and function during ageing.
Therapeutic effects of loxiglumide, a cholecystokinin antagonist, on chronic constipation in elderly patients: a prospective, randomized, double‐blind, controlled trial
Authors: MEIER R. , BEGLINGER C. , THUMSHIRN M. , MEYER B. , ROVATI L. C. , GIACOVELLI G. , D'AMATO M. , GYR K.
Published: August 2010

Severe chronic constipation is a common health problem, particularly among elderly nursing‐home patients. Cholecystokinin (CCK) is involved in the regulation of colonic motility, and the blockade of CCKA receptors with loxiglumide, a potent and highly specific CCKA antagonist, dramatically accelerates colonic transit time in healthy human volunteers. The effect of loxiglumide on the bowel habits and colonic transit time in 21 chronically constipated nursing‐home patients (mean age 83, range 71–89 years) was studied in a randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind cross‐over study. Loxiglumide 800 mg t.i.d. or identical‐looking placebo tablets were given orally in sequence with a 7‐day washout period in between for 21 days each. The number of spontaneous bowel movements and that of administered enemas was recorded for each 3‐week phase. At the end of each treatment period colonic transit time was assessed using radio‐opaque markers. Treatment with loxiglumide significantly (P < 0.005) accelerated colonic transit time from 113 ± 6 to 81 ± 10 h. The frequency of weekly bowel movements increased from 3.9 ± 0.5 (placebo) to 4.9 ± 0.5 (loxiglumide) (P < 0.006), while the number of enemas over the 3 weeks decreased from 2.7 ± 0.6 to 1.3 ± 0.4 for placebo and loxiglumide, respectively (P < 0.005). No serious side‐effects were observed and there were no signs of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency induced by loxiglumide. The blockade of CCKA receptors with loxiglumide significantly improves chronic constipation in geriatric patients. Loxiglumide may therefore constitute the prototype of a new class of potent therapeutic agents effective in the treatment of constipation.
Myenteric ganglia from the adult guinea‐pig small intestine in tissue culture
Authors: HANANI M. , XIA Y. , WOOD J. D.
Published: August 2010

Abstract Myenteric ganglia dissociated from the small intestine of adult guinea‐pigs survived in long‐term culture (1–2 months) and progressed to structural organization resembling the myenteric plexus in situ. Developmental changes were similar to cultures derived from neonatal intestine. After one week, the neurons gathered into clusters on a glial cell carpet. Processes from the neurons branched and ramified over the glial substrate. As the cultures matured, the processes joined into tracts and the neurons and glia formed compact aggregates reminiscent of ganglia interconnected by fibre bundles. Injection of dye revealed characteristic Dogiel I and II neuronal morphology. Electrical recording identified electrical and synaptic behaviour comparable to intact myenteric plexus, longitudinal muscle preparations, except slow synaptic excitation was absent. Pharmacological responses to forskolin and 5‐hydroxytryptamine were essentially the same as in freshly dissected preparations. Lucifer yellow injected into single glial cells spread to a broad population indicative of the dye coupling found among glia in the myenteric plexus in situ. The results suggest that adult myenteric ganglia in culture are a useful model for investigation of aspects of enteric neurobiology including: (a) formation of connections in microcircuits; (b) cellular neurophysiology of enteric neurons; (c) neuropharmacology; and (4) cell biology of neuronal‐glial interactions in the myenteric plexus.
Arbuscular mycorrhiza enhances preference of ovipositing predatory mites for direct prey‐related cues
Authors: HOFFMANN DANIELA , VIERHEILIG HORST , SCHAUSBERGER PETER
Published: August 2010

