bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of insulin on rat ovarian leptin expression by immunohistochemical staining
Authors: Kuscu Naci Kemal , Ozbilgin Kemal , Inan Sevinc , Giray Gulsen , Ceylan Evren , Koyuncu Faik 
Published: December 2003

AbstractAim:  Leptin and insulin may interact in regulating ovarian steroid synthesis. The objective of this study was to investigate immunohistochemical staining of leptin in normal rat ovarian tissues and in rats treated with insulin and insulin plus human chorinoic gonadotropin (hCG).Methods:  Paraffin blocks of rat ovarian tissues from a previous study, in which 18 adult, female Wistar rats with an average weight of 250 g were divided into three groups to receive either saline solution, human insulin (2 U/day) or human insulin (2 U/day) plus hCG (4 U/day) for 4 weeks, were used in this study to compare the effects on leptin staining. The results were analysed using a semiquantitative scoring system, such as mild, moderate and strong.Results:  No staining was observed in granulosa cells and theca interna cells of normal ovarian tissues. Theca externa cells had mild staining intensity (+), corpus luteum had moderate (+ +) and stroma had mild (+) staining intensity. Histological structure was impaired in the insulin group, luteinized cells had mild staining, there was no difference in other cell groups. Only theca externa cells of the developing follicles were stained in insulin plus hCG group, luteinized cells again had mild staining.Conclusions: Besides damaging the rat ovarian structure, insulin reduced staining intensity of leptin in luteinized cells. Insulin may stimulate ovarian steroid synthesis not only through its own receptors, but also by acting on the leptin expression of these cells.
Changes in serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor α and adhesion molecules in normal pregnant women and those with pregnancy‐induced hypertension
Authors: Matsubara Keiichi , Abe Emiko , Ochi Hiroshi , Kusanagi Yasuki , Ito Masaharu 
Published: December 2003

AbstractAim:  To study whether serum tumor necrosis factor α gene (TNFα) and adhesion molecule levels are indicators of the onset of pregnancy‐induced hypertension (PIH), we compared levels of these molecules between normal pregnant women and PIH patients from the first to the third trimester.Methods:  We serially measured serum concentrations of TNFα, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (sICAM‐1), soluble E‐selectin (sE‐selectin), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (sVCAM‐1) and soluble P‐selectin (sP‐selectin) using enzyme immunoassay kits in 10 normal pregnant women and 10 pregnant women who developed PIH late in gestation.Results:  Serum TNFα, sICAM‐1 and sE‐selectin levels in PIH affected women were significantly higher from the first trimester compared with those in normal pregnancy. sVCAM‐1 and sP‐selectin levels were not significantly changed.Conclusion:  Serum TNFα, sE‐selectin and sICAM‐1 levels might be effective indicators of the onset of PIH.
Prenatal diagnosis for placental steroid salfatase deficiency with fluorescence in situ hybridization: A case of X‐linked ichthyosis
Authors: Watanabe Takafumi , Fujimori Keiya , Kato Katsuhiko , Nomura Yasuhisa , Onogi Satoshi , Sato Akira 
Published: December 2003

AbstractX‐linked ichthyosis (XLI) is a relatively common genetic disorder that occurs in about one in every 2000–6000 male births. Clinically, XLI is characterized by a generalized scaling of the skin, with large, polygonal, dark brown scale, and more prominent on the extensor aspects of the limbs. It is known that an undetectable maternal serum, unconjugated estriol, associated with placental steroid sulfatase (STS) deficiency, may be the cause of cause of XLI. In most case, STS deficiency is caused by a complete or partial deletion of the STS gene mapped on chromosome Xp22.3. We describe here the prenatal detection of a male fetus affected with STS deficiency as a result of an undetectable unconjugated estriol in the second‐trimester maternal serum screening. Microdeletion of the STS gene was confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of cultured amniotic fluid.
Post‐partum endomyometritis diagnosis and treatment: A review
Authors: Ledger William J. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractOver the past 80 years, obstetrical treatment strategies devised to control current problems have resulted in the emergence of new types of infection. These, in turn, have caused modifications in diagnostic techniques and treatment specifics. Currently, the two most obvious changes influencing post‐partum infection care are shortened post‐partum hospital care, and the widespread use of intra‐partum antibiotics to prevent early onset Group B streptococcal sepsis in the newborn. In the present review, risk factors for post‐partum infection are delineated and strategies for prophylaxis and treatment are given.
A randomized controlled trial of mite allergen‐impermeable bed covers in adult mite‐sensitized asthmatics
Authors: Luczynska C. , Tredwell E. , Smeeton N. , Burney P. 
Published: December 2003

