bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Staphylococcal‐derived superantigen enhances peanut induced Th2 responses in the skin
Authors: Forbes‐Blom E. , Camberis M. , Prout M. , Tang S.‐C. , Le Gros G. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryBackgroundThe allergen‐induced activation and expansion of IL‐4 producing T helper type 2 (Th2) cells is a key event in the initiation and progression of allergic disease. Intriguingly, concomitant early childhood staphylococcal skin infections are being increasingly implicated in the allergen‐induced switch of primary T cell responses towards the Th2 phenotype.ObjectiveWe sought to identify whether or not staphylococcal‐derived superantigen can influence the primary T cell response in the skin to food allergens with a view to determining whether such exposures create the immune pathology that predisposes to the development of food allergy.MethodsUsing a novel Th2 reporter model, we determined the ability of the staphylococcal superantigen (SEB) to influence priming in the skin of IL‐4 expressing Th2 cells by peanut extract (PE). Factors including the effect of SEB on the magnitude of the Th2 response in the skin draining lymph nodes, T cell receptor V region usage and the influence of endotoxin were evaluated.ResultsPrimary exposure to PE and SEB lead to significantly enhanced PE specific Th2 responses when the mice were subsequently exposed to PE alone. The enhancement of the Th2 response was dependent on the Vβ‐binding properties of the SEB, but was not affected by endotoxin‐mediated TLR‐4 effects or strain differences in the mice.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceThese results identify that in the skin environment, the presence of SEB can significantly increase the numbers of allergen‐induced Th2 cells which develop in response to subsequent allergen exposure. These data highlight the process by which individuals may become pathologically sensitized to food allergens in early life.
Presence of functional, autoreactive human milk‐specific IgE in infants with cow's milk allergy
Authors: Järvinen K. M. , Geller L. , Bencharitiwong R. , Sampson H. A. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryBackgroundOccasionally, exclusively breastfed infants with cow's milk allergy (CMA) remain symptomatic despite strict maternal milk avoidance.ObjectiveTo determine whether or not persistence of symptoms could be due to sensitization against endogenous human milk proteins with a high degree of similarity to bovine allergens.MethodsTen peptides representing known bovine milk IgE‐binding epitopes [α‐lactalbumin (ALA), β‐ and κ‐casein] and the corresponding, highly homologous human milk peptides were labelled with sera from 15 breastfed infants with CMA, aged 3 weeks to 12 months, and peptide (epitope)‐specific IgE antibodies were assessed. Nine of the 15 breastfed infants became asymptomatic during strict maternal avoidance of milk and other major food allergens; six infants remained symptomatic until weaned. Ten older children, aged 5–15 years, with CMA were also assessed. The functional capacity of specific IgE antibodies was assessed by measuring β‐hexosaminidase release from rat basophilic leukaemia cells passively sensitized and stimulated with human and bovine ALA.ResultsA minimum of one human milk peptide was recognized by IgE antibodies from 9 of 15 (60%) milk‐allergic infants, and the majority of older children with CMA. Genuine sensitization to human milk peptides in the absence of IgE to bovine milk was occasionally seen. There was a trend towards specific IgE being detected to more human milk peptides in those infants who did not respond to the maternal milk elimination diet than in those who did (P = 0.099). Functional IgE antibody to human ALA was only detected in infants not responding to the maternal diet.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceEndogenous human milk epitopes are recognized by specific IgE from the majority of infants and children with CMA. Such autoreactive, human milk‐specific IgE antibodies appear to have functional properties in vitro. Their role in provoking allergic symptoms in infants exclusively breastfed by mothers strictly avoiding dietary milk remains unclear.
