bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
House dust acarofauna and Der p I equivalent in Australia: the relative importance of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Euroglyphus maynei
Authors: COLLOFF M. J. , STEWART G. A. , THOMPSON P. J. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryThe acarofauna and Der p I allergen concentrations in dust samples from mattresses and lounge room carpets obtained from 20 homes from two coastal cities, Perth and Bunbury, were determined. All samples were shown to contain mites and the geometric mean numbers of total mites/g of mattress and carpet dust for Perth and Bunbury were 480 and 263, and 585 and 992, respectively. Carpets from both centres had a significantly (P < 0.02) greater mean number of mite species (Perth 9.1, Bunbury 9.0) than mattresses (Perth 5.2, Bunbury 5.7). The predominant mite species were D. pteronyssinus, E. maynei and Tarsonemus spp. D.farinae was found to be absent from all dust samples examined. E. maynei was present in the 10 Bunbury homes and in 50% of the Perth homes, ranging from 0 to 81% of mites identified. The arithmetic mean Der p I concentrations in the mattresses and carpets in Perth and Bunbury were 4.2 and 4.1, and 3.8 and 9.2 μg/per gram of fine dust, respectively, and Der p I concentration correlated with mite counts (r = 0.75; P < 0.001). The concentration of Der p I equivalent per 100 mites was 1.5 μg. The data are consistent with the view that asthmatic patients in Western Australia have significant exposure to a variety of house dust mites and that E. maynei may be clinically significant.
Isolation and in vitro translation of messenger RNA from the American cockroach
Authors: WU C‐H. , LEE M‐F. , YIN S‐C. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryTotal RNA was extracted from the whole body of American cockroach Periplaneta americana) using chaotropic salt guanidine isothiocyanate in the presence of 2‐mercaptoethanol (2‐ME). Polyadenylated mRNA was isolated by oligothymidylic acidcellulose chromatography and mRNA was translated using a rabbit reticulocyte lysate system. The translation, as judged by the incorporation of‐S‐tnethionine, was obtained with poly(A)‘*’RNA, where an approximately 9‐5‐fold increase in label incorporation over control was achieved. Analysis of translation products by sodium dodecyl sulphate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) in combination with autoradiography showed that many proteins with apparent molecular weights ranging from 12 to 200 kD were synthesized, and no labelled proteins were found with negative RNA control and poly(A) RNA. Immunoprecipitation studies performed using polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies revealed that synthesized proteins of MW 90, 78, 72, 49, 45, and 26 kD corresponded with previously identified principal and major allergens of American cockroach from our laboratory. In addition, the allergenicity of the translation mixtures was also confirmed by fluoroallergosorbent test (FAST) inhibition studies with IgE antibodies of human reaginic serum pool.
Seasonal enhancement of IL‐4 induced IgE synthesis by peripheral blood mononuclear cells of atopic patients
Authors: GAGNON R. , LIAN JING , BOUTIN Y. , HÉBERT J. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryThe role of IL‐4 on IgE synthesis has been well established. IL‐4 has been shown to promote IgE production by B cells from atopic and non‐atopic donors. In this study, the effects of natural exposure to pollens on IL‐4‐indueed IgE synthesis by peripheral blood mononuclear cells of atopic and non‐atopic donors were examined. The results confirm production of IgE in an IL‐4 dose‐dependent manner by PBMC cultures of these two groups. When cultures were performed out of the pollen season, following stimulation by IL‐4, no significant difference was observed between the levels of IgE produced by PBMC of atopic and non‐atopic donors. In contrast, upon natural exposure to pollens, significant higher levels of IgE were measured in the atopic group than in the non‐atopic one. These results show that the policn season infiuences the IL‐4‐induced IgE synthesis by PBMC of allergic patients and are in keeping with seasonal rise of specific IgE antibodies.
Histamine content, synthesis and degradation in nasal mucosa and lung of guinea‐pigs treated with toluene diisocyanate (TDI)
Authors: Abe Y. , Ogino S. , Irifune M. , Imamura I. , Liu Y. Q. , Fukui H. , Matsunaga T. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryWe have reported the presence of a histamine synthesizing enzyme, histidine decarboxylase (HDC), and histamine degrading enzymes, histamine N‐methyltransferase (HMT) and histaminase (diamine oxidase, DAO) in human nasal mucosa and the histamine content of the mucosa. In this study, we demonstrate the influences of the toluene diisocyanate (TDI) treatment on the histamine content and these enzyme activities in guinea‐pigs as an animal model of respiratory hypersensitivity. Application of TDI to the nasal vestibuli induced intense nasal allergy‐like and mild asthma‐like responses in TDI‐sensitized guinea pigs. Increases in the histamine content and HDC and HMT activities were observed in the nasal mueosa and lung of TDI‐sensitized guinea pigs. No apparent changes in the histaminase activities were observed in either the nasal mucosa or the lung. These data suggest that the turnover rate of histamine is increased in the nasal mucosa and the lung of guinea pigs with respiratory hypersensitivity.
