bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polymorphisms in the interleukin‐4 and interleukin‐4 receptor α chain genes confer susceptibility to asthma and atopy in a Caucasian population
Authors: Beghé B. , Barton S. , Rorke S. , Peng Q. , Sayers I. , Gaunt T. , Keith T. P. , Clough J. B. , Holgate S. T. , Holloway J. W. 
Published: August 2003

SummaryBackground  IL‐4 by binding to its receptor (IL‐4R) is essential for the development of airway inflammation present in asthma, through the induction of IgE synthesis in B cells and differentiation of T cells to a Th2 phenotype.Objective  To investigate the role of four common polymorphisms in the IL‐4 (IL4‐34CT and IL4‐589CT) and IL‐4Rα chain (IL4RAI50V and IL4RAQ576R) genes in conferring susceptibility to the development of atopy and/or asthma.Methods  Two polymorphisms in the IL‐4 gene promoter, IL4‐34CT and IL4‐589CT, and two polymorphisms in the IL‐4Rα chain gene, IL4RAI50V and IL4RAQ576R, have been genotyped using PCR‐based methods in 341 asthmatic families and in 184 non‐asthmatic adults recruited from the south of England.Results  Case–control analysis did not reveal differences in the distribution of the four polymorphisms between asthmatics and controls. However, the transmission disequilibrium test showed that the IL4‐589 T allele was preferentially transmitted to asthmatic children (P=0.036) and that the IL4RAQ576 was preferentially transmitted to children with atopic asthma (P=0.018). Haplotype analysis showed a strong association between the IL4‐34T/‐589T haplotype and asthma per se (P=0.041), and a strong association between the IL4RA I50/Q576 haplotype and atopic asthma (P=0.006).Conclusion  Our data suggest that polymorphisms in the IL‐4 and IL‐4Rα chain genes might play a role both conferring susceptibility to and modulating severity of atopy and asthma.
Thresholds of clinical reactivity to milk, egg, peanut and sesame in immunoglobulin E‐dependent allergies: evaluation by double‐blind or single‐blind placebo‐controlled oral challenges
Authors: Morisset M. , Moneret‐Vautrin D. A. , Kanny G. , Guénard L. , Beaudouin E. , Flabbée J. , Hatahet R. 
Published: August 2003

SummaryBackground
The prevalence of food anaphylaxis due to masked allergens has increased within the last 10 years. Contamination of manufactured products by food allergens is a key concern for food industries.Objective
To determine quantities eliciting reactions in patients who have an IgE‐dependent food allergy, thanks to standardized oral provocation tests. To evaluate the subsequent levels of sensitivity required for the detection tests of allergens for egg, peanut, milk and sesame.Methods
Prick‐in‐prick tests, Cap system RAST, and single or double‐blind placebo‐controlled food challenges (SBPCFC or DBPCFC) were performed. The doses of natural food were gradually increased from 5 to 5000 mg for solid food and from 1 to 30 mL for peanut oil, sunflower oil, soy oil and sesame oil.Results
Data from 125 positive oral challenges to egg, 103 to peanut, 59 to milk and 12 to sesame seeds were analysed. Haemodynamic modifications were observed in 2%, 3%, 1.7%, and 8% of the oral challenges (OCs) to egg, peanut, milk and sesame, respectively. Respiratory symptoms were observed in 12%, 20%, 10% and 42% of egg, peanut milk and sesame allergies, respectively. A cumulative reactive dose inferior or equal to 65 mg of solid food or 0.8 mL of milk characterized 16%, 18%, 5% and 8% of egg, peanut, milk and sesame allergies, respectively. 0.8% of egg allergies, 3.9% of peanut allergies, and 1.7% of milk allergies reacted to 10 mg or less of solid food or to 0.1 mL for milk. The lowest reactive threshold has been observed at less than 2 mg of egg; 5 mg of peanut, 0.1 mL of milk and 30 mg of sesame seed. Ten out of 29 OC with peanut oil, two out of two OC with soy oil and three out of six OC with sunflower oil were positive. Five out six OC with sesame oil were positive: 1 and 5 mL induced an anaphylactic shock.Conclusion
The risk of asthma and anaphylactic shock to sesame and peanut is confirmed. Minimal reactive quantities show that, in order to guarantee a 95% safety for patients who are allergic to egg, peanut and milk, and on the basis of consumption of 100 g of food, the detection tests should ensure a sensitivity of 10 p.p.m. for egg, 24 p.p.m. for peanut and 30 p.p.m. for milk proteins. Oil allergies being considered, the limit of sensitivity should fall to 5 p.p.m.
Usefulness of specific immunotherapy in patients with severe perennial allergic rhinitis induced by house dust mite: a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Varney V. A. , Tabbah K. , Mavroleon G. , Frew A. J. 
Published: August 2003

