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Swimming pool attendance and respiratory symptoms and allergies among Dutch children

Jacobs, J.H. (author), Fuertes, E. (author), Krop, E.J.M. (author), Spithoven, J. (author), Tromp, P. (author), Heederik, D.J.J. (author)

Objectives: To describe associations among swimming, respiratory health, allergen sensitisation and Clara cell protein 16 (CC16) levels in Dutch schoolchildren. Trichloramine levels in swimming pool air were determined to assess potential exposure levels. Methods: Respiratory health and pool attendance information was collected from 2359...

article 2012

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Bace1 activity in cerebrospinal fluid and its relation to markers of ad pathology

Mulder, S.D. (author), van der Flier, W.M. (author), Verheijen, J.H. (author), Mulder, C. (author), Scheltens, P. (author), Blankenstein, M.A. (author), Hack, C.E. (author), Veerhuis, R. (author), TNO Kwaliteit van Leven (author)

Several studies have shown that reduced amyloid-β 1-42 (Aβ {42}) and increased tau levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) reflect increased Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology in the brain. β-site APP cleaving enzyme (BACE1) is thought to be the major β-secretase involved in Aβ production in the brain, and therefore we investigated the relation...

article 2010

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DMBT1 functions as pattern-recognition molecule for poly-sulfated and poly-phosphorylated ligands

End, C. (author), Bikker, F.J. (author), Renner, M. (author), Bergmann, G. (author), Lyer, S. (author), Blaich, S. (author), Hudler, M. (author), Helmke, B. (author), Gassler, N. (author), Autschbach, F. (author), Ligtenberg, A.J.M. (author), Benner, A. (author), Holmskov, U. (author), Schirmacher, P. (author), Nieuw Amerongen, A.V. (author), Rosenstiel, P. (author), Sina, C. (author), Franke, A. (author), Hafner, M. (author), Kioschis, P. (author), Schreiber, S. (author), Poustka, A. (author), Mollenhauer, J. (author)

Deleted in malignant brain tumors 1 (DMBT1) is a secreted glycoprotein displaying a broad bacterial-binding spectrum. Recent functional and genetic studies linked DMBT1 to the suppression of LPS-induced TLR4-mediated NF-kappaB activation and to the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease. Here, we aimed at unraveling the molecular basis of its function...

article 2009

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Active TGF-β1 correlates with myofibroblasts and malignancy in the colorectal adenoma-carcinoma sequence

Hawinkels, L.J.A.C. (author), Verspaget, H.W. (author), van der Reijden, J.J. (author), van der Zon, J.M. (author), Verheijen, J.H. (author), Hommes, D.W. (author), Lamers, C.B.H.W. (author), Sier, C.F.M. (author), TNO Kwaliteit van Leven (author)

Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), a cytokine involved in various stages of cancer, is produced as a latent complex and requires processing to become active. We have determined total and active TGF-β1 levels in homogenates of colorectal neoplasia. In contrast to total TGF-β levels, showing a stepwise increase in the mucosa-adenoma-carcinoma...

article 2009

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Caloric restriction and exercise increase plasma ANGPTL4 levels in humans via elevated free fatty acids

Kersten, S. (author), Lichtenstein, L. (author), Steenbergen, E. (author), Mudde, K. (author), Hendriks, H.F.J. (author), Hesselink, M.K. (author), Schrauwen, P. (author), Müller, M. (author), TNO Kwaliteit van Leven (author)

OBJECTIVE-: Plasma lipoprotein levels are determined by the balance between lipoprotein production and clearance. Recently, angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) was uncovered as a novel endocrine factor that potently raises plasma triglyceride levels by inhibiting triglyceride clearance. However, very little is known about ANGPTL4 in human....

article 2009

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Recent methodology in the phytochemical analysis of ginseng

Angelova, N. (author), Kong, H.-W. (author), van de Heijden, R. (author), Yang, S.-Y. (author), Choi, Y.H. (author), Kim, H.K. (author), Wang, M. (author), Hankemeier, T. (author), van der Greef, J. (author), Xu, G. (author), Verpoorte, R. (author), TNO Kwaliteit van Leven (author)

This review summarises the most recent developments in ginseng analysis, in particular the novel approaches in sample pre-treatment and the use of high-performance liquid-chromatography-mass spectrometry. The review also presents novel data on analysing ginseng extracts by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and high-resolution mass...

article 2008

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Enhanced expression and activation of pro-inflammatory transcription factors distinguish aneurysmal from atherosclerotic aorta: IL-6- and IL-8-dominated inflammatory responses prevail in the human aneurysm

Lindeman, J.H.N. (author), Abdul-Hussien, H. (author), Schaapherder, A.F.M. (author), van Bockel, J.H. (author), von der Thüsen, J.H. (author), Roelen, D.L. (author), Kleemann, R. (author)

Inflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of an AAA (abdominal aortic aneurysm); however, the nature of the inflammatory factors and cellular response(s) involved in AAA growth is controversial. In the present study, we set out to determine the aortic levels of inflammatory cytokines in relation to downstream inflammatory transcription...

article 2008

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Plasma apolipoprotein CI protects against mortality from infection in old age

Berbée, J.F.P. (author), Mooijaart, S.P. (author), de Craen, A.J.M. (author), Havekes, L.M. (author), van Heemst, D. (author), Rensen, P.C.N. (author), Westendorp, R.G.J. (author), TNO Kwaliteit van Leven (author)

The high-density lipoprotein (HDL) constituent apolipoprotein CI (apoCI) protects mice against mortality in bacterial sepsis. We assessed whether high plasma apoCI levels protect against mortality from infection in humans. We determined plasma levels of apoCI, lipids, and C-reactive protein in 85-year-old participants of the prospective...

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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A guide to murine coagulation factor structure, function, assays, and genetic alterations

Emeis, J.J. (author), Jirouskova, M. (author), Muchitsch, E.-M. (author), Shet, A.S. (author), Smyth, S.S. (author), Johnson, G.J. (author), TNO Preventie en Gezondheid (author)

Murine blood coagulation factors and function are quite similar to those of humans. Because of this similarity and the adaptability of mice to genetic manipulation, murine coagulation factors and inhibitors have been extensively studied. These studies have provided significant insights into human hemostasis. They have also provided useful...

article 2007

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Expression of human α1-proteinase inhibitor in Aspergillus niger

Karnaukhova, E. (author), Ophir, Y. (author), Trinh, L. (author), Dalal, N. (author), Punt, P.J. (author), Golding, B. (author), Shiloach, J. (author), TNO Kwaliteit van Leven (author)

Background: Human α1-proteinase inhibitor (α1-PI), also known as antitrypsin, is the most abundant serine protease inhibitor (serpin) in plasma. Its deficiency is associated with development of progressive, ultimately fatal emphysema. Currently in the United States, α1-PI is available for replacement therapy as an FDA licensed plasma-derived (pd...

article 2007

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Eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection favourably affects altered gastric mucosal MMP-9 levels

Kubben, F.J.G.M. (author), Sier, C.F.M. (author), Schram, M. (author), Witte, T.A.M.C. (author), Veenendaal, R.A. (author), van Duijn, W. (author), Verheijen, J.H. (author), Hanemaaijer, R. (author), Lamers, C.B.H.W. (author), Verspaget, H.W. (author), TNO Kwaliteit van Leven (author)

Background: Helicobacter pylori gastritis is recognized as an important pathogenetic factor in peptic ulcer disease and gastric carcinogenesis, and is accompanied by strongly enhanced gastric mucosal matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels. Aim: This study was performed to investigate whether H. pylori-affected gastric mucosal MMP-2 and MMP-9...

article 2007

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Urinary matrix metalloproteinases reflect renal damage in anti-neutrophil cytoplasm autoantibody-associated vasculitis

Sanders, J.S.F. (author), Huitema, M.G. (author), Hanemaaijer, R. (author), van Goor, H. (author), Kallenberg, C.G.M. (author), Stegeman, C.A. (author), TNO Kwaliteit van Leven (author)

Renal expression of MMP-2, -9, and tissue inhibitor of MMP-1 (TIMP-1) correlates with histological disease activity in anti-neutrophil cytoplasm autoantibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV). We studied whether urinary and plasma levels of MMP-2, -9, and TIMP-1 reflect renal expression of these proteins and renal disease-activity in AAV. Urine...

article 2007

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Differentiation of primary adult microglia alters their response to TLR8-mediated activation but not their capacity as APC

Zuiderwijk-Sick, E.A. (author), van der Putten, C. (author), Bsibsi, M. (author), Deuzing, I.P. (author), de Boer, W. (author), Persoon-Deen, C. (author), Kondova, I. (author), Boven, L.A. (author), van Noort, J.M. (author), 't Hart, B.A. (author), Amor, S. (author), Bajramovic, J.J. (author), TNO Defensie en Veiligheid TNO Kwaliteit van Leven (author)

Activated microglia are found in a variety of neuroinflammatory disorders where they have attributed roles as effector as well as antigen-presenting cells (APC). Critical determinants for the multifaceted role of microglia are the differentiation potential of microglia and their mode of activation. In this study, we have investigated the effects...

article 2007

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Quantitative analysis of Tenecteplase in rat plasma samples using LC-MS/MS as an alternative for ELISA

Buscher, B.A.P. (author), Gerritsen, H. (author), van Schöll, I. (author), Cnubben, N.H.P. (author), Brüll, L.P. (author), TNO Kwaliteit van Leven (author)

An LC-MS/MS method has been developed for the quantitative determination of a protein drug (Tenecteplase; MW 58,777 Da) in rat plasma. The protein was digested with trypsin without prior clean-up of the plasma sample, without the use of a label nor internal standard. A limited validation was performed to assess the linearity, the sensitivity and...

article 2007

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The importance of dietary control in the development of a peanut allergy model in Brown Norway rats

de Jonge, J.D. (author), Knippels, L.M.J. (author), Ezendam, J. (author), Odink, J. (author), Penninks, A.H. (author), van Loveren, H. (author), TNO Kwaliteit van Leven (author)

This report describes the further development of a peanut allergy model in Brown Norway (BN) rats and in particular the importance of allergen-free breeding of the laboratory animals for the allergen to be used. For this purpose BN rats were bred for 3 generations on soy- and peanut-free feed since it is known that the legumes peanut and soy are...

article 2007

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Development of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method to detect mustard protein in mustard seed oil

Koppelman, S.J. (author), Vlooswijk, R. (author), Bottger, G. (author), van Duijn, G. (author), van der Schaft, P. (author), Dekker, J. (author), van Bemgen, H. (author), TNO Kwaliteit van Leven (author)

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of mustard protein was developed. The assay is based on a polyclonal antiserum directed against a mixture of mustard proteins raised in rabbits. The assay has a detection limit of 1.5 ppm (milligrams per kilogram) and is suitable for the detection of traces of mustard protein in mustard seed...

article 2007

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Tissue level, activation and cellular localisation of TGF-beta1 and association with survival in gastric cancer patients

TNO Kwaliteit van Leven (author), Hawinkels, L.J.A.C. (author), Verspaget, H.W. (author), van Duijn, W. (author), van der Zon, J.M. (author), Zuidwijk, K. (author), Kubben, F.J.G.M. (author), Verheijen, J.H. (author), Hommes, D.W. (author), Lamers, C.B.H.W. (author), Sier, C.F.M. (author)

Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), a tumour suppressing as well as tumour-promoting cytokine, is stored as an extracellular matrix-bound latent complex. We examined TGF-beta1 activation and localisation of TGF-beta1 activity in gastric cancer. Gastric tumours showed increased stromal and epithelial total TGF-beta1 staining by...

article 2007

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Apolipoprotein C-I binds free fatty acids and reduces their intracellular esterification

TNO Kwaliteit van Leven (author), Westerterp, M. (author), Berbée, J.F.P. (author), Delsing, D.J.M. (author), Jong, M.C. (author), Gijbels, M.J.J. (author), Dahlmans, V.E.H. (author), Offerman, E.H. (author), Romijn, J.A. (author), Havekes, L.M. (author), Rensen, P.C.N. (author)

Mice that overexpress human apolipoprotein C-I (apoC-I) homozygously (APOC1+/+ mice) are protected against obesity and show cutaneous abnormalities. Although these effects can result from our previous observation that apoC-I inhibits FFA generation by LPL, we have also found that apoC-I impairs the uptake of a FFA analog in adipose tissue. In...

article 2007

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Banned antibacterial growth promoters in animal feed: Collaborative trial on the liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method developed in the feedstuffs-radius project

Poucke, C.V. (author), Dumoulin, F. (author), Yakkundi, S. (author), Situ, C. (author), Elliott, C.T. (author), Grutters, E.M. (author), Verheijen, R. (author), Schilt, R. (author), Eriksson, S. (author), Peteghem, C.V. (author), TNO Kwaliteit van Leven (author)

A chemical confirmation method for the identification and quantification of five banned antibacterial growth promoters (AGPs) in animal feed was developed and in-house validated as part of the European Feedstuffs-RADIUS project [1]. To complete the validation process a collaborative trial was performed by eleven laboratories within the European...

article 2006