bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Familial aggregation of food allergy and sensitization to food allergens: a family‐based study
Authors: Tsai H.‐J. , Kumar R. , Pongracic J. , Liu X. , Story R. , Yu Y. , Caruso D. , Costello J. , Schroeder A. , Fang Y. , Demirtas H. , Meyer K. E. , O'Gorman M. R. G. , Wang X. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryBackgroundThe increasing prevalence of food allergy (FA) is a growing clinical and public health problem. The contribution of genetic factors to FA remains largely unknown.ObjectiveThis study examined the pattern of familial aggregation and the degree to which genetic factors contribute to FA and sensitization to food allergens.MethodsThis study included 581 nuclear families (2,004 subjects) as part of an ongoing FA study in Chicago, IL, USA. FA was defined by a set of criteria including timing, clinical symptoms obtained via standardized questionnaire interview and corroborative specific IgE cut‐offs for 95% positive predictive value (PPV) for food allergens measured by Phadia ImmunoCAP. Familial aggregation of FA as well as sensitization to food allergens was examined using generalized estimating equation (GEE) models, with adjustment for important covariates including age, gender, ethnicity and birth order. Heritability was estimated for food‐specific IgE measurements.ResultsFA in the index child was a significant and independent predictor of FA in other siblings (OR=2.6, 95% CI: 1.2–5.6,P=0.01). There were significant and positive associations among family members (father–offspring, mother–offspring, index–other siblings) for total IgE and specific IgE to all the nine major food allergens tested in this sample (sesame, peanut, wheat, milk, egg white, soy, walnut, shrimp and cod fish). The estimated heritability of food‐specific IgE ranged from 0.15 to 0.35 and was statistically significant for all the nine tested food allergens.ConclusionThis family‐based study demonstrates strong familial aggregation of FA and sensitization to food allergens, especially, among siblings. The heritability estimates indicate that food‐specific IgE is likely influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Together, this study provides strong evidence that both host genetic susceptibility and environmental factors determine the complex trait of IgE‐mediated FA.
Development and validation of a self‐administered Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire for children
Authors: Flokstra‐de Blok B. M. J. , DunnGalvin A. , Vlieg‐Boerstra B. J. , Oude Elberink J. N. G. , Duiverman E. J. , Hourihane J. O'B. , Dubois A. E. J. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryBackground
Having a food allergy may affect health‐related quality of life (HRQL). Currently, no validated, self‐administered, disease‐specific HRQL questionnaire exists for children with food allergy.Objective
The aim of this study was to develop and validate the Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire – Child Form (FAQLQ‐CF) in the Dutch language.Methods
Interviews with food‐allergic children (n=13, 8–12 years) generated 139 HRQL items. The most important items were identified by 51 food‐allergic children using the clinical impact method. This resulted in the FAQLQ‐CF containing 24 items (total score range 1 ‘not troubled’ to 7 ‘extremely troubled’). The FAQLQ‐CF, the Food Allergy Independent Measure (FAIM) and a generic HRQL questionnaire (CHQ‐CF87) were sent to 115 food‐allergic children for cross‐sectional validation of the FAQLQ‐CF.Results
Construct validity was demonstrated by the correlation between the FAQLQ‐CF and the FAIM (rho=0.60, P<0.001). The FAQLQ‐CF had an excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α=0.94) and discriminated between children who differed in number of food allergies (>2 food allergies vs. 2 food allergies; total FAQLQ‐CF score, 4.3 vs. 3.6; P=0.036), but did not discriminate between reported anaphylaxis or not. The total FAQLQ‐CF score correlated with 8 of the 11 CHQ‐CF87 sub‐scales which demonstrated convergent/discriminant validity.Conclusion
The FAQLQ‐CF is the first self‐administered disease‐specific HRQL questionnaire for food‐allergic children. This questionnaire has a strong internal consistency and cross‐sectional validity. It discriminates between children who differ in number of food allergies, and it was short and easy to use in the population studied. Therefore, the FAQLQ‐CF may be a useful tool in clinical research.