The use ofdomestic steam cleaning for the control of house dust mites
Authors: COLLOFF M. J. , TAYLOR C. , MERRETT T. G. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryBackground
Control of dust mites using extremes of temperature is un alternative to the use of acaricides. In ihe past we have attempted control by freezing with liquiid nitrogen. The present paper deals with the opposite exlrcnic, the use of steam.Objective
To assess the feasibility inid effectiveness of a domestic steam cleaner for the control of dust mites. its effect on mite populations and concentrations of the allergen Der p I.Methods
A domestic steam cleaner was used to treat earpet squares that had been seeded in the laboratory with known numbers of dust mites (Dermatophagoides pterpmussomis). The number of live mites was monitored for a period of 4 months in eight treated earpet squares and eight controls. Dust samples were taken from 12 standardized areas of carpet in a tenement flat in Glasgow, UK., before and after steam cleaning treatmet. and the concentration of allergen Der p 1 was compared with 12 adjacent. control areas.Results
No live mites were found at any time in the treated carpet squares, whereas in the control squares geometric mean mite population density rose frotn 11 after 3 days to 39 after 1 month, 66 after 2.122 after 3 and 185 after 4 months. There was a mean reduetion of 8.7% in Der p I concentration (3.3‐0.44 μg/g) compared with a reduction of 4.7% (2.22‐2.l16μg/g) in control areas, a difference that was statistically significant at the 5% level.Conclusion
These data indicate that steam cleaning has considerable potential as an highly effective and efficient method of killing dust mites and reducing concentrations of Der p 1 in domestic premises.
Eosinophil cationic protein(ECP) and eosinophil protein X (EXP) concentrations in serum and bronchial lavage fluid in asthma. effect of prednisolone treatment.
Authors: Robinson D. S. , Assoufi B. , Durham S. R. , Kay A. B. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryBackground
Eoswinophil granule proteins may contribute to hyperresponsiveness in asthma.Objective
To measure eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and eosinophil protein X (EPX) in sereum and bronchial lavage fluid from 20 asthmatics and 16 control subjects. To asses the effect on these eosinophil proteins of corticosteroid treatment of asthma. To determine ehether serum ECP and EPX measured weekly in a longitudina study for 10 weeks reflected changes in lung function.Methods
Eosinophil granule proteins were measured by radiommunoassy of bronchial wash (BW), bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) serum.Results
Eosinophils were elevated in BAL(P<0.01), BW (P<0.01) and blood (P<0.01) from asthmatic compared with control subjects. Eosinophil cationic protein concentration was significantly elevated in BAL (P<0.05) and BW from asthmatics (P<0.01) and EPX was increased in BAL (P<0.05)and BW (P<0.01). These changes were also reflected in elevated serum ECP(P<0.01) and EPX (P<0.01)concentrations is asthmatic subjects. There was no significant difference between sujects receiving prednisolone and the placebo group, but there was a fall in ECP in BW (P<0.05) and serum (P<0.01) and in EPX in BW (P<0.01) and serum (P<0.01) within the group receiving prednisolone. In the longitudinal study there was only significant difference between ECP values associated with highest and lowest peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) (P<0.05).Conclusion
These data confirm a role for cosinophil activation in the airway in asthma pathogenesis, and add some support to the hypothesis that corticosteroids may inhibit cosinophil activation in asthma.
Stress induces substance P in vagal sensory neurons innervating the mouse airways
Authors: Joachim R. A. , Cifuentes L. B. , Sagach V. , Quarcoo D. , Hagen E. , Arck P. C. , Fischer A. , Klapp B. F. , Dinh Q. T. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryBackground
Tachykinins‐like substance P (SP) have been shown to play an important role in initiating and perpetuating airway inflammation. Furthermore, they are supposed to be released into tissues in response to stress.Objective
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of stress alone or in combination with allergic airway inflammation on SP expression in sensory neurons innervating the mouse airways.Methods
Balb/c mice were systemically sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA), followed by allergen aerosol exposure, and compared with non‐sensitized controls. Additionally, OVA‐sensitized and ‐challenged and non‐sensitized mice were exposed to sound stress. SP expression in airway‐specific and overall vagal sensory neurons of the jugular and nodose ganglion complex was analysed using retrograde neuronal tracing in combination with immunohistochemistry. Preprotachykinin A (PPT‐A) mRNA, the precursor for SP, was quantified in lung tissue by real‐time PCR. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was obtained, and cell numbers and differentiation were determined.Results
Stress and/or allergic airway inflammation significantly increased SP expression in retrograde‐labelled vagal sensory neurons from the mouse lower airways compared with controls [stress: 15.7±0.8% (% of retrograde‐labelled neurons, mean±SEM); allergen: 17.9±0.4%; allergen/stress: 13.1±0.7% vs. controls: 6.3±0.3%]. Similarly, SP expression increased in overall vagal sensory neurons identified by the neuronal marker protein gene product (PGP) 9.5 [stress: 9.3±0.6% (% of PGP 9.5‐positive neurons, means±SEM); allergen: 12.5±0.4%; allergen/stress: 10.2±0.4% vs. controls: 5.1±0.3%]. Furthermore, stress significantly increased PPT‐A mRNA expression in lung tissue from OVA‐sensitized and ‐challenged animals, and immune cells were identified as an additional source of SP in the lung by immunohistochemistry. Associated with enhanced neuronal SP expression, a significantly higher number of leucocytes were found in the BAL following allergen exposure. Further, stress significantly increased allergen‐induced airway inflammation identified by increased leucocyte numbers in BAL fluids.Conclusion
The central event of sound stress leads to the stimulation of SP expression in airway‐specific neurons. However, in sensitized stressed mice an additional local source of SP (probably inflammatory cells) might enhance allergic airway inflammation.
Mouse allergen‐specific immunoglobulin G4 and risk of mouse skin test sensitivity
Authors: Matsui E. C. , Diette G. B. , Krop E. J. M. , Aalberse R. C. , Smith A. L. , Eggleston P. A. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryBackground
High serum levels of cat‐specific IgG and IgG4 are associated with protection against allergic sensitization to cat, but whether this association applies to other animal allergens remains unclear.Objective
To determine if high levels of mouse‐specific IgG and IgG4 are associated with a decreased risk of mouse skin test sensitivity.Methods
Two hundred and sixty workers of a mouse facility underwent skin prick testing and completed a questionnaire. Serum levels of mouse‐specific IgG and IgG4 were quantified by solid‐phase antigen binding assays. Room air samples were collected and airborne Mus m 1 was quantified by ELISA.Results
Forty‐nine participants had a positive skin prick test to mouse. Mouse‐specific IgG was detected in 219 (84%) participants and IgG4 was detected in 72 (28%) participants. A detectable mouse‐specific IgG4 level was associated with an increased risk of mouse skin test sensitivity (odds ratios (OR) 6.4, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 3.3–12.4). Mouse‐specific IgG and IgG4 were both positively correlated with mouse allergen exposure (rs=0.31, P=0.0001, and rs=0.27, P=0.0006, respectively). The odds of skin test sensitivity peaked at moderate levels of IgG4, but decreased at the highest levels of mouse‐specific IgG4. In contrast, the odds of skin test sensitivity increased monotonically with IgG levels.Conclusions
A detectable level of mouse‐specific IgG4 is associated with an increased risk of skin test sensitivity to mouse. However, the highest IgG4 levels appear to be associated with an attenuated risk of mouse skin test sensitivity, suggesting that induction of high levels of IgG4 through natural exposure may protect against the development of allergic sensitization.
