bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A review of the acute subjective effects of MDMA/ecstasy
Authors: Baylen Chelsea A. , Rosenberg Harold 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACTAim  Although several relatively recent reviews have summarized the neuropsychiatric effects associated with chronic ecstasy use, there is no published comprehensive review of studies on the acute subjective effects (ASEs) of MDMA/ecstasy.Design  The present study reviewed the prevalence, intensity and duration of ASEs collected from 24 studies that provided frequency data on the prevalence of self‐reported ecstasy effects and/or provided data on the intensity of ecstasy effects.Findings  Although hundreds of ASEs have been reported following MDMA consumption, we identified a subset of effects reported repeatedly by meaningful proportions and large numbers of participants across multiple investigations, most of which were either emotional (e.g. anxiety, depression, closeness, fear, euphoria, calmness) or somatic (e.g. nausea/vomiting, bruxism, muscle aches/headache, sweating, numbness, body temperature changes, fatigue, dizziness, dry mouth, increased energy). Only one sexual ASE (sexual arousal/increased sensual awareness), one cognitive ASE (confused thought), one sensory–perceptual ASE (visual effects/changes in visual perception), one sleep‐related ASE (sleeplessness) and one appetite‐related ASE (decreased appetite) were reported across five or more investigations. Three factors—number of hours between ingestion and assessment, dose level, and gender—have been associated with the acute subjective experience of MDMA/ecstasy. Conclusions  This review provides useful information for clinicians and researchers who want to understand the desirable and undesirable ASEs that may motivate and restrain ecstasy use, for public health advocates who seek to reduce biomedical harms (e.g. fainting, dehydration, shortness of breath, bruxism) associated with recreational use of MDMA/ecstasy, and for educators who wish to design credible prevention messages that neither underestimate nor exaggerate users’ experiences of this drug.
The growth hormone 1 GH1:c.457C>G mutation is associated with intramuscular and rump fat distribution in a large sample of Australian feedlot cattle
Authors: Barendse W. , Bunch R. J. , Harrison B. E. , Thomas M. B. 
Published: March 2006

SummaryThe GH1:c.457C>G exon 5 missense mutation in the bovine growth hormone 1 (GH1) gene that causes the replacement of leucine (L) with valine (V) was investigated in 1027 cattle with primarily Angus and Shorthorn breeding from Australian feedlots. The allele frequency of the GH1:c.457C allele was 0.77 in Angus and 0.76 in Shorthorn. The GH1:c.457C allele was associated with lower marbling (P = 0.0472), and the average effect of allele substitution was −0.22 of a phenotypic standard deviation. This allele was also associated with slightly higher rump fat (P = 0.0541) and the average effect of allele substitution was 0.11 SD. Marbling and rump fat were not strongly correlated (r = 0.097, P < 0.01) in this data set. This mutation had no significant effect on eye muscle area or hot dressed carcass weight (P > 0.1). Given these relationships, the differences between GH1 alleles could be the result of differential deposition of fat in fat depots.
Characterization of the porcineacyl‐CoA synthetase long‐chain 4gene and its association with growth and meat quality traits
Authors: Mercadé A. , Estellé J. , Pérez‐Enciso M. , Varona L. , Silió L. , Noguera J. L. , Sánchez A. , Folch J. M. 
Published: March 2006

SummaryLong‐chain acyl‐CoA synthetase (ACSL) catalyses the formation of long‐chain acyl‐CoA from fatty acid, ATP and CoA, activating fatty acids for subsequent reactions. Long‐chain acyl‐CoA synthetase thus plays an essential role in both lipid biosynthesis and fatty acid degradation. TheACSL4gene was evaluated as a positional candidate gene for the quantitative trait loci (QTL) located betweenSW2456andSW1943on chromosome X. We have sequenced 4906 bp of the pigACSL4mRNA. Sequence analysis allowed us to identify 10 polymorphisms located in the 3′‐UTR region and to elucidate twoACSL4haplotypes. Furthermore, a QTL and an association study between polymorphisms of theACSL4gene and traits of interest were carried out in an Iberian × Landrace cross. We report QTL that have not been previously identified, and we describe an association of theACSL4polymorphisms with growth and percentage of oleic fatty acid. Finally, we have determined allelic frequencies in 140 pigs belonging to the Iberian, Landrace, Large White, Meishan, Pietrain, Duroc, Vietnamese, Peccary and Babirusa populations.
Prediction of drug clearance in children from adults: a comparison of several allometric methods
Authors: Mahmood Iftekhar 
Published: March 2006

