bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Life‐threatening, recurrent anaphylaxis caused by allergy to gliadin and exercise
Authors: VARJONEN E. , VAINIO E. , KALIMO K.
Published: April 2006

Background Exercise‐induced urticaria or anaphylaxis is regarded as a distinct form of physical allergy. In some patients the symptoms occur only after ingestion of various food products in connection with exercise. We have come across patients with cereal dependent exercise‐induced anaphylaxis.

Objectives The purpose of the present study was to analyse the allergens in cereals responsible for the severe anaphylactic symptoms and to verify the test methods suitable for screening the patients with cereal dependent exercise‐induced anaphylaxis.

Methods The patients underwent skin‐prick tests (SPT) with common inhalant and food allergens as well as with various cereal extracts. IgE‐immunoblotting was used to identify the allergenic fractions.

Results Five patients found positive in SPT with NaC1 wheat suspension had IgE antibodies to wheat, rye, barley and oats, especially directed against the ethanolsoluble protein fractions in immunoblotting. No IgE antibodies were detected against other cereals. The patients had been unaware of any cereal allergy since anaphylaxis occurred only in association with exercise postprandially. The patients were directed to follow a gluten‐free diet and have been free from symptoms, being able to continue their outdoor physical activities.

Conclusion Wheat gliadin and the corresponding ethanol‐soluble proteins of taxonomically closely related cereals were found to be the allergens in cereal‐dependent exercise‐induced anaphylaxis. Skin‐prick testing with NaC1 wheat suspension was a simple and practical test to screen patients with this kind of occult, possibly life‐threatening, allergy to cereals.
HLA class II antigens and T lymphocytes in human nasal epithelial cells. Modulation of the HLA class II gene transcripts by gamma interferon
Authors: WANG D. , LEVASSEUR‐ACKER G. M. , ANKOWSKI R. J , KANNY G. , MONERET‐VAUTRIN D. A. , CHARRON D. , LOCKHART A. , SWIERCZEWSKI E.
Published: April 2006

Background Nasal polyps are characterized by a proliferation of the epithelial layer of the mucosa. cellular infiltrates and other pathological changes; however the mechanisms involved in polyp pathogenesis remain largely unclear.

Objectives We have taken two different approaches to study the cellular events involved in nasal polyposis.

Methods First, through use of immunohistochemical methods, we have studied the expression of HLA class II antigens in epithelial cells of nasal polyps and the distribution of lymphocytes in the epithelium and in the subepithelial layer in patients with clinical conditions, such as asthma, atopy, aspirin intolerance or cystic fibrosis, and in subjects with an absence of concomitant diseases. Second, in order to investigate whether HLA class II expression is controlled at the pre‐ or post‐transcriptional level, we studied the effect of interferon gamma (INFγ) on epithelial cells in primary culture, which were derived from HLA class II negative and HLA class II positive nasal polyps. Total RNA was extracted from the cells and reverse‐transcribed, and the c‐DNA corresponding to DR, DP, DQ loci was amplified by PCR

Results Expression of HLA class II antigens by the epithelia of nasal polyps was more common in the presence rather than in the absence of concomitant asthma, atopy or cystic fibrosis (59% versus 409%). HLA‐DR was the only HLA class II antigen expressed in the seven polyps taken from cystic fibrosis patients. The number of CD8+ cells was significantly higher in polyps associated with known clinical conditions and HLA class II antigen expression than it was in ‘isolated’ polyps and in HLA class II negative polyps. RNA transcripts for at least one or all three HLA‐DR, DP and DQ antigens were detected in 10 cultures of the 11 HLA class II positive polyps. Conversely, 8 of 10 cultures derived from HLA class II negative polyps did not express HLA class II transcripts in the absence of INFγ. Adding INFγ (100U/ml) to the latter cell cultures caused expression of transcripts of one or more HLA class II genes.

Conclusions We have shown that HLA class II antigens were more frequently detected in polyps of patients with an identified clinical syndrome than in those of asymptomatic subjects. Our results also suggest that IFN γ regulates expression of HLA class II antigens in airway epithelial cells of the nasal polyps at the transcriptional level, and that cultured cells from nasal polyps represent a suitable modei to investigate immune mechanisms involved in diseases such as atopy, asthma and cystic fibrosis.
Interleukin‐8 secretion in patients with allergic rhinitis after an allergen challenge: interleukin‐8 is not the main chemotactic factor present in nasal lavages
Authors: GOSSET P. , TILLIE‐LEBLOND I. , MALAQUIN F. , DURIEU J. , WALLAERT B. , TONNEL A.‐B.
Published: April 2006

Background Interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) is a chemotactic cytokine for neutrophils and primed eosinophils. In allergic rhinitis, allergen exposure triggers leucocyte recruitment.

Objective We evaluated in this study IL‐8 secretion and the neutrophil chemotactic activity in nasal lavages collected after a nasal allergen challenge. Moreover, the participation of IL‐8 in the neutrophil chemotactic activity was quantified.

Methods Four healthy subjects and 19 patients with allergic rhinitis were exposed to a nasal allergen challenge. As a control, saline challenge was performed in four patients with allergic rhinitis. Concentration of IL‐8 was measured hy ELISA in nasal lavages collected before and after challenge. Neutrophil chemotactic assay was developed using a 48‐well chemotaxis microassembly.

