bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Partially hydrolyzed cow’s milk formula has a therapeutic effect on the infants with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis: a randomized, double‐blind study
Authors: Jin Ying‐Ying , Cao Rui‐Ming , Chen Ji , Kaku Yoriko , Wu Jian , Cheng Ying , Shimizu Takashi , Takase Mitsunori , Wu Sheng‐Mei , Chen Tong‐Xin 
Published: May 2011

To cite this article: Jin Y‐Y, Cao R‐M, Chen J, Kaku Y, Wu J, Cheng Y, Shimizu T, Takase M, Wu S‐M, Chen T‐X. Partially hydrolyzed cow’s milk formula has a therapeutic effect on the infants with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis: a randomized, double‐blind study. Pediatric Allergy Immunology 2011; 22: 688–694.AbstractObjective:  The allergy‐preventing effect of partially hydrolyzed cow’s milk formula (phCMF) in infants at high risk of atopic dermatitis (AD) has been demonstrated in many studies. However, the therapeutic potential of phCMF in treating the infants with AD has not been reported. We sought to assess such therapeutic efficacy of phCMF in infants with mild to moderate AD.Methods:  From 2006 to 2008, 113 infants <6 months of age with AD were randomized to receive either partially hydrolyzed cow’s milk formula (phCMF) or conventional cow’s milk formula (CMF) in a double‐blind clinical trial. Assessments were made at enrollment and at weeks 4, 8, and 12. The severity of AD was assessed using two scoring systems: Standard guideline for management (diagnosis, severity scoring, and therapy) of AD by the Japanese Dermatological Association Scoring System (JDASS) and the SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD). Growth status of the infants was evaluated. Allergy profile was assessed by measuring total blood eosinophils (EOS), total/specific IgE, Th1/Th2 cytokine profiles, and the percentage of regulatory T cells.Results:  After follow‐up for 12 wk, 27 infants (23.89%) dropped off study. Analysis was performed on 86 infants by the end of 12‐wk observation. The AD severity scores were significantly reduced in the phCMF group (n = 56) compared with CMF group (n = 30) after 12 wk (p < 0.05). The severity scores of phCMF group were significantly reduced at weeks 4, 8, and 12 compared to enrollment (p < 0.05). In contrast, no significant improvement was observed for CMF group at any of those time points (p > 0.05). The number of AD flare‐ups was significantly decreased in the phCMF group (p = 0.002). Th1/Th2 ratio in phCMF was significantly increased compared with CMF group (p = 0.041). The growth rates did not differ significantly between these feeding groups at any assessed time point (p > 0.05) and were in the normal range.Conclusion:  This study suggests a novel therapeutic effect of phCMF in treating infants with mild to moderate AD during the first 6 months of their life without affecting their nutritional status.
Exploring CCL18, eczema severity and atopy
Authors: Hon Kam Lun , Ching Gary K. , Ng Pak Cheung , Leung Ting Fan 
Published: May 2011

To cite this article: Hon KL, Ching GK, Ng PC, Leung TF. Exploring CCL18, eczema severity and atopy. Pediatric Allergy Immunology 2011; 22: 704–707.AbstractBackground:  Childhood atopic dermatitis (AD) is a distressing disease associated with pruritus, sleep disturbance, and impaired quality of life. The pathophysiology of AD is complex, and the chemokine CCL18/pulmonary and activation‐regulated chemokine (PARC) may be involved.Objective:  To evaluate whether CCL18 was associated with disease severity, quality of life, nocturnal scratching, serum eosinophil, and IgE levels.Patients and methods:  Patients with AD aged 20 yr or younger were recruited. Disease severity was assessed with the SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index, quality of life with the Children’s Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI), and nocturnal scratching with a wrist motion monitor. Concentrations of plasma CCL18/PARC, serum total IgE, and eosinophil counts were measured in these patients.Results:  One hundred and eight patients with AD (mean [s.d.] age of 10.5 [4.4] yr) were recruited. The mean (s.d.) plasma concentration of CCL18/PARC was 162.2 (129.0) pg/ml, respectively. CCL18/PARC was significantly correlated with objective SCORAD (r = 0.44, p < 0.001), extent (r = 0.45, p < 0.001), intensity (r = 0.43, p < 0.001), the symptoms of pruritus (r = 0.20, p = 0.04), and sleep loss (r = 0.19, p = 0.049) but not with CDLQI or nocturnal scratching activities. CCL18/PARC levels were also correlated with eosinophil counts (r = 0.37, p < 0.001) and IgElog (r = 0.27, p = 0.005). Positive correlation with SCORAD was present even in patients without bronchial hyper‐reactivity.Conclusions:  Serum levels of CCL18 correlate with the clinical severity score, serum eosinophil, and IgE levels. CCL18 is associated with AD and atopy.
