bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Membrane transport proteins of the malaria parasite
Authors: Martin Rowena E. , Ginsburg Hagai , Kirk Kiaran 
Published: October 2009

SummaryThe malaria parasite‐infected erythrocyte is a multi‐compartment structure, incorporating numerous different membrane systems. The movement of nutrients, metabolites and inorganic ions into and out of the intraerythrocytic parasite, as well as between subcellular compartments within the parasite, is mediated by transporters and channels – integral membrane proteins that facilitate the movement of solutes across the membrane bilayer. Proteins of this type also play a key role in antimalarial drug resistance. Genes encoding transporters and channels account for at least 2.5% of the parasite genome. However, ascribing functions and physiological roles to these proteins, and defining their roles in drug resistance, is not straightforward. For any given membrane transport protein, a full understanding of its role(s) in the parasitized erythrocyte requires a knowledge of its subcellular localization and substrate specificity, as well as some knowledge of the effects on the parasite of modifying the sequence and/or level of expression of the gene involved. Here we consider recent work in this area, describe a number of newly identified transport proteins, and summarize the likely subcellular localization and putative substrate specificity of all of the candidate membrane transport proteins identified to date.
Transcriptional and post‐transcriptional regulation of the GmaR antirepressor governs temperature‐dependent control of flagellar motility in Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Kamp Heather D. , Higgins Darren E. 
Published: October 2009

SummaryFlagellar motility in Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) is restricted to temperatures below 37°C due to the opposing activities of the MogR transcriptional repressor and the GmaR antirepressor. Previous studies have suggested that both the DegU response regulator and MogR regulate expression of GmaR. In this report, we further define the role of DegU for GmaR production and flagellar motility. We demonstrate that deletion of the receiver domain of DegU has no effect on flagellar motility in Lm. Using transcriptional reporter fusions, we determined that gmaR is cotranscribed within an operon initiating with fliN. Furthermore, the fliN‐gmaR promoter (pfliN‐gmaR) is transcriptionally activated by DegU and is also MogR‐repressed. DNA affinity purification, gel mobility shift and footprinting analyses revealed that both DegU and MogR directly bind fliN‐gmaR promoter region DNA and that the binding sites do not overlap. Quantitative analysis of gmaR transcripts in ΔmogR bacteria indicated that transcriptional activation of pfliN‐gmaR by DegU is not inherently temperature‐dependent. However, GmaR protein was not detectable at 37°C in ΔmogR bacteria, indicating that a temperature‐dependent, post‐transcriptional mechanism limits GmaR production to temperatures below 37°C. Our findings reveal that flagellar motility in Lm is governed by both temperature‐dependent transcriptional and post‐transcriptional regulation of the GmaR antirepressor.
Time trends in asthma and wheeze in Swedish children 1996–2006: prevalence and risk factors by sex
Authors: Bjerg A. , Sandström T. , Lundbäck B. , Rönmark E. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackground:  Recent data suggest that the previously rising trend in childhood wheezing symptoms has plateaued in some regions. We sought to investigate sex‐specific trends in wheeze, asthma, allergic conditions, allergic sensitization and risk factors for wheeze.Methods:  We compared two population‐based cohorts of 7 to 8‐year olds from the same Swedish towns in 1996 and 2006 using parental expanded ISAAC questionnaires. In 1996, 3430 (97%) and in 2006, 2585 (96%) questionnaires were completed. A subset was skin prick tested: in 1996, 2148 (88%) and in 2006, 1700 (90%) children participated.Results:  No significant change in the prevalence of current wheeze (P = 0.13), allergic rhinitis (P = 0.18) or eczema (P = 0.22) was found despite an increase in allergic sensitization (20.6–29.9%, P < 0.01). In boys, however, the prevalence of current wheeze (12.9–16.4%, P < 0.01), physician‐diagnosed asthma (7.1–9.3%, P = 0.03) and asthma medication use increased. In girls the prevalence of current symptoms and conditions tended to decrease. The prevalence of all studied risk factors for wheeze and asthma increased in boys relative to girls from 1996 to 2006, thus increasing the boy‐to‐girl prevalence ratio in risk factors.Conclusions:  The previously reported increase in current wheezing indices has plateaued in Sweden. Due to increased diagnostic activity, physician diagnoses continue to increase. Time trends in wheezing symptoms differed between boys and girls, and current wheeze increased in boys. This was seemingly explained by the observed increases in the prevalence of risk factors for asthma in boys compared with girls. In contrast to the current symptoms of wheeze, rhinitis or eczema, the prevalence of allergic sensitization increased considerably.
Health‐related quality of life of food allergic patients: comparison with the general population and other diseases
Authors: Flokstra‐de Blok B. M. J. , Dubois A. E. J. , Vlieg‐Boerstra B. J. , Oude Elberink J. N. G. , Raat H. , DunnGalvin A. , Hourihane J. O’B. , Duiverman E. J. 
Published: October 2009

