bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential cytokine and transcription factor expression in patients with allergic reactions to drugs
Authors: Cornejo‐Garcia J. A. , Fernandez T. D. , Torres M. J. , Carballo M. , Hernan I. , Antunez C. , Blanca M. , Mayorga C. 
Published: October 2007

Background: Allergic drug reactions (ADR) can be either immediate reaction (IR) (IgE mediated) or delayed reaction (DR) (T‐cell mediated). They follow the Th1/Th2 paradigm, with DR expressing interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) with down‐regulation of interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) and IR expressing IL‐4 with down‐regulation of IFN‐γ. We studied the extension of this polarization in DR and IR by examining the cytokine and transcription factor profile in T‐cell subpopulations during the acute phase of an ADR.Methods: Expressions of cytokines [IL‐4, IFN‐γ and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α)] and transcription factors (c‐maf, GATA‐3 and T‐bet) were analysed by semi‐quantitative real time‐polymerase chain reaction in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and in CD4 and CD8 subpopulations from ADR patients.Results: In DR, IFN‐γ, TNF‐α and T‐bet increased significantly in both CD4 and CD8 subpopulations, depending on the clinical severity. In IR, IL‐4, c‐Maf and GATA‐3 were increased, but only significantly in CD4. A positive correlation existed between IFN‐γ and T‐bet in DR and between IL‐4 and c‐Maf and GATA‐3 in IR. In DR, IFN‐γ, TNF‐α and T‐bet were increased during the acute phase in CD4 and CD8. In IR, IL‐4, c‐Maf and GATA‐3 were all increased in the acute phase, but only in CD4.Conclusions: These results support the Th1/Th2 paradigm in ADR, confirming previous findings that include the expression in both CD4 and CD8 T cells, and extending the observation to the transcription factors involved in the polarization of the immune response. Monitoring the reactions in the cell populations implicated, could be an important tool for assessing the mechanisms involved in ADR.
Health‐related quality of life in allergic rhinitis: comparing the short form ESPRINT‐15 and MiniRQLQ questionnaires
Authors: Valero A. , Alonso J. , Antépara I. , Baró E. , Colás C. , Del Cuvillo A. , Ferrer M. , Herdman M. , Marti‐Guadaño E. , Monclús L. , Navarro‐Pulido A. M. , Sastre J. , Izquierdo I. , Mullol J. 
Published: October 2007

Background: We compared the psychometric properties of the ESPRINT‐15, the short form of a new Spanish instrument to measure health‐related quality of life in allergic rhinitis (AR) patients, with those of the Mini‐Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (MiniRQLQ).Methods: The questionnaires were compared in Spanish patients with intermittent allergic rhinitis (IAR) or persistent AR in a prospective, observational study. Floor and ceiling effects, internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha), test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient; ICC), convergent and known groups validity, and sensitivity to change (standardized response means; SRMs) were compared.Results: In terms of content, while the MiniRQLQ has a dimension covering practical problems and places more emphasis on symptoms, the ESPRINT‐15 has two dimensions (Sleep and Psychological impact) which are not included in the MiniRQLQ. In the validation study, 400 patients were included and 59% of the sample had persistent AR. There were no significant floor or ceiling effects on any dimension on either questionnaire. Cronbach’s alpha values for the ESPRINT‐15 and MiniRQLQ overall scores were 0.92 and 0.90, respectively. In 48 clinically stable patients, ICCs were 0.80 and 0.77, respectively. Both instruments discriminated between patients with IAR and persistent AR. Correlations with symptom scores and generic measures were moderate to strong. SRMs for overall scores and individual dimensions on the two questionnaires in the 197 patients reporting a change in health status ranged from 0.7 to 1.3.Conclusions: Both questionnaires performed well in psychometric terms. The ESPRINT‐15 is particularly recommended for use in Spanish‐speaking populations.
Utility of the lymphocyte transformation test in the diagnosis of drug sensitivity: dependence on its timing and the type of drug eruption
Authors: Kano Y. , Hirahara K. , Mitsuyama Y. , Takahashi R. , Shiohara T. 
Published: October 2007

