bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diesel exhaust particle exposure increases severity of allergic asthma in young mice
Authors: Acciani T. H. , Brandt E. B. , Khurana Hershey G. K. , Le Cras T. D. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryBackgroundEpidemiologic studies have reported an association between diesel exhaust particle (DEP) exposure, allergic sensitization, and childhood wheezing, although the mechanisms remain unclear. While DEP is known to augment allergic responses in adult animal models, its effects on sensitization and asthma severity in young animals is unknown.ObjectiveTo examine the impact of different doses of DEP and allergen co‐exposure on allergic sensitization and asthma characteristics in young mice, and whether Th17 as well as Th2 responses are induced.MethodsLungs of 3‐week‐old wild‐type Balb/c mice were exposed by pharyngeal aspiration nine times over 3 weeks to DEP at 1.2 or 6.0 mg/kg body weight, house dust mite (HDM) at 0.8, 1.2 or 6.0 mg/kg of DEP in combination with HDM, or the same volume (50 μL) of 0.9% sterile saline.ResultsIn young mice, exposure to 1.2 mg/kg of DEP caused no detectable lung inflammation, but 6.0 mg/kg of DEP induced neutrophilic influx. Compared to HDM or DEP alone, mice exposed to either dose of DEP together with HDM demonstrated increased allergen‐specific IgE, lung inflammation, airway hyperreactivity, goblet cell metaplasia, Th2/Th17 cytokines, dendritic cells, activated T cells, effector T cells, and IL‐17pos and IL‐13pos/IL‐17Apos T effector cells.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceIn young mice, co‐exposure to DEP and HDM together exacerbated allergic sensitization and induced key characteristics of more severe asthma, including IL‐17A, IL‐17pos and IL‐13pos/IL‐17Apos T effector cells. While exposure to 1.2 mg/kg DEP alone caused no detectable changes, it did exacerbate allergic sensitization and asthma characteristics to a similar degree as a five‐fold higher dose of DEP. This study demonstrates that exposure to DEP, even at a dose that alone causes no inflammation, exacerbates allergic asthma in young animals and suggests the importance of preventive measures to reduce the exposure of children to traffic related air pollution.
Invariant natural killer T cells in children with eosinophilic esophagitis
Authors: Jyonouchi S. , Smith C. L. , Saretta F. , Abraham V. , Ruymann K. R. , Modayur‐Chandramouleeswaran P. , Wang M. ‐L. , Spergel J. M. , Cianferoni A. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryBackgroundEosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an atopic disease characterized by eosinophilic inflammation in which dietary antigens (in particular, milk) play a major role. EoE is most likely a mixed IgE and non‐IgE food‐mediated reaction in which overexpression of Th2 cytokines, particularly IL‐13, play a major role; however, the cells responsible for IL‐13 overexpression remain elusive. Th2‐cytokines are secreted following the ligation of invariant natural killer T cell receptors to sphingolipids (SLs). Sphingolipids (SLs) are presented via the CD1d molecule on the INKTs surface. Cow's milk‐derived SL has been shown to activate iNKTs from children with IgE‐mediated food allergies to milk (FA‐MA) to produce Th2 cytokines. The role of iNKTs and milk‐SL in EoE pathogenesis is currently unknown.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the role of iNKTs and milk‐SL in EoE.MethodsPeripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 10 children with active EoE (EoE‐A), 10 children with controlled EoE (EoE‐C) and 16 healthy controls (non‐EoE) were measured ex vivo and then incubated with α‐galactosylceramide (αGal) and milk‐SL. INKTs from peripheral blood (PB) and oesophageal biopsies were studied.ResultsEoE‐A children had significantly fewer peripheral blood iNKTs with a greater Th2‐response to αGal and milk‐SM compared with iNKTs of EoE‐C and non‐EoE children. Additionally, EoE‐A children had increased iNKT levels in oesophageal biopsies compared with EoE‐C children.ConclusionMilk‐SLs are able to activate peripheral blood iNKTs in EoE‐A children to produce Th2 cytokines. Additionally, iNKT levels are higher at the site of active oesophageal eosinophilic inflammation.Clinical RelevanceThis study suggests that sphingolipids (SLs) contained in milk may drive the development of EoE by promoting an iNKT‐cell‐mediated Th2‐type cytokine response that facilitates eosinophil‐mediated allergic inflammation.