Aims In recent years with the advent of paediatric exclusivity and requirements to conduct clinical studies in children, the current emphasis is to find a safe and efficacious dose of a drug in children. It has been suggested that one can predict the clearance of a drug in children according to the equation: CL in the child = adult CL × (weight of the child/70)0.75. Considering the controversy surrounding the exponent of 0.75 for the prediction of clearance and lack of any systematic evaluation of the aforementioned proposal, the objectives of the study were as follows: (i) to determine if indeed the exponent 0.75 is the most suitable exponent for the prediction of clearance in children from adult data; (ii) to explore and search for other exponents that are more accurate or as good as 0.75; and (iii) to propose a new approach (if any) based on the findings of the current evaluation.Methods Six methods were used to predict clearance of drugs in children from adult data. Besides evaluating the exponent of 0.75, exponents of 0.80, 0.85 and 1.0 were also evaluated. An empirical approach based on kidney and liver weights was also examined. Based on the results of five methods, a sixth method was introduced.Results The results of the study indicate that no single method is suitable for all drugs or for all age groups. The exponents 0.75, 0.80, and 0.85 provided the same degree of accuracy or error in the prediction of clearance in children.Conclusions Since no single method is suitable for all drugs or for all age groups. A combination of approaches is suggested which may help in improving the prediction of clearance in children from adult data.
Structural, immunological and functional properties of natural recombinant Pen a 1, the major allergen of Brown Shrimp, Penaeus aztecus
Authors: Reese G. , Schicktanz S. , Lauer I. , Randow S. , Lüttkopf D. , Vogel L. , Lehrer S. B. , Vieths S. 
Published: March 2006

SummaryBackground
Recombinant allergens are considered the basis for new diagnostic approaches and development of novel strategies of allergen‐specific immunotherapy. As Pen a 1 from brown shrimp Penaeus aztecus is the only major allergen of shrimp and binds up to 75% of all shrimp‐specific IgE antibodies this molecule may be an excellent model for the usage of allergens with reduced IgE antibody‐binding capacity for specific immunotherapy.Aim
The aim was to clone, express and characterize a full‐length recombinant Pen a 1 molecule and compare it with natural Pen a 1 in regard to structural and immunological parameters such as IgE antibody capacity and ability to induce IgE‐mediated mediator release.Methods
Total RNA was isolated from P. aztecus and a rapid amplification of cDNA ends (5′ RACE) was performed to obtain full‐length cDNA coding for Pen a 1. Using a gene‐specific primer, PCR was performed and full‐length cDNA was cloned and sequenced. Recombinant His‐tagged Pen a 1 was isolated from Escherichia coli under native conditions by immobilized metal affinity chromatography. Secondary structure of natural and recombinant Pen a 1 was compared by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, and the IgE antibody‐binding capacity evaluated by RAST. The allergenic potency was tested by the capability of natural and recombinant Pen a 1 to induce mediator release in a murine and human in vitro model of IgE‐mediated type I allergy.Results
The deduced amino‐acid sequence was 284 residues long and amino‐acid sequence identities with allergenic and non‐allergenic tropomyosins ranged from 80% to 99% and 51% to 58%, respectively. The analysis of the secondary structure of natural and recombinant Pen a 1 by CD spectroscopic analysis showed that both nPen a 1 and rPen a 1 had α‐helical conformation that is typical for tropomyosin. The IgE antibody binding capacities of nPen a 1 and r Pen a1 were found to be essentially identical by RAST. The mediator release experiments using both wild‐type and humanized rat basophilic leukaemia 30/25 cells showed that rPen a 1 and nPen a 1 induced a similar level of mast cell activation.Conclusions
Recombinant Pen a 1 and natural Pen a 1 are structurally and immunologically identical and rPen a 1 may be used as the basis for component‐resolved diagnosis and the generation of modified shrimp tropomyosin for allergen‐specific immunotherapy. The results of the animal studies indicate that C3H/HeJ mice that were sensitized with shrimp extract in combination with cholera toxin as adjuvant may be a suitable model to study shrimp allergy.
The α4bβ7‐integrin is dynamically expressed on murine eosinophils and involved in eosinophil trafficking to the intestine
Authors: Brandt E. B. , Zimmermann N. , Muntel E. E. , Yamada Y. , Pope S. M. , Mishra A. , Hogan S. P. , Rothenberg M. E. 
Published: March 2006