SummaryObjectives
To evaluate the effectiveness of specific immunotherapy (SIT) in patients with severe house dust mite (HDM)‐induced perennial allergic rhinitis using diary cards and objective endpoints.Patients and Methods
Thirty‐six adult patients were selected with moderate to severe allergic rhinitis due to HDM allergy uncontrolled by regular anti‐allergic drugs. Twenty‐eight patients completed the study, 22 of these patients also had mild asthma. Subjects were stratified for HDM sensitivity on the basis of their 4‐week diary card score and the size of their immediate and late‐phase skin reaction to HDM. The groups were well matched for all relevant parameters. Patients were randomized to receive active preparation (Alutard®‐SQ, ALK, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus extract) or an identical placebo preparation. Increasing doses were administered until the maintenance dose was reached. This dose was then given once a month for 12 months.Results
Clinical efficacy was evaluated by symptom medication diary cards recorded for 4 weeks after 12 months of continuous treatment and compared with pre‐treatment scores. Skin test reactivity was re‐measured after 12 months of treatment to HDM, cat dander and codeine phosphate. After 1 year of treatment, the actively treated group showed a 58% reduction in diary card symptom scores (P<0.002) and a 20% reduction in the use of rescue medication. The placebo group had a 32% reduction in symptom scores (P=NS), but no reduction in rescue medication requirements. The active group showed 36% reduction in skin prick test sensitivity to D. pteronyssinus (P=0.006), while the placebo group values were unchanged. Skin reactivity to codeine was unchanged in both groups. No significant adverse reactions to SIT were encountered.Conclusions
One year of SIT for D. pteronyssinus in patients with poorly controlled rhinitis (±mild asthma) produced clinically useful improvement as shown by symptom–medication diary cards and reductions in immediate skin reactions compared with placebo treatment.
In vitro stability and immunoreactivity of the native and recombinant plant food 2S albumins Ber e 1 and SFA‐8
Authors: Murtagh G. J. , Archer D. B. , Dumoulin M. , Ridout S. , Matthews S. , Arshad S. H. , Alcocer M. J. C. 
Published: August 2003

SummaryBackground
The ability of an intact protein to reach the circulatory system may be a prerequisite to allergenicity and many allergens, particularly those from plant foods, have been found to be consistently more resistant to digestion by pepsin than other proteins.Objective
This study assessed the pepsinolytic stability of native 2S albumins from Brazil nut and sunflower seed and their recombinant versions produced in Pichia pastoris. The physicochemical stability of native and recombinant Brazil nut 2S albumins and recombinant sunflower seed 2S albumin was also assessed. The immunoreactivity of native Brazil nut 2S albumin and recombinant 2S albumins was compared using serum from patients allergic to Brazil nuts and animals immunized with native 2S albumins.Methods
Digestibility was measured in simulated gastric fluid followed by SDS‐PAGE. Circular dichroism spectra were used to analyse unfolding, as proteins were denatured by temperature, pH and guanidinium chloride. Immunoreactivity was assessed by immunoblot, RAST and ELISA.Results
Brazil nut 2S albumin was significantly more resistant to proteolytic digestion than other Brazil nut proteins. It was also resistant to thermally and chemically induced denaturation. Equally high resistance to proteolytic digestion was observed with sunflower seed 2S albumin. The recombinant albumins mirrored their native counterparts in stability and immunoreactivity.Conclusion
The important food allergen Brazil nut 2S albumin is as stable to digestion as is sunflower seed 2S albumin, whose allergenicity has yet to be determined. The 2S albumins and their recombinant counterparts could not be easily denatured by physicochemical treatments. The results suggest that 2S albumin is the only Brazil nut protein to reach the gut immune system intact. The production of properly folded recombinant proteins will facilitate mechanistic studies as well as diagnostic testing and antigen‐based therapies.
Association between interleukin‐18 gene polymorphism 105A/C and asthma
Authors: Higa S. , Hirano T. , Mayumi M. , Hiraoka M. , Ohshima Y. , Nambu M. , Yamaguchi E. , Hizawa N. , Kondo N. , Matsui E. , Katada Y. , Miyatake A. , Kawase I. , Tanaka T. 
Published: August 2003

