bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Original article. Molecular and immunological characterization of cytochrome c: a potential cross‐reactive allergen in fungi and grasses
Authors: Sharma V. , Singh B. P. , Gaur S. N. , Arora N. 
Published: August 2010

Background:  Recombinant allergens are required for component‐resolved diagnosis/therapy of allergic disorders. The study was aimed to express and characterize an allergenic protein from Curvularia lunata and study its cross‐reactivity.Methods:  A clone encoding a 12‐kDa protein screened from the cDNA library of C. lunata was sequenced and expressed in pET22b+ vector. The purified protein was characterized by biophysical and immunological methods.Results:  The sequence of gene encoding a 12‐kDa protein showed homology to cytochrome c. It was expressed in Escherichia coli yielding 0.5 mg protein/l culture and designated as Cur l 3. The absorption and circular dichroism spectrum of Cur l 3 were similar to horse cytochrome c and the protein reacted with cytochrome c antibody. ELISA with different fungal‐positive patients’ sera showed ≥ 3 times specific IgE to Cur l 3 compared with healthy controls. Mice anti‐Cur l 3 reacted with tropical and temperate grass extracts. Protein also reacted with grass‐positive patients’ sera. In vitro stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from C. lunata, fungi or grass‐positive patients with it released significant levels of Th2 cytokines. In vivo testing of this protein in allergic patients showed marked positive skin reactivity in 60% fungal and 43% grass‐positive cases. Cross inhibition assays (EC50) demonstrated allergenic cross‐reactivity of Cur l 3 with fungi and grasses.Conclusions:  Cytochrome c, a major allergen from C. lunata was cloned, sequenced and expressed. It was identified as a cross‐reactive allergen among fungi and grasses and has potential for clinical application.
Role of symptoms and lung function in determining asthma control in smokers with asthma
Authors: Chaudhuri R. , McSharry C. , McCoard A. , Livingston E. , Hothersall E. , Spears M. , Lafferty J. , Thomson N. C. 
Published: August 2010

Background:  Cigarette smoking in asthma increases the severity and accelerates the decline in lung function. The relative role of symptoms and lung function in determining asthma control in smokers with asthma is not known.Aim of the study:  The aim of this study was to compare asthma control in smokers vs never‐smokers with asthma, using the validated Juniper asthma control questionnaire (ACQ), and assess if any difference was because of a particular symptom or the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) value.Methods:  This was a cross‐sectional study of 134 asthmatics (74 never‐smokers and 60 smokers) with ≥15% reversibility in FEV1 after salbutamol. All subjects completed the ACQ, recording FEV1 and asthma symptoms (night awakening, morning symptoms, dyspnoea, wheeze, activity limitation and use of reliever inhaler).Results:  Compared with the never‐smokers, smokers with asthma had significantly worse median (IQR) total asthma control score [1.6 (1.1–2.3) vs 2.8 (1.7–3.4); (P < 0.0001)] and in each of the six individual symptom question scores (P < 0.001), but no difference in FEV1 levels (P = 0.908).Conclusion:  Asthma control is significantly worse in asthmatics who smoke compared with never‐smokers, with all symptoms related to asthma control uniformly worse in smokers, independent of FEV1.
Identification of amino acids critical for IgE‐binding to sequential epitopes of bovine κ‐casein and the similarity of these epitopes to the corresponding human κ‐casein sequence
Authors: Han N. , Järvinen K. M. , Cocco R. R. , Busse P. J. , Sampson H. A. , Beyer K. 
