bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Most of diaplacentally transferred allergen is retained in the placenta
Authors: Szépfalusi Z. , Loibichler C. , Hänel‐Dekan S. , Dehlink E. , Gerstmayr M. , Pichler J. , Eiwegger T. , Horvat R. , Urbanek R. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryBackground
Transplacental transfer of nutritive and inhalant allergens has been described being potentially responsible for a series of events leading to antigen‐specific immune responses in the fetus. As such, cord blood T cell responses appear ubiquitously. However, studies failed to reveal a consistent dose–response relationship between antenatal allergen exposure and allergen‐specific cellular reactivity in cord blood.Objective
To examine the transfer process of allergens (ovalbumin (OVA), β‐lactoglobulin (BLG), birch pollen allergen Bet v1) in placental tissue (BeWo cell line, ex vivo placenta model).Methods
The choriocarcinoma cell line BeWo was used to study the allergen uptake and transfer experiments in vitro. In the ex vivo placenta model the contribution of different placental compartments was evaluated. For this, immuno‐histochemistry, immuno‐electronmicroscopy and ELISA techniques were applied using monoclonal antibodies to Bet v1, OVA and ‐BLG.Results
In vitro transfer studies on a BeWo cell‐layer revealed an intracellular allergen uptake and a trans‐trophoblastic allergen transfer, which was temperature‐ and concentration dependent, pH sensitive and asymmetric. Allergen‐specific staining of placental tissue after allergen perfusion (BLG) demonstrated bulk of the allergen in the syncytio‐trophoblastic cell layer and minor staining in the villous stroma and in the endothelium of fetal vessels. Immunogold staining revealed an accumulation of the perfused allergen in the trophoblastic basement membrane.Conclusion
In vitro/ex vivo trans‐trophoblastic and trans‐placental allergen transfer is shown with an accumulation of most of the allergen in placental tissues, potentially explaining the missing direct dose–response relationship between prenatal (maternal) allergen exposure and allergen‐specific cellular reactivity in cord blood.
Expression of T cell receptor variable region families by bone marrowγδT cells in patients with IgA nephropathy
Authors: BUCK K S , FOSTER E M , WATSON D , BARRATT J , PAWLUCZYK I Z A , KNIGHT J F , FEEHALLY J , ALLEN A C 
Published: September 2006

SUMMARYIgA nephropathy (IgAN) is characterized by mesangial deposition of polymeric IgA (pIgA). Abnormalities of the IgA system include reduced mucosal and increased bone marrow (BM) pIgA production. γδ T cells are regulators of mucosal IgA production and oral tolerance. We have described previously a deficiency of γδ T cells expressing Vγ3 and Vδ3 from the duodenal mucosa in IgAN. Since pIgA production is displaced to the BM, we have now studied BM γδ T cells in IgAN.Peripheral blood and BM aspirates were obtained from 14 patients with IgAN and 15 controls. Expression of TCR γ and δ V region families was analysed by semiquantitative RT-PCR, and CDR3 spectratyping of Vγ1–4 and Vδ3 genes was performed. We found no difference between IgAN and controls in the V region usage of blood γδ T cells. However, in the BM of patients with IgAN, there was significantly reduced expression of the V region families Vγ3 and Vδ3, with the decrease in Vδ3 being particularly striking. CDR3 spectratyping showed no abnormalities in blood or BM samples. Vγ3 and Vδ3 are underexpressed in the duodenum and the BM in IgAN. The combination of imbalanced mucosal and systemic pIgA production with deficient expression of γδ T cells using Vγ3 and Vδ3 in both sites may imply a role for these γδ T cells in the normal regulation of IgA immune responses, and in the complex immunopathogenesis of IgAN.
Detection of BRAFV600E mutation on fine needle aspiration specimens of thyroid nodule refines cyto‐pathology diagnosis, especially in BRAFV600E mutation‐prevalent area
Authors: Chung Ki‐wook , Yang Sun Kyung , Lee Geon Kook , Kim Eun Young , Kwon Soim , Lee Sang Hyun , Park Do Joon , Lee Hyun Sook , Cho Bo Youn , Lee Eun Sook , Kim Sun Wook 
Published: September 2006

SummaryBackground  Between 10 and 30% of the fine needle aspiration biopsies (FNABs) of thyroid nodules are diagnosed as ‘indeterminate’. A molecular diagnostic method is needed to reduce unnecessary surgery in this group. In Korea, most thyroid cancer is the classic papillary type and the BRAFV600E mutation is highly prevalent.Aim  To evaluate the role of pre‐operative detection of BRAFV600E mutation in the FNAB specimens of thyroid nodules in a BRAFV600E mutation‐prevalent geographical area.Patients and methods  In 137 specimens of FNAB (107 papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC); 3 follicular thyroid carcinomas (FTC); 2 undifferentiated thyroid carcinomas; 25 benign lesions), both direct DNA sequencing and PCR‐RFLP were used for detecting the BRAFV600E mutation. The sensitivity and specificity were calculated. We analysed the association between BRAFV600E mutation and the clinico‐pathological parameters.Results  The BRAFV600E mutation was present in 93 (83%) of 112 thyroid cancers. Direct DNA sequencing showed a sensitivity of 83·0% and a specificity of 96·0%. The sensitivity and specificity of PCR‐RFLP were 78·6% and 80·0%, respectively. Among 25 cases with indeterminate FNAB cytology, 8 patients had malignant lesions (5 PTC and 3 FTC). Three (60%) of 5 PTCs and 1 out of 17 benign lesions had BRAFV600E mutation (only one false positive case and the definitive pathology showed atypical nodular hyperplasia that could be a premalignant lesion). The diagnostic accuracy of this molecular method in only the 25 indeterminate nodules was 76% (19/25). No mutation was found in 3 FTCs. Among 107 PTCs, there was no significant association of the BRAFV600E mutation with the known risk factors.Conclusion  Detection of the BRAFV600E mutation in FNAB specimens refines the FNAB‐cytology diagnosis, especially in a BRAFV600E mutation‐prevalent area. Direct DNA sequencing was a more reliable method than PCR‐RFLP for detecting the BRAFV600E mutation with a high sensitivity and specificity.
Glucose tolerance and lipid profile in longterm exogenous subclinical hyperthyroidism and the effects of restoration of euthyroidism, a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Heemstra K. A. , Smit J. W. A. , Eustatia‐Rutten C. F. A. , Heijboer A. C. , Frölich M. , Romijn J. A. , Corssmit E. P. M. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryObjective  The impact of prolonged subclinical hyperthyroidism on glucose and lipid metabolism is unclear. Therefore, we evaluated glucose and lipid metabolism in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) on TSH suppressive thyroxine therapy as a model for subclinical hyperthyroidism and investigated whether restoration to euthyroidism affects metabolism.Design  We performed a prospective, single‐blinded, placebo‐controlled, randomised trial of 6 months duration with 2 parallel groups.Patients  Twenty‐five subjects with a history of differentiated thyroid carcinoma with > 10 years TSH‐suppressive therapy with l‐thyroxine completed the study. l‐thyroxine dose was replaced by study medication containing l‐thyroxine or l‐thyroxine plus placebo. Medication was titrated to establish continuation of TSH suppression (low‐TSH group, 13 patients) and euthyroidism (euthyroidism group, 12 patients).Measurements  We evaluated glucose metabolism by glucose tolerance test and HOMA (IR) and lipid metabolism by lipid profile. In addition, we measured plasma concentrations of glucoregulatory hormones.Results  At baseline, glucose tolerance, HOMA (IR), lipid profile and plasma concentrations of glucoregulatory hormones were within the normal range. No significant differences between the low TSH and euthyroidism group were observed. After 6 months, neither glucose nor lipid metabolism in the low TSH group were different from baseline values.Conclusion In summary, glucose and lipid metabolism in patients with DTC and long‐term subclinical hyperthyroidism in general are not affected. Restoration of euthyroidism in general does not affect glucose and lipid metabolism.
Abnormal expression of PPAR gamma isoforms in the subcutaneous adipose tissue of patients with Cushing's disease
Authors: Bogazzi Fausto , Ultimieri Federica , Raggi Francesco , Russo Dania , Manetti Luca , Cosci Chiara , Sardella Chiara , Costa Aurelio , Santini Ferruccio , Locci Teresa , Bartalena Luigi , Martino Enio 
Published: September 2006

SummaryBackground  Obesity is a clinical feature of patients with Cushing's disease. Peroxisome proliferators‐activated receptor (PPAR)γ is the master regulator of adipogenesis; however, the expression of PPARγ isoforms in the subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) of patients with Cushing's disease is unknown.Aim and methods  The expression of PPARγ1 and PPARγ2 was evaluated by real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and immunofluorescence (PPARγ2 only) in SAT samples of 7 patients with untreated active Cushing's disease (CushingUNTR), 8 with Cushing's disease in remission (CushingREM) after pituitary adenomectomy, 15 normal lean subjects (ControlLEAN), and 15 obese patients (ControlOBE).Results  ControlLEAN had a higher degree of PPARγ1 than PPARγ2 (PPARγ2/PPARγ1 ratio, 0·55 ± 0·35). PPARγ2/PPARγ1 ratio decreased in CushingUNTR (0·10 ± 0·043, P < 0·03 vs. ControlLEAN and ControlOBE), because of either increased PPARγ1 or reduced PPARγ2 expression. PPARγ2/PPARγ1 ratio was 0·48 ± 0·07 in CushingREM patients (P < 0·04 vs. CushingUNTR, P < 0·03 vs. ControlOBE). PPARγ2/PPARγ1 ratio was higher in ControlOBE 0·90 ± 0·38 than in ControlLEAN (P < 0·005 vs. ControlLEAN, P < 0·03 vs. CushingREM, P < 0·009 vs. CushingUNTR). PPARγ2/PPARγ1 ratio was related to serum cortisol levels only in patients with Cushing'disease (r = 0·688, P < 0·02).Conclusions  CushingUNTR patients had an abnormal expression of PPARγ isoforms in SAT related to serum cortisol levels. Although further studies are necessary, it is conceivable that variations in the expression of PPARγ isoforms might have a role in the abnormal adipogenesis of patients with Cushing's disease.
Modulation of growth hormone action by sex steroids
Authors: Meinhardt Udo J. , Ho Ken K. Y. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryGrowth hormone (GH) is a major regulator of growth, somatic development and body composition. Sex steroids can act centrally by regulating GH secretion and peripherally modulating GH responsiveness. This review addresses data of potential clinical relevance on how sex steroids modulate GH secretion and action, aiming to increase the understanding of sex steroid/GH interactions and leading to improved management of patients. Sex steroids regulate GH secretion directly as well as indirectly through IGF‐I modulation. Testosterone stimulates GH secretion centrally, an effect dependent on prior aromatization to oestrogen. Oestrogen stimulates GH secretion indirectly by reducing IGF‐I feedback inhibition. Whether oestrogen stimulates GH secretion centrally in females is unresolved. Gonadal steroids modify the metabolic effects of GH. Testosterone amplifies GH stimulation of IGF‐I, sodium retention, substrate metabolism and protein anabolism while exhibiting similar but independent actions of its own. Oestrogen attenuates GH action by inhibiting GH‐regulated endocrine function of the liver. This is a concentration‐dependent phenomenon that arises invariably from oral administration of therapeutic doses of oestrogen, an effect that can be avoided by using a parenteral route. This strong modulatory effect of gonadal steroids on GH responsiveness provides insights into the biological basis of sexual dimorphism in growth, development and body composition and practical information for the clinical endocrinologist. It calls for an appraisal of the diagnostic criteria for GH deficiency of GH stimulation tests, which currently are based on arbitrary cut‐offs that do not take into account the shifting baseline from the changing gonadal steroid milieu. In the management of GH deficiency in the hypopituitary female, oestrogen should be administered by a nonoral route. In hypopituitary men, androgens should be replaced concurrently to maximize the benefits of GH. In the general population, the metabolic consequences of long‐term treatment of women with oral oestrogen compounds, including selective oestrogen receptor modulators, are largely unknown and warrant study.
The rice SPINDLY gene functions as a negative regulator of gibberellin signaling by controlling the suppressive function of the DELLA protein, SLR1, and modulating brassinosteroid synthesis
Authors: Shimada Asako , Ueguchi‐Tanaka Miyako , Sakamoto Tomoaki , Fujioka Shozo , Takatsuto Suguru , Yoshida Shigeo , Sazuka Takashi , Ashikari Motoyuki , Matsuoka Makoto 
Published: September 2006

Summary SPINDLY (SPY) encodes an O‐linked N‐acetylglucosamine transferase that is considered to be a negative regulator of gibberellin (GA) signaling through an unknown mechanism. To understand the function of SPY in GA signaling in rice, we isolated a rice SPINDLY homolog (OsSPY) and produced knockdown transgenic plants in which OsSPY expression was reduced by introducing its antisense or RNAi construct. In knockdown plants, the enhanced elongation of lower internodes was correlated with decreased levels of OsSPY expression, similar to the spindly phenotype of Arabidopsis spy mutants, suggesting that OsSPY also functions as a negative factor in GA signaling in rice. The suppressive function of OsSPY in GA signaling was supported by the findings that the dwarfism was partially rescued and OsGA20ox2 (GA20 oxidase) expression was reduced in GA‐deficient and GA‐insensitive mutants by the knockdown of OsSPY function. The suppression of OsSPY function in a GA‐insensitive mutant, gid2, also caused an increase in the phosphorylation of a rice DELLA protein, SLR1, but did not change the amount of SLR1. This indicates that the function of OsSPY in GA signaling is not via changes in the amount or stability of SLR1, but probably involves control of the suppressive function of SLR1. In addition to the GA‐related phenotypes, OsSPY antisense and RNAi plants showed increased lamina joint bending, which is a brassinosteroid‐related phenotype, indicating that OsSPY may play roles both in GA signaling and in the brassinosteroid pathway.
Isolation ofMicrosporum canisfrom the hair coat of pet dogs and cats belonging to owners diagnosed withM. canistinea corporis
Authors: Cafarchia Claudia , Romito Diana , Capelli Gioia , Guillot Jacques , Otranto Domenico 
Published: September 2006

AbstractMicrosporum canishas been frequently isolated from human cases of tinea capitis and tinea corporis. The infection may be acquired from infected animals with cutaneous lesions but also from asymptomatic carriers or from the environment. As asymptomaticM. caniscarriers are considered to be a critical factor in the epidemiology of dermatophytosis in humans, this study investigated the relationship between the presence of dermatophytes on the hair coats of dogs and cats without cutaneous lesions and the occurrence of the disease in their respective owners. A total of 136 dogs and 248 cats were sampled from January 1999 to January 2005. Seventy‐eight animals (22 dogs and 56 cats) belonged to individuals affected by tinea corporis caused byM. canisand 306 (114 dogs and 192 cats) to individuals without dermatophytosis. Age, sex, breed, habitat and season were recorded for each animal and examined as potential risk factors. Dermatophytes were isolated from 20.5% of the dogs and 28.2% of the cats.Microsporum caniswas isolated from 36.4% of dogs cohabiting with owners diagnosed with tinea corporis but it was never isolated from dogs whose owners had no lesions. By contrast,M. caniswas isolated from 53.6% of cats cohabiting with owners diagnosed with tinea corporis and from 14.6% of cats whose owners had no signs of the disease. These results clearly indicate that both cats and dogs should be considered as a major source of pathogenic dermatophytes for humans even when they do not present clinical signs of dermatophytosis.
Rapid detection of Arthroderma vanbreuseghemii in rabbit skin specimens by PCR–RFLP
Authors: Arabatzis Michael , Xylouri Eftihia , Frangiadaki Irene , Tzimogianni Aleka , Milioni Afroditi , Arsenis George , Velegraki Aristea 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThree commercial rabbit farms independently reported suspected dermatophyte infections during 2004. Cultures confirmed that the infection was caused by the zoophilic Tricophyton mentagrophytes, while mating studies and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS)1/4 polymerase chain reaction products, directly amplified from skin lesions and from pure culture isolates, established its Arthroderma vanbreuseghemii lineage. Subsequently, the corresponding DdeI restriction profiles of the ITS1/4 PCR products matched one of the two published T. mentagrophytes complex profiles. Sequence analysis of the published ITS sequences predicted distinct DdeI restriction sites for Arthroderma benhamiae and A. vanbreuseghemii, while all DdeI‐generated restriction fragment length polymorphisms of the rabbit isolates were identical to those of A. vanbreuseghemii. The proposed procedure can be used for rapid dermatophyte detection and presumptive T. mentagrophytes identification.
Screening ofStaphylococcus aureus,Staphylococcus intermedius, andStaphylococcus schleiferiisolates obtained from small companion animals for antimicrobial resistance: a retrospective review of 749 isolates (2003–04)
Authors: Morris Daniel O. , Rook Kathryn A. , Shofer Frances S. , Rankin Shelley C. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractCompanion animal staphylococcal isolate antibiograms were screened retrospectively to determine the frequency of methicillin‐resistant (MR) infection byStaphylococcus aureus,Staphylococcus intermedius, andStaphylococcus schleiferi. Rates of MR were:S. aureus35%,S. intermedius17%, andS. schleiferi40%. Frequency of isolation of methicillin‐resistantS. aureus(MRSA) from dogs and cats was similar, whereas methicillin‐resistantS. intermedius(MRSI) and methicillin‐resistantS. schleiferi(MRSS) were significantly more common in dogs. MRSS was more commonly associated with superficial (skin and ear canal) infections, whereas MRSA was more commonly associated with deep infections. The MR strain resistance pattern to other classes of antibiotics was also investigated. MRSA was resistant to the most classes of antibiotics, followed by MRSI, while MRSS maintained the most favourable susceptibility profile. MR staphylococci may pose a significant risk to animal and public health. Therefore, to avoid selecting for resistant strains in cases of suspected staphylococcal infection, clinicians should consider culture and susceptibility testing early in the course of treatment.
Objective measurement of pruritus in dogs: a preliminary study using activity monitors
Authors: Nuttall Tim , McEwan Neil 
Published: September 2006

SummaryPruritus is an important clinical sign and quality‐of‐life measure in canine dermatology, but can be difficult to assess objectively. Several studies in humans have used activity monitors to measure nocturnal scratching in patients with atopic dermatitis. The results correlate with observation of scratching, scoring in atopic dermatitis indices and levels of inflammatory chemokines. The aim of this study was to examine whether an activity monitor could be used to detect elevated interexercise (i.e. ‘resting’) activity in atopic dogs compared to healthy dogs. Five healthy dogs and six dogs with atopic dermatitis were fitted with a collar‐mounted activity monitor (Actiwatch®) that recorded the piezo‐electric voltage generated over 15‐s epochs for 7 days. Data from defined periods of exercise, playing, etc., were disregarded. Within each group, median (± interquartile range) epoch activity was similar during the day (atopic 21.0 [9.8–24.8]; healthy 5.1 [4.6–6.0]) and evening (atopic 19.1 [10.9–25.2]; healthy 5.8 [5.3–11.7]), and significantly lower overnight (atopic 5.8 [4.1–15.7]; healthy 2.5 [1.6–4.4]) (Mann–Whitney test; P < 0.05). The mean epoch activity, however, was significantly higher in atopic dogs compared to healthy dogs for all three time periods (P < 0.05). This study provides preliminary evidence that activity monitors could objectively assess canine pruritus in the normal home environment.
Information in mental health: qualitative study of mental health service users
Authors: Powell John , Clarke Aileen 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackground  Despite the widespread proliferation of consumer health information provision, little is known about information needs or information‐seeking behaviour in mental health. A qualitative study was therefore undertaken to explore these issues for mental health service users.Design  In‐depth interview study with purposive sample of 36 men and women with experience of mental health problems.Results  Four main themes were identified. A general lack of information was equated with a lack of respect. People undertook their own research into their condition, and recognized the challenge to professionals. Stigma was widespread and inhibited information seeking. There was a desire for an explanation of mental health problems in physical terms. People particularly valued hearing other people's experience of mental health problems, for reasons of universality, instillation of hope, and understanding and empathy.Conclusions  The findings provide support for a more equal partnership between patients and professionals. Information providers and health practitioners should take account of the value of other people's experience as an information source.
Exploring health‐related experiences of children and young people with congenital heart disease
Authors: Birks Yvonne , Sloper Patricia , Lewin Robert , Parsons Jonathan 
Published: September 2006

AbstractObjective  To determine the health‐related experiences of children with congenital heart disease.Design  Qualitative, semi‐structured interviews.Participants  A purposive sample (N = 35) of children and young people, aged between 8 and 19 years, with a variety of congenital heart conditions recruited from one treatment care centre in the north of England.Results  The main themes identified included: physical limitations of their condition; restrictions; attitudes of others; choices about information; coping with life and privacy.Conclusions  This study suggests that while many of this sample of children said that they coped well with their condition some children did experience significant impact on their quality of life in several domains. Children and young people identified a need for improved strategies to help them communicate about their condition with peers, schoolteachers and health‐care professionals to allow a better understanding of what they are able to achieve.