SummaryBackground
IL‐18 has been shown to exert anti‐allergic or allergy‐promoting activities, but the existence of genetic polymorphisms in the coding regions of IL‐18 gene has not been demonstrated.Objective
The aim of this study was to investigate whether polymorphism is present in the coding regions of the IL‐18 gene and, if so, to further analyse the association between polymorphism and asthma in a case–control study.Methods
We screened the coding regions of the IL‐18 gene for polymorphisms by using PCRsingle‐stranded conformation polymorphism and direct sequencing of PCR products, followed by analysis of the association between polymorphism and asthma.Results
We identified one polymorphism (105A/C) in the coding regions. The frequency of the 105A allele was significantly higher in asthmatic patients than in controls (P<0.01; odds ratio (OR)=1.83 (1.37–2.26)). Significant linkage disequilibrium was observed between the 105A/C and −137G/C polymorphisms in the 5′ flanking region of the IL‐18 gene (D=0.58, P<0.0001). However, in asthmatic patients the 105A allele was not associated with either total serum IgE or IL‐18 levels.Conclusion
The 105A/C polymorphism of the IL‐18 gene may be associated with the pathogenesis of asthma.
Seasonal adaptation of ex‐ephippio and parthenogenetic offspring of Daphnia magna: differences in life history and physiology
Authors: Arbačiauskas Kȩstutis , Lampert Winfried 
Published: August 2003

Summary

Physiology and life history of ex‐ephippial and parthenogenetic offspring of Daphnia magna Straus were compared to test the hypothesis that females hatching from resting eggs are well adapted to the predictable high‐food conditions of the spring algal bloom.
Although ex‐ephippial neonates were smaller than parthenogenetic neonates, they showed higher juvenile growth rates that compensated for the size difference by the time of maturation.
At high food concentration, ex‐ephippial females were even larger at maturation than parthenogenetic females, produced more eggs, and reached a higher rate of population increase.
The high activity of the ex‐ephippial females was accompanied by higher metabolic rates, which in combination with the low initial mass resulted in reduced survival times under starvation.
Thus, the two phenotypic types of offspring produced by Daphnia are adapted to differing conditions. Ex‐ephippial females are superior to parthenogenetic offspring under high food conditions, but inferior when food is limiting.
This pattern selects for synchronous hatching of resting eggs in spring when the spring algal bloom is to be expected.
Concentration‐dependent sugar preferences in nectar‐feeding birds: mechanisms and consequences
Authors: Schondube Jorge E. , Del Rio Carlos Martínez 
Published: August 2003