Published: August 2010

Background:  The delineation of allergenic (i.e. IgE‐binding) epitopes in cow’s milk proteins and the amino acids (AAs) critical for IgE‐binding is necessary to understand better the structural properties of an allergen and to develop more efficacious immunotherapeutic reagents. Furthermore, this information may enable us to understand better cross‐sensitivity between different allergens.Methods:  Eleven peptides, 10–14 AAs in length, representing the IgE‐binding epitopes of κ‐casein were synthesized on a derivatized cellulose membrane with single AA substitutions at each position. Membranes were incubated with pooled sera from 15 milk‐allergic patients and individual sera from 10 of the patients included in the pool.Results:  For 10/11 allergenic peptides, one to five different single AA substitutions resulted in elimination of IgE‐binding of pooled patient sera. Overall at least one mutated peptide could be found for these 10 IgE‐binding sites that resulted in a reduction of IgE‐binding in at least 80% of the patients who recognized the native protein. Furthermore, the IgE‐binding region at AA104–112 on bovine κ‐casein showed a high degree of similarity with the human κ‐casein, respectively, including the AAs critical for IgE‐binding.Conclusion:  This finding suggests that critical AAs should be assessed with both pooled and individual patient sera to account for the B‐cell epitope heterogeneity between patients, with cow’s milk allergy. In addition, we identified two potentially cross‐reactive peptides between bovine and human caseins of unknown clinical relevance.
Epicutaneous aeroallergen sensitization in atopic dermatitis infants – determining the role of epidermal barrier impairment
Authors: Boralevi F. , Hubiche T. , Léauté‐Labrèze C. , Saubusse E. , Fayon M. , Roul S. , Maurice‐Tison S. , Taïeb A. 
Published: August 2010

Background:  Sensitization to atopens is an early phenomenon that overlaps with the onset of atopic dermatitis (AD) in infancy. Early epidermal barrier impairment may facilitate the epicutaneous penetration of atopens.Objective:  To correlate transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and aeroallergen sensitization in infants with AD.Methods:  In this cross‐sectional study we enrolled 59 AD children and 30 controls aged 3–12 months. Transepidermal water loss in uninvolved skin, specific immunoglobulin E, atopy patch test (APT) and skin prick tests were performed with respect to seven aeroallergens, i.e., Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, D. farinae, cat, dog, birch pollen, ambrosia, and cockroach. Environmental conditions were assessed by a questionnaire, and the house dust mite (HDM) concentration was determined in dust samples.Results:  Eighty‐nine percent of AD infants had a positive APT vs one out of eleven controls. AD infants had a significantly higher mean TEWL than controls (27.4 vs 11.1 g/m2/h, P < 0001). Children with two or more positive APT had higher TEWL than the others (31.1 vs 19.0 g/m2/h, P < 0.025). No correlation was found between indoor APT results and exposure to HDM, cats, and dogs at home.Conclusions:  This study confirms the high prevalence of delayed sensitization to indoor and outdoor aeroallergens in AD infants, and shows that the higher the TEWL, the higher the prevalence of sensitization to aeroallergens. These data are in favor of a major role of a constitutive epidermal barrier impairment in determining early atopen sensitization in infants with AD.
The impact of food hypersensitivity reported in 9‐year‐old children by their parents on health‐related quality of life
Authors: Östblom E. , Egmar A.‐C. , Gardulf A. , Lilja G. , Wickman M. 
Published: August 2010

Background:  There are only a few studies on the impact of food hypersensitivity (FHS) in children on health‐related quality of life (HRQL). The present study was designed to examine this impact in a population‐based birth cohort (BAMSE).Methods:  A nested case–control study was performed within the cohort. The parents of 1378 nine‐year‐old children filled out a generic questionnaire with 13 subscales (Child Health Questionnaire Parental Form 28 – CHQ‐PF28) supplemented with disease‐specific questions concerning FHS. There were 212 children with report of FHS. Another 221 children with allergic diseases but not FHS were examined for comparison. Furthermore, the impact of pronounced symptoms of FHS and of increasing levels of food‐specific IgE antibodies on HRQL was also analysed.Results:  The children with FHS exhibited significantly lower scores on the subscales physical functioning, role/social limitations – physical and general health in the generic instrument. Furthermore, children with food‐related symptoms from the lower airways were scored lower on Self Esteem, Parental Impact – time and Family Cohesion. Sensitization per se did not alter these patterns, but high levels of food‐specific IgE‐antibodies affected mental health and general health negatively. A physician’s diagnosis of food allergy did not affect any of the subscales negatively.Conclusions:  Parents reported that FHS exerts a negative impact on the HRQL of 9‐year‐old children, in particular in children with symptoms from the lower airways or if the FHS is associated with high levels of food‐specific IgE‐antibodies. Healthcare‐givers must put major effort into improving and maintaining the HRQL of these children.
