bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of allergen inhalation and oral glucocorticoid on serum soluble CTLA‐4 in allergic asthmatics
Authors: Qin X.‐J. , Shi H.‐Z. , Qin S.‐M. , Kang L.‐F. , Huang C.‐P. , Zhong X.‐N. 
Published: May 2005

Background:  The serum soluble cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated antigen‐4 (sCTLA‐4) concentration is significantly elevated in patients with asthma, and sCTLA‐4 concentration correlate with the severity of asthma. The aim of the present study was to investigate effects of allergen inhalation and oral glucocorticoid on concentration of serum sCTLA‐4 in patients with allergic asthma.Methods:  Allergen inhalation challenge was conducted in allergic asthmatics with isolated early asthma response and those with dual asthma response. In a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel group fashion, prednisolone or placebo was give orally once a day for 2 weeks. Venous blood samples were collected before and after allergen inhalation or prednisolone administration for obtaining sera. The serum sCTLA‐4 concentrations were determined using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.Results:  The serum sCTLA‐4 concentrations in the dual responder group increased from 29.0 (14.5–43.7) μg/l [median (25–75 percentiles)] before allergen inhalation to 44.0 (24.3–61.3) μg/l 24 h after allergen inhalation. In the isolated early responders, there were no significant increase in serum sCTLA‐4 concentrations after allergen inhalation compared with baseline levels. There was a significant decrease in serum sCTLA‐4 concentrations after 2 weeks of glucocorticoid therapy [22.0 (15.5–31.0) μg/l] compared with baseline values [37.0 (19.5–53.0) μg/l], whereas there was no significant difference in the placebo group.Conclusion:  This study has demonstrated that serum sCTLA‐4 concentrations increased after allergen inhalation in sensitized asthmatic subjects, and that serum sCTLA‐4 concentrations were downregulated by prednisolone therapy.
Evaluation of an intranasal house dust mite provocation model as a tool in clinical research
Authors: Oldenbeuving N. B. , KleinJan A. , Mulder P. G. , Lumley P. , de Groot E. J. J. , van Drunen C. M. , Fokkens W. J. 
Published: May 2005

Background:  As a result of the all‐year‐round exposure to house dust mite (HDM), perennial rhinitis patients never have a clear symptom‐free period. In this study, we investigated whether, despite these symptoms, we can still use nasal HDM provocations to study perennial allergic rhinitis and the effects of treatment.Methods:  In a parallel‐group study, after 1 week treatment with either fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray (FPANS) or placebo, 20 patients, allergic to HDM, registered symptoms (nasal obstruction, rhinorrhoea, sneezing, pruritus and eye symptoms) using three different scoring methods [Lebel, categorical and visual analogue scale (VAS)] and peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) after HDM provocations. Provocations were performed with 1000 biological units/ml and 24 h later with 10 000 biological units/ml of HDM. Before and after the provocations, nasal mucosa biopsies were taken for immunohistochemical staining to determine the number of eosinophils.Results:  House dust mite provocations resulted in an increase in symptoms and a decrease in PNIF. Even at high‐dose provocation, the FPANS group registered significantly lower symptoms than the placebo group for nasal blockage, sneezing, eye symptoms, and PNIF in both early and late phases. FPANS also suppressed rhinorrhoea during the late phase and the influx of eosinophils in the lamina propria.Conclusion:  Despite the high background of symptoms, allergic responses can be induced in this perennial rhinitis model. The VAS score seems most suited to detect these changes and the suppression of symptoms by 7 days of FPANS treatment. Epithelial eosinophilia at baseline was correlated positively with the severity of the reaction after the first provocation.
Polarization of Th1/Th2 in human CD4+ T cells separated by CD62L: analysis by transcription factors
Authors: Matsuzaki S. , Shinozaki K. , Kobayashi N. , Agematsu K. 
Published: May 2005