Summary

Specialised nectar‐feeding birds tend to prefer sucrose over glucose‐fructose mixtures or to be indifferent when tested at concentrations close to 584 mmol L−1 sucrose equivalents. The role of the potential interaction between sugar composition and concentration on the sugar preferences of these birds, however, has not been explored.
We tested the hypothesis that sugar preferences in nectar‐feeding birds are concentration‐dependent. We predicted that at high concentrations they would prefer sucrose over hexoses, whereas at low sugar concentrations they would prefer hexoses. We expected birds to show differences in food intake that matched their sugar preferences when they fed on equicaloric solutions of sucrose and 1 : 1 mixture of glucose and fructose. Consequently, the curves describing the relationship between food intake and sugar concentration for these two sugar solutions should cross. We tested these hypotheses in two species of nectar‐feeding birds: the Cinnamon‐bellied Flowerpiercer, Diglossa baritula (Wagler) and the Magnificent Hummingbird, Eugenes fulgens (Swainson).
The sugar preferences of both species were concentration dependent. At lower concentrations they preferred hexoses, whereas at higher concentrations they shifted their preference to sucrose. However, these concentration‐dependent preferences were not matched by parallel differences in intake.
Although nectar composition and concentration are often discussed as two different floral traits, our results show that they have a synergistic effect on the sugar preferences of nectar‐feeding birds.
The fly that came in from the cold: geographic variation of recovery time from low‐temperature exposure in Drosophila subobscura
Authors: David J. R. , Gibert P. , Moreteau B. , Gilchrist G. W. , Huey R. B. 
Published: August 2003

Summary

The time required for an ectotherm to recover from cold exposure is a useful, non‐lethal index of cold tolerance. We explore how recovery times are affected by exposure to low temperatures, develop statistical methodologies, and study geographic variation in recovery time in four populations of Drosophila subobscura, a cold‐tolerant species.
We exposed flies to a low temperature (−7 °C to 1 °C) for 16 h, returned them to ambient temperature, and recorded the elapsed time (‘recovery time’) until they stood. Other flies were exposed to even colder temperatures (−11 °C to −7 °C), but for shorter times.
Recovery times were inversely related to exposure temperature, but had a plateau between −6 °C and −4 °C.
Populations had similar recovery times at ‘warm’ temperatures, but two subtropical populations had relatively long recovery times at colder temperatures.
Inter‐population differences were also evident in a regression analysis, and recovery times were inversely related to latitude (ordered‐factor analysis). Populations differed slightly in the slopes of regressions but differed strongly in their intercepts.
The physiological mechanisms underlying the non‐linear responses are unknown, but the plateau region suggests that recovery time is governed by the interplay of two temperature‐dependent processes. Two models are proposed for the interaction of these processes.
Physiological and morphological responses to simultaneous cold exposure and parasite infection by wild‐derived house mice
Authors: Kristan Deborah M. , Hammond Kimberly A. 
Published: August 2003

Summary

Many animals respond to environmental demands with phenotypic plasticity of morphology and physiology. We examined the effects of ambient temperature and parasitism on morphology and physiology of wild‐derived house mice (Mus musculus) that were exposed to cold and/or experimentally infected with a naturally occurring intestinal nematode (Heligmosomoides polygyrus).
Parasitized mice had changes in some organ masses, decreased ability to digest food, and lower rates of glucose transport but similar total glucose transport capacity as unparasitized mice. Wild‐derived house mice did not use fat stores to respond to parasitism but did increase mucosal mass in the small intestine enough to maintain glucose acquisition at a similar level to unparasitized mice.
Cold‐exposed mice showed increased masses of some organs, lower rates of glucose transport but similar total capacity to transport glucose as warm acclimated mice.
The effects of cold exposure and parasite infection were largely independent of each other for the morphological and physiological parameters we measured.
The more recent exposure of wild‐derived house mice to fluctuating temperatures and to parasite infection may help to explain the subtle differences that we observed in how wild‐derived mice respond to environmental demands compared to their laboratory mouse counterparts.
The effect of variation in dietary intake on maternal deposition of antioxidants in zebra finch eggs
Authors: Royle Nick J. , Surai Peter F. , Hartley Ian R. 
Published: August 2003

