bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A pilot study of atorvastatin treatment in dyslipemid, non‐alcoholic fatty liver patients
Authors: GÓMEZ‐DOMÍNGUEZ E. , GISBERT J. P. , MORENO‐MONTEAGUDO J. A. , GARCÍA‐BUEY L. , MORENO‐OTERO R. 
Published: May 2006

SummaryBackgroundNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses a wide spectrum of liver injury. Currently, there are no proven effective therapies available. Atorvastatin is a new 3‐hydroxy‐3‐metylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor that reduces lipid serum levels.AimTo evaluate the effectiveness and safety of atorvastatin in dyslipemid, non‐alcoholic fatty liver patients.Patients and methodsWe prospectively enrolled 25 patients with NAFLD; 22 of them completed the study. Body mass index, serum lipids, liver function tests and liver density assessed by echography were measured at baseline and after 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of treatment. Normalization of transaminases and/or improvement in liver density were treatment end points. Patients received atorvastatin (10–80 mg/daily) according to basal serum choleresterol levels; additionally, they were given standard weight‐loss counselling and encouraged to follow a low fat diet.ResultsAll 22 patients (14 men, mean age 47 ± 10 years) had high cholesterol levels at baseline and 11 (44%) also presented high trygliceride levels. After 6 months of treatment, eight patients (36.3%) presented normal transaminase levels. The remaining patients continued treatment for 12 months when 20% of patients presented with normal transaminase levels, while the other patients showed a 10% reduction in basal levels. Mean cholesterol levels were 268.5 ± 44.2 and 186.8 ± 14.4 mg/dL before and after treatment, respectively (P < 0.05). The mean body mass index was 27.4 ± 3.1 at baseline and 26.3 ± 2.8 kg/cm2at the end of treatment (P > 0.05). No side effects were reported.ConclusionsSerum aminotransferase and lipid levels were reduced significantly in all patients with atorvastatin treatment. Therapy with atorvastatin in NAFLD patients with hyperlipidemia was found to be both effective and safe.
Determinants of healthcare‐seeking behaviour among subjects with irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: WILLIAMS R. E. , BLACK C. L. , KIM H.‐Y. , ANDREWS E. B. , MANGEL A. W. , BUDA J. J. , COOK S. F. 
Published: May 2006

SummaryBackgroundDoctor visits for irritable bowel syndrome are associated with high medical costs. Predictors of medical consultation for irritable bowel syndrome remain poorly understood.AimTo determine factors associated with healthcare seeking for irritable bowel syndrome.MethodsSubjects from previous US population‐based survey were contacted 2 years later. Those who continued to have irritable bowel syndrome were included.Results49% of subjects sought medical care for abdominal symptoms in the past year. Healthcare seeking did not differ significantly between males and females, but more females received an irritable bowel syndrome diagnosis. Predictors of irritable bowel syndrome healthcare seeking differed by gender. In multivariate analysis, age ≥55 years (OR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.5–5.4), fear abdominal symptoms relates to serious illness (OR = 1.7, 95% CI: 0.95–3.1), decreased bowel movements (OR = 1.8, 95% CI: 0.98–3.2), dyspepsia (OR = 1.7, 95% CI: 0.94–3.2) and pelvic pain (OR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.2–4.4) were associated with seeking care in females. Among males, being disabled (OR = 11.6, 95% CI: 2.4–56.1) and abdominal cramping (OR =4.3, 95% CI: 1.2–15.4) were associated with seeking care. Healthcare seekers had lower irritable bowel syndrome‐related quality of life. Neither pain severity nor mental health status was associated with seeking care.ConclusionHealthcare‐seeking behaviour among irritable bowel syndrome patients was determined by presence of comorbidities and extent that irritable bowel syndrome affected quality of life, not physical symptoms or mental health status.
Diagnosis of liver fibrosis by transient elastography (FibroScan) and non‐invasive methods in Crohn's disease patients treated with methotrexate
Authors: LAHARIE D. , ZERBIB F. , ADHOUTE X. , BOUÉ‐LAHORGUE X. , FOUCHER J. , CASTÉRA L. , RULLIER A. , BERTET J. , COUZIGOU P. , AMOURETTI M. , DE LÉDINGHEN V. 
Published: May 2006