Background:  Lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) is a safety and reproducible test to assess activation of drug‐specific T cells in vitro; however, there are several practical concerns such as the time of testing and the influence of treatment. Our aim was to define the right timing to perform LTT for determining the causative agent in various types of drug reactions.Methods:  Lymphocyte transformation test was performed at different time points during the evolution of three types of drug reactions, maculo‐papular type of drug eruptions (MP), Stevens–Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN), and drug‐induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug rash and eosinophilia with systemic symptoms (DIHS/DRESS).Results:  Positive LTT reactions were obtained when the test was performed at the acute stage but not the recovery stage in MP and SJS/TEN, while positive LTT reactions were obtained at the recovery stage but not the acute stage in DIHS/DRESS, regardless of treatment with systemic prednisolone.Conclusions:  Lymphocyte transformation test is a reliable method to define the causative agent, when LTT is performed at the right timing depending on the type of drug reactions. Lymphocyte transformation test should be performed within 1 week after the onset of skin rashes in patients with MP and SJS/TEN; and 5–8 weeks after in patients with DIHS/DRESS, respectively.
Pholcodine exposure raises serum IgE in patients with previous anaphylaxis to neuromuscular blocking agents
Authors: Harboe T. , Johansson S. G. O. , Florvaag E. , Öman H. 
Published: October 2007

Background:  Neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) can cause anaphylaxis through immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies that bind quaternary ammonium ion epitopes. These epitopes are present in numerous common chemicals and drugs, exposure to which, theoretically, could be of importance in the development and maintenance of the IgE sensitization promoting allergic reactions. Pholcodine is one such drug, which in a recent pilot study was shown to induce a remarkable increase in serum IgE levels in two IgE‐sensitized individuals. The present study explores the effect of pholcodine exposure on IgE in a population with previously diagnosed IgE‐mediated anaphylaxis towards NMBAs.Methods:  Seventeen patients were randomized to 1 week’s exposure with cough syrup containing either pholcodine or guaifenesin. The primary variables serum IgE and IgE antibodies towards pholcodine, morphine and suxamethonium were measured before and 4 and 8 weeks after start of exposure.Results:  Patients exposed to pholcodine had a sharp rise in levels of IgE antibodies towards pholcodine, morphine and suxamethonium, the median proportional increases 4 weeks after exposure reaching 39.0, 38.6 and 93.0 times that of the base levels respectively. Median proportional increase of IgE was 19.0. No changes were observed in the guaifenesin group.Conclusion:  Serum levels of IgE antibodies associated with allergy towards NMBAs increase significantly in sensitized patients after exposure to cough syrup containing pholcodine. Availability of pholcodine should be restricted by medical authorities because of the potential risk of future allergic reactions to muscle relaxants.
Ovum Pick‐up in Dairy Heifers: Does it Affect Animal Well‐being?
Authors: Petyim S , Båge R , Madej A , Larsson B 
Published: October 2007

ContentsThe aim of the present study was to assess the effects of the ovum pick‐up (OPU) technique on animal well‐being. Eight dairy heifers were subjected to 4 months of twice‐weekly OPU. The physiological response to OPU was recorded in four heifers at two sessions, at the beginning (time 1) and at the end (time 2) of the 4‐month period. Heart rates were measured and blood was analysed for cortisol, vasopressin and PG‐metabolite before, during (every 5 and 2 min), and after the OPU sessions. Reactions to each subprocedure of OPU (‘restraint’, ‘epidural’, ‘device in’ and ‘puncture’) were closely observed. In all heifers, reactions to the OPU procedures were also noted throughout the experimental period, and changes in routine behaviour, oestrous behaviour, body temperature, or other clinical traits were recorded. Subsequent to the experiment, the ovaries and tails were carefully inspected. At time 1, there was an insignificant increase in heart rate and cortisol throughout the OPU procedure. At time 2, these two parameters increased significantly, but both parameters declined to pre‐OPU levels 10 min after completion of the procedure. No significant changes were seen in vasopressin or PG‐metabolite at time 1 and time 2. Behaviourally, the heifers showed the strongest response to epidural anaesthesia, with a tendency for more intense response during the late 4‐month sessions. The response to ‘device in’ and ‘puncture’ varied among individuals independently of time. There were no changes in the routine or oestrous behaviour throughout the experiment and no signs of clinical disorders. No major pathological changes were macroscopically seen in the ovaries and tails subsequent to the 4 months of OPU. In conclusion, the heifers showed a response to OPU, mostly to administration of epidural anaesthesia. However, we demonstrated that epidural anaesthesia can be administered in a way causing less discomfort.
Effect of Time for Mating and Gestation Length on Reproductive Efficiency in Dogs
Authors: Shimatsu Y , Yuzawa H , Aruga K , Nakura M. 
Published: October 2007