Background:  T‐cell surface antigens that differentiate clearly between Th1 and Th2 have not been identified. Discrimination of Th1/Th2 subpopulations by CD62L expression has been reported. We investigated the expression of transcription factors that regulate Th1/Th2 cytokine synthesis in human CD4+ T‐cell subpopulations separated by CD45RO and CD62L, and compared the ratio of CD62L+ to CD62L− cells between healthy individuals and patients with allergic diseases.Methods:  Human peripheral blood samples were obtained from healthy volunteers and patients. CD4+ T cells were isolated by negative selection. Three CD4+ T‐cell subpopulations separated by CD45RO and CD62L were isolated using three‐color fluorescence. Sorted cells were stimulated with anti‐CD3 monoclonal antibody, and the cytokine levels were measured using a Cytometric Bead Array Kit. Transcription factor expression was examined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and real‐time RT‐PCR.Results:  Interleukin (IL)‐4 and IL‐5 production levels by CD45RO+CD62L+CD4+ T cells were higher than those of CD45RO+CD62L−CD4+ T cells (P < 0.05), whereas interferon‐γ and tumor necrosis factor‐α production were lower levels (P < 0.05). T‐cell immunoglobulin mucin‐3 and T‐bet expression were detected in CD45RO−CD62L+ and CD45RO+CD62L− cells following stimulation, but not in CD45RO+CD62L+ cells. However, the ratio of CD62L+ to CD62L− cells was the same in both healthy individuals and patients (P = 0.54). There was no difference in Th1/Th2 cytokine synthesis by CD4+ T cells.Conclusion:  Analyses of cytokine syntheses and transcription factor expression demonstrated that CD62‐negative and ‐positive subpopulations of human CD45RO+CD4+ T cells represent characteristics of Th1 and Th2, respectively.
Identification of IgE‐binding epitopes on gliadins for patients with food allergy to wheat
Authors: Battais F. , Mothes T. , Moneret‐Vautrin D. A. , Pineau F. , Kanny G. , Popineau Y. , Bodinier M. , Denery‐Papini S. 
Published: May 2005

Background:  Food allergy to wheat induces different symptoms as atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome (AEDS), urticaria and more severe reactions as wheat‐dependent exercise‐induced anaphylaxis (WDEIA). Different gliadin classes are involved in this allergy but IgE‐binding epitopes are known only on ω5‐gliadins and for WDEIA cases.Objectives:  The aim of the study was to identify IgE‐binding epitopes on several gliadin classes and for several patients with different symptoms and ages.Methods:  Eleven sera were analysed by pepscan with overlapping synthetic peptides.Results:  Sera from five patients with anaphylaxis, urticaria or WDEIA, displayed strong IgE‐binding to sequential epitopes of the repetitive domains of αβ, γ, ω2 or ω5‐gliadins with two immunodominant epitopes on ω5‐gliadin and a consensus motif of the type QQX1PX2QQ (X1 being L, F, S or I and X2 Q, E or G). One patient allergic to deamidated wheat proteins also had IgE to a repetitive peptide of γ and ω2‐gliadins of the type QPQQPFP. Sera from four patients with AEDS detected no linear epitopes on gliadins, despite the fact that they contained specific IgE to α, β, γ or ω‐gliadins. One child with AEDS recognized cysteine‐containing sequences in the nonrepetitive domains of αβ and γ‐gliadins.Conclusion:  B epitopes in wheat allergy were different from B epitopes of coeliac disease. Differences exist in IgE‐binding epitopes between patients with food allergy to wheat. IgE from those suffering from WDEIA, anaphylaxis and urticaria detected sequential epitopes in the repetitive domain of gliadins whereas IgE from AEDS patients probably recognized conformational epitopes.
The use of low dose octreotide prophylaxis in pancreatic transplants with enteric drainage. Results of a prospective randomized single center trial
Authors: Hesse Uwe J , Meester Daan , Troisi Roberto , Cathenis Koen , Lameire Norbert , de Hemptinne Bernard 
Published: May 2005