Can we define a tolerable level of risk in food allergy? Report from a EuroPrevall/UK Food Standards Agency workshop
Authors: Madsen C. B. , Hattersley S. , Allen K. J. , Beyer K. , Chan C.‐H. , Godefroy S. B. , Hodgson R. , Mills E. N. C. , Muñoz‐Furlong A. , Schnadt S. , Ward R. , Wickman M. , Crevel R. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryBackgroundThere is an emerging consensus that, as with other risks in society, zero risk for food‐allergic people is not a realistic or attainable option. Food allergy challenge data and new risk assessment methods offer the opportunity to develop quantitative limits for unintended allergenic ingredients which can be used in risk‐based approaches. However, a prerequisite to their application is defining a tolerable level of risk. This requires a value judgement and is ultimately a ‘societal’ decision that has to involve all relevant stakeholders.ObjectiveThe aim of the workshop was to bring together key representatives from the stakeholders (regulators, food industry, clinical researchers and patients), and for the first time ever discuss the definition of a tolerable level of risk with regard to allergic reactions to food.ResultsThe discussions revealed a consensus that zero risk was not a realistic option and that it is essential to address the current lack of agreed action levels for cross‐contamination with allergens if food allergen management practice is to be improved. The discussions also indicated that it was difficult to define and quantify a tolerable level of risk, although both the clinical and the industry groups tried to do so. A consensus emerged that doing nothing was not a viable option, and there was a strong desire to take action to improve the current situation.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceTwo concrete actions were suggested: (1) Action levels should be derived from the data currently available. Different scenarios should be examined and further developed in an iterative process. On the basis of this work, a tolerable level of risk should be proposed. (2) ‘One‐dose’ clinical trial with a low challenge dose should be performed in multiple centres to provide additional information about the general applicability of dose‐distribution models and help validate the threshold levels derived.
Staphylococcal enterotoxin B compromises the immune tolerant status in the airway mucosa
Authors: Liu T. , Liang X. , Li T.‐L. , Ma J. , Yang J.‐F. , Yang P.‐C. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryBackgroundThe breakdown of immune tolerance plays a critical role in allergic disorders; the mechanism of breaching immune tolerance remains largely unknown.ObjectiveThe present study aimed to investigate the role of Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) in the interference of the immune tolerance in the nasal mucosa.MethodsThe immune tolerant components, tolerogenic dendritic cells (TolDC) and regulatory T cells (Treg), were assessed in the surgically removed nasal mucosa from patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) or non‐AR chronic rhinitis. The contents of SEB and integrin alphavbeta6 (avb6) in the nasal epithelium were assessed using enzyme‐linked immunoassay. The ability of avb6 on TolDC induction and the effect of SEB on suppression of avb6 in nasal epithelial cells were observed in cell culture.ResultsCompared with that in the non‐AR nasal mucosa, the frequencies of TolDCs/Tregs were lower, the contents of SEB were higher and the contents of avb6 were lower in the AR nasal mucosa. Avb6 had the ability to induce the development of TolDCs in vitro; the latter had the ability to induce Treg development. The expression of avb6 was detected in nasal epithelial cells in culture that could be suppressed by SEB.Conclusions and clinical relevanceThe components of immune tolerance machinery, TolDCs and Tregs were suppressed in the AR nasal mucosa. The increases in SEB and decreases in avb6 in nasal epithelium are associated with the compromises of immune tolerance in the nasal mucosa. SEB has the ability to suppress the expression of avb6 in nasal epithelial cells.
