bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Microcirculation in Severe Malaria
Authors: ROGERSON STEPHEN J , GRAU GEORGES E. , HUNT NICHOLAS H. 
Published: October 2004

ABSTRACTSevere malaria in humans and animals is initiated by interactions between malaria‐infected cells, host blood cells (including monocytes, T cells and platelets) and endothelial cells of the microcirculation. Adhesion to vascular cells, and possible vascular obstruction in severe human disease, involves interaction between host receptors and parasite‐derived proteins, such as the variant antigen Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1). Our understanding of how different PfEMP1 variants may target infected erythrocytes to specific sites, such as the placenta, is rapidly increasing. However, in most instances downstream immune‐mediated inflammatory processes appear more central than parasite accumulation to development of severe malaria. Using genetically‐manipulated animal models of severe malaria, key roles for CD8 T cells and mediators such as lymphotoxin in the pathogenesis of murine disease have been established. Experimental and human studies suggest vascular deposition of activated platelets may have a central role. Here, we review some recent advances in the understanding of severe malaria pathogenesis from human and animal studies, focusing on events at the level of the microcirculation, and highlight the role for activated host cells in initiating the pathology of the disease.
Hypercholesterolemia Promotes Leukocyte‐Dependent Platelet Adhesion in Murine Postcapillary Venules
Authors: TAILOR ANITABEN , GRANGER D. NEIL 
Published: October 2004

ABSTRACTObjective: Leukocyte‐platelet aggregates form in blood during the development of cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis. The study determined whether leukocytes contribute to the platelet adhesion induced by hypercholesterolemia in postcapillary venules.Methods: Wild‐type (WT) C57Bl/6 or CD18‐deficient (CD18−/−) mice were placed on a normal (ND) or high‐cholesterol (HC) diet for 2 weeks. Platelets isolated from ND, HC, or CD18−/− mice were fluorescently labeled with CFSE, and administered to either ND, HC, HC‐CD18−/− or anti‐neutrophil serum (HC‐ANS)‐treated mice. Rhodamine 6G was administered to label and visualize leukocytes. Intravital fluorescence microscopy was used to quantify leukocyte and platelet adhesion in intestinal postcapillary venules.Results: HC increased both leukocyte and platelet adhesion (relative to ND). Greater than 50% of adherent platelets in HC mice were bound to adherent leukocytes. When HC platelets were examined in HC‐ANS‐treated or HC‐CD18−/− mice, leukocyte‐dependent platelet adhesion was significantly attenuated. Conversely, when HC‐CD18−/− platelets were observed in HC recipients both leukocyte‐dependent and endothelium‐dependent platelet adhesion was comparable to HC mice receiving WT platelets.Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that the pro‐thrombogenic phenotype assumed in the microvasculature during hypercholesterolemia is largely attributed to leukocyte‐dependent platelet adhesion.
Willow genotype, but not drought treatment, affects foliar phenolic concentrations and leaf‐beetle resistance
Authors: Glynn Carolyn , Rönnberg‐Wästljung Ann‐Christin , Julkunen‐Tiitto Riitta , Weih Martin 
Published: October 2004

AbstractIn a greenhouse experiment we examined the effect of willow genotype and irrigation regime (moderate drought and well‐watered) on plant growth parameters, foliar nitrogen, and phenolic concentrations, as well as on the preference and performance of the blue leaf beetle, Phratora vulgatissima (L.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). The 10 vegetatively propagated willow genotypes in the experiments were F2 full‐sibling hybrids, originated from a cross between Salix viminalis (L.) (Salicaceae) (high in condensed tannins) and Salix dasyclados (L.) (Salicaceae) (rich in phenolic glycosides). Insect bioassays were conducted on detached leaves in Petri dishes as well as with free‐living insects on intact potted plants. The 10‐week long irrigation treatments caused statistically significant phenotypic differences in the potted willow saplings. Total biomass was somewhat higher in the well‐watered treatment. The root to total biomass ratio was higher in the drought‐treatment plants. There was significant genotypic variation in foliar nitrogen concentrations, and they were higher in the drought‐treatment plants. There was also a strong genotypic variation in each of the phenolic substances analyzed. Condensed tannins, which accounted for the greatest proportion of total phenolic mass, were higher in the well‐watered treatment. There was, however, no difference in levels of the other phenolics (salicylates, cinnamic acid, flavonoids, and chlorogenic acid) between irrigation treatments. The sum of these phenolics was higher in the well‐watered treatment. There was a strong variation in P. vulgatissima larval development on different willow genotypes, and larval performance was negatively correlated with levels of salicylates and cinnamic acid. There was, however, no effect of irrigation treatment on larval performance. Phratora vulgatissima preferred to feed on well‐watered plants, and we found a preference for oviposition there, but neither feeding nor oviposition site preference was affected by willow genotype. Adult feeding and oviposition preferences were not correlated with larval performance.
Dwell time and functional failure in percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes: a prospective randomized‐controlled comparison between silicon polymer and polyurethane percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes
Authors: Blacka J. , Donoghue J. , Sutherland M. , Martincich I. , Mitten‐Lewis S. , Morris P. , Meredith G. 
Published: October 2004