Combination of omalizumab and specific immunotherapy is superior to immunotherapy in patients with seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and co‐morbid seasonal allergic asthma
Authors: Kopp M. V. , Hamelmann E. , Zielen S. , Kamin W. , Bergmann K.‐C. , Sieder C. , Stenglein S. , Seyfried S. , Wahn U. ,   for the DUAL study group
Published: November 2008

SummaryBackground
The treatment of allergic asthma by specific immunotherapy (SIT) is hampered by potential side‐effects.Objective
The aim of this study was to study the effect of omalizumab, a monoclonal anti‐IgE antibody, in combination with SIT in patients with seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (SAR) and co‐morbid seasonal allergic asthma (SAA) incompletely controlled by conventional pharmacotherapy.Methods
A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, multi‐centre trial was performed to assess the efficacy and safety of omalizumab (Xolair®) vs. placebo in combination with depigmented SIT (Depigoid®) during the grass pollen season. Omalizumab or placebo was started 2 weeks before SIT; the whole treatment lasted 18 weeks. Primary endpoint was daily ‘symptom load’, the sum of daily scores for symptom severity and rescue medication use.Results
A total of 140 patients (age 11–46 years) were randomized; and a total of 130 finished the study. Combination therapy reduced the symptom load by 39% (P=0.0464, Wilcoxon test) over SIT monotherapy. This difference was mainly due to reduced symptom severity (P=0.0044), while rescue medication use did not change significantly. Combination therapy also improved asthma control (Asthma Control Questionnaire, P=0.0295) and quality of life in the case of asthma (Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire, P=0.0293) and rhinoconjunctivitis (Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire, P=0.0537). Numbers of patients with ‘excellent or good’ treatment efficacy according to ratings of investigators (75.0% vs. 36.9%) or patients (78.5% vs. 46.1%) were markedly higher in the combination group than under SIT alone.Conclusion
Combination of omalizumab with SIT for treatment of patients with SAR and co‐morbid SAA was safe and reduced the symptom load in a statistically significant and clinically meaningful manner.
Plant biology and other issues that relate to the management of water hyacinth: a global perspective with focus on Europe1
Authors: Julien M. 
Published: November 2008

Water hyacinth reproduces vegetatively and sexually and seeds are numerous and long‐lived. Rates of vegetative growth are high (weight and numbers can double in less than 1 week in optimal conditions) and governed by temperature and available nutrients. The period from germination to setting seed can be less than 12 weeks. Dispersal of propagules is by flow, man and machines. Biomass of living material is high 90 to > 800 tonnes/ha and comprises around 95% water, and the weed often grows in inaccessible areas. Consequently, social, economic and environmental impacts of water hyacinth are often large and management of the problem becomes very important. However, management of water hyacinth is difficult, and utilization of this weed should not be mistaken as a control measure. Containment and eradication from a catchment may only be accomplished if the invasion is very young, small, isolated and accessible, and if the short‐term resource commitment is high. Most infestations are non‐eradicable because once noticed reaction time is too long. However, in Europe, as the weed invades new areas on the edges of its ecological range, eradication of new infestations could (should) be attempted as this is the most cost effective way to deal with the weed. In addition, pathway shut‐down and awareness campaigns should seek to reduce further new introductions, which, for spread to new regions, are mostly anthropogenic. For established populations the removal of accessible floating biomass can be accomplished using herbicides (if permitted) and by mechanical means. Both are expensive because re‐growth ensures repeated action is necessary. Biological control is a useful tool in warmer climates, less so in cooler climates. It may be more useful in cooler areas if integrated with other management techniques. Additional biological control agents are being studied to improve and broaden the value of biological control. The lack of policies to permit the use of biological control for weeds in Europe limits the ability to manage this weed.