Application of new homologous in vitro bioassays for human lactogens to assess the actual bioactivity of human prolactin isoforms in hyperprolactinaemic patients
Authors: Leaños‐Miranda Alfredo , Cárdenas‐Mondragón Guadalupe , Rivera‐Leaños Roxana , Ulloa‐Aguirre Alfredo , Goffin Vincent 
Published: July 2006

SummaryBackground   Prolactin (PRL) plays a central role in mammary gland development and lactation. Due to its molecular heterogeneity, measurement of PRL immunoreactivity does not necessarily reflect its intrinsic bioactivity. For many years the Nb2 rat lymphoma cell bioassay has been the only reference bioassay for human lactogens. This bioassay, however, does not always correlate with the clinical features found in some patients exhibiting normal or elevated immunoreactive serum PRL concentrations.Objectives   (1) To determine the concentrations of bioactive PRL in serum samples from individuals with normoprolactinaemia or with different forms of hyperprolactinaemia using two recently described homologous in vitro bioassays (i.e. a transcriptional bioassay in HEK‐293 cells and a proliferation assay in Ba/F3 cells); and (2) to compare these results with those generated by the classical Nb2 cell bioassay.Design   Cross‐sectional study.Setting   An institutional biomedical research laboratory.Participants   Ten patients with symptomatic hyperprolactinaemia due to prolactinoma, 11 patients with asymptomatic hyperprolactinaemia and macroprolactinaemia, and nine normal women.Main outcome measures   Measurement of immunoreactive and bioactive concentrations of serum PRL.Results   Samples from normal women and patients with tumoral hyperprolactinaemia due to prolactinoma exhibited similar within‐group concentration values of bioactive and immunoreactive serum PRL when tested by the three bioassays and the immunoradiometric assay employed. By contrast, measurement of bioactive PRL in samples from patients with macroprolactinaemia revealed that macroprolactin was poorly active in the homologous receptor bioassays, while it was more active in the Nb2 bioassay.Conclusions   The reduced bioactivity of PRL in patients with macroprolactinaemia may further explain the absence of clinical features of hyperprolactinaemia in these individuals. In addition, our findings indicate that species‐specificity and sensitivity of the bioassays are determinant factors in the measurement of the intrinsic biological activity of circulating PRL.
The role of chromogranin A in the management of patients with phaeochromocytoma
Authors: Grossrubatscher Erika , Dalino Paolo , Vignati Federico , Gambacorta Marcello , Pugliese Raffaele , Boniardi Marco , Rossetti Ornella , Marocchi Alessandro , Bertuzzi Michaela , Loli Paola 
Published: July 2006

SummaryObjective  Chromogranin A (CgA) is the most accurate general marker of neuroendocrine tumours. Supranormal CgA concentrations have been recorded in patients with tumours of neuroectodermal origin such as phaeochromocytoma and paraganglioma.Design  The present study was performed to assess the role of CgA determination in the management of patients with phaeochromocytoma, in comparison with urinary catecholamines and their metabolites.Patients  The patients studied included 22 cases with phaeochromocytoma at initial presentation or at relapse some years after surgical cure or during follow‐up of a malignant phaeochromocytoma. Seventeen patients were evaluated before and after surgical removal of phaeochromocytoma. To assess the specificity of the hormonal parameters, 20 subjects were enrolled as controls; they were from a group of patients referred to our observation for possible phaeochromocytoma and who were subsequently proven not to have the disease.Results  Urinary epinephrine and norepinephrine were supranormal in 82% and 77% of patients, respectively. Urinary metanephrines and normetanephrines were supranormal in 84% and 89% of patients, respectively. The combination of urinary metanephrine and normetanephrine had a sensitivity of 100% in identifying a phaeochromocytoma. CgA was supranormal in 91% of patients. Combining the results of CgA and urinary catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine), the sensitivity for diagnosis of phaeochromocytoma was 100%. Urinary catecholamines, metabolites (metanephrine and normetanephrine) and CgA levels in patients with malignant phaeochromocytoma did not differ significantly from those of patients with benign lesions. In most cases, CgA normalized after surgery.Conclusions  Our results indicate that CgA is a good marker of phaeochromocytoma; measurement of CgA could have a role in the follow‐up of patients operated on for phaeochromocytoma.
Insulin resistance, endocrine function and adipokines in type 2 diabetes patients at different glycaemic levels: potential impact for glucotoxicity in vivo
Authors: Lindmark S. , Burén J. , Eriksson J. W. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractObjective  To evaluate the interplay between hyperglycaemia, insulin resistance, hormones and adipokines in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Design and methods  Ten patients with T2DM with good glycaemic control (G), 10 with poor control (P) and 10 nondiabetic control subjects (C) were matched for sex (M/F 6/4), age and body mass index. A hyperinsulinaemic, euglycaemic clamp was performed and cytokines and endocrine functions, including cortisol axis activity were assessed.Results  Patients with diabetes were more insulin resistant than group C, and group P exhibited the highest degree of insulin resistance (P = 0·01, P vs C). Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐alpha levels were elevated in patients with diabetes (P = 0·05) and group P had the highest levels of fasting serum cortisol (P = 0·05), nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA; P = 0·06) and C‐reactive protein (CRP; P = 0·01). Adiponectin levels were lower in the P group. In partial correlation analyses, significant associations were found: glycaemic level (HbA1c) with insulin resistance, TNF‐alpha, CRP and basal and ACTH‐stimulated cortisol levels, insulin resistance with plasma NEFA, TNF‐alpha and stimulated cortisol levels.Conclusion  Poor glycaemic control in patients with T2DM was associated with insulin resistance and with elevated TNF‐alpha, CRP and basal as well as stimulated cortisol levels. Inflammatory mediators, e.g. TNF‐alpha, may contribute to insulin resistance in hyperglycaemic patients with T2DM and this might be a partial explanation for glucotoxicity.