SummaryBackground : Silicone percutaneous endoscopic gastros‐tomy (PEG) tubes are associated with more short‐term complications and possibly fail sooner than those made of polyurethane. Understanding the deterioration and long‐term complications leading to tube failure has important clinical and cost implications.Aim : To compare dwell time and patterns of failure ofsilicone polymer and polyurethane PEG tubes.Methods : Participants randomized to receive a siliconepolymer (n = 76) or polyurethane (n = 62) PEG werevisited monthly for 540 days, until death or tube removal. Tube and exit site characteristics and reasons for removal were recorded.Results : Tube failure occurred in 25% of silicone PEGs and 12.9% of polyurethane PEGs. Mean tube survival for silicone PEGs was 377.2 days (CI: 326–428) and for polyurethane 436.8 days (CI: 383–490; P = 0.13). A greater proportion of silicone PEGs developed intralumenal colonization and altered tube integrity than polyurethane (P < 0.001). Silicone PEGs blocked more frequently (P < 0.005) and were removed because of irreversible blockage more often than polyurethane PEGs (P < 0.05). Silicone PEGs with reversible blockage and tube integrity changes had a significantly greater probability of failure than silicone tubes without these changes (P < 0.005 and P < 0.05, respectively).Conclusions : Observations over time indicate that sili‐cone PEGs are more susceptible than polyurethane PEGs to tube deterioration, resulting in substantially increased management demands to sustain patients' feeding and medication schedules.
Manual versus target‐controlled infusions of propofol
Authors: Breslin D. S. , Mirakhur R. K. , Reid J. E. , Kyle A. 
Published: October 2004

SummaryTarget‐controlled infusion systems have been shown to result in the administration of larger doses of propofol, which may result in delayed emergence and recovery from anaesthesia. The aim of this study was to investigate if this was due to a difference in the depth of hypnosis (using the bispectral index monitoring) between the manual and target controlled systems of administration. Fifty unpremedicated patients undergoing elective surgery were randomly allocated to have their anaesthesia maintained with manual or target‐controlled propofol infusion schemes. In both groups, the rate of propofol administration was adjusted according to standard clinical criteria while bispectral index scores were recorded by an observer not involved in the delivery of anaesthesia. The total dose of propofol used was higher in the target controlled group (mean 9.9 [standard deviation 1.6] compared with 8.1 [1.0] mg.kg−1.h−1 in the manual group [p < 0.0001]). The times to emergence and recovery end‐points were comparable between the two groups. The difference in the total dosage of propofol was mainly due to higher rate of propofol administration in the first 30 min in the target controlled infusion group. The bispectral index scores were lower in the target controlled group during this time, being significantly so over the first 15 min of anaesthesia. We conclude that propofol administration by a target controlled infusion system results in the administration of higher doses of propofol and lower bispectral index values mainly in the initial period of anaesthesia.
Comparison of surgical site and patient's history with a simplified risk score for the prediction of postoperative nausea and vomiting
Authors: Apfel C. C. , Kranke P. , Eberhart L. H. J. 
Published: October 2004