General considerations on rapid desensitization for drug hypersensitivity – a consensus statement
Authors: Cernadas J. R. , Brockow K. , Romano A. , Aberer W. , Torres M. J. , Bircher A. , Campi P. , Sanz M. L. , Castells M. , Demoly P. , Pichler W. J. ,   for the European Network of Drug Allergy and the EAACI interest group on drug hypersensitivity
Published: August 2010

To cite this article:Cernadas JR, Brockow K, Romano A, Aberer W, Torres MJ, Bircher A, Campi P, Sanz ML, Castells M, Demoly P, Pichler WJ, for the European Network of Drug Allergy and the EAACI interest group on drug hypersensitivity. General considerations on rapid desensitization for drug hypersensitivity – a consensus statement.Allergy2010;65: 1357–1366.AbstractDrug hypersensitivity reactions can occur with most drugs, are unpredictable, may affect any organ or system, and range widely in clinical severity from mild pruritus to anaphylaxis. In most cases, the suspected drug is avoided in the future. However, for certain patients, the particular drug may be essential for optimal therapy. Under these circumstances, desensitization may be performed. Drug desensitization is defined as the induction of a temporary state of tolerance of a compound responsible for a hypersensitivity reaction. It is performed by administering increasing doses of the medication concerned over a short period of time (from several hours to a few days) until the total cumulative therapeutic dose is achieved and tolerated. It is a high‐risk procedure used only in patients in whom alternatives are less effective or not available after a positive risk/benefit analysis. Desensitization protocols have been developed and are used in patients with allergic reactions to antibiotics (mainly penicillin), insulins, sulfonamides, chemotherapeutic and biologic agents, and many other drugs. Desensitization is mainly performed in IgE‐mediated reactions, but also in reactions where drug‐specific IgE have not been demonstrated. Desensitization induces a temporary tolerant state, which can only be maintained by continuous administration of the medication. Thus, for treatments like chemotherapy, which have an average interval of 4 weeks between cycles, the procedure must be repeated for every new course. In this paper, some background information on rapid desensitization procedures is provided. We define the drugs and drug reactions indicated for such procedures, describe the possible mechanism of action, and discuss the indications and contraindications. The data should serve as background information for a database (accessible via the EAACI‐homepage) with standardized protocols for rapid desensitization for antibiotics, chemotherapeutic agents, monoclonal antibodies/fusion proteins, and other drugs.
Natural killer–dendritic cell interaction in lymphocyte responses in hypersensitivity reactions to betalactams
Authors: Chaves P. , Torres M. J. , Aranda A. , Lopez S. , Canto G. , Blanca M. , Mayorga C. 
Published: August 2010

To cite this article: Chaves P, Torres MJ, Aranda A, Lopez S, Canto G, Blanca M, Mayorga C. Natural killer–dendritic cell interaction in lymphocyte responses in hypersensitivity reactions to betalactams. Allergy 2010; 65: 1600–1608.AbstractBackground:  Betalactams are the commonest cause of allergic reactions mediated by either IgE or T lymphocytes in which innate and adaptive immune systems mediate the earlier stages of immunological responses. One of the links between these systems is related to the interaction between natural killer (NK) and dendritic cells (DC). We have evaluated the role of NK cells and NK‐DC interaction in the immunopathological mechanisms of nonimmediate reactions to betalactams.Methods:  Patients allergic to amoxicillin (AX) (N = 17) and tolerant controls (N = 13) were included. Changes in phenotype (CD69, IFNγ, perforin, and granzyme B) in AX‐stimulated NK cells, the cytotoxic activity on mature or immature DC (imDC), and the proliferation and phenotype of NK lymphocytes after culture with AX and DC were determined by flow cytometry.Results:  Amoxicillin induced activation and increases of perforin and granzyme B (P = 0.007 and P = 0.041 respectively) but not IFNγ production in NK cells from patients. In NK subpopulations, AX induced a significant enhancement of perforin and granzyme B in CD56dim (P = 0.005 and P = 0.002 respectively) and of IFNγ in CD56bright (P = 0.001). The cytotoxic phenotype was demonstrated by an increase of annexin V only in imDC (P < 0.001). Amoxicillin also induced an increased NK proliferation with different patterns, cytotoxic or proinflammatory, depending on the presence of imDC or mature DC, respectively. No differences were observed in NK cells from tolerant controls.Conclusion:  These data could demonstrate the involvement of NK cells in the immunopathological mechanisms of nonimmediate allergic reactions to AX, showing that both the innate and adaptive immune systems are involved and crosstalk, producing amplification of the harmful effects observed in these drug reactions.
