bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Choosing a measure of support need: implications for research and policy
Authors: Brown H. K. , Ouellette‐Kuntz H. , Bielska I. , Elliott D. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackground  The paradigm surrounding the delivery of care for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) is shifting from a deficit‐based approach to a support‐based approach. However, it is unclear whether measures of support act as a proxy for adaptive functioning.Methods  A sample of 40 staff or family members of individuals with ID completed the Supports Intensity Scale and the Scales of Independent Behavior‐Revised, Short Form. Correlations were used to examine the relationship between these scales.Results  The subscales of the Supports Intensity Scale as well as the overall support needs index were highly correlated with both the Broad Independence W score and the support score (which reflects both maladaptive and adaptive behaviours) of the Scales of Independent Behavior‐Revised.Conclusions  The strong correlations between these two scales confirm previous findings that current measures of support and measures of adaptive behaviour tap into the same underlying construct. These findings have implications for the development, use and interpretation of research and planning tools.
Can the introduction of a quality of life tool affect individual professional practice and the quality of care planning in a community mental health team?
Authors: MURPHY N. , CUTTS H. 
Published: September 2009

Accessible summary

Audit should not be restricted to one form of methodology and should embrace mixing methods of data collection.
Use of a quality of life tool allows users more of a voice, enhancing the partnership with service providers and presenting an alternate view of risk.
Implementation of any change to practice needs to address local level barriers and engage the service providers in the process, therefore, avoiding the common perception of being given more work without negotiation and feelings of alienation.

AbstractThis practice development paper demonstrates the scope for creativity in mixing audit and methods of investigation. It details the evolution of Quality of Life (QOL) perspectives and relates them to the practice of care planning. The process proved enlightening and affirming to practitioners and engaged them in considering value‐based practice (recovery‐orientated) from the perspective of the client. It was clear that subtle changes to care planning emerged, and the goal of giving responsibility for self determining issues was addressed.
Lipid body formation plays a central role in cell fate determination during developmental differentiation of Myxococcus xanthus
Authors: Hoiczyk Egbert , Ring Michael W. , McHugh Colleen A. , Schwär Gertrud , Bode Edna , Krug Daniel , Altmeyer Matthias O. , Lu Jeff Zhiqiang , Bode Helge B. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryCell differentiation is widespread during the development of multicellular organisms, but rarely observed in prokaryotes. One example of prokaryotic differentiation is the Gram‐negative bacterium Myxococcus xanthus. In response to starvation, this gliding bacterium initiates a complex developmental programme that results in the formation of spore‐filled fruiting bodies. How the cells metabolically support the necessary complex cellular differentiation from rod‐shaped vegetative cells into spherical spores is unknown. Here, we present evidence that intracellular lipid bodies provide the necessary metabolic fuel for the development of spores. Formed at the onset of starvation, these lipid bodies gradually disappear until they are completely used up by the time the cells have become mature spores. Moreover, it appears that lipid body formation in M. xanthus is an important initial step indicating cell fate during differentiation. Upon starvation, two subpopulations of cells occur: cells that form lipid bodies invariably develop into spores, while cells that do not form lipid bodies end up becoming peripheral rods, which are cells that lack signs of morphological differentiation and stay in a vegetative‐like state. These data indicate that lipid bodies not only fuel cellular differentiation but that their formation represents the first known morphological sign indicating cell fate during differentiation.
Alkali‐Degradation of Amyloid: An Ancient Method Useful for Making Monoclonal Antibodies Against Amyloid Fibril Proteins
Authors: Westermark G. T. , Sletten K. , Westermark P. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe systemic amyloidoses constitute a group of life‐threatening disorders at which one out of about 15 different proteins have polymerized into fibrils. Prognosis and treatment varies widely and depends on the biochemical type. Determination of this has usually to be performed by immunohistochemistry which is a challenge because of lack of monospecific antibodies that can be used on formaldehyde‐fixed tissue sections. We have here used an old method to create immunogenic fragments of AL‐amyloid fibrils by partial degradation and solubilization with sodium hydroxide. The mouse monoclonal antibody pwlam raised against this material, labelled AL‐amyloid deposits of lambda origin strongly and specifically in sections of formaldehyde‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded tissues.