Most terrestrial plants are associated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi but research on the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis on aboveground plant‐associated organisms is scarcely expanded to tri‐trophic systems. The arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus mosseae Nicol. & Gerd. enhances fitness of the two‐spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch and its natural enemy, the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias‐Henriot, via changes in host plant and prey quality, respectively. In the present study, it is hypothesized that gravid P. persimilis are able to recognize arbuscular mycorrhiza‐enhanced prey quality and behave accordingly. In two experiments, on leaf arenas and in cages, P. persimilis is given a choice between prey patches deriving from mycorrhizal and non‐mycorrhizal bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) as feeding and oviposition sites. The use of cages allows the manipulation of distinct patch components acting as possible cues to guide predator foraging and oviposition behaviours, such as eggs produced and traces (webbing and faeces) left by the spider mite females. Both experiments show that P. persimilis preferentially resides close to prey fed on mycorrhizal plants. The cage experiment reveals that P. persimilis uses direct prey‐related cues, mainly derived from eggs, to discern prey quality and preferentially oviposits close to prey from mycorrhizal plants. This is the first study to document that predators recognize arbuscular mycorrhiza‐induced changes in herbivorous prey quality via direct prey‐related cues.
The Anti‐Anaphylactic Action of Tiaramide Hydrochloride
Authors: Renoux M. L. , Weill B. J. , Wallach D. , Chwetzoff E.
Published: August 2010

Tiaramide hydrochloride (THC) is a new basic, non‐steroidal, anti‐inflammatory drug. Its anti‐anaphylactic action has been investigated using rat mast cells. It was found that THC exerts a strong inhibitory action on antigen‐induced and compound 48/80–induced histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells in a fluorometric assay. Compound 48/80–induced vasodilatation in rat skin is inhibited by prior intradermal injection of THC, as measured by blueing of skin due to intravascular Evans blue dye. THC also inhibits radio‐labeled serotonin release from compound 48/80–challenged rat mast cells.

In these experimental systems a similar action was exerted by disodium cromoglycate, but higher drug concentrations were needed.

Further studies are needed to determine the exact mode of action of this drug and its eventual clinical use in the field of allergic diseases.
Cell‐Mediated Immunity to Yersinia enterocolitica Serotype 3 in Patients with Thyroid Diseases
Authors: Bech Karine , Clemmensen Ole , Larsen Jørgen Hannover , Thyme Steen , Bendixen Gunnar
Published: August 2010

The cellular immunity to Yersinia enterocolitica serotype 3 and crude human thyroid extract in 64 patients with thyroid diseases and 25 controls was studied by the leucocyte migration test. In the patient group as a whole and in patients with Graves' disease and nontoxic diffuse goitre a significantly reduced leucocyte migration towards Yersinia was found when compared with the controls. In controls the migration index was not related to the presence or titre of circulating yersinia antibodies, whereas the migration index of patients with yersinia antibodies was lower than the migration index of patients without yersinia antibodies as well as that of the controls. The leucocyte migration inhibition in two patients with recent yersiniosis was normal during the recovery phase.

In the presence of thyroid extract leucocyte migration inhibition differed only significantly in Graves' disease. However, a significantly positive correlation between inhibition of migration by thyroid extract and by Yersinia was found, while no correlation could be demonstrated in the controls.

The cell‐mediated immunity towards Yersinia in thyroid diseases thus demonstrated adds further evidence to the association between Yersinia and thyroid disease.
Antigens and Allergens in Birch Pollen Extract
Authors: Viander Markku , Fräki Jorma , Djupsund Bertil M. , Laine Seppo
Published: August 2010

More than 70% of the total allergenic activity of a birch pollen (BP) extract was detected within die first 30 min of extraction. Fractionation of the BP extract by gel filtration and analysis of the eluted antigens by a fused rocket im‐munoelectrophoresis revealed at least three antigens with molecular weights of about 29 000, and 17 000–10 000, corresponding to antigens Nos. 2, and 7–8, respectively, in crossed‐immunoelectrophoresis (CIE) and in crossed‐radio‐immuno‐electrophoresis (CRIE). Gel isoelectrofocusing of the pooled allergenic fractions revealed two major protein bands with pl's around 5.6 and 5.7, probably corresponding to antigens Nos. 7–8 and No. 2, respectively. Antigens Nos. 7–8 were thennoresistant, while antigen No. 2 was thermolabile.

The allergenic activity was determined by prick skin testing and by the RAST inhibition method. More than 90% of the allergenic activity in the fractions was located in the protein peak C (mol. wt. 10 000–17 000) containing antigens 7–8. About 30% of the total allergenic activity of the extract (1:10 w/v) was recovered in the peak C fractions, and only less than 0.5% outside these fractions. Higher allergenic activity was obtained for the peak B fractions (mol. wt. 29 000) by skin prick testing than by the RAST. Peak B contained allergens (antigen 2) distinct from those of peak C by the CRIE and by the RAST. The allergenic material in the low molecular weight fractions of peak D (mol. wt. 2000–5000) was allergenically similar to that of peak C in the RAST. Only weak and even negative skin reactions were observed with the peak D fractions in allergic subjects.
The Gastrointestinal Tract
Authors: Ferguson Anne
Published: August 2010

•Application of strict diagnostic criteria to celiac disease has led to the realization that there is a wide clinical spectrum within this disease.

•Normally there are immune reactions to dietary proteins, particularly secretory antibodies of IgA class, low titers of serum antibody and specific down‐regulation of IgE and T cell reactivity (oral tolerance).

•From time to time, abnormal immunity to foods, either as inappropriately high titers of antibodies or qualitatively altered responses, produce disease.

•Lactase deficiency, with dose‐related lactose and milk‐intolerance, occurs in 50–90% of most populations. White, western Europeans are the exception.
The Skin
Authors: Sampson Hugh A.
Published: August 2010

•Ingested food antigens rapidly cross the gastrointestinal barrier and reach pro‐inflammatory cells in the skin.

•Food allergy provokes urticaria/angioedema by classical, Type I, IgE‐mediated hypersensitivity.

•Food‐induced atopic dermatitis is the result of non‐classical, IgE‐directed hypersensitivity involving resident mast cells, Langerhans cells, CD4+ TH2 lymphocytes and monocytes.

•A form of gluten sensitivity provokes a characteristic eczematous‐like rash and enteropathy (Dermatitis herpetiformis).
Specific IgE antibodies in the diagnosis of atopic disease
Authors: Paganelli R. , Ansotegui I. J. , Sastre J. , Lange C.‐E. , Roovers M. H. W. M. , de Groot H. , Lindholm N. B. , Ewan P. W.
Published: August 2010

A new immunoassay system utilizing new automatic instrumentation, new software for evaluation of data, and reagents updated for increased speed and accuracy was evaluated. Six clinical studies included 894 consecutive patients. Major symptoms were rhinoconjunctivitis, asthma, atopic dermatitis, and urticaria. The prevalence of inhalant allergy was 54–69%. Phadiatop®, detecting atopic sensitization to common inhalant allergens, agreed with clinical diagnosis in 764/836 cases (91.4%). TTie clinical sensitivity and specificity were 93% and 89%, respectively The clinical sensitivity and specificity of UniCAP specific IgE derived from 5170 comparisons with clinical diagnosis were 89% and 91 %, respectively Specific IgE measurements in UniCAP and in the Pharmacia CAP System agreed in 266/274 cases (97%). A comparison of the sensitivity and specificity of Pharmacia CAP System RAST in 1987 and with UniCAP specific IgE in 1995 showed equivalent performance without change of efficacy or degradation of IgE antibodies after 8 years. The systems were equivalent also in terms of measured values (r=0.96, slope=1.12), confirming the standardization of allergens and of assay calibration. UniCAP is an efficient laboratory system for routine diagnostic testing of allergy and a valuable tool for basic studies on allergens and antibodies.
Allergy to bumblebee venom. II IgE cross‐reactivity between bumblebee and honeybee venom
Authors: Stapel S. O. , Waanders‐Lijster de Raadt J. , van Toorenenbergen A. W. , de Groot H.
Published: August 2010

To obtain more information on IgE cross‐reactivity between bumblebee venom and honeybee venom, we tested sera from venom‐sensitized patients for specific IgE against venoms from the European bumblebee (Bombus terrestris), the North American bumblebee (Megabombm pennsylvanicus), and the honeybee (Apis mellifera). RAST, RAST‐inhibition, and immunoblotting experiments indicate that bumblebee venom and honeybee venom contain venom‐specific IgE‐binding epitopes. These results suggest that immunotherapy using honeybee venom may not be effective in all bumblebee venom‐allergic patients. Our experiments also revealed differences in IgE binding for venom from European and American bumblebees.
Eosinophil markers in seasonal allergic rhinitis
Authors: Nielsen L. P. , Bjerke T. , Christensen M. B. , Skamling M. , Peterson C. G. B. , Mygind N. , Dahl R.
Published: August 2010

Background The purpose was to study activation markers of the eosinophil granulocytes in seasonal allergic rhinitis, and the impact of topical steroid therapy thereupon.

Methods Sixty‐three rhinitis patients with monoallergy to grass were examined before and at peak pollen season. Blood eosinophil count, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), and eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) in serum and nasal lavage fluid were measured. During the season, patients were randomized to treatment with intranasal fluticasone propionate 0.1 mg o.d. (n=26), 0.2 mg o.d. (n=25), or placebo (n = 12). Six healthy persons served as controls.

Results During the season, all parameters, except nasal lavage ECP, increased in the placebo group (P<0.001 – P<0.05). Significant differences were seen between the steroid grotips and the placebo group for all parameters (P<0.001–F<0.05). Higher eosinophil count (P<0.05), serum EPO (F<0.02), and nasal lavage EPO (P<0.05) were found in patients before season than in controls. The following winter, 44 patients returned for repeated measurement. Lower levels of nasal lavage EPO were observed for patients than levels at the beginning of the season (P<0.0001).

Conclusions Intranasal fluticasone propionate reduced inflammation of the nasal mucosa, demonstrated locally by nasal lavage ECP and EPO, and systemically by blood eosinophils, serum ECP, and serum EPO. EPO seemed more sensitive than ECP as indicator of allergic inflammation. EPO demonstrated some perennial eosinophil activity in hay fever patients, increasing locally during spring.
Heat treatment modifies the allergenicity of beef and bovine serum albumin
Authors: Fiocchi A. , Restani P. , Riva E. , Mirri G. P. , Santini I. , Bernardo L. , Galli C. L.
Published: August 2010

The effect of heat on the allergenicity of beef and bovine serum albumin was investigated among 10 toddlers skin prick test (SPT)‐positive to raw and cooked beef. The meat‐allergy diagnosis was confirmed during double‐blind, placebo‐controlled food challenge (DBPCFC) with 180 g of beef cooked for 5 min at 100°C. SPT with homogenized and freeze‐dried beef, and heated and unheated bovine serum albumin were performed. Both heated and unheated bovine serum albumin, homogenized beef, and freeze‐dried beef were used in trial DBPCFC. All children were SPT‐positive to unheated bovine serum albumin. Seven were positive to heated bovine serum albumin, one to freeze‐dried beef, and none to homogenized beef. DBPCFCs were negative for homogenized beef and freeze‐dried beef, positive for unheated bovine serum albumin in five patients, and positive for heated albumin in four children. We conclude that heating reduces sensitization to beef and bovine serum albumin but does not abolish reactivity to albumin under home conditions. However, industrially heat‐treated and sterilized homogenized beef and freeze‐dried beef may be suitable substitutes in beef‐allergic children's diets.
A revised nomenclature for allergy: An EAACI position statement from the EAACI nomenclature task force
Authors: Johansson S. G. O. , Hourihane J.O'B , Bousquet J. , Bruijnzeel‐Koomen C. , Dreborg S. , Haahtela T. , Kowalski M. L. , Mygind N. , Ring J. , Van Cauwenberge P. , Van Hage‐Hamsten M. , Wüthrich B.
Published: August 2010

This report has been prepared by an EAACI task force representing the five EAACI Sections and the EAACI Executive Committee composed of specialists that reflect the broad opinion on allergy expressed by various clinical and basic specialties dealing with allergy. The aim of this report is to propose a revised nomenclature for allergic and related reactions that can be used independently of target organ or patient age group. The nomenclature is based on the present knowledge of the mechanisms which initiate and mediate allergic reactions. However, the intention has not been to revise the nomenclature of nonallergic hypersensitivity.
Possible involvement of mast‐cell activation in aspirin provocation of aspirin‐induced asthma
Authors: Mita H. , Endoh S. , Kudoh M. , Kawagishi Y. , Kobayashi M. , Taniguchi M. , Akiyama K.
Published: August 2010

Background: Although there is increasing evidence of the importance of cysteinyl leukotrienes (LT) as mediators of aspirin‐induced bronchoconstriction in aspirin‐sensitive asthma, the cellular origin of the LT is not yet clear.

Methods: Urinary concentrations of leukotriene E4 (LTE4), 11‐dehydrothromboxane B2, 9α,11β‐prostaglandin F2, and Nτ‐methylhistamine were measured during the 24 h following cumulative intravenous administration of increasing doses of lysine aspirin to asthmatic patients. In addition, the urinary concentrations of these metabolites were measured on 5 consecutive days in a patient who suffered an asthma attack after percutaneous administration of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs.

Results: In aspirin‐induced asthma patients (AIA, n=10), the basal concentration of urinary LTE4, but not the other metabolites, was significantly higher than that in aspirin‐tolerant asthma patients (ATA, n=10). After intravenous aspirin provocation, the AIA group showed a 13.1‐fold (geometric mean) increase in excretion of LTE4 during the first 3 h, and 9α,11β‐prostaglandin F2 also increased in the AIA group during the first 0–3 h and the 3–6 h collection period. Nτ‐methylhistamine excretion was also increased, but to a lesser degree. Adminis‐tration of aspirin caused significant suppression of 11‐dehydrothromboxane B2 excretion in both the AIA and ATA groups. When the percentage of maximum increase of each metabolite from the baseline concentrations was compared between the AIA group and the ATA group, a significantly higher increase in excretion of LTE4, 9α,11β‐prostaglandin F2, and Nτ‐methylhistamine was observed in the AIA group than the ATA group. An increased excretion of LTE4 and 9α,11β‐prostaglandin F2 has been detected in a patient who suffered an asthma attack after percutaneous administration of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs.

Conclusions: Considering that human lung mast cells are capable of producing LTC4, prostaglandin D2, and histamine, our present results support the concept that mast cells, at least, may participate in the development of aspirin‐induced asthma.
Regulatory T cells: which role in the pathogenesis and treatment of allergic disorders?
Authors: Romagnani S.
Published: August 2010

Several recent data suggest the importance of different types of cells in the regulation of T‐cell effector‐mediated immune responses. However, a unique specific marker for these cells has not yet been identified. Moreover, in addition to a dedicated functional lineage, even a ‘plastic’ phenotype of regulatory T cells seems to exist. The lack of a unique specific marker for regulatory T cells, as well as their heterogeneity, make it difficult to determine whether a defect of regulatory T cells plays a role in the pathogenesis of common allergic disorders. Novel therapeutic strategies based on the induction or potentiation of regulatory T cells able to hamper allergic inflammatory reactions are desirable, but their possible efficacy and safety are not yet known. At present, therapeutic strategies able to induce an immune deviation of allergen‐specific type 2 T‐helper responses to a less polarized phenotype rather than a general immune suppression appear more realistic.
Sensitivity and specificity of recombinant ω‐5 gliadin‐specific IgE measurement for the diagnosis of wheat‐dependent exercise‐induced anaphylaxis
Authors: Matsuo H. , Dahlström J. , Tanaka A. , Kohno K. , Takahashi H. , Furumura M. , Morita E.
Published: August 2010

Background:  A recent study has shown that the measurement of specific IgE antibodies to B‐cell epitope peptides of wheat ω‐5 gliadin (Pep A) and high molecular weight glutenin subunit (Pep B) are useful to diagnose wheat‐dependent exercise‐induced anaphylaxis (WDEIA).

Aims of the study:  We sought to compare the sensitivity and specificity of the in vitro tests for measuring the specific IgE antibodies to recombinant ω‐5 gliadin (rω‐5 gliadin) with those for wheat, gluten, Pep A, and Pep B in identification of patients with WDEIA.

