bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does routine child health surveillance contribute to the early detection of children with pervasive developmental disorders? – An epidemiological study in Kent, UK
Authors: Reading Richard 
Published: November 2004

.

Tebreugge, M.,
Nandini, V. &
Ritchie, J.
(
2004
)

4
:

.
Available at: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471‐2431/4/4
Background  Recently changed guidelines for child health surveillance in the UK suggest targeted checks only, instead of the previously conducted routine or universal screening at 2 years and 3.5 years. There are concerns that these changes could lead to a delay in the detection of children with autism and other pervasive developmental disorders (PDD). Recent UK studies have suggested that the prevalence of PDD is much higher than previously estimated. This study establishes to which extent the routine checks contributed to the early detection and assessment of cases of PDD. Simultaneously we have evaluated the process involved and estimate the prevalence of PDD in our district.Methods  Retrospective study design utilizing community medical files. Headteachers of schools (n = 75) within Maidstone district (Kent) were asked to report all children with an established diagnosis of autism or PDD attending year 4 (born in 1991 and 1992; n = 2536) in October 2000 based on educational records.Results  Fifty‐nine schools (78.7%) took part in the study. A total of 33 children were reported. Twenty‐one fulfilled the inclusion criteria (12 falsely reported). The prevalences were (per 10 000): PDD 82.8 (male to female ratio 6 : 1), childhood autism 23.7, Asperger's syndrome 11.8 and autistic spectrum disorder 47.3. Coexisting medical conditions were noted in 14.3%; 52.4% were attending mainstream schools. In 63.2% of cases concerns – mainly in the area of speech and language development (SLD) – had been documented at the 2 years check. At the 3.5 years check concerns were noted in 94.1%– the main area was again SLD (76.5%), although behavioural abnormalities were becoming more frequent (47.1%). A total of 13 children (68.4%) were referred for further assessment as a direct result of the checks.Conclusions  The prevalences for different types of PDD were similar to those published recently, but much higher than reported a few years ago. Analysis of our data suggests that routine surveillance is a valuable contributing factor for the early detection of PDD and thereby facilitates early intervention. Thus, if routine surveillance ceases, then an alternative method of early detection should be put in place.
Effects of lysed Enterococcus faecalis FK‐23 on allergen‐induced serum antibody responses and active cutaneous anaphylaxis in mice
Authors: Shimada T. , Cheng L. , Yamasaki A. , Ide M. , Motonaga C. , Yasueda H. , Enomoto K. , Enomoto T. , Shirakawa T. 
Published: November 2004

SummaryBackground
Our previous studies have presented evidence that lysed Enterococcus faecalis FK‐23 (LFK), a lysozyme and heat‐treated probiotic product, can inhibit allergen‐induced local accumulation of eosinophils in mice.Objective
The purpose of this experimental study was to evaluate the influence of orally administrated LFK on the host immune responses.Methods
BALB/c mice were sensitized subcutaneously, and challenged intraperitoneally by cedar pollen allergen. Blood and spleen samples were collected after oral administration of LFK 60 mg/day for 21 days. The serum levels of total and allergen‐specific IgE and IgG2a antibodies and the production of IL‐4, IL‐5 and IFN‐γ generated by allergen‐stimulated cultured splenocytes were determined. Additionally, the effect of LFK on active cutaneous anaphylaxis (ACA) induced by ovalbumin (OVA) challenge in mice was measured after 28 days LFK treatment.Results
No significant differences in serum immunoglobulin levels, as well as in cytokine production of splenocytes were observed between LFK‐treated and control mice (P>0.05). There was, however, an increasing tendency of allergen‐specific IgG2a level in mice after LFK treatment for 21 days compared with controls (P=0.060). Furthermore, the serum ratio of specific IgE to IgG2a was found to be significantly decreased in the LFK group (P=0.005). In addition, a significant inhibition of OVA‐induced ACA reaction was observed in mice that had been fed for 28 days with LFK compared with control mice (P=0.008).Conclusion
These results suggest that LFK shows an anti‐inflammatory effect, which may be part of the mechanism for protection against IgE‐mediated allergy.
Reversibility of airway inflammation and remodelling following cessation of antigenic challenge in a model of chronic asthma
Authors: Kumar R. K. , Herbert C. , Kasper M. 
Published: November 2004

SummaryBackground
Asthma is associated with recruitment of eosinophils, accumulation of chronic inflammatory cells in the airway walls, subepithelial fibrosis and other structural changes of airway wall remodelling. The role of ongoing exposure to allergens in their pathogenesis remains unclear.Objective
To examine whether changes of inflammation and remodelling were reversible following cessation of antigenic challenge in a mouse model of chronic asthma.Methods
BALB/c mice sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA) were chronically challenged by inhalation of a low mass concentration of antigen for 8 weeks, leading to development of acute‐on‐chronic airway inflammation, subepithelial fibrosis and other changes of airway wall remodelling. Epithelial injury was assessed by immunohistochemistry, while inflammation and remodelling were quantified by appropriate histomorphometric techniques. Regression of lesions was assessed in animals examined at 1, 2 and 4 weeks after exposure to OVA ceased.Results
We did not find evidence of airway epithelial injury in this model of low‐level chronic inhalational exposure to antigen. Persistence of the recruitment of eosinophils and chronic inflammatory cells in the airway walls was dependent on continuing antigenic challenge, as was persistence of mucous cell hyperplasia/metaplasia. Subepithelial fibrosis and epithelial hypertrophy exhibited delayed reversibility following cessation of exposure to antigen, possibly related to matrix‐associated accumulation of transforming growth factor‐β1.Conclusion
In chronic asthma, low‐level antigenic challenge may be required to maintain the inflammatory response in the airway wall, but airway remodelling may persist in its absence.
Glutathione S‐transferase P1 gene polymorphism and air pollution as interactive risk factors for childhood asthma
Authors: Lee Y.‐L. , Lin Y.‐C. , Lee Y.‐C. , Wang J.‐Y. , Hsiue T.‐R. , Guo Y. L. 
Published: November 2004

SummaryBackground
Polymorphisms at the glutathione S‐transferase (GST) P1 locus were associated with asthma‐related phenotypes and bronchial hyper‐responsiveness.Objective
This study investigated whether GSTP1 genotypes and outdoor air pollution were interactive risk factors on childhood asthma.Methods
Four hundred and thirty‐six subjects were recruited for oral mucosa samplings from 2853 fourth‐ to ninth‐grade schoolchildren from three districts with different air pollution levels in southern Taiwan. PCR‐based assays were performed by oral mucosa DNA to determine GSTP1 genotypes. We also conducted a nested case–control study comprising 61 asthmatic children and 95 controls confirmed by International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire results and methacholine challenge test. Multiple logistic regression was used to adjust for potential confounding factors.Results
All participants were homozygous at the Ala‐114 locus. Although only a marginally significant association existed between the frequency of homozygosity at the Ile‐105 locus and asthma when air pollution was not considered, we found a significant gene–environmental interaction between GSTP1–105 alleles and air pollution after adjusting for confounders (P=0.035). Specifically, we found that compared with participants carrying any Val‐105 allele in low air pollution, those who are Ile‐105 homozygotes in high air pollution district had a significantly increased risk of asthma (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=5.52, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.64–21.25). Compared with participants carrying any Val‐105 allele, in high air pollution district, children with Ile‐105 homozygotes had a significantly increased risk of asthma (AOR=3.79, 95% CI=1.01–17.08), but those who carried two Ile‐105 alleles in low or moderate air pollution districts did not show similar tendencies. The risk of asthma also revealed a clear dose–response relationship with outdoor air pollution in children with Ile‐105 homozygotes.Conclusion
Our result suggests a gene–environmental interaction between GSTP1–105 genotypes and outdoor air pollution on childhood asthma.
Characterization of cross‐reactive bell pepper allergens involved in the latex‐fruit syndrome
Authors: Wagner S. , Radauer C. , Hafner C. , Fuchs H. , Jensen‐Jarolim E. , Wüthrich B. , Scheiner O. , Breiteneder H. 
Published: November 2004

SummaryBackground
Between 30% and 50% of individuals who are allergic to latex products are also allergic to specific plant foods, a fact that is well documented as the latex‐fruit syndrome. Simultaneous sensitization to latex and bell pepper has been previously reported. Although bell pepper fruits are frequently consumed raw, cooked or as a spice, little is known about the cross‐reactive allergens.Objective
In this study we wished to identify bell pepper allergens involved in the latex‐fruit syndrome.Methods
Sera of four patients who displayed clinical symptoms to latex and bell pepper were used in immunoblot studies on protein extracts of three different cultivars of fresh bell pepper and fresh Hevea latex. Cross‐reactive allergens were identified by inhibition experiments using recombinant Hev b 8 (latex profilin), and natural Hev b 2 (latex β‐1,3‐glucanase) in addition to the protein extracts. A novel cross‐reactive IgE‐reactive 30 kDa protein was subjected to sequence analysis.Results
Three patients displayed IgE to profilins from bell pepper fruits and latex. Two patients possessed IgE to Hev b 2, a latex β‐1,3‐glucanase, and a homologous protein in bell pepper. One patient possessed IgE reactive with a protein of 30 kDa identified by N‐terminal sequencing as an l‐ascorbate peroxidase and another patient to a protein of 38 kDa. Additionally, IgE binding proteins in two higher molecular weight ranges showed cross‐reactive capacities.Conclusion
Our findings show on the molecular level that bell pepper is part of the latex‐fruit syndrome. For the first time we have identified the major latex allergen Hev b 2, a β‐1,3‐glucanase, and the bell pepper l‐ascorbate peroxidase as cross‐reactive allergens. We were also able to show that profilins are responsible for some of the IgE cross‐reactivity.
Immunoglobulin E reactivity of native Blo t 5, a major allergen of Blomia tropicalis
Authors: Yi F. C. , Chua K. Y. , Cheong N. , Shek L. P. , Lee B. W. 
Published: November 2004

SummaryBackground
Blo t 5 is a major allergen of Blomia tropicalis and its complementary DNA (cDNA) has been expressed in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic expression systems. Although the recombinant Blo t 5 has been well characterized, relatively less is known about its native counterparts and the allergenicity comparison of the native and recombinant Blo t 5 allergens has not been reported.Objective
The aims of this study are to characterize the native counterpart of Blo t 5, and compare the allergenicity of native and recombinant Blo t 5 by in vivo and in vitro assays.Methods
Native Blo t 5 were purified by immuno‐affinity chromatography and characterized by proteomic means. The allergenicity of the allergen was evaluated by skin prick tests, human IgE ELISA, ELISA inhibition and histamine release assays.Results
Native Blo t 5 consists of at least five distinct isoforms, ranging from pI 3 to 5.5. Allergenicity assessment of recombinant and native Blo t 5 based on skin reaction, IgE‐binding capacity and histamine release in allergic individuals indicated that there was a good correlation between both forms of Blo t 5 in general. However, data from IgE ELISA inhibition assay revealed the presence of additional unique IgE epitopes in native Blo t 5.Conclusions
At least five distinct isoforms of Blo t 5 have been identified. Comparative assessment of native and recombinant Blo t 5 revealed that the allergenicity of these two forms was similar but not completely identical suggesting that the various isoforms of native Blo t 5 may exhibit additional unique IgE epitopes.
Cry j 1 isoforms derived from Cryptomeria japonica trees have different binding properties to monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Goto Y. , Kondo T. , Ide T. , Yasueda H. , Kuramoto N. , Yamamoto K. 
Published: November 2004