SummaryBackgroundMethotrexate is an effective treatment in Crohn's disease, which may induce liver fibrosis with high cumulative doses. Transient elastography (FibroScan, Echosens, Paris, France) is a new non‐invasive rapid, allowing assessment of liver fibrosis by measurement of liver stiffness.AimA prospective study to evaluate liver fibrosis with FibroScan and non‐invasive biochemical methods in Crohn's disease patients treated with methotrexate.MethodsConsecutive Crohn's disease patients had evaluation of liver fibrosis with non‐invasive methods. Two subgroups of patients were compared: cumulative dose of methotrexate of more than 1500 mg (group 1) and naive for methotrexate (group 2). Liver biopsy was performed in patients with persistent liver enzyme abnormalities or FibroScan value >8.7 kPa.ResultsFifty‐four consecutive Crohn's disease patients were fully investigated (45 females, mean age 41 ± 14 years). Median FibroScan values were similar in group 1 (n = 21) and in group 2 (n = 33), 5.5 and 4.5 kPa, respectively. FibroScan values were not correlated with the cumulative dose of methotrexate.ConclusionIn Crohn's disease patients treated with a high dose of methotrexate, significant liver fibrosis is rare and not accurately detected with liver enzymes abnormalities. FibroScan could be recommended and liver biopsy could be performed only with patients with high values and/or with chronic liver enzymes abnormalities.
Perivascular axillary brachial plexus block and patient positioning: the influence of a lateral, head‐down position
Authors: Orlowski O. , Bullmann V. , Vieth V. , Filler T. , Osada N. , Van Aken H. , Weber T. P. 
Published: May 2006

SummaryThe aim of this study was to examine the effect of a 20° Trendelenburg position on the blockade of nerves that exit the brachial plexus proximally in patients undergoing single‐injection axillary brachial plexus block. After a pilot study of eight cadavers suggested that a head‐down and lateral position would encourage the proximal spread of local anaesthetic, 72 patients undergoing elective surgery were divided into two equal groups: a Supine group and a Modified Position group (lateral position, 20° head‐down tilt). Patients were left in the allocated position for 30 min after an axillary block had been performed with alkalinised mepivacaine 1% 49.5 ml. Sensory and motor blockade evaluation showed that there was a significantly higher proportion of axillary nerve (76% vs. 0%, p < 0.001), thoracodorsal nerve (86% vs. 0%, p < 0.001) and subscapular nerve (89% vs. 0%, p < 0.001) blockade in the Modified Position group. Sensory block of the radial nerve was also improved by the modified position (100% vs. 86%, p < 0.05).
Evaluation of four airway training manikins as simulators for inserting the LMA Classic™*
Authors: Silsby J. , Jordan G. , Bayley G. , Cook T. M. 
Published: May 2006

SummaryAirway manikins have traditionally been used for teaching mask ventilation and tracheal intubation. There is an increasing need to use manikins for training in procedures such as insertion of the laryngeal mask airway. We have assessed four new airway training manikins (latest versions of the Airway Trainer™ (Laerdal, Norway), Airway Management Trainer™(Ambu, UK), ‘Bill 1’™(VBM, Germany) and Airsim™(Trucorp, Ireland)) as simulators for insertion of the LMA Classic™ laryngeal mask airway. Twenty volunteer anaesthetists inserted a size‐4 laryngeal mask airway five times into each of the four manikins, in random order. Each insertion was assessed using objective and subjective tests. Subjective assessment varied widely but overall assessment indicated that the Airway Management Trainer was the poorest simulator for insertion of the laryngeal mask airway. The ‘Bill 1’ and Airsim manikins performed best as simulators for insertion of the laryngeal mask airway, although realistic ventilation with ‘Bill 1’ was not possible.
The Robinson‐Hooper connection*
Authors: Macdonald A. , Zuck D. 
Published: May 2006

SummaryThe search for a connection between James Robinson, the dental surgeon who on 19 December 1846 administered the first general anaesthetic in England by the inhalation of the vapour of ether, and William Hooper, the pharmaceutical chemist who produced the best publicised and most widely used of the early commercial ether vaporisers, has revealed hitherto unrecognised aspects of the early history of general anaesthesia.
Comparative genome‐wide profiling of post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorders and diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas
Authors: Rinaldi Andrea , Kwee Ivo , Poretti Giulia , Mensah Afua , Pruneri Giancarlo , Capello Daniela , Rossi Davide , Zucca Emanuele , Ponzoni Maurilio , Catapano Carlo , Tibiletti Maria Grazia , Paulli Marco , Gaidano Gianluca , Bertoni Francesco 
Published: May 2006