Human γδ T Cells Produce the Protease Inhibitor and Antimicrobial Peptide Elafin
Authors: Marischen L. , Wesch D. , Schröder J.‐M. , Wiedow O. , Kabelitz D. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractHuman γδ T cells rapidly secrete pro‐inflammatory cytokines in response to T cell receptor‐dependent recognition of pyrophosphates produced by many bacteria and parasites. In further support of an important role of γδ T cells in the immune defence against infection, human γδ T cells have been shown to produce the antimicrobial peptide LL37/cathelicidin. In this study, we have investigated whether γδ T cells can produce additional antimicrobial peptides. To this end, we have screened human γδ T cell clones by RT‐PCR for mRNA expression of a broad range of antimicrobial peptides. While α‐defensins were absent and β‐defensins (HBD1) present only in rare γδ T cell clones, elafin mRNA was induced by supernatant of Pseudomonas aeruginosa grown under static conditions. Elafin is a protease inhibitor that also displays antimicrobial activity. Constitutive intracellular expression of elafin was demonstrated by flow cytometry and Western blot analysis. Furthermore, trappin‐2 (pre‐elafin) could be immunoprecipitated in cell lysates but also in the supernatant of γδ T cells stimulated by Ps. aeruginosa supernatant. Taken together, our studies reveal a novel effector function of γδ T cells which might be important for local immune defence.
Neonatal Alloimmune Thrombocytopenia is Not What It was A Lesson Learned from a Large Prospective Screening and Intervention Program
Authors: Skogen B. , Husebekk A. , Killie M. K. , Kjeldsen‐Kragh J. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractControversies regarding the pathophysiology of neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT) has hampered the development of consensus about how to identify, follow up and treat the women and children with this serious complication. One reason for this is that knowledge about the condition derived from previous retrospective studies do not necessarily conform with data derived from prospective investigations. The main obstacle to introduction of general screening programs to identify the pregnancies to treat, have been lack of reliable risk factors, and an effective treatment. Now, several recent prospective screening programs including up to 100,000 pregnant women has changed the understanding of the NAIT‐pathology, and has shown that we are close to answering these critical questions.
Determinants of handwashing practices in Kenya: the role of media exposure, poverty and infrastructure
Authors: Schmidt Wolf‐Peter , Aunger Robert , Coombes Yolande , Maina Peninnah Mukiri , Matiko Carol Nkatha , Biran Adam , Curtis Val 
Published: September 2009

SummaryBackground  To explore how structural constraints such as lack of reliable water supply, sanitation, educational and other socio‐economic factors limit the adoption of better hygiene.Methods  In preparation for the Kenya National Handwashing Campaign, we conducted a nationwide cross sectional survey in 800 households with two components: (i) direct structured observation of hygiene practices at key junctures (food handling, cleaning a child after defaecation, toilet use), followed by (ii) a structured interview addressing potential socio‐economic, water access and behavioural determinants of handwashing.Results  We observed a total of 5182 critical opportunities for handwashing, and handwashing with soap at 25% of these. Handwashing with soap was more often practised after faecal contact (32%) than in connection with food handling (15%). In univariate and multivariate analysis, water access, level of education, media exposure and media ownership were associated with handwashing with soap. Only households with very poor access to water and sanitation, and with the lowest levels of education and media exposure, washed their hands markedly less than the majority of the households.Conclusion  The results underscore that structural constraints can limit hygiene practices in the very disadvantaged sections of a population, thus jeopardizing the potential success of hygiene promotion campaigns in those most at risk of disease. Nevertheless, the strong association of handwashing with media ownership and exposure supports the view that mass media can play a role in hygiene promotion.