Early activation of the inhibin B/FSH axis in obese Tanner stage G1PH1 boys
Authors: Fu Jun‐fen , Dong Guan‐ping , Liang Li , Jiang You‐Jun , Chen Li‐qing , Dayan Colin 
Published: July 2006

SummaryObjective  To determine whether early activation of the inhibin B/FSH axis is detectable in prepubertal obese boys.Methods  Thirty‐five simple obese Tanner stage G1PH1 boys with body mass index over 25 aged 8–11 years old and 25 age‐matched nonobese healthy prepubertal boys (G1PH1) were clinically examined and testicular size measured by ultrasound. Serum inhibin B, testosterone, LH, FSH, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHEA sulfate (DHEAS) and bone age were measured. GnRH‐stimulating tests were performed in the obese children and the relationships between inhibin B and bone age, testicular volume, DHEA, DHEAS, and stimulated peak LH, FSH and testosterone were analysed.Results  The majority of basal LH and testosterone levels were undetectable in both groups of G1PH1 children and no difference was apparent between the groups. However, testicular volume (left 1·21 ml vs 0·83 ml, right 1·15 ml vs 0·81 ml), bone age, DHEA and DHEAS levels were significantly higher in obese children. Inhibin B was detectable in all children. Basal levels were significantly higher in obese children (103·3 ng/l vs 60·95 ng/l, P < 0·001) and correlated with testicular volume (left: rs = 0·655, right: rs = 0·638, P < 0·001) and bone age (rs = 0·554, P < 0·05). Basal FSH levels did not correlate with inhibin B. However, after GnRH stimulation, a clear negative correlation between peak FSH and basal inhibin B was apparent (rs = −0·583, P < 0·001) consistent with early activation of the inhibin B/FSH axis.Conclusions  Activation of the inhibin B/FSH axis is apparent in obese Tanner stage G1PH1 boys and appears to represent an early hormonal change of puberty in these individuals.
Growth hormone secretion is impaired in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Morselli L. L. , Bongioanni P. , Genovesi M. , Licitra R. , Rossi B. , Murri L. , Rossi G. , Martino E. , Gasperi M. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryObjective   ALS is the most common motor neurone disorder in human adults. Scanty data on endocrine abnormalities have been reported. The aim of the present study was to investigate the GH‐IGF‐I axis in ALS patients.Patients   Twenty‐two ALS patients (12 men, 10 women), mean age 61 years, and 25 normal age‐ and sex‐matched subjects. No patient was under riluzole therapy.Measurements  Patients and controls underwent a GHRH plus arginine test. IGF‐I was determined at baseline. A complete evaluation of pituitary function was also performed.Results   Mean (± SD) basal GH levels were significantly reduced compared with normal controls (0·2 ± 0·3 vs 1·6 ± 1·8 ng/ml, P < 0·01), as well as peak GH concentrations after GHRH + arginine administration (12·6 ± 8·9 vs 39·9 ± 18·7 ng/ml, P < 0·001). Six (27%) patients showed a normal GH response to stimulus; 7 (32%) patients displayed a moderate GH deficiency; in 9 (40%) patients GH response was markedly deficient. IGF‐I levels were normal in the majority of patients (mean ± SD: 143·6 ± 63·8 ng/ml). No significant correlation was observed between peak GH concentrations and age, BMI, disease duration, severity or clinical form. A higher incidence of GH deficiency was observed in male compared to female patients (83%vs 60%), with a peak GH response in males significantly lower than in females (8·9 ± 6·6 vs 17 ± 9·6 ng/ml, P = 0·03). Eighteen patients repeated the test after 5 months and similar results were obtained.Conclusions   The present data indicate a reduction of GH secretion in ALS patients.