bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cost of living, real wages and real incomes in thirteen Canadian cities, 1900–1950
Authors: Emery J. C. Herbert , Levitt Clint
Published: March 2003

Price indices for thirteen Canadian cities for 1900 to 1950 demonstrate large regional differences in cost of living until 1914. After 1914 regional price levels converged. Before the war, western Canadian cities had the highest cost of living. After 1920 cities in Ontario had the highest cost of living. Accounting for these trends in regional costs of living reveals that regional real wage and real income structures have been present and stable since at least 1901. Thus, regional wage and income disparities are long‐standing and persistent features of the Canadian economy.

Coût de la vie, salaires réels et revenus réels dans treize villes canadiennes. Les indices de prix pour treize villes canadiennes entre 1900 et 1950 montrent qu’il y avait de fortes différences dans le coût de la vie jusqu’en 1914. Après 1914, il y a convergence des niveaux de prix régionaux. Avant la guerre, les villes de l’ouest canadien avaient le coût de la vie le plus élevé. Après 1920, des villes de l’Ontario vont avoir le plus haut coût de la vie. Si l’on tient compte de ces tendances régionales dans les niveaux du coût de la vie, il appert que des structures de salaires et de revenus réels ont été en place et stables depuis 1901. Donc, les disparités régionales de salaires et de revenus sont des caractéristiques déjà anciennes et persistantes de l’économie canadienne.
Variable Rational Partisan Business Cycles: theory and some evidence
Authors: Heckelman Jac C.
Published: March 2003

The Variable Rational Partisan Business Cycle model is developed, where agents face uncertainty regarding the timing and outcome of the next election. The model predicts that partisan influences on the economy persist throughout the government’s rule and are further influenced, in the opposite direction, by which party ruled in the previous period. Party popularity also has a causal effect on the business cycle. Finally, the effects from changes in election timing expectations are dependent on which party ruled in the previous period. Empirical results for output and unemployment in Canada, Germany, and United Kingdom yield mixed support for the model. JEL Classification: D72, E32

Le modèle des cycles d’affaires variables fondé sur le comportement du partisan rationnel : théorie et résultats. Le modèle de cycles d’affaires variables fondé sur le comportement du partisan rationnel est développé pour le cas où les agents font face à de l’incertitude quant au moment du déclenchement des élections et quant aux résultats des prochaines élections. Le modèle prédit que les influences partisanes sur l’économie persistent tout au long du mandat du gouvernement, et qu’elles sont influencées, dans la direction opposée, par le type de parti au pouvoir au cours du mandat antérieur. La popularité du parti a un effet de causalité sur le cycle d’affaires. Enfin les effets des changements dans les anticipations du moment du déclenchement des élections dépendent de quel parti était au pouvoir au cours de la période antérieure. Les résultats empiriques de la calibration du modèle pour la production et le chômage au Canada,en Allemagne et au Royaume Uni donnent des résultats mitigés.
Beyond Invasion and Succession: School Segregation, Real Estate Blockbusting, and the Political Economy of Neighborhood Racial Transition
Authors: Gotham Kevin Fox
Published: March 2003

Recent urban scholarship has questioned the validity, methodology, and assumptions of the invasion‐succession model of neighborhood racial transition but has yet to elaborate a framework that extends beyond a critique of ecological theory. In this article, I use the theoretical insights of the sociospatial approach and draw on census data, government documents and reports, in‐depth interviews, and oral histories to examine the racial transition of southeast Kansas City, Missouri after 1950. I advance understanding of neighborhood transition by identifying the key actors, organized interests, and institutional forces that the invasion‐succession model has neglected to incorporate into its explanatory framework. I investigate the critical links between discriminatory school boundary decisions and real estate blockbusting in determining the timing, pace, and magnitude of racial succession. My objective is to fashion an alternative theory of neighborhood racial transition that takes into account the power of events to shape and transform ecological patterns, illuminates the interconnectedness of structural factors and human agency, and highlights the role of powerful actors and organized interests in marketing racial exclusion and reinforcing racially segregated settlement spaces.
Community–Based Activism and Change: The Cases of Sydney and Toronto
Authors: Vromen Ariadne
Published: March 2003

How do community–based political activists justify the ongoing effectiveness of their chosen location for political activity? How do they describe the shifts in relationships between community–development activism and the state? This article presents findings from case studies undertaken with two community–development organizations based in Sydney, Australia, and Toronto, Canada. The focus of the analysis is 40 in–depth interviews conducted with activists in the late 1990s. The article details how the activists describe the present realities for community–development activism and what they conceptualize as the future for their field of political action. It is argued that by appreciating how activists substantiate the relevance of community–development activism in periods of economic, political, and social change we are able to build a notion of participation that is inclusive of, rather than critical of, everyday activist experiences.
Spreads, Depths, and Quote Clustering on the NYSE and Nasdaq: Evidence after the 1997 Securities and Exchange Commission Rule Changes
Authors: Chung Kee H. , Van Ness Bonnie F. , Van Ness Robert A.
Published: March 2003

This paper examines liquidity and quote clustering on the NYSE and Nasdaq using data after the two market reforms—the 1997 order–handling rule and minimum tick size changes. We find that Nasdaq–listed stocks exhibit wider spreads and smaller depths than NYSE–listed stocks and stocks with higher proportions of even–eighth and even–sixteenth quotes have wider quoted, effective, and realized spreads on both the NYSE and Nasdaq. This result differs from the findings by Bessembinder (1999, p. 404) that “trade execution costs on Nasdaq in late 1997 are no longer significantly explained by a tendency for liquidity providers to avoid odd–eighth quotations,” and “odd–sixteenth avoidance has little relevance for explaining post–reform Nasdaq trading costs.”
Characteristically Lutheran Leanings?
Authors: Edwards, Jr. Mark U.
Published: March 2003