Apical extrusion of intracanal bacteria following use of various instrumentation techniques
Authors: Kuştarcı A. , Akpınar K. E. , Sümer Z. , Er K. , Bek B. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractAim  To evaluate the number of bacteria extruded apically from extracted teeth ex vivo after canal instrumentation using a manual technique and three engine‐driven techniques utilizing nickel–titanium instruments (K3, RaCe, and FlexMaster).Methodology  Seventy extracted human mandibular premolar teeth with similar dimensions were used. Access cavities were prepared and root canals were then contaminated with a suspension of Enterococcus faecalis and then dried. The contaminated roots were divided into four experimental groups of 15 teeth each and one control group of 10 teeth. G1. RaCe group: the root canals were instrumented using RaCe instruments. G2. K3 group: the root canals were instrumented using K3 instruments. G3. FlexMaster group: the root canals were instrumented using FlexMaster instruments. G4. Manual technique group: the root canals were instrumented using K‐type stainless steel instruments. G5. Control group: no instrumentation was attempted. Bacteria extruded from the apical foramen during instrumentation were collected into vials. The resultant microbiological samples were removed from the vials and then incubated in culture media for 24 h. The number of colony‐forming units (CFU) was determined for each sample. The data obtained were analysed using the Kruskal–Wallis one‐way analysis of variance and Mann–Whitney U‐tests, with α = 0.05 as the level for statistical significance.Results  There was a significant difference between experimental‐control and engine‐driven‐manual technique groups (P < 0.05). The manual technique was associated with the greatest extrusion of microorganism.Conclusions  All instrumentation techniques extruded intracanal bacteria apically. No significant difference was found in the number of CFU among the engine‐driven techniques; manual techniques extruded significantly more microorganisms.
Opinions and attitudes of endodontists and general dental practitioners in the UK towards the intra‐canal fracture of endodontic instruments. Part 2
Authors: Madarati A. A. , Watts D. C. , Qualtrough A. J. E. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractAim To investigate the attitudes of general dental practitioners (GDPs) and endodontists in the UK towards management of fractured endodontic instruments.Methodology A questionnaire was sent to 330 systemically selected GDPs and all endodontists working in the UK (170). It was accompanied by a covering letter explaining the aims of the study and indicating that all the information given would remain confidential. Those who did not respond to the first mailing were sent another two mailings. Data were analysed using chi‐square test at P ≤ 0.05.Results The overall response rate was 75%. Only 18.5% of respondents reported that they would retrieve instruments located in the apical third of root canals with a significantly higher proportion of endodontists (25.9%) compared with that of GDPs (14%) doing so. A significantly higher proportion of endodontists (98.5%) used ultrasonics for removal of fractured instruments compared with GDPs (75.8%). The most common complication of fractured instrument retrieval was thought to be excessive removal of dentine (67%). The majority of respondents (88.5%) reported that they would leave the unsuccessfully removed file in situ and obturate the root canal.Conclusion Both endodontists and GDPs were aware of the limitations of root canal anatomy when removal of fractured instruments was considered. Excessive removal of dentine, the most common complication associated with the removal process, suggests the need for more conservative techniques. Both endodontists and GDPs demonstrated a conservative approach when management of fractured instruments failed. Further studies regarding attitudes of GDPs and endodontists towards some specific aspects of fractured instruments management are required.
An overview of oral health promotion in adolescents
Authors: BRUKIENĖ VILMA , ALEKSEJŪNIENĖ JOLANTA 
Published: November 2008

Objective.  The aim of this study was to overview the effectiveness of different strategies used to promote oral health in adolescents.Methods.  A search of the MEDLINE via OVID database was performed through September 2007. The studies aiming to modify oral health‐related lifestyle in adolescents with experimental pre‐ to post‐test controlled study design were targeted. Oral health‐related knowledge, attitudes, oral hygiene status, gingival health, and caries status were used as outcome measures for the evaluation of changes in adolescent oral health‐related behaviour.Results.  All studies evaluating knowledge showed cognitive gains. Only slight or no improvement in attitude was reported. The average improvement in oral hygiene was 30–50%. A wide range 0–50% of the effects on gingival health was presented. However, the relapse in oral hygiene status towards baseline values was also observed. Only studies employing professionally applied preventive measures in conjunction with educational activities reported significantly lower caries incidence.Conclusion.  The limited success of the behavioural interventions and the lack of diversity in methods used do not allow identification of the best ways to promote oral health towards adolescents. Therefore, alternative approaches for oral health promotion in adolescents should be explored.
