bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maternal reproductive and demographic characteristics as risk factors for hypospadias
Authors: Carmichael Suzan L. , Shaw Gary M. , Laurent Cecile , Olney Richard S. , Lammer Edward J. ,   The National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: April 2007

SummaryThis study examined the association of hypospadias risk with several maternal reproductive and demographic characteristics: age, parity, body mass index (BMI), nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP), multiple pregnancy, fertility treatments and procedures, education and race‐ethnicity. The study included data on deliveries with estimated due dates from October 1997 to December 2000 that were part of the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, a multi‐state case–control study of many birth defects. The analysis included 502 cases with second or third degree hypospadias (i.e. the urethra opened at the penile shaft, scrotum or perineum) and 1286 male, liveborn, non‐malformed controls. Risks were estimated from a multivariable logistic regression model that included all exposures of interest.Results indicated particularly elevated risks among births to women who were primiparae, aged ≥35 years and had a BMI of >26, compared with women who were multiparae, aged <30 years and had a BMI of ≤26 [adjusted OR 12.5, 95% CI 5.1, 30.8]. NVP at least once per day during the second or third month of pregnancy vs. no NVP was associated with slightly reduced risk [OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.6, 1.1]. Multiple birth, fertility treatments and college education were associated with increased risks, and Hispanic race‐ethnicity was associated with reduced risk. Although the potential contribution of underlying maternal endocrine parameters to the current findings are unknown, the results do provide clues regarding hypospadias aetiology that merit further investigation.
Maternal employment and breast‐feeding initiation: findings from the Millennium Cohort Study
Authors: Hawkins Summer S. , Griffiths Lucy J. , Dezateux Carol , Law Catherine ,   The Millennium Cohort Study Child Health Group
Published: April 2007

SummaryMaternal employment rates have increased rapidly in recent years and little is known about how this influences whether women start breast feeding. We examined data from the Millennium Cohort Study to determine whether a mother's employment status (full‐time, part‐time, self‐employed, on leave, not employed/student) and employment characteristics are related to breast‐feeding initiation. This analysis comprised 14 830 white mothers from Britain and Ireland (6917 employed) with singleton babies, born from 2000 to 2002. Information was obtained on infant feeding history and mother's employment when the cohort child was 9 months old.We found that women employed full‐time were less likely to initiate breast feeding than mothers who were not employed/students, after adjustment for confounding factors [adjusted rate ratio (aRR) = 0.92; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.89, 0.96]; however, there were no differences in breast‐feeding initiation between mothers employed part‐time, self‐employed, or on leave and mothers who were not employed/students. Among employed mothers, those who returned to work within 4 months postpartum were less likely to start breast feeding than women who returned at 5 or 6 months [aRR = 0.95; 95% CI 0.92, 0.99], and women who returned within the first 6 weeks were much less likely to start breast feeding [aRR = 0.85; 95% CI 0.77, 0.94]. Mothers returning for financial reasons were also less likely to initiate breast feeding [aRR = 0.96; 95% CI 0.93, 0.99] than those who returned for other reasons. Policies to increase breast feeding should address how both the time and circumstances of a mother's return to employment postpartum influence whether she decides to start breast feeding.
Does gravidity influence smoking behaviour in pregnancy? A comparison of multigravid and primigravid women
Authors: Morris Melanie , Maconochie Noreen , Doyle Pat 
Published: April 2007