Maternal dietary patterns during pregnancy and risk of wheeze and eczema in Japanese infants aged 16–24 months: The Osaka Maternal and Child Health Study
Authors: Miyake Yoshihiro , Okubo Hitomi , Sasaki Satoshi , Tanaka Keiko , Hirota Yoshio 
Published: May 2011

To cite this article: Miyake Y, Okubo H, Sasaki S, Tanaka K, Hirota Y. Maternal dietary patterns during pregnancy and risk of wheeze and eczema in Japanese infants aged 16–24 months: The Osaka Maternal and Child Health Study. Pediatric Allergy Immunology 2011; 22: 734–741.AbstractBackground:  Maternal diet during pregnancy might influence the development of childhood allergic disorders.Aims:  This prospective study examined the relationship between maternal dietary patterns during pregnancy and the risk of wheeze and eczema in the offspring aged 16–24 months.Materials & Methods:  Subjects were 763 mother–child pairs. Data on maternal intake during pregnancy were assessed with a diet history questionnaire. Dietary patterns were derived from factor analysis of 33 predefined food groups. Symptoms of wheeze and eczema were based on criteria of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood. Adjustment was made for maternal age, gestation, residential municipality, family income, maternal and paternal education, maternal and paternal history of allergic disorders, changes in maternal diet in pregnancy, season at baseline, maternal smoking during pregnancy, baby’s older siblings, sex, birth weight, age at the third survey, household smoking, and breastfeeding duration.Results:  Three dietary patterns were identified: ‘healthy’, characterized by high intake of green and yellow vegetables, seaweed, mushrooms, white vegetables, pulses, potatoes, fish, sea products, fruit, and shellfish; ‘Western’, characterized by high intake of vegetable oil, salt‐containing seasonings, beef and pork, processed meat, eggs, chicken, and white vegetables; and ‘Japanese’, characterized by high intake of rice, miso soup, sea products, and fish. There was a tendency for an inverse exposure–response relationship between the maternal Western pattern during pregnancy and the risk of childhood wheeze by crude analysis. After adjustment for the confounding factors under study, the inverse relationship was strengthened: the adjusted OR between extreme quartiles was 0.59 (95% CI: 0.35–0.98, p for trend = 0.02). No such inverse association was observed for childhood eczema. Neither the maternal healthy pattern nor the Japanese pattern during pregnancy was related to childhood wheeze or eczema.Conclusion:  The maternal Western pattern during pregnancy may be preventive against wheeze in the offspring.
