bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased plasma levels of matrix metalloproteinase‐9 are associated with the severity of chronic urticaria
Authors: Kessel A. , Bishara R. , Amital A. , Bamberger E. , Sabo E. , Grushko G. , Toubi E. 
Published: February 2005

SummaryBackground
Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9 is produced by many inflammatory cells such as macrophages, neutrophils, mast cells, eosinophils and T lymphocytes. Activated T cells are capable, through cell–cell contact, of inducing MMP‐9 expression in human mast cells.Objective
To investigate the activation status of peripheral CD4+ T cells and the level of MMP‐9 in the plasma of patients with chronic urticaria (CU), and whether MMP‐9 levels are in association with CU severity.Methods
Study subjects included 29 patients with CU and 30 healthy control subjects. At the time of assessment, patients were divided into subgroups according to urticarial severity. Plasma levels of total MMP‐9 (free pro‐MMP‐9 and free MMP‐9) were determined by ELISA. CD4+ lymphocytes were positively selected with magnetic microbeads. After 48 h of activation, CD4+ T cells were assayed for both nuclear factor‐kappaB (NF‐κB) expression and proliferation.Results
Plasma levels of MMP‐9 were found to be significantly higher in 29 CU patients compared with 18 healthy controls (186±174 vs. 31±21 ng/mL, P<0.0001). We also found a significant correlation between MMP‐9 levels and urticarial severity (r=0.92, P<0.001). In addition, CD4+ T cells from CU patients expressed higher levels of NF‐κB than CD4+ T cells from healthy controls (82±30 vs. 69±20 optical density, P=0.007). Finally, as compared with seven healthy individuals, DNA synthesis in CD4+ T cells from seven CU patients was found to be significantly elevated (1000±240 vs. 751±166 counts per minute, P=0.01).Conclusion
Increased levels of MMP‐9 are found in CU patients, and particularly among those with severe disease. We also demonstrated that CD4+ T cells from such patients are highly activated.
Natural history of Hymenoptera venom allergy in Eastern Spain
Authors: Fernandez J. , Soriano V. , Mayorga L. , Mayor M. 
Published: February 2005

SummaryIntroduction
The natural history of stings, the clinical reaction of the patient and in vivo and in vitro tests are necessary parameters to assess before initiating Hymenoptera venom immunotherapy. In the decision to initiate immunotherapy with Hymenoptera venom, it is not usual to evaluate the natural history of the disease, which seems to be self‐limiting and therefore of variable clinical significance.Objectives
Our aim was to determine the natural history of Hymenoptera hypersensitivity over 4 consecutive years in a rural Mediterranean population.Methods
An epidemiological study of Hymenoptera sting reactions and possible sensitivity was carried out in 145 randomly selected subjects out of a rural Mediterranean population of 600. Seventy‐two subjects, including those with a history of anaphylaxis, completed the 4‐year study. The nature of their clinical reactions, age, sex, history of atopy, profession, family history of reactions to Hymenoptera insects, time elapsed since the last sting, number of stings and specific IgE and IgG were determined (the latter, to the three most important insects in the area: Apis mellifera, Polistes dominulus, and Vespula germanica).Results
Of the 72 subjects, four subjects had systemic reactions (SR), 23 had large local reaction (LLR) and all the others (117) was minor local reactions. None who had experienced an SR had a repeat SR when re‐stung over the 4‐year study. Of those with LLR, 12 subjects had the same type of reaction and 11 experienced more mild local reactions when re‐stung. In the SR and local reaction groups, IgE to honey bee (Hb) increased significantly during the study period, whereas in those with only LLR, specific IgE to wasp (Polistes) decreased. Specific IgG to Polistes and Vespula (wasps) decreased significantly, whereas there was no change in the specific IgG to Hb in any of the groups. The number of stings per year decreased at the end of the study in all groups, but positive‐specific IgG was higher in subjects with the greatest number of stings. On multivariate analysis using logistic regression, the existence of specific IgE to bee venom, male sex, being an agricultural worker, age of over 16 years and more than five stings per year are seen as individual or co‐factors for developing SR or LLR.Conclusions
The prevalence of SR was 2.8% in our Mediterranean population. The evolution of IgE and IgG throughout the 4‐year study differed depending on the Hymenoptera studied. Adult male agricultural workers are at greater risk of having SR or LLR, especially when they have specific IgE to Hb and suffer from more than five stings every 4 years.