SummaryThis study used the data from a retrospective cross‐sectional survey to describe the prevalence of smoking in pregnancy in a large UK sample, over more than 20 years of pregnancies. The main objective was to determine whether women in their second or subsequent pregnancy are more or less likely than primigravidae to change their smoking behaviour. The participants were 7506 ever‐pregnant women, from 7702 who answered the second stage of a survey of reproductive history in 2001–02, sent to 10 828 women, aged 18–55 years on the UK electoral register. These women gave detailed information on their last pregnancy. The main outcome measure was self‐reported cigarette consumption in the first trimester of pregnancy.Nineteen per cent (1417/7506) of women in this sample smoked in the first trimester of the reported pregnancy. The data showed that there had been a decrease over the last 20 years in smoking prevalence, but this trend was not statistically significant after adjustment for confounding (Ptrend = 0.07). There was evidence that multigravidae were more likely to smoke in their pregnancies than were primigravidae (adjusted OR = 1.24, [95% CI 1.01, 1.53]), with a highly significant trend with increasing pregnancy order (Ptrend < 0.0001). Over time, women who reported smoking before pregnancy (n = 1926), showed a decreasing trend in continuing to smoke the same amount after recognising their pregnancies (Ptrend < 0.0001). After adjustment, multigravid smokers were almost 75% more likely than primigravid smokers to continue to smoke with no change in consumption (adjusted OR = 1.74, [95% CI 1.32, 2.28]), with a clear trend found with increasing pregnancy order (Ptrend = 0.001). In this UK population‐based study, multigravidae were more likely to smoke in pregnancy than women pregnant for the first time. If already a smoker, they were much less likely to cut down their smoking once they found out they were pregnant, regardless of age. This suggests that a great deal of the burden of morbidity associated with smoking in pregnancy is in the multigravid group.
Early and late phase asthmatic response in lower airways of cat‐allergic asthmatic patients – a comparison between experimental and environmental allergen challenge
Authors: Arvidsson M. B. , Löwhagen O. , Rak S. 
Published: April 2007

Background:  Standardized experimental allergen challenges are usually adopted to investigate the effect of allergen exposure on the lower airways. Environmental (natural) allergen challenges are used less often, mainly because of difficulties in standardizing the method, safety reasons and costs. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between an experimental and an environmental bronchial challenge. For this reason a natural challenge model was developed.Methods:  Sixty‐two patients with a history of cat allergen‐induced symptoms involving the lower airways, positive skin prick test, positive in vitro specific IgE to cat allergen and bronchial hyper‐responsiveness were included. All 62 patients underwent an experimental challenge in the laboratory followed by an environmental allergen challenge.Results:  All 62 patients developed an early asthmatic response [≥20% fall in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)] in the experimental challenge and 60% (37/62) during the environmental challenge. A late asthmatic response (≥15% fall in FEV1 within 3–24 h) was seen in 56% (35/62) of the patients after the experimental challenge. Following the environmental challenge 47% (29/62) of the patients developed a late response. Thirty‐four per cent (21/62) of the patients developed a late response in both challenge models and 31% (19/62) did not develop a late response in any model. Thus, there was consistency in 65% (40/62) of the patients in both challenge models.Conclusion:  We found consistency in the pattern of response to inhaled allergen between the two challenge models and we believe that experimental bronchial challenge is likely to reflect the development of relevant inflammation in the lower airways after low‐dose allergen exposure in the environment.
Rupatadine in the treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria: a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled multicentre study
Authors: Gimenez‐Arnau A. , Pujol R. M. , Ianosi S. , Kaszuba A. , Malbran A. , Poop G. , Donado E. , Perez I. , Izquierdo I. , Arnaiz E. ,   the Rupatadine Urticaria Study Group
Published: April 2007

Background: Chronic urticaria is one of the most common and disturbing cutaneous condition. The treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) is still a challenge. Antihistamines are recommended as first‐line treatment. Rupatadine is a new potent nonsedative anti‐H1.Objective: To study rupatadine efficacy and safety for moderate to severe CIU treatment.Methods: This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group, multicentre, study was designed to assess primarily mean pruritus score (MPS) reduction with rupatadine, 10 and 20 mg, administered once daily for 4 weeks. Three hundred and thirty‐three patients with active episodes of moderate‐to‐severe CIU were included.Results: A 57.5% (P < 0.005) and 63.3% (P = 0.0001) significative MPS reduction from baseline, was observed at week 4 with 10 and 20 mg rupatadine, respectively, compared with placebo (44.9%). Both doses of rupatadine were not significantly different at any time point, with respect to their effects on pruritus severity, number of wheals and total symptoms scores. Rupatadine 10 mg had an overall better adverse event profile.Conclusion: Rupatadine 10 mg is a fast, long‐acting, efficacious and safe treatment option for the management of patients with moderate‐to‐severe CIU.
Isolation and characterization of native Cry j 3 from Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) pollen
Authors: Fujimura T. , Futamura N. , Midoro‐Horiuti T. , Togawa A. , Goldblum R. M. , Yasueda H. , Saito A. , Shinohara K. , Masuda K. , Kurata K. , Sakaguchi M. 
Published: April 2007

