bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The association between mother and child MTHFR C677T polymorphisms, dietary folate intake and childhood atopy in a population‐based, longitudinal birth cohort
Authors: Granell R. , Heron J. , Lewis S. , Smith G. D. , Sterne J. A. C. , Henderson J. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryBackground
A recent study suggested a link between folate metabolism and atopy, based on a positive association between a common polymorphism of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene and allergic sensitization in Danish adults.Objective
We investigated the associations between MTHFR C677T and allergy or atopy in a large, population‐based birth cohort of children and their mothers, the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). We also looked for evidence of a pre‐natal effect of maternal folate metabolism on subsequent atopic disease in the offspring.Methods
Mothers were recruited in pregnancy and the children followed from birth. Atopy in the child was assessed at 7–8 years of age by skin prick tests to common allergens. Asthma was defined as a physician diagnosis and current symptoms at 71/2 years of age. Asthma and allergy status of the mothers were obtained from self‐completion questionnaires.Results
Data on MTHFR C677T genotype and allergy were available for 5364 children and on allergy and/or asthma for 7356 mothers. In children, the prevalence of atopy was 20.0% and asthma 10.0% whereas in mothers, the prevalence of self‐reported allergy was 42.7% and asthma 11.5%. Atopy in the child was associated with male gender (P<0.001), less tobacco smoke exposure and higher maternal education. MTHFR C677T genotype was not associated with social factors or dietary folate intake. We found no evidence of associations between the MTHFR C677T variant allele and atopy, allergy or asthma in mothers or children. There was no evidence to support an effect of maternal MTHFR C677T genotype on atopy in the offspring.Conclusion
The results of this study do not support the hypothesis that impaired folate metabolism is associated with allergy in adults or children in this population.
Genetic determinants of both ethanol and acetaldehyde metabolism influence alcohol hypersensitivity and drinking behaviour among Scandinavians
Authors: Linneberg A. , Gonzalez‐Quintela A. , Vidal C. , Jørgensen T. , Fenger M. , Hansen T. , Pedersen O. , Husemoen L. L. N. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryBackground
Although hypersensitivity reactions following intake of alcoholic drinks are common in Caucasians, the underlying mechanisms and clinical significance are not known. In contrast, in Asians, alcohol‐induced asthma and flushing have been shown to be because of a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), the acetaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) 487lys, causing decreased acetaldehyde (the metabolite of ethanol) metabolism and high levels of histamine. However, the ALDH2 487lys is absent in Caucasians.Objectives
To investigate the genetic determinants of self‐reported alcohol‐induced hypersensitivity reactions in Caucasians.Methods
The study included two population‐based studies of 1216 and 6784 adults living in Copenhagen. Assessment of alcohol consumption and hypersensitivity reactions (in a subgroup) was performed by a questionnaire and was related to common SNPs of genes encoding alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs) and ALDHs.Results
In both populations, alcohol drinkers with a genetically determined fast metabolism of ethanol (the A allele of the ADH1b rs1229984) had an increased risk of alcohol‐induced hypersensitivity reactions (odds ratio AA/AG vs. GG in combined populations: 1.82, 95% CI 1.04–3.17). In both populations, a common SNP encoding ALDH1b1 (rs2228093) was found to be significantly associated with alcohol‐induced hypersensitivity (odds ratio TT vs. CC in combined populations: 2.53, 95% CI 1.31–4.90).Conclusions
Our data support that alcohol sensitivity in Caucasians is genetically determined and suggest that a histamine‐releasing effect of acetaldehyde represents a plausible biological mechanism. Furthermore, we present the first report of a clinically significant SNP within the acetaldehyde‐metabolizing system in a Caucasian population. Cite this as: A. Linneberg, A. Gonzalez‐Quintela, C. Vidal, T. Jørgensen, M. Fenger, T. Hansen, O. Pedersen and L. L. N. Husemoen, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 123–130.
Eosinophils in health and disease: the LIAR hypothesis
Authors: Lee J. J. , Jacobsen E. A. , McGarry M. P. , Schleimer R. P. , Lee N. A. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryDiscussions of eosinophils are often descriptions of end‐stage effector cells with destructive capabilities mediated predominantly by released cytotoxic cationic granule proteins. Moreover, eosinophils in the medical literature are invariably associated with the pathologies linked with helminth infections or allergic diseases such as asthma. This has led to an almost fatalist view of eosinophil effector functions and associated therapeutic strategies targeting these cells that would make even William of Ockham proud – eosinophil effector functions have physiological consequences that increase patient morbidity/mortality and ‘the only good eosinophils are dead eosinophils’. Unfortunately, the strengths of dogmas are also their greatest weaknesses. Namely, while the repetitive proclamation of dogmatic concepts by authoritative sources (i.e. reviews, meeting proceedings, textbooks, etc.) builds consensus within the medical community and lower the entropies surrounding difficult issues, they often ignore not easily explained details and place diminished importance on alternative hypotheses. The goal of this perspective is twofold: (i) we will review recent observations regarding eosinophils and their activities as well as reinterpret earlier data as part of the synthesis of a new paradigm. In this paradigm, we hypothesize that eosinophils accumulate at unique sites in response to cell turnover or in response to local stem cell activity(ies). We further suggest that this accumulation is part of one or more mechanisms regulating tissue homeostasis. Specifically, instead of immune cells exclusively mediating innate host defence, we suggest that accumulating tissue eosinophils are actually regulators of Local Immunity And/or Remodeling/Repair in both health and disease – the LIAR hypothesis; (ii) we want to be inflammatory (pun intended!) and challenge the currently common perspective of eosinophils as destructive end‐stage effector cells. Our hope is to create more questions than we answer and provoke everyone to spend countless hours simply to prove us wrong! Cite this as: J. J. Lee, E. A. Jacobsen, M. P. McGarry, R. P. Schleimer and N. A. Lee, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 563–575
Immunohistochemical characterization of infiltrating mononuclea cells in the rat heart with experimental autoimmune giant cell myocarditis
Authors: KODAMA M , ZHANG S , HANAWA H , SHIBATA A 
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY
The pathogenesis of giant cell myocarditis remains unclear. Subsets of inflammatory infiltrating cells may reflect the pathogenesis and etiology of the disease. Therefore, we examined subsets of infiltrating mononuclear cells in the heart of the rat with experimental giant cell myocarditis. Lewis rats were immunized with cardiac myosin in Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA). Severe myocarditis characterized by congestive heart failure and multinucleated giant cells were elicited. The lesions were composed of predominant mononuclear cells, polymorphonuclcar neutrophils and fragments of degenerated myocardial fibres. The subsets of infiltrating mononuclear cells were investigated using MoAbs against rat CD4+ T cell (W3/25), CD8 + T cell (CX8), B cell (OX33) and macrophage(OX42). By serial examination, bound immunoglobulin could only be found on degenerated myocardial fibres. In this model, most infiltrating mononuclear cells were composed of macrophages and CD4 + T cells. The frequencies of macrophages and CD4+ T cells were 73·7% and 13·8%, respectively. CD8+ T cells were scarce and B cells were rare in the lesions. The frequencies of CD8 + T cells and B cells were 4·5% and 0·4%, respectively. The dominance of macrophages and CD4+ T cells was the constant finding among the sites of the lesions and throughout the course of the disease. These characteristic subsets of infiltrating cells were in contrast to those of murine viral myocarditis which were mainly composed of natural killer (NK) cells and CD8+ T cells. Clarifying the subsets of infiltrating cells in myocarditis may contribute to differential diagnosis of myocarditis between viral and autoimmune types. From this study, the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune giant cell myocarditis seemed to be closely related to CD4+ T cells and macrophages.
Expression of autoimmune regulator gene (AIRE) and T regulatory cells in human thymomas
Authors: Scarpino S , Di Napoli A , Stoppacciaro A , Antonelli M , Pilozzi E , Chiarle R , Palestro G , Marino M , Facciolo F , Rendina E A , Webster K E , Kinkel S A , Scott H S , Ruco L 
Published: August 2010

SummaryExpression of the autoimmune regulator gene (AIRE) and the presence of CD25+/forkhead box p3 (FoxP3)+ T regulatory (Treg) cells were investigated in histologically normal adult thymi and in thymomas using immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In the normal thymus staining for AIRE was detected in the nucleus of some epithelial-like cells located in the medulla; in thymomas AIRE-positive cells were extremely rare and could be detected only in the areas of medullary differentiation of two B1 type, organoid thymomas. RNA was extracted from 36 cases of thymoma and 21 non-neoplastic thymi obtained from 11 myasthenic (MG+) and 10 non-myasthenic (MG–) patients. It was found that AIRE is 8·5-fold more expressed in non-neoplastic thymi than in thymomas (P = 0·01), and that the amount of AIRE transcripts present in the thymoma tissue are not influenced by the association with MG, nor by the histological type. A possible involvement of AIRE in the development of MG was suggested by the observation that medullary thymic epithelial cells isolated from AIRE-deficient mice contain low levels of RNA transcripts for CHRNA 1, a gene coding for acetylcholine receptor. Expression of human CHRNA 1 RNA was investigated in 34 human thymomas obtained from 20 MG– patients and 14 MG+ patients. No significant difference was found in the two groups (thymoma MG+, CHRNA1 = 0·013 ± 0·03; thymoma MG-, CHRNA1 = 0·01 ± 0·03). In normal and hyperplastic thymi CD25+/Foxp3+ cells were located mainly in the medulla, and their number was not influenced by the presence of MG. Foxp3+ and CD25+ cells were significantly less numerous in thymomas. A quantitative estimate of Treg cells revealed that the levels of Foxp3 RNA detected in non-neoplastic thymi were significantly higher (P = 0·02) than those observed in 31 cases of thymomas. Our findings indicate that the tissue microenvironment of thymomas is defective in the expression of relevant functions that exert a crucial role in the negative selection of autoreactive lymphocytes.
The effect of water quality and storm sequence upon infiltration rate and crust formation
Authors: HARDY N. , SHAINBERG I. , GAL M. , KEREN R. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryThe effect of applications of distilled water (DW) and saline water (SW) (EC: 5.0 dS m−1) upon the infiltration rates (IR) of crusted soil surfaces was studied using a rain simulator. A sandy loam and silt loam were placed in trays at a slope of 5%. The soils were pre‐wet before each storm and a water table maintained at a depth of 5 cm. IR losses due to crust formation during storms of DW could be reversed by the use of SW in subsequent storms. A minor increase in IR was obtained in the silty loam soil, the crust of which stayed entire during successive rainstorms. Complete reversibility of IR was possible in the sandy loam, the crust of which was destroyed and reformed due to rainfall impact during each successive storm.The cohesion of the particles in the crusted silty loam soil was sufficient to render it resistant to raindrop impact, but cohesion between the particles of the sandy loam was insufficient to prevent reworking by rainfall impact during each storm. Crust formation therefore occurs in each storm in the sandy loam and the IR obtained is a consequence of the EC of the applied water of that storm only.
Estimation and implications of instrumental drift, random measurement error and nugget variance of soil attributes—a case study for soil pH
Authors: LASLETT G. M. , McBRATNEY A. B. 
Published: August 2010

SUMMARYWe propose a general model for soil pH measurement that includes instrumental drift, random measurement error, and random and correlated spatial variation. Methods for estimating these four components are described in detail. For soil pH in water, instrumental drift, random measurement error and random spatial variation (nugget effect) were greater than the corresponding quantities for soil pH in CaCl2. For both pH measurements, instrumental drift was quite marked. Measurement error and nugget effect were of a similar size. A modified kriging method is presented that takes into account the four‐component model proposed here. It is concluded that, for measuring soil chemical attributes, grid layouts should be supplemented by additional sites for the estimation of short‐range variation, that laboratory sampling designs should include controls, and that field measurements should be adjusted for instrumental drift prior to being used for spatial contouring or kriging.
Interactions between citrate and montmorillonite‐A1 hydroxide polymer systems
Authors: JANSSEN R. P. T. , BRUGGENWERT M. G. M. , VAN RIEMSDIJK W. H. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryCitrate forms strong complexes with A1 ions and may thus influence the stability and formation of Clay‐A1 hydroxide polymer systems (CAIHO). We studied the adsorption of citrate to CAIHO and the influence of citrate on the stability and formation of CAIHO at different A1:clay and A1:citrate ratios and pH values and at a total salt concentration of 0·01 M monovalent anions. The amount of citrate sorbed to the aged CAIHO was independent of the A1 fixed to the clay as A1 hydroxide polymers (AIHO) at 5 < pH < 6·6. The added citrate seemed not to sorb to the AIHO but only to the edges of the clay. As the citrate: Al ratio increased from 15–1:l at pH 6, more of the AIHO of the aged CAMO systems dissolved. The change in the CEC of the clay indicated that the nature of the remaining AIHO is independent of the amount of A1 dissolved. Citrate influenced the formation of CAIHO systems as measured at pH 6·6, to an extent which depended on the citrate: Al ratio. At a small ratio (1:5), AIHO formed and all citrate was incorporated in the AIHO, probably leading to a coprecipitate. The amount of citrate incorporated depended linearly on the amount of AIHO present. Co‐precipitation of AIHO and citrate probably led to the formation of a separate phase, which was only weakly bound to the clay particles. At a large citrate: Al ratio (1:1) soluble Al‐citrate complexes became dominant, and only a small part of the added A1 was present as AIHO.
Changes with time in the potassium content and phyllosilicates in the soil of the Broadbalk continuous wheat experiment at Rothamsted
Authors: SINGH B. , GOULDING K. W. T. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryThe transformations of phyllosilicates and the changes in potassium (K) balances caused by long‐term cropping have been examined in soil from the 153‐year‐old Broadbalk experiment. Samples taken between 1856 and 1987 and kept in archive were fractionated for particle size and analysed for changes in mineralogy by X‐ray diffraction and changes in total K of the coarser and fine fractions. These were compared with K balances made from records of cropping and fertilizer application. No change in mica due to cropping and K‐depletion could be detected. Deep ploughing after 1925 mixed chlorite from the subsoil into the surface soil, but this had weathered by 1987. Potassium balances did not agree with measured changes in total K presumably because of unquantified uptake of K from the subsoil and poorly quantified K leaching.
An unusual giant cell lesion in a child with vitamin D‐resistant rickets
Authors: CHADWICK BARBARA L. , ALDRED MICHAEL J. 
Published: August 2010

Summary. This paper reports the presence of a focus of giant cells in a sinus tract associated with an abscessed primary tooth in a patient with vitamin D‐resistant rickets. The relevance of this giant cell lesion to the systemic disorder is discussed.Résumé.Cette étude montre la présence de cellules géantes dans le sinus associés avec une dent temporaire chez un patient souffrant d'un rachitisme résistant à la vitamine D. La relation entre cette lésion à cellules géantes et une pathologie de système est discutée.Zussamenfassung.Diese Arbeit berichtet über einen Patienten mit einer Vitamin D resistenten Ricketserkrankung bei welchem im Sinus ein Fokus von Riesenzellen gefunden wurden, dies in Verbindung mit einem Abzess ausgehend von einem Milchzahn. Der eventuelle Zusammenhang dieser Riesenzell‐Läsion mit einer systemischen Erkrankung wird besprochen.Resumen.Este artículo reporta la presencia de un foco de células gigantes y trayecto sinuoso asociado con un diente temporal abscesado en un paciente con riquetsia resistente a vitamina D. La relevancia de esta lesion de células gigantes con el trastorno sistémico es discutido.
Chronic headache and nocturnal bruxism in a 5‐year‐old child treated with an occlusal splint
Authors: JONES COLWYN M. 
Published: August 2010

Summary. A report is presented of a 5‐year‐old girl who had an 11‐month history of chronic headache and nocturnal bruxism. Treatment using a removable appliance that provided maximum support in centric relation was successful in relieving the headache during a follow‐up period of 22 months.Résumé.Le cas présenté est celui d'une petite fille de 5 ans souffrant de maux de tête chronique et de bruxisme nocturne depuis 11 mois. Le port d'une plaque amovible, établissant une relation centrée, a soulagé les maux de tête pendant la période de suivi de 22 mois.Zusammenfassung.Es wird berichtet von einem 5‐Jährigen, welches während 11 Monate an einern chronischen Kopfweh und einem nächtlichen Bruxismus leidete. Eine abnehmbare Apparatur, welche das Gebiss in der zentrischen Relation stützte war erfolgreich, bei Nachuntersuchung während 22 Monate.Resumen.Se presenta un caso de una niña de 5 años de edad con historia clínica de 11 meses de dolor de cabeza crónico y bruxismo nocturno. El tratamiento utilizando un aparato removible ofreciendo máximo soporte en relación céntrica tuvo exito aliviando el dolor de cabeza durante el período postoperatoria de 22 meses.
Oral self‐mutilation by a 17‐month‐old child with Lesch‐Nyhan syndrome
Authors: RASHID N. , YUSUF H. 
Published: August 2010

Summary. We report a 17‐month‐old boy who was a known case of Lesch‐Nyhan syndrome and presented with self‐inflicted oral ulcerations of his lips and cheeks. He had a normal complement of caries‐free deciduous teeth. Initially a conservative approach was planned and a bite plate made, but as a result of poor compliance and persistent ulceration and after consultation with his parents it was decided to extract all deciduous teeth.Resumé.Nous rapportons le cas intéressant d'un garçon de 17 mois qui présentait un syndrôme de Lesch‐Nyhan connu et souffrait d'auto‐mutilations orlaes des lévres et des joues. Il avait un nombre normal de dents temporaires, sans caries. Dans un premier temps un traitement conservateur fur décidé et une plaque de morsure réalisée mais en raison du résultat insuffisant et après accord de ses parents, il fut décidé d;extraire toutes ses dents temporaires.Zusammenfassung.Ein interessanter Fall eines 17 Monate alten Knaben mit einem Lesch‐Nyhan Syndrom wird beschrieben. Der Patient kam mit selbstinduzierten Ulcera an den Lippen und Backen, dies bei einem kariesfreien Milchgebiss. Zurest war eine konservative Behandlung geplant, ein Bissplatte wurde angefertigt aber wegen der Nichtmitarbeit und persistierenden Ulcera, wurden mit der Einverständniss der Eltern alle Milchzähne extrahiert.Resumen.Se reporta un interesante caso de un niño de 17 meses de edad con el síndrome de Lesch‐Nyhan el cual presentaba ulceraciones auto producidas en los labios y carrillos. el niño tenía una dentición temporal normal sin caries. Inicialmente, se desarrolló un tratamiento conservador con un piano de mordida, pero el tratamiento tuvo poca cooperación por parte del paciente y las ulceraciones persistieron. Después de consultar con los padres, se decidió entónces extraer todos los dientes temporales.
A cost simulation for mammography examinations taking into account equipment failures and resource utilization characteristics
Authors: Coelli Fernando C. , Almeida Renan M. V. R. , Pereira Wagner C. A. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractObjective This work develops a cost analysis estimation for a mammography clinic, taking into account resource utilization and equipment failure rates.Materials and methods Two standard clinic models were simulated, the first with one mammography equipment, two technicians and one doctor, and the second (based on an actually functioning clinic) with two equipments, three technicians and one doctor. Cost data and model parameters were obtained by direct measurements, literature reviews and other hospital data. A discrete‐event simulation model was developed, in order to estimate the unit cost (total costs/number of examinations in a defined period) of mammography examinations at those clinics. The cost analysis considered simulated changes in resource utilization rates and in examination failure probabilities (failures on the image acquisition system). In addition, a sensitivity analysis was performed, taking into account changes in the probabilities of equipment failure types.Results For the two clinic configurations, the estimated mammography unit costs were, respectively, US$ 41.31 and US$ 53.46 in the absence of examination failures. As the examination failures increased up to 10% of total examinations, unit costs approached US$ 54.53 and US$ 53.95, respectively. The sensitivity analysis showed that type 3 (the most serious) failure increases had a very large impact on the patient attendance, up to the point of actually making attendance unfeasible.Conclusions Discrete‐event simulation allowed for the definition of the more efficient clinic, contingent on the expected prevalence of resource utilization and equipment failures.
Aromatherapy for treatment of hypertension: a systematic review
Authors: Hur Myung‐Haeng , Lee Myeong Soo , Kim Chan , Ernst Edzard 
Published: August 2010

AbstractObjectives  The objective of this review is to systematically review the evidence for the effectiveness of aromatherapy in the treatment of high blood pressure.Methods  Twelve databases were searched from their inception through December 2009. Controlled trials testing aromatherapy in patients with hypertension of any origin that assessed blood pressure were considered. The selection of studies, data extraction and validations were performed independently by two reviewers.Results  One randomized clinical trial (RCT) and four non‐randomized controlled clinical trials (CCTs) met our inclusion criteria. The one RCT included tested the effects of aromatherapy as compared with placebo and showed significant reduction of systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. All of the four CCTs showed favourable effects of aromatherapy. However, all of the CCTs also had a high risk of bias.Conclusion  The existing trial evidence does not show convincingly that aromatherapy is effective for hypertension. Future studies should be of high quality with a particular emphasis on designing an adequate control intervention.