Allergen‐specific sensitization in asthma and allergic diseases in children: the study on farmers' and non‐farmers' children
Authors: Remes S. T. , Koskela H. O. , Iivanainen K. , Pekkanen J. 
Published: February 2005

SummaryBackground
Farmers' children are less frequently sensitized to common allergens than the non‐farmers' children, but less is known about their sensitization to other allergens and its association with clinical diseases.Objective
To examine the association of farm environment with atopic sensitization, allergic diseases, expression of allergen‐induced symptoms, and the importance of specific sensitization against ‘common’ (timothy, dog, cat, birch, Dermatophagoides pteronyssimus, mugwort) and ‘other’ (cockroach, horse, Lepidoglyphus destructor, cow) allergens for asthma and allergic diseases in children.Methods
A cross‐sectional study including 344 farmers' and 366 non‐farmers' children aged 6–13 years in eastern Finland, using a self‐administered written questionnaire and skin prick tests against the above‐mentioned allergens.Results
Farmers' children had less asthma and allergic diseases and were less often sensitized against common allergens than the non‐farmers' children. However, little difference was observed in sensitization against the other allergens between the farmers' (17.2%) and non‐farmers (14.5%) children [adjusted odds ratios (aOR) 1.11 (0.71–1.72)]. Being sensitized against only other allergens, without sensitization against common allergens, was unrelated to asthma or allergic diseases. Among the single allergens, sensitization against pets or pollen, or against horse or cow, had the strongest association with asthma, hayfever, and atopic eczema; no such association was seen in D. pteronyssimus, mugwort, cockroach, or L. destructor. Farmers' children had significantly less often symptoms of allergic rhinitis in contact with dog (aOR 0.32%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.15–0.67), cat (aOR 0.45, 0.22–0.88), or pollen (aOR 0.58%, 95% CI 0.37–0.90) than the non‐farmers' children.Conclusion
Farm environment reduces the occurrence of asthma, allergic diseases, and atopic sensitization in children, and also the occurrence of allergen‐induced rhinitis. Remarkable differences were observed between single allergens in their association with allergic disease, stressing the importance of allergen selection when defining atopy in epidemiological studies.
Topiramate in long‐term treatment of epilepsy in the intellectually disabled
Authors: Arvio M. , Sillanpää M. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractBackground  To study the effectiveness of topiramate (TPM) in refractory epilepsy in patients who have intellectual disability (ID).Methods  A representative population sample of 57 patients with ID (age range 2–61, mean 32.8) was administered add‐on TPM for drug‐refractory epilepsy.Results  Seizure freedom for at least for 6 months was attained by 10 (17%), and seizure reduction of ≥ 50% by further 26 (46%). Less than 50% decrease in seizure frequency was found in 16 (29%). TPM was more efficacious in localisation‐related than in generalised epilepsies (81% vs. 50%, P = 0.019). An at least 50% decrease in seizure frequency was achieved by patients with temporal lobe epilepsy in 100%, continuous spike–waves during sleep syndrome in 75%, Lennox–Gastaut syndrome in 52%, and those with infantile spasms in 25% of cases. As great decrease in seizure frequency was found in most patients with cortical dysplasia (83%), acquired encephalopathy with mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) (75%), and genetic disease associated with MTS (66%). Adverse effects occurred in 10% including two (3%) with seizure aggravation and three (5%) necessitating discontinuation.Conclusion  TPM is an effective antiepileptic drug which is of value in treating people with seizures that are resistant to other antiepileptic medication. As a broad‐spectrum drug it may substitute for polypharmacy and, at the same time decrease adverse effects and costs of therapy.
How do persons with intellectual disability manage in the open labour markets? A follow‐up of the Northern Finland 1966 Birth Cohort
Authors: Taanila A. , Rantakallio P. , Koiranen M. , Von Wendt L. , Järvelin M.‐R. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractBackground  The aim was to study how many of the individuals with intellectual disability (ID; IQ ≤ 70) in an age cohort were not receiving a disability pension by the age of 34 years and what their life situation was like in terms of employment, education and morbidity. In 2000, the Northern Finland 1966 Birth Cohort (n = 12 058 live‐born) included 129 individuals with ID.Method  The outcome data on employment, education, pensions and morbidity were obtained from national registers.Results  A total of 85.3% (n = 110) of all the individuals with ID were on pension, and 66 of them had severe ID (IQ < 50) and 44 had mild ID (IQ 50–70). Altogether 99 were drawing a pension because of ID, and 11 had a main diagnosis other than ID in the register of Social Insurance Institution. Nineteen individuals with mild ID were not on disability pension. The educational level of those without pension was low, and all whose occupation was known worked in low‐level manual trades in the open labour market. During the past 8 years (1993–2000), their employment rate had been lower and unemployment rate correspondingly higher and unemployment periods longer than those of the reference group (IQ > 85 or not measured). As to the morbidity, they had been hospitalized twice more often than those in the reference group and the mean of their hospitalization days was over fourfold.Conclusion  More attention should be paid to the vocational education and supported employment services of individuals with ID to help them to manage as independently as possible.
Phylogeography of Daphnia magna in Europe
Authors: DE GELAS K. , DE MEESTER L. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractThe phylogeographical structure of the water flea Daphnia magna in Europe was analysed using a 609‐bp fragment of the cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene. Only moderate overall genetic divergence was detected within Europe. We detected four genetically and, to a large extent, geographically distinct phylogroups within Europe. Our results suggest that these groups recolonized large parts of Europe around 100 000 bp from different refugia. Overall, the pattern suggests a high degree of provincialism with a patchy occurrence of specific lineages, thus confirming the highly subdivided genetic structure usually observed in freshwater zooplankton populations. Although the region around the Mediterranean Sea was only sampled patchily, we obtained strong indications for the occurrence of more divergent genetic lineages in this region. Comparing our European samples to samples from North America and Japan revealed a higher level of differentiation, reflecting limited intercontinental dispersal.
TaqMan DNA technology confirms likely overestimation of cod (Gadus morhua L.) egg abundance in the Irish Sea: implications for the assessment of the cod stock and mapping of spawning areas using egg‐based methods
Authors: FOX C. J. , TAYLOR M. I. , PEREYRA R. , VILLASANA M. I. , RICO C. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractRecent substantial declines in northeastern Atlantic cod stocks necessitate improved biological knowledge and the development of techniques to complement standard stock assessment methods (which largely depend on accurate commercial catch data). In 2003, an ichthyoplankton survey was undertaken in the Irish Sea and subsamples of ‘cod‐like’ eggs were analysed using a TaqMan multiplex, PCR (polymerase chain reaction) assay (with specific probes for cod, haddock and whiting). The TaqMan method was readily applied to the large number of samples (n = 2770) generated during the survey and when combined with a manual DNA extraction protocol had a low failure rate of 6%. Of the early stage ‘cod‐like’ eggs (1.2–1.75 mm diameter) positively identified: 34% were cod, 8% haddock and 58% whiting. As previous stock estimates based on egg surveys for Irish Sea cod assumed that the majority of ‘cod‐like’ eggs were from cod, the TaqMan results confirm that there was probably substantial contamination by eggs of whiting and haddock that would have inflated estimates of the stock biomass.
Phylogeography of a nematode (Heligmosomoides polygyrus) in the western Palearctic region: persistence of northern cryptic populations during ice ages?
Authors: NIEBERDING C. , LIBOIS R. , DOUADY C. J. , MORAND S. , MICHAUX J. R. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractThis study establishes the continental phylogeographical pattern of a European nematode, Heligmosomoides polygyrus (Dujardin, 1845; Heligmosomoidea). We sequenced 687 base pairs of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) cyt b gene for 136 individuals collected in 22 localities. The results revealed that H. polygyrus populations are separated into five major units corresponding to the Italian, northern European (Denmark and Ireland), Iberian, western European, and Balkan populations. Different subclades were also observed within the first two groups. Based on the rate of molecular evolution of H. polygyrus cyt b gene‐estimated to 3.5%–3.7% divergence per million years (Myr) in a previous study – the isolation time of the five clades was estimated between 2.5 ± 0.24 and 1.5 ± 0.23 million years ago. Moreover, H. polygyrus presents a higher genetic variability in the Mediterranean peninsulas as compared to northwestern Europe, highlighting the role of these regions as refuge areas. Like its specific host, the wood mouse Apodemus sylvaticus, H. polygyrus’ pattern of postglacial recolonization of northwestern Europe was initiated from Iberian populations, while Italian and Balkan populations did not expand to the north. The results also suggest the existence of forested and temperate refuges in the southern British Isles during the Quaternary. Finally, the genetic diversity as well as the level of genetic divergence between the lineages of H. polygyrus are compared to those observed in other vertebrate and invertebrate phylogeographical studies: the existence of highly differentiated lineages in H. polygyrus (5%−10% of genetic divergence) highlights that the effects of Pleistocene climate changes on free‐living organisms are also reflected in their obligate parasites.
Four different types of client attitudes towards purchasing spectacles in optometric practice
Authors: Fylan Fiona , Grunfeld Elizabeth A , Turvey Andrew , Desallais Jacques 
Published: February 2005

AbstractBackground  Unmet expectations are a major cause of client dissatisfaction, yet very little is known about the expectations and health values that clients in optometry practice hold about having an eye examination and purchasing spectacles. This study identified different attitudes and behaviours held by presbyope clients in optometric practices.Method  A total of 158 presbyope clients, recruited from 14 practices, completed a questionnaire which was developed from the theory of planned behaviour. The questionnaire examined attitudes towards spectacles and visiting the optician, motivation to visit the optician, perceptions of barriers to attending the opticians, information requirements, and preferences for shared decision‐making. Responses were analysed using principal components analysis.Results and Conclusions  Four factors were identified, which were labelled style, vision, avoiding and seeking. Style is concerned with the importance of appearing fashionable or stylish, and desiring approval from others. Vision relates to clients’ attitudes towards obtaining clear vision and to maintaining healthy eyesight. Avoiding describes the perceived difficulties associated with visiting the optician and purchasing new spectacles. Seeking corresponds to the desire for information on the technical details of lenses. Practitioners could use these characteristics to tailor information to meet the needs and address the expectations of individual clients. This may make the information provided more personally relevant, and could enhance client satisfaction.
Collaborative care needs and preferences of primary care patients with multimorbidity
Authors: Noël Polly Hitchcock , Chris Frueh B. , Larme Anne C. , Pugh Jacqueline A. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractObjective  To explore the collaborative care needs and preferences in primary care patients with multiple chronic illnesses.Design  Focus groups utilizing a series of open‐ended questions elicited self‐identified problems, experiences in communicating with providers, self‐management needs, and preferences for monitoring and follow‐up. Responses were organized and interpreted in light of the essential elements of collaborative care for chronic illness.Setting and Participants  Sixty patients having two or more chronic illnesses at eight geographically dispersed primary care clinics within the Veterans Health Administration in the United States.Results  Identified problems included poor functioning, negative psychological reactions, negative effects on relationships and interference with work or leisure. Polypharmacy was a major concern. Problematic interactions with providers and the health care system were also mentioned, often in relation to specialty care and included incidents in which providers had ignored concerns or provided conflicting advice. Most participants, however, expressed overall satisfaction with their care and appreciation of their primary care physicians. Knowledge and skills deficits interfered with self‐management. Participants were willing to use technology for monitoring or educational purposes if it did not preclude human contact, and were receptive to non‐physician providers as long as they were used to augment, not eliminate, a physician's care.Conclusions  Findings are consistent with the basic tenets of patient‐centred, collaborative care, and suggested that health care can be organized and delivered to meet the complex needs of patients with multimorbidity.
Low salivary IgA activity to cell‐surface antigens of mutans streptococci related to HLA‐DRB1*04
Authors: Wallengren M. L. L. , Hamberg K. , Ericson D. , Nordberg J. 