SummaryBackground
Of the numerous adhesion molecules expressed by eosinophils, the α4‐integrin has been identified as critically involved in eosinophil trafficking in the lung. Most studies have focused on the role of the α4β1‐adhesion complex, but eosinophils also express the α4β7‐integrin complex.Objective
To investigate the role of α4β7, by assessing its membrane expression on eosinophils from different compartments using allergen‐challenged mice and IL‐4/IL‐5 bi‐transgenic mice. In addition, we aim to determine the impact of β7‐integrin deficiency on eosinophil recruitment to the lungs and intestine in specific experimental allergic models.Results
Evaluation of α4β7 expression on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue eosinophils revealed a down‐regulation of this integrin as eosinophils migrate through the lungs. Indeed eosinophils isolated from the BALF and lung of allergic mice had low expression of the α4β7‐complex. While expression of the α4‐chain remained unchanged, a significant decrease in β7‐surface expression was observed. Intestinal eosinophils, isolated from Peyer's patches, also displayed a down‐regulation of the α4β7‐integrin, albeit only modest. In contrast, circulating eosinophils, isolated from the blood and spleen, expressed high levels of the α4β7‐integrin. However, eosinophil trafficking into the lungs of β7‐integrin‐deficient mice was not significantly impaired in response to respiratory allergen challenges. In contrast, β7‐deficient mice had impaired eosinophil recruitment to the intestine.Conclusion
Taken together, these results identify differential expression of the α4β7‐integrin on eosinophils and its critical role in regulating eosinophil responses in the intestine.
Genetic polymorphisms of major house dust mite allergens
Authors: Piboonpocanun S. , Malainual N. , Jirapongsananuruk O. , Vichyanond P. , Thomas W. R. 
Published: March 2006

SummaryBackground
Polymorphic sequence substitutions in the major mite allergens can markedly affect immunoglobulin E binding and T cell responses, but there are few studies on environmental isolates from Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and none for D. farinae.Objective
To determine the sequence variation of the group 1 and 2 allergens from environmental D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae.Methods
RNA from each species was isolated from homes in Bangkok and the sequence of Der p 1, Der p 2, Der f 1, and Der f 2 determined from cDNA produced by high fidelity polymerase chain reactions.Results
The enlarged data set revealed preferred amino acid substitutions in residues 19, 81, and 215 of Der p 1 as well as sporadic changes. Der p 2 showed frequent variations with clusters of amino acid substitutions, but the canonical Der p 2.0101 was not found in any of 17 sequences. Der f 2 showed variants with clusters of substitutions similar to Der p 2 but in different amino acid positions and without any structural concordance. Der f 1 in contrast to the other allergens had few amino acid sequence substitutions.Conclusions
The sequence information on variants provides data important for the optimal design of allergen formulations and useful for the genetic engineering and structure–function analyses of the major allergens.
Induction of interleukin‐10 and suppressor of cytokine signalling‐3 gene expression following peptide immunotherapy
Authors: Tarzi M. , Klunker S. , Texier C. , Verhoef A. , Stapel S. O. , Akdis C. A. , Maillere B. , Kay A. B. , Larché M. 
Published: March 2006

