bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of alcohol consumption with total serum immunoglobulin E levels and allergic sensitization in an adult population‐based survey
Authors: González‐Quintela A. , Gude F. , Boquete O. , Rey J. , Meijide L. M. , Suarez F. , Fernández‐Merino M. C. , Pérez L. F. , Vidal C. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryBackground Chronic alcoholism is associated with increased total serum IgE levels.Objective The study aimed to investigate the relationship between alcohol intake and both total serum IgE levels and allergic sensitization in a general adult population.Materials and methods A total of 720 subjects was randomly selected (stratified by age) from the population older than 18 years of A‐Estrada (Spain) and invited to participate in the study. From 697 eligible subjects, 469 (67%, median age 54 years, range 18 to 92 years, 44% males, 75% of cases from a rural environment) agreed to participate. A battery of 13 skin prick tests to common aeroallergens was performed in all subjects. Cases with at least one positive test (n = 121, 26%) were considered to have allergic sensitization. The most frequent sensitisers were mites and pollens (24% and 10% of subjects, respectively). Total serum IgE was measured in 465 subjects (99%). Alcohol consumption was registered as the number of standard (approximately 10 g) drinking units habitually consumed per week. A total of 244 subjects (52%) were alcohol consumers (median intake, 14 units/week, range 1 to 147 units/week). Abstainers (n = 225, 48%) constituted the reference category.Results Alcohol consumption of more than 14 units/week was associated with an increase in serum IgE levels after adjusting for age, gender, allergic sensitization and smoking (P = 0.02). Alcohol consumption was not significantly associated with either overall allergic sensitization or mite sensitization after adjusting for age, gender and smoking. However, alcohol consumption of more than 14 units/week was associated with an increased prevalence of pollen sensitization (adjusted OR 3.15, 95% CI 1.19 to 8.34, P = 0.02).Conclusion Alcohol consumption above a certain threshold is associated with an increase in total serum IgE levels. Alcohol consumption may also be associated with an increased prevalence of pollen sensitization.
The health‐related quality of life effects of once‐daily cetirizine HCl in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis: a randomized double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Noonan M. J. , Raphael G. D. , Nayak A. , Greos L. , Olufade A. O. , Leidy N. K. , Champan D. , Kramer B. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryBackground Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) is characterized by subjectively irritating symptoms that can have a substantial impact on the patient's health‐related quality of life (HRQL), adversely affecting physical and social or work activity, interpersonal relationships, and general psychological well‐being. The objective of this study was to test the effect of cetirizine HCl 10 mg once daily on the HRQL of adult patients 18–65 years of age with SAR, concurrently assessing safety and efficacy.Methods Randomized double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel group trial conducted during the 1999 spring SAR season at 19 centers in the US. Following a 1‐week placebo run‐in period, qualified patients were randomized to cetirizine 10 mg, or placebo once daily for a 2‐week treatment period. Change in Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) and Total Symptom Severity Complex (TSSC) scores from baseline were the primary outcomes of interest.Results Of the 611 patients enrolled, 403 (66%) were randomized. Cetirizine‐treated patients reported significantly greater improvement in overall HRQL (P < 0.001) and in each of the seven domains of the RQLQ at all time‐points (P < 0.05 to < 0.001) than the placebo group. They also experienced significantly greater symptom relief (P < 0.001) and were more satisfied with treatment (65% vs. 44%) compared to the placebo group. Correlations between symptomatic relief and overall HRQL improvement were moderate to strong and statistically significant (r = 0.49–0.68, P < 0.01).Conclusions Results of this study are consistent with previous investigations, suggesting cetirizine HCl 10 mg taken once daily in the morning offers symptomatic relief that improves the HRQL of adults suffering from SAR.
Breastfeeding and the prevalence of symptoms of allergic disorders in Japanese adolescents
Authors: Miyake Y. , Yura A. , Iki M. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryBackground Environmental factors acting early in life are key determinants of the incidence of allergic disease. Whether breastfeeding is protective against allergic disorders remains controversial.Objective The present cross‐sectional study examined the relationship between feeding patterns in the first 3 months of life and the prevalence of symptoms of wheeze, atopic eczema, and rhinoconjunctivitis during the past 12 months in Japanese adolescents.Methods The subjects were 5614 of 9008 students (62%) aged 12–15 years from all public junior high schools in Suita, Japan in 2001. This study used the diagnostic criteria of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood. Adjustment was made for gender, grade, number of older siblings, and parental history of allergy.Results Feeding pattern was unrelated to the prevalence of wheeze or rhinoconjunctivitis. The prevalence of atopic eczema was significantly higher in children who had been breastfed than in artificial milk feeders (adjusted odds ratios = 1.40 and 1.56, 95% confidence intervals: 1.01–1.98 and 1.13–2.22 for mixed milk intake and breastfeeding only vs. artificial milk consumption, respectively; P = 0.01 for linear trend). When children were divided according to a positive or negative allergic history in at least one parent, an increased prevalence of atopic eczema associated with breastfeeding was found in children with a negative parental allergic history compared with those with a positive parental allergic history.Conclusion The findings suggest that breastfeeding may be associated with an increased prevalence of atopic eczema, especially among children without a parental history of allergy.
Widespread biphasic amyloidosis: response to acitretin
Authors: Hernández-Núñez A. , Daudén E. , Moreno de Vega M. J. , Fraga J. , Aragüés M. , García-Díez A. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
We report a patient who presented with an intensely pruritic rash, with hyperpigmentation of the whole back and multiple hyperpigmented and hyperkeratotic papules over his forearms and lower extremities. Histologically, he showed deposits of amyloid that reacted positively with monoclonal antibodies against cytokeratins. The lesions were resistant to antihistamines and corticosteroids. Treatment with oral acitretin was started and great improvement of the lesion was noted; the patient became asymptomatic. We review the literature on the effect of retinoids in cutaneous amyloidosis.
Hand rash in trichinosis
Authors: Walsh D. S. , Jongsakul K. , Watt G. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Trichinosis patients may develop peri-orbital oedema, conjunctival haemorrhages, splinter haemorrhages of the fingernails, and nonspecific skin rashes. Here, we describe an unusual hand rash noted in several patients enrolled in a treatment study for trichinosis.
The management of porphyria cutanea tarda
Authors: Sarkany R. P. E. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractPorphyria cutanea tarda (PCT), the commonest of all porphyrias, is usually characterized by blisters and fragility of skin in light-exposed areas. It can be clinically indistinguishable from other disorders including variegate porphyria and the diagnosis can only be made by rigorous biochemical analysis. PCT does not cause acute attacks of porphyria. It is usually an acquired condition caused by inhibition of the uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase enzyme in the liver. Hereditary haemochromatosis, hepatitis C virus infection, alcohol, oestrogens and a family history of PCT are the major risk factors for the condition and should be searched for specifically in all patients. Liver disease, including hepatocellular carcinoma, is common in patients with PCT, and should be investigated for at presentation by means of a liver biopsy where possible. Patients with severe hepatic pathology or longstanding untreated PCT need to be monitored for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in the long term. Low dose twice weekly chloroquine is the mainstay of treatment, but venesection should be used in patients with severe iron overload or hepatitis C-related liver disease. Subsequently, long-term follow-up is needed in all patients to monitor for relapse.
Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-specific antibodies in commercial human immunoglobulin preparations: superior antibody content of an IgM-enriched product
Authors: Trautmann M , Held T K , Susa M , Karajan M A , Wulf A , Cross A S , Marre R 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe anti-LPS antibody content of commercial intravenous immunoglobulins was examined by quantitative ELISA using LPS preparations from Escherichia coli, Klebsiella and Pseudomonas aeruginosa O serotypes occurring most frequently in Gram-negative septicaemia. Three IgG products from different manufacturers and one IgM-enriched product were tested. Mean antibody levels were significantly higher in the IgM fraction of the IgM-enriched product compared with ‘pure’ IgG products, indicating that natural antibodies against bacterial LPS belong primarily to the IgM class. Immunoblotting studies showed that antibody specificities were directed mainly against O side chain epitopes. Antibodies against rough mutant LPS representing various chemotypes were detected in IgG but not in IgM products. The virtual absence of antibodies against Vibrio cholerae LPS indicated that human anti-LPS antibodies result from continuous environmental exposure to Gram-negative pathogens. These data support the further development of IgM-enriched preparations for prophylaxis and treatment of Gram-negative nosocomial infections.
Anti-C1q receptor/calreticulin autoantibodies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Authors: Van Den Berg R H , Siegert C E H , Faber-Krol M C , Huizinga T W J , Van ES L A , Daha M R 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYSLE is a disease characterized by the presence of multiple autoantibodies and high levels of circulating immune complexes. We studied the presence and functional relevance of autoantibodies directed against a receptor for the collagen-like stalks of the first subcomponent of complement, also known as calreticulin (cC1qR/CaR), in patients with SLE. In a cross-sectional study it was found that higher titres of antibodies against cC1qR/CaR are present in sera of SLE patients compared with normal donors. No association between anti-cC1qR/CaR titres and SLE disease activity was found. Following gel filtration of SLE serum it was found that anti-cC1qR/CaR reactivity is associated with the peak of monomeric IgG. Purified IgG from patients was able to specifically immunoprecipitate cC1qR/CaR. Since we have shown previously that cC1qR/CaR is able to inhibit the haemolytic activity of C1q, we determined a possible pathogenic role for anti-cC1qR/CaR on complement regulation. IgG derived from SLE serum reversed the inhibitory capacity of cC1qR/CaR in a dose-dependent fashion up to 63%, whereas IgG from normal donors had no significant effect. With respect to the capacity of anti-cC1qR/CaR antibodies to activate neutrophils, it was found that incubation of normal neutrophils with F(ab′)2 anti-cC1qR/CaR resulted in a very limited oxidative burst. However, cross-linking of F(ab′)2 anti-cC1qR/CaR on the neutrophils clearly induced neutrophil activation. Pre-incubation of the SLE-derived F(ab′)2 with cC1qR/CaR prevented activation of neutrophils up to 81 ± 5%. These results suggest that the presence of anti-cC1qR/CaR antibodies in patients with SLE may modulate complement and neutrophil activation.
Cytokine release and its modulation by dexamethasone in whole blood following exercise
Authors: Smits H H , Grünberg K , Derijk R H , Sterk P J , Hiemstra P S 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYGlucocorticoids (GC) play an important role in the treatment of inflammatory diseases like asthma. However, in selected patients a relative resistance to GC has been reported. Recently, it has been suggested that GC sensitivity of peripheral blood leucocytes may be regulated in a dynamic fashion during exercise, in association with activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. The aim of the present study was to explore changes in the GC sensitivity of cytokine production by leucocytes following strenuous exercise by well trained oarsmen. These changes were studied using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced and anti-CD2/anti-CD28 MoAb-stimulated cytokine release in whole blood and its modulation by dexamethasone. Following exercise, significant decreases in LPS-induced release of IL-6, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and IL-10 and anti-CD2/anti-CD28 MoAb-stimulated secretion of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) were observed. In addition, the inhibitory effect of dexamethasone on both IL-6 and TNF-α secretion was significantly reduced following exercise, whereas that on IL-10 and IFN-γ release was not affected. These exercise-induced changes were accompanied by activation of the HPA axis, as indicated by an increase in circulating adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels immediately following exercise. The results from the present study suggest that GC sensitivity of whole blood cytokine release can be regulated in a dynamic fashion and that this can be assessed using an ex vivo stimulation assay. Moreover, since dexamethasone responsiveness of anti-CD2/anti-CD28 MoAb-induced IFN-γ secretion in whole blood is not affected by exercise, it may suggest that exercise differentially affects monocytes and lymphocytes. The dynamic regulation of steroid responsiveness of leucocytes, as observed in the present study, could have important consequences for the effectiveness of GC treatment in inflammatory diseases.
Differences in kappa to lambda (κ:λ) ratios of serum and urinary free light chains
Authors: Abe M , Goto T , Kosaka M , Wolfenbarger D , Weiss D T , Solomon A 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYFree light chains (FLC) are a natural product of B lymphocytes and, as such, represent a quantifiable biomarker of cellular proliferation. Accurate measurement of the concentrations of these components in serum and urine provides a unique means of ascertaining B cell immunoglobulin synthesis during physiologic and, especially, pathologic states, where such information has important diagnostic and therapeutic implications. Previously, use of such quantitative assays has been limited due to the lack of potent serologic reagents specific for these components. We have immunized mice with κ- and λ-type monoclonal human light chains (Bence Jones proteins (BJP)) and have obtained monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) that differentiate between unbound and bound light chains. These highly specific MoAbs were used to measure by ELISA the concentrations of FLC in the serum of 22 normal individuals and in urine from 16 of these subjects. The mean serum κ and λ FLC concentrations were found to be 16.6 ± 6.1 μg/ml and 33.8 ± 14.8 μg/ml, respectively. In contrast, the values for urinary κ and λ FLC were 2.96 ± 1.84 μg/ml and 1.07 ± 0.69 μg/ml, respectively. In each case studied, the serum κ:λ ratio was consistently less than that of urine (mean values, serum ≈ 1:2; urine ≈ 3:1). That the rate of synthesis of λ-type FLC exceeded that of κ was evidenced in assays of culture fluid supernatants of unstimulated normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), where the mean κ:λ ratio was determined to be 1:1.4. Metabolic studies in which mice were injected with pools of κ- and λ-type BJP prepared in ratios of 1:1, 1:2 and 1:4 demonstrated that, regardless of the proportion, κ FLC were preferentially excreted. Our studies provide the first evidence that λ FLC are secreted by normal PBMC at a greater rate than are κ FLC, as evidenced in biosynthetic studies and by measurement of their serum concentrations. Further, we posit that quaternary structural differences between the two light-chain isotypes may account for the predominance of κversusλ components in urine.
Mutations of the p53 tumour suppressor gene in erosive rheumatoid synovial tissue
Authors: Rème T , Travaglio A , Gueydon E , Adla L , Jorgensen C , Sany J 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARY
Erosive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is accompanied by synovial tissue hyperplasia associated with the proliferation of transformed-appearing synovial lining cells. In the present study we have analysed the expression of the p53 tumour suppressor gene in the synovial pannus tissue from patients at various stages of the disease. We used a combination of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) on DNA and reverse transcription, PCR and sequencing on cDNAs from synovial tissues or purified synovial cell populations of 24 RA and three osteoarthritis (OA) patients. We also studied p53 expression by immunohistochemical analysis. Mutations suspected after SSCP were identified by systematic sequencing of the p53 exon 6, especially in the fibroblast-like, adherent synovial cell population, associated with an erosive disease. Some accumulation of the protein was detected in immunohistochemical analysis of the p53 tumour suppressor gene in the patients' synovial tissues. However, no sign of malignancy was seen in these patients after a 2-year survey. These results show some abnormalities in the p53 tumour suppressor gene in RA patients, but do not allow this to be related to characteristic proliferative features of the rheumatoid synovium.
Correlation of plasma monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and monocyte inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α) levels with disease activity and clinical course of sarcoidosis
Authors: Hashimoto S , Nakayama T , Gon Y , Hata N , Koura T , Maruoka S , Matsumoto K , Hayashi S , Abe Y , Horie T 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYMCP-1 and MIP-1α exhibit chemotactic activity toward macrophages/monocytes and induce the production of inflammatory cytokines affecting granuloma formation. Up-regulated expression of MCP-1 and MIP-1α in the affected organ of sarcoidosis has been shown; however, the relationship between their plasma levels and the clinical course of this disease has not been determined. In the present study we measured plasma MCP-1 and MIP-1α levels in 26 patients with active sarcoidosis by ELISA in order to assess the state of MCP-1 and MIP-1α in this disease. Most patients in this study (21/26) had clinical evidence of extrathoracic disease in addition to pulmonary involvement. In addition, a high proportion of patients (n = 15) showed spontaneous remission of disease, whereas five patients showed no spontaneous remission and six patients were treated with corticosteroids over the 2-year period of study. At the time of diagnosis, both plasma MCP-1 and MIP-1α levels in patients with active sarcoidosis were significantly higher than in the normal controls. The levels of these cytokines in patients with extrathoracic disease were compatible with those in patients without extrathoracic disease. A longitudinal evaluation of plasma MCP-1 and MIP-1α levels showed that the changes in both cytokines were closely related to the clinical course of sarcoidosis. These results suggest that plasma MCP-1 and MIP-1α may be useful parameters for monitoring the clinical course of sarcoidosis. In addition, plasma MCP-1 and MIP-1α may reflect subclinical evidence of extrathoracic sarcoidosis and may play a role in initiating monocyte migration into the tissue.
Isolation and phenotypic characterization of colonic macrophages
Authors: Rogler G , Hausmann M , Vogl D , Aschenbrenner E , Andus T , Falk W , Andreesen R , Schölmerich J , Gross V 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARY
Macrophages play an important role in the intestinal mucosal immune system. However, they are a poorly defined cell population. We therefore determined their phenotype in normal colonic mucosa. Macrophages were isolated from colonic biopsies and surgical specimens by collagenase digestion. Colonic macrophages were positively sorted by anti-CD33 magnetic beads. Flow cytometric triple fluorescence analysis was applied to study CD14, CD16, CD33, CD44, CD11b, CD11c, CD64, HLA-DR, CD80, CD86 and CD3/CD19 expression. CD33 was evaluated as a positive marker for intestinal macrophages. CD33+ cells isolated from normal colonic mucosa showed co-expression of the established intracellular macrophage marker CD68 in FACS analysis. CD33+ cells were capable of phagocytosis. Isolation of this cell population by magnetic anti-CD33 beads and culture resulted in a 4·2–40-fold increase in IL-1β and 4·5–44-fold increase in tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) secretion compared with unsorted lamina propria mononuclear cells (LPMC). Of the CD33+ cells, 90·9 ± 6·9% (mean ± s.d.) were CD44+. However, macrophages from colonic mucosa showed only a low expression of CD14 (10·5 ± 3·8%), CD16 (10·1 ± 3·9%), HLA-DR (27·3 ± 9·2%), CD11b (17·4 ± 6·8%), CD11c (17·8 ± 10·4%). Furthermore, expression of CD80 (9·2 ± 4·2%) and CD86 (15·1 ± 7·3%) was low, suggesting a low ability of normal intestinal macrophages to activate T cells and T cell-mediated immune responses. We conclude that CD33 is useful for the isolation and flow cytometric characterization of colonic macrophages. These cells exhibit a single phenotype in normal mucosa (CD33++, CD44++, CD14−, CD16−, CD11b−, CD11c−, HLA-DRlow, CD80−, CD86−) lacking lipopolysaccharide (LPS) receptor and costimulatory molecules.
Polarized secretion of IL-6 and IL-8 by human retinal pigment epithelial cells
Authors: Holtkamp G M , Van Rossem M , DE Vos A F , Willekens B , Peek R , Kijlstra A 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARY
A number of cell types situated along interfaces of various tissues and organs such as the peritoneum and the intestine have been shown to secrete inflammatory cytokines in a polarized fashion. Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells are positioned at the interface between the vascularized choroid and the avascular retina, forming part of the blood–retina barrier. These cells are potent producers of inflammatory cytokines and are therefore considered to play an important role in the pathogenesis of ocular inflammation. Whether cytokine secretion by these cells also follows a vectorial pattern is not yet known, and was therefore the subject of this study. Monolayers of human RPE cells (primary cultures and the ARPE-19 cell line) cultured on transwell filters were stimulated to produce IL-6 and IL-8 by adding IL-1β (100 U/ml) to either the upper or the lower compartment. After stimulation, the human RPE cell lines showed polarized secretion of IL-6 and IL-8 towards the basal side, irrespective of the side of stimulation. The ARPE-19 cell line also secreted IL-6 and IL-8 in a polarized fashion towards the basal side after basal stimulation; polarized secretion was, however, not apparent after apical stimulation. The observation that human RPE cells secrete IL-6 and IL-8 in a polarized fashion towards the choroid may represent a mechanism to prevent damage to the adjacent fragile retinal tissue.