bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Myth of the Peaceable Peasant in Northern Spain: Asturias 1898–1914
Authors: Uría Jorge 
Published: July 2005

The picture has prevailed in Spanish social history of a revolutionary, insurrectional peasantry in the south of the country. Aided by literary or artistic analyses, this article shows the existence, in the Spanish north during the transition from the nineteenth to the twentieth century, of a counter-model consisting of small landowners. This model was based on real facts, such as the permanence of small and medium land properties, the preservation of the commons, and the stability of leaseholds, all of which contributed to its literary idealization.However, a more profound and detailed analysis uncovers the existence of other types of conflicts which are different from the large unionized demonstrations of the Andalusian south. In fact, conflict arose in the north with respect to leaseholds and surpluses of milk, cider, or sugar beet. Old emblems of peaceful peasant life such as popular festivities were tainted with criminality, as well as with “urban” and “industrial” delinquency and the old systems of communal solidarity were redefined, which forced political bargaining in local and municipal life.
Mechanisms of Right Atrial Tachycardia Occurring Late After Surgical Closure of Atrial Septal Defects
Authors: MAGNIN‐POULL ISABELLE , De CHILLOU CHRISTIAN , MILJOEN HIELKO , ANDRONACHE MARIUS , ALIOT ETIENNE 
Published: July 2005

Introduction: In patients without structural heart disease, the most frequently occurring AT is the common atrial flutter. In patients with repaired congenital heart disease other mechanisms of AT may occur, due to the presence of an atriotomy that can provide a substrate for reentry. The aim of the present study was to identify the mechanisms of atrial tachycardia (AT) occurring late after atrial septum defect (ASD) repair, with the help of a three‐dimensional electroanatomical mapping system. Methods and Results: Twenty‐two consecutive patients presenting with AT underwent complete electroanatomic mapping (CARTO®, Biosense Webster, Diamond Bar, CA) of spontaneously occurring and inducible right ATs. Complete maps of 26 ATs were obtained. Three tachycardia mechanisms were identified: single‐loop macroreentrant atrial tachycardia (MAT) (n = 7), double‐loop MAT (n = 18), and focal AT (n = 1). In all MATs, protected isthmuses were identified as the electrophysiological substrate of the arrhythmia, most frequently the cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) (n = 24), and a gap between the inferior vena cava and a line of double potentials (n = 11). A mean number of 13.5 ± 2.1 radiofrequency applications were delivered to transect these critical parts of the circuit. During a follow‐up of 25 ± 16 months the RF ablation was acutely successful in all patients. Thirteen patients (59%) had an early recurrence of MAT and needed an additional ablation procedure. One of those patients needed two additional ablation procedures. Conclusions: Three‐dimensional electroanatomic mapping is useful to identify postsurgical AT mechanisms; the CTI isthmus is involved in 92% MAT, and if the right atrial free wall (RAFW) abnormal tissue related to surgical scar is present this substrate contributes to the MAT circuit
Increased Extracellular Collagen Matrix in Myocardial Sleeves of Pulmonary Veins: An Additional Mechanism Facilitating Repetitive Rapid Activities in Chronic Pacing‐Induced Sustained Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: CHIU YUNG‐TSUNG , WU TSU‐JUEY , WEI HAO‐JI , CHENG CHING‐CHANG , LIN NAI‐NU , CHEN YING‐TSUNG , TING CHIH‐TAI 
Published: July 2005

Introduction: Cell uncoupling due to fibrosis or increased extracellular collagen matrix (ECM) affects the formation of ectopic focal activity. Whether or not the increase of ECM also exists in the pulmonary veins (PVs) with rapid atrial pacing is unknown. We sought to test the hypothesis that in chronic atrial pacing dogs with sustained atrial fibrillation (AF), the amount of ECM was increased in both atria and the PVs. Methods and Results: We induced sustained AF in dogs by rapid atrial pacing. Computerized mapping techniques were used to map both atria and the PVs. We also used histological assessment to quantify the amount of ECM. After 118 ± 24 days of rapid atrial pacing, sustained AF was induced in 7 dogs. Repetitive rapid activities (RRAs) either continuously or intermittently arose from the PVs during sustained AF. Histological study shows that there was no fibrosis in both atrial free walls and the PVs. However, the amount of ECM was increased in these regions. The mean ECM surface area fraction at each region in the dogs with sustained AF was all significantly higher compared to the corresponding region in normal dogs. Similarly, the heterogeneity of the ECM surface area fraction at each region in the dogs with sustained AF was also all significantly higher compared to normal dogs. Conclusions: In chronic atrial pacing‐induced sustained AF, structural remodeling (i.e., inhomogeneous increase of ECM) also involves the PVs. Reduced coupling of the myocytes in the PV due to histological changes may provide an additional mechanism facilitating RRAs.
The chemoresistance gene ABCG2 (MXR/BCRP1/ABCP1) is not expressed in melanomas but in single neuroendocrine carcinomas of the skin
Authors: Deichmann Martin , Thome Marianne , Egner Ursula , Hartschuh Wolfgang , Kurzen Hjalmar 
Published: July 2005

