bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of Fel d 1‐derived T‐cell peptides on upper and lower airway outcome measurements in cat‐allergic subjects
Authors: Alexander C. , Tarzi M. , Larché M. , Kay A. B. 
Published: August 2005

Background:  We previously showed that overlapping Fel d 1‐derived T‐cell peptides inhibited surrogate markers of allergy (i.e. early and late‐phase skin reactions and T‐cell function) in cat allergic subjects. The present pilot study was designed to determine whether this treatment affected clinically relevant outcome measurements such as the allergen‐induced nasal and bronchial reactions, and asthma/rhinitis quality of life (QOL).Methods:  Sixteen cat‐allergic asthmatic subjects who gave a dual (early and late) asthmatic response (DAR) to inhaled cat allergen were randomly assigned to receive either Fel d 1 peptides (approximately 300 μg in increasing, divided doses) or placebo (8 active : 8 placebo). Twelve single early responders (SER) were also studied in an open fashion design. Allergen‐induced bronchial and nasal measurements as well as the QOL was measured at baseline, 4–8 weeks (follow‐up 1 (FU1)) and 3–4 months (FU2).Results:  In the active, but not placebo, group there were significant decreases in the late asthmatic reaction (LAR) to whole cat dander (P = 0.03) at FU2 but with no between group difference. There were also significant improvements in asthma quality of life (QOL) scores [asthma‐activity limitation (P = 0.014); rhinitis‐sleep (P = 0.024), non‐nose/non‐eye symptoms (P = 0.031), nasal problems (P = 0.015)]. In the open study Fel d 1 peptide treatment resulted in significant decreases in number of sneezes (P = 0.05), weight of nasal secretions (P = 0.04) and nasal blockage (P = 0.01) following allergen challenge.Conclusions:  Multiple, short, overlapping Fel d 1 T‐cell peptides have potential for inhibiting upper and lower airway outcome measurements in cat allergic patients. Larger, dose‐ranging, studies are required before firm conclusions on clinical efficacy of peptide allergen therapy can be made.
High prevalence of IgE antibodies among blood donors in Sweden and Norway
Authors: Johansson S. G. O. , Nopp A. , Florvaag E. , Lundahl J. , Söderström T. , Guttormsen A. B. , Hervig T. , Lundberg M. , Öman H. , van Hage M. 
Published: August 2005

Background:  Reactions after a blood transfusion could be allergic because of passive transfer of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies from allergic donors.Aims of the study:  To compare spectrum and prevalence of IgE antibodies in blood donors from Sweden and Norway.Methods:  Using the ImmunoCAP method, serum samples from 1002 blood donors from Sweden and 500 from Norway were analysed for IgE antibodies to common inhalant and food allergens and allergens common in a hospital environment, such as penicilloyl G and latex.Results:  As many as 23.6–27.3% of the donors had IgE antibodies to at least one of the 14 allergens tested. Of these 6.8–16.7% had extremely high concentrations, i.e. >35 kUA/l corresponding to 100 times the cut‐off for a positive allergy test. Most donors were sensitized to pollens, dander and mite but several had very high levels of IgE antibodies to penicilloyl G, latex and peanut. The pattern of sensitizing allergens differed between Sweden and Norway.Conclusions:  High serum levels of IgE antibodies to various allergens are common among blood donors and the degree of sensitization and spectrum of involved allergen varies between geographical regions. Present routines to identify IgE sensitized, potential risk, donors are not satisfactory; the sensitivity of selection procedures is about 25%.
Desloratadine reduces systemic allergic inflammation following nasal provocation in allergic rhinitis and asthma patients
Authors: Reinartz S. M. , Overbeek S. E. , KleinJan A. , van Drunen C. M. , Braunstahl G.‐J. , Hoogsteden H. C. , Fokkens W. J. 
Published: August 2005

