bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
T cell and eosinophil activation in mild and moderate atopic and nonatopic children's asthma in remission
Authors: Pumputiene I. , Emuzyte R. , Dubakiene R. , Firantiene R. , Tamosiunas V. 
Published: August 2010

Background:  Inflammation in the pathogenesis of asthma is associated with products of activated T cells and eosinophils. The aim of this study was to determine whether ongoing inflammation persists in children with different phenotypes of asthma despite the disease in remission.Methods:  Serum samples were collected from 68 children with atopic or nonatopic asthma in remission and from 15 healthy children. Soluble interleukin‐2 receptor (sIL‐2R), IL‐2 and IL‐4 were examined by using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Total and specific immunoglobulin E, and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) were analysed by fluoroimmunoassay (Pharmacia CAP System).Results:  In patients with moderate persistent atopic asthma, sIL‐2R was increased significantly when compared with mild persistent atopic asthma (P < 0.05). No changes of sIL‐2R were seen in nonatopic asthmatics compared with atopics and controls. The level of IL‐2 was elevated in moderate persistent atopic and nonatopic asthmatic children compared with controls (P < 0.05 and P < 0.05 respectively) and compared with mild persistent atopic asthmatics and mild persistent nonatopic asthmatics (P < 0.05 in both cases). The levels of IL‐4 in most patients and controls remained below the sensitivity of the assay. Eosinophil cationic protein levels in moderate persistent atopic and nonatopic asthmatics were significantly higher than in mild persistent asthma severity cases (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01 respectively) and in healthy children (P < 0.01 in both cases).Conclusion:  Changes in the concentration of sIL‐2R, IL‐2 and ECP reflect increased T cell and eosinophil activity in relation to the level of severity of asthma in atopic and nonatopic children, thereby proving the presence of persistent inflammation despite the absence of disease symptoms.
Proactive treatment of atopic dermatitis in adults with 0.1% tacrolimus ointment
Authors: Wollenberg A. , Reitamo S. , Atzori F. , Lahfa M. , Ruzicka T. , Healy E. , Giannetti A. , Bieber T. , Vyas J. , Deleuran M. ,   for the European Tacrolimus Ointment Study Group
Published: August 2010

Background: Long‐term treatment for atopic dermatitis (AD) using low dose, intermittent, topical anti‐inflammatory agents may control acute disease and prevent relapses. This 12‐month, European, multicentre, randomized study investigated whether the proactive use of 0.1% tacrolimus ointment applied twice weekly can keep AD in remission and reduce the incidence of disease exacerbations (DE).Methods: During the initial open‐label period, 257 adults with AD applied 0.1% tacrolimus ointment twice daily (b.i.d.) for up to 6 weeks to affected areas. When an Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) score of ≤2 was achieved, the patient entered the disease control period (DCP) and was randomized to either proactive tacrolimus (n = 116) or vehicle ointment (n = 108) twice weekly for 12 months. Exacerbations were treated with 0.1% tacrolimus ointment b.i.d. until an IGA ≤2 was regained, then randomized treatment was restarted. The primary endpoint was the number of DEs during the DCP that required a substantial therapeutic intervention.Results: Proactive tacrolimus 0.1% ointment application significantly reduced the number of DEs requiring substantial therapeutic intervention (median difference 2; P < 0.001; Wilcoxon rank sum test), the percentage of DE treatment days (median difference: 15.2%; P < 0.001; Wilcoxon rank sum test) and increased the time to first DE (median 142 vs 15 days; P < 0.001; stratified log‐rank test). The adverse event profile was similar for the two treatment approaches.Conclusion: A 12‐month, twice weekly proactive tacrolimus ointment application was an effective treatment in most study patients which prevented, delayed and reduced the occurrence of AD exacerbations.
Safety of triflusal (antiplatelet drug) in patients with aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory diseases
Authors: Fraj J. , Valero A. , Vives R. , Pérez I. , Borja J. , Izquierdo I. , Picado C. 
Published: August 2010