SummaryBackground
Allergen‐derived (T cell epitope) peptides may be safer for immunotherapy than native allergen, as they do not cross‐link immunoglobulin (Ig)E. However, HLA polymorphism results in multiple potential epitopes. Synthetic peptides of phospholipase (PL) A2 were selected for a peptide vaccine, on the basis of binding affinity for commonly expressed HLA‐DR molecules.Objective
To evaluate treatment with an HLA‐DR‐based PLA2 peptide vaccine in subjects with mild honeybee allergy in an open, controlled study.Methods
Twelve volunteers with allergy to bee venom received nine intradermal injections of PLA2 peptides, with six untreated subjects serving as controls. Outcome was assessed by the size of the late‐phase cutaneous reaction to allergen, peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) proliferation, cytokine release, and expression of genes associated with immune regulation.Results
Subjects receiving peptides showed a decrease in the magnitude of the late‐phase cutaneous reaction to bee venom compared with controls (P=0.03). The proliferation of venom‐stimulated PBMCs decreased in treated subjects compared with controls (P=0.01). Peptide treatment reduced the production of IL‐13 by PLA2‐stimulated PBMCs (P<0.01) and IFN‐γ (P<0.01), and increased the production of IL‐10 (P=0.02). Transcription of the suppressor of cytokine signalling (Socs)3 gene was significantly increased following therapy. A transient, but modest, increase in allergen‐specific IgG was also observed.Conclusion
HLA‐DR‐based T cell epitopes modify surrogate markers associated with successful immunotherapy and induction of immune regulation, supporting the concept that this form of treatment may be efficacious in human allergic disease.
Inhibitory effects of fluvastatin on cytokine and chemokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with allergic asthma
Authors: Samson K. T. R. , Minoguchi K. , Tanaka A. , Oda N. , Yokoe T. , Yamamoto Y. , Yamamoto M. , Ohta S. , Adachi M. 
Published: March 2006

SummaryBackground
Statins have anti‐inflammatory effects on immune cells.Objective
To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of fluvastatin on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) after allergen‐specific and non‐allergen‐specific stimulation in patients with asthma and in healthy subjects.Methods
PBMCs from seven patients with asthma who showed elevated immunoglobulin (Ig)E to house dust mite were isolated and stimulated with Dermatofagoides farinae, purified protein derivative, and phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) in the presence or absence of fluvastatin. PBMCs from seven healthy subjects were stimulated with PHA. The effects of fluvastatin on cell proliferation and production of cytokines (interferon [IFN]‐γ and interleukin [IL]‐5) and chemokines (chemokine CXC motif, ligand [CXCL10], and CC chemokine ligand [CCL17]) were measured. Migration of T helper (Th)1 and Th2 cell lines was also investigated. The expression of CXCR3 and CCR4 was analysed with flow cytometry. Steroid‐insensitive PBMCs induced by preculture with IL‐2 and IL‐4 were also evaluated. Some experiments were performed in the presence of mevalonic acid.Results
Fluvastatin inhibited the proliferation of PBMCs and decreased the production of IL‐5, IFN‐γ, CCL17, and CXCL10 after allergen‐specific and non‐allergen‐specific stimulation; all these effects, except for decreased CXCL10 production, were partially reversed by mevalonic acid. Culture supernatants obtained in the presence of fluvastatin prevented the migration of Th1 and Th2 cell lines in a dose‐dependent manner. In addition, CCR4 and CXCR3 expression on CD4+ T cells was not affected by the presence of fluvastatin. Fluvastatin inhibited the proliferative response of steroid‐insensitive PBMCs to phytohaemagglutinin.Conclusion
Fluvastatin has inhibitory effects on cytokine and chemokine production, and thus might be used as a potential therapeutic agent in severe asthma.
Do parents with an atopic family history adopt a ‘prudent’ lifestyle for their infant? (KOALA Study)
Authors: Kummeling I. , Thijs C. , Stelma F. , Huber M. , van den Brandt P. A. , Dagnelie P. C 
Published: March 2006