To cite this article: Flokstra‐de Blok BMJ, Dubois AEJ, Vlieg‐Boerstra BJ, Oude Elberink JNG, Raat H, DunnGalvin A, Hourihane JO’B, Duiverman EJ. Health‐related quality of life of food allergic patients: comparison with the general population and other diseases. Allergy 2010; 65: 238–244.AbstractBackground:  To date no studies have compared generic health‐related quality of life (HRQL) of food allergic patients from childhood to adulthood with that of the general population or patients with other chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to compare generic HRQL of food allergic patients with the general population and other diseases.Methods:  Generic HRQL questionnaires (CHQ‐CF87 and RAND‐36) were completed by 79 children, 74 adolescents and 72 adults with food allergy. The generic HRQL scores were compared with scores from published studies on the general population and patients with asthma, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diabetes mellitus (DM) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Results:  Food allergic children and adolescents reported fewer limitations in school work due to behavioural problems (P ≤ 0.013), but food allergic adolescents and adults reported more pain (P = 0.020), poorer overall health (P < 0.001), more limitations in social activities (P < 0.001) and less vitality (P = 0.002) than individuals from the general population. Food allergic patients reported poorer generic HRQL than patients with DM, but better generic HRQL than patients with RA, asthma and IBS.Conclusion:  HRQL is impaired in food allergic adolescents and adults, compared to the general population, and it is intermediate in magnitude between DM and RA, asthma and IBS. Children show the least impact on generic HRQL from food allergy.
Effects of a pseudoallergen‐free diet on chronic spontaneous urticaria: a prospective trial
Authors: Magerl M. , Pisarevskaja D. , Scheufele R. , Zuberbier T. , Maurer M. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackground:  Chronic spontaneous urticaria is a skin disorder that is difficult to manage and can last for years. ‘Pseudoallergens’ are substances that induce hypersensitive/intolerance reactions that are similar to true allergic reactions. They include food additives, vasoactive substances such as histamine, and some natural substances in fruits, vegetables and spices. Eliminating pseudoallergens from the diet can reduce symptom severity and improve patient quality of life.Aim:  To assess the effects of a pseudoallergen‐free diet on disease activity and quality of life in patient’s chronic spontaneous urticaria.Methods:  Study subjects had moderate or severe chronic spontaneous urticaria that had not responded adequately to treatment in primary care. For 3 weeks, subjects followed a pseudoallergen‐free diet. They kept a clinical diary, which recorded their wheal and pruritus severity each day, to yield a clinical rating of chronic spontaneous urticaria severity (the UAS4 score). The subjects also completed the DLQI, a validated quality‐of‐life instrument. Use of antihistamines and glucocorticoids was minimized, recorded, and analysed. Subjects were classified into nine response categories, according to the changes in symptom severity (UAS4), quality of life (DLQI) and medication usage.Results:  From the 140 subjects, there were 20 (14%) strong responders and 19 (14%) partial responders. Additionally, there were nine (6%) subjects who made a substantial reduction in their medication without experiencing worse symptoms or quality of life.Conclusions:  Altogether the pseudoallergen‐free diet is beneficial for one in three patients. The pseudoallergen‐free diet is a safe, healthy and cost‐free measure to identify patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria that will benefit from avoiding pseudoallergens.
Resolution of remodeling in eosinophilic esophagitis correlates with epithelial response to topical corticosteroids
Authors: Aceves S. S. , Newbury R. O. , Chen D. , Mueller J. , Dohil R. , Hoffman H. , Bastian J. F. , Broide D. H. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackground:  Esophageal remodeling occurs in eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) patients but whether the components of remodeling in the subepithelium are reversible by administration of topical oral corticosteroids is unknown.Methods:  We quantitated the degree of lamina propria remodeling in esophageal biopsies obtained before and after at least 3 months of therapy with budesonide in 16 pediatric EE subjects. In addition, we investigated whether corticosteroid therapy modulated vascular activation (expression of VCAM‐1; level of interstitial edema), TGFβ1 activation (levels of TGFβ1, phosphorylated Smad2/3), and performed a pilot analysis of a polymorphism in the TGFβ1 promoter in relation to EE subjects who had reduced remodeling with budesonide therapy.Results:  EE subjects were stratified based on the presence (n = 9) or absence (n = 7) of decreased epithelial eosinophilia following budesonide. Patients with residual eosinophil counts of ≤7 eosinophils per high power field in the epithelial space (responders) demonstrated significantly reduced esophageal remodeling with decreased fibrosis, TGFβ1 and pSmad2/3 positive cells, and decreased vascular activation in association with budesonide therapy. Responders were more likely to have a CC genotype at the −509 position in the TGFβ1 promoter.Conclusions:  Reductions in epithelial eosinophils following budesonide therapy were associated with significantly reduced esophageal remodeling.
After 6 years with Xolair; a 3‐year withdrawal follow‐up
Authors: Nopp A. , Johansson S. G. O. , Adédoyin J. , Ankerst J. , Palmqvist M. , Öman H. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackground:  This study reports the clinical and immunological state of patients 3 years after a 6‐year period of Xolair treatment for severe allergic asthma.Methods:  The patient’s cat allergen sensitivity, measured as CD‐sens, IgE and IgE‐ and IgG4 antibodies, was analysed and compared with asthma severity evaluated from FEV1 and a questionnaire.Results:  Three years after treatment with Xolair was stopped, 12/18 patients reported improved or unchanged asthma compared with ongoing Xolair treatment. Most of the patients were in a stable clinical condition, 16/18 had not increased nightly asthma attacks and 14/18 little or no increase in medication. The CD‐sens to cat was still significantly lower (P < 0.02) than untreated patients with allergic asthma and lower than expected from their serum IgE antibody levels.Conclusion:  Most of the patients in this study had, still 3 years after closing of 6 years Xolair treatment, a surprisingly mild and stable asthma. Interestingly, the observed, considerable, downregulation of basophil allergen sensitivity, CD‐sens, most likely representing mast cell allergen sensitivity, contributed to the clinical results.
Risk factors for allergic rhinitis in Costa Rican children with asthma
Authors: Bunyavanich S. , Soto‐Quiros M. E. , Avila L. , Laskey D. , Senter J. M. , Celedón J. C. 
Published: October 2009