Published: February 2005

Background/aims:  Mutans streptococci are found in almost all individuals, though there are large differences in colonization levels between individuals. These differences are not readily explained, though several factors are believed to influence the colonization. One factor is the immune response to mutans streptococci, mainly provided by salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA). In a previous study, differences in salivary IgA reactions to oral streptococci were observed between human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐DR4‐positive and DR4‐negative individuals. A lower salivary IgA activity to Streptococcus mutans in particular was most pronounced for two DR4 subgroups, DRB1*0401 and *0404. The main purpose of this study was to further investigate, in a larger study group, the salivary IgA activity to antigens of three oral streptococci in relation to different HLA‐DRB1*04 alleles.Methods:  Stimulated saliva was collected from 58 HLA‐DRB1*04‐positive individuals. Whole cell antigen extracts from S. mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus and Streptococcus parasanguis and the streptococcal antigen (SA) I/II were separated in SDS‐PAGE, transblotted and detected with diluted saliva (Western blot), and analyzed in a computer program. All distinct immunoblot bands over 100 kDa were recorded and compared in relation to DRB1*04.Results:  The immunoblots revealed lower salivary IgA reactions to S. mutans, S. sobrinus and SA I/II, but not to S. parasanguis, for the DRB1*0401‐ and *0404‐positive individuals compared to other DRB1*04 types. For the *0401 subgroup there was a significant association with a lower IgA response to S. mutans.Conclusion:  The results confirm earlier observations and may also support previous demonstrated association between colonization by mutans streptococci and the serologically defined HLA‐DR4.
Effects of Porphyromonas gingivalis antigens and proinflammatory cytokines on human coronary artery endothelial cells
Authors: Honda T. , Oda T. , Yoshie H. , Yamazaki K. 
Published: February 2005

Objective:  Individuals with periodontitis have been cited as having a significantly increased risk of developing coronary heart disease. Although accumulating evidence suggests that periodontal infection is involved in the development and progression of atherosclerosis, the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In the present study, we examined how periodontal infection could contribute to endothelial dysfunction.Methods:  Human coronary arterial endothelial cells were stimulated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and interleukin (IL)‐1β, both of which are reported to be elevated in the serum of periodontitis patients. Cells were also stimulated with lipopolysaccharide, outer membrane protein and heat shock protein 60 derived from Porphyromonas gingivalis, a representative periodontopathic bacterium which is known to stimulate myeloid cells.Results:  Although TNF‐α and IL‐1β, at concentrations a little higher than those in sera of periodontitis patients, up‐regulated the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1, P. gingivalis antigens had only a slight stimulatory effect.Conclusion:  Experiments in which the total pathogen burden is considered, rather than a single species of bacteria, would increase our understanding of the contribution of which periodontal infection to atherogenesis.
Relationship between Candida infection and immune cellular response in inflammatory hyperplasia
Authors: Badauy C. M. , Barbachan J. J. D. , Rados P. V. , Sant'Ana Filho M. , Chies J. A. B. 
Published: February 2005

Objectives:  To analyze and quantify the CD8+ and CD4+ T‐lymphocyte populations in inflammatory hyperplasia and to establish the relationship between the frequency and location of these cells and Candida infection.Methods:  Samples of inflammatory hyperplasia were stained with PAS for evidence of Candida sp. and were classified in two groups, infected and control, according to the presence or absence of infection. After immunoreaction with specific anti‐CD4 and anti‐CD8 monoclonal antibodies, the distribution and frequency of the positive cells were analyzed in 41 cases (19 controls without Candida sp. and 22 infected cases). Lymphocytes were quantified in the three consecutive fields where the inflammatory infiltration was concentrated.Results:  There was no relationship between the frequency and location of CD4+ T cells and Candida sp. infection. The number of CD8+ cells close to the fungi hyphae as well as the total number of CD8+ T cells present in inflammatory hyperplasia were higher in the Candida sp. group than in the control noninfected group (P < 0.05).Conclusion:  Since the CD8+ T cells were distributed according to the location of Candida sp. hyphae, and since a higher CD8+/total lymphocytes ratio was observed in the infected group, we suggest a role for CD8+ T cells in the defense against Candida in oral infections associated with inflammatory hyperplasia in immunocompetent individuals.