SummaryBackground  Mite‐allergic patients with allergic disease should benefit from avoiding mite allergens. Many physicians, however, are yet to be convinced that allergen avoidance can make a significant contribution to asthma management in these patients. Many allergen‐avoidance regimes include multiple measures of allergen reduction, but as mite exposure in the home is most likely to be greatest in bed dust, bedding is usually the first target for intervention.Objective  This study selected adult patients considered to be most likely to benefit from avoiding mite allergens, namely diagnosed asthmatics, sensitized to house dust mites and exposed to mite allergen in their mattresses. Patients were randomized into a placebo‐controlled trial of the use of allergen‐impermeable bed covers for 12 months, without any other form of mite‐reduction measures.Methods  Adults with asthma were selected from general practices and asthma clinics in south‐east London. Their serum IgE to mite allergens and allergen content of mattress dust samples were measured. Those with >0.70 kU/L mite‐specific IgE and >2 μg/g Der p 1 were randomized into active or placebo treatments. Information was collected on allergic symptoms and medication use and quarterly peak flow diaries were kept throughout the trial. Dog or cat allergic patients were excluded if they had a pet at home to which they were sensitized.Results  The mean decrease in μg/g Der p 1 was 25.7 (95% CI 8.9, 74.1) in the active group and 4.5 (95% CI 1.8, 11.5) in the placebo group. Der p 1 concentrations in the active and placebo groups at the end of the trial were not significantly different. There was no effect on peak flow or asthma symptoms in a simple comparison of the treatment and placebo groups.Conclusion  In this group of patients, mite allergen avoidance in the bed by the use of allergen‐impermeable bedding alone cannot be recommended as an effective way of relieving asthma symptoms.
Differential in vivo cytokine mRNA expression in lesional skin of intrinsic vs. extrinsic atopic dermatitis patients using semiquantitative RT‐PCR
Authors: Jeong C.‐W. , Ahn K.‐S. , Rho N.‐K. , Park Y.‐D. , Lee D.‐Y. , Lee J.‐H. , Lee E.‐S. , Yang J.‐M. 
Published: December 2003

SummaryBackground
A small subgroup of atopic dermatitis (AD) patients with normal serum IgE levels and without specific IgE sensitization has been termed ‘intrinsic type of AD’ (ADi) as a counterpart to the term ‘extrinsic type of AD’ (ADe). However, there are neither molecular markers nor clinically diagnostic tools for distinguishing between ADi and ADe.Objective
The present studies were undertaken to clarify the pathogenesis and in vivo cytokine micromilieu of ADi patients in comparison with ADe patients.Methods
We used semiquantitative RT‐PCR to investigate the expression of various cytokines and assessed the tissue eosinophil counts in skin biopsies from both types of AD patients.Results
Although there was no significant difference of cellular infiltrates in the lesional skin between ADe and ADi patients, ADe had significantly increased tissue eosinophilia than ADi. Based on our RT‐PCR, the expression patterns of cytokines could be categorized into four groups. The first group includes IL‐5, IL‐13, and IL‐1β, whose levels of mRNA expression were higher in both types of AD patients than non‐atopic (NA) subjects, while ADe patients had even higher levels than ADi patients. The second group includes interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ), IL‐12, granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF), IL‐4, and IL‐10, whose levels of mRNA expression were elevated in both types of AD patients without differences between ADe and ADi patients. The third group includes tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), whose mRNA expression was more decreased in both types of AD patients than NA, and the fourth group includes IL‐6 and transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β), which did not show any differences among the three groups.Conclusion
These current data demonstrate that the expressions of cytokines IL‐5, IL‐13, and IL‐1β mRNA and the number of dermal infiltrating eosinophils are increased in ADe patients compared with ADi patients.
Mechanisms of severe asthma
Authors: Wenzel S. 
Published: December 2003

SummaryThe mechanisms behind the development of severe asthma are poorly understood. However, these patients disproportionately consume healthcare resources related to asthma. Severe asthma may develop over time, or may develop shortly after onset of the disease. The genetic and environmental elements that may be most important in the development of severe disease are poorly understood. Physiologically, these patients often have air trapping and airway collapsibility. The pathology demonstrates a heterogeneity of findings, including continued eosinophilic inflammation, an apparently different pathology, structural changes likely to be remodelling related, and predominant distal disease. Treatment remains problematic and likely will remain so until a better understanding of this disease develops.
Impact of sublingual immunotherapy on seasonal asthma and skin reactivity in children allergic to Parietaria pollen treated with inhaled fluticasone propionate
Authors: Pajno G. B. , Vita D. , Parmiani S. , Caminiti L. , La Grutta S. , Barberio G. 
Published: December 2003

SummaryBackground
Immunotherapy is a recognized treatment for allergic respiratory diseases.Objective
To study the usefulness of immunotherapy in combination with optimal pharmacological therapy.Methods
Thirty‐eight children (8–14 years) suffering from seasonal asthma±rhinoconjunctivitis due to Parietaria poorly controlled by anti‐allergic drugs treatment were selected. After randomization according to a double‐blind placebo‐controlled design they received active sublingual immunotherapy (15 children) or placebo (15 children) for 13 months combined with inhaled fluticasone twice a day during the pollen season. Eight children were taken as control, whereas all patients were instructed to take symptomatic drugs on need. Early and late skin response to the allergen were assessed in all patients before and after treatment. Drug and symptom scores, as well as visual analogue scores (VASs) and Parietaria pollen counts were assessed during the pollen season.Results
Groups were well balanced for age, gender, early and late skin response before treatment. Four children dropped out, in one case in relationship with active sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) administration. Chest and nose symptoms, as well as drug scores and VASs were significantly better in both the active or placebo SLIT+fluticasone (S+F) as compared to the control group (P between <0.001 and 0.043). Eye symptoms were significantly better in the active S+F group as compared to control (P=0.025). The VASs were significantly better in the active S+F group as compared to the placebo S+F group (P=0.037). The early skin response decreased significantly in the active S+F group (P<0.001), whereas the late skin response changed significantly in all groups, with an increase in the placebo+fluticasone group (P=0.019) and in the control group (P=0.037) and a decrease (P<0.0001) in the active S+F group.Conclusion
The clinical efficacy of S+F is equal to that of fluticasone alone, but the addition of SLIT has effects also on non‐bronchial symptoms.
Type I allergy to elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is elicited by a 33.2 kDa allergen with significant homology to ribosomal inactivating proteins
Authors: Förster‐Waldl E. , Marchetti M. , Schöll I. , Focke M. , Radauer C. , Kinaciyan T. , Nentwich I. , Jäger S. , Schmid E.R. , Boltz‐Nitulescu G. , Scheiner O. , Jensen‐Jarolim E. 
Published: December 2003

SummaryBackground
Patients suffering from allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and dyspnoea during summer may exhibit these symptoms after contact with flowers or dietary products of the elderberry tree Sambucus nigra.Objective
Patients with a history of summer hayfever were tested in a routine setting for sensitization to elderberry. Nine patients having allergic symptoms due to elderberry and specific sensitization were investigated in detail. We studied the responsible allergens in extracts from elderberry pollen, flowers and berries, and investigated cross‐reactivity with allergens from birch, grass and mugwort.Methods
Sera from patients were tested for IgE reactivity to elderberry proteins by one‐dimensional (1D) and 2D electrophoresis/immunoblotting. Inhibition studies with defined allergens and elderberry‐specific antibodies were used to evaluate cross‐reactivity. The main elderberry allergen was purified by gel filtration and reversed‐phase HPLC, and subjected to mass spectrometry. The in‐gel‐digested allergen was analysed by the MS/MS sequence analysis and peptide mapping. The N‐terminal sequence of the predominant allergen was analysed.Results
0.6% of 3668 randomly tested patients showed positive skin prick test and/or RAST to elderberry. IgE in patients' sera detected a predominant allergen of 33.2 kDa in extracts from elderberry pollen, flowers and berries, with an isoelectric point at pH 7.0. Pre‐incubation of sera with extracts from birch, mugwort or grass pollen rendered insignificant or no inhibition of IgE binding to blotted elderberry proteins. Specific mouse antisera reacted exclusively with proteins from elderberry. N‐terminal sequence analysis, as well as MS/MS spectrometry of the purified elderberry allergen, indicated homology with ribosomal inactivating proteins (RIPs).Conclusion
We present evidence that the elderberry plant S. nigra harbours allergenic potency. Independent methodologies argue for a significant homology of the predominant 33.2 kDa elderberry allergen with homology to RIPs. We conclude that this protein is a candidate for a major elderberry allergen with designation Sam n 1.
High‐dose exposure to cat is associated with clinical tolerance – a modified Th2 immune response?
Authors: Hesselmar B. , Åberg B. , Eriksson B. , Björkstén B. , Åberg N. 
Published: December 2003