To cite this article: Bunyavanich S, Soto‐Quiros ME, Avila L, Laskey D, Senter JM, Celedón JC. Risk factors for allergic rhinitis in Costa Rican children with asthma. Allergy 2010; 65; 256–263 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398‐9995.2009.02159.x.AbstractBackground:  Risk factors for allergic rhinitis (AR) in asthmatics are likely distinct from those for AR or asthma alone. We sought to identify clinical and environmental risk factors for AR in children with asthma.Methods:  We performed a cross‐sectional study of 616 Costa Rican children aged 6–14 years with asthma. Candidate risk factors were drawn from questionnaire data, spirometry, methacholine challenge testing, skin testing, and serology. Two outcome measures, skin test reaction (STR)‐positive AR and physician‐diagnosed AR, were examined by logistic regression.Results:  STR‐positive AR had high prevalence (80%) in Costa Rican children with asthma, and its independent risk factors were nasal symptoms after exposure to dust or mold, parental history of AR, older age at asthma onset, oral steroid use in the past year, eosinophilia, and positive IgEs to dust mite and cockroach. Physician‐diagnosed AR had lower prevalence (27%), and its independent risk factors were nasal symptoms after pollen exposure, STR to tree pollens, a parental history of AR, inhaled steroid and short‐acting β2 agonist use in the past year, household mold/mildew, and fewer older siblings. A physician’s diagnosis was only 29.5% sensitive for STR‐positive AR.Conclusions:  Risk factors for AR in children with asthma depend on the definition of AR. Indoor allergens drive risk for STR‐positive AR. Outdoor allergens and home environmental conditions are risk factors for physician‐diagnosed AR. We propose that children with asthma in Costa Rica and other Latin American nations undergo limited skin testing or specific IgE measurements to reduce the current under‐diagnosis of AR.
Expression levels of parvalbumins determine allergenicity of fish species
Authors: Griesmeier U. , Vázquez‐Cortés S. , Bublin M. , Radauer C. , Ma Y. , Briza P. , Fernández‐Rivas M. , Breiteneder H. 
Published: October 2009

To cite this article: Griesmeier U, Vázquez‐Cortés S, Bublin M, Radauer C, Ma Y, Briza P, Fernández‐Rivas M, Breiteneder H. Expression levels of parvalbumins determine allergenicity of fish species. Allergy 2010; 65: 191–198.AbstractBackground:  Parvalbumins are the most important fish allergens. Polysensitization to various fish species is frequently reported and linked to the cross‐reactivity of their parvalbumins. Studies on cross‐reactivity and its association to the allergenicity of purified natural parvalbumins from different fish species are still lacking. In addition, some studies indicate that dark muscled fish such as tuna are less allergenic.Methods:  Total protein extracts and purified parvalbumins from cod, whiff, and swordfish, all eaten frequently in Spain, were tested for their IgE‐binding properties with 16 fish allergic patients’ sera from Madrid. The extent of cross‐reactivity of these parvalbumins was investigated by IgE ELISA inhibition assays. Additionally, the cDNA sequences of whiff and swordfish parvalbumins were determined.Results:  Extractable amounts of parvalbumins from cod were 20 times and from whiff 30 times higher than from swordfish. Parvalbumins were recognized by 94% of the patients in extracts of cod and whiff, but only by 60% in swordfish extracts. Nevertheless, a high cross‐reactivity was determined for all purified parvalbumins by IgE inhibition. The amino acid sequence identities of the three parvalbumins were in a range of 62–74%.Conclusions:  The parvalbumins of cod, whiff and swordfish are highly cross‐reactive. The high amino acid sequence identity among cod, whiff and swordfish parvalbumins results in the observed IgE cross‐reactivity. The low allergenicity of swordfish is due to the low expression levels of its parvalbumin.
National pholcodine consumption and prevalence of IgE‐sensitization: a multicentre study
Authors: Johansson S. G. O. , Florvaag E. , Öman H. , Poulsen L. K. , Mertes P. M. , Harper N. J. N. , Garvey L. H. , Gerth van Wijk R. , Metso T. , Irgens A. , Dybendal T. , Halsey J. , Seneviratne S. L. , Guttormsen A. B. 
Published: October 2009

To cite this article: Johansson SGO, Florvaag E, Öman H, Poulsen LK, Mertes PM, Harper NJN, Garvey LH, Gerth van Wijk R, Metso T, Irgens A, Dybendal T, Halsey J, Seneviratne SL, Guttormsen AB. National pholcodine consumption and prevalence of IgE‐sensitization: a multicentre study. Allergy 2010; 65: 498–502.AbstractBackground:  The aim of this study was to test, on a multinational level, the pholcodine (PHO) hypothesis, i.e. that the consumption of PHO‐containing cough mixtures could cause higher prevalence of IgE antibodies to PHO, morphine (MOR) and suxamethonium (SUX). As a consequence the risk of anaphylaxis to neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBA) will be increased.Methods:  National PHO consumptions were derived from the United Nations International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) database. IgE and IgE antibodies to PHO, MOR, SUX and P‐aminophenyl‐phosphoryl choline (PAPPC) were measured in sera from atopic individuals, defined by a positive Phadiatop® test (>0.35 kUA/l), collected in nine countries representing high and low PHO‐consuming nations.Results:  There was a significant positive association between PHO consumption and prevalences of IgE‐sensitization to PHO and MOR, but not to SUX and PAPPC, as calculated both by exposure group comparisons and linear regression analysis. The Netherlands and the USA, did not have PHO‐containing drugs on the markets, although the former had a considerable PHO consumption. Both countries had high figures of IgE‐sensitization.Conclusion:  This international prevalence study lends additional support to the PHO hypothesis and, consequently, that continued use of drugs containing this substance should be seriously questioned. The results also indicate that other, yet unknown, substances may lead to IgE‐sensitization towards NMBAs.
Mutational screening of ACVR1 gene in Brazilian fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva patients
Authors: Carvalho DR , Navarro MMM , Martins BJAF , Coelho KEFA , Mello WD , Takata RI , Speck‐Martins CE 
Published: October 2009

Carvalho DR, Navarro MMM, Martins BJAF, Coelho KEFA, Mello WD, Takata RI, Speck‐Martins CE. Mutational screening of ACVR1 gene in Brazilian fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva patients.Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a severe genetic disorder reported worldwide. A specific heterozygous mutation (c.617G> A; p.R206H) in the activin A type I receptor gene (ACVR1) is regarded as the genetic cause of FOP in all classically affected individuals worldwide. However, a few patients with FOP variants harbor distinct mutations in ACVR1. We screened a group of FOP Brazilian population for mutations in ACVR1. Of 16 patients with a classic FOP phenotype (10 males and 6 females, age range of 3–42 years), all had the classic mutation (p.R206H). One 21‐year‐old woman with a variant FOP phenotype had the previously reported c.983G> A mutation (p.G328E). Our study contributes to the understanding of the predominant FOP phenotype and genotype and suggests that variant FOP phenotypes are associated with specific mutations in ACVR1 gene.
Overview of 50 years' progress in upper gastrointestinal diseases
Authors: Yeomans Neville D 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThere have been numerous and dramatic advances in our understanding of the mechanisms, causes and treatments of upper gastrointestinal diseases in the past 50 years. This review focuses on a few, not dealt with elsewhere in this special issue of the Journal. The early history of the recognition that nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs are a major cause of peptic ulcer is described, with particular attention to the work of the pioneering Australian investigators. The story of the development of the histamine H2‐receptor antagonists and the proton pump inhibitors is also outlined.
Population‐based screening for colorectal cancer: Australian research and implementation
Authors: Young Graeme P 
Published: October 2009

AbstractAustralia is one of the first countries in the world to implement an organized whole‐of‐population screening program for colorectal cancer (CRC). Australians have made broad contributions to CRC in general ranging from primary prevention through genetics, secondary prevention and treatment, to palliation. This overview focuses on some of the contributions of direct relevance to population‐based screening, stretching from technology development to population‐based controlled studies and health services research. In terms of simple screening tests in a two‐step screening strategy, the evidence is overwhelming that fecal immunochemical tests for hemoglobin (FITs) improve detection and are more acceptable. FIT‐based screening is clearly acceptable to Australians and it has been demonstrated that a national organized screening program is feasible. In terms of benefit for Australians, with full roll out and high uptake by the population we could see the number of cases dying from CRC halved by this strategy. To this will be added the extra‐screening benefits of improved diagnosis, improved treatment and improved public awareness, all benefits of other screening programs. CRC screening has progressed from a matter of irrelevance and distaste, to commonwealth government policy in the context of an organized program for all Australians.
Sphincter of Oddi: Function, dysfunction, and its management
Authors: Toouli James 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe most common functional disorder of the biliary tract and pancreas relates to the activity of the Sphincter of Oddi. The Sphincter of Oddi is a small smooth muscle sphincter strategically placed at the junction of the bile duct, pancreatic duct, and duodenum. The sphincter controls flow of bile and pancreatic juices into the duodenum and prevents reflux of duodenal content into the ducts. Disorder in its motility is called Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. Clinically this presents either with recurrent abdominal biliary type pain or episodes of recurrent pancreatitis. Manometry may identify the motility abnormalities, the most clinically significant being an abnormally elevated basal pressure. The most effective treatment once an abnormal basal pressure is identified is division of the sphincter. This is associated with good long‐term results.
Overview of inflammatory bowel disease in Australia in the last 50 years
Authors: Gibson Peter R 
Published: October 2009

AbstractInflammatory diseases of the intestine, including Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and celiac disease are now very common in Australia and remain major challenges for clinicians. Australian (and New Zealand) clinicians and scientists have made considerable contributions to our current understanding of these diseases over the last 50 years, including pathogenesis (such as the ‘butyrate hypothesis’, ‘endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress’, and the identification of the peptide sequences that incite celiac disease), true population epidemiology (albeit in New Zealand), precise clinical observation, new investigative tools, innovative new potential therapies, influential clinical drug trials (such as triple antibiotics for Crohn's disease), and a dietary approach with efficacy for functional gut symptoms (the low FODMAP diet). Underpinning the success has been clinical excellence and adaptation of clinicians to the changing landscape of disease severity and therapeutic options. The future is indeed bright if such trends continue.