Isolated growth hormone deficiency in two siblings because of paternal mosaicism for a mutation in the GH1 gene
Authors: Tsubahara Mayuko , Hayashi Yoshitaka , Niijima Shin‐ichi , Yamamoto Michiyo , Kamijo Takashi , Murata Yoshiharu , Haruna Hidenori , Okumura Akihisa , Shimizu Toshiaki 
Published: September 2011

SummaryContext  Mutations in the GH1 gene have been identified in patients with isolated growth hormone deficiency (IGHD). Mutations causing aberrant splicing of exon 3 of GH1 that have been identified in IGHD are inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, whereas other mutations in GH1 that have been identified in IGHD are inherited in an autosomal recessive manner.Objective  Two siblings born from nonconsanguineous healthy parents exhibited IGHD. To elucidate the cause, GH1 in all family members was analysed.Results  Two novel mutations in GH1, a point mutation in intron 3 and a 16‐bp deletion in exon 3, were identified by sequence analyses. The intronic mutation was present in both siblings and was predicted to cause aberrant splicing. The deletion was present in one of the siblings as well as the mother with normal stature and was predicted to cause rapid degradation of mRNA through nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay. The point mutation was not identified in the parents’ peripheral blood DNA; however, it was detected in the DNA extracted from the father’s sperms. As a trace of the mutant allele was detected in the peripheral blood of the father using PCR‐RFLP, the mutation is likely to have occurred de novo at an early developmental stage before differentiation of somatic cells and germline cells.Conclusions  This is the first report of mosaicism for a mutation in GH1 in a family with IGHD. It is clear that the intronic mutation plays a dominant role in the pathogenesis of IGHD in this family, as one of the siblings who had only the point mutation was affected. On the other hand, the other sibling was a compound heterozygote for the point mutation and the 16‐bp deletion and it may be arguable whether IGHD in this patient should be regarded as autosomal dominant or recessive.
Comparison of the clinical performance of an HPV mRNA test and an HPV DNA test in triage of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC‐US)
Authors: Waldstrom M. , Ornskov D. 
Published: September 2011

M. Waldstrom and D. Ornskov  Comparison of the clinical performance of an HPV mRNA test and an HPV DNA test in triage of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC‐US)Objective:  The effect of triaging women with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC‐US) with human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing has been well documented. New tests detecting HPV E6/E7 mRNA are emerging, claiming to be more specific for detecting high‐grade disease. We evaluated the clinical performance of two HPV tests: the Linear Array HPV genotyping test (LA) detecting HPV DNA from 37 oncogenic and non‐oncogenic HPV types and the Aptima HPV assay detecting E6/E7 mRNA from 14 oncogenic HPV types.Methods:  We identified 369 consecutive PreservCyt samples diagnosed with ASC‐US tested for HPV DNA using the LA test. The Aptima HPV test was performed on residual material in the same vial. Follow‐up of 325 women was available. The gold standard used was histologically confirmed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 2+ or 3+.Results:  LA and Aptima HPV assays were positive in 44.3% and 31.7% of the cases, respectively. The concordance was 81.2%. The two tests had identical sensitivity for detecting CIN3+ [92.6% (95% CI, 75.7–99.1)] but the Aptima HPV assay showed a significantly better specificity of 73.8% (95% CI, 68.5–78.7) versus 60.1% (95% CI, 54.3–65.7) for LA for detecting CIN3+. When using CIN2+ as the gold standard the sensitivity for LA was higher than for the Aptima HPV assay [93.8% (95% CI, 82.8–98.7) versus 87.5% (95% CI, 74.8–95.3)], but the specificity was higher for the Aptima HPV assay: 78.0% (95% CI, 72.6–82.7) versus 64.3% (95% CI, 58.3–69.9).Conclusions:  Both tests showed good and equal clinical sensitivities for detecting CIN3+, but the Aptima HPV assay had significantly higher specificity for detecting CIN2+ and CIN3+ in women aged 30 years or older with ASC‐US.
Using narrative inquiry with older people to inform practice and service developments
Authors: Hsu Ming Yi , McCormack Brendan 
Published: September 2011

Aim.  The aim of the study was to examine the usefulness of narratives of older peoples’ hospitalisation experiences as a focus for informing practice and service developments.Background.  Narrative inquiry provides an option for exploring personal experiences and for providing insight into treatment decisions that can help guide how healthcare services are developed and provided.Methods.  Participants were aged 65 and upwards and had been patients in a rehabilitation unit. They were cognitively and physically able to communicate and give consent to take part in the study. Narrative interviewing methods were used for data collection. A problem–solution pattern framework enabled the reconfiguring of narratives in the context of the older persons’ past, the here and now and the context of their usual level of well‐being or ill‐being. Seminars with multidisciplinary professionals were used to analyse the narratives in the context of how they informed the need for practice and service developments.Results.  Twenty‐eight narrative interviews were undertaken. Through reading and discussing the reconfigured narratives, the multidisciplinary team evaluated whether care procedures were appropriate and identified ways of improving care delivery. Challenges to the integration of narrative approaches were identified. Narrative interviewing was implemented in practice by some of the nurses who participated in the study.Conclusions.  Narrative inquiry enhances the assessment of care needs and interactions between healthcare professionals and patients. The framework used for translating stories into plans for practice and service developments needs to be used in further studies and with a broader range of healthcare and social care professionals to determine its usefulness.Relevance to clinical practice.  Narrative inquiry is a valuable methodology for understanding older peoples’ experiences of health care. Stories developed from older peoples’ hospitalisation experiences are a useful basis for identifying aspects of practice that could be developed.