Combining capture–recapture data and pedigree information to assess heritability of demographic parameters in the wild
Authors: PAPAÏX J. , CUBAYNES S. , BUORO M. , CHARMANTIER A. , PERRET P. , GIMENEZ O. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractQuantitative genetic analyses have been increasingly used to estimate the genetic basis of life‐history traits in natural populations. Imperfect detection of individuals is inherent to studies that monitor populations in the wild, yet it is seldom accounted for by quantitative genetic studies, perhaps leading to flawed inference. To facilitate the inclusion of imperfect detection of individuals in such studies, we develop a method to estimate additive genetic variance and assess heritability for binary traits such as survival, using capture–recapture (CR) data. Our approach combines mixed‐effects CR models with a threshold model to incorporate discrete data in a standard ‘animal model’ approach. We employ Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling in a Bayesian framework to estimate model parameters. We illustrate our approach using data from a wild population of blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) and present the first estimate of heritability of adult survival in the wild. In agreement with the prediction that selection should deplete additive genetic variance in fitness, we found that survival had low heritability. Because the detection process is incorporated, capture–recapture animal models (CRAM) provide unbiased quantitative genetics analyses of longitudinal data collected in the wild.
The role of genotype‐by‐environment interactions in sexual selection
Authors: INGLEBY F. C. , HUNT J. , HOSKEN D. J. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractGenotype‐by‐environment interactions (GxEs) in naturally selected traits have been extensively studied, but the impact of GxEs on sexual selection has only recently begun to receive attention. Here, we review recent models and consider how GxEs might affect the evolution of sexual traits through influencing sexual signal reliability and also how GxEs may influence variation in sexually selected traits and the process of reproductive isolation. We then assess the current empirical literature on GxEs in sexual selection and conclude by highlighting areas that need additional work. Research on GxEs and sexual selection is an important new area of study for the discipline, which has largely focused on relatively simple mate choice/competition scenarios to date. Investigators now need to apply this knowledge to more complex, but realistic, situations, to more fully explore the evolution of sexual traits, and in this review we suggest potentially useful directions for future research.
Cryptic fragment α4 LG4‐5 derived from laminin α4 chain inhibits de novo adipogenesis by modulating the effect of fibroblast growth factor‐2
Authors: Yamashita Hironobu , Goto Chie , Tajima Rie , Koparal Ayse Tansu , Kobori Masato , Ohki Yuji , Shitara Kenya , Narita Ryo , Toriyama Kazuhiro , Torii Shuhei , Niimi Tomoaki , Kitagawa Yasuo 
Published: August 2010

Cleavage of the extracellular matrix (ECM) by proteolysis unmasks cryptic sites and generates novel fragments with biological activities functionally distinct from those of the intact ECM molecule. The laminin G‐like (LG)4‐5 fragment has been shown to be excised from the laminin α4 chain in various tissues. However, the functional role of this fragment has remained unknown to date. To investigate this, we prepared α4 LG1‐3 and α4 LG4‐5 fragments by elastase digestion of recombinant α4 LG1‐5, and examined their effects on de novo adipogenesis in mice at the site of injection of basement membrane extract (Matrigel) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)‐2. Although the addition of whole α4 LG1‐5 suppressed adipogenesis to some extent, the α4 LG4‐5 fragment could strongly suppress adipogenesis at a concentration of less than 20 nm. Addition of the α4 LG4 module, which contains a heparin‐binding region, had a suppressive effect, but this was lost in mutants with reduced heparin‐binding activity. In addition, antibodies against the extracellular domain of syndecan‐2 and ‐4, which are known receptors for the α4 LG4 module, suppressed adipogenesis. Thus, these results suggest that the cryptic α4 LG4‐5 fragment derived from the laminin α4 chain inhibits de novo adipogenesis by modulating the effect of FGF‐2 through syndecans.