ContentsThe purpose of this study was to examine the effect of time for mating and gestation length on reproductive efficiency in dogs. Groups of eight, six and six beagle bitches were mated with a total of three sires on days 3, 5 and 7, respectively, after the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. All the bitches whelped successfully. The gestation lengths (the intervals from the LH surge to the whelping) were 65.1 ± 1.9, 65.5 ± 1.9 and 68.0 ± 1.8 days, respectively. This length of mating 7 days after the LH surge was significantly longer than that of mating 3 and 5 days after the LH surge (p < 0.05). The litter sizes were 5.5 ± 2.2, 6.2 ± 1.9 and 4.8 ± 2.1, respectively and there was no significant difference between any of the groups. In conclusion, mating 3–7 days after a bitch's LH surge results in a good reproductive efficiency and the intervals from the LH surge to the whelping of mating 7 days after the LH surge shows a longer day significantly in comparison with mating 3 and 5 days after the LH surge.
Three Cases with Cavitary Lesions in a Twin Gestation Complicated by a Single Intrauterine Fetal Demise
Authors: Tamagawa Kimiko , Ishibashi Ryoko , Mizuno Yoshihiko , Komiya Kazuhiko , Oda Masaya , Shinozaki Masako , Kurata Kiyoko , Satoh Junichi , Morimatsu Yoshio 
Published: October 2007

Three cases with cavitary lesions on the cerebral convexities in twin gestation complicated by a single intrauterine fetal demise were investigated clinicopathologically. They all exhibited profound mental retardation and severe motor disturbance due to rigidospastic tetraplegia. The co‐twins were macerated.Neuropathologically, malformed lesions and destructive lesions coexisted in varying degrees according to the time in fetal life, at which insults probably occurred. The cavitary lesions were located bilaterally and symmetrically on the central, parietal and occipital region of the cerebral hemispheres, in some cases, including the frontal region. Case 1 showed an incomplete gyral pattern and porencephaly with polymicrogyria bordering the defect, thus allowing us to date the insult before the 5th fetal month. In case 2, multicystic encephalomalacia was disclosed with cortical dysgenesis exhibiting status marmoratus of the cortex. Case 3 displayed sclerotic cavitary lesions with sclerosis of the insula and a few instances of cortical dysgenesis. Based on the clinical data and pathological findings, the cavitary lesions of case3 may be dated in the third trimester of gestation. Case 2 can be considered to have sustained injuries between the times estimated for cases 1 and 3.As the pathogenesis of the congenital cavitary lesions, several concepts have been proposed: intrauterine DIC (Moore et al. 1969;Romero et al. 1984), vascular disruption (Hoyme et al. 1981;Jung et al. 1984), intrauterine infection such as cytomegalic inclusion disease (Friede et al. 1976), and hypoxia due to CO intoxication of the mother (Bank1 et al. 1967) or other cause. Though the pathological observation of our cases revealed no evidence of intrauterine DIC, renal cortic necrosis, intrauterine infection or occlusion of the intracranialvessels, long‐term exposure to the dead twin might have contributed to the lesions of the liveborn co‐twin.
Immunohistochemical Study on Glial Cells in Brains with Periventricular Leukomalacia
Authors: Iida Kouichi , Takashima Sachio 
Published: October 2007