Abstract:  Aim:  The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of octreotide in the perioperative course of pancreas transplants drained into the bowel in terms of fistula formation, pancreatitis, hemorrhage and thrombosis, and to compare the results to patients not receiving octreotide in a prospectively, randomized single center trial.Patients and methods:  Forty pancreas transplant recipients were prospectively randomized to either receive or not to receive octreotide 0.1 mg subcutaneously at the time of operation and 3×/d there after until post‐operative day 7. The incidence of pancreatic leakage from the anastomosis and the content of peritoneal fluid drainage regarding amylase and lipase concentrations collected by abdominal drains were registered on day 0–10. Both groups were comparable for age, sex, onset of diabetes, surgical procedure and immunosuppressive regimen.Results:  There were 35 simultaneous pancreas‐kidney transplants and five solitary pancreas transplants, two in the octreotide and three in the control group two pancreas after kidney, one pancreas after liver pancreas, one pancreas after simultaneous pancreas kidney transplantation, one pancreas transplant alone. All had enteric drainage. Twenty patients received octreotide and 20 did not. In one patient, receiving octreotide the pancreas had to be removed for septic complications because of an enteric fistula arising from the anastomosis (1/20 = 5%). The incidence in patients on octreotide vs. non‐octreotide was 1 vs. 0 for pancreatitis, 2 vs. 3 for hemorrhage, 2 vs. 1 for thrombosis and 2 vs. 0 for pancreatic fistulae resulting in an actual overall 12 months patient survival of 100% in both groups and a pancreas survival of 85% vs. 95%. For primary simulaneous pancreas kidney the pancreas graft survival was 93%. The amylase and lipase concentrations of fluid collections drained into the peritoneum on day 0 to 10 post‐operatively indicating pancreatic fistulization was comparable in both groups.Conclusion:  The use of octreotide following pancreas transplantation did not prevent pancreatic fistula formation from the anastomosis neither from the pancreatic capsule in pancreas transplantation with enteric drainage. Further studies are required to finally evaluate the benefit of this prophylactic treatment.
A calcineurin antagonist‐free induction/maintenance strategy for immunosuppression in elderly recipients of renal allografts from elderly cadaver donors: long‐term results from a prospective single centre trial*
Authors: Arbogast Helmut , Hückelheim Henning , Schneeberger Helmut , Illner Wolf‐D , Tarabichi Anwar , Fertmann Jan , Wimmer Cosmas D , Hillebrand Günter F , Mistry‐Burchardi Nouhad , Thomae Robert , Acikgöz Ali , Land Walter 
Published: May 2005

Abstract:  Background:  With the aim to improve the inferior outcomes in elderly recipients of kidneys from elderly cadaver donors, we applied and investigated a therapeutic regimen consisting of calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)‐free, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF)‐based immunosuppressive (i.s.) induction/maintenance protocol. In this article, we report the long‐term results of this clinical trial.Methods:  A total of 89 recipients (mean age: 63.8 yr) of kidneys from cadaver donors (mean age: 66.8 yr) were consecutively recruited for this 5‐yr, prospective, open, single centre, pilot trial. Induction therapy consisted of MMF and steroids in conjunction with a short course (4–10 d) of rabbit antithymocyte globulin (ATG). Maintenance treatment was performed with MMF/steroids or MMF alone under strict therapeutic drug monitoring by aiming target mycophenolic acid (MPA)‐trough levels between 2 and 6 mg/mL.Results:  Cumulative 5‐year patient and renal allograft survival was 87.69% and 69.81%, respectively. Acute rejection episodes occurred in 23.6% (21 patients). Long‐term function of the old renal allografts proved to be satisfactory as reflected by serum creatinine‐values of 1.53 mg/dL and urea‐values of 57.9 mg/dL at 5 yr.Conclusion:  Application of a nephrotoxicity‐ and atherogenicity‐free, MMF‐based i.s. induction/maintenance protocol in elderly recipient of kidneys from elderly cadaver donors leads to improved long‐term outcomes which are comparable with data from young recipients who have received allografts from young cadaver donors.
Outcome of renal transplants from pediatric donors <5 yr of age
Authors: El‐Sabrout Rafik , Buch Kerri 
Published: May 2005

Abstract: Aim: Outcomes of single renal transplants from donors <5 yr old have traditionally been inferior to those from older donors. We retrospectively studied our experience with patients who received renal transplants, either individually or en bloc, from young donors (<5 yr of age) to determine the utility of these organs. We also compared the outcomes of these transplant patients maintained on either cyclosporine‐ (CyA) or tacrolimus‐based (TRL) immunosuppression regimens.Patients: Ninety‐eight patients received transplants at our center from donors <5 yr of age between August 1993 and August 2003. They were followed‐up from 12 months to 11 yr. Patients were divided into four groups based on whether they received single or en bloc transplants, and whether CyA or TRL was the base immunosuppressive agent. Patients in group I (n = 13) received single pediatric kidneys and were treated with CyA regimens; group II patients (n = 26) also received single pediatric kidneys, but were treated with TRL regimens; group III patients (n = 31) were transplanted en bloc and were treated with CyA; and group IV patients (n = 28) received en bloc transplants and were treated with TRL.Results: One‐year patient and death‐censored graft survival was not significantly different between recipients of en bloc vs. single grafts (i.e. 88 and 85% vs. 90 and 87%, respectively), or between the four treatment groups (group I: 85 and 85%, group II: 92 and 88%, group III: 87 and 84%, and group IV: 89 and 86%, respectively). The overall 1‐yr rejection rate was 30% (29 of 98), which was significantly higher in the CyA‐treated patients 19 of 44; i.e. 43%, than in TRL‐treated patients 10 of 54, i.e. 19%, p = 0.03). In the en bloc recipients, seven grafts (12%) were lost as a result of vascular thrombosis. Notably, none of the single kidneys were lost because of vascular thrombosis. At the end of follow‐up the creatinine levels of both groups were comparable.Conclusions: Pediatric donor kidneys transplanted individually provide for equal patient and graft survival when compared with en bloc transplants. TRL can be used reduce the detrimental effect of acute rejection on graft growth and function when compared with CyA. Single use of such kidneys can safely and efficaciously be transplanted into adult recipients, greatly expanding the donor pool.
Medicare‐approved drug discount cards and renal transplant patients: how much can these cards reduce prescription costs?
Authors: Chisholm Marie A , Marshall Josh , Smith Kimberly E , Garrett Charlene J , Turner Jeanie C 
Published: May 2005