Comparative study of the speed of acid‐suppressing effects of oral administration of cimetidine and famotidine
Authors: ADACHI KYOICHI , KOMAZAWA YOSHINORI , MIHARA TAKAFUMI , AZUMI TAKANE , FUJISAWA TOMOO , KATSUBE TOMOKO , FURUTA KENJI , KINOSHITA YOSHIKAZU 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBackground and Aim:  H2 histamine receptor antagonists (H2RAs) are widely used in patients with acid‐related diseases, and the onset of antisecretory activity of H2RAs is reported to be faster than that of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). The aim of this study was to compare the rapidity of onset of antisecretory activity of cimetidine and famotidine when orally administered.Methods:  Fifteen healthy male Japanese volunteers (five H. pylori‐positive and 10 H. pylori‐negative) participated in a randomized cross‐over study. All subjects were examined three times by ambulatory 6‐h pH monitoring (from 17:30 to 23:30) with no medication or oral administration of 400 mg of cimetidine or 20 mg of famotidine. Drugs were administered at 19:30 after eating a standard meal, and plasma concentrations were also examined for 4 h periods.Results:  The plasma concentration of cimetidine increased rapidly after oral administration, while that of famotidine increased gradually. Intragastric pH was increased and percentage time with pH < 4.0 decreased significantly 2 h after administration of either cimetidine or famotidine. There was no statistically significant difference in acid‐suppressing effect between cimetidine and famotidine during the short‐term post‐administration period.Conclusion:  Rapidity of antisecretory activity did not differ between oral cimetidine and famotidine administered orally.
Portosystemic pressure gradient during transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt with Viatorr stent graft: What is the critical low threshold to avoid medically uncontrolled low pressure gradient related complications?
Authors: Chung Hwan‐Hoon , Razavi Mahmood K , Sze Daniel Y , Frisoli Joan K , Kee Stephen T , Dake Michael D , Hellinger Jeffrey C , Kang Byung‐Chul 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBackground:  Inappropriately decreased portosystemic pressure gradient (PSG) during transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) can cause fatal complications but the critical low threshold of PSG is still not clear. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the critical low threshold of PSG during TIPS.Methods:  Sixty‐six patients with cirrhosis who successfully underwent de novo TIPS with Viatorr stent grafts were studied. Medically uncontrolled low pressure gradient (LPR) complication was defined as when a patient died, or when acute transplantation or a TIPS reduction procedure was performed due to refractory encephalopathy or the deterioration of hepatic function within 3 months after the procedure. For the determination of the risk group for medically uncontrolled LPR complications, the Child‐Pugh score and the model of end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score showing a 100% negative predictive value was decided on as a threshold for each score. The risk group was defined when either of both scores was higher than its threshold. For the determination of a critical low post‐TIPS PSG, a value of post‐TIPS PSG showing the highest discrimination power on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve in the risk group was decided on as a critical low threshold of PSG. The medically uncontrolled LPR complication rates of the patients with the determined threshold or lower were evaluated for the risk group.Results:  Medically uncontrolled LPR complications developed in nine patients (13.6%). Five patients died and four patients had TIPS reduction procedures. Patients with more than 10 on the Child‐Pugh score or more than 14 on the MELD score were determined to be the risk group and 34 patients were included. The critical lower threshold of the post‐TIPS PSG showing the highest discrimination power on the ROC curve was 5 mmHg (sensitivity 100%, specificity 72%), and the medically uncontrolled LPR complication rates of the patients with 5 mmHg or lower on the post‐TIPS PSG were 56.3% (9/16) in the risk group.Conclusions:  The critical threshold of the post‐TIPS PSG to avoid the medically uncontrolled LPR complications of TIPS was >5 mmHg. The PSG should not be reduced below this level in the risk group.