Prediction of atopic dermatitis in 2‐yr‐old children by cord blood IgE, genetic polymorphisms in cytokine genes, and maternal mentality during pregnancy
Authors: Wen Hui‐Ju , Wang Ying‐Jan , Lin Ying‐Chu , Chang Chih‐Chin , Shieh Chi‐Chang , Lung For‐Wey , Guo Yue Leon 
Published: May 2011

To cite this article: Wen H‐J, Wang Y‐J, Lin Y‐C, Chang C‐C, Shieh C‐C, Lung F‐W, Guo YL. Prediction of atopic dermatitis in 2‐yr‐old children by cord blood IgE, genetic polymorphisms in cytokine genes, and maternal mentality during pregnancy. Pediatric Allergy Immunology 2011; 22: 695–703.AbstractAtopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common skin disease in childhood and the first step of atopic march. This study aimed to investigate whether AD in children could be better predicted by biologic markers (cord blood IgE [cbIgE], LT‐αNcoI alleles, and FcεRI‐β E237G genotypes) and maternal mentality during pregnancy, taking into account gender, socio‐demographic factors, and parental atopy. From 2001 to 2005, 1264 mother–infant pairs were recruited to participate in a birth cohort study. Prenatal questionnaire was used to collect family history, maternal gestational conditions and mentality, and environmental exposures. Cord blood was collected and assayed for genotypes and IgE levels. Phone interviews at 6 months and 2 yrs of age were conducted to inquire children’s health status, including AD occurrence. In addition to the known risk factors such as gender, maternal education, and parental atopy, biomarkers and maternal mentality during pregnancy were screened by logistic regression as candidate predictors of AD. Area‐under‐curve (AUC) statistic from receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to compare two predicting models with and without biomarkers and maternal mentality. A total of 730 pairs completed the prenatal questionnaire and phone interview and were included in final analysis. The prevalence of ever having physician‐diagnosed AD by 2‐yr‐olds was 5.9%. Elevated cbIgE levels (≥0.5 kU/l), LT‐αNcoI alleles, FcεRI‐β E237G genotype, and maternal psychologic stress during pregnancy were significantly associated with AD. Comparison with AUCs of the classic model (including gender, maternal education, and parental atopy), the model adding cbIgE levels, genotypes in cytokine genes, and maternal stress (model 2) showed higher ability to discriminate between children with and without AD (AUC statistics: 0.63 [95% CI = 0.60–0.67] vs. 0.73 [95% CI = 0.70–0.76], respectively; model comparison, p = 0.027). We conclude that elevated cbIgE, LT‐α and FcεRI‐β genotypes, and maternal stress during pregnancy were associated with ever having physician‐diagnosed AD in 2‐yr‐old children and increased the predictive ability for AD after taking into account gender, maternal education, and parental atopic history.
Bateman’s principle and immunity in a sex‐role reversed pipefish
Authors: ROTH O. , SCHARSACK J. P. , KELLER I. , REUSCH T. B. H. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractIn diverse animal species, from insects to mammals, females display a more efficient immune defence than males. Bateman’s principle posits that males maximize their fitness by increasing mating frequency whereas females gain fitness benefits by maximizing their lifespan. As a longer lifespan requires a more efficient immune system, these implications of Bateman’s principle may explain widespread immune dimorphism among animals. Because in most extant animals, the provisioning of eggs and a higher parental investment are attributes of the female sex, sex‐role reversed species provide a unique opportunity to assess whether or not immune dimorphism depends on life history and not on sex per se. In the broad‐nosed pipefish Syngnathus typhle, males brood and nourish the eggs in a ventral pouch and thus invest more into reproduction than females. We found males to have a more active immune response both in field data from four populations and also in an experiment under controlled laboratory conditions. This applied to different measures of immunocompetence using innate as well as adaptive immune system traits. We further determined the specificity of immune response initiation after a fully factorial primary and secondary exposure to a common marine pathogen Vibrio spp. Males not only had a more active but also a more specific immune defence than females. Our results thus indeed suggest that the sex that invests more into the offspring has the stronger immune defence.
Locally asymmetric introgressions between subspecies suggest circular range expansion at theAntirrhinum majusglobal scale
Authors: KHIMOUN A. , BURRUS M. , ANDALO C. , LIU Z.‐L. , VICÉDO‐CAZETTES C. , THÉBAUD C. , PUJOL B. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractAssessing processes of geographic expansion in contact zones is a crucial step towards an accurate prediction of the evolution of species genetic diversity. The geographic distribution of cytonuclear discordance often reflects genetic introgression patterns across a species geographic range.Antirrhinum majus pseudomajusandA. m. striatumare two interfertile subspecies that occupy nonoverlapping areas but enter in contact in many locations at the margin of their geographic distribution. We found that genetic introgression between both subspecies was asymmetric at the local scale and geographically oriented in opposite directions at both ends of their contact zone perimeter in the Pyrenees. Our results suggest that the geographic expansion ofA. majussubspecies was circular around the perimeter of their contact zone and pinpoint the need to integrate different spatial scales to unravel complex patterns of species geographic expansion.