Background:  As the molecular mechanisms in melanoma chemoresistance remain unknown to date, we hypothesized these tumors to express the ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporter G2 (ABCG2/MXR/BCRP1/ABCP1), a recently detected membrane transporter and putative stem‐cell marker. Besides melanoma, we addressed the neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin (Merkel cell carcinoma), another cutaneous cancer supposed to originate from neuroectoderm and usually chemoresistant.Methods and Results:  Upon semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, ABCG2 mRNA expression was not upregulated in 18 melanoma resection specimens when compared with 19 acquired melanocytic nevi from which melanomas are known to often arise (Mantel–Haenszel test, p = 0.3). At protein level, immunohistochemistry was negative in all 66 investigated melanoma resection specimens (50 primary melanomas and 16 cutaneous/subcutaneous metastases) and in 19 acquired melanocytic nevi. Among 29 neuroendocrine carcinomas of the skin, ABCG2 protein was detected in single clusters of cells in three tumors. As a positive control, three dermatofibrosarcomas were also stained and showed ABCG2 protein expression of the endothelial cells of the blood vessels.Conclusion:  Altogether, chemoresistance of melanomas and neuroendocrine carcinomas of the skin cannot be explained by expression of the ABCG2‐chemoresistance gene. Most of these tumors do not exhibit this potential stem‐cell feature.
Histopathologic comparison of nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy and scleromyxedema
Authors: Kucher Cynthia , Xu Xiaowei , Pasha Theresa , Elenitsas Rosalie 
Published: July 2005

Background:  Nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy (NFD) clinically presents as indurated plaques and papules in patients with renal dysfunction. The differential diagnosis generally includes scleromyxedema (SMX), an idiopathic systemic disorder with cutaneous manifestations, in which patients also develop indurated papules and plaques. The two entities can be extremely difficult to distinguish microscopically. Histopathologic differences with immunophenotypic comparison, to our knowledge, have not been thoroughly studied. We compared these two entities with an emphasis on immunohistochemistry.Design:  Nine biopsies diagnosed as NFD and seven biopsies diagnosed as SMX were retrospectively collected from the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center's surgical pathology and dermatopathology archives. Immunohistochemical staining for CD34, factor XIIIa, CD31, smooth muscle actin, CD68, and procollagen‐I, as well as colloidal iron, were performed on each biopsy. Amount of expression for each of these markers, as well as degree of inflammation, for each biopsy was evaluated using a grading system of 0–3.Results:  Overall, NFD and SMX showed similar expression for all markers except procollagen‐I, which showed increased expression in SMX.Discussion:  Although some immunophenotypic differences were found, our study did not demonstrate microscopic characteristics that can be easily used diagnostically to distinguish NFD from SMX. Clinical pathologic correlation is paramount in distinguishing these two entities.
Anti‐cytokeratin 20 staining of Merkel cells helps differentiate basaloid proliferations overlying dermatofibromas from basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Mahmoodi Mandana , Asad Haider , Salim Sadia , Kantor Gary , Minimo Corrado 
Published: July 2005

Background:  Basaloid epidermal proliferations (BEP), morphologically resembling basal cell carcinoma (BCC), have been described overlying dermatofibromas. Distinguishing the two is important because of non‐aggressiveness of BEP and local aggressiveness of BCC. The aim of this study is to determine whether CK20 antibody staining for Merkel cells can be used as an adjunct method to differentiate BEP from BCC.Methods:  Ten cases of BEP overlying dermatofibromas were selected. Ten cases of BCC were used as control. The two groups were stained with CK20 antibody. Numerical density of CK20 stained Merkel cells in peri‐lesional epidermis, BEP and BCC was determined by examining 300 cells at 400X in two separate areas by three independent pathologists. To determine statistical significance, the results were compared using t‐test method.Results:  Density of Merkel cells in peri‐lesional epidermis was 0.2–0.3%. No merkel cells were detected in the BCC. BEP overlying dermatofibromas showed an obvious increase in CK 20 stained Merkel cells. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.02)Conclusions:  We report a significant increase in CK20 stained Merkel cells in BEP overlying dermatofibromas as compared to BCC. CK20 antibody staining for Merkel cells can be used as an adjunct method to differentiate BEP overlying dermatofibromas from BCC.
Autologous serum skin test reactivity in patients with non‐allergic asthma
Authors: Tedeschi A. , Comi A. L. , Lorini M. , Tosini C. , Miadonna A. 
Published: July 2005

SummaryBackground
Inflammatory alterations of respiratory airways have been found in patients with non‐allergic asthma, but the triggering event has not been defined. An autoimmune activation of inflammatory cells has been hypothesized.Objective
To evaluate whether histamine‐releasing factors are present in sera from non‐allergic asthmatics.Methods
Twenty‐four patients with non‐allergic asthma underwent in vivo autologous serum skin test (ASST) and in vitro basophil histamine release assay using autologous basophils as well as basophils from normal donors. Twenty‐seven subjects with respiratory allergy and three normal subjects were chosen as control.Results
ASST was positive in 14/24 non‐allergic asthmatics (58%) whereas it was negative in all 30 control subjects (P<0.001). The serum of only one ASST‐positive patient out of 12 (8.4%) induced in vitro histamine release from autologous basophils. The serum from another ASST‐positive patient induced histamine release from membrane IgE‐stripped autologous basophils. Sera from either non‐allergic asthmatics or from control subjects did not provoke significant histamine release from basophils from three normal donors.Conclusion
Skin reactivity to autologous serum is common among non‐allergic asthmatics, indicating the presence of circulating histamine‐releasing factors. However, only in a minority of patients in vitro functional evidence of histamine‐releasing autoantibodies (anti‐FcɛRI or anti‐IgE) was obtained. The presence of circulating histamine‐releasing factors might contribute to initiation/maintenance of inflammation in respiratory airways of non‐allergic asthmatics.
High levels and gender difference of exhaled nitric oxide in Chinese schoolchildren
Authors: Wong G. W. K. , Liu E. K. H. , Leung T. F. , Yung E. , Ko F. W. S. , Hui D. S. C. , Fok T. F. , Lai C. K. W. 
Published: July 2005

SummaryBackground
Exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) may represent a useful noninvasive marker of airway inflammation, but data on the reference population values in schoolchildren are limited. No reference eNO study in Asian children has been published.Methods
Levels of eNO in a sample of 531 schoolchildren aged 11–18 years recruited from five schools (three international schools) in Hong Kong were measured online by a chemiluminescence analyser according to ERS/ATS standard. Each student also completed an International Study of Asthma and Allergic disease in Childhood questionnaire.Results
Among the children without a physician's diagnosis of asthma or symptoms of wheeze, rhinitis and eczema, there were 258 Chinese and 33 Caucasians. In control Chinese children, the eNO level (median: interquantile range) was significantly higher (P<0.001) in males (17.0 parts per billion (p.p.b.); 10.7–36.6) than in females (10.8 p.p.b.; 7.8–17.6). When compared with Caucasian control males (11.6 p.p.b.; 8.2–19.3) and females (9.1 p.p.b.; 7.5–11.9), the Chinese children had significantly higher eNO levels for both males (P=0.011) and females (P=0.037). For Chinese asthmatic males, the median eNO (interquartile range) was 39.8 p.p.b. (12.5–73.8), and for asthmatic females, 18.0 (9.6–56.3). After controlling for sex in Chinese controls, eNO did not have any significant correlation with height, weight and body mass index or body surface area.Conclusions
This study demonstrates a gender difference of eNO level in healthy Chinese schoolchildren. When compared with Caucasians, Chinese children have significantly higher eNO levels.
Association of CARD15 polymorphisms with atopy‐related traits in a population‐based cohort of Caucasian adults
Authors: Weidinger S. , Klopp N. , Rümmler L. , Wagenpfeil S. , Baurecht H. J. , Gauger A. , Darsow U. , Jakob T. , Novak N. , Schäfer T. , Heinrich J. , Behrendt H. , Wichmann H. E. , Ring J. , Illig T. ,   for the KORA study group
Published: July 2005

SummaryBackground Influences of microbial pathogens are crucial for the maturation of the immune system. Caspase‐recruitment domain containing protein 15 (CARD15) is a cytosolic receptor involved in bacterial recognition by antigen‐presenting cells. CARD15 polymorphisms have been associated with Crohn's disease. Recently, associations with atopic phenotypes have been reported in children.Objective Within a large population of German adults (n=1875), we evaluated eight CARD15 polymorphisms for associations with atopic phenotypes.Methods Subjects were phenotyped by standardized questionnaires and interviews as well as total and allergen‐specific IgE measurements. Genotyping was performed using matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization – time of flight mass spectrometry. Haplotypes were estimated using the SAS/Genetics module.Results Subjects with a T allele at rs1077861 had a decreased risk of developing asthma (odds ratio OR=0.648, P=0.013), whereas the presence of an A allele at rs3135500 was significantly associated with an increased risk (OR=1.374, P=0.023). In addition, a CARD15 haplotype revealed to be protective against the development of asthma (OR=0.326, P=0.003). Subjects with an A allele at position rs5743266 or a T allele at rs2066842 had a significantly decreased risk of developing allergic rhinoconjunctivitis with ORs of 0.820 (P=0.049) and 0.801 (P=0.025). Polymorphism rs2066845 showed a significant association with increased total serum IgE (OR=2.155, P=0.006).Conclusion Genetic variants of CARD15 that might result in inappropriate immunomodulation are not only associated with autoimmune diseases but also with atopic disorders.
Changes in indoor allergen and fungal levels predict changes in asthma activity among young adults
Authors: Matheson M. C. , Abramson M. J. , Dharmage S. C. , Forbes A. B. , Raven J. M. , Thien F. C. K. , Walters E. H. 
Published: July 2005

SummaryBackground
Exposures to allergens are thought to be important risk factors for asthma. We conducted a longitudinal study of indoor allergen and fungal levels in Melbourne homes between 1996 and 1998 to examine the effect of changes in allergen exposure upon asthma and associated outcomes.Methods
Participants were visited at home in 1996 (n=485) and 1998 (n=360), when dust and air samples were collected from their bedrooms and assayed for Der p 1, Fel d 1, ergosterol and fungal propagules. Subjects then attended the lung function laboratory to complete a questionnaire, spirometry, methacholine challenge and skin prick testing. The associations between the change in allergen levels and change in clinical outcomes were examined using multiple logistic and linear regression.Results
Participants whose Cladosporium fungal exposure doubled had 52% greater odds of having had an attack of asthma in the last 12 months. A doubling of fungal exposure was also associated with 53% greater odds of developing atopy. A doubling of Fel d 1 floor levels was associated with 73% increased odds of doctor‐diagnosed asthma. A doubling of Der p 1 levels in bed dust was associated with a 64% greater odds of persistent bronchial hyper‐reactivity.Conclusions
These findings provide evidence that changes in indoor levels of fungi and house dust mites can affect the risk of development and persistence of asthma and atopy in adults. Further studies are required to establish any benefit of sustained reductions in indoor allergen exposures, and to determine whether these effects are truly ‘allergic’ or because of immune stimulation in the airway through other less specific mechanisms.
ABO/secretor genetic complex is associated with the susceptibility of childhood asthma in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Y.‐L. , Chen J.‐C. , Lin T.‐M. , Huang T.‐J. , Wang S.‐T. , Lee M.‐F. , Wang J.‐Y. 
Published: July 2005