Is there a distinct Lutheran epistemology? I contend that there is. This epistemology, coming from the writings of (and subsequent reflections upon the writings of) Martin Luther, is uniquely poised–due to its emphasis on history, its affirmation of “the ordinary” and embodied life, its ability to have genuine dialogue with “secular” disciplines, and its built–in humility–for addressing the interdisciplinary political, social justice, environmental, and other issues that face us today. Likewise, one is able to embrace this epistemology whether he or she is a geneticist, a priest, a teacher, or a doctor; in fact it is this epistemology that can enable us to discern vocational goals.
IPO Underpricing: A Meta–Analysis and Research Synthesis
Authors: Daily Catherine M. , Certo S. Trevis , Dalton Dan R. , Roengpitya Rungpen
Published: March 2003

Initial public offerings (IPOs) have been a prominent focus of academic and popular press attention, especially in recent years. Much of this attention can be attributed to the increase in IPO activity as a function of the “dot com” phenomenon. Of particular interest to both academics and practitioners is IPO underpricing. Review of existing research suggests little consensus regarding those factors associated with underpricing. We provide a meta–analysis of published studies. Our findings reveal a number of significant relationships, many of which are opposite that predicted by signaling theory. Implications of these findings for practice and future research are discussed.
On the asymptotic representation of the solutions to the fourthgeneral Painlevé equation
Authors: Lu Youmin
Published: March 2003

There have been many results on the asymptotics of the
Painlevé transcendents in recent years, but the asymptotics
of the fourth Painlevé transcendent has not been studied
much. In this note, we study the general fourth Painlevé
equation and develop an asymptotic representation of a group of
its solutions as the independent variable approaches infinity
along a straight line.
Unstable K‐cohomology algebra is filtered λ‐ring
Authors: Yau Donald
Published: March 2003

Boardman, Johnson, and Wilson (1995) gave a precise formulation for an
unstable algebra over a generalized cohomology theory. Modifying their
definition slightly in the case of complex K‐theory by taking into
account its periodicity, we prove that an unstable algebra for complex
K‐theory is precisely a filtered λ‐ring, and vice versa.
LFA-1 is required for retention of effector CD8 T cells in mouse lungs
Authors: Thatte Jayant , Dabak Vrushali , Williams Mark B. , Braciale Thomas J. , Ley Klaus
Published: March 2003

The adhesion molecules involved in the migration and retention of activated effector CD8 T cells in the lung microcirculation and their recruitment into lung tissue are largely unknown. Here, we have analyzed the role of lymphocyte function–associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) and very late antigen-4 (VLA-4) on adhesion of influenza hemagglutinin (HA)–specific CD8 T-cell clone D4 under shear conditions in an in vitro binding assay and in an in vivo homing assay to the lungs of naive or transgenic Balb/c mice expressing HA (HA-Tg) by a lung-specific promoter. Blocking LFA-1 or intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) significantly inhibited adhesion of D4 cells to lung vascular endothelium and parenchyma of lung sections. However, blocking VLA-4 or vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) had no effect on cell adhesion. Blocking LFA-1 in vivo significantly delayed lethal injury following adoptive transfer of D4 cells into HA-Tg mice as assessed by weight loss and histology. Residence time of adoptively transferred Indium 111 (111In)–labeled D4 cells in lungs of normal and HA-Tg mice as analyzed by dual modality imaging revealed a significantly shorter transit time of 4 hours for the D4 cells upon in vivo blockade of LFA-1. These results demonstrate a crucial role for LFA-1 in retention of activated CD8 T cells in normal mouse lungs and in the progression of lethal injury in HA-Tg mice.
Increases in eotaxin‐positive cells in induced sputum from atopic asthmatic subjects after inhalational allergen challenge
Authors: Zeibecoglou K , Ying Sun , Meng Q , Robinson Ds , Kay Ab , Macfarlane Aj , Barnes Nc , Pavord I
Published: March 2003

Background: Eosinophils are believed to be critical proinflammatory cells in airway mucosal damage in asthma. Eotaxin is a C‐C chemokine with selective activity for eosinophils and basophils. Previous studies have shown increased expression of eotaxin in the airways of asthmatics at baseline. We aimed to investigate eotaxin expression during the late‐phase reaction to allergen inhalation in atopic asthmatics.

Methods: Sputum induction was performed before and 24 h after inhalational allergen challenge in atopic asthmatics, and eotaxin protein was detected immunocytochemically.

Results: Thirteen patients with a mean decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 s of 28% (±1.5) during the early asthmatic reaction, and 39% (±4.7) during the late asthmatic reaction produced sufficient sputum for study. The percentage of eosinophils in sputum was increased 24 h after allergen challenge (P<0.004), and eosinophil percentages in sputum after challenge correlated with the magnitude of the late‐phase reaction (r=0.56, P=0.05). The percentage of eotaxin‐positive cells increased from 12.6% (range 2–43.8) to 24.3% (8.1–47.1, P<0.005). Allergen‐induced increases in eotaxin‐positive cells correlated with increases in eosinophils (r=0.63, P<0.01).