SummaryBackground
Allergen‐specific IgG4 antibodies, it is suggested, may be protecting against allergy development by blocking responses. Levels are proposed as a marker of modified Th2 response.Objectives
To assess the levels of IgE, IgG1 and IgG4 antibodies to cat in relation to cat exposure, asthma and allergic diseases.Methods
We studied a population‐based sample of 412 schoolchildren of 12–13 years of age. Parents of 402 children completed a questionnaire covering their child's medical history, the keeping of cats and other background data. Skin prick tests (SPTs) to common aeroallergens were performed in 371 of the children. Blood samples for the analyses of IgE, IgG1 and IgG4 antibodies were obtained from 309 of them.Results
All children had an immune response to cat, predominantly of the IgG1 subclass. The levels of cat‐specific IgG1 and IgG4, but not IgE, were high in children currently keeping a cat. Children with asthma had increased levels of cat‐specific IgE and IgG1, and children with a positive SPT to cat also had increased IgG4. The presence of IgG4 was not associated with asthma or sensitization, unless there was a simultaneous production of IgE. Twenty‐five percent of the children had an immune response with only IgG4, and no IgE antibodies to cat. This group of children had the highest frequency of cat‐keeping, but a similar prevalence of asthma and allergy as those with neither IgE nor IgG4 antibodies to cat.Conclusion
Cat‐keeping was associated with a modified Th2 response, producing IgG4 but not IgE antibodies. This immune response was not associated with an increased risk of asthma or allergy. However, the IgG4 antibodies did not directly mediate any protective effect.
Heterogeneity of FeNO response to inhaled steroid in asthmatic children
Authors: Buchvald F. , Eiberg H. , Bisgaard H. 
Published: December 2003

SummaryBackground
Nitric oxide in exhaled air is regarded as an inflammation marker, and may be used to monitor the anti‐inflammatory control from inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs). However, this response to ICSs exhibits a heterogeneous pattern.Objective
The study aimed to describe the independent variables associated with the heterogeneity in the response of exhaled nitric oxide to ICSs.Methods
Exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), lung function, bronchial hyper‐responsiveness (BHR), specific IgE to common inhalant allergens, blood eosinophils, other atopic manifestations and variants in nitric oxide synthethase 1 (NOS1) gene were studied in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled crossover comparison of budesonide (BUD) Turbohaler 1600 mcg daily vs. placebo in asthmatic schoolchildren.Results
Forty children were included in the study from a screening of 184 asthmatic children with moderately persistent asthma, well controlled on regular BUD 400 mcg daily: 20 children with normal FeNO and 20 with raised FeNO. FeNO, BHR and forced expiratory volume in 1 s improved significantly after BUD 1600 mcg (BUD1600). However, FeNO after ICS treatment exhibited a Gaussian distribution and FeNO was significantly raised in 15 children. Allergy and BHR, but none of the other independent variables under study were significantly related to FeNO after BUD1600.Conclusion
Exhaled nitric oxide exhibited a heterogeneous response to ICS in asthmatic schoolchildren. Allergy and BHR were driving FeNO level independently of high‐dose steroid treatment. This should be considered when using FeNO for steroid dose titration and monitoring of ICS anti‐inflammatory control in asthmatic children.
Suspected tartrazine‐induced acute urticaria/angioedema is only rarely reproducible by oral rechallenge
Authors: Nettis E. , Colanardi M. C. , Ferrannini A. , Tursi A. 
Published: December 2003