SummaryBackground
Histo‐blood groups, ABO, Lewis (Le) and secretor (Se) were found to be associated with lower lung function and wheezing in coal miners as well as in asthmatic children in some studies but not others, possibly reflecting the genetic heterogeneity among different ethnicities and local environmental exposure.Objective
The present study was conducted to determine the association between ABO, Lewis and secretor genetic complex with susceptibility of childhood asthma in Taiwan.Methods
We randomly selected 136 asthmatic children and 161 age‐matched controls from a childhood asthma survey conducted in primary schools. ABO and Lewis blood groups were determined by red blood cell agglutination methods. Analysis of Se genotype was performed by PCR with sequence‐specific primers.Results
There was a higher prevalence rate in secretor subjects (Se/Se) (odds ratio (OR)=1.7, confidence interval (CI)=1.022–2.938) in asthma as compared with controls. The combined effect of these three blood systems revealed that blood group O/secretor phenotype (Se/Se) (OR=2.7, CI=1.126–6.033), and blood group O/Le(a−b−) (OR=3.6, CI=1.080–11.963, P<0.03) individuals were significantly associated with asthma. The Lewis Le(a−b−) recessive genotype (OR=3.3, CI=1.267–8.482), or the joint blood group O/Le(a−b−) phenotype (OR=5.2, CI=1.259–21.429, P<0.02), was significantly associated with high serum IgE (>500 IU), respectively. There was no association of these three blood systems with the sensitivity of dust mite, Dermatophagoide pteronyssinus, in our study population.Conclusions
We concluded that blood group O/secretors (Se/Se) and O/Le(a−b−) were associated with childhood asthma, and may act as one of the predominant factors for environmental triggers of allergy for asthmatic children in Taiwan.
Serum and sputum neurotrophin levels in chronic persistent cough
Authors: Chaudhuri R. , McMahon A. D. , McSharry C. P. , MacLeod K. J. , Fraser I. , Livingston E. , Thomson N. C. 
Published: July 2005

SummaryBackground
Neurotrophins (NTs) are a family of growth factors, including nerve growth factor (NGF), brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin3 (NT‐3) that are involved in inflammation. Serum and induced sputum NT levels are increased in asthma and in cough because of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, respectively. Neurogenic inflammation is implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic cough in individuals with normal chest radiography, but the role of NTs in this condition is unknown.Objective
To assess if NT levels are elevated in the serum and airways in subjects with chronic persistent cough.Methods
Eighty‐one subjects with chronic cough persistent for over 1 year; with normal chest radiography and spirometry were included. Thirty healthy subjects were controls. Serum NGF, BDNF and NT‐3 were measured by enzyme immumoassay. In a subset, NGF was measured in induced sputum. Sputum cell counts and allergen‐specific serum IgE were measured and all patients received specific sequential treatment trials to achieve a final diagnosis for the cough.Results
There was no significant difference either in the levels of serum or sputum NTs in chronic cough subjects compared with controls or between the most common causes of cough: post‐nasal drip syndrome, gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease, asthma and bronchiectasis. The median (inter‐quartile range) for sputum NGF (pg/mL) was 516 (296–772) in healthy controls and 580 (312–880) in subjects with chronic cough (P=0.284). There was no correlation between NT levels and sputum cell counts. Sputum NGF levels correlated with duration of cough (r=0.34, P=0.002).Conclusion: NTs are not elevated in induced sputum or serum of subjects with chronic persistent cough. This implies that NTs do not have a central role in perpetuating airway inflammation in chronic persistent cough.
Developing dendritic cells become ‘lacy’ cells packed with fat and glycogen
Authors: Maroof Asher , English Nicholas R. , Bedford Penelope A. , Gabrilovich Dmitry I. , Knight Stella C. 
Published: July 2005

SummaryOn maturation, dendritic cells (DCs) become highly active cells equipped for antigen uptake, migration and clustering and activation of T cells. We therefore asked whether DCs acquire fat and glycogen stores as they mature. DCs were generated from mouse bone marrow stem cells by culturing with granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) for 7–8 days. Stimulation of the DCs with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for the last 24 hr of culture, or exposure to 1–15 ng/ml of interleukin (IL)‐4 during development, resulted in production of DCs not only with an increased ability to stimulate T cells but also with an increasingly lacy appearance on transmission electron microscopy, with multiple unstained areas in the cytoplasm. This changed morphology was associated with the presence of increasing amounts of fat and glycogen, identified by Sudan Black and periodic acid leukofushin/Schiff (PAS) staining, respectively. Lacy DCs up‐regulated type 1 and type 2 scavenger receptors, providing possible mechanisms contributing to these changes. Lacy DCs were found occasionally amongst freshly isolated splenic and lymph node DCs. DCs can be isolated from human adipose tissue, and we tested whether lacy DCs acquiring fat and glycogen were present in mouse omentum. CD45+ cells migrating from the omentum expressed specific DC markers CD11c and 33D1, costimulatory molecules and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II, and most showed darkly staining fat inclusions. Thus, during development, DCs can acquire large amounts of fat and glycogen, accumulation of which is promoted by antigen exposure and modulated by the cytokine milieu and location, and which may act as a link between energy stores and immune function.