Implementing a structured psychosocial interventions group programme for people with bipolar disorder
Authors: STERN T. , SIN J. 
Published: September 2011

Accessible summary
Routine provision of evidence‐based and recovery‐orientated interventions for service users with bipolar disorder has not been developed in line with the clinical guidelines in the UK.
A structured group integrating psychoeducation, cognitive behavioural approaches and self‐management techniques was developed and piloted as a practice development programme to actualize such service development needs.
Service users' feedback and results from the three pilot groups are reported here and helped shape the ongoing development of the project.
Practice development projects like this can integrate service user involvement and evidence‐based interventions to promote service provision while minimizing theory–practice gap.
AbstractIt has been reported that, at any time, over half of the people with bipolar disorder are receiving no active treatment. Despite the availability of effective medications and psychotherapies, research concludes that the care of bipolar disorder in everyday practice is often deficient. Evidence base reports the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions using many of the same ideas as the recovery approach; both attempt to place clients at the heart of service delivery. This paper reports on the development and implementation of three pilot group programmes for service users with bipolar disorder, in a community clinical setting in South East England. The group programme design and development was based upon the evidence‐based psychosocial interventions advocated in national clinical guidelines and research literature. The programme incorporated the key effective psychosocial interventions and self‐management mechanisms within its 12 sessions spanning over 3 months, followed by three booster sessions in 6 months' time. Twenty‐three service users have to date completed the programme. Participant feedback will be discussed and reported to inform further development and research implications of such innovative evidence‐based interventions for service users with bipolar disorder.
The prevalence and risk factors of infantile haemangiomas: a case–control study in the Dutch population
Authors: Hoornweg Marije J. , Smeulders Mark J. C. , Ubbink Dirk T. , van der Horst Chantal M. A. M. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryHoornweg MJ, Smeulders MJC, Ubbink DT, van der Horst CMAM. The prevalence and risk factors of infantile haemangiomas: a case–control study in the Dutch population. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2012; 26: 156–162.Haemangiomas are considered to be the most common tumours of infancy. However, despite their frequent occurrence the aetiological determinants of their development remain unknown. Identifying these factors may provide insight on their pathogenesis. We performed cross‐sectional screening for haemangiomas in newborns (0–16 months of age) in the general Dutch population. Haemangioma‐specific and pregnancy‐related data were collected in children with a haemangioma. These data were compared in a case–control design using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Among 2204 newborns, 219 (9.9%) had a haemangioma. The male‐to‐female ratio was 1:2. The majority of haemangiomas were located on the trunk (37%). The general practitioners or medical specialists were consulted in only a minority of cases (<7%). Amniocentesis [odds ratio (OR) 3.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11, 11.42], breech presentation [OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.14, 4.44], being first‐born [OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.03, 2.33] and a birthweight ≤2500 g [OR 4.95, 95% CI 1.63, 15.05] were independent factors associated with the development of a haemangioma. Duration of pregnancy did not differ between study groups. Our study showed that the prevalence of a haemangioma is 9.9% in the general (Dutch) population. Four factors appear relevant in the development of haemangiomas. These factors may provide clues to its pathogenesis.