Conclusions: These findings suggest that eotaxin may contribute to allergen‐induced recruitment of eosinophils to the airway in asthmatic subjects.
Occupational allergic rhinitis and contact urticaria caused by bishop's weed (Ammi majus)
Authors: Kiistala R , Mäkinen‐kiljunen S , Heikkinen K , Rinne J , Haahtela T
Published: March 2003

Bishop's weed (Ammi majus) has been known to induce toxic phytophotodermatitis. We now describe IgE‐mediated rhinitis and contact urticaria caused by exposure to bishop's weed in a 31‐year‐old atopic female florist. A skin prick‐prick test with bishop's weed flowers gave an 8‐mm wheal, and the bishop's weed‐specific IgE level in the patient's serum was 9.7 PRU/ml (RAST class 3). In an immunoblotting experiment with the patient's serum, nine IgE‐binding protein bands with the molecular weights 19, 34, 39–41 (doublet), 52–61 (doublet), and >67 (triplet) kDa were detected in bishop's weed extract. The patient became symptomless after she had ceased to work as a florist.
Nerve growth factor release with mast‐cell‐derived mediators in a patient with systemic mastocytosis after middle‐wave ultraviolet irradiation
Authors: Kurosawa M. , Inamura H. , Amano H. , Kanbe N. , Nagata H. , Nagai H. , Furukawa S. , Miyachi Y.
Published: March 2003

Background: The symptoms of a 56‐year‐old man with systemic mastocytosis became worse with exposure to sunlight. We evaluated mast‐cell‐derived mediators and cytokines before and after exposure to ultraviolet light in the patient.

Methods: The patient was irradiated with middle‐wave ultraviolet light, so‐called ultraviolet light B, and the levels of mediators and cytokines were measured serially. The point mutation Asp816Val in c‐kit was investigated by analyzing polymerase chain reaction products from the complementary DNA of peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Results: Before irradiation, the levels of mast‐cell‐derived mediators and metabolites were elevated. Among various cytokines measured, including soluble c‐kit and stem cell factor, only the level of nerve growth factor was elevated. After irradiation, the nerve growth factor level was further increased along with the levels of mast‐cell‐derived mediators and metabolites. The point mutation Asp816Val in c‐kit was not detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Conclusions: Middle‐wave ultraviolet light may activate mast cells to release nerve growth factor and mediators in systemic mastocytosis.
Perceived prevalence of peanut allergy in Great Britain and its association with other atopic conditions and with peanut allergy in other household members
Authors: Emmett SE , Angus FJ , Fry JS , Lee PN
Published: March 2003

Background: Despite increasing awareness of peanut allergy, little is known of its prevalence. We report on a two‐stage interview survey conducted in Great Britain.

Methods: A total of 16 434 adults (aged 15+ years) reported their own allergies and atopies and named cohabitants with peanut allergy (stage 1). Follow‐up interviews were conducted with identified sufferers from peanut allergy (stage 2).

Results: At stage 1, peanut allergy was reported in 58 respondents and 205 other household members. When we accounted for cases where peanut allergy was unconfirmed or newly reported at stage 2, the prevalence, based on 124 confirmed sufferers, was estimated as 0.48% (95% confidence interval 0.40%–0.55%). The prevalence in children (0.61%, 0.41%–0.82%) was slightly higher than in adults; age‐of‐onset was strikingly earlier. Prevalence was strongly associated with other atopies, particularly tree‐nut allergy. Cases tended significantly to cluster in households. Half of cases had never consulted a doctor. Exactly 7.4% reported being hospitalized after a reaction.

Conclusions: Peanut allergy is reported by 1 in 200 of the population and is commoner in those reporting other atopies. The fact of similar rates in children and adults argues against a recent marked rise in prevalence. The frequency and potential lethality of this disorder emphasize the need for sufferers to receive correct medical advice on management.
Similarity in seasonal appearance between atmospheric birch‐pollen grains and allergen in paucimicronic, size‐fractionated ambient aerosol
Authors: Th F , Spieksma M , Nikkels AH
Published: March 2003

Background: Specific allergen from various pollen types has been found to be carried through the outdoor air, not only by intact pollen grains, but also by much smaller, paucimicronic particles. There is no complete agreement on whether, for birch (Betula), the seasonal appearance of atmospheric pollen allergen follows the fluctuation pattern of the pollen season.

Methods: Assessment of birch‐pollen allergen in size‐fractionated ambient aerosol was performed by descending elution of allergen from impaction strips of a five‐stage cascade impactor, and compared with atmospheric birch‐pollen concentrations as measured with a volumetric pollen trap.

Results: An overall similarity in the courses of the seasonal presence was found for both birch pollen and allergen in particles of all paucimicronic size fractions, although some airborne allergen was detected before and after the birch‐pollen season.

Conclusions: Transfer of pollen allergen to both natural and pollutant environmental dust particles is thought to be the probable explanation of secondary allergen carriage by paucimicronic particles. Until simple techniques for direct and rapid assessment of atmospheric pollen allergen become available, the pollen count gives sufficiently reliable information about the seasonal course of airborne pollen allergen.
Usefulness of UniCAP‐Tryptase fluoroimmunoassay in the diagnosis of anaphylaxis
Authors: Enrique E , García‐Ortega P , Gaig P , Richart C , Sotorra O
Published: March 2003

Background: Serum tryptase level measured by RIA is the main in vitro tool to confirm the diagnosis of anaphylaxis.

Methods: Serum tryptase levels were determined by UniCAP‐Tryptase fluoroimmunoassay (Pharmacia & Upjohn, Uppsala, Sweden), in 30 consecutive patients who presented at the emergency room with a clinical allergic reaction of less than 6‐h duration to assess the value of this method in the diagnosis of anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis was established by clinical criteria and by immunoallergic study. Baseline tryptase levels were determined 1 month later in 21 patients. The receiver operating curve (ROC) was used to establish the best cutoff point of tryptase levels to confirm the diagnosis of anaphylaxis.

Results: Seventeen patients were diagnosed with anaphylaxis. In this group, tryptase levels were higher than in the nonanaphylaxis group, composed mostly of patients with urticaria or angioedema (P<0.001). ROC established the best cutoff of tryptase levels at 8.23 ng/ml with a 94.12% sensitivity and 92.31% specificity, whereas the 13.5 ng/ml cutoff recommended by the manufacturers showed 35.29% sensitivity and 92.31% specificity. The reaction‐tryptase/baseline‐tryptase ratio was 2.85 in the anaphylaxis group and 1.29 in the nonanaphylaxis group.

Conclusions: Serum tryptase levels of >8.23 ng/ml by UniCAP‐Tryptase fluoroimmunoassay identify anaphylaxis in patients with symptoms of less than 6‐h duration. The usefulness of this determination is higher if baseline tryptase levels are available.
Occupational IgE‐mediated asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, and contact urticaria caused by Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum) and tulip
Authors: Piirilä P , Kanerva L , Alanko K , Estlander T , Keskinen H , Pajari‐Backas, and M , Tuppurainen M
Published: March 2003

Background: We report on IgE‐mediated asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, and contact urticaria to two Liliaceae plants, tulip and Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum), diagnosed in a floral shop worker.

Methods: Occupational asthma was diagnosed according to patient history, PEF monitoring, and a work‐simulating provocation test. Flower‐specific IgE was studied, and RAST inhibition tests were performed.

Results: Skin prick testing showed positive reactions to tulip, Easter lily, and chrysanthemum. Total IgE was 180 kU/l, and specific IgE to tulip was 2.6 and to Easter lily 6.5 kU/l. In the RAST‐inhibition test, no cross‐reactivity was found. Occupational asthma was diagnosed by peak flow monitoring at work and at home, as well as specific inhalation challenge with Easter lily, with an immediate 18% reduction in PEF. In addition, contact urticaria and conjunctivitis were diagnosed. After a 9‐year follow‐up without exposure to lilies, the skin prick tests to L. longiflorum and tulip were still positive, but the specific IgE had disappeared.

Conclusions: A case of IgE‐mediated occupational asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, and contact urticaria caused by L. longiflorum and tulip is presented. RAST inhibition tests indicated concomitant sensitization to the two Liliaceae plants.
Evaluation of IgE antibodies to recombinant pollen allergens(Phl p 1, Phl p 2, and Phl p 5) in a random sample of patients withspecific IgE to Phleum pratense
Authors: Rossi R. E. , Monasterolo G. , Operti D. , Operti R. , Berlen R.
Published: March 2003

Background: We measured specific IgE levels against the recombinant allergens (RAs) rPhl p 1, rPhl p 2, rPhl p 5 in patients allergic to grass pollen, and examined the existence of different patterns of IgE production to RAs. The seasonal variations of IgE levels to rPhl p 1, rPhl p 2, and rPhl p 5 were considered, too.

Methods: Blood was taken from 276 consecutive patients with allergy to grass pollen diagnosed by patient history and skin prick testing. Total and specific serum IgE was measured by the immunoenzymatic CAP FEIA System. Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were assessed by radioimmunoassay according to the instructions of the manufacturers.

Results: We observed eight different patterns of IgE production to rPhl p 1, rPhl p 2, and rPhl p 5 in patients with specific IgE to timothy grass. A significant difference between the values of IgE levels to timothy and the sum of each level of specific IgE to individual RAs was found (P=0.039, Wilcoxon matched pairs test) in the whole population (n=276 subjects). In four subgroups of patients, the sum of each level of specific IgE to individual RAs was equal to the levels of specific IgE to timothy grass extract. In one subgroup, the sum of IgE to RAs was lower than the levels of IgE to the natural counterpart (P=0.013). A lack of subjects in two subgroups did not permit comparison at all. Finally, three subjects with specific IgE to timothy did not show specific IgE to RAs. Out of 276 patients, blood was taken from two different groups of subjects at different time points: November–January and May–July, respectively. The median values were as follows: total IgE=139 kU/l, IgE to timothy=10.2 kUA/l; IgE to rPhl p 1=3.6 kUA/l, to rPhl p 2=<0.35 kUA/l, and to rPhl p 5=1.1 kUA/l; ECP=8.2 g/l; MPO=303 g/l (before exposure to grass pollen); total IgE=159 kU/l, IgE to timothy=57.2 kUA/l; IgE to rPhl p 1=22.1 kUA/l, to rPhl p 2=5.9 kUA/l, and to rPhl p 5=3.9 kUA/l; ECP=16.2/l, MPO=413.0/l (during the pollen season). There were significant variations of specific IgE levels between the patients exposed to pollen and the unexposed patients. Moreover, there were statistical differences in the IgE and inflammation mediator levels in sera from the pre‐to the pollen season (P<0.02).

Conclusions: The results suggest that RAs allow establishment of the patient's IgE‐reactivity profile, encourage future research, and encourage manufacturers to produce further RAs for precise diagnosis and substantially improved immunotherapy injection of only those allergens against which significant amounts of specific IgE are produced.
Is there a role for immunoblots in the diagnosis of latex allergy? Intermethod comparison of in vitro and in vivo IgE assays in spina bifida patients
Authors: Grüber C. , Buck D. , Wahn U. , Niggemann B.
Published: March 2003

Background: The best diagnostic method for latex allergy is still controversial. This investigation was designed to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of immunoblotting in comparison with established in vitro and in vivo test systems.

Methods: A total of 108 spina bifida patients were investigated by questionnaire and skin prick test (SPT). Specific serum IgE to latex was analyzed by the Pharmacia CAP FEIA immunoassay, DPC AlaSTAT microplate immunoassay, and DPC AlaBLOT immunoblot. Patients were regarded as latex allergic if they reacted positively to challenge by the latex glove wearing test.

Results: Thirty‐four patients reacted positively to challenge. The sensitivity rates were 97% (SPT), 94% (immunoblot, CAP), 74% (AlaSTAT), and 35% (clinical history). The specificity rates were 92% (clinical history), 88% (AlaSTAT), 77% (SPT), 76% (CAP), and 69% (immunoblot). If two methods were combined, efficiency rates were highest for SPT combined with CAP (sensitivity 94%, specificity 82%), with AlaSTAT (sensitivity 74%, specificity 92%), or with immunoblot (sensitivity 91%, specificity 84%). The sera of challenge‐positive patients recognized more immunoblot bands than challenge‐negative patients, and the severity of symptoms correlated with the number of recognized bands.

Conclusions: The diagnostic efficiency of immunoblotting is not superior to that of SPT. However, immunoblotting may serve as an additional tool to increase slightly the specificity of SPT and specific serum IgE tests.
Anti‐FcεRIα serum autoantibodies in different subtypes of urticaria
Authors: Zuberbier T. , Henz B. M. , Fiebiger E. , Maurer D. , Stingl G.
Published: March 2003

Background: In recent years, a histamine‐releasing anti‐FcεRIα autoantibody has been demonstrated in about one‐third of patients with chronic urticaria. However, its clinical significance is still unclear. The objective was to detect a possible correlation between the occurrence of the anti‐FcεRIα autoantibody and the clinical type or cause of urticaria.

Methods: Sera from 66 consecutively seen in‐ and outpatients with various types of urticaria and five healthy controls were examined for the presence of anti‐FcεRIα autoantibodies with a sandwich ELISA technique. In addition, basophil histamine release was studied in 13 autoantibody‐positive sera.

Results: Anti‐FcεRIα autoantibodies were found in 17/48 patients with chronic urticaria, in 2/4 with angioedema, in 1/2 with urticarial vasculitis, and in 2/11 with dermographic urticaria. However, no anti‐FcεRIα autoantibodies were detected in acute, cold, or delayed‐pressure urticaria; in urticaria pigmentosa; or in normal controls. Of all chronic urticaria patients, 22 were classified as idiopathic since no underlying cause could be found. Of this group, seven were seropositive for anti‐FcεRIα. However, anti‐FcεRIα was also found in patients who went into remission after treatment of identified causes; namely, in one with type I allergy, one with drug intolerance, one with Helicobacter infection, and six with food intolerance. The autoantibody was also detected in 2/4 patients with associated autoimmune diseases. Functional activity was shown in basophil histamine release in 3/4 autoantibody‐positive sera of patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria and in 4/6 autoantibody‐positive sera of patients who went into remission after the treatment of underlying causes.

Conclusions: These data confirm that anti‐FcεRIα autoantibodies in urticaria are mostly found in chronic urticaria. Furthermore, their detection independently of the apparent cause of the urticaria suggests that as yet unidentified mechanisms must be operative, possibly related to the chronic inflammatory process and/or individual predispositions that favor their induction.
Regulation by intracellular glutathione of TNF‐α‐induced p38 MAP kinase activation and RANTES production by human pulmonary vascular endothelial cells
Authors: Hashimoto S. , Gon Y. , Matsumoto K. , Takeshita I. , Asai Y. , Asai Y. , Machino T. , Horie T.
Published: March 2003

Conclusions: These results indicated that TNF‐α‐induced p38 MAP kinase activation and p38 MAP kinase‐mediated RANTES production by human pulmonary vascular endothelial cells are inversely regulated by intracellular GSH levels.
Monoclonal antibodies and synthetic peptides define the active site of FcεRI and a potential receptor antagonist
Authors: Rigby L. J. , Trist H. , Snider J. , Hulett M. D. , Hogarth P. M. , Rigby L. J. , Epa V. C.
Published: March 2003

Defining the structure of the human high‐affinity receptor for IgE, FcεRI, is crucial to understand the receptor:ligand interaction, and to develop drugs to prevent IgE‐dependent allergic diseases. To this end, a series of four anti‐FcεRI monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), including three new mAbs, 47, 54, and 3B4, were used in conjunction with synthetic FcεRI peptides to define functional regions of the Fc IgE‐binding site and identify an antagonist of IgE binding. The spatial orientation of the epitopes detected by these antibodies and their relationship to the IgE‐binding region of FcεRI was defined by a homology model based on the closely related FcγRIIa. Using recombinant soluble FcεRI‐α as well as FcεRI‐α expressed on the cell surface, a series of direct and competitive binding experiments indicated that the mAbs detected nonoverlapping epitopes. One antibody (15‐1), previously thought to be located close to the IgE‐binding site, was precisely mapped to a single loop within the IgE‐binding site by both mutagenesis and overlapping synthetic peptides encompassing the entire extracellular domain. A synthetic peptide εRI‐11, containing the amino acids 101–120 and the mAb 15‐1 epitope, inhibited IgE binding and may form the basis for the development of a useful receptor‐based therapy.
Clinical and immunologic evaluation of Cedrus deodara pollen:a new allergen from India
Authors: Rawat A. , Singh A. , Singh A. B. , Gaur S. N. , Kumar L. , Roy I. , Ravindrun P.
Published: March 2003

Background: Allergy to pollen from gymnosperms is well documented in the West. However, many allergenic species are native to the Himalayan region of India, and Cedrus deodara (Pinaceae) was selected for allergologic investigation. The objective was to define the allergologic and immunochemical aspects ofC. deodara pollen.

Methods: Pollen antigen from C. deodara (CD) was prepared and characterized by biochemical and biologic assays. Specific IgE binding was determined by means of ELISA and immunoblotting.

Results: CD pollen antigen caused marked skin sensitivity in 7.5% of an atopic population. A significantly elevated level of CD‐specific IgE antibodies was observed in 65.8% of the skin‐positive patients. Immunoblotting showed protein fractions of 37, 44, 58, and 78 kDa with 100% binding with the patients’ sera suspected to be due to carbohydrate moieties.

Conclusions: Patients from the Himalayan region, where CD occurs naturally, were sensitized more than patients from distant places. The immunochemical characterization revealed multiple protein fractions from low to very high molecular mass (14–126 kDa) mostly in the acidic pI range. CD pollen has been recognized as a new allergen from India for the first time.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease and asthma: an intriguing dilemma
Authors: Astarita C. , Gargano D. , Cutajar M. , Napolitano A. , Manguso F. , Abbate G. F.
Published: March 2003

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is characterized by typical reflux symptoms and multiple atypical extraesophageal symptoms. Gastric asthma is a prominent extraesophageal manifestation of GORD. There is persistent debate about the pathophysiologic mechanisms triggering asthma by GOR.

Methods: We conducted a review of the literature.

Results: The pathogenic mechanism could be either a vagally transmitted reflex or an intratracheal aspiration of refluxed material. In both hypotheses, the role of inflammatory mediators has been proposed.

Conclusions: Neurogenic inflammation is a good theoretic basis for a pathogenic interpretation of the disorder. In atopic patients, food allergy has been recently proposed as a possible cause of GOR and associated respiratory symptoms, and it should be considered in the diagnostic work‐up of all patients with GORD.
Role of endogenous nitric oxide in asthma
Authors: Di Maria G. U. , Spicuzza L. , Mistretta A. , Mazzarella G.
Published: March 2003

Endogenous nitric oxide (NO) is an ubiquitous signaling molecule with important regulatory functions such as regulation of blood pressure, neurotransmission, and host and immune defense. In the respiratory tract, NO is formed and released by various sources including endothelial and epithelial cells, nerves, airway smooth muscle, and inflammatory cells. Recent evidence suggests that endogenous NO is the neurotransmitter of the nonadrenergic noncholinergic inhibitory (iNANC) system, the only bronchorelaxant neural pathway of human airways. A number of studies also suggest that in some species epithelium‐derived NO accounts for the functional bronchoprotective role of the so‐called epithelium‐derived relaxing factor. In human airways, endogenous NO counteracts the bronchoconstriction induced by pharmacologic stimuli such as bradykinin, histamine, and methacholine. On the basis of these and other observations, it is suggested that a reduced synthesis and/or activity of endogenous NO may contribute to the pathogenesis of airway hyperresponsiveness that characterizes asthma and other respiratory disorders. This short paper summarizes the activities of endogenous NO in the airways of experimental animals and man, and discusses the evidence supporting the view that NO confers bronchoprotection.
Pocket 4 in the HLA‐DRB1 antigen‐binding groove: an association with atopy
Authors: Torres‐galván M. J. , Quiralte J. , Blanco C. , Castillo R. , Carrillo T. , Pérez‐aciego P. , Sánchez‐garcía F.
Published: March 2003

Background: Many studies have attempted to identify an association between HLA genes and atopy, given the role of HLA molecules in the regulation of the immune response. In the case of house‐dust mites, it is difficult to find an association with a particular HLA allele, due to the complexity of the allergen. The objective was to investigate whether HLA‐DRB1 functional groups are better correlated with the atopic disease in our population than DRB1 alleles.

Methods: The method was reanalysis of the HLA‐DRB1 data of a previous case/control study.

Results: The “Dr” group was found to be associated with the atopic disease in our population.

Conclusions: Grouping HLA‐DRB1 alleles into functional categories may assist in the search for predictive factors in relation to atopic disease.
Fel d 1 production in the cat skin varies according to anatomical sites
Authors: Carayol N. , Birnbaum J. , Magnan A. , Ramadour M. , Lanteaume A. , Vervloet D. , Tessier Y. , Pageat P.
Published: March 2003

Background: Fel d 1 is the major cat allergen,inducing asthma in sensitized individuals. It is produced by the skin and lies on fur. Recently, it was established that the amount of Fel d 1 on fur varies among anatomical sites. However, it is not known whether the allergen production by skin varies in parallel. The objective was to compare the Fel d 1 production by male cat skin in two anatomical sites, the face and the chest, in order to correlate it with Fel d 1 amounts on fur, and to assess the reaccumulation of Fel d 1 after washing.

Methods: Ten intact male cats were shaved under general anesthesia at both areas, and the fur was collected. The skin was washed and the washing fluid collected for Fel d 1 assays. Fel d 1 levels were measured in μg/g fur and ng/cm2 skin by ELISA before and after washing and 48 h later.

Results: In skin washing, the mean Fel d 1 level was significantly higher in the face (1015.2±821.6 ng/cm2) than the chest (115.2±66.8 ng/cm2). In the fur, the respective levels were 63.6±34 and 29.6±13.6 μg/g. In the skin sample taken after skin washing, the level of Fel d 1 dropped to 25.1±25.7 ng/cm2 on the face and to 22±17.4 ng/cm2 on the chest. After 2 days, skin Fel d 1 levels returned to basal values, with higher values on the face than the chest.