SummaryAlthough site of surgery and previous occurrence of postoperative nausea and vomiting are often used to decide whether prophylactic anti‐emetic drugs are indicated, the value of these predictors is unclear. We compared these two risk factors against a simplified four‐factor risk score. We analysed data from 1566 adult inpatients who received balanced anaesthesia without prophylactic anti‐emetics. Sensitivity, specificity, predictive value and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve were used to quantify predictive properties. Nausea and vomiting occurred in 600 (38.3%) patients within 24 h. Sensitivity and specificity were, respectively, 47% and 59% for surgical site; 47% and 70% for history of postoperative nausea and vomiting; and 58% and 70% for risk score with three or more factors. The area under the curve for surgical site was 0.53 (95% CI 0.50–0.56); that for patient's history was 0.58 (95% CI 0.56–0.61) while for risk score it was 0.68 (95% CI 0.66–0.71;P < 0.001). Prediction using surgical site or patient's history alone was poor while the simplified risk score provided clinically useful sensitivity and specificity.
Continuous Assessment of Right Ventricular Ejection Fraction: New pulmonary artery catheter versus transoesophageal echocardiography
Authors: Zink W. , Nöll J. , Rauch H. , Bauer H. , DeSimone R. , Martin E. , Böttiger B. W. 
Published: October 2004

SummaryIn 25 cardiac surgical patients, right ventricular ejection fraction was continuously measured with a new pulmonary artery catheter and transoesophageal echocardiography, scanning the ‘fractional area change’ in a standardised transatrial cross section area. Measurements were recorded at three predefined time points (pre‐, intra‐, and postoperatively). Both methods were compared using the Bland‐Altman analysis. Comparing right ventricular ejection fraction values obtained from the pulmonary artery catheter with those assessed by transoesophageal echocardiography, bias was −3.7%, with a precision of 30.9%. Bias and precision significantly improved when the heart rate was less than 100 beats.min−1, pulmonary artery pressures were low and cardiac performance adequate. In conclusion, the new continuous pulmonary artery catheter system appears to be a valid and useful bedside monitoring device in the haemodynamic management of critically ill patients.
Clearing the cervical spine in unconscious adult trauma patients: A survey of practice in specialist centres in the UK*
Authors: Jones P. S. , Wadley J. , Healy M. 
Published: October 2004

SummaryA postal questionnaire survey of neurosurgery and spinal injury departments in the UK was conducted to determine how they assessed the cervical spine in unconscious, adult trauma patients, and at what point immobilisation was discontinued. Of the 32 units contacted, 27 responded (response rate, 84%). Most centres had no protocols to guide initial imaging or when immobilisation devices should be removed. Most responding centres performed fewer than three plain radiographs, and most did not use computerised tomography routinely. Routine use of magnetic resonance imaging or dynamic flexion–extension fluoroscopy was rare, and few units regarded the latter as safe in unconscious patients. There was no consensus on when immobilisation of the cervical spine should be discontinued. Most centres that terminated immobilisation immediately after imaging did so on the basis of plain radiographs alone. Unconscious adult trauma patients remain at risk of inadequate assessment of potential cervical spine injuries.
Prehospital airway management in Ambulance Services in the United Kingdom*
Authors: Ridgway S. , Hodzovic I. , Woollard M. , Latto I. P. 
Published: October 2004

SummaryA postal survey of the 38 Ambulance Services in the United Kingdom was undertaken to find out what equipment is provided for paramedic crews to aid tracheal intubation and to confirm tracheal placement. The response rate to our survey was 100%. Fourteen (37%) ambulance services provided neither stylet nor bougie to facilitate difficult intubation. The laryngeal mask airway was available to 15 (40%) ambulance services. Seventeen (45%) ambulance services had use of a needle cricothyroidotomy set. Twenty‐nine (76%) ambulance services had no type of device other than a stethoscope to confirm tracheal tube placement. This survey showed wide variations in the equipment for airway management available to paramedic crews in the United Kingdom. We recommend provision of a standard set of airway management equipment to all paramedic crews in the United Kingdom together with introduction of appropriate training programmes.
Smooth muscle hypertrophy in distal airways of sensitized infant rhesus monkeys exposed to house dust mite allergen
Authors: Tran M.‐U. T. , Weir A. J. , Fanucchi M. V. , Rodriguez A. E. , Pantle L. M. , Smiley‐Jewell S. M. , Van Winkle L. S. , Evans M. J. , Miller L. A. , Schelegle E. S. , Gershwin L. J. , Hyde D. M. , Plopper C. G. 
Published: October 2004

SummaryBackground
Airway smooth muscle hypertrophy is closely associated with the pathophysiology of hyper‐reactive airways in allergic asthma.Objective
To determine whether repeated exposure to allergens during postnatal lung development promotes remodelling of airway smooth muscle.Methods
Infant, male rhesus monkeys (30‐day‐old) were sensitized to house dust mite allergen (HDMA) and then exposed to HDMA aerosol periodically over 5 months. Smooth muscle mass and bundle size and abundance in conducting airways were measured and compared with age‐matched control (filtered air‐exposed) monkeys.Results
Total smooth muscle mass and average bundle size were significantly greater in the conducting airways of monkeys exposed to HDMA. Smooth muscle bundle abundance was not affected by exposure to HDMA.Conclusion
Repeated cycles of allergen exposure alter postnatal morphogenesis of smooth muscle, affecting both total mass and bundle size, in conducting airways of infant monkeys.
Declining asthma prevalence in Hong Kong Chinese schoolchildren
Authors: Wong G. W. K. , Leung T. F. , Ko F. W. S. , Lee K. K. M. , Lam P. , Hui D. S. C. , Fok T. F. , Lai C. K. W. 
Published: October 2004

SummaryBackground
Many studies have reported an increase in the prevalence of asthma and related atopic disorders. The lack of standardized methodologies and ‘objective’ measurements make reliable comparison and monitoring of trends of asthma very difficult.Methods
In this study, a total of 3321 schoolchildren aged 13–14 years were recruited for study using the Phase III Protocol of the International Study of Asthma and Allergic discase in Childhood (ISAAC). The results were compared with those obtained in the Phase I ISAAC study (1994–95), which used the identical and validated core questionnaires.Results
The prevalence rates of physicians' diagnosis of asthma were similar in the two surveys (11.2% and 10.2%), but the prevalence rates of wheeze (written questionnaire) in the past year have decreased from 12.4% in 1994–95 to 8.7% in 2002 (P<0.001). For the video questionnaire, all asthmatic symptoms in the preceding 12 months were significantly lower in 2002 when compared with those in 1994–95. Among the subjects with diagnosed asthma, the prevalence rates of wheeze in the past 12 months (written questionnaire) has decreased from 39.1% to 27.6% (P<0.001). The prevalence rates of having wheezing attack at least once per month (video questionnaire) has decreased from 10.5% to 5.6% (P=0.013).Conclusion
Using the same standardized and validated ISAAC questionnaire, the prevalence rates of asthma symptoms in Hong Kong Chinese schoolchildren have decreased since 1994. The exact reasons for such trend remain to be explored.
Haplotypes of the interleukin‐4 receptor α chain gene associate with susceptibility to and severity of atopic asthma
Authors: Hytönen A.‐M. , Löwhagen O. , Arvidsson M. , Balder B. , Björk A. L. , Lindgren S. , Hahn‐Zoric M. , Hanson L. Å. , Padyukov L. 
Published: October 2004

SummaryBackground
Development of asthma is likely to depend on a complex interaction between environmental and genetic factors. Several groups have suggested the gene of the IL‐4 receptor α chain (IL4R) as a candidate gene for the development of asthma, although association with single polymorphisms has shown contradicting results.Objective
We chose to analyse IL4R gene haplotypes and assess their possible relevance in susceptibility to asthma and to certain clinical phenotypes.Methods
IL4R gene haplotypes were analysed, based on the three markers C‐3223T, Q551R and I50V, using the expectation–maximization algorithm, in 170 atopic asthma patients and 350 controls, all adult Swedish Caucasians.Results
Our data showed significantly higher levels of soluble IL‐4R (sIL‐4R) in asthma patients compared with controls (P<0.0001). Furthermore, we showed a significant association between the IL4R haplotype containing the alleles T‐3223, V50 and R551 (TVR) of the IL4R gene, and susceptibility to atopic asthma, with a frequency of 6.5% in the patients compared with 1% in the controls (P<0.0005). A subgroup of patients with heterozygous or homozygous state for the T‐3223, V50 and R551 alleles, also had lower levels of sIL‐4R in their circulation compared with patients with homozygous state in the C‐3223, I50 and Q551 alleles (P<0.05) and showed less severe asthma according to lung function test (P<0.05). Analysis of single markers showed the T‐3223 IL4R allele to associate with lower serum levels of sIL‐4 receptor (P<0.0001) and patients carrying the T allele also had more symptoms of active asthma (wheezing, P<0.01; coughing, P<0.05 and breathing difficulties, P<0.01).Conclusion
Our data suggest that asthmatic patients with low levels of sIL‐4 receptor may represent a genetically distinct subgroup of atopic asthma. TVR haplotype analyses confirm the importance of IL4R as a candidate gene for susceptibility to asthma. This finding may have implications for the understanding of the pathogenesis of asthma and possibly for the development of more specific therapies.
Self‐reported drug allergy in a general adult Portuguese population
Authors: Gomes E. , Cardoso M. F. , Praça F. , Gomes L. , Mariño E. , Demoly P. 
Published: October 2004

SummaryAimTo estimate the prevalence of self‐reported drug allergy in adults.MethodsCross‐sectional survey of a general adult population from Porto (all of whom were living with children involved in the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood–phase three), during the year 2002, using a self‐administered questionnaire.ResultsThe prevalence of self‐reported drug allergy was 7.8% (181/2309): 4.5% to penicillins or other β‐lactams, 1.9% to aspirin or other non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and 1.5% to other drugs. In the group ‘allergic to β‐lactams’, the most frequently implicated drug was penicillin G or V (76.2%) followed by the association of amoxicillin and clavulanic acids (14.3%). In the group ‘allergic to NSAIDs’, acetylsalicylic acid (18.2%) and ibuprofen (18.2%) were the most frequently identified drugs, followed by nimesulide and meloxicam. Identification of the exact name of the involved drug was possible in less than one‐third of the patients, more often within the NSAID group (59.5%). Women were significantly more likely to claim a drug allergy than men (10.2% vs. 5.3%). The most common manifestations were cutaneous (63.5%), followed by cardiovascular symptoms (35.9%). Most of the reactions were immediate, occurring on the first day of treatment (78.5%). Only half of the patients were submitted to drug allergy investigations. The majority (86.8%) completely avoided the suspected culprit drug thereafter.ConclusionsThe results showed that self‐reported allergy to drugs is highly prevalent and poorly explored. Women seem to be more susceptible. β‐lactams and NSAIDs are the most frequently concerned drugs.
Red blood cells regulate eosinophil chemotaxis by scavenging RANTES secreted from endothelial cells
Authors: Kanda A. , Adachi T. , Kayaba H. , Yamada Y. , Ueki S. , Yamaguchi K. , Hamada K. , Fujita M. , Chihara J. 
Published: October 2004

SummaryBackground
Eosinophils play a critical role in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. CC chemokines, such as regulated on activation, normal, T cell expressed, and secreted (RANTES), are key regulators of eosinophil locomotion. Although eosinophils migrate from the bloodstream into tissues, mechanisms that generate a chemogradient across the endothelium remain to be fully elucidated.Objective
We first examined the polar secretion of RANTES by endothelial cells. We also studied the functional scavenging effect of red blood cells (RBCs) on RANTES secreted into the intravascular side.Methods and results
Endothelial cells were cultured in a transwell chamber with a membrane pore size of 0.45, 3.0, and 8.0 μm and stimulated with TNF‐α, IL‐1β, or IFN‐γ from the apical or basolateral side for 16 h. The measurement of RANTES in the supernatant was performed by ELISA. We did not see any difference in the amount of RANTES secreted from the cytokine‐stimulated endothelium between inner (intravascular side) and outer (extravascular side) wells separated by the 8.0‐μm membrane, although apical polarization was observed with the 0.45‐μm membrane. The addition of RBCs (hemoglobin (Hb): 0.5–15 g/dL) to the apical supernatant of TNF‐α‐stimulated endothelial cells reduced the RANTES level in a concentration‐dependent manner. The treatment of supernatant on the intravascular side with RBCs significantly enhanced the migration of eosinophils.Conclusion
RBCs possess a scavenging effect on intravascular RANTES, and thereby regulate transendothelial migration of eosinophils. Our findings suggest a new role of RBCs in allergic inflammation.