SummaryPost‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) are a major complication of solid organ transplantation, representing a cause of severe morbidity and mortality. Apart from Epstein–Barr virus infection, knowledge of the pathogenesis of monoclonal PTLD is limited. Powerful analysis techniques, such as whole genomic DNA profiling (array comparative genomic hybridisation), can improve our understanding of PTLD pathogenesis. Whole genome profiling using the Affymetrix GeneChip Human Mapping 10 k 2·0 was performed on 20 PTLD cases and 25 cases of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) from immunocompetent patients as a control group. Recurrent lesions were detected among all the samples. Chromosome 18q, 7q, 3q and 12 were the most common gains in the control group. Chromosomes 5p and 11p were commonly gained in PTLD–DLBCL. The latter had frequent losses of 6q, 17p, 1p and 9p. Chromosome 12p was the most frequent target of deletions among PTLD–DLBCL cases. Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) did not always match DNA loss: chromosome 10 seemed to be targeted by uniparental disomy in PTLD. Small deletions and gains, involving both known (BCL2 and PAX5) and unknown genes (ZDHHC14), were identified. These data suggest that PTLD share, at a lower frequency, common genetic aberrations with DLBCL from immunocompetent patients. The demonstration of 9p13 amplification emphasises the importance of PAX5 in PTLD. The combination of DNA copy number and LOH assessment lead to the hypothesis that uniparental disomy may be a potential mechanism in B‐cell lymphomagenesis.
A tribute to Sidney Farber – the father of modern chemotherapy
Authors: Miller Denis R. 
Published: May 2006

SummarySidney Farber, world‐renowned paediatric pathologist, made major contributions to his field but is acknowledged as the father of the modern era of chemotherapy. He recognised that folic acid stimulated leukaemic cell growth and enhanced disease progression. He hypothesised that folic acid antagonists would inhibit or arrest the proliferation of cancer cells. His landmark study, published in 1948, demonstrated that a number of folic acid antagonists, including 4‐aminopteroyl‐glutamic acid (aminopterin) produced temporary remissions in children with acute undifferentiated leukaemia. These observations lead to the development and use of other chemotherapeutic agents, either singly or, more effectively, in combination for treating childhood and adult malignancies. He introduced actinomycin D for the treatment of metastatic and localised Wilms tumour. Under his guidance and leadership, both the ‘Jimmy Fund’, one of the first comprehensive paediatric oncology treatment centres, and the Children's Cancer Research Foundation, which later became the Dana–Farber Cancer Institute, were founded.
The chitinase allergens Der p 15 and Der p 18 from Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus
Authors: O'Neil S. E. , Heinrich T. K. , Hales B. J. , Hazell L. A. , Holt D. C. , Fischer K. , Thomas W. R. 
Published: May 2006

SummaryBackground
House dust mites Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae cause allergic disease in humans as well as in dogs. In geographical regions where the two mite species coexist, they both elicit specific immunoglobulin (Ig E) responses in humans whereas dogs preferentially react to D. farinae extracts. In dogs the main IgE binding is directed to the D. farinae chitinase allergens Der f 15 and Der f 18 and not to the groups 1 and 2 allergens as found for humans. Although the IgE response of humans to Der f 18 has been investigated there is no report on Der f 15‐specific IgE in humans.Objective
This study aimed to characterize the chitinase allergens Der p 15 and Der p 18 of D. pteronyssinus and to find out whether they are important allergens for humans.Methods
cDNA was cloned by a polymerase chain reaction strategy from D. pteronyssinus libraries using primers based on conserved chitinase sequences. IgE binding to the recombinant polypeptides was measured by immunosorbent assay. Mice were immunized with the polypeptides and cross‐reactivity examined.Results
Two variants of Der p 15 were isolated, encoding mature proteins of 58.8 and 61.4 kDa. The amino acid sequences had 90% identity to Der f 15. The cDNA for Der p 18 encoded a mature protein of 49.2 kDa with 88% sequence identity to Der f 18. Der p 15‐specific IgE was detected in 70% and Der p 18‐specific IgE in 63% of a panel of 27 human allergic sera.Conclusions
The D. pteronyssinus chitinases Der p 15 and Der p 18 show a high frequency of binding to IgE in allergic human sera. They are therefore potentially important allergens for humans as well as dogs.
Multiple cytokines in human tear specimens in seasonal and chronic allergic eye disease and in conjunctival fibroblast cultures
Authors: Leonardi A. , Curnow S. J. , Zhan H. , Calder V. L. 
Published: May 2006

SummaryBackground
Several cytokines are involved in the recruitment and activation of inflammatory cells in ocular allergic diseases. The purpose of the study was to assay multiple cytokines and chemokines in tears, to compare subgroups of allergic conjunctivitis (AC) with controls, and in culture supernatants to determine whether conjunctival fibroblasts produce some of these cytokines.Methods
Fifty to one hundred microlitre tears were obtained from patients with active seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC; n=12), vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC; n=18), atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC; n=6) and non‐atopic controls (n=14). Primary conjunctival fibroblasts grown in vitro were stimulated with IL‐4, IL‐13 or TNF‐α for 24 h. Cell‐free tear and culture supernatants were assayed for IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐12, IL‐13, IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, eotaxin, MCP‐1 and RANTES using multiplex bead analysis. Induction of chemokine gene expression was determined by PCR.Results
IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐12, IL‐13, MCP‐1 were increased in all tears groups compared with controls, with highly significant correlations between many of these molecules. In addition IL‐4, IFN‐γ, and IL‐10 were elevated in SAC and VKC, while eotaxin and TNF‐α were only increased in VKC. IL‐6, IL‐8, MCP‐1, RANTES and eotaxin were detected from fibroblasts cultures, and were all up‐regulated by TNF‐α. By PCR, fibroblasts expressed MCP‐1 transcripts constitutively, whereas IP‐10 and Mig were up‐regulated by TNF‐α.Conclusions
Differential cytokine levels support tears as a useful indicator of immune mechanisms occurring during AC. The striking similarities in chemokine profiles between tears and fibroblasts suggest these cells as likely sources of chemokines in tears.
Low‐dose endotoxin in allergic asthmatics: effect on bronchial and inflammatory response to cat allergen
Authors: Sohy C. , Pons F. , Casset A. , Chesnard M.‐P. , Lieutier‐Colas F. , Meyer P. , Pauli G. , De Blay F. 
Published: May 2006

SummaryBackground
Endotoxin was proposed to increase the severity of asthma. Endotoxin levels greatly differ according to settings. In domestic environments, airborne concentrations may be dramatically low compared with levels reported in occupational settings.Objective
Our first objective was therefore to assess the effect of inhalation of low‐level lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the immediate and late‐phase asthmatic bronchial response. Our second objective was to evaluate the effect of exposure to LPS on the local and systemic inflammatory response.Methods
Nineteen asthmatics sensitized to cat underwent on two separate occasions a bronchial challenge test to cat allergen (cat BCT) preceded randomly by a pre‐exposure to either saline or LPS (2 μg). Methacholine challenge test was performed 24 h before exposure to LPS or saline. The Borg scale for dyspnoea and lung function were recorded before and after exposure to LPS or saline, and before and after cat BCT. Induced sputum and blood samples were collected before and after cat BCT, and analysed for cell counts and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) levels.Results
Inhalation of 2 μg LPS did not induce any changes in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF), FEF 25–75 and Borg scale of dyspnoea. It neither modified Fel d 1 PD20 (45.03 ng as compared with 87.03; P=0.42). As well, there was no significant difference in late‐phase reaction. Pre‐exposure to LPS did not influence eosinophil counts or ECP levels in blood and sputum.Conclusion
Our study demonstrated that pre‐exposure to LPS at low levels, which may be encountered in domestic environment, had no significant effect on the immediate and late‐phase bronchial response to cat allergen. It neither modified local and systemic eosinophilic inflammation.
Primary role of growth‐related oncogene‐α and granulocyte chemotactic protein‐2 as neutrophil chemoattractants in chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Rudack C. , Sachse F. , Alberty J. 
Published: May 2006

SummaryBackground
The aetiology of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate neutrophil‐attracting chemokine patterns in CRS without nasal polyposis.Methods
The biological activity of the chemokines was identified using a two‐step high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique combined with a bioassay in extracts from 55 CRS patients, and in the turbinate mucosa (TM) of patients (N=51) undergoing septumplasty. The biologic activity of each chemokine was assessed using blocking antibodies to chemokines. Immunolocalization of detected neutrophil chemokines was performed by quantitative evaluation of immunohistochemistry. Besides, PCR analysis was performed to quantify neutrophil chemokine mRNA.Results
In CRS, the chemokines primarily detected by two‐step HPLC were growth‐related oncogene‐α (GRO‐α) and the granulocyte chemotactic protein‐2 (GCP‐2). Blocking of GCP‐2 and GRO‐αḋ each resulted in chemotaxis inhibition rates of 43.3% and 35.9%, respectively, whereas anti‐IL‐8 and anti‐ENA‐78 had no effect. Both GCP‐2 and GRO‐αḋ were generally synthesized by the surface epithelium and mucosal glands while GRO‐α in particular was synthesized by endothelial cells, as shown by immunohistochemistry. The concentrations of the chemokines IL‐8 and epithelial cell‐derived neutrophil attractant‐78 (ENA‐78) were low in CRS and TM.Conclusion
It appears that both GRO‐α and GCP‐2 contribute to neutrophil chemotaxis in CRS, whereas IL‐8 and ENA‐78 appear to be of secondary importance for the chemotaxis of neutrophils in this condition. The expression of chemokines in mucosal gland cells is the main phenomenon involved in constitutive neutrophil chemotaxis in the TM.
Specific effects of denaturation, hydrolysis and exposure to Lactococcus lactis on bovine β‐lactoglobulin transepithelial transport, antigenicity and allergenicity
Authors: Bernasconi E. , Fritsché R. , Corthésy B. 
Published: May 2006