Background:  Preclinical studies have demonstrated that some second‐generation antihistamines have anti‐inflammatory effects. It is not known whether these effects are also demonstrable in vivo. In this study we investigated the effect of treatment with desloratadine (DL) on systemic inflammation and on nasal and bronchial mucosal inflammation after nasal allergen provocation (NP) in subjects with grass‐pollen‐allergic rhinitis and asthma.Methods:  Twenty‐six subjects with grass‐pollen‐allergic rhinitis and asthma were randomly allocated to 8 days of treatment with DL (n = 13) or placebo (n = 13) outside the grass pollen season. On day 7 they underwent nasal provocation with grass pollen allergen. Nasal and bronchial biopsies were taken for immunohistochemical evaluation, and blood samples were analysed. Rhinitis and asthma symptoms, peak nasal inspiratory flow and peak expiratory flow, were also measured at specified times.Results:  The number of circulating eosinophils decreased during DL treatment, and there was a reduced increase in circulating eosinophils after NP in these subjects. There was also a significant reduction in early bronchial clinical response. There was no significant lessening in the severity of the nasal symptoms. Nasal and bronchial mucosal inflammation parameters did not alter under DL treatment.Conclusion:  These data suggest that treatment with DL reduces systemic eosinophilia and prevents the increase in circulating eosinophils after NP. DL also significantly reduces the early bronchial clinical response to NP. However, airway mucosal inflammation is not altered by 1 week of treatment.
Scanning Electron Microscopic Study of the Functional Anatomy of the Porcine Oviductal Mucosa
Authors: Yaniz J. L. , Lopez‐Gatius F. , Hunter R. H. F. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryA three‐dimensional model has not been clearly established for the porcine oviductal mucosa. The oviducts of 12 cyclic sows were examined by Scanning Electron Microscopy to study the structure and nature of the mucosal arrangement of the oviduct. Epithelial cyclic changes were also studied. The oviductal infundibulum is an asymmetric funnel‐shaped structure surrounding the ostium, in which a wide and a narrow side can be distinguished. The mucosa is more complex in the narrow side, showing numerous and tortuous longitudinal primary folds, while the mucosa becomes simpler in the wide side. Around the ostium abdominale wide secondary folds form cul‐de‐sacs, with their opening pointing in ovarian direction. Areas between folds throughout the lumen of the oviduct show a high‐degree of complexity. Inter‐fold spaces are occupied by a system of irregular grooves and pockets, with the presence of basal crypts in the caudal oviduct. Marked variations were observed in the oviductal epithelium depending on the oviductal segment, basal or apical areas of the folds, and phase of the oestrous cycle. Cyclical changes were observed in the infundibulum and ampulla, so that prominent and numerous ciliated cells lined apical areas of the folds in the follicular phase; whereas secretary cells were predominant throughout all areas of epithelial surface in the luteal phase. The oestrous cycle phase appeared do not affect the epithelial population cells of the caudal segments of the oviduct: ciliated and secretory cells uniformly lined apical and basal areas of the folds. The topography of the oviduct provides a complex system of regulation, which may influence not only the passage of cells, but also movement of fluid within the oviductal canal.
Plasma lipids and fatty acid composition in parrots in relation to the intake of α‐linolenic acid from two feed mixtures
Authors: Bavelaar F. J. , van der Kuilen J. , Hovenier R. , Lemmens A. G. , Beynen A. C. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryThe main objective of this study was to find out whether the content of α‐linolenic acid (ALA) in plasma cholesteryl‐esters (CE) or triglycerides (TG) in parrots might serve as an index of ALA intake. The intake of ALA might be a risk factor for atherosclerosis, but on the basis of the fatty acid composition of seed mixtures the intake is difficult to assess due to selective eating of seeds. Parrots were fed two seed mixtures that differed in ALA content according to a cross over design. The macronutrient composition of the diets supplied differed from that of the diets consumed. The diets consumed had higher levels of dry matter, crude protein, crude fat and energy, and lower levels of crude fibre and crude ash. The ALA content, expressed as g/kg diet, was similar for the diet supplied and that consumed, irrespective of the type of diet. The diets had no systematic effect on plasma lipid concentrations. There were marked differences in plasma cholesterol concentrations between parrot species. When the diet with the low ALA content was fed (0.8 % ALA of total fatty acids consumed, 1.1 g ALA/kg of diet consumed), the plasma CE and TG did not contain detectable ALA amounts. When the diet with the high ALA content was fed (4.2 % ALA of total fatty acids consumed, 6.1 g ALA/kg of diet consumed), the plasma CE and TG contained about 1 % ALA of total fatty acids. It is suggested that the content of ALA in plasma CE and TG might be used as an indicator of ALA intake.
Epidemiology and clinical pattern of hepatitis delta virus infection in Pakistan
Authors: MUMTAZ KHALID , HAMID SAEED S , ADIL SALMAN , AFAQ ASIM , ISLAM M , ABID SHAHAB , SHAH HASNAIN A , JAFRI WASIM 
Published: August 2005