Background and aims: Aspirin, a cyclo‐oxygenase (COX)‐1 and COX‐2 inhibitor, is the antiplatelet drug of choice to prevent serious vascular events. Adverse reactions to aspirin are frequent particularly among patients with asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps. COX‐1 inhibitors but not COX‐2 inhibitors precipitate asthma attacks. Triflusal is a preferential COX‐2 inhibitor antiplatelet agent that is as effective as aspirin in the prevention of serious vascular events. The aim of the study was to assess the tolerability of triflusal in patients with aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) .Methods: We studied 26 asthma patients [11 males, aged 52 (23–75) years] who had suffered asthma episodes triggered by one or more (23% of patients) nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs. Aspirin sensitivity was confirmed by either intranasal or oral aspirin challenge. All subjects underwent a single‐blind, placebo‐controlled oral challenge with three doses of triflusal separated by 1 week (first cumulative dose = 225 mg; second cumulative dose = 450 mg; third cumulative dose = 900 mg). Cutaneous, respiratory, general symptoms and lung function were monitored for 4 h in the laboratory and for 24 h at home.Results: No clinical reactions to triflusal were observed. There were no significant changes in lung function measurements.Conclusion: Our study appears to demonstrate that triflusal is a suitable alternative to aspirin as antiplatelet agent to prevent AERD.
Asthma, body mass, gender, and Hispanic national origin among 517 preschool children in New York City
Authors: Jacobson J. S. , Mellins R. B. , Garfinkel R. , Rundle A. G. , Perzanowski M. S. , Chew G. L. , Andrews H. F. , Goldstein I. F. 
Published: August 2010

Background:  Striking differences in asthma prevalence have been reported among Hispanic adults and children living in different cities of the USA. Prevalence is highest among those of Puerto Rican and lowest among those of Mexican origin. We hypothesized that body size would mediate this association.Methods:  Parents of children in New York City Head Start programs completed a questionnaire including demographic factors, health history, a detailed history of respiratory conditions, lifestyle, and home environment. Children’s height and weight were measured in home visits. Logistic regression was used to model the association of asthma with body mass index percentile (<85th percentile, gender/age specific vs≥85th percentile, gender/age specific), national origin, and other factors.Results:  Of 517 children at mean age of 4.0 ± 0.6 years, 34% met the study criteria for asthma, and 43% were above the 85th percentile. Asthma was strongly associated with non‐Mexican national origin, male gender, allergy symptoms, and maternal asthma, and marginally with body size. The odds of asthma among boys of non‐Mexican origin was 5.9 times that among boys of Mexican origin [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.9–12.2]; the comparable odds ratio (OR) among girls was 1.8 (95% CI: 0.9–3.6). Body mass was associated with asthma among girls [OR = 2.0 (95% CI: 1.1–3.7)], but not boys [OR = 1.4 (95% CI: 0.8–2.6)].Conclusions:  The association of asthma with both body mass and national origin was gender‐specific among the children in our study. Ours is one of the first studies to report on pediatric asthma in different Hispanic populations in the same city, by gender.
Indacaterol provides sustained 24 h bronchodilation on once‐daily dosing in asthma: a 7‐day dose‐ranging study
Authors: LaForce C. , Alexander M. , Deckelmann R. , Fabbri L. M. , Aisanov Z. , Cameron R. , Owen R. , Higgins M. 
Published: August 2010

Background: Indacaterol is a novel, once‐daily β2‐agonist in development for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Studies were required to determine optimal dose(s) for continuing investigation.Objective: A dose‐ranging study was undertaken to evaluate efficacy and safety of indacaterol.Methods: A total of 436 patients with persistent asthma receiving inhaled corticosteroids were randomized to 7 days treatment with once‐daily indacaterol 50, 100, 200, or 400 μg via multi‐dose dry‐powder inhaler (MDDPI; Certihaler™), indacaterol 400 μg via single‐dose dry‐powder inhaler (SDDPI), or placebo. Serial 24‐h spirometry was performed on days 1 and 7. Vital signs, laboratory evaluations, and adverse events were monitored.Results: All doses of indacaterol increased the mean time‐standardized area under the curve of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) from 22 to 24 h postdose (P ≤ 0.001 vs placebo) on days 1 and 7, with clinically relevant treatment‐placebo differences of 240, 260, 350, 300, and 380 ml on day 1 and 230, 220, 320, 250, and 270 ml on day 7 for indacaterol 50, 100, 200, and 400 μg via MDDPI and 400 μg via SDDPI, respectively. All doses increased mean FEV1 (P < 0.05 vs placebo) from 5 min to 24 h postdose on days 1 and 7. All doses were well tolerated. Most adverse events were mild‐to‐moderate in severity: most frequently reported were respiratory, thoracic, and mediastinal disorders.Conclusion: Once‐daily dosing with indacaterol provided sustained 24‐h bronchodilation in patients with moderate‐to‐severe asthma, with a satisfactory overall safety profile. Indacaterol 200 μg appears the optimum dose, offering the best efficacy/safety balance.
Is atopic disease a risk factor for attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder? A systematic review
Authors: Schmitt J. , Buske‐Kirschbaum A. , Roessner V. 
Published: August 2010