SummaryBackground
We identified five Cryptomeria japonica trees producing Cry j 1 isoforms that cannot be detected in a sandwich ELISA using two monoclonal antibodies, J1B01 and J1B07, suggesting that the binding affinity of these isoforms for both monoclonal antibodies is low.Objectives
The binding properties of the Cry j 1 isoforms produced by five trees to J1B07 and J1B01 were examined. The complementary DNA (cDNA) sequences of the Cry j 1 isoforms were also determined.Methods
To clarify the binding properties of these Cry j 1 isoforms to J1B01 and J1B07, Cry j 1 was quantified in pollen samples collected from each of the five trees, by sandwich ELISAs using polyclonal antibodies and either J1B01 or J1B07. The cDNA sequences of isoforms with different binding properties were determined. To test the assumption that amino acid substitutions affect the binding affinities of Cry j 1 isoforms for monoclonal antibodies, cleaved amplified polymorphic sequences (CAPS) markers representing the putative polymorphisms were used to analyse additional trees.Results
Four of the five trees produced Cry j 1 isoforms with extremely low binding affinity for J1B07, whereas the other tree produced two different isoforms with low binding affinity for either J1B01 or J1B07. Cry j 1‐encoding cDNA sequences for one of the four trees and for the exceptional fifth tree indicate that amino acid substitutions at positions 55 and 352 in mature Cry j 1 affect its binding to J1B01 and J1B07, respectively. This was supported by the results of CAPS analysis.Conclusion
The existence of Cry j 1 isoforms with low binding affinity for either J1B01 or J1B07 was established. Furthermore, a single amino acid substitution is involved in this difference in binding affinity for each monoclonal antibody.
Differential expression of receptors for advanced glycation end-products in peritoneal mesothelial cells exposed to glucose degradation products
Authors: LAI K N , LEUNG J C K , CHAN L Y Y , LI F F K , TANG S C W , LAM M F , TSE K C , YIP T P , CHAN T M , WIESLANDER A , VLASSARA H 
Published: November 2004

SUMMARY
Autoclaving peritoneal dialysate fluid (PDF) degrades glucose into glucose degradation products (GDPs) that impair peritoneal mesothelial cell functions. While glycation processes leading to formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGE) were viewed commonly as being mediated by glucose present in the PDF, recent evidence indicates that certain GDPs are even more powerful inducers of AGE formation than glucose per se. In the present study, we examined the expression and modulation of AGE receptors on human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMC) cultured with GDPs, conventional PDF or PDF with low GDP content. HPMC cultured with GDPs differentially modulated AGE receptors (including RAGE, AGE–R1, AGE–R2 and AGE–R3) expression in a dose-dependent manner. At subtoxic concentrations, GDPs increased RAGE mRNA expression in HPMC. 2-furaldehyde (FurA), methylglyoxal (M-Glx) and 3,4-dideoxy-glucosone-3-Ene (3,4-DGE) increased the expression of AGE–R1 and RAGE, the receptors that are associated with toxic effects. These three GDPs up-regulated the AGE synthesis by cultured HPMC. In parallel, these GDPs also increased the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in HPMC. PDF with lower GDP content exerted less cytotoxic effect than traditional heat-sterilized PDF. Both PDF preparations up-regulated the protein expression of RAGE and VEGF. However, the up-regulation of VEGF in HPMC following 24-h culture with conventional PDF was higher than values from HPMC cultured with PDF containing low GDP. We have demonstrated, for the first time, that in addition to RAGE, other AGE receptors including AGE–R1, AGE–R2 and AGE–R3 are expressed on HPMC. Different GDPs exert differential regulation on the expression of these receptors on HPMC. The interactions between GDPs and AGE receptors may bear biological relevance to the intraperitoneal homeostasis and membrane integrity.
Cl– channels are expressed in human normal monocytes: a functional role in migration, adhesion and volume change
Authors: KIM M-J , CHENG G , AGRAWAL D K 
Published: November 2004