Adaptation to marginal habitats by evolution of increased phenotypic plasticity
Authors: CHEVIN L.‐M. , LANDE R. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractIn an island population receiving immigrants from a larger continental population, gene flow causes maladaptation, decreasing mean fitness and producing continued directional selection to restore the local mean phenotype to its optimum. We show that this causes higher plasticity to evolve on the island than on the continent at migration‐selection equilibrium, assuming genetic variation of reaction norms is such that phenotypic variance is higher on the island, where phenotypes are not canalized. For a species distributed continuously in space along an environmental gradient, higher plasticity evolves at the edges of the geographic range, and in environments where phenotypes are not canalized. Constant or evolving partially adaptive plasticity also alleviates maladaptation owing to gene flow in a heterogeneous environment and produces higher mean fitness and larger population size in marginal populations, preventing them from becoming sinks and facilitating invasion of new habitats. Our results shed light on the widely observed involvement of partially adaptive plasticity in phenotypic clines, and on the mechanisms causing geographic variation in plasticity.
Genetic and environmental sources of covariance among internal reproductive traits in the yellow dung fly
Authors: THÜLER K. , BUSSIÈRE L. F. , POSTMA E. , WARD P. I. , BLANCKENHORN W. U. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractSubstantial inter‐ and intraspecific variation is found in reproductive traits, but the evolutionary implications of this variation remain unclear. One hypothesis is that natural selection favours female reproductive morphology that allows females to control mating and fertilization and that diverse male reproductive traits arise as counter adaptations to subvert this control. Such co‐evolution predicts the establishment of genetic correlations between male and female reproductive traits that closely interact during mating. Therefore, we measured phenotypic and genetic correlations between male and female reproductive tract characteristics in the yellow dung fly, Scathophaga stercoraria (Diptera: Scathophagidae), using a nested half‐sib breeding experiment. We found significant heritabilities for the size of most reproductive tract traits investigated in both females (spermathecae and their ducts, accessory glands and their ducts) and males (testis size but not sperm length). Within the sexes, phenotypic and genetic correlations were mostly nil or positive, suggesting functional integration of or condition‐dependent investment in internal reproductive traits. Negative intrasexual genetic correlations, potentially suggestive of resource allocation trade‐offs, were not evident. Intersexual genetic correlations were mostly positive, reflecting expected allometries between male and female morphologies. Most interestingly, testis size correlated positively with female accessory gland size and duct length, potentially indicative of a co‐evolutionary arms race. We discuss these and alternative explanations for these patterns of genetic covariance.
A phylogeny of frugivorous hornbills linked to the evolution of Indian plants within Asian rainforests
Authors: VISESHAKUL N. , CHAROENNITIKUL W. , KITAMURA S. , KEMP A. , THONG‐AREE S. , SURAPUNPITAK Y. , POONSWAD P. , PONGLIKITMONGKOL M. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractUnderstanding the origin and radiation of modern Asian hornbills and the influential ecological roles they play as seed dispersal agents within Asian rainforests should help reveal the evolution of these roles. We constructed a dated phylogeny of hornbills using mitochondrial DNA sequences of the cytochromebgene and discovered that all clades leading to frugivorous hornbills originated in the mid‐Eocene ∼48 Ma. This ‘explosive’ radiation coincided with a remarkable floral invasion of Asian rainforests from the Indian microcontinent. Analysis of phylogenetic data, in conjunction with palaeontological events, suggests that the invasion of distinctive flora comprised two waves, one during the mid‐Eocene, when India was offshore of the Sunda Shelf, and the other late Eocene, when India collided with the Asian mainland. We propose that frugivorous vertebrates, such as hornbills, were present during the first wave and assisted rapid colonization of the Asian flora.
Pathogenesis of alcohol‐induced liver disease: Classical concepts and recent advances
Authors: Seth Devanshi , Haber Paul S , Syn Wing‐Kin , Diehl Anna Mae , Day Christopher P 
Published: May 2011

AbstractAlcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a primary consequence of heavy and prolonged drinking. ALD contributes to the bulk of liver disease burden worldwide. Progression of ALD is a multifactorial and multistep process that includes many genetic and environmental risk factors. The molecular pathogenesis of ALD involves alcohol metabolism and secondary mechanisms such as oxidative stress, endotoxin, cytokines and immune regulators. The histopathological manifestation of ALD occurs as an outcome of complex but controlled interactions between hepatic cell types. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the key drivers of fibrogenesis, but transformation of hepatocytes to myofibroblastoids also implicate parenchymal cells as playing an active role in hepatic fibrogenesis. Recent discoveries indicate that lipogenesis during the early stages of ALD is a risk for advancement to cirrhosis. Other recently identified novel molecules and physiological/cell signaling pathways include fibrinolysis, osteopontin, transforming growth factor‐β‐SMAD and hedgehog signaling, and involvement of novel cytokines in hepatic fibrogenesis. The observation that ALD and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis share common pathways and genetic polymorphisms suggests operation of parallel pathogenic mechanisms. Future research involving genomics, epigenomics, deep sequencing and non‐coding regulatory elements holds promise to identify novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets for ALD. There is also a need for adequate animal models to study pathogenic mechanisms at the molecular level and targeted therapy.
Emerging management concepts for eosinophilic esophagitis in children
Authors: Heine Ralf G , Nethercote Mark , Rosenbaum Jeremy , Allen Katrina J 
Published: May 2011

AbstractEosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a newly recognized condition that appears to be increasing in incidence for as yet unknown reasons. It can occur at any age and presents both to gastroenterologists and allergists. Clinical manifestations range from gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting, feeding difficulties, dysphagia or food bolus impaction) to co‐existing atopic conditions (asthma, allergic rhinitis or eczema). The diagnosis requires demonstration of at least 15 eosinophils per high power field on esophageal histology, usually in the context of resistance to proton pump inhibitor treatment or a normal 24‐h esophageal pH monitoring study. The differential diagnosis between EoE and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can be problematic as there is significant clinical overlap between both conditions. Although difficult‐to‐manage esophageal strictures are well recognized in patients with long‐standing EoE, little is known about risk factors for the development of this complication. There is a paucity of data on both the natural history and optimal long‐term management of EoE. Current treatment options include food allergen elimination diets, use of topical aerosolized corticosteroids, or a combination of the two. Pediatric case studies have been provided to illustrate the complexity of decision points that often arise in the management of these patients. This paper aims to discuss the various strategies currently available to clinicians in the management of EoE and highlights gaps in the current evidence base that urgently require further research.
Exhaled nitric oxide and exhaled breath condensate pH as predictors of sputum cell counts in optimally treated asthmatic smokers
Authors: HILLAS GEORGIOS , KOSTIKAS KONSTANTINOS , MANTZOURANIS KONSTANTINOS , BESSA VASSILIKI , KONTOGIANNI KONSTANTINA , PAPADAKI GEORGIA , PAPIRIS SPYROS , ALCHANATIS MANOS , LOUKIDES STELIOS , BAKAKOS PETROS 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Smoking is thought to modify the pattern of airway inflammation. Induced sputum provides useful information on cellular phenotype in inflammatory airways disorders; however, it is time‐consuming and difficult to implement in everyday clinical practice. The aim of this study was to determine whether exhaled NO (FeNO) and exhaled breath condensate (EBC) pH differed in asthmatic smokers compared with asthmatic non‐smokers and healthy subjects, and to evaluate the performance of FeNO and EBC pH for predicting the cellular phenotype of induced sputum.Methods:  Asthmatic smokers (n = 40) and non‐smoking asthmatic patients (n = 43) were recruited for the study. Healthy smoking (n = 30) or non‐smoking (n = 30) subjects served as controls. FeNO and EBC pH were measured and all subjects underwent sputum induction for assessment of cell counts.Results:  EBC pH was significantly lower in asthmatic smokers compared with non‐smokers (P < 0.01). FeNO levels were also significantly lower in asthmatic smokers compared with non‐smokers (P < 0.001). EBC pH was inversely associated with sputum eosinophils in both asthmatic smokers and non‐smokers (P < 0.001), whereas it was inversely associated with sputum neutrophils only in asthmatic smokers (P < 0.001). FeNO was positively associated with sputum eosinophils both in asthmatic smokers and non‐smokers (P < 0.001) but was not associated with sputum neutrophils. In asthmatic smokers, FeNO was a better predictor of sputum eosinophilia, whereas EBC pH was a better predictor of sputum neutrophilia. A combination of FeNO ≤ 14 ppb together with EBC pH > 7.20 predicted the paucigranulocytic induced sputum phenotype.Conclusions:  EBC pH and FeNO levels were significantly lower in asthmatic smokers compared with non‐smokers. Combined specific cut‐off levels for FeNO and EBC pH may predict the paucigranulocytic phenotype in asthmatic smokers.