Abstract:  Background:  Post‐transplant prescription medications are expensive, often costing over $12 000 annually. Many solid‐organ transplant patients have Medicare coverage and patients enrolled in Medicare‐approved drug discount card (MADDC) programs may be able to receive prescription medications at a reduced price. However, many transplant healthcare practitioners are unaware of the utility of MADDCs. The purpose of this study was to determine whether enrolling renal transplant patients (RTPs) into a MADDC produces significant savings in prescription costs.Methods:  Two Medicare RTPs, with prescription medication profiles representative of an RTP within 3 months post‐transplant and an RTP greater than 5 yr post‐transplant, were randomly selected from the Medication Access Program's database. Cost benefit analyses were from the patients’ perspective and were performed using the: (i) prescription cost from the Medicare website of MADDCs that listed the greatest and least prescription costs compared with the retail cash price of the same prescription without using the MADDCs; and (ii) MADDCs’ annual enrollment fee. The potential cost difference of using MADDCs and not using MADDCs to purchase the prescription medications were calculated.Results:  RTPs’ monthly out‐of‐pocket cost for prescription medications ranged from $162 to $340, and MADDCs offered discounts of 20–37% from retail prices; thus outweighing the MADDC enrollment cost.Conclusion:  MADDCs, when selected and used appropriately, can reduce prescription medication cost for RTPs. Card selection is of great importance as discount rates vary greatly among cards, and only under restricted circumstances is a patient allowed to switch to another card. It is imperative that practitioners are aware of these programs and utilize cost‐effective prescribing practices.
Outcome of hepatic artery reconstruction in liver transplantation with an iliac arterial interposition graft
Authors: Gaudio Massimo Del , Grazi Gian Luca , Ercolani Giorgio , Ravaioli Matteo , Varotti Giovanni , Cescon Matteo , Vetrone Gaetano , Ramacciato Giovanni , Pinna Antonio Daniele 
Published: May 2005

Abstract:  Background: In case of anomal hepatic arterial inflow, it can be necessary to perform revascularization of the liver allograft by iliac arterial interposition graft.Methods:  We analyzed retrospectively 613 liver transplants in a 16‐yr period. The hepatic artery (HA) graft group (n = 101) consisted of patients with arterial inflow based on recipient infrarenal aorta using donor iliac artery graft tunneled through the transverse mesocolon. The control group (n = 512) consisted of patients who underwent liver transplantation with routine HA reconstruction.Results:  Both groups are homogeneous and comparable. In case of retransplantation, arterial conduit with iliac graft was adopted more frequently instead of conventional arterial anastomosis (24.8% vs. 9%, p < 0.0001). The 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐yr overall survival was 85.41, 79.42, 76.57% in the control group and 76.21, 73.43, 73.43% in the HA graft group, respectively (p = ns). The 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐yr graft survival was better in the control group (81.51, 73.66, 69.22% vs. 71.17, 62.50, 53.42%) (p = 0.01). In case of retransplantation, the 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐yr overall (57.81, 53.95, 41.96% vs. 60, 51.95, 49.85%) and graft survival (57.52, 53.68, 41.75% vs. 56, 50.4, 40.3%) was similar in control and HA graft group, respectively (p = ns). Hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) rate is 21.8% vs. 8.6% (p < 0.0001) in HA graft group and control group, respectively. The only factor independently predictive of early HAT resulted arterial conduit (p = 0.001, OR = 3.13, 95% CI: 1.57–6.21). Retransplant procedure, donor age and arterial iliac conduit were found to be a significant risk factors for late HAT, at univariate analysis. At multivariate analysis, donor age >50 yr old resulted the only factor independently associated with late HAT (p < 0.0001, OR = 1.05, 95% CI: 1.02–1.07).Conclusion:  Iliac arterial interpositional graft is an alternative solution for arterial revascularization of liver allograft in case of retransplantation when the use of HA is not possible. In case of primary transplantation, is better not to perform arterial conduit if it is possible, for poor graft survival and high incidence of early HAT, especially in case of liver donor aged over 50 yr.
Chronic allograft nephropathy and nephrotic range proteinuria
Authors: Ramanathan Venkataraman , Suki Wadi N. , Rosen Daniel , Truong Luan D. 
Published: May 2005

