bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interferon-Gamma-Induced RANTES Production by Human Keratinocytes Is Enhanced by IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-4 and IL-13 and Is Inhibited by Dexamethasone and Tacrolimus
Authors: Wakugawa Motoshi , Nakamura Koichiro , Akatsuka Masahiro , Nakagawa Hidemi , Tamaki Kunihiko 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background and Methods:</i> Recent studies have shown that RANTES plays a role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory skin diseases. We examined the production of RANTES by human keratinocytes (KCs) when cultured with various cytokines. <i>Results:</i> IFN-γ (100 ng/ml) or IL-1β (100 ng/ml) significantly induced RANTES production by KCs in 48-hour culture. These cytokines synergistically increased RANTES production by KCs. TNF-α (100 ng/ml), IL-4 (100 ng/ml) or IL-13 (100 ng/ml) markedly enhanced the RANTES production by KCs induced by IFN-γ (100 ng/ml) although none of those cytokines significantly enhanced that induced by IL-1β (100 ng/ml) in 48-hour culture. Dexamethasone (10<sup>–8</sup> <i>M</i>) strongly inhibited RANTES production by KCs induced by the combination of IFN-γ and IL-4, while tacrolimus (FK-506, 10<sup>–8</sup> and 10<sup>–6</sup> <i>M</i>) showed partial inhibition. <i>Conclusions:</i> These results revealed that RANTES production by KCs is regulated by inflammatory cytokines, such as IFN-γ, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-4 and IL-13, and can be modulated by immunosuppressive drugs. Our data suggest that RANTES is involved in skin inflammation.
Short-Term Portal Hemodynamic Effects of Endoscopic Embolization for Esophageal Varices
Authors: Chikamori Fumio , Kuniyoshi Nobutoshi , Shibuya Susumu , Takase Yasuhiro 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background/Aim:</i> Endoscopic embolization (EE) is a specialized treatment that obliterates esophageal varices along with their associated blood supply. The purpose of this study was to investigate the short-term effects of EE for esophageal varices on portal hemodynamics and liver function. <i>Methods:</i> Thirty patients with esophageal varices were included in this study. The portal blood flow was measured by an ultrasonic duplex Doppler system before and after EE. EE was performed by freehand intravariceal injection of 5% ethanolamine oleate with iopamidol with the aid of a balloon attached to the tip of an endoscope under fluoroscopy. <i>Results:</i> For the blood supply system, endoscopic varicography at the time of EE was able to show the vessels of the cardiac branch of the left gastric vein in 93% of the cases, the cardiac venous plexus in 90%, the trunk of the left gastric vein in 27%, the lesser curvature branch of the left gastric vein in 10%, the fundic branch of the short gastric vein in 13%, and the posterior gastric vein in 13%. For the blood drainage system, endoscopic varicography was able to show the paraesophageal vein in 39% of the cases, the inferior phrenic vein in 17%, and the mediastinal vein in 13%. No clotting was detected after EE in the intra- and extraportal veins in any of the cases. The flow velocities in the main portal vein before and after EE were 14.2 ± 3.2 and 15.5 ± 3.5 cm/s, respectively, showing no significant change. The cross-sectional area of the portal vein before and after EE was 0.96 ± 0.21 and 1.04 ± 0.23 cm<sup>2</sup>, and the flow volume of the portal vein was 817 ± 288 and 930 ± 189 ml/min, both also showing no significant change. The blood laboratory parameters showed no significant change after EE. <i>Conclusions:</i> We conclude that neither portal blood flow nor liver function were damaged by EE, although both the varices and their associated blood supply were obliterated.
Thiamine-Responsive Acute Neurological Disorders in Nonalcoholic Patients
Authors: Merkin-Zaborsky H. , Ifergane G. , Frisher S. , Valdman S. , Herishanu Y. , Wirguin I. 
Published: April 2003

Wernicke’s encephalopathy (WE) is most commonly associated with alcoholism, although other causes have also been implicated. In the years 1994–1997, 9 patients with no history of alcohol abuse presented with acute signs of ophthalmoplegia or nystagmus and ataxia which resolved within 48 h after intravenous thiamine. There were 7 women and 2 men aged 17–57 (7 below the age of 30). Precipitating events included vomiting 2, drastic weight-reducing diet 2, renal colic in a postpartum woman 1, colonic surgery 2 and chronic hemodialysis 1. In 2 patients there was no obvious precipitating event but their history was suggestive of a genetic predisposition. Mental changes were slight or absent in all patients and all of them made good functional recovery. These cases suggest that the diagnosis of WE should be considered more often in nonalcoholics in various clinical settings.
Efficacy and Tolerability of Entacapone as Adjunctive Therapy to Levodopa in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease and End-of-Dose Deterioration in Daily Medical Practice: An Open, Multicenter Study
Authors: Durif F. , Devaux I. , Pere J.-J. , Delumeau J.-C. , Bourdeix I. 
Published: April 2003

Entacapone is a potent, reversible and orally active inhibitor of catechol-<i>O</i>-methyltransferase. This open multicenter study evaluated the efficacy, safety and tolerability of entacapone as adjunct therapy to levodopa/dopa decarboxylase inhibitor (≧3 daily doses) in patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease and end-of-dose motor fluctuations. The 8-week study included 489 patients under conditions of typical daily medical practice. Patients were treated with a 200-mg fixed dose of entacapone administered with each scheduled dose of levodopa to a maximum of 10 doses per day. Other antiparkinsonian medication should have been stable for at least 1 month. The primary efficacy criteria were: (1) Part II (activities of daily living, ADL) of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), (2) the reduction of ‘off’ time during the daily waking period as assessed by the percentage of patients improving by at least one category at Item 39 of Part IV of the UPDRS. Secondary outcome measures included: (1) the investigator’s global assessment of change, (2) quality of life (QoL) was assessed using the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39). Adverse events, vital signs and liver enzymes were monitored at weeks 2 and 8. The baseline mean score for ADL was 10.5 (±7.04), which decreased to 8.5 (±6.37) at the end of the study (p < 0.0001). Compared to baseline, 40.8% of patients experienced a reduction in ‘off’ time during the waking period; this improvement was highly significant (p < 0.0001). A reduction in the daily dose of levodopa was observed in 35.8% of patients (mean decrease 209 ± 149 mg). QoL was improved by a mean of 10% in all categories of the PDQ-39 (p < 0.001), except social support and cognition. This improvement was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The dyskinesia score (UPDRS Item 32) was decreased significantly from 2.3 to 2.1 from baseline to end of study (p < 0.001), although 52.7% of patients reported levodopa-induced dyskinesia as an adverse event. There was no case of increased liver enzymes. The study results confirm that the excellent risk/benefit ratio seen in phase III controlled studies can be seen in daily neurological practice. Moreover, the study suggests that the benefits of entacapone are associated with a significant improvement in QoL.
Polymyography Combined with Time-Locked Video Recording (Video EMG) for Presurgical Assessment of Patients with Cervical Dystonia
Authors: Münchau A. , Bahlke G. , Allen P.J. , Quinn N.P. , Lees A.J. , Rothwell J.C. , Palmer J.D. , Bhatia K.P. 
Published: April 2003

We assessed 26 patients with cervical dystonia, in whom botulinum toxin (BT) injections had failed, before selective peripheral denervation. We decided to base the decision which muscle should be denervated on both clinical information and EMG data and focussed on the following features: activity at onset or during ‘dystonic spasms’ (according to the concept of the ‘leading’ dystonic muscle), paradoxical activity during voluntary head movements causing restriction of head movements opposite the side of head turn or tilt and activity when symptoms deteriorated during walking. To identify these muscles we developed a new recording system that integrates simultaneous video-taping and polymyography (video EMG) by means of a digital counter, driven by the recording software (resolution 0.1 s), that was fixed in view of the video camera. This system time-locked clinical signs with relevant EMG activity thus allowing demonstration of the above features. These were found in 68% of dystonic muscles with each of them being present in approximately 40%. Video EMG allows an integrated approach to identify overactive neck muscles in patients with cervical dystonia taking into account both relevant clinical findings and EMG data.
Speech Patterns in Children with Velo-Cardio-Facial Syndrome
Authors: van Lierde K.M. , van Borsel J. , van Cauwenberge P. , Callewaert S. 
Published: April 2003

The purpose of this study was to document the articulation patterns in children with velo-cardio-facial syndrome. The subjects were 2 children with this syndrome, aged 6 years 6 months and 3 years 11 months. Phonetically transcribed speech samples collected by means of a picture naming test formed the basis for this study. The speech samples were subjected to two types of analyses: independent analyses describing the children’s sound productions regardless of their relation to the adult targets and relational analyses comparing the children’s productions with the adult standard form. It was found that the articulatory problems in velo-cardio-facial syndrome are not simply due to a delay in speech sound acquisition. Articulation errors found in this syndrome are uncharacteristic of normal speech development. Whether errors are syndrome-specific awaits further investigation.
Age-Dependent Changes of Serum Oxygen Radical Scavenger Capacity and Haemoglobin Glycosylation in Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetic Patients
Authors: Pieri C. , Testa R. , Marra M. , Bonfigli A.R. , Manfrini S. , Testa I. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background: </i>Contradictory results have been reported in the literature concerning the correlation between glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and peroxidation level in serum of diabetic patients. <i>Objective:</i> To evaluate this correlation in type 2 diabetic patients by comparing the level of HbA1c with the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC<sub>OH</sub>) of serum. <i>Methods: </i>One hundred and five type 2 diabetic patients were enroled for the study. After having obtained informed consent, venous blood samples were drawn after overnight fast at the time of routine diabetic check-ups. The blood was collected in plain and EDTA (1 mg/ml) tubes. Glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) was determined by cation-exchange chromatography (HPLC), and spectrophotometric detection (Diamat Analyzer, BioRad). Serum was used for biochemical determinations performed by standard laboratory procedures and for ORAC<sub>OH</sub> analysis. This last parameter was determined measuring the loss of β-phycoerytrin fluorescence due to oxidation by hydroxyl radicals generated by Cu<sup>2+</sup> and H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>, in the presence and absence of serum. Seventy-eight control age-matched subjects were obtained from the personnel staff of our Research Department and old healthy subjects, selected on the basis of Senieur Protocol, were relatives of the above mentioned personnel. <i>Results: </i>When the population of diabetic patients was taken as a whole, a decrease of ORAC<sub>OH</sub> has been observed compared to the controls. Moreover, negative correlations were found comparing ORAC<sub>OH</sub> either with HbA1c (r = –0.213; p = 0.029) and with the age of patients (r = –0.27; p = 0.005). To better understand the effect of age, the data were re-examined dividing the diabetics into two populations, i.e. under and over 65 years of age. An age-dependent decrease of ORAC<sub>OH</sub> and an increase in HbA1c levels has been observed comparing these two populations; however, the correlation between the two parameters remained statistically significant only in the oldest group (r = –0.31; p = 0.026). <i>Conclusions: </i>Present data point to an involvement of oxidative stress in the glycation of haemoglobin especially in old diabetic patients, and provide support for the potential use of an antioxidant therapy in these patients, irrespective of their glycaemic control.
Late Second-Trimester Nonstress Test Characteristics in Preterm Delivery before 32 Weeks of Gestation
Authors: Yanagihara Toshihiro , Ueta Mari , Hanaoka Uiko , Tanaka Yasuko , Kuno Atsushi , Kanenishi Kenji , Yamashiro Chizu , Tanaka Hirokazu , Hata Toshiyuki 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> To clarify electronic fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring characteristics in pregnancies with preterm delivery before 32 weeks of gestation, using the late second-trimester nonstress test. <i>Methods:</i> Among 953 children born from 1993 to 1996, we identified 100 singleton infants born before 32 weeks of gestation in whom second-trimester (24–27 weeks of gestation) electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) records were obtained. Individual components of the FHR patterns [baseline rate, baseline FHR variability, presence of acceleration (at least 10 beats/min for at least 10 s) and periodic or episodic deceleration (at least 25 beats/min for at least 15 s)] and birth characteristics were compared between pregnancy with or without second-trimester decelerations. <i>Results:</i> Among 100 infants, 65 had and 35 did not have second-trimester decelerations. There were no significant differences in gestational age at birth, birth weight, cord arterial blood pH, Apgar score and meconium staining between pregnancies with second-trimester decelerations and those without second-trimester decelerations. There were no significant differences in baseline rate and baseline variability between pregnancies with or without second-trimester decelerations. The number of accelerations in pregnancies with second-trimester decelerations was significantly more frequent than that in pregnancies without second-trimester decelerations (p < 0.001). There was a significant increase in the occurrence of premature rupture of the membranes (PROM; 60.0%) in pregnancies with second-trimester decelerations, when compared with events (37.1%) related to pregnancies without second-trimester decelerations (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the onset of breech presentation, cervical incompetency, preeclampsia and abnormal FHR pattern at birth between pregnancies with second-trimester decelerations and those without second-trimester decelerations. Pregnancies with PROM after second-trimester EFM were significantly more likely to have second-trimester decelerations than those without PROM (75.0 vs. 54.2%, p < 0.05). <i>Conclusion:</i> Periodic or episodic decelerations during late second-trimester EFM were associated with an increased risk of the occurrence of PROM in pregnancies with preterm delivery before 32 weeks of gestation.
Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 in Peripheral Blood Eosinophils
Authors: Fujisawa Takao , Kato Yoshiko , Terada Akihiko , Iguchi Kosei , Kamiya Hitoshi 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are major contributors to tumor invasion, remodeling of connective tissue and infiltration of inflammatory cells and may be important mediators in developing allergic inflammation. Overexpression of MMP-9 mRNA by eosinophils in the asthmatic airways has been reported. To clarify the relative significance of MMP as an inflammatory mediator from eosinophils, we determined the content of MMP-9 in the peripheral blood eosinophils and compared it with the other leukocyte fractions. <i>Methods:</i> Peripheral blood eosinophils, neutrophils, and mononuclear cells were purified from normal and allergic donors with Percoll gradient centrifugation and CD16 negative selection. Cell lysate and culture supernatants stimulated with IL-5, PAF, and PMA were tested for MMP-9 with gelatin zymography and ELISA. <i>Results:</i> The amount of MMP-9 in highly purified eosinophils, neutrophils, and mononuclear cells was 2.5 ± 0.9, 4,073 ± 581, and 7.6 ± 1.4 ng/5 × 10<sup>6</sup> cells, respectively. There was no difference in MMP-9 content of eosinophils between normal donors and patients with asthma. Culture of peripheral blood eosinophils with IL-5 for 4 days did not induce MMP-9 production. The stimulation of eosinophils with PMA and other secretogogues caused only small amounts of MMP-9 secretion as compared with neutrophils. <i>Conclusions:</i> These findings suggest that circulating eosinophils normally have only small amounts of MMP-9 and that eosinophils may need complex activation signals to produce significant amounts of MMP as seen in tissues of allergic inflammation.
Does IL-4 Play a Role in the Expansion of Vβ8a T Cell Receptor-Bearing Cells?
Authors: Liebers V. , Gellert B. , Raulf-Heimsoth M. , Baur X. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of subjects allergic to the insect-derived allergen Chi t 1–9 are characterized by an allergen-induced pronounced proliferation and increased expression of activation markers (CD25, HLA-DR, CD23). T cell lines showed an elevated percentage of Vβ8a-positive cells following stimulation by Chi t 1–9. <i>Objective:</i> The aim of the present study was to investigate whether Vβ8a dominance plays an important role in PBMC short-term cultures (24 h) as well. The role of exogenous added cytokines, especially IL-4, has been determined. <i>Methods:</i> The T cell receptor repertoire was measured with 16 monoclonal antibodies to epitopes on the variable region of the β chain by flow cytometry. Patients allergic to Chi t 1–9 were compared to nonallergic subjects as well as to subjects with other occupational allergies. In addition, cytokines were determined intracellulary by flow cytometry. Studies were performed with PBMC cultured for 24 h. <i>Results:</i> After cultivation for 24 h without or with different stimuli (cytokines, allergen, phytohaemagglutinin), changes in the T cell receptor profile and the cytokine profile were measurable compared to the baseline value (without cultivation). Stimulation with IL-4 revealed increased percentages of Vβ8a-expressing cells in Chi t 1–9-sensitized patients. This IL-4-induced Vβ8a increase did not occur in PBMC from the two control subject groups (non-allergic and allergic to other allergens than Chi t 1–9). <i>Conclusion:</i> In conclusion, the dominance of certain T cell receptor types seems to arise due to the exposure to specific allergens and cytokine production. Some T cell receptors are often affected, for example Vβ8a, whereas others only show minor variations. Vβ8a expression obviously plays an important role in Chi t 1–9 allergy.
Recombinant <i>Dirofilaria immitis</i>-Derived Antigen Can Suppress Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis Reactions
Authors: Furuhashi Yuko , Imai Shinjiro , Tezuka Hiroyuki , Fujita Koichiro 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> High levels of antigen-nonspecific IgE are produced in animals infected with helminth parasites. Generally, the increase in IgE is thought to exacerbate allergic reactions. However, high levels of antigen-nonspecific IgE may alter some features of anaphylactic reactions. To investigate the molecular mechanisms of antigen-nonspecific IgE production induced during filarial infections, we previously constructed rDiAg (recombinant <i>Dirofilaria immitis</i>-derived antigen) in <i>Escherichia coli</i>. In the present study, we examined the effect of rDiAg on the production of antigen-nonspecific IgE and on allergic cutaneous reactions in rats. <i>Methods:</i> Osmotic pumps filled with 200 µg of rDiAg or with 200 µl of PBS (control) were subcutaneously implanted in Wistar rats, and plasma samples were collected weekly thereafter. IgE levels were determined by ELISA. Homologous passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reactions with anti-DNP-As IgE were examined 21 days after implantation. <sup>125</sup>I-IgE binding assays were examined on peritoneal mast cells from rDiAg-infused rats and control rats. <i>Results:</i> Antigen-nonspecific IgE production was induced in rDiAg-infused rats. PCA reactions were suppressed in rDiAg-infused rats in spite of high levels of IgE and a markedly increased expression of Fc&#917;RI. <sup>125</sup>I-IgE did not bind to mast cells derived from rDiAg-infused rats, but it bound dose dependently to mast cells derived from control rats. <i>Conclusion:</i> The present data support the hypothesis that antigen-nonspecific IgE might protect against antigen-specific IgE by means of competition for mast cell receptors. rDiAg is an essential factor to induce antigen-nonspecific IgE in helminth infections.
cDNA Cloning and Immunological Characterization of a Newly Identified Enolase Allergen from <i>Penicillium citrinum</i> and <i>Aspergillus fumigatus</i>
Authors: Lai Hsiu-Yu , Tam Ming F. , Tang Ren-Bin , Chou Hong , Chang Ching-Yun , Tsai Jaw-Ji , Shen Horng-Der 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i><i>Penicillium citrinum </i>and <i>Aspergillus fumigatus </i>are prevalent indoor airborne fungal species that have been implicated in human respiratory allergic disorders. It is important to understand the allergenic profile of these fungal species. The purpose of the present study is to characterize a newly identified enolase allergen from <i>P. citrinum</i> and <i>A. fumigatus</i>. <i>Methods:</i> Fungal proteins were separated by two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis and blotted onto polyvinylidene difluoride membranes. Protein spots that reacted with IgE antibodies in serum samples from asthmatic patients were identified and the N-terminal amino acid sequences were determined by Edman degradation. The peptide sequences obtained were utilized in cloning the cDNA of the allergen genes by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and the 5′- and 3′-rapid amplification cDNA end reactions. <i>Results:</i> Our results from 2D immunoblotting identified a 47-kD IgE-reactive component in the extracts of <i>P. citrinum </i>and <i>A. fumigatus.</i> The N-terminal amino acid sequences of the 47-kD proteins are homologous to those of fungal enolases. The corresponding enolase cDNA from <i>P. citrinum</i> contains 1,552 bp and encodes a protein of 438 residues. In <i>A. fumigatus,</i> the isolated enolase cDNA has 1,649 bp and contains a 438-amino acid open reading frame. The deduced amino acid sequences of these two enolases have 94% identity. These enolases from <i>P. citrinum </i>and <i>A. fumigatus </i>were expressed in <i>Escherichia coli</i> as a His-tagged protein and designated as rPen c 22 and rAsp f 22, respectively. Sera from 7 (30%) of the 23 <i>Penicillium</i>-sensitized asthmatic patients showed IgE binding to the 47-kD <i>P. citrinum</i> component (Pen c 22) and rPen c 22. In addition, six of seven Pen c 22-positive serum samples have IgE immunoblot reactivity to the 47-kD <i>A. fumigatus</i> component (Asp f 22) and rAsp f 22. A polyclonal rabbit antiserum generated against the N-terminal peptide of Pen c 22 can react with Pen c 22, rPen c 22, Asp f 22 and rAsp f 22. In addition, the presence of IgE cross-reactivity between rPen c 22 and rAsp f 22 and between enolases from <i>A. fumigatus</i> and <i>Alternaria alternata</i> was also detected by immunoblot inhibition. <i>Conclusions:</i> These results demonstrated that a novel enolase allergen from <i>P. citrinum</i> (Pen c 22) and <i>A. fumigatus </i>(Asp f 22) was identified. In addition, IgE cross-reactivity between enolase allergens from <i>A. fumigatus </i>and <i>P. citrinum </i>and between enolases from <i>A. fumigatus </i>and <i>A. alternata</i> was also detected. Results obtained provide more information on fungal enolase allergens.