SummaryBackground
Food allergy in developed countries represents a growing concern as reflected by epidemiological studies, indicating that up to 4% of the overall population is affected. Reduction of symptoms takes place following eviction or processing of some allergens. However, it cannot be predicted which structural changes will be associated with significant effects on the allergenicity.Objective
To determine how various treatments of bovine β‐lactoglobulin (BLG) used as a model antigen alters its immunoreactivity and transepithelial transport, and whether this correlates with reduced allergenicity using an in vitro basophil activation assay.Methods
BLG was subjected to reduction/alkylation, trypsin digestion or exposed to Lactococcus lactis. The remaining immunoreactivity toward IgG raised against native BLG was assessed by ELISA. Transepithelial transport of BLG and derivatives was examined using polarized Caco‐2 cell monolayers mimicking the intestinal epithelium. Selective passage of tryptic peptides was determined using colchicine and cytochalasin D. Basophil activation was measured following stimulation with BLG and derivatives.Results
Reduction/alkylation, trypsin digestion or incubation with L. lactis was associated with decreased BLG recognition by IgG antibodies raised against the native protein. All treatments also resulted in a more efficient transepithelial transport of BLG. BLG crossed the Caco‐2 monolayer through passage across the cell, whereas tryptic peptides followed both the para‐ and transcellular routes. With the exception of denaturation by reduction/alkylation, cross‐linking of IgE antibodies by BLG derivatives led to lower basophil degranulation.Conclusion
In vitro dissection of antigenicity and allergenicity may be a valid and convenient alternative to evaluate the effects of biotechnological processing on dietary proteins. In addition, it can help to define the molecular and cellular mechanisms that will provide improved means of diagnosis and possibly therapy of food‐allergic disorders.
A critical assessment of allergen component‐based in vitro diagnosis in cherry allergy across Europe
Authors: Reuter A. , Lidholm J. , Andersson K. , Östling J. , Lundberg M. , Scheurer S. , Enrique E. , Cistero‐Bahima A. , Miguel‐Moncin M. San , Ballmer‐Weber B. K. , Vieths Stefan 
Published: May 2006

SummaryBackground
Food allergy to cherry occurs throughout Europe, typically with restricted oral reactions in the central and northern parts but with frequent systemic reactions in the Mediterranean region. Previous studies have demonstrated insufficient sensitivity of commercially available cherry extract reagents in the diagnosis of cherry allergy.Objective
To assess the diagnostic performance of specific IgE tests based on recombinant cherry allergens in comparison with an extract‐based assay and to skin prick test (SPT). A secondary objective was to analyse the frequency of systemic reactions in cherry‐allergic subjects across Europe, including the largest population of LTP‐sensitized subjects from central Europe studied to date.Methods
A total of 186 subjects from central Europe and Spain were studied. Serum IgE was analysed with ImmunoCAP tests carrying rPru av 1, 3 and 4, combined and separately, and cherry extract.Results
Among the central European cherry allergics, the mix of rPru av 1, 3 and 4 had a sensitivity of 95%, compared with 65% for cherry extract, and the IgE binding capacity of the recombinant mix was considerably higher. The sensitivity of the two tests was more comparable in the Spanish population, 95% and 86%, respectively. The recombinant allergen ImmunoCAP equalled SPT in terms of sensitivity and specificity. Consistent with previous reports, major geographic differences in sensitization pattern and prevalence of systemic reactions were found. A significantly higher rate of systemic reactions was found in Spanish patients sensitized to Pru av 3 whereas German patients sensitized to LTP only had oral allergy syndrome.Conclusions
The recombinant cherry allergen ImmunoCAP is a highly sensitive diagnostic tool, clearly superior to any diagnostic method based on cherry extract. Three cherry allergens are sufficient for detecting sensitization in 95% of cherry‐allergic subjects. Systemic reactions are common in LTP‐sensitized individuals but seem to require at least one additional causative factor.