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Molecular characterization of trimellitic anhydride-induced respiratory allergy in Brown Norway rats

Kuper, C.F. (author), Heijne, W.H. (author), Dansen, M. (author), Verhoeckx, K.C. (author), Boorsma, A. (author), Radonjic, M. (author), Bruijntjes, J. (author), Stierum, R. (author), Muijser, H. (author), Arts, J.H. (author), TNO Kwaliteit van Leven (author)

To contribute to the hazard identification of low molecular weight (LMW) respiratory allergens, respiratory allergy induced by trimellitic anhydride (TMA) was characterized by whole genome analysis of lung tissue and blood proteomics in Brown Norway rats. Dermal sensitization (50% and 25% w/v) with TMA and an inhalation challenge of 15 mg/m(3)...

article 2008

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Leflunomide and methotrexate reduce levels of activated matrix metalloproteinases in complexes with α2 macroglobulin in serum of rheumatoid arthritis patients

Tchetverikov, I. (author), Kraan, M.C. (author), van El, B. (author), Hanemaaijer, R. (author), de Groot, J. (author), Huizinga, T.W.J. (author)

Objective: To analyse the effects of leflunomide and methotrexate treatment on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity levels in a2 macroglobulin/MMP (α2M/MMP) complexes in the systemic circulation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Methods: A total of 102 RA patients from a prospective, double-blind, randomised clinical trial comparing...

article 2008

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Proteolytic shedding of the macrophage scavenger receptor CD163 in multiple sclerosis

Fabriek, B.O. (author), Møller, H.J. (author), Vloet, R.P.M. (author), van Winsen, L.M. (author), Hanemaaijer, R. (author), Teunissen, C.E. (author), Uitdehaag, B.M.J. (author), van den Berg, T.K. (author), Dijkstra, C.D. (author), TNO Kwaliteit van Leven (author)

The scavenger receptor CD163 is selectively expressed on tissue macrophages and human monocytes. CD163 has been implicated to play a role in the clearance of hemoglobin and in the regulation of cytokine production by macrophages. Membrane CD163 can be cleaved by matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) resulting in soluble CD163 (sCD163). In the present...

article 2007

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Does skin prick test reactivity to purified allergens correlate with clinical severity of peanut allergy?

Peeters, K.A.B.M. (author), Koppelman, S.J. (author), van Hoffen, E. (author), van der Tas, C.W.H. (author), den Hartog Jager, C.F. (author), Penninks, A.H. (author), Hefle, S.L. (author), Bruijnzeel-Koomen, C.A.F.M. (author), Knol, E.F. (author), Knulst, A.C. (author), TNO Kwaliteit van Leven (author)

Background: Recognition of specific peanut allergens or the diversity of IgE binding to peanut allergens may play a role in the elicitation of severe allergic reactions. Objective: To investigate whether sensitization to individual allergens Ara h 1, Ara h 2, Ara h 3 and Ara h 6 is correlated with clinical severity. Methods: The reactivity of...

article 2007

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Detection of memory impairment in the general population: Screening by questionnaire and telephone compared to subsequent face-to-face assessment

van Uffelen, J.G.Z. (author), Chin A Paw, M.J.M. (author), Klein, M. (author), van Mechelen, W. (author), Hopman-Rock, M. (author), TNO Kwaliteit van Leven (author)

Background: Development of efficient methods for identifying subjects with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) from the geneneral population is warranted, because these subjects represent an important group for (epidemiological) research purposes. Objectives: (1) To describe a two-step population screening for identifying adults with MCI from the...

article 2007

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Alveolar macrophages have a dual role in a rat model for trimellitic anhydride-induced occupational asthma

Valstar, D.L. (author), Schijf, M.A. (author), Nijkamp, F.P. (author), Storm, G. (author), Arts, J.H.E. (author), Kuper, C.F. (author), Bloksma, N. (author), Henricks, P.A.J. (author), TNO Kwaliteit van Leven (author)

Occupational exposure to low molecular weight chemicals, like trimellitic anhydride (TMA), can result in occupational asthma. Alveolar macrophages (AMs) are among the first cells to encounter inhaled compounds. These cells can produce many different mediators that have a putative role in asthma. In this study, we examined the role of AMs in lung...

article 2006

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Chemically modified tetracyclines stimulate matrix metalloproteinase-s production by periodontal ligament cells

Bildt, M.M. (author), Snoek-van Beurden, A.M.P. (author), de Groot, J. (author), van El, B. (author), Kuijpers-Jagtman, A.M. (author), van den Hoff, J.W. (author), Centraal Instituut voor Voedingsonderzoek TNO (author)

Background and Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of chemically modified tetracyclines (CMTs) on the production of gelatinases [matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9] by human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells, and on the activity of recombinant gelatinases. Material and Methods: Human PDL cells were cultured...

article 2006

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Soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM) is associated with treatment effects of Interferon beta-1b in patients with Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

Rieckmann, P. (author), Kruse, N. (author), Nagelkerken, L. (author), Beckmann, K. (author), Miller, D. (author), Polman, C. (author), Dahlke, F. (author), Toyka, K.V. (author), Hartung, H.P. (author), Stürzebecher, S. (author), TNO Preventie en Gezondheid (author)

Background: Subcutaneous IFNβ-1b (Betaferon®) is an established immunomodulatory treatment for relapsing remitting MS and active secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS). It modulates cytokine and adhesion molecule expression but long term in vivo effects of IFNβ-1b on the immune system are not known in multiple sclerosis. Objective: To...

article 2005

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Effects of Perinatal Exposure to PCBs on Neuropsychological Functions in the Rotterdam Cohort at 9 Years of Age

Vreugdenhil, H.J.I. (author), Emmen, H.H. (author), Mulder, P.G.H. (author), Weisglas-Kuperus, N. (author), TNO Voeding (author)

PCBs are known for their neurotoxic properties, especially on the developing brain. To increase insight into the neurotoxic effects of PCB exposure, the authors studied the effects of perinatal exposure to environmental levels of these compounds on different neuropsychological domains. In 9-year-old children of the Rotterdam PCB-dioxin cohort,...

article 2004

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An integrated evaluation of endothelial constitutive nitric oxide synthase polymorphisms and coronary artery disease in men

Agema, W.R.P. (author), de Maat, M.P.M. (author), Zwinderman, A.H. (author), Kastelein, J.J.P. (author), Rabelink, T.J. (author), van Boven, A.J. (author), Feskens, E.J.M. (author), Boer, J.M.A. (author), van der Wall, E.E. (author), Jukema, J.W. (author), Gaubius Instituut TNO (author)

In the present study, we sought to evaluate the role of three polymorphisms in the ecNOS (endothelial constitutive nitric oxide synthase) gene in relation to the existence, severity and progression of CAD (coronary artery disease), MI (myocardial infarction) and the occurrence of ischaemia in a predominantly Caucasian population. Patients with...

article 2004

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Human cytochrome P450 enzyme specificity for bioactivation of safrole to the proximate carcinogen 1′-hydroxysafrole

Jeurissen, S.M.F. (author), Bogaards, J.J.P. (author), Awad, H.M. (author), Boersma, M.G. (author), Brand, W. (author), Fiamegos, Y.C. (author), van Beek, T.A. (author), Alink, G.M. (author), Sudhölter, E.J.R. (author), Cnubben, N.H.P. (author), Rietjens, I.M.C.M. (author), TNO Voeding (author)

In the present study, the cytochrome P450 mediated bioactivation of safrole to its proximate carcinogenic metabolite, 1′-hydroxysafrole, has been investigated for the purpose of identifying the human P450 enzymes involved. The 1′-hydroxylation of safrole was characterized in a variety of in vitro test systems, including Supersomes, expressing...

article 2004

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Desloratadine shows no effect on performance during 6 h at 8,000 ft simulated cabin altitude

Valk, P.J.L. (author), van Roon, D.B. (author), Simons, M. (author), Rikken, G. (author)

Sustained vigilance is required by pilots and crew during flight; therefore, the use of antihistamines with sedating properties is widely prohibited. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of desloratadine, a long-acting, nonsedating antihistamine, on healthy volunteers placed under conditions of simulated cabin pressure. Methods...

article 2004

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MMP profile in paired serum and synovial fluid samples of patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Gaubius Instituut TNO (author), Tchetverikov, I. (author), Ronday, H.K. (author), van El, B. (author), Kiers, G.H. (author), Verzijl, N. (author), TeKoppele, J.M. (author), Huizinga, T.W.J. (author), de Groot, J. (author), Hanemaaijer, R. (author)

Objective: To analyse matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitor-1 of MMPs (TIMP-1) levels in the systemic circulation and synovial fluid (SF) of patients with RA and to compare these levels with inflammatory and collagen degradation markers. Methods: ProMMP-1, -2, -3, -8, -9, TIMP-1, levels of MMP/ α2-macroglobulin complexes, and...

article 2004

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Matrix metalloproteinases-3, -8, -9 as markers of disease activity and joint damage progression in early rheumatoid arthritis

TNO Preventie en Gezondheid (author), Tchetverikov, I. (author), Lard, L.R. (author), de Groot, J. (author), Verzijl, N. (author), TeKoppele, J.M. (author), Breedveld, F.C. (author), Huizinga, T.W.J. (author), Hanemaaijer, R. (author)

Objective: To analyse the relation between systemic levels of pro-MMP-3, -8, and -9 matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity in α2 macroglobulin (α2M)/MMP complexes and the progression of joint destruction in patients with recent onset rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: 109 patients with RA of recent onset were entered into this longitudinal...

article 2003

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Functional adaptation of equine articular cartilage: The formation of regional biochemical characteristics up to age one year

Brama, P.A.J. (author), Tekoppele, J.M. (author), Bank, R.A. (author), Barneveld, A. (author), van Weeren, P.R. (author), Gaubius Instituut TNO (author)

Biochemical heterogeneity of cartilage within a joint is well known in mature individuals. It has recently been reported that heterogeneity for proteoglycan content and chondrocyte metabolism in sheep develops postnatally under the influence of loading. No data exist on the collagen network in general or on the specific situation in the horse....

article 2000

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Development and psychometric evaluation of the TAPQOL: A health-related quality of life instrument for 1-5-year-old children

Fekkes, M. (author), Theunissen, N.C.M. (author), Brugman, E. (author), Veen, S. (author), Verrips, E.G.H. (author), Koopman, H.M. (author), Vogels, T. (author), Wit, J.M. (author), Verloove-Vanhorick, S.P. (author)

The 43-item TNO-AZL Preschool Children Quality of Life (TAPQOL) questionnaire was developed to meet the need for a reliable and valid instrument for measuring parent's perceptions of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in preschool children. HRQoL was defined as health status in 12 domains weighted by the impact of the health status problems...

article 2000

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Monitoring of occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in a carbon-electrode manufacturing plant

van Delft, J.H.M. (author), Steenwinkel, M-J.S.T. (author), van Asten, J.G. (author), van Es, J. (author), Kraak, A. (author), Baan, R.A. (author), Centraal Instituut voor Voedingsonderzoek TNO (author)

An investigation is presented of occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in a carbon-electrode manufacturing plant, as assessed by three monitoring methods, viz, environmental monitoring of the external dose by analysis of personal air samples, biological monitoring of the internal dose by analysis of urinary 1...

article 1998

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Psychological responses to the needle-free Medi-Jectorρ or the multidose Disetronicρ injection pen in human growth hormone therapy

Verrips, G.H. (author), Hirasing, R.A. (author), Fekkes, M. (author), Vogels, T. (author), Verloove-Vanhorick, S.P. (author), van de Delemarre-Waal, H.A. (author), TNO Preventie en Gezondheid (author)

The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that daily administration of growth hormone using the Medi-Jector® results in fewer adverse psychological responses than needle injection with a multidose injection pen. The Medi-Jector is a needle-free injection device that can deliver growth hormone subcutaneously through jet injection. The group...

article 1998

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Isolation and characterization of the viscous, high-molecular-mass microbial carbohydrate fraction from faeces of healthy subjects and patients with Crohn's disease and the consequences for a therapeutic approach

van Ruseler- Embden, J.G.H. (author), van Lieshout, L.M.C. (author), Binnema, D.J. (author), Hazenberg, M.P. (author), Centraal Instituut voor Voedingsonderzoek TNO TNO Voeding (author)

1. An earlier study by our group revealed that the viscosity of faeces from patients with Crohn's disease is significantly lower than that of healthy subjects. This is due to low concentrations of a high-molecular-mass carbohydrate, probably of bacterial origin. The cause of this phenomenon might be the impaired barrier function of the gut...

article 1998

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Alcohol and breast cancer in women: A pooled analysis of cohort studies

Smith-Warner, S.A. (author), Spiegelman, D. (author), Yaun, S.-S. (author), van den Brandt, P.A. (author), Folsom, A.R. (author), Goldbohm, R.A. (author), Graham, S. (author), Holmberg, L. (author), Howe, G.R. (author), Marshall, J.R. (author), Miller, A.B. (author), Potter, J.D. (author), Speizer, F.E. (author), Willett, W.C. (author), Wolk, A. (author), Hunter, D.J. (author), Centraal Instituut voor Voedingsonderzoek TNO (author)

Objective. - To assess the risk of invasive breast cancer associated with total and beverage-specific alcohol consumption and to evaluate whether dietary and nondietary factors modify the association. Data Sources. - We included in these analyses 6 prospective studies that had at least 200 incident breast cancer cases, assessed long-term intake...

article 1998