To cite this article:Schmitt J, Buske‐Kirschbaum A, Roessner V. Is atopic disease a risk factor for attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder? A systematic review.Allergy2010;65: 1506–1524.AbstractThe increase in prevalence and burden of atopic diseases, i.e. eczema, rhinitis, and asthma over the past decades was paralleled by a worldwide increase in attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnoses. We systematically reviewed epidemiologic studies investigating the relationship between atopic diseases and ADHD. Electronic literature search in PubMed and PsycINFO (until 02/2010) supplemented by handsearch yielded 20 relevant studies totaling 170 175 individuals. Relevant data were abstracted independently by two reviewers. Six studies consistently reported a positive association between eczema and ADHD with one study suggesting effect modification by sleeping problems. Twelve studies consistently found a positive association between asthma and ADHD, which, however, appeared to be at least partly explained (confounded) by concurrent or previous eczema. Rhinitis and serum‐IgE level were not related to ADHD symptomatology. We conclude that not atopic disease in general, but rather that eczema appears to be independently related to ADHD. Conclusions about temporality and whether the observed association constitutes a causal relationship are impossible, as most studies were cross‐sectional (n = 14; 70%) or case–control studies without incident exposure measurement (n = 5; 25%). Another methodological concern is that the criteria to define atopic disease and ADHD were inadequate in most studies. A failure to adjust for confounders in the majority of studies was an additional limitation so that meta‐analysis was not indicated. Future interdisciplinary high‐quality prospective research is needed to better understand the mechanisms underlying the relationship between eczema and ADHD and to eventually establish targeted preventive and treatment strategies.
SULFENYL HALIDES AS MODIFYING REAGENTS FOR POLYPEPTIDES and PROTEINS
Authors: Veronese Francesco M. , Boccä Enrico , Fontana Angelo 
Published: August 2010

A new method is described for the inter‐ and intramolecular cross‐linking of the tryptophan residues in polypeptides and proteins. The reaction employed involves treatment of the tryptophan‐containing derivative with 2,4‐dinitro‐1,5‐phenyldisulfenyl chloride (DNPDS‐Cl)* in acidic media. This bifunctional sulfenyl halide reacts selectively with two molecules of tryptophan at the position of indole nucleus, leading to a cross‐linked compound. The only other amino acid affected is cysteine, which similarly can be cross‐linked through formation of mixed disulfide bonds. The reaction with the thiol function of cysteine can be reversed by reduction with mercaptans, allowing selective cross‐linking of tryptophan residues. In order to test the effectiveness of the method, several tryptophan derivatives were cross‐linked by reaction with DNPDS‐Cl in acetic or formic acid, including short sequences of the pancreatic hormone glucagon and gastrin. The reaction was also applied to glucagon, in which case the single tryptophan residue was reacted with the reagent and the dimer isolated after gel filtration.
PEPTIDES OF NORMAL HUMAN GASTRIC JUICE
Authors: Heathcote J. G. , Washington R. J. 
Published: August 2010

Normal human gastric juice has been examined for the presence of peptides. Five pooled resting samples have been found to contain a decapeptide of low chromatographic mobility. The sequential structure of this peptide was shown by analysis, and by comparison with a synthetic sample, to beLeu‐Ala‐Ala‐Gly‐Lys‐Val‐Glu‐Asp‐Ser‐AspTwo of the gastric juice samples also contained a peptide of slightly higher Rf value in smaller quantity. This second peptide, though not characterized completely, appeared to have the structure of a nonapeptide. The amino acid composition differed from that of the decapeptide in that leucine was absent; alanine was the N‐terminal amino acid. These peptides have not previously been reported to be present in normal human gastric juice. The authors have not observed any of these peptides in a small number of samples from pernicious anaemia patients.
THE ANTIGENIC DETERMINANTS OF SEVERAL HUMAN PLASMA PROTEINS
Authors: Bauer Klausdieter 
Published: August 2010