AbstractBackground and Aims:  The global epidemiology of hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection is changing. This study was performed to determine the epidemiology and clinical impact of hepatitis delta in Pakistan.Methods:  Countrywide data was collected from 1994 to 2001. A total of 8721 patients were tested for hepatitis delta antibody. A subset of 97 hepatitis delta antibody reactive inpatients with chronic liver disease were compared to 97 patients admitted with liver disease due to hepatitis B alone.Results:  Of the 8721 patients tested, 1444 (16.6%) were reactive for hepatitis delta antibody. Most were males (87.4%, P < 0.001) and younger (mean age 31 years, P < 0.001) compared to HDV non‐reactive patients. Prevalence of delta infection was highest in the rural (range 25–60%) compared to the urban population (range 6.5–11%). Analysis of the inpatient data showed that delta infected patients had significantly less severe clinical liver disease and a trend towards lesser development of hepatocellular carcinoma compared to delta negative patients.Conclusions:  (i) HDV infection is present in 16.6% of hepatitis B infected patients in Pakistan, most commonly in younger males living in rural areas; and (ii) delta virus infected patients have less severe clinical liver disease compared to delta negative, hepatitis B patients.
Clinical usefulness of telomerase for the detection of colon cancer in ulcerative colitis patients
Authors: MYUNG SEUNG‐JAE , YANG SUK‐KYUN , CHANG HYE‐SOOK , BYEON JEONG‐SIK , KIM KYU‐JONG , HONG SEONG SOO , JEONG JIN‐YONG , LEE SUN‐MI , HONG WEON‐SEON , KIM JIN‐HO , MIN YOUNG IL 
Published: August 2005

AbstractBackground and Aim: Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is a complication of ulcerative colitis (UC). Although stool occult blood and colonoscopy are used to detect CRC in UC, these methods have drawbacks, in that bleeding is associated with UC and the underlying mucosa is irregular, making it difficult to detect dysplasia. Telomerase and its catalytic subunit, telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), are specifically expressed in cancers, making them candidate markers for the early detection of cancer. We previously reported that assays of telomerase in pancreatic juice may be useful for the early detection of pancreatic cancer. The aims of our study were to determine whether assays for telomerase and TERT may be useful in the diagnosis of CRC developed in UC patients.Methods: Luminal washings and biopsies were collected during colonoscopy in 66 patients; 34 with CRC, 21 with UC, and 11 controls. Telomerase activity was detected by telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) and hTERT mRNA was assayed by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR).Results: Telomerase activity was detected in biopsies from 33 of 34 (97%) CRC patients, 14 of 21 (67%) UC patients, and three of 11 (27%) normal controls. Expression of hTERT mRNA was observed in biopsies from 32 of 34 (94%) CRC patients, 12 of 21 (57%) UC patients, and five of 11 (45%) controls. In analyses of washing fluid, 21 of 34 (62%) of CRC patients were positive for telomerase, but all UC patients and controls were negative. The sensitivity of telomerase for CRC was 97% in tissues and 62% in washing fluid. The specificity of telomerase in washing fluid was 100%, whereas the specificity of telomerase or hTERT mRNA in tissues was 47% each.Conclusions: For the detection of CRC arising in UC, telomerase and hTERT in colonic tissue showed high sensitivity, and telomerase in colonoscopic luminal washings revealed a high specificity. These might be candidate markers in clinical decision making for the diagnosis of CRC from UC.© 2005 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Budd–Chiari syndrome: Long‐term effect on outcome with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt
Authors: KHUROO MOHAMMAD SULTAN , AL‐SUHABANI HAMAD , AL‐SEBAYEL MOHAMMAD , AL ASHGAR HAMAD , DAHAB SALEIM , KHAN MOHAMMAD QASEEM , Khalaf HATEM ALI 
Published: August 2005