SummaryBackground
Tartrazine has been frequently linked to several diseases. However, a cause‐and‐effect role for tartrazine in these illnesses, especially in urticaria, has not always been established.Objective
The aim of this study is to determine the incidence of intolerance to tartrazine among subjects who experienced an acute episode of urticaria/angioedema following the ingestion of a meal or a product containing this substance.Methods
This was a retrospective study based on analysis of data of patients reported to have experienced episodes of urticaria and/or angioedema after ingesting meals or products containing tartrazine. At the first visit to the outpatients clinic, a careful anamnesis had been taken. Patients had then been submitted to the following diagnostic tests: IgE tests to common inhalant allergens and food allergens and a double‐blind placebo‐controlled challenge with tartrazine.Results
A total of 102 subjects were enrolled in the study: 19 (18.6%) showed at least one relevant positive reaction to an IgE test for food allergy. Only one subject (1%) had reactions after ingestion of 5 mg of tartrazine, given on day 5. She did not have adverse reactions to placebo.Conclusion
This study shows that the percentage of acute urticaria and/or angioedema induced by tartrazine is very low (1%). In view of our results, we suggest that all physicians with patients who have suffered adverse reactions that could be attributed to tartrazine should also carefully evaluate other possible causes.
Potentiation of allergic bronchoconstriction by repeated exposure to formaldehyde in guinea‐pigs in vivo
Authors: Kita T. , Fujimura M. , Myou S. , Ishiura Y. , Abo M. , Katayama N. , Nishitsuji M. , Yoshimi Y. , Nomura S. , Oribe Y. , Nakao S. 
Published: December 2003

SummaryBackground
Indoor formaldehyde (FA) might worsen allergies and be an underlying factor for the increasing incidence and severity of asthma; the exact mechanism, however, remains unclear.Objective
The present study examined the effects of repeated exposure to FA on methacholine‐ and antigen‐induced bronchoconstriction in guinea‐pigs in vivo.Methods
First, non‐sensitized guinea‐pigs were transnasally treated with 0.1 or 1.0% FA or saline three times a week for 6 weeks, and increasing concentrations of methacholine (50, 100, and 200 μg/mL) were inhaled at 5‐min intervals. Second, guinea‐pigs pre‐treated with transnasal administration of FA or saline using the same protocol were passively sensitized with anti‐ovalbumin (OA) serum 7 days before antigen challenge. Third, guinea‐pigs were actively sensitized with OA and pre‐treated with transnasal administration of FA or saline using the same protocol. The lateral pressure of the tracheal tube (Pao) was measured under anesthesia and artificial ventilation.Results
The antigen‐induced increase in Pao in actively sensitized guinea‐pigs was significantly potentiated by FA exposure in a dose‐dependent manner. The dose–response curve of the methacholine‐induced increase in Pao in non‐sensitized guinea‐pigs or of the antigen‐induced increase in Pao in passively sensitized guinea‐pigs was not altered by FA exposure. Transnasal administration of FA significantly increased the serum anti‐OA homocytotropic antibody titre (IgG) as measured by the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction in actively sensitized guinea‐pigs.Conclusion
The results suggest that repeated exposure to FA worsens allergic bronchoconstriction through enhancing antigen sensitization.
Remodelling of the upper airways in allergic rhinitis: is it a feature of the disease?
Authors: Salib R. J. , Howarth P. H. 
Published: December 2003

SummaryThe traditional viewpoint that inflammation, owing to a genetic T‐helper type 2 (Th2)‐directed imbalance, is the cause of allergic rhinitis has meant that the potential coexistence of other genetic defects and the relevance of any airway remodelling changes to disease pathogenesis and persistence have received scant attention, and as such remain controversial areas. This is particularly so in view of the limited published work in this field, which has so far reported markedly conflicting findings. This review endeavours to outline what is known about the nature of the remodelling response within the upper airway in allergic rhinitis, in addition to highlighting specific areas where further research is warranted.
Polymorphisms of the interferon gamma and interleukin 10 genes in human brucellosis
Authors: Bravo M. J. , De Dios Colmenero J. , Alonso A. , Caballero A. 
Published: December 2003

SummaryWe genotyped 83 patients with brucellosis and 101 controls to determine the influence of polymorphisms of the interferon gamma (IFNG) and interleukin 10 (IL10) genes on protection against, or susceptibility to, human brucellosis and its complications. The results showed a significant increase in the IFNG +874A/A genotype in patients compared with controls (34% vs. 19%) (P = 0.023, odds ratio = 2.17, 95% confidence interval 1.05–4.51). No significant differences were detected in the frequency distribution of the IL10 genotypes between patients and controls. Similarly, no significant differences were observed in the genotype frequencies of either of the two cytokines between complicated and non‐complicated forms of brucellosis. Persons who are homozygous for the IFNG +874A allele may have a higher risk of contracting brucellosis.