The elucidation of the antigenic structures of human ceruloplasmin, fibrinogen, plasminogen, IgG, α1‐lipoproteins, β1C/A‐, and β1E‐globulins and–in continuation of earlier experiments–also of β‐lipoproteins and of prealbumin by use of the cross‐reactions between human and animal plasmas is reported. The experiments were done employing Ouchterlony's double diffusion technique in the micro‐modification. Absorption controls confirmed these results. The numbers of antigenic determinants with different specificities detected this way are: for ceruloplasmin: 3; for fibrinogen: 3; for plasminogen: 4; for IgG (γ‐chain only): 4; for α‐lipoproteins: 2; for β1C/A‐ and βE‐globulins: 2 each. Relations between the total number of determinants (including also determinants detectable by other methods only) and the chemical structure, especially the number of amino acid residues, are discussed in greater detail. The applicability of the technical approach to other problems of molecular immunology is described.
THE ROLE OF DISULFIDE BONDS IN THE PROTEIN STRUCTURE. CONFORMATIONAL STUDIES ON REDUCED RIBONUCLEASE and LYSOZYME
Authors: Tamburro Antonio Mario , Boccu Enrico , Cklotti Luciana 
Published: August 2010

Circular dichroism spectra in different media of native, partially reduced, and fully reduced rihonuclease and lysozyme are reported and discussed with reference to the role of the disulfide linkages in maintaining the tertiary structure of the native enzymes. The results obtained indicate a large disorganization of the native molecules when all disulfide bridges are broken even if in both fully reduced proteins there appears to be some residual non‐covalent structure. However, a tendency toward the partial recovery of the native structure is shown by the reduced proteins on decreasing the temperature or in the presence of methanol. In addition it has been found that some particular disulfide linkages are unessential for achieving the overall conformation of the molecules.
THE STRUCTURE OF THE ACIDIC POLYPEPTIDE CHAINS FROM α‐CRYSTALLIN. AMINO ACID COMPOSITION, PEPTIDE MAPPING, AND N‐TERMINUS
Authors: Leon A. E. , Gerding J. J. T. , Groot K. DE , Hoendhrs H. J. , Bloemendal H. 
Published: August 2010

Carefully performed amino acid analyses of the acidic polypeptides from the bovine eye lens protein α‐crystallin were in agreement with the recently found molecular weight of about 12,000 for these chains. The proposed amino acid composition is: (Asp10, Thr3, Ser
15(14), Glu11, Pro7, Gly6, Ala4(3), Val6, Met, Ile5, Leu8, Tyr3, Phe8, Lys4, His4, Arg8, Cys, Try). On tryptic digestion both polypeptide chains yielded a rather small number of nin‐hydrin‐positive spots on peptide maps; 15 strong and 4 very light spots for A‐l and 14 strong and 4 light spots for A‐2. After blocking the ɛ‐amino groups of the lysine residues by trifluoro acetylation, the acidic chains, again, were submitted to tryptic digestion. Both chains, A‐l and A‐2, appeared to contain the same N‐terminus up to the first arginine residue. In connection with recent findings, its amino acid sequence is proposed to be: acetyl‐Met‐Asp‐Ile‐Ala‐Ile‐Gln‐His‐Pro‐Try‐Phe‐Lys‐Arg.
INTERACTIONS OF HEXAMETHYLENE TETRAMINE WITH BIOPOLYMERS AND MODEL COMPOUNDS IN AQUEOUS SOLUTION
Authors: Crescenz V. , Quadrifoglio F. , Cesaro A. 
Published: August 2010

The thermal stability of DNA and of ribonuclease and the pH stability of ordered poly‐L‐lysine conformation in salt (or buffer) aqueous solutions and in 2‐3 M hexa‐methylene tetramine (HMT) aqueous solutions have been found to be nearly identical, respectively. We have also found that HMT induces salting‐out of acetyltetraglycine ethyl ester in water and rises the melting point of aqueous gelatin gels. It is assumed that, despite its pronounced ability in inducing salting‐in in water of apolar molecule (1, 2) (a property shared by all common “denaturants”), HMT leaves the thermal stability of DNA and polypeptides essentially unaltered either because of a lack of direct interactions with the polyelectrolytes considered or because of unfavourable interactions with solvated peptide groups of the denaturated polypeptides.
DENATURATION OF TROPOMYOSIN BY GUANIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE
Authors: Pont Margaret J. , Woods E. F. 
Published: August 2010