Summary

Maternal diet can significantly influence the quality and size of eggs, and this may, in turn, influence the fitness of offspring. In this study, we show how antioxidants (vitamin E compounds and carotenoids) in the diet of female zebra finches influence the concentrations of antioxidants in their eggs. Antioxidants are biochemicals derived from the diet, which reduce damage to cell membranes caused by the free radicals produced during normal metabolism and growth.
Females were given either a seed‐only or a seed + rearing food diet prior to egg laying. The seed + rearing food diet was more enriched with carotenoids, but had lower amounts of less effective antioxidants, such as γ‐tocopherol. Eggs were collected as they were laid, then analysed to determine the concentrations of antioxidants using high‐performance liquid chromatography.
Females in the two food groups had similar rates of food consumption and laid similar sized clutches. Females on the seed‐only diet produced eggs of similar mass to that of females on the seed + rearing food diet.
The concentrations of the most effective antioxidant (α‐tocopherol) were higher in the eggs of females from the seed‐only group and, for both food groups, concentrations decreased with successively laid eggs within clutches. The concentration of carotenoids in egg yolks did not differ between food treatments, but also decreased with successive eggs. Less effective antioxidants were relatively under‐represented in eggs in relation to their availability in food, and were deposited in similar overall amounts between the two food treatments, and independently of laying sequence.
Our results indicate that egg size is not necessarily an accurate guide to egg quality, especially when comparing between clutches of different females or across species. Females may be able to adjust egg composition to influence offspring quality variation within broods, possibly traded‐off against their personal use of antioxidants, their future reproductive success, control over sibling competition within their brood and/or brood reduction.
Circannual control of the life cycle in the Varied Carpet Beetle Anthrenus verbasci
Authors: Nisimura T. , Numata H. 
Published: August 2003

Summary

Anthrenus verbasci shows a circannual pupation rhythm, and a transfer from long‐day to short‐day conditions caused a phase shift. Short‐day conditions produced synchronous pupation, and the critical day‐length was between 13 and 14 h, which corresponded to the natural day‐length in September.
A decrease in temperature does not seem to act as a zeitgeber under natural conditions, because a change from 25 to 20 °C caused no or little phase shift.
Under conditions of natural photoperiod and temperature, larvae pupated synchronously in April, although under natural day‐length at 20 °C larvae pupated in February. Therefore, a decrease in day‐length crossing the critical value in September probably shifts the phase of the circannual rhythm so that the gate to pupation opens in February, and probably low temperatures in winter suppress pupation until April.
Newly hatching larvae transferred outdoors pupated successfully only when transferred between late April and mid‐September, although larvae transferred after mid‐July developed into smaller pupae than those transferred earlier. Therefore, synchronous pupation and emergence in spring are needed to allow larvae of the next generation to grow sufficiently before winter.
Average daily metabolic rate, reproduction and energy allocation during lactation in the Sundevall Jird Meriones crassus
Authors: Kam M. , Cohen‐Gross S. , Khokhlova I. S. , Degen A. A. , Geffen E. 
Published: August 2003

Summary

Non‐reproducing Sundevall Jird (Meriones crassus) females (body mass = 84 g; n = 51), with a mean average daily metabolic rate (ADMR) of 88 kJ day−1, were divided into three groups: high (H), medium (M) and low (L) ADMR. It was hypothesized that ADMR is related to reproductive rate and predicted that the H group could support a higher reproductive rate than the L group. It was also hypothesized that allocation of energy differs with ADMR level and predicted that the H group would use mainly the reallocation of metabolizable energy to compensate for an increased energy demand for reproduction whereas the L group would increase their metabolizable energy intake markedly. To test the hypotheses, the females were mated and, in those that had litters (n = 32), changes in body mass and metabolizable energy intake were determined and milk production was estimated during 15 days of lactation. Litter size, offspring mass and growth rate were determined for pups.
Body mass of dams, litter size and body mass of young at birth were similar among ADMR groups. However, milk production was 42% higher and litter mass at 15 days was significantly greater in the H than in L group, supporting our first hypothesis. All females were in negative energy balance during lactation. Mobilization of body energy reserves increased with litter size but was similar among ADMR groups. In addition, the increase in metabolizable energy intake of lactating females above that of non‐reproducing females was similar among ADMR groups and therefore the second hypothesis was rejected.
ADMR was reduced by 23% during lactation and milk energy was only 30% of total metabolizable energy invested in milk production in all females. It is concluded that lactating M. crassus used a combination of reallocation of energy and increased metabolizable energy intake during lactation. The efficiency of offspring production did not differ among ADMR groups and therefore a high ADMR has an advantage when food is abundant, whereas a low ADMR has an advantage when food is sparse.