SummaryBackground
Atopic parents may adopt lifestyle characteristics that allegedly protect against atopic disease. If this is true, infants from atopic parents will be characterized by low‐risk behaviour. Consequently, aetiologic studies on lifestyle factors and allergic disease in childhood may be biased by confounding by indication.Objective
We explored whether the prevalence of ‘prudent’ lifestyle characteristics differs between atopic and non‐atopic families.Methods
Information about a family history of atopic manifestations and lifestyle characteristics was collected by repeated questionnaires in the Dutch KOALA Birth Cohort Study in 2469 infants from families with divergent lifestyle practices (conventional vs. alternative).Results
In conventional lifestyle families, infants were less often exposed to environmental tobacco smoke when parents were atopic than when they were non‐atopic (10.0% vs. 14.7%, P=0.001). In alternative lifestyle families, exposure to smoking was very rare in both groups (1.7% vs. 2.6%). Pets were less often present in families with than without parental atopy (38.8% vs. 51.1%, P=0.008 for conventional lifestyle families; 43.0% vs. 48.4%, P=0.014 for alternative lifestyle families). Infants with atopic siblings had less often been vaccinated according to the standard scheme than infants with non‐atopic siblings in conventional lifestyle families (76.6% vs. 85.5%, P<0.001). In alternative lifestyle families, the difference was in the same direction but not statistically significant (30.1% vs. 40.5%, P=0.143). Antibiotic use, breastfeeding and consumption of organic foods were unrelated to a family history of atopic manifestations.Conclusion
Some ‘prudent’ lifestyle characteristics differed between atopic and non‐atopic families, depending on whether atopic manifestations were present in parents or older siblings. This has important consequences for the validity in epidemiological studies on the aetiology of allergy in children. Confounding by indication because of a family history of atopic manifestations can best be controlled for by considering atopy in parents and siblings as separate confounders.
The analysis and quantification of a clonal B cell response in a hyperimmunized anti-D donor
Authors: Dohmen S E , Verhagen O J H M , De Groot S M , Stott L M , Aalberse R C , Urbaniak S J , Van Der Schoot C E 
Published: March 2006

Summary
Healthy volunteers are hyperimmunized with RhD-positive red cells in order to obtain plasma containing high titres of anti-D immunoglobulin, which is used for the prevention of haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. We analysed the anti-D immune response in a donor who had been hyperimmunized for 7 years and who showed declining anti-D titres despite re-immunization. A phage display library representing the complete immunorepertoire and a second library representing the IGHV3 superspecies family genes (IGHV3s) repertoire in the donor were constructed and analysed. A clonal Ig-gene rearrangement was quantified in the peripheral blood by limiting dilution polymerase chain reaction (PCR) All RhD-binding phages from both libraries, except one, had heavy chains with IGH–VDJ rearrangements of the same clonal origin, but with different patterns of somatic mutations and joined with different light chains. Limiting dilution PCR performed on mRNA and genomic DNA showed a frequency of 1 clonal B cell in 2000 IgG1/3-positive B cells. We show the presence of clonally related RhD-specific B cells in a hyperimmunized anti-D donor who had declining anti-D titres and who was unresponsive to re-immunization. Furthermore, we found a high frequency of clonal B cells. These results contribute to the understanding of the immune response against RhD in hyperimmunized anti-D donors.
Skewing of X‐chromosome inactivation in three generations of carriers with X‐linked chronic granulomatous disease within one family
Authors: Köker M. Y. , Sanal Ö. , De Boer M. , Tezcan I. , Metin A. , Tan Ç. , Ersoy F. , Roos D. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground  Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is an inherited disorder of the innate immune system characterized by impairment of intracellular microbicidal activity of phagocytes. Mutations in one of the four known NADPH‐oxidase components preclude generation of superoxide and related antimicrobial oxidants, leading to the phenotype of CGD. Defects in gp91‐phox, encoded by CYBB, lead to X‐linked CGD, responsible for approximately 70% of all CGD cases. The aim of the study was to evaluate the hypothesis that age‐related skewing of X‐chromosome inactivation, as described in several CGD families, is caused by preferential survival of bone marrow clones with an inactive NADPH oxidase.Materials and methods  We studied the neutrophils from three patients and four carriers in three generations of a Turkish family with X‐linked CGD. Carrier detection was carried out by the dihydrorhodamine (DHR)‐1,2,3 assay, which measures on a per‐cell basis the NADPH oxidase‐dependent oxidation of DHR by phagocytes. The X‐chromosome inactivation pattern was determined with the HUMARA assay in DNA from leucocytes as well as in DNA from a buccal smear of the four carriers.Results  The three patients were identified by a negative DHR test, and the mutation in their CYBB gene was characterized by DNA sequencing. Moreover, we found an age‐related degree of skewing of X‐chromosome inactivation in the leucocytes of the four X‐CGD carriers, both at the protein level (NADPH oxidase activity) and at the DNA level (HUMARA assay). However, similar skewing of X‐chromosome inactivation was found in the buccal DNA from these women.Conclusions  These novel findings indicate that the age‐related degree of skewing was probably a chance finding, not related to preferential survival of NADPH oxidase‐deficient precursor cells, because this enzyme is not expressed in (buccal) epithelial cells.