bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The association between synthetic bedding and adverse respiratory outcomes among skin‐prick test positive and skin‐prick test negative children
Authors: Ponsonby A.‐L. , Gatenby P. , Glasgow N. , Mullins R. , Hurwitz M. , McDonald T. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Synthetic bedding has been associated with increased child wheeze and also higher allergen levels in several studies. We aimed to examine whether the association between synthetic bedding and adverse respiratory outcomes was more evident among skin‐prick test (SPT) positive children. Methods: A cross‐sectional survey involving a population sample of 758 (81% of eligible) school children aged 8–10 years from randomly selected schools in the Australian Capital Territory in 1999. Parental questionnaires for ISAAC respiratory symptoms and child bedding were obtained. SPT results of 10 common allergens were available on 722 of the subjects (77% of those eligible). Synthetic pillow or quilt use was termed synthetic upper bedding. Results: Synthetic quilt use was associated with asthma (Adjusted Odds Ratio 1.67 (1.05, 2.65)), recent wheeze (AOR 1.63 (1.03, 2.59)) and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (AOR 2.11 (1.33, 3.34)) among SPT‐positive children. However, these associations were not apparent for SPT‐negative children. Similarly, increasing synthetic upper bedding use was associated with more than 12 episodes of wheeze among SPT‐positive children (AOR 1.69 (1.08, 2.64), P=0.02, per category) but not SPT‐negative children (AOR 0.77 (0.26, 2.21), P=0.6, per category). Conclusion: The apparent association between synthetic upper bedding and adverse respiratory outcomes was evident among SPT‐positive but not SPT‐negative children. Prospective intervention studies that aim to examine the effect of upper bedding composition on child asthma among SPT‐positive children are required.
Characterization of monocyte subtypes in the allergic form of atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome
Authors: Novak N. , Allam P. , Geiger E. , Bieber T. 
Published: March 2003

Background:  Monocyte (Mo) subsets exhibiting distinct phenotypic and functional properties identified in peripheral blood are assumed to be under the control of soluble factors from their surrounding micromilieu. Atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome (AEDS) is accompanied by humoral and cellular alterations among which an increased expression of the high‐affinity receptor for IgE (FcεRI) on antigen presenting cells, like Mo, could be found. Therefore we analyzed the assembly of circulating Mo populations and their FcεRI surface expression during the course of AEDS.Methods:  Blood samples were taken from AEDS patients before and after topical treatment as well as from psoriasis patients and healthy control donors. Detailed analysis of Mo subsets was done by flow cytometry. Meticulous clinical scoring included quantification of the surface damage using the eczema area and severity index (EASI score) as well as evaluation of the serum level of thymus‐ and activation‐regulated chemokine (TARC); this was done before and after 2 weeks of topical treatment with tacrolimus ointment 0.1%.Results:  During the exacerbation phase of AEDS, patients harboured a different assembly of Mo subtypes from normal nonatopic individuals and patients with psoriasis with a significant increased population of CD14+CD64– CD16+ Mo. Clinical improvement led to a significant decrease of this subpopulation in favor of CD14+CD64+CD16– Mo, leading to a composition of Mo subsets similar to the state found in healthy donors. Interestingly, FcεRI expression was confined to the CD14+CD64+CD16– Mo subpopulation and the percentage of this FcεRI+ Mo subset increased significantly in the peripheral blood after topical treatment.Conclusion:  Our data provide for the first time clear evidence that fluctuations of Mo subsets in AEDS might reflect qualitatively and quantitatively distinct contributions of Mo subsets to the development of AEDS.
Physical activity modulates the effect of a lipoprotein lipase mutation (D9N) on plasma lipids and lipoproteins
Authors: Boer Jolanda MA , Kuivenhoven Jan Albert , Feskens Edith JM , Schouten Evert G , Havekes Louis M , Seidell Jacob C , Kastelein John JP , Kromhout Daan 
Published: March 2003

We investigated interactions between a mutation (D9N) in the lipoprotein lipase (LPL) gene and physical activity, as well as other lifestyle factors, on lipid traits in a population‐based sample of Dutch men and women (n=379). We used questionnaire information to classify physical activity, alcohol consumption, and smoking habits, while overweight was defined as a body mass index (BMI)> 25 kg/m2. Non‐fasting blood samples were used for the determination of lipid traits and the D9N genotype. Fifteen subjects (4%) carried the mutation. They presented with higher levels of total cholesterol, apolipoprotein (apo) B and triglycerides compared to non‐carriers. While no interactions with overweight, alcohol consumption, and smoking were found, a strong interaction between the D9N mutation and physical activity became apparent. Physically inactive D9N carriers (n=5) had considerably higher total cholesterol (+2 mmol/l, p≤0.0001) and apo B levels (+63 mg/dl, p≤0.0001) compared to non‐carriers of this mutation, whereas their high‐density lipoprotein (HDL)‐cholesterol concentrations were lower (−0.22 mmol/l, p<0.05). This was not the case for physically active D9N carriers (n=10).In conclusion, a common variant of the LPL gene (D9N) adversely affects plasma lipid and lipoprotein profiles. However, the unfavorable consequences may be counteracted by physical activity.
X‐linked recessive Menkes disease: identification of partial gene deletions in affected males
Authors: Poulsen L , Horn N , Heilstrup H , Lund C , Tümer Z , Møller LB 
Published: March 2003

Poulsen L, Horn N, Heilstrup H, Lund C, Tümer Z, Møller LB. X‐linked recessive Menkes disease: identification of partial gene deletions in affected males.  Clin Genet 2002: 62: 449–457. © Blackwell Munksgaard, 2002Menkes disease is an X‐linked recessive lethal disorder of copper metabolism, caused by defects in the ATP7A gene. Partial gene deletions comprise about 15% of the mutations causing Menkes disease. We have previously demonstrated identification of partial ATP7A deletions in patients by Southern blot analysis. In the present study, we report the use of three fast and reliable polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based methods for the identification of partial ATP7A deletions in Menkes disease patients. First we demonstrate the use of multiplex PCR, a fast method for identification and rough localization of partial gene deletions, in which two exons of ATP7A are coamplified. Second, we present PCR amplification of genomic DNA across the deletion junctions, a method enabling identification of the deletion breakpoints and hence the exact size of the deletion. Finally, application of reverse transcription PCR (RT‐PCR) for identification and localization of gene deletions at the cDNA level is demonstrated. By studying the mutation at the cDNA level the predicted effect of the mutation on the amino acid sequence and consequently the protein structure and function can be inferred. We demonstrate characterization of partial gene deletions in five patients, and in three of these we were able to determine the breakpoint sequences.
FOXC2 truncating mutation in distichiasis, lymphedema, and cleft palate
Authors: Bahuau M , Houdayer C , Tredano M , Soupre V , Couderc R , Vazquez M‐P 
Published: March 2003

Bahuau M, Houdayer C, Tredano M, Soupre V, Couderc R, Vazquez M‐P. FOXC2 truncating mutation in distichiasis, lymphedema, and cleft palate.  Clin Genet 2002: 62: 470–473. © Blackwell Munksgaard, 2002We report a family showing autosomal‐dominant segregation of upper‐ and lower‐eyelid distichiasis (double row of eyelashes) in seven affected relatives over three generations, in addition to below‐knee lymphedema of pubertal onset (lymphœdema prœcox) in three. Two children had cleft palate in addition to distichiasis, but without the previously reported association with the Pierre–Robin sequence. Other ophthalmologic anomalies included divergent strabismus and early‐onset myopia. This family was found to be completely linked to markers mapped to 16q24.3 and thereby proposed to be allelic to the distichiasis–lymphedema syndrome (DL, MIM 153400), although pterygium colli, congenital heart disease, or facial dysmorphism were not features found here. As FOXC2/FKLH14 mutations were found to underlie DL and diverse hereditary lymphedema conditions, this gene was examined by sequence analysis. An out‐of‐frame deletion (914–921del) was identified and found to segregate with the disease, further highlighting the phenotypic heterogeneity of lymphedema conditions linked to FOXC2 truncating mutations. Whether such heterogeneity is related to genotype–phenotype correlation, a hypothesis not primarily supported by the apparent loss‐of‐function mechanism of the mutations, or governed by modifying genes, remains to be determined.
The differences between late graft loss group and long‐term graft survival group in renal transplantation
Authors: Tanaka Toshiyuki , Takahara Shiro , Hatori Motoaki , Toki Kiyohide , Wang Jing‐Ding , Permpongkosol Sompol , Yazawa Koji , Kokado Yukito , Oka Kazumasa , Kyo Masahiro , Okuyama Akihiko , Yamanaka Hidetoshi 
Published: March 2003

Tanaka T, Takahara S, Hatori M, Toki K, Wang J‐D, Permpongkosol S, Yazawa K, Kokado Y, Oka K, Kyo M, Okuyama A, Yamanaka H. The differences between late graft loss group and long‐term graft survival group in renal transplantation. Clin Transplantation 2001: 15 (Supplement 5): 16–21. ©Munksgaard, 2001In renal transplantation, the long‐term graft survival rate has not been improved. Until now, the differences between late graft loss and long‐term graft survival have still not been estimated thoroughly. We have attempted to define clinical risk factors and parameters for late graft loss by comparing the differences in these two groups. Data from the Osaka University Database were assessed on 156 renal allografts during a 7‐yr period. Thirty‐six patients comprised the late graft loss group (patients in this group had graft function without need for dialysis for more than 3 yr post‐transplantation, afterwards lost the allograft: ‘loss group’). One hundred and twenty patients comprised the long‐term graft survival group (patients in this group had graft function without need for dialysis until 31 December 1999: ‘survival group’). Various immunological and non‐immunological parameters were included in an univariate regression analysis. This analysis showed that donor age (P < 0.01), HLA mismatch number (P < 0.01) and a repeat of acute rejection (P < 0.01) were significant factors. Serum creatinine levels at 3 months (P=0.01), proteinuria at 1 yr (P < 0.01) and antihypertensive treatment at 2 yr (P=0.03) after transplantation were predictive of the risk of late graft loss. CsA trough concentration at 3–6 months (P < 0.05) and body mass index increase at 1 yr (P=0.046) were elevated in the loss group. These results from a single centre suggest that immunological as well as non‐immunological factors are associated with the pathogenesis of late graft loss.
Clinical and pathological assessment of acute vascular rejection in the transplant kidney
Authors: Koike Junki , Yamaguchi Yutaka , Horita Shigeru , Tanabe Kazunari , Fuchinoue Shohei , Toma Hiroshi , Nihei Hiroshi 
Published: March 2003

Koike J, Yamaguchi Y, Horita S, Tanabe K, Fuchinoue S, Toma H, Nihei H. Clinical and pathological assessment of acute vascular rejection in the transplant kidney. Clin Transplantation 2001: 15 (Supplement 5): 41–44. ©Munksgaard, 2001Acute vascular rejection (AVR) in kidney transplan‐ tation is the most important factor influencing graft prognosis. We focus on patients whose grafts were lost because of AVR, and assessed their clinical characteristics and histological findings of biopsied renal grafts. Biopsied specimens exhibited AVR in 43 patients who underwent kidney transplantation in the Kidney Center of Tokyo Women’s Medical University from 1995 to 1999. In the follow‐up from 1 to 5 yr (median: 2.5 yr) we classified these patients into three groups: favourable prog‐ nosis group (FPG), relatively poor prognosis group (RPPG) and poor prognosis group (PPG). Light microscopic study for histological grading of acute rejection according to the Banff scheme and detection of the C4d complement deposition on peritubular capillaries by the immunofluorescence method were performed. Based on the results, the donors of RPPG and PPG were significantly older than those of FPG, and all factors of acute rejection according to the Banff scheme were not statistically significantly different among the three groups. However, an acute tubular injury mimicking acute tubular necrosis (ATN) was observed in the biopsy specimens from PPG. In conclusion, an older donor is a risk factor of poor prognosis of the graft with AVR, and acute tubular injury mimicking ATN is one of the important features that enables the prediction of graft failure originating from AVR in kidney transplantation.
Upper gastrointestinal complications after renal transplantation: a 3‐yr sequential study
Authors: Logan Andrew J , Morris‐Stiff Gareth J , Bowrey David J. , Jurewicz W Adam 
Published: March 2003

Background: Upper gastrointestinal complications have historically resulted in considerable morbidity and mortality to renal transplant recipients. Over the last decade, antiulcer prophylaxis with proton‐pump inhibitors and immunosuppression with tacrolimus‐based regimes have been introduced. Little has been written about foregut complications after renal transplantation since the use of these agents. The aim of this study was to compare the frequency of upper gastrointestinal complications after renal transplantation in patients treated with (i) omeprazole vs. ranitidine, and (ii) tacrolimus vs. cyclosporin based immunosuppression.Methods: Information on 236 patients undergoing renal transplantation between January 1996 and December 1998 was collected prospectively onto a computerized database.Results: Overall, 20 patients (8%) developed upper gastrointestinal complications, opportunistic infections accounted for 9/20 (45%). No patient developed gastroduodenal ulceration, required laparotomy, suffered graft loss or died. There was no significant difference in the frequency of complications between patients that received antisecretory therapy with omeprazole (9/118, 8%) and those that received ranitidine (11/118, 9%), nor between those that were on tacrolimus (7/101, 7%) and those on cyclosporin (13/135, 10%) based immunosuppression regimes. Patients that developed foregut complications were significantly older than those not developing complications (mean age 50 vs. 43 yrs, p=0.05). Further, patients that developed opportunistic infections were more frequently diabetic than those in whom opportunistic infections were not seen (4/31, 13% vs. 5/205, 2%), p=0.02.Conclusions: We observed a low frequency (8%) of upper gastrointestinal tract complications after renal transplantation. There was no difference in the frequency of complications between patients on tacrolimus and those on cyclosporin based immunosuppression. Furthermore, the complication rates were similar in those that received omeprazole and those that received ranitidine as antiulcer prophylaxis, indicating the equivalence of these two agents in this setting.
Should moderate acute rejection of a cardiac transplant graft be treated?
Authors: Delgado DH , Luu L , Edwards J , Cardella C , Rao Vivek , Ross HJ 
Published: March 2003

Abstract: Histologically proven, moderate acute rejection after orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) is commonly treated with intravenous steroids. This regimen may result in severe metabolic and infectious side‐effects. The purpose of this study was to assess and compare outcomes in treated (T) versus not treated (N‐T) biopsy proven 3A rejection episodes in cardiac transplant recipients.Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted to identify all biopsy proven 3A rejection episodes that occurred over the time period 1995–2000 in patients (patients) ≥ 6 months after OHT (n=48 episodes in 35 patients). Of the 48 episodes, 19 were N‐T and 29 were T. Decision to treat 3A rejection was based on time after transplant, haemodynamic and/or clinical compromise and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction measured by 2D echo. Most N‐T episodes received an increase in background immunotherapy.Results: Time from transplant to index 3A episode in N‐T patients was 4.2  versus 2.7 yr for the T patients (p=0.06). There were no differences seen between T and N‐T groups for the first and second post‐3A biopsy results or LV function post‐3A. Presence of coronary disease or death were not different between groups. Of the 29 patients with T episodes, no differences in outcomes (death, first and second post‐3A biopsy score, coronary disease, myocardial infarction, or LV function) were seen based on use of treatment with intravenous versus oral steroid.Conclusion: In patients more than 6 month after OHT, there were no differences in outcomes (ongoing rejection or LV function) between N‐T episodes of 3A rejection and T episodes. In T patients the use of oral steroids was equally as effective for treatment of 3A episodes as intravenous steroids.
Traveling after heart transplantation
Authors: Kofidis T , Pethig K , Rüther G , Simon AR , Strueber M , Leyh R , Akhyari P , Wiebe K , Haverich A 
Published: March 2003

Background. With evolving medical techniques and post‐operative care, the quality of life after cardiac transplantation is improving over the recent years. However, the need for continuous immunosuppressive therapy may result in restrictions from some social and recreational activities, including traveling. The aim of this study was to analyze traveling activities and complications in a large cohort of heart transplant recipients, with the intention to develop adequate safety and behavioral guidelines.Methods: Using a standardized questionnaire, 103 consecutive patients (pts) were asked to report about time and destination of their traveling activities, predominant activities, as well as potential travel‐related complications. Documented rejection episodes as well as laboratory data are listed.Results: Feedback was 97% (of 103 pts asked). Out of 100 pts who responded, [82 males, 18 females, mean age 52.3 ± 12.4 yr, 6.9 ± 3.8 yr post‐heart transplantation (HTX)] 95 reported on traveling activities (95%). Concomitant disease was present in form of diabetes (n=8), renal insufficiency (n=5) and cardiac allograft vasculopathy (n=12). Mean cumulative traveling time was 120 ± 125 d (3–560 d). Except from domestic journeys, 79 pts chose destinations within Europe, and 29 to overseas countries. Complications were reported by 15 of 95 pts (15.8%), being mostly small accidents and febrile episodes. Rejection episodes or other life threatening events were not observed. There was no significant correlation between observed complications and gender, age, time post‐HTX, immunosuppression or comorbidities.Conclusions: Traveling after HTX appears to be safe and favorably improves quality of life, if certain precautions are met.
Duct‐to‐duct biliary reconstruction in adult‐to‐adult living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Takatsuki Mitsuhisa , Yanaga Katsuhiko , Okudaira Sadayuki , Furui Jyunichiro , Kanematsu Takashi 
Published: March 2003

Takatsuki M, Yanaga K, Okudaira S, Furui J, Kanematsu T. Duct‐to‐duct biliary reconstruction in adult‐to‐adult living donor liver transplantation. Clin Transplant 2002: 16: 345–349. © Blackwell Munksgaard, 2002In living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), Roux‐en‐Y hepaticojejunostomy has been a standard technique for biliary reconstruction because the majority had been pediatric patients with biliary atresia. Adult‐to‐adult LDLT using the right lobe graft has recently been developed and we introduced duct‐to‐duct biliary reconstruction (hepaticohepaticostomy) in such cases. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of this procedure in adult‐to‐adult LDLT. From August 2000 to October 2001, five patients underwent adult‐to‐adult LDLT using the right hepatic lobe and were followed for more than 6 months at our institution. All patients underwent duct‐to‐duct biliary reconstruction (single hepaticohepaticostomy in one, multiple in four). For the grafts with multiple bile ducts, various techniques were used for reconstruction. In all patients, oral intake could be started early after the operation, and biliary leakage was not encountered. One patient developed two episodes of acute cholangitis who later developed biliary anastomosis stricture which required percutaneous dilatation at 11 months postop. However, otherwise, there were no infectious complications postoperatively. We conclude duct‐to‐duct biliary reconstruction is feasible and effective in adult‐to‐adult LDLT.
Regular physical exercise improves endothelial function in heart transplant recipients
Authors: Schmidt Alice , Pleiner Johannes , Bayerle‐Eder Michaela , Wiesinger Günther F , Rödler Suzanne , Quittan Michael , Mayer Gert , Wolzt Michael 
Published: March 2003

Background: Impaired endothelial function is detectable in heart transplant (HTX) recipients and regarded as risk factor for coronary artery disease. We have studied whether endothelial function can be improved in HTX patients participating in a regular physical training program as demonstrated in patients with chronic heart failure, hypertension and coronary artery disease.Methods: Male HTX patients and healthy, age‐matched controls were studied. Seven HTX patients (age: 60 ± 6 yr; 6 ± 2 yr of HTX) participated in an outpatient training program, six HTX patients (age: 63 ± 8 yr; 7 ± 1 yr of HTX) maintained a sedentary lifestyle without regular physical exercise since transplantation. A healthy control group comprised six subjects (age: 62 ± 6 yr). Vascular function was assessed by flow‐mediated dilation of the brachial artery (FMD). Systemic haemodynamic responses to intravenous infusion of the endothelium independent vasodilator sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and to NG‐monomethyl‐L‐arginine (L‐NMMA), an inhibitor of constitutive nitric oxide synthase, were also measured.Results: Resting heart rate was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in healthy controls (66 ± 13) than in the HTX training group (83 ± 11) and in non‐training HTX patients (91 ± 9), baseline blood pressure also tended to be lower in healthy subjects and in the training HTX patients. FMD was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the control group (8.4 ± 2.2%) and in the training group (7.1 ± 2.4%), compared with non‐training HTX patients (1.4 ± 0.8%). The response of systolic blood pressure (p=0.08) and heart rate (p < 0.05) to L‐NMMA was reduced in sedentary HTX patients compared with healthy controls and heart rate response to SNP was also impaired in sedentary HTX patients.Discussion: Regular aerobic physical training restores vascular function in HTX patients, who are at considerable risk for developing vascular complications. This effect is demonstrable in conduit and systemic resistance arteries.