Abstract:  While the association between post‐transplant nephrotic range proteinuria (PTx‐NP) and chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) has been described, the factors that determine graft survival in such patients are unclear. We retrospectively identified 30 patients with biopsy‐proven CAN who presented with PTX‐NP between 1988 and 2002. Patients were stratified into two groups according to PTX‐NP onset: <1 yr vs. >1 yr post‐transplantation. Both groups were comparable with respect to the degree of renal dysfunction (serum creatinine 4.3 ± 2.5 mg/dL vs. 3.4 ± 1.5 mg/dL) and proteinuria (4.7 ± 1.6 gm/d vs. 5.8 ± 3 gm/d). After a mean follow‐up of 14 months post‐biopsy, 87% of patients had lost their grafts in both groups (89% vs. 83%, p = NS). Overall, patients with serum creatinine ≤2 mg/dL had better graft survival during follow‐up than patients with serum creatinine >2 mg/dL (75% vs. 4%, Fisher Exact Probability p = 0.0038). Using Kaplan–Meier estimate, the 5‐yr graft survival rate was 100% for patients with serum creatinine ≤2 mg/dL and 40% in those with >2 mg/dL (p = 0.06). The magnitude of proteinuria beyond 3 gm/d did not influence graft survival. One‐half of the patients (n = 15) received therapy with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI). Graft survival, however, was not different between the patients who received ACEI compared with the patients who did not receive ACEI (13% vs. 13%).PTx‐NP related to CAN was associated with poor allograft survival, irrespective of the time of onset of presentation, especially when renal function was reduced at the time of biopsy.
p53 Expression in Canine Lymphoma
Authors: Sokołowska J. , Cywińska A. , Malicka E. 
Published: May 2005

SummaryThe tumour suppressor p53 plays a key role in DNA damage and repair. It is the most frequently altered gene in human cancers and these mutations may implicate the genesis and/or progression of tumours. Mutations of thep53gene were also found in a number of canine cancers, although it is poorly estimated in canine lymphomas. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the p53 status in these types of tumours. We have shown that the expression of p53 in canine lymphomas is rare, however significantly differs between lymphomas of T‐ and B‐cell origin.
High Prevalence of Ulcerative Posthitis in Rasa Aragonesa Rams Associated with a Legume‐rich Diet
Authors: Loste A. , Ramos J. J. , García L. , Ferrer L. M. , Verde M. T. 
Published: May 2005

SummaryThis study describes an outbreak of ulcerative posthitis that eventually affected 76 of 80 of rams in a flock of Rasa Aragonesa sheep on a legume‐rich diet. Lesions were confined to the prepuce and varied from mild hyperaemia to ulcerations.Corynebacterium renalewas isolated from the lesions. Treatment of an initial group of 17 was based on a change of diet and topical treatment with Veterin Banedif®with prednisolone once a day for 15 days and was successful. Lesions in this group were completely resolved after 15 days. The relationship between a legume‐rich diet, ruminal alkalosis, elevated urine pH and posthitis is discussed.
Developing an audit tool to assess genetic services
Authors: Skirton Heather 
Published: May 2005

The aim of this study was to use clients’ accounts and factor analysis to develop a robust assessment and audit tool for clinical genetic services.Qualitative data abstracted from published studies were used to generate a number of statements (n = 57) related to outcomes of genetic services. The resulting questionnaire was mailed to clients of the Wales genetic service, who were asked to rank each statement on a 7‐point Likert type scale. Ninety‐seven anonymised responses were received (73% response rate) and subjected to factor analysis. Six main factors were found to contribute to the outcome of the service and were labeled (i) enhanced understanding; (ii) positive psychological change; (iii) respect for autonomy; (iv) adaptation; (v) disequilibrium; and (vi) value of contact. The tool will be validated for use in clinical and research contexts.