AbstractBackground:  The long‐term outcome of Budd–Chiari syndrome (BCS) with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) is not well studied. To address this, the records of 47 consecutive patients with BCS evaluated in one center from January 1989 to April 2004, were analyzed.Results:  Seven patients with liver tumors were excluded from analyses. Eleven patients had Bechet's disease, 14 had thrombophiliac disorders, four had myeloproliferative diseases and 11 patients had other or unknown causes. The site of block was hepatic vein in 16 patients, in the suprhepatic inferior vena cava in 19 and not known in five. The majority of patients (21/40; 52.5%) presented with subacute disease with massive ascites and abdominal pain as the dominant manifestations. Eight patients with membranes or segemental block were treated with transluminal angiopalsty, and six were treated with clinical and biochemical recovery. The TIPS was placed through a transcaval puncture in eight patients with progressive liver disease who were on medical therapy and had thrombosis limited to hepatic veins. One patient bled from portal vein puncture, which was managed by placing stent across the punctured site. The TIPS was very effective in decreasing portal pressure gradient, improving synthetic functions, reducing transaminase levels and controlling ascites. Five patients had TIPS dysfunction needing revision. In two patients it was difficult to maintain TIPS patency due to repeated TIPS dysfunction. However, both these patients were asymptomatic with normal liver function tests. Long‐term follow up revealed that patients with TIPS had significantly better survival than those treated with medical therapy alone (log–rank test, P = 0.04). In a multivariate Cox‐model analysis four variables, namely, more florid presentation, male sex, no treatment with TIPS and increasing Child–Pugh–Turcotte score, adversely affected the survival.Conclusions:  Budd–Chiari syndrome needs an individualized multidisciplinary approach and TIPS is indicated in a subgroup of patients with progressive liver disease. It is safe, feasible and improves survival.© 2005 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Small carcinoma of the pancreas is curable: New computed tomography finding, pathological study and postoperative results from a single institute
Authors: SHIMIZU YASUHIRO , YASUI KENZO , MATSUEDA KIYOSHI , YANAGISAWA AKIO , YAMAO KENJI 
Published: August 2005

AbstractBackground: It is well known that pancreatic cancer is rarely cured and is usually fatal. The clinicopathological features of small (greatest dimension ≤ 2 cm by histologic measurement) carcinoma of the pancreas (s‐PC), were reviewed, paying special attention to new computed tomography (CT) finding that suggests the presence of s‐PC.Methodology: Sixteen patients with s‐PC have undergone curative surgery at Aichi Cancer Center Hospital during the past 11 years. Their preoperative diagnostic findings, pathological findings and postoperative prognoses were analyzed.Results: The most useful diagnostic clue was dilatation of the main pancreatic duct (MPD). It was difficult to identify the tumor in four patients because of pancreatitis accompanying the MPD obstruction. In three of these four cases, early phase‐enhanced CT revealed a contrasting effect between the proximal and distal sides of the pancreatic parenchyma at the site of the MPD obstruction (black & white sign). The longest diameters of the tumors ranged from 0.9 to 2 cm (average 1.3 cm). Positive rates of capsular invasion, retroperitoneal invasion, and lymph node metastasis were 6.3% (1/16), 31.3% (5/16), and 18.8% (3/16), respectively. Six patients (37.5%) were classed at stage I, six (37.5%) stage II, three (18.8%) stage III, and one (6.2%) at stage IV according to pathological TNM classification. One patient died of the disease, and the cumulative 3‐ and 5‐year survival rates were 88.9% and 59.3%, respectively.Conclusions: The presence of s‐PC qualifies as early PC and has a good prognosis. The CT black + white sign will be useful in the diagnosis of s‐PC accompanying pancreatitis.
Analysis of K‐ras mutations and expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 and gastrin protein in laterally spreading tumors
Authors: MUKAWA KENICHIROH , FUJII SHIGEHIKO , TAKEDA JUN , KITAJIMA KAZUAKI , TOMINAGA KEIICHI , CHIBANA YOKO , FUJITA MIKIO , ICHIKAWA KAZUHITO , TOMITA SHIGEKI , ONO YUKO , IMURA JOHJI , KAWAMATA HITOSHI , CHIBA TSUTOMU , HIRAISHI HIDEYUKI , TERANO AKIRA , FUJIMORI TAKAHIRO 
Published: August 2005