Autoimmune and inflammatory disorders and risk of malignant lymphomas – an update
Authors: Smedby K. E. , Askling J. , Mariette X. , Baecklund E. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract.As specific autoimmune disorders now constitute established risk factors for malignant lymphomas, we describe this association.We review reported risk levels, risk determinants, lymphoma subtypes and biological mechanisms in autoimmunity/inflammation, emphasizing on recent findings.Whilst numerous reports describe average lymphoma risks in large patient groups, there’s a recent shift of focus to risk determinants and the role of inflammatory activity. Studies highlight associations with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma, apart from lymphoma development in target organs of inflammation.Future studies of high‐risk patient subsets using detailed assessments of autoimmunity/inflammation and lymphoma may give important clues to lymphomagenesis.
Shigella flexneri type III secretion system effectors OspB and OspF target the nucleus to downregulate the host inflammatory response via interactions with retinoblastoma protein
Authors: Zurawski Daniel V. , Mumy Karen L. , Faherty Christina S. , McCormick Beth A. , Maurelli Anthony T. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryOspF, OspG and IpaH9.8 are type III secretion system (T3SS) effectors of Shigella flexneri that downregulate the host innate immune response. OspF modifies mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathways and polymorphonuclear leucocyte transepithelial migration associated with Shigella invasion. OspF also localizes in the nucleus to mediate chromatin remodelling, resulting in reduced transcription of inflammatory cytokines. We now report that OspB can be added to the set of S. flexneri T3SS effectors required to modulate the innate immune response. T84 cells infected with a ΔospB mutant resulted in reduced polymorphonuclear leucocyte transepithelial migration and mitogen‐activated protein kinase signalling. Tagged versions of OspB localized with endosomes and the nucleus. Further, T84 cells infected with the ΔospB mutant showed increased levels of secreted IL‐8 compared with wild‐type infected cells. Both GST–OspB and GST–OspF coprecipitated retinoblastoma protein from host cell lysates. Because ΔospB and ΔospF mutants share similar phenotypes, and OspB and OspF share a host binding partner, we propose that OspB and OspF facilitate the remodelling of chromatin via interactions with retinoblastoma protein, resulting in diminished inflammatory cytokine production. The requirement of multiple T3SS effectors to modulate the innate immune response correlates to the complexity of the human immune system.
Capsule anchoring in Bacillus anthracis occurs by a transpeptidation reaction that is inhibited by capsidin
Authors: Richter Stefan , Anderson Valerie J. , Garufi Gabriella , Lu Lianghua , Budzik Jonathan M. , Joachimiak Andrzej , He Chuan , Schneewind Olaf , Missiakas Dominique 
Published: November 2008

Summary Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax, is a dangerous biological weapon, as spores derived from drug‐resistant strains cause infections for which antibiotic therapy is no longer effective. We sought to develop an anti‐infective therapy for anthrax and targeted CapD, an enzyme that cleaves poly‐γ‐d‐glutamate capsule and generates amide bonds with peptidoglycan cross‐bridges to deposit capsular material into the envelope of B. anthracis. In agreement with the model that capsule confers protection from phagocytic clearance, B. anthracis capD variants failed to deposit capsule into the envelope and displayed defects in anthrax pathogenesis. By screening chemical libraries, we identified the CapD inhibitor capsidin, 4‐[(4‐bromophenyl)thio]‐3‐(diacetylamino)benzoic acid), which covalently modifies the active‐site threonine of the transpeptidase. Capsidin treatment blocked capsular assembly by B. anthracis and enabled phagocytic killing of non‐encapsulated vegetative forms.
The CprS sensor kinase of the zoonotic pathogen Campylobacter jejuni influences biofilm formation and is required for optimal chick colonization
Authors: Svensson Sarah L. , Davis Lindsay M. , MacKichan Joanna K. , Allan Brenda J. , Pajaniappan Mohanasundari , Thompson Stuart A. , Gaynor Erin C. 