Incidence of fatal food anaphylaxis in people with food allergy: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Umasunthar T. , Leonardi‐Bee J. , Hodes M. , Turner P. J. , Gore C. , Habibi P. , Warner J. O. , Boyle R. J. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryBackgroundFood allergy is a common cause of anaphylaxis, but the incidence of fatal food anaphylaxis is not known. The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of fatal food anaphylaxis for people with food allergy and relate this to other mortality risks in the general population.MethodsWe undertook a systematic review and meta‐analysis, using the generic inverse variance method. Two authors selected studies by consensus, independently extracted data and assessed the quality of included studies using the Newcastle‐Ottawa assessment scale. We searched Medline, Embase, PsychInfo, CINAHL, Web of Science, LILACS or AMED, between January 1946 and September 2012, and recent conference abstracts. We included registries, databases or cohort studies which described the number of fatal food anaphylaxis cases in a defined population and time period and applied an assumed population prevalence rate of food allergy.ResultsWe included data from 13 studies describing 240 fatal food anaphylaxis episodes over an estimated 165 million food‐allergic person‐years. Study quality was mixed, and there was high heterogeneity between study results, possibly due to variation in food allergy prevalence and data collection methods. In food‐allergic people, fatal food anaphylaxis has an incidence rate of 1.81 per million person‐years (95%CI 0.94, 3.45; range 0.63, 6.68). In sensitivity analysis with different estimated food allergy prevalence, the incidence varied from 1.35 to 2.71 per million person‐years. At age 0–19, the incidence rate is 3.25 (1.73, 6.10; range 0.94, 15.75; sensitivity analysis 1.18–6.13). The incidence of fatal food anaphylaxis in food‐allergic people is lower than accidental death in the general European population.ConclusionFatal food anaphylaxis for a food‐allergic person is rarer than accidental death in the general population.
Natural killer (NK) cell deficit in coronary artery disease: no aberrations in phenotype but sustained reduction of NK cells is associated with low-grade inflammation
Authors: Backteman K , Ernerudh J , Jonasson L 
Published: October 2013

Summary
Although reduced natural killer (NK) cell levels have been reported consistently in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), the clinical significance and persistence of this immune perturbation is not clarified. In this study we characterized the NK cell deficit further by determining (i) differentiation surface markers and cytokine profile of NK cell subsets and (ii) ability to reconstitute NK cell levels over time. Flow cytometry was used to analyse NK cell subsets and the intracellular cytokine profile in 31 patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (non-STEMI), 34 patients with stable angina (SA) and 37 healthy controls. In blood collected prior to coronary angiography, the proportions of NK cells were reduced significantly in non-STEMI and SA patients compared with controls, whereas NK cell subset analyses or cytokine profile measurements did not reveal any differences across groups. During a 12-month follow-up, the proportions of NK cells increased, although not in all patients. Failure to reconstitute NK cell levels was associated with several components of metabolic syndrome. Moreover, interleukin (IL)-6 levels remained high in patients with sustained NK cell deficit, whereas a decline in IL-6 (P &lt; 0·001) was seen in patients with a pronounced increase in NK cells. In conclusion, we found no evidence that reduction of NK cells in CAD patients was associated with aberrations in NK cell phenotype at any clinical stage of the disease. Conversely, failure to reconstitute NK cell levels was associated with a persistent low-grade inflammation, suggesting a protective role of NK cells in CAD.
Induction of a type I interferon signature in normal human monocytes by gadolinium-based contrast agents: comparison of linear and macrocyclic agents
Authors: Wermuth P J , Jimenez S A 
Published: October 2013

Summary
The gadolinium-based contrast agent (GdBCA) Omniscan activates human macrophages through Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 and TLR-7 signalling. To explore the mechanisms responsible we compared the ability of linear and macrocyclic GdBCA to induce a type I interferon signature and a proinflammatory/profibrotic phenotype in normal human monocytes in vitro. Expression of genes associated with type I interferon signalling and inflammation and production of their corresponding proteins were determined. Both linear and macrocyclic GdBCA stimulated expression of multiple type I interferon-regulated genes and the expression of numerous chemokines, cytokines and growth factors in normal human peripheral blood monocytes. There was no correlation between the magnitude of the measured response and the Gd chelate used. To explore the mechanisms responsible for GdBCA induction of fibrosis in nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) in vitro, normal human dermal fibroblasts were incubated with GdBCA-treated monocyte culture supernatants and the effects on profibrotic gene expression were examined. Supernatants from monocytes exposed to all GdBCA stimulated types I and III collagen, fibronectin and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression in normal dermal fibroblasts. The results indicate that the monocyte activation induced by GdBCA may be the initial step in the development of GdBCA associated fibrosis in NSF.
Efficacy of medical treatment in Cushing's disease: a systematic review
Authors: Gadelha Mônica R. , Vieira Neto Leonardo 
Published: October 2013

SummaryObjectiveReported rates of response to medical therapies used in Cushing's disease (CD) vary widely. The aim of this review is to analyse systematically the efficacy of medical therapies for CD and to assess the strength of the supporting evidence.MethodsSystematic PubMed searches identified studies of medical treatment in CD. The GRADE criteria were imposed to assess the strength of evidence supporting each medication.ResultsFifteen studies were included. Ten studies specifically reported response rates for patients with CD. Pasireotide was the only treatment to be assessed in a randomized trial and was supported by a ‘moderate’ level of evidence. Response rates with pasireotide from three prospective studies were 17–29%. The remaining medications were supported by a ‘low’ or ‘very low’ level of evidence. The highest response rates were reported in small retrospective studies of metyrapone (75%, one study) and mitotane (72%, one study). Response rates were 25–50% for cabergoline (four studies) and 45% for ketoconazole (one study). Among studies that included patients with other forms of Cushing's syndrome, response rates were 53–88% for ketoconazole (three studies), 70% for mitotane (one study), 57% for metyrapone (one study) and 38–60% for mifepristone. Again, all of these medications are supported by a ‘low’ level of evidence.ConclusionsThere is a paucity of high‐quality studies of medical therapy in CD, with only one medication achieving a ‘moderate’ level of evidence. Caution should be employed when comparing efficacy rates owing to the variability in study design and quality.
How genetic studies have advanced our understanding of age‐related macular degeneration and their impact on patient care: a review
Authors: Baird Paul N , Chakrabarti Subhabrata 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe last 10 years have seen an unprecedented explosion in our knowledge regarding the genomic basis of age‐related macular degeneration. This has come about through major advances in computing power, microfabrication of large numbers of molecular markers on chips and improved statistical algorithms for analysis. In tandem, it has become clear that age‐related macular degeneration appears to be a multifactorial disease with influences from genetic and structural variants, as well as epigenetic involvement. The combination of these factors with known environmental determinants indicates the highly complex nature of this disease, but at the same time also offers insights into risk prediction and disease stratification through genotype profiling.
Comparison of anterior segment morphology following prophylactic laser peripheral iridotomy in Caucasian and Chinese eyes
Authors: Lee Roland Y , Kasuga Toshimitsu , Cui Qi N , Huang Guofu , He Mingguang , Lin Shan C 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundTo compare anterior segment biometric parameters between Caucasians and Chinese before and after laser peripheral iridotomy.DesignProspective clinical cohort study.ParticipantsCaucasian and Chinese primary angle‐closure suspects.MethodsAnterior segment optical coherence tomography images captured before and after laser peripheral iridotomy were analysed to measure anterior segment biometric parameters. Paired Student's t‐tests were used for within‐ethnic group comparisons. Univariate and linear mixed‐effect regression models were used for between‐ethnic group comparisons.Main Outcome MeasuresAngle opening distance, angle recess area, iris thickness, iris curvature, anterior chamber area, anterior chamber volume and anterior chamber width.ResultsCaucasians had significantly greater preoperative angle recess area, anterior chamber width, and iris curvature and lower preoperative iris thickness compared to Chinese (P < 0.05). Significant postoperative increases in angle opening distance, angle recess area, anterior chamber area, anterior chamber volume, and anterior chamber width along with significant postoperative decrease in iris curvature were observed within both ethnic groups (P < 0.05). However, the amount of laser peripheral iridotomy‐induced changes in angle opening distance, angle recess area, anterior chamber area, anterior chamber volume, anterior chamber width, and iris curvature did not differ between the two ethnic groups (P < 0.05).ConclusionBoth Caucasian and Chinese demonstrated opening of anterior chamber angle width, expansion of anterior chamber dimensions, and flattening of iris convexity after laser peripheral iridotomy. Although certain aspects of anterior segment anatomy differed between Caucasians and Chinese preoperatively, they did not translate into significant ethnic differences in the amount of laser peripheral iridotomy‐induced changes in the anterior segment biometric parameters.
Children taken into care and custody and the ‘troubled families’ agenda in England
Authors: Hayden Carol , Jenkins Craig 
Published: October 2013

AbstractChildren taken into care and custody are arguably the most vulnerable and problematic groups within the wider debate and responses developing to the ‘troubled families’ agenda in England. They represent what the state most wants to avoid when it intervenes in the life of a family. This paper is based on an analysis of the service involvement and needs of the 196 children taken into care or custody over a 3‐year period (2008–2011) in one city local authority in England. The research was undertaken to inform the response to prevention of entry into care and custody which was the original focus of the most intensive part of the troubled families programme in the city. Interviews with 10 senior professionals from a range of agencies involved in setting up this local programme, explored the way the emerging troubled families agenda was shaping ideas about the understanding of and response to the needs of these children and their families. Key findings of the study illustrate the range and complexity of need as well as the sequence and amount of agency involvement. Professionals were often critical of the thinking behind the troubled families agenda, but were positive and creative about new ways of working with these families.
Examining the impact of family services on homeless children
Authors: Portwood Sharon G. , Shears Jeffrey K. , Nelson Ellissa Brooks , Thomas M. Lori 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis study examined the impact on children of services delivered through a collaborative initiative designed to provide supports to working poor families who are homeless or at immediate risk of becoming homeless. Overall, a number of positive findings can serve to inform the development of promising intervention strategies for children in homeless families and highlight areas for further research. Along with improved housing status, there was a statistically significant improvement in the economic self‐sufficiency of the families served, regardless of whether they completed the full programme cycle. In addition, youth self‐report data indicated significant improvements in externalizing and internalizing behaviour. The ability to combine programme data with school data for participating children also made it possible to explore school performance outcomes. Although these results did not indicate a change in participants’ levels of attendance or reading performance, there was a statistically significant improvement in students’ math scores. Moreover, when participating children were compared with a group of students matched on their level of academic performance at baseline who had not received housing or homeless services, no significant differences were detected between groups post‐intervention, indicating that services may help reduce the risk of homeless students’ falling further behind their peers academically.
The roles of social support and family resilience in accessing healthcare and employment resources among families living in traditional public housing communities
Authors: Distelberg Brian , Taylor Sherria 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis study relied on theories of family resilience to examine and differentiate the roles of community social support and family resilience in regards to access and utilization of healthcare and employment resources for public housing residents. The study assessed 234 public housing residents and used structured regressions to test the role of family resilience, internal and external community social support on outcomes associated with economic mobility. Results suggest that external community social support is associated with increased access to and use of health and employment resources. Additionally, residents with higher levels of resilience sought social support from outside of their communities to a greater degree, thereby increasing their access and use of resources. Increases in internal community support were associated with increases in external community support, but alone, limited access to and use of resources. Implications of the findings for policy, interventions, and future research are discussed.
Internationally adopted children's general and adoption‐specific stressors, coping strategies and psychological adjustment
Authors: Reinoso Marta , Pereda Noemí , Van den Dries Linda , Forero Carlos G. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractWe examined stress, coping and psychological adjustment of 68 children, aged 8–12, who were internationally adopted toSpain. Using theKidcope, all children were asked about the most stressful general and adoption‐related problem they experienced and the use and effectiveness of various coping strategies when dealing with the problem. For all reported problems, the nature of the problem (personal, interpersonal, regarding others), the content, the degree of stress it created and its perceived controllability were analysed. Emotional and behavioural functionings were assessed with theBehaviourAssessmentSystem forChildren. About half of the children mentioned specific problems concerning the adoption, with inracial adoptees reporting less adoption‐related problems than transracial adoptees. For general and adoption‐related problems, interpersonal problems were mentioned most often. With regard to the content, ‘relationships’ and ‘victimization’ were mentioned most often for general and adoption‐related problems, respectively. Adoption‐related problems were appraised as less controllable. No differences emerged in terms of coping with general or adoption‐related problems except for ‘self‐criticism’. Overall, the children used many coping strategies and were generally well‐adjusted. Identifying the problems and coping strategies of adoptees is important in order to help these children and their families tackle these stressors.
Making sense of common sense: examining the decision‐making of politically appointed representatives in Swedish child protection
Authors: Forkby Torbjörn , Höjer Staffan , Liljegren Andreas 
Published: October 2013

AbstractA distinguishing feature of Swedish child protection is the direct and indirect influence on decision‐making in individual cases by representatives appointed by their elected political parties. As members of local committees, they take the most interventionist and costly decisions themselves, informed by care proposals submitted by professional social workers. Other decisions are delegated to professional social workers. In direct decision‐making, they are supposed to act as laypersons using their own judgement and experience, not as politicians. The aim of this paper is to describe and analyse these committees, their role and responsibilities, and possible influence of politics on child protection. A mixed method was used, with a survey sent to 467 representatives, structured interviews with 99 secretaries of local committees and data drawn from national statistics. The Swedish model is discussed as a hybrid system influenced not only by professional, bureaucratic, political and market governance logics but also by laypersons. One conclusion is that although child protection is directly influenced by politics, the reverse is also true. By exposing politicians to the difficult life circumstances and societal shortcomings experienced by vulnerable children, the system can, in turn, have an impact on politics at the municipal level.
Anterior urethral valves without diverticulae: A report of two cases and a review of the literature
Authors: Singh Dig Vijay , Taneja Rajesh 
Published: October 2013

Abstract Two unusual cases of anterior urethral valves (AUV) without diverticulae are presented. The first case is a male child born with prenatal diagnosis of bilateral hydronephrosis. On cystoscopy, iris‐like diaphragm valves were encountered about 3 mm distal to the skeletal sphincter. In the second case, an 18‐month‐old male child was investigated for recurrent febrile urinary tract infections and obstructed urinary symptoms. Cystoscopy confirmed the presence of slit‐like valves 5 mm distal to the skeletal sphincter. Fulguration of the AUVs was performed in both cases. It may be worthwhile to review all cases of anterior urethral obstruction collectively and re‐categorize them appropriately to include the unusual AUVs without diverticulum in that classification.