AbstractBackground and Aim: Recent advances in colonoscopic techniques have led to the increased detection of, and interest in, superficial type colorectal tumors, and a new category, the ‘laterally spreading tumor (LST)’, has been proposed. However, the characteristics of the genetic alterations in these LSTs have not yet been fully determined. We therefore classified LSTs as LST‐granular (LST‐G) or LST‐non‐granular (LST‐NG), according to their macroscopic appearance, and examined the genetic alterations in these two tumor groups compared with those in protruded type tumors.Methods: We obtained a total of 62 colorectal tumors, including 26 protruded type, 17 LST‐G and 19 LST‐NG, from specimens resected surgically or endoscopically. We examined K‐ras codon 12 mutations by using the polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism method and by fluorescence direct sequencing. We also performed immunohistochemistry to analyze cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 and gastrin abnormalities.Results: The incidence of K‐ras mutation was 50.0% in protruded type tumors, 76.5% in LST‐G, and 26.3% in LST‐NG. The frequencies of COX‐2 overexpression were 73.1, 88.2, and 31.6%, respectively, and those of gastrin overexpression were 61.5, 82.4, and 26.3%, respectively. Therefore, LST‐G is similar to protruded type tumors in that the incidence of K‐ras mutation and the frequencies of COX‐2 and gastrin overexpression are high. LST‐NG differs from both of these tumor types in that the values of these three indicators are all low.Conclusions: These results show that LST‐G and LST‐NG have different genetic alterations.© 2005 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Racial differences in Helicobacter pylori, serum pepsinogen and gastric cancer incidence in an urban Asian population
Authors: ANG TIING LEONG , FOCK KWONG MING , DHAMODARAN SUBBIAH , TEO ENG KIONG , TAN JESSICA 
Published: August 2005

AbstractBackground:  In Singapore, the highest incidence of gastric cancer occurs in the Chinese (C), with lower rates among Malay (M) and Indian (I) subjects. The purpose of the present paper was to examine whether racial differences in the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori and serum pepsinogen (PG) could account for this difference.Methods:  A randomized community health survey involving 7000 asymptomatic healthy individuals was conducted. Among the Chinese, Malay and Indian respondents, subjects were matched for age, gender and race and a total of 595 sera were obtained. The H. pylori seropositivity and serum PG levels were determined by ELISA. The dependency of the cumulative gastric incidence rate on H. pylori seroprevalence was evaluated by linear regression. The racial difference in the seroprevalence of H. pylori and low serum PG was determined.Results:  The H. pylori seroprevalence was similar between Chinese and Indian subjects, but significantly lower among Malay subjects (C, 46.3%; M, 27.9%; I, 48.1%). The gastric cancer incidence rates correlated with H. pylori seropositivity for the Chinese and Malay subjects, but not for the Indian subjects. The prevalence of low PG was highest in Indian subjects (PG I low: C, 2.1%; M, 5.4%; I, 14.2%; P < 0.0001; PG I:II ratio low: C, 5.3%; M, 5.9%; I, 12.6%; P = 0.012), even when adjusted for gender and the presence of H. pylori.Conclusions:  The difference in gastric cancer incidence correlated with H. pylori seroprevalence for Chinese and Malay subjects. The lower incidence of gastric cancer among Indian subjects cannot be explained by differences in H. pylori or serum PG. Other modifying factors such as host and environmental factors may be important.© 2005 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Leukocytapheresis therapy for steroid‐naïve patients with active ulcerative colitis: Its clinical efficacy and adverse effects compared with those of conventional steroid therapy
Authors: NISHIOKA CHIHARU , AOYAMA NOBUO , MAEKAWA SHUJI , SHIRASAKA DAISUKE , NAKAHARA TAKAKO , TAMURA TAKAO , FUKAGAWA MASASHI , UMEZU MICHIO , ABE TAKAYA , KASUGA MASATO 
Published: August 2005

AbstractBackground: Steroid administration currently plays a central role in the medical management of ulcerative colitis (UC); however, long‐term steroid usage causes adverse effects, which necessitates stoppage of drug intake, leading to worsening of the disease. A steroid‐sparing, well‐tolerated treatment is therefore required. As several investigators have reported the efficacy of leukocytapheresis (LCAP) combined with steroid therapy, we investigated the clinical usefulness and safety of LCAP for steroid‐naïve patients with active UC for comparison with those of conventional steroid therapy.Methods: Twenty‐nine Japanese patients with active UC without a history of steroid usage were selected to be treated with LCAP (n = 9) or prednisolone (PSL) (n = 20). LCAP administration continued for 10 weekly cycles. In the PSL group, patients with moderately severe disease received 0.5 mg/kg per day of PSL and those with severe disease 1.0 mg/kg per day. The PSL dosage was gradually tapered in accordance with improvement.Results: Eight (88.9%) of the LCAP group and 16 (80.0%) of the PSL group showed clinical improvement and three (33.3%) of the LCAP group and seven (35.0%) of the PSL group achieved remission. As for the treatment complications, three major adverse effects were observed in the PSL group, but none were observed in the LCAP group.Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the efficacy and safety of LCAP are equivalent, and in terms of severe adverse effects, superior to those of steroid therapy. LCAP therapy may thus be a promising candidate therapy for steroid‐naïve patients with active UC.© 2005 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd