bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A convenient and sensitive allergy test: IgE crosslinking‐induced luciferase expression in cultured mast cells
Authors: Nakamura R. , Uchida Y. , Higuchi M. , Nakamura R. , Tsuge I. , Urisu A. , Teshima R. 
Published: March 2010

To cite this article:Nakamura R, Uchida Y, Higuchi M, Nakamura R, Tsuge I, Urisu A, Teshima R. A convenient and sensitive allergy test: IgE crosslinking–induced luciferase expression in cultured mast cells.Allergy2010;65: 1266–1273.AbstractBackground: For the detection of allergen‐specific IgE in sera, solid‐phase IgE‐binding assays like the CAP test are commonly used. Although such immunochemical methods are very sensitive, they frequently produce false positives. Degranulation of the human IgE receptor (FcεRI)‐transfected rat mast cell (RBL) lines seems to be a possible indicator for human IgE, but spontaneous mediator release from these cells in the presence of human sera is not negligible.Methods: The nuclear factor of activated T‐cells (NFAT)‐responsive luciferase reporter gene was stably transfected into human FcεRI‐expressing RBL‐SX38 cells. One established clone (RS‐ATL8) was sensitized with 1 : 100 dilution of sera from patients with egg white allergy and then stimulated with purified or a crude extract of egg white allergen.Results: Sensitization with 15 pg/ml IgE was sufficient to detect IgE crosslinking–induced luciferase expression (EXiLE) by anti‐IgE stimulation. Allergen‐specific EXiLE was elicited by as little as 1 fg/ml of egg white protein without cytotoxicity. There was a good correlation between results with EXiLE and oral food challenge tests on patients with egg allergy (P = 0.001687, Fisher’s exact test). The measured values of EXiLE and the CAP test also correlated well (R = 0.9127, Spearman’s test).Conclusion: The EXiLE test using RS‐ATL8 cells is a promisingin vitroIgE test to evaluate the biological activity of the binding between IgE and allergens.
Results of WCR monitoring plans and evaluation of an eradication programme using GIS and Indicator Kriging
Authors: De Luigi V. , Furlan L. , Palmieri S. , Vettorazzo M. , Zanini G. , Edwards C.R. , Burgio G. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThis paper presents 3 years of GIS‐based monitoring of western corn rootworm (WCR –Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte), a pest which invaded Northern Italy in 1998. The Veneto Region established a regional monitoring network to detect this important quarantine pest and to employ an eradication programme. Data were collected by means of sex pheromone PAL traps and analysed by Indicator Kriging, a geostatistics tool that determines the probability of data values in a given area being greater than a defined threshold value. Geostatistical analysis proved to be effective in mapping the spread of WCR. The temporal sequence of the probability maps was useful in interpreting the expansion of the insect. The detailed description of the pattern of WCR presence in 2006–2008 proves the temporary and local efficacy of the eradication programme carried out up to the 2006 season in Venezia province. An interpretation of the spatial pattern of WCR between the 2006 and 2008 seasons suggests that the pest colonized the eradication area coming from other invasion fronts. The large‐scale pattern of WCR dispersion can be accurately described by the spatial approach, thus optimizing the monitoring and subsequent control of this important insect pest of Northern Italy. Other data analyses, based on stochastic interpolations and a demographical approach are in progress. An interesting perspective would be to build predictive simulation models based on climatic and agronomic data taking into account the spatial representation of WCR patterns.
Anti‐oxidant properties of high‐density lipoprotein and atherosclerosis
Authors: Podrez Eugene A 
Published: March 2010

Summary1. High‐density lipoprotein (HDL) is one of the major carriers of cholesterol in the blood. It attracts particular attention because, in contrast with other lipoproteins, many physiological functions of HDL influence the cardiovascular system in favourable ways unless HDL is modified pathologically.2. The best known function of HDL is the capacity to promote cellular cholesterol efflux from peripheral cells and deliver cholesterol to the liver for excretion, thereby playing a key role in reverse cholesterol transport. The functions of HDL that have recently attracted attention include anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidant activities. High anti‐oxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities of HDL are associated with protection from cardiovascular disease.3. Atheroprotective activities, as well as a functional deficiency of HDL, ultimately depend on the protein and lipid composition of HDL. Conversely, these activities are compromised in many pathological states associated with inflammation.4. The focus of the present review is on the anti‐oxidant and anti‐inflammatory functions of HDL and its individual components in relation to protection from atherosclerosis.
Unravelling the cardiovascular effects induced by α‐terpineol: A role for the nitric oxide–cGMP pathway
Authors: Ribeiro Thaís P , Porto Dayanne L , Menezes Camilla P , Antunes Alessandra A , Silva Darízy F , De Sousa Damião P , Nakao Lia S , Braga Valdir A , Medeiros Isac A 
Published: March 2010

Summary1. α‐Terpineol is a monoterpene found in the essential oils of several aromatic plant species. In the present study, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the cardiovascular changes induced by α‐terpineol in rats.2. In normotensive rats, administration of α‐terpineol (1, 5, 10, 20 and 30 mg/kg, i.v.) produced a dose‐dependent hypotension (−10 ± 3, −20 ± 8, −39 ± 16, −52 ± 21 and −57 ± 23 mmHg, respectively;n = 5) followed by tachycardia. The hypotensive responses to 1, 5, 10, 20 and 30 mg/kg, i.v., α‐terpineol were significantly attenuated following the administration ofNG‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME; 20 mg/kg, i.v.; −2 ± 1, −5 ± 2, −7 ± 3, −22 ± 9 and −22 ± 10 mmHg, respectively;P < 0.05;n = 5).3. In 10 μmol/L phenylephrine (PE)‐precontracted mesenteric artery rings, α‐terpineol (10−12to 10−5 mol/L) caused a concentration‐dependent relaxation (maximum relaxation 61 ± 6%;n = 7). After removal of the endothelium, the vasorelaxation elicited by α‐terpineol was attenuated (maximum relaxation 20 ± 1%;P < 0.05;n = 7). In addition, vasorelaxation induced by α‐terpineol in rings pretreated with 100 or 300 μmol/Ll‐NAME, 30 μmol/L hydroxocobalamin or 10 μmol/L 1H‐[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3‐a]quinoxalin‐1‐one was attenuated (maximum relaxation 18 ± 3, 23 ± 3, 24 ± 7 and 21 ± 1%, respectively;n = 6;P < 0.05).4. Furthermore, in a rabbit aortic endothelial cell line, 10−6, 10−5and 10−4 mol/L α‐terpineol induced concentration‐dependent increases in nitric oxide (NO) levels (12 ± 6, 18 ± 9 and 34 ± 12%Δ fluorescence, respectively;n = 3).5. In conclusion, using combined functional and biochemical approaches in the present study, we were able to demonstrate that α‐terpineol‐induced hypotension and vasorelaxation are mediated, at least in part, by the endothelium, most likely via NO release and activation of the NO–cGMP pathway.
Role of 5‐HT2B receptors in cardiomyocyte apoptosis in noradrenaline‐induced cardiomyopathy in rats
Authors: Bai Chong‐Feng , Liu Jin‐Cheng , Zhao Rong , Cao Wei , Liu Shui‐Bin , Zhang Xiao‐Nan , Guo Hong‐Ju , Yang Qi , Yi Ding‐Hua , Zhao Ming‐Gao 
Published: March 2010

Summary1. Serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine; 5‐HT) plays important roles in the development of cardiac hypertrophy via activation of 5‐HT receptors. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of 5‐HT2B receptors in the development of cardiomyocyte apoptosis and hypertrophy associated with noradrenaline (NA) overload.2. Cardiac hypertrophy was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of 1.5 mg/kg NA for 4 weeks. Starting from Day 15, 5‐HT2B receptor antagonist SB 204741 (i.p., 0.5 or 2 mg/kg) or SDZ SER 082 (i.p., 1 mg/kg) was injected twice daily for another 14 days. Whole‐cell patch‐clamp techniques were used to record ionic currents in freshly isolated ventricular cardiomyocytes. Western blot and terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP–digoxigenin nick end‐labelling (TUNEL) assays were used to assess myocardial apoptosis.3. Expression of 5‐HT2B receptors was enhanced in the hypertrophic left ventricle induced by NE overload in vivo. The 5‐HT2B receptor antagonist SB 204741 partially reversed cardiac hypertrophy induced by NE overload (P < 0.05) and decreased L‐type calcium currents in ventricular cardiomyocytes (P < 0.05). In addition, SB 204741 notably attenuated myocardial apoptosis, as evidenced by downregulation of Bax and caspase 3 (P < 0.05) and upregulation of the anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 protein (P < 0.05).4. In conclusion, the data suggest an involvement of 5‐HT2B receptors in the generation of apoptotic events associated with cardiac remodelling during increased adrenergic stimulation.
Sitagliptin augments angiotensin II‐induced renal vasoconstriction in kidneys from rats with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Tofovic David S , Bilan Victor P , Jackson Edwin K 
Published: March 2010

Summary1. Dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP) IV inhibitors enhance renovascular responses to angiotensin (Ang) II in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), but not Wistar‐Kyoto rats. Because DPPIV inhibitors are often used in metabolic syndrome, it is important to determine whether DPPIV inhibition in this setting enhances renovascular responses to AngII.2. Six‐week‐old Lean‐ZSF1 rats (harbouring SHR genes, but without metabolic syndrome;n = 11) and Obese‐ZSF1 rats (harbouring SHR genes and expressing metabolic syndrome;n = 10) were provided food and waterad libitum, and metabolic parameters and renovascular responses to AngII were assessed when the animals were 7 and 8 weeks of age, respectively.3. At 7 weeks of age, compared with Lean‐ZSF1, Obese‐ZSF1 demonstrated significant (P < 0.05) increases in bodyweight (262 ± 8vs310 ± 13 g), plasma glucose (112 ± 4vs153 ± 9 mg/dL), haemoglobin A1c (4.7 ± 0.1vs5.8 ± 0.4%), urinary glucose excretion (0.021 ± 0.003vs6.70 ± 1.80 g/kg bodyweight per 24 h) and urinary protein excretion (100 ± 7vs313 ± 77 mg/kg bodyweight per 24 h). Mean blood pressure was high (133 ± 7 mmHg) in both strains.4. At 8 weeks of age, kidneys were isolated and perfused. In Lean‐ZSF1 rats, renovascular responses (i.e. changes in perfusion pressure) to physiological levels of AngII (0.1 nmol/L) were 3.4 ± 1.3 and 18.2 ± 5.9 mmHg in untreated (n = 5) and 1 μmol/L sitagliptin‐treated (n = 6) kidneys, respectively. In Obese‐ZSF1 rats, renovascular responses to AngII were 5.5 ± 1.3 and 17.8 ± 8.2 mmHg in untreated (n = 4) and sitagliptin‐treated (n = 6) kidneys, respectively. Analysis of variance revealed a significant (P = 0.0367) effect of sitagliptin on renovascular responses to AngII that was independent of strain.5. In conclusion, sitagliptin enhances renovascular responses to AngII in rats harbouring SHR genes and this effect persists in rats with diabetic nephropathy and metabolic syndrome.
Increasing health‐care options: The perspectives of parents who use complementary and alternative medicines
Authors: O'Keefe Maree , Coat Suzette 
Published: March 2010

Aim:  To explore the relationship between conventional medicine and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) with parents who use CAM, and to consider factors that may contribute to parent non‐disclosure of CAM usage to their doctor.Methods:  Thirty‐three parents participated in one of seven focus groups. Transcripts were analysed using an iterative process of theme identification and testing against transcript data.Results:  The participants believed they should trust their instincts as parents in caring for their child. It was important also to the participants that they understood why their child was ill, and a range of theories of health and illness were discussed. The use of CAM was attractive as it offered more options in health care than just relying on conventional medicine alone. The use of additional therapies was seen as a means to increase the likelihood that something would work. Many of the participants described bad experiences with doctors when they discussed CAM use previously so they had become more circumspect in mentioning it. The participants were most satisfied with medical care for their child when they felt the doctor respected their point of view and listened to them.Conclusions:  Doctors caring for children and their families should expect that many parents are using CAM to increase health‐care options. Enquires about CAM usage should be made in a non‐judgemental and encouraging manner so parents feel comfortable in providing an honest answer. Advice to parents about CAM may need to be backed up with evidence to address differing parent understanding of illness.
The natural history and osteodystrophy of mucolipidosis types II and III
Authors: David‐Vizcarra Grace , Briody Julie , Ault Jenny , Fietz Michael , Fletcher Janice , Savarirayan Ravi , Wilson Meredith , McGill Jim , Edwards Matthew , Munns Craig , Alcausin Melanie , Cathey Sara , Sillence David 
Published: March 2010

Aim:  To assess the natural history and impact of the secondary bone disease observed in patients with mucolipidosis (ML) II and III.Methods:  Affected children and adults were ascertained from clinical genetics units around Australia and New Zealand. Diagnoses were confirmed by the National Referral Laboratory in Adelaide. The study encompassed all patients ascertained between 1975 and 2005. Data focussing on biochemical parameters at diagnosis, and longitudinal radiographic findings were sought for each patient. Where feasible, patients underwent clinical review and examination. Examinations included skeletal survey, bone densitometry, and measurement of serum and urine markers of bone metabolism. In a subset of patients, functional assessment using the Pediatric Evaluation and Disability Inventory (PEDI) and molecular analysis of GNPTAB were performed.Results:  Twenty‐five patients with mucolipidosis were ascertained over a 30‐year period. Morbidity and functional outcomes on living patients were described. Serum calcium and phosphate were normal. All, but one patient, had normal alkaline phosphatase. Serum osteocalcin and urine deoxypyridinoline/creatinine were elevated. Two radiological patterns were observed (i) transient neonatal hyperparathyroidism in infants with ML II and (ii) progressive osteodystrophy in patients with ML intermediate and ML III. Molecular analyses of GNPTAB in nine subjects are reported.Conclusion:  ML is characterised by a progressive bone and mineral disorder which we describe as the ‘osteodystrophy of mucolipidosis’. The clinical and radiographic features of this osteodystrophy are consistent with a syndrome of ‘pseudohyperparathyroidism’. Much of the progressive skeletal and joint pathology is attributable to this bone disorder.
Nomogram to predict seminal vesicle invasion using the status of cancer at the base of the prostate on systematic biopsy
Authors: Ohori Makoto , Kattan Michael W , Yu Changhong , Matsumoto Kazumasa , Satoh Takefumi , Ishii Junichiro , Miyakawa Ayako , Irie Akira , Iwamura Masatsugu , Tachibana Masaaki 
Published: March 2010

Objective:  The aim of this study was to predict seminal vesicle invasion (SVI) by developing a new nomogram based on clinical features including the status of cancer at the base of the prostate on systematic biopsy.Methods:  We studied the 466 patients with T1–3N0M0 prostate cancer who were treated with radical prostatectomy at three institutions. Preoperative clinical variables were correlated with the presence or absence of SVI with an area under the curve (AUC) of receiver–operator characteristics analysis. A nomogram was developed to predict SVI based on logistic regression analysis.Results:  A total of 81 patients (17%) had SVI. Cancer was present in a biopsy core from the base of the prostate in 209 patients, of whom 32.5% had SVI, compared with only 5% of the 257 patients without cancer at the base of the prostate (P < 0.005). On multivariate analysis, serum prostate‐specific antigen, biopsy Gleason score, clinical T stage, and presence or absence of cancer in a biopsy core at the base of the prostate were significant predictors of SVI (P < 0.005 for all). The AUC of a standard model including clinical stage, Gleason score, and prostate‐specific antigen was 0.83, which was significantly enhanced by including the presence of cancer at the base of the prostate (none, unilateral or bilateral lobes) (AUC 0.87, P= 0.023). Based on the logistic analysis, we developed the nomogram to predict SVI. The calibration plots appeared to be excellent.Conclusion:  The information of presence or absence of cancer at the base from prostate biopsy and the resulting nomogram allow an accurate prediction of SVI in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer.
Benign pathological findings in 303 Chinese patients undergoing surgery for presumed localized renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Xiong Yong‐Hong , Zhang Zhi‐Ling , Li Yong‐Hong , Liu Zhuo‐Wei , Hou Guo‐Liang , Liu Qing , Yun Jing‐Ping , Zhang Xue‐Qi , Zhou Fang‐Jian 
Published: March 2010

Objective:  To analyze the incidence of benign lesions in Chinese patients undergoing nephrectomies for renal masses identified as localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in preoperative imaging.Methods:  Between 1999 and 2007, 303 patients (112 female, 191 male) with presumed localized RCC underwent nephrectomy (234 radical nephrectomies and 69 partial nephrectomies). Preoperative computed tomography images and pathological findings were reviewed and analyzed.Results:  Pathological examinations revealed 31 (10.2%) benign lesions in the 303 patients. Among these 31 benign lesions, 15 (5.0%) were angiomyolipomas (AML) and only four (1.3%) were oncocytomas. Significantly, 20 (17.9%) of the 112 female patients had benign lesions compared with 11 (5.8%; P = 0.001) male patients. Benign renal lesions were found in five (25.0%) of the 20 patients with renal masses smaller than 2 cm, 13 (13.0%) of the 100 patients with renal masses 2–4 cm in size and 13 (7.1%) of the 183 patients with renal masses larger than 4 cm.Conclusions:  Patients in the present study population show a low incidence of benign renal lesions, approximately half of them being AML. Female patients and patients with renal masses smaller than 4 cm are more likely to have benign renal lesions.
Gender differences in prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in Gulf Cooperation Council Countries: a systematic review
Authors: Mabry R. M. , Reeves M. M. , Eakin E. G. , Owen N. 
Published: March 2010

Diabet. Med. 27, 593–597 (2010)AbstractAims  To systematically review studies documenting the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome among men and women in Member States of the Gulf Cooperative Council (GCC; Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates)—countries in which obesity, Type 2 diabetes and related metabolic and cardiovascular diseases are highly prevalent.Methods  A search was conducted on PubMed and CINAHL using the term ‘metabolic syndrome’ and the country name of each GCC Member State. The search was limited to studies published in the English language. The metabolic syndrome was defined according to the Third Adult Treatment Panel (ATPIII) of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) and/or International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definitions. The methodological quality of each study was evaluated based on four criteria: a national‐level population sample; equal gender representation; robustness of the sample size; an explicit sampling methodology.Results  PubMed, CINAHL and reference list searches identified nine relevant studies. Only four were considered high quality and found that, for men, the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome ranged from 20.7% to 37.2% (ATPIII definition) and from 29.6% to 36.2% (IDF definition); and, for women, from 32.1% to 42.7% (ATPIII definition) and from 36.1% to 45.9% (IDF definition).Conclusions  Overall, the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in the GCC states is some 10–15% higher than in most developed countries, with generally higher prevalence rates for women. Preventive strategies will require identifying socio‐demographic and environmental correlates (particularly those influencing women) and addressing modifiable risk behaviours, including lack of physical activity, prolonged sitting time and dietary intake.
Southern Ocean iron fertilization by baleen whales and Antarctic krill
Authors: Nicol Stephen , Bowie Andrew , Jarman Simon , Lannuzel Delphine , Meiners Klaus M , Van Der Merwe Pier 
Published: March 2010

AbstractIron is the limiting micronutrient in the Southern Ocean and experiments have demonstrated that addition of soluble iron to surface waters results in phytoplankton blooms, particularly by large diatoms. Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) eat diatoms and recycle iron in surface waters when feeding. Baleen whales eat krill, and, historically, defecation by baleen whales could have been a major mechanism for recycling iron, if whale faeces contain significant quantities of iron. We analysed the iron content in 27 samples of faeces from four species of baleen whale. Faecal iron content (145.9 ± 133.7 mg kg−1) is approximately ten million times that of Antarctic seawater, suggesting that it could act as a fertilizer. Furthermore, we analysed the iron content of seven krill species and of muscle tissue of two species of baleen whales; all samples had high iron levels. Using these figures, together with recent estimates of the range and biomass of krill, we calculate that the Antarctic krill population contains ∼24% of the total iron in the surface waters in its range. Thus, krill can act as a long‐term reservoir of iron in Antarctic surface waters, by storing the iron in their body tissue. Pre‐exploitation populations of whales and krill must have stored larger quantities of iron and would have also recycled more iron in surface waters, enhancing overall ocean productivity through a positive feedback loop. Thus, allowing the great whales to recover might actually increase Southern Ocean productivity through enhancing iron levels in the surface layer.
Are ‘digital natives’ really digitally competent?—A study on Chinese teenagers
Authors: Li Yan , Ranieri Maria 
Published: March 2010

AbstractLiterature review has found that despite the considerable attention focused on ‘digital natives’, few studies have carefully investigated the characteristics of this group. The purpose of this study is to contribute to the debate on digital natives by providing a ‘piece of evidence’ on the digital competence status of a group of Chinese teenagers (ninth grade students) randomly selected from the Jiangdong District in Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province. An Instant Digital Competence Assessment (iDCA) tool, developed by a research group from the University of Florence, was adopted as the measurement tool for the study. Quantitative research was employed and the research design for the study was descriptive in nature. Data analysis results found that the majority of the participating ninth grade students (n = 317) had personal computers (PCs) and the Internet available at home and the average period of time owing a PC was about 5 years. The iDCA results indicated that (1) participants' overall performance in the iDCA was just ‘pass’ rather than ‘good’ or ‘excellent’, which might imply that digital natives in China are not necessarily digitally competent; (2) there were big disparities among participants as regards their digital competence; (3) participants' digital competence differed depending on their schools and their ages; (4) participants' digital competence was not significantly influenced by such factors as having a PC or not, having the Internet or not at home, frequency of computers and Internet use. On the basis of the findings, the study concluded by highlighting the role of education in improving teenagers' digital competence and by recommending the development of well‐designed teaching and learning materials for the Chinese K‐12 school system.