bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A single‐centre prospective study of clinical and haemostatic risk factors for venous thromboembolism following lower limb arthroplasty
Authors: Joseph Joanne E. , Low Joyce , Courtenay Brett , Neil Michael J. , McGrath Michael , Ma David 
Published: March 2005

SummaryPrevious studies report conflicting results concerning the potential significance of thrombophilic genotypes in postarthroplasty venous thromboembolism (VTE). This study assessed thrombophilic genotypes, haemostatic and clinical variables as independent risk factors for VTE postarthroplasty. A total number of 569 patients undergoing elective lower limb arthroplasty at a single centre were prospectively studied. All patients were interviewed and had blood samples collected preoperatively. Bilateral lower limb ultrasonography was performed at day 7 ± 2 postoperatively in all patients (ventilation/perfusion lung scanning in symptomatic patients only). The incidence of inhospital postoperative VTE was 26%. In univariate analysis – increased age, knee arthroplasty, recent surgery, general anaesthesia, shorter operation time, non‐receipt of blood transfusion and differences in surgical practice (including use of pneumatic calf compression, surgical drains and postoperative bandaging techniques) were significantly associated with VTE. Factor V Leiden, prothrombin G20210A and MTHFR C677T mutations were not significant risk factors for VTE, and of all haemostatic variables tested, only median activated partial thromboplastin time showed significant difference between VTE and non‐VTE patients (34 s vs. 33 s). Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that increased age, knee arthroplasty and individual surgeon's routine practices were the only significant independent risks for VTE; hence routine preoperative blood screening for a potential hypercoaguable state is not indicated in this surgical setting.
A serine‐rich glycoprotein of Streptococcus sanguis mediates adhesion to platelets via GPIb
Authors: Plummer Christopher , Wu Hui , Kerrigan Steven W. , Meade Gerardene , Cox Dermot , Ian Douglas C. W. 
Published: March 2005

Summary Streptococcus sanguis is the most common oral bacterium causing infective endocarditis and its ability to adhere to platelets, leading to their activation and aggregation, is thought to be an important virulent factor. Previous work has shown that S. sanguis can bind directly to platelet glycoprotein (GP) Ib but the nature of the adhesin was unknown. Here, we have shown that a high molecular weight glycoprotein of S. sanguis mediates adhesion to glycocalacin. The bacterial glycoprotein was purified from cell extracts by chromatography on GPIb‐ and wheatgerm agglutinin affinity matrices and its interaction with GPIb was shown to be sialic acid‐dependent. We designated the glycoprotein serine‐rich protein A (SrpA). An insertional inactivation mutant lacking the SrpA of S. sanguis showed significantly reduced binding to glycocalacin, reduced adherence to platelets and a prolonged lag time to platelet aggregation. In addition, under flow conditions, platelets rolled and subsequently adhered on films of wild‐type S. sanguis cells at low shear (50/s) but did not bind to films of the SrpA mutant. Platelets did not bind to wild‐type bacterial cells at high shear (1500/s). These findings help to understand the mechanisms by which the organism might colonize platelet‐fibrin vegetations.
Attenuating effect of H+K+ATPase inhibitors on airway cough hypersensitivity induced by allergic airway inflammation in guinea‐pigs
Authors: Oribe Y. , Fujimura M. , Kita T. , Katayama N. , Nishitsuji M. , Hara J. , Myou S. , Nakao S. 
Published: March 2005

SummaryBackground
Gastrooesophageal reflux (GER) is a frequent cause of chronic cough. Several investigators have indicated that inhibitors of H+K+ATPase (proton pump inhibitors; PPIs) could relieve coughing via inhibition of acid reflux. However, we considered that PPIs might directly inhibit increased cough reflex sensitivity.Objective
The present study was designed to examine whether PPIs directly inhibit antigen‐induced increase in cough reflex sensitivity and to elucidate the mechanism.Methods
Actively sensitized guinea‐pigs were challenged with aerosol antigen (ovalbumin, OVA) and cough reflex sensitivity to inhaled capsaicin was measured 24 h later. The PPIs (omeprazole and rabeprazole) or the histamine H2 blocker cimetidine were administered intraperitoneally 1 h before OVA challenge and before measuring cough reflex sensitivity, then bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was immediately collected. The pH of the fluid obtained by bronchial washing was determined after examining the effect of rabeprazole on the cough response to capsaicin.Results
The number of coughs elicited by capsaicin was significantly increased 24 h after challenge with OVA compared with saline, indicating antigen‐induced increase in cough reflex sensitivity. Both PPIs dose dependently and significantly inhibited antigen‐induced cough hypersensitivity. Omeprazole did not influence the antigen‐induced increase in the total number of cells or ratio (%) of eosinophils in BALF. Cimetidine did not affect the antigen‐induced cough hypersensitivity or cellular components of BALF. The pH of the bronchial washing fluid was significantly decreased in antigen‐challenged animals. Rabeprazole did not affect the antigen‐induced decrease in the pH of bronchial washing fluid.Conclusion
These findings show that PPIs, but not histamine H2 blockers, can directly decrease antigen‐induced cough reflex hypersensitivity, while the mechanism remains unclear.
Prevalence of latex allergy in the community at age 7 years
Authors: Roberts G. , Lack G. , Northstone K. , Golding J. ,   the ALSPAC Study Team
Published: March 2005

SummaryBackground
Latex allergy has been highlighted as a problem in children during the last decade based on a number of case series of children with particular problems such as spina bifida. The actual prevalence of latex allergy in the general United Kingdom population is unclear.Objective
To estimate the prevalence of childhood latex allergy in the general population.Methods
The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children is a geographically based cohort that has been prospectively followed since birth. The children were invited for skin prick testing at 7 years of age.Results
Four subjects out of 1877 tested were sensitized to latex. None had a history of clinical reactions to latex.Conclusion
This study suggests that the prevalence of latex sensitization and clinical latex allergy in the general childhood population are very low, 0.2% (95% confidence interval 0.1–0.6%) and 0.0% (0–0.2%), respectively.
Bilateral nasal allergen provocation monitored with acoustic rhinometry. Assessment of both nasal passages and the side reacting with greater congestion: relation to the nasal cycle
Authors: Gotlib T. , Samoliński B. , Grzanka A. 
Published: March 2005

SummaryBackground
The effect of bilateral nasal provocation on nasal mucosa measured with the use of acoustic rhinometry (AR) can be assessed for both nasal passages or for the side responding with greater congestion. Assessment of changes in nasal congestion during the nasal provocation test (NPT) can be affected by the nasal cycle (NC). The aim of this study was to find out the most accurate method to evaluate changes observed during bilateral nasal provocation.Methods
Cross‐sectional areas (CSA) at the level of inferior nasal turbinate (CSA‐2) were recorded by AR in 26 volunteers with allergic rhinitis during the NC for 5–7 h and subsequently during NPT. The risk of spontaneous total and unilateral CSA‐2 decrease was established.Sensitivity of the NPT assessment for the total CSA‐2 and for the side responding with greater congestion was evaluated at chosen thresholds. These thresholds were selected in a way that the risk levels of spontaneous decrease of unilateral and total CSA‐2 were equal.Results
The assessment of the total CSA‐2 was found to be more sensitive than the assessment of the side responding with greater congestion. The highest sensitivity and specificity of the test was achieved by using a combination of both assessments. Optimum thresholds of the CSA‐2 decrease for assessment at 15 min after provocation, with this method, were 27% and 40% for the side responding with greater congestion and for the total CSA‐2, respectively.Conclusions
Recognition of the risk of spontaneous unilateral and total CSA‐2 decreases enables introduction of combined assessment of bilateral NPT. This assessment seems to be the most accurate method for evaluation of the test results.
Pho d 2, a major allergen from date palm pollen, is a profilin: cloning, sequencing, and immunoglobulin E cross‐reactivity with other profilins
Authors: Asturias J. A. , Ibarrola I. , Fernández J. , Arilla M. C. , González‐Rioja R. , Martínez A. 
Published: March 2005

SummaryBackground
Up to now, some date palm pollen (DPP) allergens have been described but very few data are available about their molecular nature. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize Pho d 2, a major allergen from this pollen.Methods
Sera from 25 patients allergic to DPP were analysed by immunoblotting. Purification of DPP profilin was performed by poly‐l‐proline affinity chromatography. Profilin‐encoding cDNA from DPP was cloned by using a RT‐PCR strategy and recombinant allergen was expressed as a non‐fusion protein in Escherichia coli. Natural and recombinant Pho d 2 were investigated by means of enzyme allergosorbent test to compare the immunologic properties of both allergens and to analyse cross‐reactivity with other profilins.Results
A 14.4 kDa protein was identified as a major allergen in DPP extract. Purification, cloning, heterologous expression, and inhibition experiments identified it as profilin (Pho d 2). Pho d 2 comprises 131 amino acids and has high sequence identity with other allergenic food and pollen profilins. The prevalence of specific IgE antibody reactivity to natural Pho d 2 by ELISA was 56% and 64% by skin prick test (SPT). Pho d 2 is an important allergen as it is responsible for more than 70% of the IgE reactivity to the pollen extract. IgE directed against Pho d 2 showed a strong cross‐reactivity with other profilins such as those from olive tree and grass pollens.Conclusion
Pho d 2, a 14.4 kDa protein identified as profilin, is a major and relevant allergen in DPP, as confirmed by SPT and thereby may elicit clinical symptoms in sensitized patients.
Wheeze, allergic sensitization and geohelminth infection in Butajira, Ethiopia
Authors: Davey G. , Venn A. , Belete H. , Berhane Y. , Britton J. 
Published: March 2005

SummaryBackground
The effect of geohelminth infection on wheeze and allergen sensitization is inconsistent across different epidemiological studies.Objective
To investigate the association between self‐reported wheeze, self‐reported asthma, allergic sensitization and geohelminth infection in urban and rural areas of Butajira, southern Ethiopia.Methods
Questionnaire data on wheeze, asthma and a range of confounding variables was gathered in a cross‐sectional study of 7649 people aged 5 years or more from the Butajira Rural Health Project database. Allergic skin sensitization to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and cockroach was measured, and a stool sample collected for qualitative and quantitative geohelminth analysis.Results
Wheeze was weakly associated with allergic sensitization to D. pteronyssinus and cockroach (odds ratios (OR) 1.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.98–1.51, and 1.27, 95% CI 1.00–1.62, respectively). Self‐reported asthma was related to sensitization to D. pteronyssinus only (OR 4.09, 95% CI 2.86–5.84). Geohelminths were present in 33.8% of participants, and the median egg load in infested individuals was 6 eggs/g. Overall, presence of any geohelminths was associated with a diminished risk of cockroach sensitization (adjusted OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.68–0.99) but there were no significant protective effects of any geohelminth infection against wheeze or asthma.Conclusion
In a developing country community with relatively low geohelminth prevalence and intensity, we found weak association between allergic sensitization and wheeze, but no evidence of a protective effect of geohelminths against wheeze or asthma.
Effect of a concomitant diagnosis of allergic rhinitis on asthma‐related health care use by adults
Authors: Price D. , Zhang Q. , Kocevar V. S. , Yin D. D. , Thomas M. 
Published: March 2005

SummaryBackground
Asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR) frequently coexist, but have usually been studied separately in health economic analyses.Objective
To determine the incremental effect of documented AR on health care resource use in adults with asthma.MethodsA retrospective cohort study using data from a UK general practice database for the period 1998–2001 enrolled subjects 16–55 years of age, with one or more asthma‐related general practitioner (GP) visits during a 12‐month follow‐up period. The study outcomes were asthma‐related hospitalizations, GP visits, and prescription drug costs during the 12‐month follow‐up period for patients with and without physician‐diagnosed AR.Results
Concomitant AR was documented in 4611 (16.9%) of the total sample of 27 303 adults with asthma. Compared with those with asthma alone, patients with concomitant AR experienced more GP visits (5.2 vs. 4.2; P<0.0001) and more of them were hospitalized for asthma (0.76% vs. 0.45%; P<0.01) during the 12‐month follow‐up period. In multi‐variable regression analyses, AR was predictive of hospitalization for asthma (odds ratio 1.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–2.24) and was associated with an increase in the annual number of asthma‐related GP visits (mean increase per patient 0.42, 95% CI 0.42–0.43) and annual asthma‐related drug costs (mean increase GBP 5.1, 95% CI 5.0–5.3).Conclusion
Adults with asthma and documented concomitant AR experienced more asthma‐related hospitalizations and GP visits, and incurred higher asthma drug costs than did adults with asthma alone. A unified treatment strategy for asthma and AR might reduce the costs of treating these conditions.
Deficiency in immunoglobulin G2 antibodies against staphylococcal enterotoxin C1 defines a subgroup of patients with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Mrabet‐Dahbi S. , Breuer K. , Klotz M. , Herz U. , Heeg K. , Werfel T. , Renz H. 
Published: March 2005

SummaryBackground and aim
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease often accompanied by cutaneous Staphylococcus aureus colonization and, in this regard, especially complicated by the presence of superantigen‐producing strains. Because IgG antibodies comprise an important defence mechanism of the adaptive immune system against bacteria, it was investigated whether AD patients have an abnormal pattern or distribution of superantigen‐specific IgG subclass antibodies in association with disease severity and activity.Methods
Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) and staphylococcal enterotoxin C1 (SEC1) specific IgG antibody subclasses were assessed in n=89 adult AD patients with mild to severe disease activity as determined by the SCORAD score and in n=28 healthy age‐matched controls. Results were correlated with the current status of bacterial skin colonization and severity score.Results
Thirty‐eight per cent of the AD patients showed a selective deficiency in IgG2 antibodies against SEC1 compared with only 14% in the control group. The absence of these antibodies was found in both currently colonized and non‐colonized AD patients and was associated with a severe phenotype (SCORAD more than 40 points in two‐thirds of the deficient patients). However, these patients had normal production levels of IgG2 antibodies against pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide (PCP) and SEB, but higher IgG1 and IgG4 titres against SEC1. Except for elevated total IgG1, total IgG subclass levels were normal in this AD subgroup. Yet, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) derived from these patients clearly produced IL‐4 and IL‐5 upon SEC1 re‐stimulation whereas PBMCs from those providing SEC1‐specific IgG2 antibodies failed in the production of these cytokines.Conclusion
A subgroup of AD patients suffers from a selective deficiency to produce anti‐SEC1 IgG2 antibodies. This patient group is characterized by a severe AD phenotype.
Characterization of the porcine neonatal Fc receptor—potential use for trans‐epithelial protein delivery
Authors: Stirling Catrina M. A. , Charleston Bryan , Takamatsu Haru , Claypool Steven , Lencer Wayne , Blumberg Richard S. , Wileman Thomas E. 
Published: March 2005

SummaryThe neonatal Fc receptor transports maternal immunoglobulin across the gut wall and has the potential to deliver genetically engineered proteins bearing immunoglobulin Fc domains across the gut to the mucosal immune system. Here we have characterized the porcine neonatal Fc receptor and tested its utility as a model system to study this kind of protein delivery. The complete DNA sequence obtained from an EST revealed 70–80% homology to mouse and human receptors, respectively, and tyrptophan and di‐leucine endocytosis motifs were identified in the cytoplasmic tail. Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction analysis showed expression of the receptor mRNA in gut, liver, kidney and spleen tissue, aortic endothelial cells and monocytes. Pig kidney cell lines showed saturable pH‐dependent binding and uptake of porcine immunoglobulin G (IgG) and also bovine, mouse and human IgG. Polyclonal antibodies raised against the receptor immunoprecipitated a protein of 40 000 MW when the cDNA was expressed in cells and the receptor required assembly with porcine β2‐microglobulin for transport from the endoplasmic reticulum to recycling and early endosomes. Immunohistochemical analysis showed the receptor expressed in epithelial cells of the gut of young and adult animals. The ability of the receptor to deliver immunoglobulin across the gut was demonstrated by feeding piglets bovine colostrum as a source of bovine IgG. Bovine IgG was delivered into the pig circulation. Pigs express the neonatal Fc receptor and the receptor has the potential to deliver protein antigens to the pig immune system.
Cell cycle profiles of EcR, USP, HR3 and B cyclin mRNAs associated to 20E‐induced G2 arrest of Plodia interpunctella imaginal wing cells
Authors: Siaussat D. , Bozzolan F. , Queguiner I. , Porcheron P. , Debernard S. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractUsing the IAL‐PID2 cell line established from pupally committed imaginal wing discs of Plodia interpunctella, we have investigated the dynamics of cellular and molecular events involved in the G2/M arrest. We have first cloned a cDNA sequence named PIUSP‐2 that likely encodes a homologue of the Ultraspiracle‐2 isoform of Manduca sexta. When the IAL‐PID2 cells were exposed to a 8 h 20E treatment applied at different times of the cell cycle, an optimal period of sensitivity of cells to 20E, in inducing G2 arrest, was determined at the S/G2 transition. Using cDNA probes specifically designed from Plodia B cyclin (PcycB), ecdysone receptor B1‐isoform (PIEcR‐B1) and HR3 transcription factor (PHR3), we provide evidence that the 20E‐induced G2 arrest was correlated to a high induction of PHR3, PIEcR‐B1, PIUSP‐2 mRNAs at the S/G2 transition and a decrease in PcycB mRNA level at the end of G2 phase.
cpbAg1 encodes an active carboxypeptidase B expressed in the midgut of Anopheles gambiae
Authors: Lavazec C. , Bonnet S. , Thiery I. , Boisson B. , Bourgouin C. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractWe previously used differential display to identify several Anopheles gambiae genes, whose expression in the mosquito midgut was regulated upon ingestion of Plasmodium falciparum. Here, we report the characterization of one of these genes, cpbAg1, which codes for the first zinc‐carboxypeptidase B identified in An. gambiae and in any insect. Expression of cpbAg1 in baculovirus gave rise to an active enzyme, and determination of the N‐terminal amino acids confirmed that CPBAg1 contains a signal peptide and a pro‐peptide, typical features of digestive zinc carboxypeptidases. cpbAg1 mRNA was mainly produced in the mosquito midgut, where it accumulated in unfed females and was rapidly down‐regulated upon blood feeding. Annotation of the An. gambiae genome predicts twenty‐three sequences coding for zinc‐carboxypeptidases of which only two (cpbAg1 and cpbAg2) are expressed at a significant level in the mosquito midgut.
A role for alcohol dehydrogenase in the Drosophila immune response?
Authors: Schlenke T. A. , McKean K. A. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractIn a recent study Drosophila larvae were injected with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) suspended in 1% ethanol and differentially induced protein fractions were identified. The levels of several proteins, including alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), increased in LPS‐treated flies and were labelled as immune response proteins. However, because control larvae were not injected with ethanol alone the identified proteins could represent a response to ethanol. Here, we injected Drosophila larvae with combinations of ethanol and LPS. While ADH activity increased in larvae receiving 1% ethanol, it was not increased after LPS injection. These results suggest that ADH plays no role in the Drosophila immune response, and that other proteins identified in the previous study may instead mediate ethanol tolerance in flies and other organisms.
Independent mutations in the Rdl locus confer dieldrin resistance to Anopheles gambiae and An. arabiensis
Authors: Du W. , Awolola T. S. , Howell P. , Koekemoer L. L. , Brooke B. D. , Benedict M. Q. , Coetzee M. , Zheng L. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractSubstitutions of a conserved alanine residue in the Rdl locus coding for a γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor subunit with serine or glycine confer resistance to dieldrin in various insect species. Here, we show that alanine to glycine substitution in the Rdl locus of the malaria vector, Anopheles gambiae, is genetically linked to resistance to dieldrin. An alanine to serine substitution developed independently in a dieldrin resistant strain of An. arabiensis. An allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was able to differentiate dieldrin resistant and susceptible mosquitoes.
The physiological basis of human sexual arousal: neuroendocrine sexual asymmetry
Authors: MOTOFEI ION G. , ROWLAND DAVID L. 
Published: March 2005

SummaryNormal sexual arousal and response suppose an integrated process involving both physiological and psychological processes. However, the current understanding of sexual arousal does not provide a coherent model that accounts for the integration of multiple physiological systems that subsequently generate a coordinated sexual response at both the spinal peripheral and cerebral central levels. Herein we suggest a model that involves both sympathetic and parasympathetic activation during sexual arousal via the two classes of gonadal hormones, androgens and oestrogens. We discuss the manner in which gonadal hormones may activate such a system, transforming pre‐pubertal (non‐erotic) genital stimulation to post‐pubertal erogenization of stimulation and subsequent sexual arousal. Finally, we indicate that the different balance of androgens and oestrogens in men and women may generate asymmetric effects on each of the components of the autonomic nervous system, thereby explaining some of the differences in patterns of sexual arousal and the responses cycle across the sexes.