The denaturation of tropomyosin by guanidine hydrochloride has been studied as a function of denaturant concentration and temperature. Denaturation involves both loss of a helix, which was followed by optical rotatory dispersion, and change in molecular weight. The transition between the native and unfolded states is reversible and the optical rotation results were shown to fulfil some of the criteria for a two‐state process. When the molecule is more than half‐unfolded, subunits of molecular weight 34,000 appear in solution. However the appearance of subunits does not parallel the unfolding as determined by optical rotation, indicating that the whole process cannot be considered as a two‐state one. The molecular weight in the transition region is very dependent on temperature, with indications of a reversible equilibrium between partly unfolded monomer and subunits. The system in this region of guanidine hydrochloride concentration did not show dependence of molecular weight or optical rotation on protein concentration as might be expected for a conformation‐linked association. Guanidine thiocyanate is a more effective denaturant than the chloride for tropomyosin whereas the carbonate and sulphate are relatively ineffective.
CHROMOSOMAL NUCLEOPROTEINS:CD STUDIES ON RECONSTITUTED NUCLEOHISTONES FROM AVIAN ERYTHROCYTES
Authors: Boffa L. , Saccomani G. , Tamburro A. M. , Scatturin A. , Vidali G. 
Published: August 2010

Deoxyribonucleic acid, histone fraction f‐2, and f‐5 were isolated from avian erythrocytes. The DNA‐histone complex was formed by mixing solutions of the two components at high salt molarity and gradually decreasing the salt concentration by dialysis. The binding of histone f‐5 to DNA as revealed by optical rotatory properties does not induce changes in DNA conformation. The moderately lysine‐rich fraction f‐2 on complexing with DNA alters the CD spectrum of the nucleic acid, and the function of this fraction is tentatively proposed to be involved in the supercoiling of DNA helices.
The diversity and radiation of the largest monophyletic animal group on New Caledonia (Trichoptera: Ecnomidae:Agmina)
Authors: ESPELAND M. , JOHANSON K. A. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractIn area, New Caledonia is the smallest of the world’s 25 official biodiversity hotspots, but in many taxonomic groups, the island has the highest concentration of species on earth, particularly so in the freshwater insect order Trichoptera. This study aims at applying molecular data and morphology for estimating the real species diversity of the genusAgminaon New Caledonia and investigating potential effects of ultramafic rock substrate on diversification.A dated molecular phylogeny was applied to study diversity and diversification related to geological substrate using the dispersal–extinction–cladogenesis model,divaand Bayesian ancestral character reconstruction. More than 47 species (> 63%) were unknown to science. Initial radiation occurred on ultramafic substrate followed by several independent dispersal events to nonultramafic substrate. The rate of shift from ultramafic to nonultramafic substrate was significantly higher than the rate of shift in the opposite direction, indicating a possible cost associated with living on ultramafic substrate.
Genetic dissection of Rhizobium‐induced infection and nodule organogenesis in pea based on ENOD12A and ENOD5 expression analysis
Authors: Dolgikh E. A. , Leppyanen I. V. , Osipova M. A. , Savelyeva N. V. , Borisov A. Y. , Tsyganov V. E. , Geurts R. , Tikhonovich I. A. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractIn legumes, perception of rhizobial lipochitooligosacharide‐based molecules (Nod factors) and subsequent signal transduction triggers transcription of plant symbiosis‐specific genes (early nodulins). We present genetic dissection of Nod factor‐controlled processes in Pisum sativum using two early nodulin genes PsENOD12a and PsENOD5, that are differentially up‐regulated during symbiosis. A novel set of non‐nodulating pea mutants in fourteen loci was examined, among which seven loci are not described in Lotus japonicus and Medicago truncatula. Mutants defective in Pssym10, Pssym8, Pssym19, Pssym9 and Pssym7 exhibited no PsENOD12a and PsENOD5 activation in response to Nod factor‐producing rhizobia. Thus, a conserved signalling module from the LysM receptor kinase encoded by Pssym10 down to the GRAS transcription factor encoded by Pssym7 is essential for Nod factor‐induced gene expression. Of the two investigated genes, PsENOD5 was more strictly regulated; not only requiring the SYM10–SYM7 module, but also SYM35 (NIN transcription factor), SYM14, SYM16 and SYM34. Since Pssym35, Pssym14, Pssym34 and Pssym16 mutants show arrested infection and nodule formation at various stages, PsENOD5 expression seems to be essential for later symbiotic events, when rhizobia enter into plant tissues. Activation of PsENOD12a only requires components involved in early steps of signalling and can be considered as a marker of early symbiotic events preceding infection.