Published: November 2008

Summary Campylobacter jejuni, a prevalent cause of bacterial gastroenteritis, must adapt to different environments to be a successful pathogen. We previously identified a C. jejuni two‐component regulatory system (Cj1226/7c) as upregulated during cell infections. Analyses described herein led us to designate the system CprRS (Campylobacterplanktonic growth regulation). While the response regulator was essential, a cprS sensor kinase mutant was viable. The ΔcprS mutant displayed an apparent growth defect and formed dramatically enhanced and accelerated biofilms independent of upregulation of previously characterized surface polysaccharides. ΔcprS also displayed a striking dose‐dependent defect for colonization of chicks and was modestly enhanced for intracellular survival in INT407 cells. Proteomics analyses identified changes consistent with modulation of essential metabolic genes, upregulation of stress tolerance proteins, and increased expression of MOMP and FlaA. Consistent with expression profiling, we observed enhanced motility and secretion in ΔcprS, and decreased osmotolerance and oxidative stress tolerance. We also found that C. jejuni biofilms contain a DNase I‐sensitive component and that biofilm formation is influenced by deoxycholate and the metabolic substrate fumarate. These results suggest that CprRS influences expression of factors important for biofilm formation, colonization and stress tolerance, and also add to our understanding of C. jejuni biofilm physiology.
Outcome of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients transplanted with matched unrelated donors vs allele‐mismatched donors: a single centre study
Authors: Hauzenberger D. , Schaffer M. , Ringdén O. , Hassan Z. , Omazic B. , Mattsson J. , Wikström A.‐C. , Remberger M. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractWe studied the importance of human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐A, ‐B and ‐DRB1 high‐resolution matching on the outcome of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) with matched unrelated donors (MUDs) vs single allele‐mismatched unrelated donors. Fifty consecutive HSCT patients receiving an HLA‐A, ‐B or ‐DR allele‐level‐mismatched unrelated graft (mmUD) were compared with a matched cohort of 100 patients with an HLA‐A, ‐B and ‐DR‐MUD. Rejection occurred in seven patients (14%) in the mmUD group and in four patients (4%) in the MUD group (P = 0.04), but this was mainly an effect of HLA‐C mismatch. The cumulative incidence of acute graft vs host disease (GVHD) grades II–IV were 61%, 26% and 33% in the class I mmUD, class II mmUD and MUD groups, respectively. In multivariate analysis, HLA class I mismatch was associated with an increased risk of acute GVHD grades II–IV (2.09, P = 0.007) and transplant‐related mortality (TRM) (1.99, P = 0.06). The 5‐year overall survival was 81% in patients with a class II allele‐mismatched donor compared with 52% (P = 0.025) and 50% (P = 0.017) in patients with a class I mismatch and a MUD. In multivariate analysis, HLA class II allele mismatch was associated with improved survival (3.38, P = 0.019). Relapse‐free survival were 53%, 37% and 42% in patients with a class II mmUD, class I mmUD and a MUD, respectively (not significant). An HLA‐C or ‐DQ mismatch had no significant impact on survival, TRM and relapse. In conclusion, compared with MUD, HLA class I allele mmUD had an increased risk of acute GVHD and TRM.
Molecular mechanisms of HLA association with autoimmune diseases
Authors: Caillat‐Zucman S. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe association of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules with many autoimmune diseases has been long known. Yet, the molecular basis for these associations remains unclear for most of these diseases because of the lack of identification of a primary target autoantigen or autoantigens. In two frequent autoimmune disorders, however, celiac disease and type 1 diabetes, recent progress in the identification of immunogenic antigen epitopes and analysis of crystal structure of particular HLA molecules in complex with disease‐specific epitopes has allowed for a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying disease association. In this review, these two diseases will be analyzed in detail to show how HLA polymorphisms may directly contribute to susceptibility to, or protection from, disease. Such analyses have significant interest in clinical practice to identify at‐risk individuals and elaborate new therapeutic strategies aiming at inhibiting or preventing the autoimmune process.