JA‐Ile signalling in Solanum nigrum is not required for defence responses in nature
Authors: VANDOORN ARJEN , BONAVENTURE GUSTAVO , ROGACHEV ILANA , AHARONI ASAPH , BALDWIN IAN T. 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTJasmonate signalling plays a central role in activating the plethora of responses that are elicited by herbivory. Solanum nigrum plants silenced in the expression of genes involved in jasmonic acid biosynthesis (irlox3), conjugation (irjar4) and perception (ircoi1) were used to study the function of these genes in the field and in the regulation of transcriptional and metabolic responses. In the field, damage from Noctuidea larvae was four‐ to fivefold higher on irlox3 and ircoi1 than on wild‐type (WT) plants, whereas damage to irjar4 plants was similar to WT levels. Damage rates reflected plant survival rates; fewer irlox3 (78%) and ircoi1 (22%) plants survived compared with irjar4 and WT plants of which all plants survived. Gene expression profiling in leaves 3 h after simulated herbivory revealed differential regulation of ∼700 genes in irlox3 and ircoi1 plants but of only six genes in irjar4 compared with WT plants. Surprisingly, transcriptional responses were not reflected in metabolomic responses; 48 h after simulated herbivory, irjar4 plants showed a 50% overlap in their metabolic profile with ircoi1 plants. Together, these results reveal that SnJAR4 does not play a direct role in herbivore defence, but suggests that SnJAR4 is involved in responses other than those to herbivory.
Neutrophil antibody diagnostics and screening: review of the classical versus the emerging*
Authors: Fung Y. L. , Minchinton R. M. , Fraser J. F. 
Published: September 2011

Background and Objectives  Severe transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI) events have been linked to donor‐derived neutrophil antibodies. The journey to developing mass donor neutrophil antibody screening platforms is challenged by the fragility of neutrophils and their unique‐specific antigenic characteristics.Material and Methods  This article critically evaluates the capabilities and potential of five emerging antibody screening platforms designed to detect neutrophil reactive antibodies relevant to TRALI. They are compared with established neutrophil serological methods.Results  Data from two recombinant antigen platforms and a method using human neutrophil antigens‐expressing KY cells indicated high specificity. Two mixed cellular flow cytometric assays have the advantage of presenting native conformation of the human polymorphonuclear neutrophil antigenic epitopes.Conclusions  To date, the number and specificity of test sera applied to each platform is small. This needs to be substantially increased and further rigorous serological evaluation is yet needed to compare the sensitivity and specificity limits of each new platform with classical methods. With a limited world supply of TRALI‐relevant test sera, a collaborative effort of laboratories with neutrophil and TRALI investigation expertise is required.
Silicon Alleviates PEG‐Induced Water‐Deficit Stress in Upland Rice Seedlings by Enhancing Osmotic Adjustment
Authors: Ming D. F. , Pei Z. F. , Naeem M. S. , Gong H. J. , Zhou W. J. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThis study investigates the effect of added silicon (Si, as sodium silicate) on water status–related parameters, osmolytes accumulation and gas exchange in the leaves of hydroponically grown upland rice seedlings under polyethylene glycol (PEG‐6000)‐induced water stress, the aims being to explore whether Si has been involved in osmotic adjustment (OA) in upland rice plants. Fifty‐five‐day‐old seedlings were subjected to 8.5 % (m/v) PEG‐6000 treatment without or with 2.5 mm Si for 7 days. The results showed that addition of Si to culture solution could partially improve total, free, and bound water contents in both leaves and roots, which were all decreased under water stress. Application of Si increased water potential (Ψw) and osmotic potential (Ψπ) in both roots and leaves while maintained higher turgor pressure (Ψp), in comparison with the plants without Si application. Added Si also stimulated the active accumulation of some osmolytes in both leaves and roots of stressed plants, which suggested enhanced OA ability. Analysis of gas exchange in leaves showed that net photosynthetic rate, transpiration, and water‐use efficiency (WUE) were decreased under water stress, whereas application of Si enhanced the photosynthesis and improved the WUE. This study suggests that PEG‐induced water stress in rice could be partially alleviated by addition of Si. This alleviative effect was partially attributable to enhanced OA ability by means of active accumulation of osmolytes.