Conclusions: This study shows that Fel d 1 levels on the skin are dramatically higher on the facial area than chest. This anatomical variation is concordant with the levels of Fel d 1 found on fur. Washing reduces levels of major allergen on cat skin and fur, but the accumulation on skin is restored within 2 days.
Urinary eosinophil protein X in children with atopic dermatitis: relation to atopy and disease activity
Authors: Øymar K. , Bjerknes R.
Published: March 2003

Background: Parameters of eosinophil inflammation have been suggested as markers of disease activity in atopic dermatitis (AD), but the value of urinary eosinophil protein X (U‐EPX) in children with AD, as well as the influence of allergic sensitization, is not known.

Methods: We measured U‐EPX in 59 atopic and 29 nonatopic children with mild (n=32), moderate (n=34), and severe (n=22) AD, as well as in 64 controls.

Results: U‐EPX was increased in children with AD (110; 67–164 μg/mmol creatinine, median; quartiles) compared to controls (62; 41–95, P<0.001). Children with mild (97; 63–164, P<0.01), moderate (108; 67–157, P<0.01), and severe disease (152; 99–202, P<0.001) had levels of U‐EPX higher than controls. U‐EPX was significantly higher in children with severe AD than in mild and moderate disease (P<0.05 for both). Children with AD and a positive skin prick test (120; 81–176) had higher levels of U‐EPX than children with a negative skin prick test (87; 56–155, P<0.05).

Conclusions: U‐EPX is significantly increased in children with AD and may reflect disease activity. U‐EPX may also reflect differences in eosinophil activation between those sensitized and those not sensitized to common allergens.
Cytokine production from peripheral whole blood in atopic and nonatopic asthmatics: relationship with blood and sputum eosinophilia and serum IgE levels
Authors: Bettiol J. , Bartsch P. , Louis R. , De Groote D. , Gevaerts Y. , Louis E. , Malaise M.
Published: March 2003

Background: The cytokine network is thought to be essential in orchestrating airway inflammation in asthma. Although evidence has accumulated to suggest that atopic asthma is a Th2 disease, much less is known about nonatopic asthma.

Methods: We have compared the production of IL‐4, IL‐6, IFN‐γ, and TNF‐α from peripheral blood leukocytes between atopic (n=21) and nonatopic (n=22) asthmatics and healthy nonatopic subjects (n=20). Peripheral blood was incubated for 24 h either without stimulus or with LPS or PHA. Cytokines were measured by the immunotrapping technique (Dynamic Immunoassay).

Results: When compared to healthy nonatopic subjects, both atopic and nonatopic asthmatics showed increased blood and sputum eosinophilia associated with raised total serum IgE levels. Similarly, both asthma groups displayed spontaneous, endotoxin‐induced overproduction of IL‐6. Enhanced spontaneous, endotoxin‐induced release of IL‐4 combined with reduced spontaneous IFN‐γ production was seen only in atopic asthma. In this group of patients, the production of IL‐4 was related to the extent of blood and sputum eosinophilia. In nonatopic asthmatics, serum levels of IgE were inversely related to the production of IFN‐γ.

Conclusions: Both atopic and intrinsic asthma display raised blood and airway eosinophilia, raised total serum IgE, and overproduction of IL‐6 from peripheral blood. Atopic asthma is also characterized by impaired spontaneous release of IFN‐γ and increased production of IL‐4 that correlates with the magnitude of eosinophilic inflammation.
Expression of eotaxin in induced sputum of atopic and nonatopic asthmatics
Authors: Zeibecoglou K. , Ying S. , Meng Q. , Kay A. B. , Robinson D. S. , Papageorgiou N.
Published: March 2003

Background: The chemokine eotaxin has been implicated in airway eosinophilia in atopic asthma. We have compared airway eosinophils and eotaxin expression in induced sputum from well‐matched atopic and nonatopic asthmatics.

Methods: Eosinophil numbers, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), and the expression of eotaxin were examined in induced sputum from atopic asthmatics (AA=11), nonatopic asthmatics (NAA=11), and atopic (AC=12) and normal (NC=10) controls. Slides were prepared for differential cell counts by Romanowsky stain, and ECP levels were measured by RIA. Eotaxin expression was detected by in situ hybridization, with 35S‐labelled riboprobes and immunocytochemistry.

Results: The numbers of eosinophils and ECP concentration were increased in the sputum of AA and NAA compared with AC and NC (P<0.05). The numbers of eotaxin mRNA+ and immunoreactive cells were increased in NAA, but not AA, when compared with controls (P<0.05). Eotaxin immunoreactive cells in NAA were significantly higher than in AA (P<0.05).

Eotaxin was expressed predominantly by macrophages, eosinophils, and epithelial cells. In NAA, but not AA, the numbers of eotaxin mRNA+ cells were correlated with histamine PC20 (r=−0.81, P<0.01) and eosinophil numbers in sputum (r=0.7, P<0.05).

Conclusions: Eotaxin production by macrophages, eosinophils, and epithelial cells may play a more pronounced role in airway eosinophilia in nonatopic than in atopic asthma.
Low‐dose theophylline does not exert its anti‐inflammatory effects in mild asthma through upregulation of interleukin‐10 in alveolar macrophages
Authors: Oliver B. , Tomita K. , Keller A. , Caramori G. , Adcock I. , Chung K. F. , Barnes P. J. , Lim S.
Published: March 2003

Background: There is accumulating evidence that theophylline has anti‐inflammatory or immunomodulatory effects. This may be, in part, mediated via an upregulation in the production of the anti‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)‐10. We determined whether low‐dose theophylline (LDT) would increase the production of IL‐10, and attenuate the production of proinflammatory cytokines by alveolar macrophages.