Methods:  Fifty patients with WDEIA, 25 healthy subjects and 25 patients with atopic dermatitis with specific IgE antibodies to wheat but without experience of allergic reactions after ingestion of wheat products were enrolled in this study. The concentrations of specific IgE antibodies were measured using ImmunoCAPTM. The empirical receiver operating characteristics curves (ROC) for each test were prepared and the areas under the ROC curve (AUC) were compared.

Results:  In patients with WDEIA, the sensitivities of the allergen‐specific IgE tests for wheat, gluten, Pep A, Pep B and rω‐5 gliadin were 48%, 56%, 76%, 22%, and 80%, respectively. The seven of 10 WDEIA patients with no specific IgE antibodies to rω‐5 gliadin had specific IgE antibodies to Pep B. The highest AUC (0.850) was observed in the test for rω‐5 gliadin.

Conclusions:  Measuring the concentration of specific IgE antibodies to rω‐5 gliadin is more useful than to wheat, gluten, or Pep A in the identification of patients with WDEIA.
Predictivity of allergic sensitization (RAST) for the onset of allergic diseases in adults
Authors: Schoefer Y. , Schäfer T. , Meisinger C. , Wichmann H.‐E. , Heinrich J. ,   for the KORA study group
Published: August 2010

Background:  Specific IgE antibodies are often detected without any clinical manifestation of allergies. We aimed to analyse the predictivity of allergic sensitization for incident symptoms of allergic diseases in adults during a 10‐year follow‐up .

Methods:  In 1994/95 specific IgE antibodies against five common inhalant allergens (grass pollen, birch pollen, house dust mite, cat dander and Cladosporium) were diagnosed by radioallergosorbent test in 4178 adults aged 25–74 years. A subset of 2656 participants could be re‐evaluated in 2004/05. Information on socio‐economic factors and medical history, including data on atopic diseases, was assessed by a combination of a personal interview and a self‐administered questionnaire. Logistic regression models were applied to study associations between allergic sensitization and incident allergic diseases.

Results:  Allergic sensitization was an important predictor for incident hay fever (OR 7.95, CI 95% 4.64–13.62) and asthma (OR 1.82, CI 95% 1.29–2.57). Specific IgE antibodies were mainly related to outdoor allergens (grass and birch pollen) for hay fever and indoor allergens (mite and cat dander) for asthma, while for atopic dermatitis no specific IgE antibodies were identified as major predictors.

Conclusions:  Allergic sensitization not only covers clinically apparent allergies, but indicates a prognostic factor for later allergies, even in adulthood.
The functional insufficiency of human CD4+CD25high T‐regulatory cells in allergic asthma is subjected to TNF‐α modulation
Authors: Lin Y.‐L. , Shieh C.‐C. , Wang J.‐Y.
Published: August 2010

Background:  Natural CD4+CD25highFoxp3+ regulatory T (nTreg) cells are important in maintaining immunologic tolerance, but their role in the pathogenesis of allergic asthma is unclear. We studied the function of nTreg cells in allergic asthmatic children and assessed the factors which may relate to the functional insufficiency of nTreg cells.

Methods:  The percentage of CD4+CD25high Treg cells, the expression of Foxp3, and the cell‐induced suppressive activity of nTreg cells isolated from nonatopic controls, allergic asthmatics, and allergen‐specific immunotherapy (AIT)‐treated asthmatic patients were studied.

Results:  Although the percentage of nTreg in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was increased, the expression of Foxp3 and its cell‐induced suppressive activity were significantly lower in Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p)‐sensitive asthmatic children when compared to nonatopic controls. In contrast, the expression of Foxp3 and the functional activity of nTreg cells were reversed in allergic asthmatics who received AIT. The addition of recombinant tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α directly downregulated Foxp3 expression and abrogated the cell‐induced suppressive function of Treg cells. The anti‐TNF‐α reagent, etanercept, restored the functional activity and Foxp3 expression of CD4+CD25high Treg derived from allergic asthmatics.

Conclusions:  The functional insufficiency of nTreg cells in patients with allergic asthma may be related to the enhanced production of TNF‐α and its effect on the Foxp3 expression. These results may explain, in part, the effectiveness of anti‐TNF‐α therapy in the treatment of allergic asthma.