Background:  Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) pollinosis is the most prevalent allergy in Japan. Recently, the Japanese cedar pollen allergen Cry j 3 was cloned as a homologue of Jun a 3, which is a major allergen from mountain cedar (Juniperus ashei) pollen. However, native Cry j 3 has not been isolated and there are no reports on its allergenic activity. The aims of this study were to isolate native Cry j 3 and assess its immunoglobulin E (IgE)‐binding capacity in patients with Japanese cedar pollinosis.Methods:  Native Cry j 3 was purified from Japanese cedar pollen by multidimensional chromatography. We assessed the IgE‐binding capacity using sera from patients allergic to Japanese cedar pollen by immunoblot analysis and ELISA. Moreover, we assayed the capacity of Cry j 3 to induce histamine release from the patients’ leukocytes. We cloned cDNA corresponding to purified Cry j 3 from a cDNA library of Japanese cedar pollen.Results:  We isolated native Cry j 3 as a 27‐kDa protein. The IgE‐binding frequency of Cry j 3 from the sera of patients allergic to Japanese cedar pollen was estimated as 27% (27/100) by ELISA. Cry j 3 induced the release of histamine from leukocytes. We cloned the cDNA and named it Cry j 3.8. Cry j 3.8 cDNA encoded 225 amino acids and had significant homology with thaumatin‐like proteins.Conclusions:  Cry j 3 is a causative allergen in Japanese cedar pollinosis and may play crucial roles in the cross‐reactivity with oral allergy syndrome.
House dust (1–3)‐β‐d‐glucan and wheezing in infants
Authors: Iossifova Y. Y. , Reponen T. , Bernstein D. I. , Levin L. , Kalra H. , Campo P. , Villareal M. , Lockey J. , Hershey G. K. K. , LeMasters G. 
Published: April 2007

Background:  (1–3)‐β‐d‐glucan is a fungal cell wall component, suspected to cause respiratory symptoms in adults. However, very little is known on the possible health effects of (1–3)‐β‐d‐glucan during infancy. We examined the association between (1–3)‐β‐d‐glucan exposure and the prevalence of allergen sensitization and wheezing during the first year of life in a birth cohort of 574 infants born to atopic parents. Endotoxin exposure was included as a possible confounder.Methods:  (1–3)‐β‐d‐glucan and endotoxin exposures were measured in settled dust collected from infants’ primary activity rooms. The primary outcomes at approximately age one included parental reports of recurrent wheezing and allergen sensitization evaluated by skin prick testing to a panel of 15 aeroallergens as well as milk and egg white.Results:  Exposure to high (1–3)‐β‐d‐glucan concentration (within fourth quartile) was associated with reduced likelihood of both recurrent wheezing [adjusted OR (aOR) = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.16–0.93] and recurrent wheezing combined with allergen sensitization (aOR = 0.13, 95% CI = 0.03–0.61). Similar trends were found between (1–3)‐β‐d‐glucan concentrations and allergen sensitization (aOR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.30–1.10). In contrast, recurrent wheezing with or without allergen sensitization was positively associated with low (1–3)‐β‐d‐glucan exposure within the first quartile (aOR = 3.04, 95% CI = 1.25–7.38; aOR = 4.89, 95% CI = 1.02–23.57). There were no significant associations between endotoxin exposure and the studied health outcomes.Conclusions:  This is the first study to report that indoor exposure to high levels of (1–3)‐β‐d‐glucan (concentration >60 μg/g) is associated with decreased risk for recurrent wheezing among infants born to atopic parents. This effect was more pronounced in the subgroup of allergen‐sensitized infants.
Airway expression of calcitonin gene‐related peptide in T‐cell peptide‐induced late asthmatic reactions in atopics
Authors: Kay A. B. , Ali F. R. , Heaney L. G. , Benyahia F. , Soh C. P. C. , Renz H. , Lee T. H. , Larché M. 
Published: April 2007

Background:  The mechanisms of late asthmatic reactions provoked in atopic asthmatics by allergen‐derived T‐cell peptide epitopes remain unclear. Previous studies showed no changes in airway eosinophils or mast cell products after peptide challenge. In the present study our aim was to measure calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), neurokinin (NK)‐A, and substance P (SP) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and bronchial biopsies (BB) after inhalation of allergen‐derived T‐cell peptide epitopes since these neuropeptides (NP) had not previously been evaluated in this chronic asthma model.Methods:  Bronchoscopy, with BB and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), was performed in 24 cat‐allergic subjects 6 h after inhalation of Fel d 1‐derived peptides. Neuropeptides were measured in BAL by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and CGRP expression in the airways was assessed by immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy.Results:  Twelve subjects (termed ‘responders’) developed isolated late reactions. Calcitonin gene‐related peptide, but not NK‐A or SP, was significantly elevated in BAL in responders only. Biopsy studies showed that in virtually all responders peptide challenge induced marked increases in CGRP immunoreactivity in bronchial epithelial cells, infiltrating submucosal cells and in association with airway smooth muscle. Double immunostaining indicated that CGRP colocalized predominantly to CD3+/CD4+ and CD68+ submucosal inflammatory cells.Conclusion:  Calcitonin gene‐related peptide, a potent vasodilator, is markedly up‐regulated in the airways of atopic asthmatics during late‐phase reactions provoked by inhalation of allergen‐derived T‐cell peptides.
Anaphylaxis during anaesthesia: diagnostic approach
Authors: Ebo D. G. , Fisher M. M. , Hagendorens M. M. , Bridts C. H. , Stevens W. J. 
Published: April 2007

Correct management of anaphylaxis during anaesthesia requires a multidisciplinary approach with prompt recognition and treatment of the acute event by the attending anaesthesiologist, and subsequent determination of the responsible agent(s) with strict avoidance of subsequent administration of all incriminated and/or cross‐reacting compounds.However, correct identification of the causative compound(s) and safe alternatives is not always straightforward and, too often, not done.This review is not intended to discuss acute management of anaesthesia‐related anaphylaxis but summarizes the major causes of anaphylaxis during anaesthesia and the diagnostic approach of this rare but potentially life‐threatening complication. Apart from general principles about the diagnostic approach, history taking and importance of tryptase quantification, more specific confirmatory diagnostic procedures are organized on the basis of the major causes of perioperative anaphylactic reactions.
Creating the UK National Statistics 2001 Output Area Classification
Authors: Vickers Dan , Rees Phil 
Published: April 2007

SummaryThe paper describes the creation of the Office for National Statistics 2001 output area classification, which was created in collaboration with the authors. The classification places each 2001 census output area into one of seven clusters based on the socio-economic attributes of the residents of each area. The classification uses cluster analysis to reduce 41 census variables to a single socio-economic indicator. The classification was made available with a host of supporting and descriptive information as a National Statistic via National Statistics on line. The classification forms part of a suite of area classifications that were produced by the Office for National Statistics from 2001 census data. Classifications of local authorities, statistical wards and health areas are also available.
Methane‐flux‐dependent lateral faunal changes in a Late Cretaceous chemosymbiotic assemblage from the Nakagawa area of Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: JENKINS ROBERT G. , KAIM ANDRZEJ , HIKIDA YOSHINORI , TANABE KAZUSHIGE 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACTA Late Cretaceous carbonate body (2 m in maximum diameter) surrounded by clastic rocks, recently discovered in the Nakagawa area (Hokkaido, Japan), is interpreted as a methane‐seep deposit, on the basis of negative carbon isotopic composition (as low as −43.5‰), variable sulphide sulphur isotopic composition, high carbonate content, and in situ fractures. It most likely formed owing to methane‐bearing pore‐water diffusion. We estimate that the concentration of methane decreased toward the margin of the carbonate body, and that only small carbonate concretions were precipitated at a certain distance from the methane‐seep centre. These spatial characteristics coincide well with the observed pattern of faunal distribution. The gastropod‐dominated association (indeterminate abyssochrysids and ataphrids and the acmaeid limpet Serradonta sp. are most common) co‐occurs with lucinid and thyasirid bivalves (Thyasira sp., Myrtea sp., and Miltha sp.), and was found within and just above the methane‐derived carbonate body. Acharax and Nucinella (solemyoid bivalves) are more typical of the peripheral part of the methane‐influenced sediments. We suggest that this pattern of faunal distribution reflects the decreasing concentration of methane and apparently also hydrogen sulphide when moving from the centre of discharge toward the periphery of the methane seep.
Distinct locomotive patterns of granulocytes, monocytes and lymphocytes in a stable concentration gradient of chemokines
Authors: BAE S. Y. , JUNG Y. J. , WOO S. Y. , PARK M. H. , SEOH J. Y. , RYU K. H. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryThe pattern of leukocyte locomotion can be changed in many pathological situations, but its accurate analysis is difficult because of technological limitation. In the present study, by using a newly developed time‐lapse videomicroscopic technique, we have analyzed the locomotive patterns of leukocytes in a stable concentration gradient of chemokines. Granulocytes, monocytes, and lymphocytes were purified from adult human peripheral blood. Locomotive behavior of the leukocytes was analyzed by an optical assay using a microchannel producing a stable concentration gradient of chemokines. Videomicroscopic analysis showed distinct locomotive patterns of granulocytes, monocytes, and lymphocytes. Granulocytes were intrinsically motile, vigorously moving in random direction without any chemokine stimulation. Upon stimulation with CXCL8/IL‐8, the speed of migration was increased from 13.3 ± 2.8 to 19.4 ± 2.5 μm/min (P = 0.002,n = 100) and they moved toward the chemokine, although many cells still wandered very much. Stimulation with CCL5/RANTES or CXCL12/SDF‐1αinduced similar changes in locomotive pattern. On the other hand, most lymphocytes did not polarize or move spontaneously without chemokine stimulation. Stimulation with CXCL12 induced directional migration in 37% of the lymphocytes at a speed of 9.6 ± 1.6 μm/min (n = 100). The movement pattern of monocytes was similar to that of granulocytes in that they tend to become polarized and move spontaneously, but they moved at a very slow speed ranging from 3.9 to 4.2 μm/min even with chemokine stimulation. The new optical assay may be useful for many diagnostic as well as basic studies.
Use of Protein-Specific Monoclonal Antibody-Based Latex Agglutination for Rapid Diagnosis of
Burkholderia pseudomallei
Infection in Patients with Community-Acquired Septicemia
Authors: Ekpo Pattama , Rungpanich Utane , Pongsunk Supinya , Naigowit Pimjai , Petkanchanapong Vimon 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT

A latex agglutination test employing monoclonal antibody specific to a 30-kDa protein of
Burkholderia pseudomallei
was used to detect the organisms in blood culture specimens from 1,139 patients with community-acquired septicemia. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the test were 96.75%, 99.61%, 96.75%, and 99.61%, respectively.
Transcriptional Activation of Interferon-Stimulated Genes but Not of Cytokine Genes after Primary Infection of Rhesus Macaques with Dengue Virus Type 1
Authors: Sariol Carlos A. , Muñoz-Jordán Jorge L. , Abel Kristina , Rosado Lymarie C. , Pantoja Petraleigh , Giavedoni Luis , Rodriguez Idia Vanessa , White Laura J. , Martínez Melween , Arana Teresa , Kraiselburd Edmundo N. 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACTMacaques are the only animal model used to test dengue virus (DENV) vaccine candidates. Nevertheless, the pathogenesis of DENV in macaques is not well understood. In this work, by using Affymetrix oligonucleotide microarrays, we studied the broad transcriptional modifications and cytokine expression profile after infecting rhesus macaques with DENV serotype 1. Five days after infection, these animals produced a potent, innate antiviral immune response by inducing the transcription of signature genes from the interferon (IFN) pathway with demonstrated antiviral activity, such as myxoprotein, 2′,5′-oligoadenylate synthetase, phospholipid scramblase 1, and viperin. Also, IFN regulatory element 7, IFN-stimulated gene 15, and protein ligases linked to the ISGylation process were up-regulated. Unexpectedly, no up-regulation of IFN-α, -β, or -γ genes was detected. Transcription of the genes of interleukin-10 (IL-10), IL-8, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha was neither up-regulated nor down-regulated. Results were confirmed by real-time PCR and by multiplex cytokine detection in serum samples.