Methods: In a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover study involving 15 steroid‐free patients with mild asthma, fiberoptic bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) were performed at the end of the treatment and placebo periods. Alveolar macrophages were cultured in vitro, and we measured their release of IL‐10, GM‐CSF, and TNF‐α. We also measured IL‐10 production in whole blood together with the number of monocytes and T cells expressing intracellular IL‐10 by flow cytometry.

Results: LDT did not increase the production of IL‐10, or attenuate the production of GM‐CSF or TNF‐α by alveolar macrophages. However, after theophylline treatment, there was a significant reduction in mean (SD) (95% CI) BAL eosinophil number from 3.4 (1.7)% (95% CI 2.4–4.4) to 1.7 (1.0)% (95% CI 1.1–2.3) compared with placebo (P<0.05). Similarly, there was no increase in whole‐blood IL‐10 release or in the number of monocytes and T cells expressing intracellular IL‐10 after treatment.

Conclusions: LDT has an anti‐inflammatory effect in asthma; however, this effect is not mediated via the production of IL‐10 or the attenuation of GM‐CSF or TNF‐α. The mechanisms of theophylline activity remain to be determined.
Predictors of group 5 grass‐pollen allergens in settled house dust: comparison between pollination and nonpollination seasons
Authors: Fahlbusch B. , Hornung D. , Heinrich J. , Jäger L.
Published: March 2003

Background: Some sensitive pollen‐allergic patients may experience perennial symptoms, and for these patients it is vitally important to know the concentration of grass‐pollen allergens in their homes. The main objective of this study was to detect predictors associated with high grass allergen concentration in settled house dust during and outside the grass pollination season.

Methods: We detected group 5 grass‐pollen allergens in dust samples from randomly selected homes of three counties in the region of Sachsen‐Anhalt: Hettstedt (n=183), Zerbst (n=152), and Bitterfeld (n=119). Dust samples were collected from the floors of living rooms (LR) and children's rooms (CR) from April 1996 to March 1998.

Results: Phl p 5 was detected in settled house dust in 91% of the homes. The range was between undetectable (<30 ng/m2) and 4300 ng Phl p 5/m2 sampling area during grass pollination, and 1300 ng Phl p 5/m2 outside the pollination season, respectively. We observed a partially higher concentration of indoor allergenic activity several weeks after the grass‐pollen peak. A positive association was found between Phl p 5 levels and total dust amounts throughout the year. Thus, we assume that grass allergens accumulate in settled house dust. During pollination, the Phl p 5 levels are 1.8 times higher in homes where vacuuming of carpets takes place only once a week or less than in those vacuumed daily. Furthermore, higher concentrations of Phl p 5 in settled floor dust can be expected in homes located within suburban areas (mean ratio [MR] 1.74) and prefabricated slab buildings (MR=1.54).

Conclusions: Quite high levels of Phl p 5 accumulate in settled house dust even during periods when no grass pollen is present in the atmosphere. The removal of dust by frequent cleaning reduces the indoor exposure to grass allergens. Such information is essential to train patients in allergen avoidance.
Increased serum nitrate levels in infants with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Taniuchi S. , Kojima T. , Hara Mt K. , Yamamoto A. , Sasai M. , Takahashi H. , Kobayashi Y.
Published: March 2003

Background: The pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD) is still unknown. A recent study has shown that inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is expressed in the atopic skin lesion, suggesting the involvement of nitric oxide in the skin inflammation of AD. The purpose of the study was to examine serum nitrate (NO3) levels in relation to the disease severity in children with AD.

Methods: Serum nitrate levels were assessed in relation to the skin scores in 88 patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) (aged 0.4–8 years: mean±SD, 2.2±1.9, 41 boys and 47 girls) and 12 nonatopic children (aged 0.8–4 years: mean±SD, 1.8±0.9, seven boys and five girls).

Results: Serum nitrate levels of patients with AD were significantly increased as compared to nonatopic controls and were also correlated with the disease severity. The skin scores were significantly correlated with serum nitrate levels as well as peripheral eosinophil counts.

Conclusions: Our results indicate that nitric oxide may be involved in the pathogenesis of vasodilation and erythema in AD skin.
Serum CD23 is not altered in gastroall_ergic anisakiasis, but correlates with the production of specific IgE and the amount of polyclonal stimulation
Authors: Daschner A. , Cuéllar C. , Alonso‐Gómez A. , Pascual C. Y. , Martín‐Esteban M.
Published: March 2003

Background: Previous studies have shown elevated serum levels of the cytokines IL‐4 and sCD23 in atopic patients and parasitic disease. Gastroall_ergic anisakiasis is an acute parasitic disease, accompanied by IgE‐mediated clinical symptoms and an important increase of specific and total IgE.

Methods: Sixteen patients with acute urticaria/angioedema due to parasitism by Anisakis simplex after intake of raw or undercooked fish were selected, and serum samples were taken in the emergency room within 24 h (day 0; n=16), after 1 month (n=16), and after 6 months (n=10). Serum samples were studied for specific IgE against A. simplex, total IgE, sCD23, and IL‐4.

Results: Mean values for sCD23 did not change in the observation period. Only 4/16 serum samples showed measurable IL‐4 levels. Specific IgE and total IgE levels were found to be elevated after 1 month; after 6 months, they fell to nearly basal values. There was a positive correlation between sCD23 and specific IgE at day 0 and follow‐up (r=0.55–0.69, P<0.026); a positive correlation beween sCD23 and total IgE (r=0.54–0.62, P<0.056). Basal sCD23 could moderately predict the percentual increment of total IgE in the first month (r=0.56, P<0.038).

Conclusions: Thus, it seems that interindividual variability of sCD23 is an important factor, with higher values predisposing to more production of unrelated IgE, independently of the parasite's action.