SUMMARYIncreased adhesion and diapedesis of monocytes appear to be primary initiating factors in the pathophysiology of occlusive vascular diseases, including atherosclerosis and restenosis. However, the underlying mechanisms of transendothelial migration and invasion of monocytes into the blood vessels are not known. Alterations in ion channels on the cell membrane are generally involved in induced changes in shape and volume. In the present study, we investigated the expression and functional role of chloride channels in freshly isolated human blood monocytes. The Cl– currents in whole-cells were measured by the patch-clamp technique. We observed whole cell Cl– currents, which were time-independent and outwardly rectifying. The chloride channel blockers 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino) benzoic acid (NPPB) and R(+)-[(6,7-dichloro-2-cyclopentyl-2,3-dihydro-2-methyl-1-oxo-1H-inden-5yl)-oxy]acetic acid 94 (IAA94) attenuated the Cl– currents. NPPB and IAA94 also inhibited chemotaxis of monocytes, as measured in Boyden chemotactic chambers, with the same sensitivity. NPPB but not IAA94, increased the cell volume as measured by shape change, and decreased tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells. These results suggest that monocytes contain Cl– channels which regulate transendothelial migration of monocytes, due presumably to an alteration in cell volume.
Bovine respiratory syncytial virus infection influences the impact ofα4- andβ2-integrin-mediated adhesion of peripheral blood neutrophils
Authors: SOETHOUT E C , ANTONIS A F G , ULFMAN L H , HOEK A , VAN DER MOST R G , MÜLLER K E , RUTTEN V P M G 
Published: November 2004

SUMMARYNeutrophil migration into the airways and pulmonary tissue is a common finding in bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) infections. Although neutrophil trans-endothelial migration in general depends on β2-integrins, alternative integrins such as the α4-integrins have been implicated. In this study, rolling and firm adhesion of peripheral blood neutrophils isolated from healthy and BRSV-infected calves to tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α activated pulmonary endothelium was investigated under flow conditions in vitro. For neutrophils obtained from healthy animals, inhibition of the β2-integrin reduced firm adhesion to 63% and inhibition of α4-integrin to 73% compared with untreated controls. Inhibition of both integrins reduced firm adhesion to 25%. Rolling velocity, which is used as a parameter for integrin involvement in neutrophil rolling, increased 1·7-fold by blocking β2-integrin and was significantly augmented to 2·5-fold by blocking both α4- and β2-integrins. For neutrophils obtained from BRSV-infected animals, however, rolling velocities at 10 days after infection (p.i.) were not influenced by blocking adhesion of α4- and β2-integrins, indicating that these integrins did not support neutrophil rolling. In addition, the inhibition of firm adhesion by blocking both α4- and β2-integrins was reduced significantly 9 days post-infection, resulting in a residual 68% neutrophil binding at 9 days p.i. Non-blocked firm adherence was not reduced, indicating that binding was achieved by other mechanisms than through α4- and β2-integrins. These results demonstrate an important function for α4- and β2-integrins in rolling and firm adherence of bovine neutrophils, to TNF-α-activated endothelium and show the dynamic use of these integrins for adhesion and migration by neutrophils in the course of BRSV infection.
Significantly increased levels of mannose-binding lectin (MBL) in rheumatic heart disease: a beneficial role for MBL deficiency
Authors: SCHAFRANSKI M D , STIER A , NISIHARA R , MESSIAS-REASON I J T 
Published: November 2004

SUMMARY
Although mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is known to be involved in the primary defense against microorganisms, there are emerging lines of evidence for an active proinflammatory role for MBL in different chronic diseases. In this study we determined the circulating levels of MBL in patients with rheumatic heart disease (RHD). A total of 100 patients (77 women, 23 men; mean age 45·8 ± 11 years, range 19–76 years) with chronic RHD, and a previous diagnosis of rheumatic fever, were studied. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed in all patients to evaluate valvular heart disease. Ninety-nine healthy individuals matched for age, sex and ethnic origin were included as controls. MBL concentration was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and C3 and C4 levels by turbidimetry. MBL levels were significantly higher in patients with RHD than in healthy subjects (mean ± SEM: 3036·2 ± 298·9 ng/ml versus 1942·6 ± 185·5 ng/ml, P &lt; 0·003). In addition, MBL deficiency was more prevalent in controls (17·1%) than in patients (9% P &lt; 0·09). Concentrations of C4 were within the normal range (22·7 ± 0·8 mg/dl, normal: 10·0–40·0 mg/dl), while C3 concentrations were found to be elevated (109·2 ± 3·6 mg/dl, normal: 50·0–90·0 mg/dl). No correlation was observed between serum MBL levels and valve area or the type of surgical procedure. The significantly elevated circulating MBL levels in patients with RHD together with the greater prevalence of MBL deficiency in controls suggest that MBL may cause undesirable complement activation contributing to the pathogenesis of RHD.