The multinational birth cohort of EuroPrevall: background, aims and methods
Authors: Keil T. , McBride D. , Grimshaw K. , Niggemann B. , Xepapadaki P. , Zannikos K. , Sigurdardottir S. T. , Clausen M. , Reche M. , Pascual C. , Stanczyk A. P. , Kowalski M. L. , Dubakiene R. , Drasutiene G. , Roberts G. , Schoemaker A.‐F. A. , Sprikkelman A. B. , Fiocchi A. , Martelli A. , Dufour S. , Hourihane J. , Kulig M. , Wjst M. , Yazdanbakhsh M. , Szépfalusi Z. , Van Ree R. , Willich S. N. , Wahn U. , Mills E. N. C. , Beyer K. 
Published: September 2009

To cite this article: Keil T, McBride D, Grimshaw K, Niggemann B, Xepapadaki P, Zannikos K, Sigurdardottir ST, Clausen M, Reche M, Pascual C, Stanczyk AP, Kowalski ML, Dubakiene R, Drasutiene G, Roberts G, Schoemaker A‐FA, Sprikkelman AB, Fiocchi A, Martelli A, Dufour S, Hourihane J, Kulig M, Wjst M, Yazdanbakhsh M, Szépfalusi Z, van Ree R, Willich SN, Wahn U, Mills ENC, Beyer K. The multinational birth cohort of EuroPrevall: background, aims and methods. Allergy 2010; 65: 482–490.AbstractBackground/aim:  The true prevalence and risk factors of food allergies in children are not known because estimates were based predominantly on subjective assessments and skin or serum tests of allergic sensitization to food. The diagnostic gold standard, a double‐blind placebo‐controlled food provocation test, was not performed consistently to confirm suspected allergic reactions in previous population studies in children. This protocol describes the specific aims and diagnostic protocol of a birth cohort study examining prevalence patterns and influential factors of confirmed food allergies in European children from different regions.Methods:  Within the collaborative translational research project EuroPrevall, we started a multi‐center birth cohort study, recruiting a total of over 12 000 newborns in nine countries across Europe in 2005–2009. In addition to three telephone interviews during the first 30 months, parents were asked to immediately inform the centers about possible allergic reactions to food at any time during the follow‐up period.Results:  All children with suspected food allergy symptoms were clinically evaluated including double‐blind placebo‐controlled food challenge tests. We assessed sensitization to different food allergens by measurements of specific serum immunoglobulin E and skin prick tests, collect blood, saliva or buccal swabs for genetic tests, breast milk for measurement of food proteins/cytokines, and evaluate quality‐of‐life and economic burden of families with food allergic children.Conclusions:  This birth cohort provides unique data on prevalence, risk factors, quality‐of‐life, and costs of food allergies in Europe, leading to the development of more informed and integrated preventative and treatment strategies for children with food allergies.
Effects of chlorine and exercise on the unified airway in adolescent elite Scottish swimmers
Authors: Clearie K. L. , Vaidyanathan S. , Williamson P. A. , Goudie A. , Short P. , Schembri S. , Lipworth B. J. 
Published: September 2009

To cite this article: Clearie KL, Vaidyanathan S, Williamson PA, Goudie A, Short P, Schembri S, Lipworth BJ. Effects of chlorine and exercise on the unified airway in adolescent elite Scottish swimmers.AbstractBackground:  Chlorine metabolites and high training load may produce exercise‐induced bronchospasm (EIB) in elite swimmers. The aim of this study was to assess the combined effects of chlorine and exercise on the unified airway of adolescent elite swimmers.Methods:  The Scottish Midlands District squad were assessed during an indoor pool session at the National Swimming Academy. Athletes trained at least 8 h per week. Subjects underwent tidal (TNO) and nasal (NNO) exhaled NO and peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) pre and post a 2 h session. A physiological exercise challenge assessed EIB in n = 36 swimmers (>10% fall in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)).Results:  Combined and free chlorine levels (mg/l) were 1.66 and 0.3 respectively. n = 36 swimmers (mean age 13.3 years) were assessed: n = 8 (22%) had known asthma; n = 13 (36%) had a positive physiological challenge; 18 (50%) complained of symptoms suggestive of EIB. n = 10/28 (36%) who did not have asthma were found to have a positive exercise challenge. There was no significant association between reported exercise symptoms and positive exercise test. There was no significant change in TNO or NNO for pre vs postexposure, irrespective of asthma diagnosis or AHR. n = 15 (42%) swimmers complained of worsening nasal symptoms postexposure, but only n = 7 (14%) had a demonstrable fall in PNIF (mean 33 l/min). No significant association was found between PNIF and symptoms.Conclusions:  Combined exposure to chlorine and exercise did not affect surrogate markers of inflammation in the unified airway. There was a high prevalence of undiagnosed EIB.
Ratio of myeloid and plasmacytoid dendritic cells and TH2 skew in CRS with nasal polyps
Authors: Kirsche H. , Niederführ A. , Deutschle T. , Fuchs C. , Riechelmann H. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackground:  The role of myeloid and plasmacytoid dendritic cells and its consequences for the TH2 skew in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps (CRSNP+) should be detailed.Methods:  In 18 CRS patients without nasal polyps (CRSNP−), 35 CRSNP+ patients and 22 patients with nasal structural abnormalities without rhinosinusitis (controls), dendritic cells (DC) were differentiated into myeloid (mDC) and plasmacytoid (pDC) subtypes using an antibody cocktail including CD1c (BDCA‐1) and CD303 (BDCA‐2) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and single cell preparations of sinonasal mucosa by flow cytometry. Moreover, cells were analysed for expression of CD45, CD3, CD4, CXCR3 (TH1) and CCR4 (TH2) and IFN‐γ, IL‐5, TGF‐β1, TGF‐β2, ECP and total IgE in nasal secretions were determined. As a possible confounder, Staphylococcus aureus in nasal lavages was detected.Results:  The tissue mDC/pDC‐ratio was 1.7 (1.0–2.4) in controls, 3.0 (1.8–4.0) in CRSNP− and 0.8 (0.6–1.0) in CRSNP+ (P < 0.01). In tissue samples, the TH1/TH2 ratio was 12.6 (6.4–16.0) in controls, 12.5 (6.9–21.2) in CRSNP− and 1.8 (1.3–3.6) in CRSNP+ (median and interquartile range, P < 0.001). Less pronounced differences were found in PBMC. S. aureus detection rates or TGF‐β levels did not differ between patient groups and S. aureus detection had no influence on the parameters investigated.Conclusion:  A significant TH2 skew in CRSNP+ could be confirmed on the cellular level. It was driven by low myeloid dendritic cell numbers. The TH2 skew did not correlate with S. aureus detection. The data support the concept that CRSNP+ and CRSNP− are pathophysiologically distinct.
In vitro detection of cytotoxic T and NK cells in peripheral blood of patients with various drug‐induced skin diseases
Authors: Zawodniak A. , Lochmatter P. , Yerly D. , Kawabata T. , Lerch M. , Yawalkar N. , Pichler W. J. 
Published: September 2009

To cite this article: Zawodniak A, Lochmatter P, Yerly D, Kawabata T, Lerch M, Yawalkar N, Pichler WJ. In vitro detection of cytotoxic T and NK cells in peripheral blood of patients with various drug‐induced skin diseases. Allergy 2010; 65: 376–384.AbstractBackground:  Cytotoxic cells are involved in most forms of drug‐induced skin diseases. Till now, no in vitro test addressed this aspect of drug‐allergic responses. Our report evaluates whether drug‐induced cytotoxic cells can be detected in peripheral blood of nonacute patients with different forms of drug hypersensitivity, and also whether in vitro detection of these cells could be helpful in drug‐allergy diagnosis.Methods:  GranzymeB enzyme‐linked immunosorbent spot‐forming (ELISPOT) and cell surface expression of the degranulation marker CD107a were evaluated on peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 12 drug‐allergic patients in remission state and 16 drug‐exposed healthy controls.Results:  In 10/12 allergic patients culprit but not irrelevant drug elicited granzymeB release after 48–72 h stimulation. It was clearly positive in patients with high proliferative response to the drug, measured in lymphocyte transformation tests. In patients, who showed moderate or low proliferation and low drug‐response in granzymeB ELISPOT, overnight preincubation with interleukin (IL)‐7/IL‐15 enhanced drug‐specific granzymeB release and allowed to clearly identify the offending agent. CD107a staining was positive on CD4+/CD3+, CD8+/CD3+ T cells as well as CD56+/CD3− natural killer cells. None of the drug‐exposed healthy donors reacted to the tested drugs and allergic patients reacted only to the offending, but not to tolerated drugs.Conclusion:  GranzymeB ELISPOT is a highly specific in vitro method to detect drug‐reacting cytotoxic cells in peripheral blood of drug‐allergic patients even several years after disease manifestation. Together with IL‐7/IL‐15 preincubation, it may be helpful in indentifying the offending drug even in some patients with weak proliferative drug‐response.
Anaphylaxis to Patent Blue V. I. Clinical aspects
Authors: Hunting A. S. , Nopp A. , Johansson S. G. O. , Andersen F. , Wilhelmsen V. , Guttormsen A. B. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackground:  The dye Patent Blue V (PBV) is increasingly used for staging procedures in operable breast cancer, but is reported to cause adverse reactions. The aim of this study was to present the clinical features and the results of follow‐up examinations in patients with such reactions.Methods:  We studied nine patients with hypersensitivity reactions to PBV between 1999 and 2006 who were identified through the Norwegian network for reporting and investigating allergic reactions during anesthesia.Results:  We observed incidences of 0.5% (7/1418) for all kinds of PBV reactions and 0.4% (5/1418) for anaphylaxis. Typical clinical features included: (i) cardiovascular and/or cutaneous symptoms, (ii) a delay in symptoms, compared to the time of dye injection, (iii) poor response to ephedrine and intravenous fluid, and (iv) need for adrenaline administration, sometimes prolonged, for circulatory stabilization. Cutaneous manifestations were noted in five of the seven patients with anaphylaxis and two additional patients without circulatory instability. During anaphylactic reactions, serum tryptase was increased in six patients and normal in one. Serum tryptase was normal in one patient with skin symptoms only. Skin prick tests to PBV were positive in all eight patients tested, including the two with skin manifestations only.Conclusion:  The clinical features and the results of follow‐up studies strongly suggest that these reactions are IgE mediated.
Kidney dysfunction induced by protein overload nephropathy reduces serum sulfatide levels in mice
Authors: LI GANG , HU RUI , KAMIJO YUJI , NAKAJIMA TAKERO , AOYAMA TOSHIFUMI , EHARA TAKASHI , SHIGEMATSU HIDEKAZU , KANNAGI REIJI , KYOGASHIMA MAMORU , HARA ATSUSHI 
Published: September 2009

SUMMARY:We recently proposed serum sulfatides as a novel biomarker for cardiovascular disease in patients with end‐stage renal failure (ESRF), based on the possible antithrombotic properties of this molecule. In this earlier study, the level of serum sulfatides was gradually decreased in parallel with kidney dysfunction; however the precise mechanism underlying this decrease was unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanism underlying the decrease in serum sulfatide levels caused by kidney dysfunction in an experimental animal model. To produce a kidney dysfunction animal model, we prepared a mouse model of protein overload nephropathy. Using high‐throughput analysis combined with matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionisation time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry, we measured the levels of sulfatides in the sera, livers, small intestines and kidneys of protein overload nephropathy mice. As the disease progressed, the levels of sulfatides in sera decreased. Also, the levels in livers and small intestines decreased in a similar manner to those in sera, to approximately 60% of the original levels. On the contrary, those in kidneys increased by approximately 1.4‐fold. Our results indicate that kidney dysfunction affects the levels of sulfatides in lipoprotein‐producing organs, such as livers and small intestines, and lowers the levels of sulfatides in sera.