Results After allergen challenge, the healthy subjects, the four patients receiving saline and one patient exposed to allergen did not respond; seven patients presented a single early reaction and 11 patients a dual response. For healthy subjects and the four patients exposed to saline, the level of IL‐8 did not increase after challenge in comparison with that at baseline. After allergen challenge, two peaks of IL‐8 release were observed for patients with allergic rhinitis during the early (30 min to 1 h 30 min) and the late periods (3 h 30 min to 9 h 30 min), however the difference was not significant for the early period. During the late period, a significant increase in IL‐8 concentrations was detected for the patients developing a dual response, whereas the difference was not significant for those presenting only an early reaction. The neutrophil chemotactic activity of nasal lavages from patients with allergic rhinitis collected during the early and the late reactions (17 ± 2.1 and 23.3 ± 2.8 neutrophils per high power field (hpf), respectively) was significantly higher than the activity of lavage fluid collected at haseline (9.2 ± 1.8 neutrophils per hpf). Nevertheless, the addition of a neutralizing anti‐IL‐8 antibody inhibited weakly the chemotactic activity of lavage fluid from rhinitic patients collected during the early or the late periods (18 and 11% of inhibition) (P= NS).

Conclusion These data show that allergen challenge increased significantly the secretion of IL‐8 for the patients with allergic rhinitis. However, neutralization of IL‐8 in nasal lavages by a specific antibody revealed that the role of this chemokine in granulocyte infiltrate was limited, suggesting that IL‐8 acts in connection with other chemotactic factors in this recruitment.
Identification of neutrophil chemotactie factors in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of asthmatic patients
Authors: TERAN L. M. , CAMPOS M. G. , BEGISHVILLI B. T. , SCHRÖDER J.‐M. , DJUKANOVIC R. , SHUTE J. K. , CHURCH M. K. , HOLGATE S. T. , DAVIES D. E.
Published: April 2006

Background Although neutrophils have been implicated in bronchial asthma, the mechanism(s) which bring these cells into the airways is poorly understood.

Objective To investigate the presence and identity of neutrophil chemotactic factors in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid from atopic asthmatic subjects.

Method BAL fluid was obtained from 13 subjects (seven asthmatics and six normals). aged 19 to 60 yr, at bronchoscopy. Separation of neutrophil chemotactic activity (NCA) was achieved by FPLC cation exchange chromatography. Fractions were collected and assayed for chemotaxis multiwell micro‐chemotaxes chambers using polycarbonate filters, for the complement peptide C5a/C5a des Arg by radioimmunoassay (RIA) and for interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) by ELISA.

Results NCA was found in FPLC fractions of BAL samples in four out of seven asthmatics and each of these subjects had at least three similar peaks of NCA. The major peak of NCA was found to contain immunoreactive C5a/C5a des Arg and chemotaxis. In response to this NCA could be blocked by desensitization of the neutrophils with recombinant C5a. Purified serum derived C5a/C5a des Arg was found to have altered chromatographic properties when added to BAL fluid; this suggested that BAL fluid contained proteins which interacted with the C5a/C5a des Arg. Immunoreactive IL‐8 (iIL‐8) was also detected but its concentration or chemical form was insufficient to induce neutropbil chemotaxis.

Conclusion This study demonstrates that bronchial asthmatic lavage fluid contains C5a/C5a des/Arg and iL‐8, together with other as yet unidentified factors which may contribute to neutropbil recruitment in this disease.
Anti‐asthma effect of an antiviral drug, acyclovir: a clinical case and experimental study
Authors: OKADA H. , OHNISHI T , HIRASHIMA M. , FUJITA J. , YAMAJI Y. , TAKAHARA J. , TODANI T.
Published: April 2006

Background Although acyclovir (9‐(2‐hydroxyethoxymethyl) guaninc) is an antiviral drug that inhibits DNA polymerase of herpes virus, we have had the experience of an asthmatic patient's peak flow rate being improved by oral administration of acyclovir.

Objective The aim of this experiment is whether acyclovir has anti‐asthma effects using an asthma model in guinea‐pigs.

Methods The airway response was induced by a single inhalation of calcium ionophore A23187 (2 mg/mL). The airway obstruction was estimated by the ratio of expiration to inspiration time (E/I). The peribronchial eosinophil infiltration and eosinophil influx into bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid 7 h after the inhalation were also examined. To assess the effects of acyclovir (1, 10, and 100 mg/kg), aminophylline (20mg/kg) and pemirolast potassium (TBX, 20mg/kg) on A23187‐induccd asthmatic response, the drugs were intraperitoneally administered before the inhalation.

Results The immediate airway obstruction was significantly suppressed by acyclovir (10 mg/kg) and aminophylline, whereas different doses of acyclovir (1 and 100mg/kg) and TBX showed only a small inhibitory effect on the airway obstruction. On the other hand, the peribronchial eosinophilia was most successfully inhibited by TBX. Acyclovir (10 mg/kg) and aminophylline also suppressed the eosinophilia significantly. Furthermore, acyclovir significantly suppressed eosinophil influx into BAL fluid, whereas aminophylline and TBX weakly suppressed the influx.

Conclusion These results suggest that acyclovir exhibits not only antiviral but also anti‐asthma activity.
The use of serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) in the management of steroid therapy in chronic asthma
Authors: WEVER A. M. J. , WEVER‐HESS J. , HERMANS J.
Published: April 2006

Background Corticosteroid therapy has become the mainstay in the treatment of asthma. However, the risk‐benefit balance in the patient calls for assessment of the state of inflammation in the airways. In this respect serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) might be a marker, which can easily be measured in a clinical setting. Studies have indicated a relation between level of serum ECP and activity and severity in asthma.

Objective To investigate the feasibility to guide steroid therapy on the basis of the level of serum ECP in patients with chronic asthma.

Methods Twenty adult patients on maintenance inhaled steroid therapy visited the chest clinic once every 2 months over a 12‐month period. At each visit a short history, blood sample for ECP and number of eosinophils, baseline spirometry, and histamine inhalation provocation test (PC20) were obtained. On the basis of level of ECP, adjustments in daily dose of steroids were considered. Data were compared with those of a previous 6‐month ECP evaluation study in these same patients.

Results In 10 patients mean dose of inhaled steroids was decreased 25%. ECP rose slightly (antilogged mean from 9.06 to 11.8μg/L) and lung function decreased slightly (mean FEV1%predicted from 85.5 to 81.6). In seven patients mean dose of inhaled or oral (n= 2) steroids was increased 25%. In this group ECP decreased but remained elevated at 20μg/L (antilogged mean from 30.5 to 25.6μg/L) and lung function improved (mean FEV1%predicted from 67.2 to 74.5). In both groups patients' scores of asthmatic well‐being increased significantly, and PC20 did not show a trend. Exacerbation rate remained the same in the decreased and the no change group (n= 3, in which no substantial change in steroid dose occurred), but was reduced by about 50% in the increased group.

Conclusion From this observational study it is concluded that adjusting steroid therapy guided by serum ECP‐level may be helpful in tailoring asthma treatment.
Studies of the effects of inhaled magnesium on airway reactivity to histamine and adenosine monophosphate in asthmatic subjects
Authors: HILL J. , LEWIS S. , BRITTON J.
Published: April 2006

Background Magnesium is a cation with smooth muscle relaxant and anti‐inflammatory effects and may therefore have a role in the therapy of asthma. Several studies have investigated the effects of intravenous magnesium in acute or stable asthma, but little is known about the effects of inhaled magnesium.

Objective To measure the effects of a single inhaled nebulized dose of 180 mg magnesium sulphate on airway reactivity to a direct‐acting bronchoconstrictor (histamine) and an indirect‐acting bronchoconstrictor (adenosine monophosphate [AMP]) in asthmatic subjects.

Objective Two separate randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled crossover studies, each involving 10 asthmatic subjects. In the histamine study, airway reactivity to histamine was measured and lung function allowed to recover spontaneously over 50 min before administering nebulized magnesium sulphate or saline placebo. Airway reactivity to histamine was then measured at 5 and 50 min. In the AMP study, a single measurement of airway reactivity was made 5 min after magnesium or placebo.

Results In the histamine study, the provocative dose required to reduce FEV1 by 20% (PD20FEV1) was significantly lower after magnesium than after placebo, by a mean (95% CI) of 1.02 (0.22–1.82) doubling doses at 5 min (P= 0.018), and 1.0 (0.3–1.7) doubling doses at 50 min (P= 0.01). In the AMP study, PD20FEV1 was also significantly lower at 5 min after magnesium than after saline, by 0.64 (0.12–1.16) doubling doses (P= 0.023), though this difference was not statistically significant after adjustment for differences in baseline FEV1 on the two study days.

Conclusions Inhaled magnesium did not protect against the effects of these direct and indirect bronchoconstrictor stimuli in subjects with asthma, and may have increased airway reactivity to histamine.
Loratadine and desethoxylcarbonyl‐loratadine inhibit the immunological release of mediators from human FcɛRI+cells
Authors: GENOVESE A. , PATELLA V. , DE CRESCENZO G. , DE PAULIS A. , SPADARO G. , MARONE G.
Published: April 2006

BackgroundLoratadine, a novel histamine H1‐receptor antagonist, is effective in the treatment of patients with seasonal and perennial rhinitis and some allergic skin disorders. Histamine and other chemical mediators are synthesized and immunologically released by human peripheral blood basophils and tissue mast cells (FcɛRI+cells).

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of loratadine and its main metabolite, desethoxylcarbonyl‐loratadine (des‐loratadine), on the immunological release of preformed (histamine and tryptase) andde novosynthesized mediators (leukotriene C4: LTC4and prostaglandin D2: PGD2) from human FcɛRI+cells.

MethodsHuman FcɛRI+cells purified from peripheral blood and from skin (HSMC) and lung tissue (HLMC) were preincubated with loratadine and des‐loratadine before immunological challenge with Der p 1 antigen or anti‐FcɛRI. The release of preformed mediators (histamine and tryptase) andde novosynthesized eicosanoids was evaluated in the supernatants of human FcRI+cells.

ResultsPreincubation (15m in, 37°C) of purified (36–74%) basophils with loratadine (3 × 10–6–10–4M) and des‐loratadine before Der p 1 antigen or anti‐FcɛRI challenge concentration‐dependency (5–40%) inhibited the release of histamine and LTC4. Loratadine (3 × 10–6–l0–4M) and des‐loratadine also inhibited (10–40%) histamine, LTC4, and PGD2release from purified HLMC (16–68%) activated by anti‐FcɛRI. Loratadine (3 × 10–6–10–4M) and des‐loratadine caused concentration‐dependent inhibition (10–40%) of histamine, tryptase. LTC4, and PGD2release from purified HSMC (24– 72%) immunologically challenged with anti‐FcɛRI.

ConclusionThese results indicate that loratadine and its main metabolite have anti‐ inflammatory activity by inhibiting the release of preformed andde novosynthesized mediators from human FcɛRI+cells.
Prognostic factors for toluene diisocyanate‐induced occupational asthma after removal from exposure
Authors: PARK H.‐S. , NAHM D.‐H.
Published: April 2006

Background
The outcome of isocyanatc‐induced occupational asthma remains to be further defined. There have been few studies on the role of specific antibodies in prognosis of toluene diisocyanate (TDI) induced occupational asthma. Moreover, to the best of our knowledge, there have been no studies on the improvement pattern of airway hyper‐responsiveness (AH). We analysed the prognostic factors that affected the outcome of 35 toluene diisocyanate‐induced occupational asthma.

Objectives
To define clinical and laboratory parameters predicting favourable prognosis for TDI‐induced occupational asthma.

Methods and results
After confirmation of bronchial sensitivity by TDI hronchoprovocation test (BPT), 35 patients were recommended to avoid exposure to TDI; they were also given anti‐asthmatic medications including inhaled steroids and monitored for 2 years. Seventeen (49%) recovered completely with disappearance of airway hyperresponsiveness (AH) to methacholine during the follow‐up period (mean duration: 12 months, range of 3–30 months). Eleven (31%) showed a significant improvement in AH for first year, which improvement stabihzed in the next year with mild symptoms. Seven (20%) patients did not show any evidence of improvement in AH and had persistent symptoms. Favourable prognosis was associated with a short duration of asthmatic symptoms before diagnosis (P < 0.05), immediate cessation of exposure after diagnosis (P < 0.05), milder degree of AH at diagnosis (P < 0.05), and the presence of specific IgE antibodies to TDI‐human serum albumin conjugate (0.05 < P < 0.1). No association was found with atopic and smoking status, age, exposure duration, or length of latent period (P > 0.05).

Conclusion
These data suggest that early detection of TDI‐induced asthma and immediate cessation of exposure are important factors for a favourable prognosis.
Inhibitory activity of loratadine and descarboxyethoxyloratadine on histamine‐induced activation of endothelial cells
Authors: MOLET S. , GOSSET P. , LASSALLE P. , CZARLEWSKI W. , TONNEL A.‐B.
Published: April 2006

Background
The allergic inflammatory reaction is characterized by leucocyte adherence and infiltration processes which are controlled by the expression of adhesion molecules on the surface of vascular endothelium. One of the main mediators implicated in allergic reactions is represented by histamine. Histamine is a potent activator of endothelial cells (EC): it induces the expression of P‐selectin on the surface of endothelium and the secretion of IL‐6 and IL‐8.

Objectives
Loratadine (L), a histamine H1‐antagonist, and one of its active metabolites, descarboxyethoxyloratadine (DCL), were studied at different concentrations for their ability to reduce the histamine‐induced activation of human umbilical vein EC (HUVEC).

Methods
HUVEC were stimulated in the presence of histamine at 10‐6M, 10‐5M and 10‐4M. We assessed by ELISA the expression of P‐selectin on EC surface, as well as cytokine production in EC supernatants of 24 h culture.

Results
Our results showed that for a 10‐4 M‐histamine stimulation, L and DCL have a similar inhibitory effect on P‐selectin expression (IC50= 13 × 10‐9 M and 23 × 10‐9 M, respectively). L and DCL inhibited significantly IL‐6 and IL‐8 secretion induced by histamine with a more powerful efficiency of the active metabolite. For the dose of 10‐4 M histamine, a 50% inhibition of IL‐6 secretion was obtained for a dose of DCL equal to 2.6 × 10‐12 M whereas the same magnitude of effects were only reached for a higher concentration of L (0.3 × 10‐6 M). Similar results were obtained for IL‐8 (IC50 = 0.2 × 10‐6M for L and 10‐9 M for DCL). Analysis of IL‐8 mRNA expression by RT‐PCR was in accordance with these data.

Conclusions
These results demonstrate that both L and DCL are active to reduce the histamine‐induced activation of EC. Interestingly, DCL seems to be effective at lesser concentrations especially to inhibit cytokine secretion.
IgE crossreactivity between mugwort pollen (Artemisia vulgaris) and hazelnut (Abellana nux) in sera from patients with sensitivity to both extracts
Authors: CABALLERO T. , PASCUAL C. , GARCÍA‐ARA M. C. , OJEDA J. A. , MARTÍN‐ESTEBAN M.
Published: April 2006

BackgroundAn association between sensitization toCompositaepollens and hypersensitivity to hazelnut has been previously described. There is no previous invitrostudy about crossreactivity between mugwort pollen and hazelnut.

ObjectivesTo study mugwort pollen and hazelnut allergens and to assess if there is IgE crossreactivity between mugwort pollen and hazelnut.

MethodsA serum pool formed by 28 individual sera with specific IgE to mugwort pollen and hazelnut was used to investigate IgE crossreactivity. RAST‐inhibition, SDS‐PAGE/IEF immunoblotting inhibition assays were performed by preineubation of the sera with mugwort pollen and hazelnut.

ResultsRAST to hazelnut was inhibited up to 63% by mugwort pollen, but the mugwort pollen RAST was only inhibited up to 36% by hazelnut. In SDS‐PAGE immunoblotting mugwort pollen showed nine allergens ranging from < 16 to 65kDa and hazelnut had four main allergens: 42kDa, 17kDa and < 16kDa (two bands). In the SDS‐PAGE immunoblotting inhibition hazelnut partially inhibited all the mugwort pollen bands, except that with 19kDa, whereas mugwort pollen produced a nearly total inhibition of all the hazelnut allergens. In isoeleetrofocusing immunoblotting mugwort pollen had two groups of allergens: pI 7.5–8.5 and pi 3.5–5.2 and hazelnut one group of allergens: pI 5.2–5.8. In the isoeleetrofocusing immunoblotting inhibition hazelnut produced a partial inhibition of all the bands of mugwort pollen and mugwort pollen partially inhibited all the allergenic bands of hazelnut.

ConclusionsThe RAST and SDS‐PAGE/IEF immunoblotting inhibition results provide evidence of IgE cross reactivity between mugwort pollen and hazelnut allergens. The inhibition of hazelnut by mugwort pollen is higher than the inhibition of mugwort pollen by hazelnut in both RAST inhibition and SDS‐PAGE immunoblotting inhibition. These results suggest that mugwort pollen allergens would behave as primary immunogens in the association between sensitivity to mugwort pollen and hazelnut.
Role of leukotrienes in post‐allergic propranolol‐induced bronchoconstriction in guinea‐pigs
Authors: FUJIMURA M. , SONGÜR N. , ISHIURA Y. , MIZUHASHI K. , MYOU S. , MATSUDA T.
Published: April 2006

Background
Administration of propranolol can provoke bronchoconstriction only in asthmatic patients. Recently we developed an animal model for propranolol‐induced bronchoconstriction (PIB). Our working hypothesis is that such bronchoconstriction may result from the inflammatory mediators released by an allergic reaction.

Objectives
Our goal in this study was to determine which products of arachidonate 5‐lipoxygenase pathway are involved in the PIB.

Methods
Propranolol at a concentration of 10mg/mL was inhaled 20min after antigen challenge in passively sensitized, anaesthetized and artificially ventilated guinea‐pigs. Two different sulfidopeptide leukotriene (s‐LT) antagonists, ICI198 615 in the doses of 0.03 and 0.3 mg/kg and vehicle and KCA757 in the doses of 1 and 5 mg/kg and vehicle, and a LTB4 antagonist ONO4057 in the doses of 1 and 10 mg/kg and vehicle were injected intravenously 15min after antigen challenge. Effects of an anticholinergic agent atropine sulphate (5 mg/kg) and an α‐adrenergic biocker pbentolamine (0.3 and 3 mg/kg) were exatnined in the same way.

Results
Bronchoconstriction occurred when 10 mg/mL of propranolol was inhaled 20 min after antigen challenge. Both ICI198 615 and KCA757 administered intravenously 15 min after antigen challenge reduced the PIB in a dose‐dependent manner while ONO4057 did not alter the PIB. Atropine or phentolamine did not change the PIB.

Conclusions
These results suggest that mediator mechanism, but not cholinergic or α‐adrenergic nerve, is important in the PIB which developed after the allergic bronchoconstriction in our guinea‐pig model and that s‐LTs but not LTB4 have an important role in the pathophysiology of the PIB.
Exposure of laboratory animal workers to airborne rat and mouse urinary allergens
Authors: HOLLANDER A. , VAN RUN P. , SPITHOVEN J. , HEEDERIK D. , DOEKES G.
Published: April 2006

Background Laboratory animal workers are at high risk of developing occupational allergy. Little is known about the relationship between levels of exposure and the risk of developing laboratory animal allergy. Since laboratory animal work comprises a large number of different — often short lasting — tasks, it is of interest to assess which activities are associated with high. low or intermediate levels of allergen exposure. Objective To develop and evaluate highly sensitive immunoassays in order to quantify rat and mouse urinary allergens in airborne dust sampled during short‐lasting tasks.

Objective Personal air dust samples were taken during full‐shift periods as well as during specific tasks in seven laboratory animal facilities. Two sandwich enzyme immunoassays were developed, using rabbit antisera against rat and mouse urinary proteins. The rabbit antibodies were analysed by sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) and immunoblotting and compared with IgE antibodies from sensitized laboratory animal workers.

Results The rabbit antibodies were highly specific for rat and mouse urinary proteins and reacted with all IgE‐binding allergens in either urinary protein preparation. The assays for rat and mouse urine were very sensitive, with detection limits of 0.075 ng/mL. The coefficient of variation of the analysis was 12.9% for both assays. Animal caretakers appeared to experience the highest exposure to aeroallergens. A large variation in exposure within jobs was found, due to differences between tasks performed during the sampling day and the facility worked at. The highest exposure levels were found during removal of contaminated bedding from the cages. However, rat and mouse allergen exposure levels during this task varied enormously between facilities, 1.1–158ngeq/m and 0.63– 2000ngeq/m3. respectively.

Conclusion Both sandwich immunoassays are highly specific and sensitive and are able to identify tasks of relatively short duration with high, medium and low exposure to airborne rat and mouse urinary allergens.
Myeloperoxidase and interleukin‐8 levels in chronic sinusitis
Authors: DEMOLY P. , CRAMPETTE L. , MONDAIN M. , ENANDER I. , JONES I. , BOUSQUET J.
Published: April 2006

We have recetitly phenotyped inflammation iti tion‐infectious allergic and non‐allergic chronic maxillary sinusitis using sinus biopsies and lavage fluids. In this first paper, we have concentrated our work on the eosinophil, T cell, mast cell and macrophage infiltrates. However, many unresolved questions remain and particularly the role of neutrophils needed to be addressed. In the present study, we focused on the neutrophilic inflammation: myeloperoxidase (MPO) and interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) were measured by immunoassays and neutrophils were enumerated by conventional staining in the sinus lavage fluids of 16 patients with chronic sinusitis and six control subjects. Both MPO and IL‐8 levels were significantly higher in patients than in controls (P < 0.01 and 0.005, respectively). There was a significant correlation between MPO levels and neutrophil numbers, and between MPO and IL‐8 levels in the sinus lavage fluid (P < 0.0001, Spearman rank correlation). The presence of high levels of IL‐8 in the lavage fluids of patients suffering from chronic sinusitis, levels which correlate with those of MPO, suggests that this cytokine may activate neutrophils in this chronic disease.
Purification and IgE binding capacity of Der s 3, a major allergen from Dermatophagoides siboney
Authors: FERRÁNDIZ R. , CASAS R. , DREBORG S.
Published: April 2006

Background Sensitization to the house dust mite Dermatophagoides siboney has been demonstrated in asthmatic patients. Previously, Dermatophagoides siboney group 1 and group 2 allergens, named Der s 1 and Der s 2, respeetively, have been purified.

Objectives The aim of this study was to purify and to study the IgE reactivity of a 30 kDa component, suspected to correspond to group 3 allergens.

Methods The protein was purified by affinity chromatography using anti‐Der f 3 monoclonal antibodies and semi‐preparative SDS‐PAGE. The IgE binding capacity of the purified fractions was tested with sera from 106 mite‐ sensitive asthmatic patients using a modified chemiluminiscent method.

Results Affinity chromatography resulted in fractions containing the 30 kDa component which was further purified to homogeneity by SDS‐PAGE. Seventythree per cent of the sera showed IgE reactivity to this protein, indicating that it is a major allergen. The protein also reacted with anti Der f 3 polyclonal antibodies and had tryptic activity. There were differences in the reaetivity to Der s 3 according to the age of the patients.

Conclusion Based on the frequency of IgE reactions and the reactivity with antibodies directed to Der f 3, it is proposed to name this 30 kDa allergen from D. siboney, Der s 3.
Increased prevalence of sensitization against aeroallergens in adults in West compared with East Germany
Authors: NICOLAI T. , BELLACH B. , MUTIUS E. V , THEFELD W. , HOFEMEISTER H.
Published: April 2006

Background
An increased prevalence of allergic diseases and atopic sensitization as assessed by skin‐prick testing in children in West compared with East Germany has been reported.

Objectives
This study was designed to evaluate whether such a difference is also present in adults, and if this can be shown when using a serological test for allergic sensitization.

Methods
Two large samples representative for all adults between 25 and 69 years of age were drawn in West (1991, n= 5313) and East Germany (1992, n= 2617). A serological test screening for IgE‐antibodies to common aeroallergens (SXI) was performed. A questionnaire was used to assess the presence of clinical respiratory allergy, known possible risk factors for allergies and confounding variables.

Results
Allergic sensitization decreased with age. Significantly more subjects < 45 years of age had a positive allergy test in West as compared to East Germany. The prevalence of clinical allergy was also higher in West Germany. This difference was significant in younger adults and was independent of other risk factors identified. These additional risk factors encompassed younger age, higher educational level, male sex, and living in a community with more than 100000 inhabitants.

Conclusion
Sensitization to common aeroallergens as determined by a multiple allergen RAST test in adults below 45 years of age living in West Germany is increased compared to East Germany. This increase cannot be explained by genetic differences and is similar to the West to East decreasing gradient in allergies reported from studies in children employing skin‐prick tests.
Mould‐devouring mites differ in guanine excretion from dust‐eating Acari, a possible error source in mite allergen exposure studies
Authors: KORT H. S. M. , SCHOBER G. , KOREN L. G. H. , SCHARRINGA J.
Published: April 2006

Background and Objective
Measurement of guanine in dust proved a good assessment of mite allergen exposure.

Methods
Exposure to mite allergens may lead to atopic inflictions. In a semi‐natural test system the development of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Trouessart) and Glycyphagus domesticus (De Geer), and the presence of their guanine excretion, was examined in a dustsoiled and mouldy environment. Mites were counted after heat‐escape, and guanine was detected by means of capillary zone electrophoresis. For each species, 50 mites randomly taken, were inoculated on soiled test‐surfaces of 10 × 10 cm. Rough wooden board, gypsum board, tufted carpet, and a self‐made mattress representing wall surfaces and home‐textiles, respectively, were used. Eight weeks after inoculation with mites only, the surfaces were all mould ridden, and mite and guanine measurements were taken. The Spearman rank correlation test and the Mann‐Whitney U‐test were used in statistical analysis. The confidence limit was set at 1%.

Results
Among the various test‐surfaces, no differences were found regarding total mite numbers and amount of guanine present (P > 0.0l). For the dust‐eating mite D. pteronyssinus, total mite numbers correlated with the amount of guanine present (P= 0.002) on all inoculated surfaces, indicating feeding on the protein‐rich dust. For the mould devouring mite G. domesticus, however, no such correlation was found (P= 0.72). Apparently, they mainly consumed fungal carbohydrates during this experiment.

Conclusion
The allergological relevance of storage mites has been under discussion for the last 25 years. In humid homes, these mites will feed almost exclusively on fungi and may produce allergenic or irritating substances different from those arising on protein‐rich laboratory media used in allergen extract production or present in carpets, bedding and furniture.
Immunological changes during specific immunotherapy of grass pollen allergy: reduced lymphoproliferative responses to allergen and shift from TH2 to TH1 in T‐cell clones specific for Phi p 1, a major grass pollen allergen
Authors: EBNER C. , SIEMANN U. , BOHLE B. , WILLHEIM M. , WIEDERMANN U. , SCHENK S. , KLOTZ F. , EBNER H. , KRAFT D. , SCHEINER O.
Published: April 2006

Background and Objective
The mechanisms operative in specific immunotherapy (SIT) of Type I allergy are not completely understood. In the present study we evaluated immunological changes during SIT in pollinosis.

Method
Eight patients suffering from pollinosis (monosensitized to grass pollen) were treated with conventional SIT. All subjects had IgE specific for Phi p 1. a major allergen of timothy grass. In vitro changes in the immunological reactivity to grass pollen extract and to recombinant Phi p 1 were evaluated. Subjects were examined at three occasions: before, after 3 months and after I year of SIT.

Results
Serological analysis revealed a marked increase of grass pollen‐ and Phi p 1‐specific IgG, titres of specific IgE did not change significantly. Lymphoproliferative responses to grass pollen extract and rPhl p 1 were reduced already after 3 months of treatment. Accordingly, the cloning efficiency for Ph1 p 1‐specific T‐cell clones (TCC) dropped markedly in all patients. The majority of allergen‐specific TCC raised before SIT revealed a TH2‐like pattern of cytokine production. TCC established after SIT revealed TH1 characteristics. This shift was due to a decrease in IL‐4 rather than an increase in IFN‐production by T cells. Investigations of the epitopes recognized by T cells before and after SIT did not reveal the outgrowth of new (ldquo;protecting”) specificities. We could not observe induction of allergen‐speeific CD8+ lymphocytes (supressor cells).

Conclusion
Our data indicate that — on the level of TH lymphocytes — SIT induces tolerance to the allergen and a modulation of the cytokine pattern produced in response to allergen stimulation.
Identification of T‐cell epitope sequences on an important mite antigen
Authors: FUJII S. , ONO K. , TAKEUCHI A. , AKI T. , SHIGETA S. , SUZUKI O. , JYO T. , YAMASHITA U.
Published: April 2006

Background
T‐cell epitopes on Der 1 and Der 2 groups, the major mite allergens, have been intensively analysed, while those on the other important allergens remain to be elucidated. We have cloned four cDNAs coding for important mite allergens on the basis of frequency and capacity of IgE binding. Stimulatory action of glutathione S‐transferase‐fused Mag1 on lymphocytes from mite‐allergic patients was relatively high among them.

Objective
To identify T‐cell epitopes on Mag1, we studied the stimulating activity of truncated Mag1 proteins and synthetic peptides on proliferative response of lymphocytes from mite antigen‐immunized mice and mite‐sensitive patients.

Methods
Truncated Mag1 proteins were expressed as a fusion protein with β‐galactosidase in Escherichia coli pop2136 carrying a variety of deleted Mag1 inserts. Murine T‐cell epitope regions were estimated by the truncated antigen‐induced lymphocyte proliferation assay. Overlapping peptides covering the whole sequence of the presumed T‐cell epitope regions were synthesized to identify the epitope core. sequences using murine and human Mag1‐specific T‐cell lines.

Results
Amino acid range 56–70 on Mag1 molecule showed remarkable stimulatory action on murine T cells, while amino acid ranges 51–65 and 86–100 had potent stimulatory activity on human T cells.

Conclusion
These results suggest that Mag1 is a valuable antigen suitable for studies on T‐cell responses and T‐cell epitopes in mice and humans.
Effect of allergen immunotherapy on nasal responses in guinea‐pigs with allergic rhinitis
Authors: NAKAMOTO S. , UKAI K. , SAKAKURA Y.
Published: April 2006

Methods
We have investigated the effects of allergen immunotherapy on the nasal responses in the guinea‐pigs with allergic rhinitis. Thirty‐three male Hartley guinea‐pigs with allergic rhinitis were divided into three groups; those receiving intradermal injection of saline (Group 1) or 0.1% ovalbumin (Group 2) 6 days after the last intranasal sensitization, and those injected with 0.1% ovalbumin intradermally once daily for 6 consecutive days from the next day after the last intranasal sensitization (Group 3).

Results
The dye leakage and histamine content into the nasal lavage significantly decreased at 30min after antigen challenge in Group 3, compared with Group 1 or 2. We also observed the change of mast cell numbers in superficial nasal mucosa, lamina propria and injected dorsal skin. The number of mast cells in superficial nasal mucosa significantly decreased in Group 3 compared with Group 1 or 2, but not those in nasal lamina propria or dorsal skin.

Conclusions
These results suggest that the improvements of nasal responses such as dye leakage and histamine content may be caused by the decrease of mast cell numbers in the superficial mucosal layer after the specific immunotherapy. which may be developing tolerance and one of the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effect of immunotherapy.
Acute infections, infection pressure, and atopy
Authors: Paunio M. , Peltola H. , Virtanen M. , Leinikki P. , Makela A. , Heinonen O. P.
Published: April 2006

Background
During the recent years, a new theory postulating that lack of early childhood infections would increase the prevalence rate of allergies has rapidly gained momentum. This hygiene hypothesis has been widely disseminated to the general public and it has been suggested that vaccinations would accordingly indirectly increase rates of atopy. We thus investigated associations between acute infections, infection pressure (i.e. number of daily child contacts) and atopy in one of the largest population‐based medical surveys ever published in the medical literature.

Methods
Almost all Finns born between 1976 and 1984 and a sample of older teenagers aged up to 19 years (n=5 47 190) were vaccinated and questioned to establish clinical history of mumps and rubella and manifestations of atopy (rhinoconjunctivitis, eczema, and asthma) in 1982–1986. A subsample (n=37 733) including all those subjects who were vaccinated during the first 2 months of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) programme were also queried information about upper respiratory infections (URIs) and infection pressure. Crude and adjusted prevalence ratios of atopy among those with infectious disease history compared with those without it were calculated.

Results
The risk of URI and a history of mumps and rubella increased with the number of daily contacts. This association was apparent especially among the youngest subjects with regard to URIs whereas the proportion with histories of mumps and rubella increased with increasing infection pressure more clearly among the 6‐year‐olds. Atopy was not associated with daily child contacts among pre‐schoolers. Children with histories of repeated URIs and MMR diseases had substantially more atopy than those with lower URI or MMR disease rates.

Conclusions
Atopic subjects seem to be especially prone to clinically apparent acute respiratory tract infections, and might be in particular need of protection by immunizations. This study does not support the idea that the prevalence of atopy in affluent countries would be affected from disappearing respiratory tract infections.
Histiocytosis X: natural history and management in childhood
Authors: PRITCHARD JON
Published: April 2006

Multi-system histiocytosis X is still a potentially fatal disorder. Death occurs from pulmonary, hepatic, small bowel or bone marrow failure often with severe intercurrent infection as the terminal illness. Chemotherapy has had some impact on mortality but morbidity in survivors is still a real problem. Around 50% of survivors will have a significant handicap. Complete response can be achieved with a variety of chemotherapeutic agents but the introduction of combination therapy has led to unacceptable toxicity especially in the very young. There is preliminary evidence that treatment with calf ‘thymic humoral factor’ may benefit a proportion of patients. This recent work supports the notion that histiocytosis X is not a true malignancy, but rather a subtle form of immune deficiency possibly involving a soluble thymic or T-lym-phocyte product.
Retinol-binding protein in serum and epidermis of patients with ichthyosis vulgaris
Authors: MICHAËLSSON GERD , FORSUM URBAN , TJERNLUND ULLA MALMNÄS , RASK LARS , VAHLQUIST ANDERS
Published: April 2006

Fifteen patients with ichthyosis vulgaris of the dominant type were studied by immunological techniques for the detection of retinol-binding protein (RBP) in serum and epidermis. The serum RBP levels were all within the normal range thus indicating a normal vitamin A status in the blood. The epidermal RBP pattern was abnormal as judged by an indirect immuno-fluorescence technique. It is suggested that the decreased binding of RBP to ichthyosis epidermis is secondary to a reduced number of granular cells and not due to a disturbed vitamin A uptake per se.
Systemic amyloidosis and the skin: a review with special emphasis on clinical features and therapy
Authors: BREATHNACH STEPHEN M. , BLACK MARTIN M.
Published: April 2006

This report is a review of the literature on systemic amyloidosis and concentrates largely on primary and plasma cell dyscrasia-related disease. Recent developments in the fields of amyloid structure and pathogenesis arc discussed and patterns of clinical presentation are described. It is emphasized that a combination of the carpal tunnel syndrome, macroglossia and specific mucocutaneous lesions necessitates an intensive search for an underlying plasma cell dyscrasia, and that immunodectrophoresis of serum and concentrated urine is essential to exclude a paraproteinaemia. Other diagnostic measures, including cutaneous histopathology, are considered. Despite the advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of amyloid, there has been little progress in terms of the success of therapy, and the ultimate prognosis of patients with systemic amyloidosis remains poor.
GEO‐ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS OF THE HYDROLOGY OF WEST GERMAN AREAS*
Authors: HALLENBACH F.
Published: April 2006

Abstract

The supply of drinking water and water for general use in the towns and communities of Western Germany is in many cases insufficient. In order to eliminate the difficulties in the supply of water, geophysical methods have been applied to a large extent since the end of the war.

The most important hydrological problems, which were solved successfully by geo‐electrical measurements, are as follows:

Search for, and delimitation of, areas with salty ground water.

Investigation of the geological situation in catchment areas for large waterworks, and the finding of suitable places for the establishment of new plants, and in particular.

Search for and determination of the thickness and nature of water‐bearing sands and gravels and of the relief of the underlying impervious strata.

Some typical examples are presented herewith.
A PROCESS OF SEISMIC REFLECTION INTERPRETATION*
Authors: HAGEDOORN J. G.
Published: April 2006

Abstract

A process is described whereby the interpretation of seismic reflection data is carried out by a preliminary two‐dimensional plotting procedure followed by a three‐dimensional migration. The concept of a surface of maximum convexity is introduced as an integral part of the process of migration. The procedures for deriving the necessary charts of curves are considered and a number of serviceable charts presented.
DRILLING METHODS IN SAND AND GRAVEL FORMATIONS*
Authors: MURATORI G.
Published: April 2006

In the development of seismic drilling methods in Northern Italy the most important considerations have been those of ease in transport and quickness of operation. Different drilling systems are described that are adapted to the different types of near surface formation that are encountered in the area. In soft sands a high pressure water jet is used, a rotary table not being required in a great many cases. In medium consistency sand and small gravel, the drill rods are rotated by a special roller wrench equipment instead of the more usual kelly. In coarse formations, gravel and boulders, casing is driven by special pile driving equipment with collapsible mast for easy transport.
GEOELEKTRISCHE BAUGRUNDUNTERSUGHUNGEN IN JUGOSLAWIEN UND OESTERREICH*
Authors: FRITSCH VOLKER
Published: April 2006

Abstract

Examples are given illustrating the application of geo‐electrical methods to engineering problems in Austria and Yugoslavia. A large number of these examples deal with dam problems. In this field, resistivity methods are used for bedrock investigations, to check the efficiency of cement injections into the rock, and to investigate the seepage of water underneath the dam. In the building and maintenance of roads, resistivity methods are used for the detection of cavities underneath the road. On the Vienna air port, a radio method was used for the same purpose.
DIE AUSBREITUNG ELASTISCHER WELLEN IN ANISOTROPEN MEDIEN*
Authors: HELBIG K.
Published: April 2006

Abstract

In seismic underground surveys carried out by Seismos GmbH in siderite mines of Siegerland (Germany) anomalies in velocities have been found which could be explained only by the assumption of slates being aeolotropic. In this paper some of the peculiarities connected with the propagation of elastic waves in aeolotropic media–especially those consisting of thin beds of isotropic material–are discussed. Schlieren‐pictures of wave‐fronts are presented, which show the validity of the theory.