The lesions in periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) comprise necrosis and a glial reaction in the deep cerebral white matter of fetuses and neonates. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the role of glial cells in the formation of the lesions in PVL. Ten PVL brains and 22 control brains were immunohistochemically compared using anti‐glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and anti‐ferritin antibodies, and lectin‐Ricinus communis agglutinin (RCA‐1).The numbers of GFAP‐positive glia and RCA‐1 positive glia increased in the whole white matter and the periventricular white matter, respectively. Ferritin was predominantly stained in the cytoplasm of oligodendrocytes, and the number of ferritin‐positive oligodendrocytes gradually increased with age in normal brains. However, ferritin was stained in microglia and partially reactive astrocytes, instead of ferritin‐positive oligodendrocytes, in PVL brains.A relationship of the glial cellular reaction with the time scale of histologic change in PVL was shown by the appearance of RCA‐1‐positive microglia around fresh necrotic regions, accumulation of RCA‐1‐positive macrophages in necrotic regions, and then proliferation of GFAP‐positive reactive astrocytes with long processes outside the microglial reaction sites. On cavity formation, the end‐stage of PVL, rough walls of moderately dense gliosis consisted of slightly GFAP‐positive fibrillary astrocytes.PVL involves glial cellular reactions not only in regional necrotic lesions, but also in the whole cerebral white matter. The decrease in ferritin‐positive oligodendrocytes in PVL brains may be related to the delayed myelination in the brains of long‐surviving infants with PVL.
ALS in the Kii Peninsula of Japan, with Special Reference to Neurofibrillary Tangles and Aluminum
Authors: Kihira Tameko , Yoshida Sohei , Mitani Kazuo , Yasui Masayuki , Yase Yoshiro 
Published: October 2007

Epidemiological and environmental findings of the foci of amyotrophi lateral sclerosis (ALS) in the Western Pacific indicate a possible contributing role of metals, especially aluminum, in the pathogenesis. Al is also a candidate as a causative agent in the formation of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), which are characteristic of Guam ALS. To elucidate the pathogenesis of ALS, we conducted neuropathological examination and metal analysis, with special reference to NFT and Al in cases of ALS in the Kii Peninsula of Japan. We examined six of these ALS cases, ten ALS cases from non‐focused areas (non‐focused ALS) and eight disease controls.The neuropathologic characteristics of Kii ALS were the appearance of NFT in Ammon's horn, temporal cortex, mid‐brain and pons, in ccombination with typical ALS pathology. No senile plaque was found in the Kii cases. Non‐foused ALS patients rarely showed NFTs in Ammon's horn.Al analysis of Ammon's horns by particle‐induced X‐ray emission spectrometry (PIXE) revealed a high level of Al signals in the Kii cases, with positive correlation between Al content and NFT frequency. Kii ALS cases showed high level of Al signals in the cervical and lumbar spinal cords ccompared with non‐foused ALS and controls. The Morin fluorescent technique revealed more conspicuous green fluorescence in the cytoplasm and nuclei of both the NFT‐laden neurons and the degenerative neurons without NFT in Ammon's horn in the Kii ALS cases than in non‐focused ALS cases. Green fluorescence was seen in a small number (2%) of the NFTs themselves.We suggest that Al induces abnormality in cytoskeletal protein such as neurofilaments and/or tau, and may cause the formation of NFT in Ammon's horn and also degeneration of motor neurons in Kii ALS.
Alteration of glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor family receptor alpha‐2 mRNA expression and its co‐expression with neuronal nitric oxide synthase in pelvic ganglia following unilateral cavernous nerve injury
Authors: Hisasue Shin‐ichi , Kato Ryuichi , Kobayashi Ko , Suetomi Takahiro , Kiyama Hiroshi , Tsukamoto Taiji 
Published: October 2007

Objectives:  The goal of this study was to determine the alterations of glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor family receptor alpha‐2 (GFRα2) mRNA expression in the major pelvic ganglia (MPG) and their relationship to the marker for the neural plasticity (growth‐associated protein 43: GAP‐43) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)‐positive neurons following cavernous nerve injury.Methods:  Cavernous nerves were transected unilaterally in 24 Sprague‐Dawley rats aged 8 weeks. We used nine sham operated same animals as controls. Bilateral MPGs were harvested at 1, 3, and 6 months following nerve injury. The GFRα2 and GAP‐43 mRNA expressions of the sham group and the injury group (3 months after surgery) were investigated by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. We also investigated the expression profile of GFRα2 mRNA by in situ hybridization combined with nNOS immunostaining.Results:  It was revealed semi‐quantitatively that the GAP43 mRNA expression moderately increased in the intact MPG, and GFRα2 mRNA was maintained in the intact MPG but not in the injured one. A histological double‐labeling study showed that the number of GFRα2 mRNA‐ and nNOS‐positive neurons increased in the intact MPG and most GFRα2 mRNA expressions were colocalized with nNOS immunostaining.Conclusions:  The current study suggested that the GFRα2 mRNA alteration closely related to the nNOS expression following the cavernous nerve injury, which would be involved in the maintenance and recovery of erectile function.
Intraspecific diversity and dominant genotypes resist plant invasions
Authors: Crutsinger Gregory M. , Souza Lara , Sanders Nathan J. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractNumerous studies have asked whether communities with many species deter invasions more so than do species‐poor communities or whether dominant species deter invasion by colonizing species. However, little is known about whether high intraspecific diversity can deter biological invasions or whether particular genotypes might deter invasions. In this study, we present experimental evidence that intraspecific diversity and particular genotypes of tall goldenrod, Solidago altissima, can act as a barrier to colonization by new species. We found that biomass of colonizing species was negatively correlated with genotypic diversity, and particular genotypes affected the richness, cover, and biomass of colonizing species. Stem density of S. altissima increased with genotypic diversity and varied among genotypes, suggesting that stem density is a key mechanism in limiting colonization dynamics in this system. Our results indicate that the loss of intraspecific diversity within a dominant plant species can increase susceptibility to plant invasions.
Rosiglitazone prevents diabetes by increasing beta‐cell mass in an animal model of type 2 diabetes characterized by reduced beta‐cell mass at birth
Authors: Holloway A. C. , Petrik J. J. , Bruin J. E. , Gerstein H. C. 
Published: October 2007

Aim:  Interventions that preserve or increase beta‐cell mass may also prevent type 2 diabetes. Rosiglitazone prevents diabetes in people with high glucose levels who have impaired glucose tolerance and/or impaired fasting glucose. The effect of this drug on both glucose levels and beta‐cell mass was studied in a rat model of diabetes, characterized by reduced beta‐cell mass at birth with normoglycaemia, and progression to dysglycaemia with age.Methods:  Female Wistar rats were given either saline (vehicle) or nicotine during pregnancy and lactation. Offspring of saline‐exposed dams were given vehicle and offspring of nicotine‐exposed dams were randomized to receive either vehicle or rosiglitazone starting at weaning. Beta‐cell mass, proliferation and apoptosis were determined at birth and at 4 and 26 weeks of age. Glucose homeostasis was examined following sequential oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT).Results:  Rosiglitazone treatment prevented the development of dysglycaemia in nicotine‐exposed animals. The ability of rosiglitazone to preserve normoglycaemia appeared to be because of its ability to increase beta‐cell mass through a combination of enhanced beta‐cell proliferation and decreased beta‐cell apoptosis.Conclusions:  These results suggest that if rosiglitazone administration is started prior to the onset of glucometabolic abnormalities, it prevents the onset of dysglycaemia by partially restoring beta‐cell mass in animals with reduced beta‐cell mass at birth.
Effects of combined PPARγ and PPARα agonist therapy on reverse cholesterol transport in the Zucker diabetic fatty rat
Authors: Tanabe J. , Tamasawa N. , Yamashita M. , Matsuki K. , Murakami H. , Matsui J. , Sugimoto K. , Yasujima M. , Suda T. 
Published: October 2007

Aim:  We investigated the effects of the combined therapy of PPARγ and PPARα agonists on HDL metabolism, especially concerning reverse cholesterol transport (RCT), using Zucker diabetic fatty rats (ZDF/Crl‐Leprfa rats) that are the rodent model for type 2 diabetes with obesity, hyperlipidaemia and insulin resistance.Methods:  The ZDF rats were divided into four medicated groups as follows: pioglitazone as a PPARγ agonist (5 mg/kg/day; P group, n = 6), fenofibrate as a PPARα agonist (30 mg/kg/day; F group, n = 6), both these medications (P + F group, n = 6) and no treatment (UNT group, n = 6). Non‐diabetic rats (ZDF/GmiCrl‐lean, CON group, n = 6) served as controls. We evaluated HDL particle size and messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of the following factors: liver X receptor α (L × R α), ATP‐binding cassette A1 (ABCA1) and ABCG1 which are regulated by PPARs and are related to early stage RCT.Results:  The significant increase in HDL particle size was demonstrated in rats of the F and P + F groups, although changes in plasma HDL‐cholesterol levels were not significant. In accordance with this finding, mRNA levels of ABCG1 in the liver increased significantly.Conclusions:  These findings suggest the efficacy of combined therapy with PPARγ and PPARα in improving lipid metabolism, partly through the enhanced RCT, and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus.